CEOMOM Spring 2020

Spring 2020

DR. KIARRA KING STYLE, MOTHERHOOD & INFLUENCING A COMMUNITY DURING A PANDEMIC

RANAY ORTON

ON RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL ONLINE BUSINESS

!

You need it, Sis HOW TO MAINTAIN SELF CARE DURING A PANDEMIC

ENVISION HER INFLUENTIAL

e u s s I e l b u o D

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CONTENTS 06 THE NECESSITY OF SELF CARE Tips to maintain self care, even during a pandemic.

08 SPRING CLEAN YOUR BUDGET Top Three Tips to Spring Clean Your Budget and Maximize Your Financial Potential

18 MEET ERIN E. HOOLEY Erin E. Hooley is a mother of six who has built two multi-million dollar ecommerce businesses, Bailey's Blossoms and Peyton Bre.

24 MEET JULIE & RENEE FRY OF GENTREO

10 MEET KIARRA

The Fry sisters share tips on how to get started on your own estate planning.

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ENVISION HER INFLUENTIAL Editor-in-Chief Vonna Matthews

Contributing Designer Photo Editor Cover Photography Erin E. Hooley Photographer Contributing Photographer Contributing Writer

Taly Melo Krystal Jackson Nicolette Nunez Portraiture Janelle Brooks Laura Rose Davis Clara Capano

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

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

The Necessity of Self Care

Clara A. Capano shares tips on how to maintain self care which is vital during trying times.

I remember when my son was about three. I was starting my business, getting my master’s degree and still working at my old job. Oh, and I was a single mom too. I was exhausted and I could tell I was starting to crack. I knew something needed to change, but what?

I had no time to do anything more. I was running on empty, but I knew if something didn’t change, I would have a complete breakdown.

My mentor saw the breakdown coming and insisted that I start taking care of myself. I sort of laugh…yeah right, let me just take a weekend off and go to a spa, right????

And then she reminded me of the concept that if you are on an airplane and things go bad, you need to put YOUR oxygen mask on first before you help others. The idea is simple, you cannot help others unless you take care of yourself first. You must be an ambassador for yourself.

I could see that this is the same when it comes to running a successful business and home life; in order to best serve your clients and your family, you must make time for self-care. We are no good to others if we are burned out, sick, or rundown. If we want to perform at our optimal levels and give the best, we can each day, we must take care of ourselves.

Yet I was again left with the question of HOW…. With all we have as busy mompreneurs, how can we find the time to take care of ourselves between all the other demand placed on us?

Here are some tips to help you incorporate self-care into your day so you can show up energized, focused, and ready to deliver your best.

Take care of yourself - others need you strong, healthy and full.

Plan it. The things that get scheduled get done. I teach this concept and as basic as it is, we need to carve out time for selfcare. As a coach, I encourage my clients to create a schedule for the week and put time for themselves on the calendar first.

Most people plan their schedule backwards; they prioritize work demands, then family and if there is any time left over (which there rarely is) they include themselves. I plan my week differently. The first thing that goes onto my weekly calendar is my self-care; I place my workouts, down time, fun, etc. in my schedule first and list them as APPOINTMENTS. I do this not for me, but because my people need me to do this. I MUST take care of myself to best show up for them. After this time is blocked, I go to family obligations and then when I am available for work. Please understand that this is my ‘planned” week, it does get altered, but that is if, and only if, it makes good business sense. I am in control and make the decisions on what to adjust.

Share it. When we share our goals, it brings in accountability.

Once you have a plan, tell your family, your friends, your coach – ask them to help you stay on your goals and bring encouragement. For me, I am working hard on losing a little weight so I have enlisted my 15 year old son to help me; he keeps me from eating snacks and also reminds me to work out when I don’t want to. Sometimes he even joins me for the work out. I know I will not let my son down, so the accountability with him is powerful. It has also been fun, and it keeps me engaged and on target.

Get accountability. Discipline is not easy or fun. Having a partner makes it better. This is one of the reasons my coaching clients have strong results in business and life – they are paying to be held accountable. It is not about knowing what to do, we all know that, it is following through on the execution that matters; having an accountability partner helps with execution.

I struggle with follow through. A couple years ago I was not

meeting my goals, I had lots of ideas and a ton of energy, but I was all talk and little action. My accountability partner finally called me out, she said “you know, I love all your ideas but are you actually gonna do anything?

Because I am tired of just hearing about them.” WOW was that strong and it was exactly what I needed to hear; it was her job as my partner to push me and hold my feet to the fire. Within a few weeks I had new clients, my book done and several other projects near completion.

Be honest about what you will do. At the end of the day, we cannot just say we are going to do something, we must do it. I encourage you to be honest about what you WILL do and have the time to do, not just what you think you should do. Look at your schedule and determine what is realistic. Maybe it is a simple 15-minute walk or maybe working out from home to eliminate the need to drive to a gym. You do not have to always give your all; a little bit of something is always better than a lot of nothing.

You need to take care of yourself. Not only will you benefit from it, but those around you will too. I am a better coach, trainer, writer, friend, and mom because I take care of ME first. Self-care allows me to show up daily as the best version of myself and deliver focus and connection to those I interact with. Take care of yourself – others need you strong, healthy, and full.

Clara Capano has spent over 15 years supporting working women and mompreneurs in growing their businesses and maintaining harmony in their lives. She is the author of Find Your Focus: 52 Weeks of Clara-ty, and international trainer, speaker, and business coach. Get a copy of her FREE e-book, The Art of Saying No.

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TIPS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR FINANCIAL POTENTIAL

SPRING CLEAN YOUR BUDGET Just like spring cleaning your house, your budget can always benefit from an annual refresh and update to ensure that you are on track for the year ahead. Zebit, an eCommerce company, has created a few easy-to-follow steps to get your budget in order and maximize your financial potential.

Tackle your budget piece by focusing your efforts on one item at a time.

Start Small Just like cleaning a house, it works best to tackle your budget piece by focusing your efforts on one item at a time. All of us want to save tens of thousands to be able to afford our kids’ college education or buy our next car, but this can lead to burnout or low motivation. Instead, start with a smaller goal, like building up your emergency savings fund or paying down one of your debts. For example, focus on your smaller debts such as credit cards – especially the ones with high interest rates–over larger debts such as a mortgage or student loans.

By focusing on paying off the smaller debts, you’re going to stay more motivated as you’ll be able to see the dent in the debt faster.

Cut Back Unnecessary Expenses Evaluating and cutting back on your expenses is a fantastic way to set yourself up for financial success. If you’re not already assessing where your money is going, it’s time to start now. That coffee on the way to work or going out to lunch daily, might not seem like much money in the moment, but these expenses can add up quickly and destroy any budget. Other budget-killers are unused subscriptions such as video or music streaming services, magazines, or cloud storage, in addition to unwatched cable channels.

Often times we can sign-up for a free trial and by the time the trial expires we’ve forgotten all about it. If you’re not keeping track of where your money is going, it can be easy to forget about that $10/month charge that comes out. These subscriptions can easily pile up to the point where you’re spending $50+ a month on services you’re not really using!

Create Realistic Goals & Write Them Down One of the most important steps when cleaning out your budget is to be realistic when setting your new goals for the year.

Yes, it’d be great to pay off your car loan in the next three months, but depending on your situation, that could mean sacrificing in a lot of other areas. A goal could be saving for a family vacation or paying off a credit card balance by the end of the year.

Whatever your goal, write it down and place it somewhere you can see it every day.

By setting yourself up with realistic goals, achievable timelines, and reminding yourself often, you’re more likely to succeed and avoid impulse purchases that bust your budget.

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e l y t S DR. KIARRA KING

Motherhood & Influencing a Community During a Pandemic

Photo Credit: Nicolette Nunez

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Photo Credit: Nicolette Nunez

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ou can meet Dr. Kiarra King at the intersection of wellness, style and modern motherhood where women are empowered to speak up, style is transformed and motherhood is redefined. Dr. King has a powerful platform, as an OB/GYN in Chicago, an influential lifestyle blogger and a mother, that she uses to amplify the voices of those in her community. Her mission as an influencer is to educate and empower. For years she has been an advocate for women’s health and the many disenfranchised communities she serves. During this current pandemic, Dr. King has continued her work as a voice for the people by creating content that informs and having a presence in the media.

CEOMOM Magazine had a candid conversation with Dr. King about the myths surrounding COVD-19, her work to dispel those myths and the disparate impact COVID-19 is having on Black and brown communities. Dr. King also shared some practical tips to help women advocate for their own health and what modern modern motherhood looks like.

Who is Dr. Kiarra King?

My name is Dr. Kiarra King MD. I’m a board certified obstetrician gynecologist. That means that I care for women throughout the stages of their lives. I care for young women with menstrual concerns, I care for pregnant women during and after delivery and I also care for women of any age with conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis and pelvic pain. My mission in life and professionally is to educate and empower women to live their most optimal lives.

What was the defining moment that led you to a career in medicine? What ignited your passion for obstetrics and gynecology?

There was really no defining moment for me. I was always a curious kid, researching symptoms in the encyclopedia, I know I’m dating myself, and then diagnosing myself! I was a problem solver early on. I got set on becoming a doctor and so I did. I came to love ob/gyn, specifically, in my third year of medical school. It is the year in which students start clinical rotations. I really enjoyed the variety of patients I saw and patient settings. In the course of one day, I could deliver a baby, see patients in the office and do a major surgery in the operating room; literally never a dull moment! I also loved that I would get to take care of women who were like me, my mother, sister or grandmother and create positive change in their lives.

You have been working with other African-American female doctors to debunk myths related to the current COVID-19 pandemic. What are the most common myths regarding this pandemic? What are some of the truths?

Some of the most common myths are related to how to treat or cure COVID-19. One myth involves the use of citrus and steam, it entails breathing steam from boiling orange or lemon peels. While this may provide supportive care for a common cold, it is not a cure for the Coronavirus. Another

recently proposed treatment, by the current administration, was to consider injection of bleach. Bleach is not a cure for the coronavirus and can pose serious health risks. However, it can be used for disinfecting household surfaces to prevent the spread of the virus. Another treatment related myth is the use of antibiotics. Don’t take leftover antibiotics that you may have from a previous illness. Coronavirus is a virus and antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. While in some hospital settings antibiotics may be used to help manage patients, they will not cure coronavirus. Please consult with your doctor before you engage in any at home treatments that have not been validated by the medical community.

Another misconception is related to pregnant women having home births. I’ve seen an authoritative figure suggest that having a home birth would prevent her from being exposed to the coronavirus in a hospital. I would highly recommend against that. Most people do not have a basic delivery kit lying around at home; these are essential items an ob/gyn uses in the event of complications such as a post-partum hemorrhage. A lot can happen during a delivery, everything is fantastic until it’s not. It's hard to predict if and when things will go wrong but being in the hospital setting allows for the appropriate management of deliveries whether they are normal or high risk. Most hospitals are allowing a support person to accompany a laboring mom throughout her delivery. You can even have virtual support from other friends, family or your doula if desired. So all hope is not lost!

Now, when trying to determine if you need to go to the hospital or see your physician in person, please refrain if you have symptoms of a common cold or seasonal allergies.

Instead, consider a virtual health visit; you can be triaged by phone prior to an in-person visit. This helps to keep emergency rooms and doctors’ offices free for more urgent cases. On that note, please don’t be afraid to call your doctor if you have concerning symptoms such as shortness of breath, fever, ongoing cough or a known exposure. Let your physician know what is going on to see how care can best be provided.

As a doctor who works mainly in underserved communities, how are these communities being impacted by COVID-19?

How is your work as an OB/GYN helping to lessen that impact?

Right now, I am non-clinical. I have transitioned into a fulltime homeschool mom for my daughter so I am approaching the coronavirus from a non-clinical perspective. The disproportionate impact coronavirus is having on black and brown communities is a direct result of institutional racism.

Communities of color have often had less access to quality healthcare and educational systems. In more recent years outreach and community health programs have been established to help bridge the gap in healthcare disparities.

However, there has been a longstanding mistrust, and rightfully so, of the medical community. Just think of CEOMOM | 13

MY DAUGHTER IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF MY LIFE AS A DIGITAL CONTENT CREATOR AND SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER. IT’S IMPORTANT THAT SHE SEES WOMEN AS MULTIFACETED BEINGS. Tuskegee or even forced sterilizations that were rampant until as recent as the 1970s! So, for a long time some of our communities have sought help from family and even church leaders for prayer when it comes to health and healing. Now, couple that with lack of access to care, not having their voices heard, being discriminated against while seeking medical care and we can sadly see why COVID-19 is markedly impacting our black and brown communities. Additionally, some of our communities are greatly impacted by chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and obesity. If you have one of those co-morbidities, it can put you at an increased risk for a more severe course if you were diagnosed with the coronavirus.

I have a powerful voice, and a platform to amplify my voice. I have always used my voice to disseminate critical information that needs to reach the masses, especially to communities of color. For years, I have wielded my presence as a digital content creator and social media influencer to bring awareness to women’s reproductive health matters. In the era of COVID-19, I continue to use my platform to inform the masses. I strive to present facts in order to minimize fear. I have joined forces with my colleagues to educate our communities on the risk factors that greatly impact us. We all have a role to play.

I recently appeared on The Jam TV Show in Chicago. We did a Zoom call debunking myths related to COVID-19.

My goal is for us as a people to be well, to be safe, to be informed and to not live in fear. We can still operate our daily lives. We can still live and be well in spite of what is happening. My goal is for our community to be informed, uplifted and empowered.

One of the ways COVID-19 is impacting the AfricanAmerican community is through the disproportionate number of deaths. Why do you believe COVID-19 is not the great equalizer as earlier reported? What can the African-American community and the nation do to remove the medical and social inequalities revealed from this pandemic?

We have to dismantle the systems of institutional racism that have prevented us from accessing equal housing and educational opportunities, adequate healthcare and the right foods. When looking specifically at underserved

communities of color there is often a disproportionate number of black and brown people with medical comorbidities such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.

We can’t discuss those health issues without addressing the systems that led to them. I think as awareness of what some of our communities face becomes more prevalent we will see a narrowing of the gap in healthcare disparities, but the systems in place must change.

On a personal level, we can make conscious decisions to address our well-being. We can always take personal responsibility, regardless of our circumstances, especially with education! In these times, we may not have access to a gym or personal trainer but we can still move our bodies.

Think of what you have lying around, you may have a jump rope, stairs in your house, or a few cans of beans that can be used as weights. We can use what is at our disposal. The same goes for our nutrition, I would encourage people to find out what they can make at home. With most people home more than ever these days, there’s no time like the present to see what you can create. Anytime you consume fast food or prepackaged foods you inevitably are taking in more fat, sodium and sugar which can increase your risk for developing chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Preparing food at home allows us to control what goes into a recipe and still maximize flavor! Try baking, grilling or even air frying instead of traditional frying. Try going plant based, even if it’s just a few days a week of meatless meals. I know that may be easier said than done but I say it as a vegetarian for the past 22 years. For kids and adults alike, you can sneak veggies into smoothies, if they are picky eaters, to get in more fresh fruits and vegetables. I say to my patients all the time, we each get one body; we must take care of the one we have ideally with preventative measures.

I want to see our black and brown communities thriving but as we have seen COVID-19 is impacting our communities hard! We can be a support system for one another. Be our brother and sister’s keeper. Practice good hygiene and social distancing until we have plans in place for “re-opening” our communities.

Your career extends beyond medicine to fashion and wellness.

How has being a highly sought after lifestyle blogger influenced your career as a doctor?

It has afforded me opportunities in the wellness space, which has been awesome. I have spoken on countless panels as a women’s health expert as a direct result of my social media platform. Even the opportunity to be featured in CEOMOM is the result of my role as a physician and passion for blogging colliding! I look forward to merging my worlds even more in the coming year!

You’ve stated that you incorporate your daughter into your daily grind. What does that look like? Why is it important for your daughter to see you in action?

What that looks like is me taking her to photoshoots and making sure she has snacks and activities to keep her busy. It’s me holding conference calls after finishing a morning lesson. It’s her getting to participate in brand shoots with me. My daughter is an integral part of my life as a digital content creator and social media influencer.

It’s important that she sees women as multifaceted beings. Right now the biggest role I play in her life is mommy but the way she sees me live my life will allow her to grow knowing she can be anything her heart desires, and that she can be passionate about multiple things. She will also see a mommy and woman who is invested in her success and learn it’s okay to prioritize your passions.

As an OB/GYN, what do you teach women about advocating for their own health? What do you envision for women’s health as it relates to advocacy, education and prevention?

I am a huge proponent for advocacy. Historically, paternalistic practices were rampant in the medical field. Sadly, there are likely certain areas of the country that still believe whatever the doctor says goes. When patients see their doctors, decisions should not just be made for them. Patient autonomy is so critical, they must have a voice and be an active participant in their own care. In my practice, the patient has a right to advocate for her health. A simple thing they can do to advocate for themselves is ask questions. If you are ever seeing a doctor that makes you feel bad about asking questions, find a new doctor. I want patients to rise up and have a voice. Because we have experienced injustices, people rightfully distrust the medical system. We have to make sure that we center our care around the patients and put them first.

Additionally, make sure you have a good relationship with your doctor before you go any further with them. Developing a rapport with your physician is so important. I tell patients, “These are the options I recommend to you. If you need a second opinion, get one.

This is your body.” I see patients 1-4 times a year, maybe more if they are pregnant but they have been with their body their entire life! So, I tell them to trust what they are experiencing and work with a physician who will listen. I don’t have an ego or claim to know everything. If I don’t know something, I will find out or get you to someone who does. I want my patients to see a doctor who will provide the best care for them, even if it’s not me. One of my favorite verses sums up what I want for each one of my patients, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”

To learn more about Dr. Kiarra King, visit her website DrKiarraKing.com and follow her on Instagram.

Photo Credit: Nicolette Nunez

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ERIN E. HOOLEY Talks Building Her Multi-million Dollar Ecommerce Businesses

Erin E. Hooley is a mompreneur of six who understands business loss firsthand. After losing $2 million in nine months, Hooley has mastered the art of bouncing back to create multimillion dollar companies. Hooley is the founder of the highly acclaimed ecommerce infant and toddler fashion brand, Bailey’s Blossoms, and Peyton Bre, a fashion subscription box for tweens. Erin started Bailey's Blossoms on her kitchen table in 2009 and hasn’t looked back since. With her large social media following and weekly podcast, Conquering Chaos, Hooley empowers women and mompreneurs to succeed beyond failure, insecurities and lack of formalized training.

CEOMOM Magazine spoke with Hooley about her key to online success and how she does it all without going crazy.

Hooley also shared her top three tips for growing your ecommerce business.

Who is Erin E. Hooley?

I’m a dreamer and a creator and always have been, though it took me a while to recognize it. I was married two weeks after my 19th birthday and had six children by the age of 28. It was easy for me to consider that “dreams” had no place in my life.

With no degree or formalized training I launched Bailey’s Blossoms, an ecommerce children’s clothing line. I wasn’t supposed to succeed, but I’m a stubborn sort who doesn’t particularly love the word “no", and lights up at the thought of a new challenge. My professional growth journey has been beautifully intertwined with my personal growth journey. Who is Erin? She a fiercely passionate wife, mother and business owner who believes a life of joy is within our power to create.

Tell us about Bailey’s Blossoms. What does the brand sell?

Describe your ideal customer.

Bailey’s Blossoms is an infant and children’s clothing line. We offer exclusive on-trend boutique style fashions and recently launched a mommy and me line as well as a monthly subscription box. Our customers range from new parents, proud aunts and grandparents to photographers and dance instructors. While we are predominantly in the US, we ship our products worldwide. Our headquarters are in Rhome, Texas and we have a remarkable team with true servant hearts.

What separates Bailey’s Blossoms from other infant and toddler fashion brands?

We have been blessed to create something much more than a brand. We’ve created a community. Our customers are our biggest fans and brand advocates, and we strive to thank them through unwavering gratitude and service. We’ve launched additional brands to allow for that relationship to continue.

“Peyton Bre” is a line for tweens and teens sizes 6-16 who have outgrown their favorite Bailey’s Blossoms pieces, and we have a women’s line launching Summer 2020 called “Alredine”. We hope to create brands to span a lifetime of memories and keep our followers coming back to the Bailey’s family.

All items ship from our warehouse in Texas within 1-2 business days. We value timely turnaround and a truly elevated experience all around. Our goal is to ensure that every customer has a 5-star worthy experience with us and becomes a part of our brand story.

I watch my children look to me daily for validation as to whether they should pursue their dreams. I don’t ever want them to back down from trying because I have shown them what that fear looked like.

What inspired you to create a fashion brand for babies and toddlers?

I never considered that I had the skills or talent to create a fashion brand, let alone multiple. But I watch my children look to me daily for validation as to whether they should pursue their dreams. I don’t ever want them to back down from trying because I have shown them what that fear looks like.

Bailey’s Blossoms started out as a hair accessory line and morphed into what it is because I chose to try. Knowing I would fail, I chose to try anyways and embrace the lessons along the way.

You have turned Bailey’s Blossoms, and now your subscription box service, Peyton Bre for tweens/teens, into multi-million dollar brands. What has been your key to realizing economic success online?

The ability to develop a true hunger for feedback has been essential. I value those around me who are willing to speak up and share the hard truths. They help me identify the blind spots I’m prone to and push me outside of my comfort zone daily. The incredible thing about ecommerce businesses, and the social engagement platforms we choose to utilize, is that they provide a direct line to our customers. If we’re willing to ask, and smart enough to listen, they will provide us all the feedback we need to know. Every advancement we have seen, and every service we have chosen to offer, has been the direct result of such feedback. If you’re humble enough to listen to the hard things, the growth potential is unlimited.

You equip other women and mompreneurs with the mindset and tools they need to run successful online businesses. What are your top three tips for increasing revenue for your online business?

First and foremost, you need to have a clear understanding of your goals. WHAT are you trying to accomplish and WHY? Second, you need to identify what the priority is in trying to

accomplish that goal. There are three core ways to increase sales i ecommerce. You can 1 – drive additional traffic to your website, 2 – increase the conversion rate of the traffic you already get, or 3 – increase the average order value for orders being placed. Once you identify which of those three “levers” you want to pull, you can develop a clear action plan.

To drive more traffic to your website you may wish to audit your social media presence and other customer engagement touchpoints such as email and SMS campaigns. To increase the conversion rate on your website you need to identify bottlenecks in the user experience as well as determine if the items you are promoting on your home page are amplifying the items and collections with the highest conversion rates on your website. Too often I see business owners trying to sell what they can’t versus trying to sell more of what they can. I am a firm believer in leading with the best.

Lastly, if average order value is what you wish to increase, considering upsell options is a must.

You have six kids. I’ll keep this simple. How do you do it?

It’s simple - a whole lot of chocolate and a kick tail sense of humor! In all seriousness, my family is my world. We are chaotic and crazy and one heck of a hot mess, but I am firmly grounded in who I am and what I’m striving to become, and that makes all the difference for when the storms of life beat on my door. My husband, Brandon, has been a huge support for me. We are a true team and he fills in where I lack. Having that support system and having someone to turn to when you’re feeling your efforts just aren’t stacking up, is vital. We all need a cheerleader to root us on and a challenger to push us to the next level. If you surround yourself with the right people, there’s nothing you can’t do.

To learn more about Erin E. Hooley and Bailey’s Blossoms, visit https://www.baileysblossoms.com.

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JULIE & RENEE FRY Helping Families Plan for the Future with Gentreo The COVID-19 pandemic has rocked our nation (and the world) and turned every facet of our communities upside down. From our economy to our healthcare system to our educational system to our job market and our families, now more than ever we realize the need to plan for the unexpected. Julie and Renee Fry are sisters who founded an estate planning company that helps families do just that. The Gentreo estate plan includes a health care proxy, a power of attorney, a will and more.

The Fry sisters shared tips on how to get started on your own estate planning, why it’s so important to them and what separates Gentreo from competitors.

Gentreo is a software program that helps families with estate planning. What is estate planning? What does it entail?

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy. Most people assume that estate planning means the allocation of your assets after death, and that is certainly a part of it. But estate planning is much more than that–it involves creating wills and trusts, designating power of attorney, and authorizing loved ones to make medical or financial decisions on your behalf should you become temporarily incapable.

Estate planning touches on more things than you realize. Gentreo’s newest service, Gentreo Pets, allows people to enable trusted intermediaries to make medical decisions on behalf of their pet in case the owner is traveling (or otherwise unavailable) during a pet emergency.

Photo Credit: Bob Mattera

WHEN A SITUATION ARISES, FAMILIES SHOULD BE ABLE TO FOCUS ON THE PEOPLE AND THINGS THAT MATTER MOST, NOT WADING THROUGH RED TAPE WITH ATTORNEYS. Why is estate planning something every family should do?

Estate planning is like insurance–everyone will need it at some point, we just don’t know when. For many of us, it won’t be necessary for a long, long time. But stories abound of sudden, unexpected emergencies occurring– not only deaths, but medical crises or financial disasters– and families being ill equipped for the fallout. When a situation arises, families should be able to focus on the people and things that matter most, not wading through red tape with attorneys.

How is Gentreo helping to make estate planning easier for families?

Gentreo makes estate planning easier in many ways, especially compared to the traditional route of retaining an attorney. Most obviously, it’s significantly cheaper; for $50 to $130 per year, you can create the same kinds of legally-binding documents that would cost thousands of dollars working with an attorney. It’s also quicker and simpler. Gentreo’s online tool walks you through the process, step by step, and most customers finish in half an hour. We also offer users the ability to store their documents securely in our “digital vault” and to share access to that vault with loved ones, ensuring documents aren’t lost in an attic or in the files of a lawyer that retired years ago.

What inspired you to start Gentreo?

Gentreo began after co-founders, sisters Julie and Renee Fry experienced an estate planning crisis of their own.

Years ago, Renee was diagnosed with a brain tumor that necessitated medical decision-making and constant care from Julie until she could recover. They realized that thousands of families face similar circumstances each year, and not everyone has a close sister that they can rely on. Through this experience, the need for simple, convenient, affordable estate planning became more obvious than ever, and led to the creation of Gentreo.

Are there companies that provide similar products and services? If so, what separates Gentreo?

A few, like LegalZoom.com and Willing.com, also claim to offer this service, and certainly utilizing their products is better than having nothing during an emergency.

Gentreo is different because it not only offers estate planning tools, but it gives users the ability to store and update their entire estate plan, and share it with whomever they choose.

Additionally, Gentreo’s documents are all state-specific and legal in all 50 states. Built by attorneys, Gentreo constantly monitors each state for changes to state laws that may impact users and gives them the tools to keep their estate plans upto-date. This kind of real-time monitoring of the legal landscape is a major distinguishing factor for Gentreo and ensures users’ plans remain intact.

In addition, Gentreo gives users the tools to protect all members of their family – even their pets. Thanks to Gentreo’s Pet Power of Attorney, users can give their pet’s caregivers the legal and financial authority to make sure that their pets get the care they deserve when owners can’t be there themselves.

In addition to seeking outside assistance, what is the first step in estate planning?

Relax – Estate planning isn’t hard. Too many people are convinced that estate planning is scary, takes a long time or requites a lawyer – IT DOESN’T. As with many things, starting is half the battle!

Decide what you want to protect – You don’t have to do your will, power of attorney, health care proxy, pet power of attorney, trust and/or emergency card all at once. Decide where you want to start and begin protecting your family and choices.

Gather your information – Before you start, gather information like legal names, contact information for those you want to include in your plan, a list of your assets and what information you want to share with your friends and family in the event of an emergency.

Your choices, your plan – Once you gather your information, create a plan that’s specific to your friends and family, your assets and your choices. Once you have everything in order, simply create an account and start creating the documents you need to legally protect your family. Remember, you can store your progress and come back at any time with Gentreo.

To learn more about Gentreo, visit https://www.gentreo.com.

CEOMOM | 25

Photo Credit: Dale May

Dr. Jennifer Haythe WORKING ON THE FRONTLINE DURING A PANDEMIC

When we first interviewed Dr. Jennifer Haythe, her days were spent serving as one of the leading cardiologists and CoDirector of the Women’s Center for Cardiovascular Health at Columbia in New York. Now, this mother of two has added COVID fighter to her many roles. For the past few months, Dr. Jennifer Haythe has been on the frontline fighting COVID-19 in the Intensive Care Unit of NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital.

Dr. Haythe has dedicated her medical career to advocacy work that includes combating maternal mortality as a member of Every Mother Counts and advocating for women’s heart health. It is no surprise that Dr. Haythe has dedicated her time to fighting this pandemic.

Who is Dr. Jennifer Haythe?

I am a mother, wife, doctor, sister, daughter and friend. I love my family and my dogs. I am a runner. I ask lots of questions and can be very direct (so I am told)! I really enjoy listening to people’s stories. I am analytical and pretty Type A. I like to laugh and spend time with the people I love. And I am very neat!

Tell us about your roles as the Director of Cardio-obstetrics and cardiologist at NYPH/Columbia and Co-Director of the Women’s Center for Cardiovascular Health at Columbia.

What do your roles entail? What is the most rewarding part about your positions?

As I went through cardiology fellowship training I realized that men had really been on the center stage of the field not just as patients but as doctors and scientists as well. I felt that I was part of a generation of women doctors who were poised to focus on the care of women, and try to deconstruct some of

the older notions about heart disease and women. When I graduated, I asked my division chief if I could run a cardioobstetric program at Columbia and he was very supportive.

Cardiovascular disease is now the leading cause of maternal mortality in this country. And caring for pregnant women is truly a privilege. Having gone through pregnancy I know how stressful it can be and with the added pressure of having a cardiac complication, it is very rewarding to be able to provide reassurance, solutions, and positive outcomes. I care for women at all stages of pregnancy including pre-conception counseling and the post-partum. The Columbia Woman’s Heart Center was a natural outgrowth, and the culmination of years of work by doctors before me who had championed women and heart disease. Now we can provide excellent multidisciplinary cardiac care for women with every type of cardiac condition.

Let’s talk about your professional journey. What led you to a career in medicine?

I have always loved science – since I was a little kid! And I am very much a people person. I love to talk to people, hear their stories, and work in a team setting with so many talented individuals. Becoming a doctor seemed like the most logical way to merge all of these passions. I knew I could never work behind a desk, nor could I have a job that was geared toward making money. My days are always different and very active – I round with residents, see patients that are in the hospital and in the office setting, do research, teach students and residents as well as engage in community outreach.

CEOMOM | 27

I am proud of the amazing people I work with nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists, physical therapists... They are brave and selfless and support our patients and one another.

What was the defining moment that ignited your passion for cardiology?

As a resident rotating on the cardiology service I found it satisfying that there are so many options for helping patients with cardiac problems. We can offer lifestyle changes, medications, stents, surgery, etc. And then I watched a heart transplant!!! The journey of transplantation from beginning to end is quite incredible. I followed a patient who had been sick with heart failure for many years and was waiting in the intensive care unit for a heart. When a heart finally became available, I went to the operating room to watch the transplant.

It is an amazing thing to see someone get a new heart – it just starts beating on its own. And I was so moved by the generosity and selfless act of the donor family to provide the gift of life during such a terrible time for themselves. Watching the recipient recover and be able to breathe again, walk again and quickly go home to their family was fabulous -- I just knew I had found my field.

What are some misconceptions women have regarding heart health? How does your work as a cardiologist help to alleviate those misconceptions?

Women have been trained to think that cardiovascular disease is a man’s disease. I can’t tell you how many women think cancer is their biggest risk of death. CV disease is in fact the #1 cause of death for women in this country - more than ALL cancers combined! I spend time educating not only my patients and people in the community but also teaching young doctors to be aware, not overlook the women, and watch for bias in themselves. Women often stop seeing a doctor after their childbearing years and not again until their 60s. This is a huge space of lost time that we need to recapture. This period is crucial to monitor for CV risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, etc. We are bridging this gap with social media campaigns, research and education.

One of the things you do as a cardiologist is work with pregnant women. You also work to reduce maternal mortality around the world with organizations like Every Mother Counts. Tell us about Every Mother Counts. Describe the work you are doing with the organization.

I was lucky enough to meet Christy Turlington Burns who is the founder and CEO of Every Mother Counts. EMC works to improve maternal mortality and make pregnancy and childbirth safe for women everywhere. As a cardiologist that takes care of pregnant women it was a natural fit to support them. They create awareness through storytelling and filmmaking, and investing in community-based programs that improve access to maternity care across the globe. One of the platforms for fundraising is running and I traveled with EMC to Tanzania last February to visit birthing centers and grant recipients and to run the Kiliminjaro half-marathon. I also ran the NYC marathon with them this past November.

Photo Provided By: Dr. Jennifer Haythe

You’ve been on the frontline fighting COVID-19 in the Intensive Care Unit of NewYork Presbyterian Hospital. Thank you for your sacrifice. What are your tips for pregnant women to maintain their maternal health during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Unfortunately, we do not have much data on the effects of COVID in pregnancy. However, pregnant women with COVID appear to tolerate pregnancy and delivery well. Pregnant women should socially distance as much as possible, wash their hands, and avoid crowds and travel for the near future. They should practice CDC guidelines to minimize exposure to COVID-19.

What role does heart health play in the fight against COVID19?

Heart disease, age and obesity have emerged as risk factors for more severe COVID infection. While risk factors for cardiovascular disease increase with age, it is more crucial than ever to exercise, eat a heart-healthy Mediterranean diet and aggressively control hypertension and diabetes.

Describe what it is like working on the frontline of this pandemic. How are you keeping it together?

Working in the hospital, specifically the intensive care unit, has been challenging. I have to be separated from my family for periods of time which is always difficult. The patients are also very sick and family is not able to be present at the bedside. It is devastating for these families and patients to be separated. But I am also so proud of the amazing people I work with - nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists, physical therapists (the list goes on). They are brave and selfless and support our patients and one another. I feel lucky to be on the frontline with them.

How has your role as a mother impacted your career and community involvement?

My role as a mother is my most treasured job. Motherhood has shaped my entire career and certainly led me to focus on the care of pregnant women. I try to set an example that will make my kids proud and inspire them to help others throughout their lives.

They know that sometimes they have to share me with my job.

But they also understand how much I enjoy being a doctor and that I see it as a privilege to take care of people. I hope I have helped instill in them compassion, curiosity, kindness and a strong work ethic.

As a cardiologist and advocate for women’s health, what do you envision for women’s health within the next 10 years as it relates to treatments, prevention and education?

My hope is that we will see a steep decline in the maternal mortality in this country and the world, as well as cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in women. I hope to see women enrolled in randomized clinical trials at the same rates as men and to see more research on women specifically. I know we can treat women and men equally, and we can educate women to take control of their hearts.

To learn more about Dr. Haythe, visit her at https://www.columbiacardiology.org/profile/jennifer-h-haythemd.

Photo Credit: Dale May

CEOMOM | 29

SARAH

ADLER

PRESENTS

5 SIMPLE ATHOME BRUNCH RECIPES

Excerpted from Simply Real Eating. Copyright 2020 by Sarah Adler.

Photography by Carina Skrobecki Photography. Reproduced by permission of The Countryman Press. All rights reserved.

ANYTIME BREAKFAST BOWL Makes 2-3 servings When most people think of breakfast, it’s either eggs, or something sweet and carbohydrate based. But the truth is this: if you’re not hungry enough to eat vegetables—even in the morning—you’re probably not really hungry at all. So in my eyes, this is the perfect breakfast meal: it’s warm and filling, vegetable forward and also conveniently happens to make use of some common dinner leftovers. I love topping my bowls with avocado, hot sauce or leftover pesto. You can also add extra grilled veggies, meat or smoked salmon on top..

INGREDIENTS

WE HELP YOU GET WHAT YOU NEED IN LIFE.

1 spaghetti squash 6 carrots, cut in half lengthwise 3 kale leaves, stems removed and leaves torn 2-3 eggs 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 teaspoon pepper)

INSTRUCTIONS Can be done ahead of time: Preheat the oven to 400ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and discard. Rub all sides of the squash with olive oil and sprinkle the inside with sea salt and pepper. Place face down on the baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes until you can easily poke the skin with a fork. Let cool for a few minutes before scraping the flesh off of the sides, into noodles. If making ahead, store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

When ready to make your bowl, heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add carrots to cook first. Add spaghetti squash noodles next. In the last minute, add torn kale leaves until they wilt, sprinkling everything with extra sea salt and pepper. Scoop into bowls to let rest. Add a bit more oil to the pan and fry eggs to your liking. Place on top of the spaghetti squash, adding whatever other toppings or sauces you’d like, such as hot sauce, salsa, Tahini Sauce or Homemade Pesto.

CEOMOM | 31

THE CUTIE PINK HUMMUS Makes approximately 4 servings This is such a beautiful show stopping little dish, and is so multi-functional. I love serving it with veggies and gluten free crackers as a quick app, but it also does double duty as a Mediterranean style salad dressing, as a great filling inside an avocado for lunch, or as a spread in place of mayonnaise on anything (pink deviled eggs anyone? Stop it). This hummus keeps great in the fridge for up to 8 days, so have some fun using it on leftovers and whatever else you can dream up. It’s great topped with extra sesame seeds (as pictured), toasted pumpkin seeds, or a chile-infused olive oil for a little spice. If you’re really short on time, use a clean store-bought hummus and puree with 1 pre-cooked beet in a blender. Add extra seasonings if desired.

INGREDIENTS

WE HELP YOU GET WHAT YOU NEED IN LIFE.

2 small pre-cooked beets 2 cans (approximately 15 oz) garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced 4 garlic cloves 1/3 cup olive oil ¼ cup lemon juice ¼ cup tahini 3 teaspoons sea salt 2 teaspoons pepper 1 tablespoon sesame seeds to top)

INSTRUCTIONS Sauté the onions in a skillet over medium heat until lightly browned. Add to a blender with the rest of the ingredients and puree until smooth, adding more olive oil or a bit of water if a thinner consistency is preferred. Season with sea salt and pepper if desired and sprinkle with sesame seeds to serve.

HONEY BUTTER & OATMEAL BREAKFAST COOKIES Makes 12 cookies Who says cookies can’t be a breakfast food? When made with the right powerhouse ingredients and just a tiny touch of natural sweetener, they are a great healthy option to make ahead for busy weeks. Store in an airtight container for up to one week. These are great smeared with natural nut butter too..

INGREDIENTS

WE HELP YOU GET WHAT YOU NEED IN LIFE.

1 cup almond meal 1 cup rolled oats 5 tablespoons butter or ghee, melted 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup 2 tablespoons flax seeds 1 tablespoon chia seeds 1 teaspoon vanilla pinch of sea salt)

INSTRUCTIONS Preheat the oven to 375ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Melt the honey and butter in a small saucepan until it liquefies. Add all ingredients to a small mixing bowl and mix well to combine.

Form into 12 small cookie balls and flatten slightly with your finger. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.

CEOMOM | 33

SWEET POTATO MORNING MUFFINS Makes 12 muffins This is one of my all-time favorite recipes. The sweet potato or yams can be roasted ahead of time to speed up the process (you might as well make a couple for the week while you’re at it). Short on time? Try it with a can of pureed butternut squash instead. You can freeze extras for quick morning breakfast treats!

INGREDIENTS

WE HELP YOU GET WHAT YOU NEED IN LIFE.

Photo Credit: Cayla1

1 large or 2 smaller yams ¾ cup maple syrup, grade b ½ cup olive oil ½ cup whole milk, coconut, almond or milk of your choice 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup gluten free flour 1 cup almond meal 1 ½ tablespoons cinnamon 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons baking soda ½ teaspoon sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS Preheat the oven to 400ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place yams on baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes until you can easily prick with a fork.

Scoop out potato insides, discard the skin, then add to a bowl with the olive oil, milk, vanilla, and maple syrup. Whisk with a electric mixer until smooth. In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and sea salt. Add the dry ingredients into the wet ones, mixing well to combine.

Line muffin tins or spray with coconut oil. Scoop batter into tins and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. During the last 5 minutes of baking, brush the muffin tops with extra maple syrup if desired.

BLOODY MARY SHRIMP COCKTAILS Makes 2-4 servings Serve cold in cocktail glasses, with any assortment of garnishes you choose: organic corn chips, pickled veggies, olives, avocado, jalapeño slices, celery stalks or lime wedges. If you don’t like shrimp, try using crab meat.

INGREDIENTS

WE HELP YOU GET WHAT YOU NEED IN LIFE.

2 cups wild shrimp 3 stalks celery, finely chopped ½ cucumber, peeled and cubed 1 cup jicama, peeled and cubed 1 bell pepper, chopped ½ red onion, finely chopped 1 lime, juiced 4 oz vegetable juice 4 oz tomato paste 2 dashes of hot sauce (optional) sea salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS Heat a medium skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. When warm, add the shrimp and sprinkle with sea salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until seared, and flip.

Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the shrimp is opaque and cooked through.

Add the remaining ingredients to a large mixing bowl, stirring gently and adding hot sauce if desired. Scoop mixture into cocktail glasses, and garnish with any of the ideas above.

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Our vision is to empower women through our four pillars: Community, Activity, Uplift, and Light.

Photo Credit: ZYIA Active

ERIN BRADLEY: ON A MISSION TO EMPOWER WOMEN THROUGH ENTREPRENEURSHIP & FITNESS

When it comes to growing your business, at some point you are going to have to scale. That entails selecting a business model that works best for your company goals and competencies. Erin Bradley, mom and founder of ZYIA Active, spoke to CEOMOM Magazine about the benefits and challenges of choosing a direct-selling business model, tips for scaling your business and how to select the best business model for you.

What is ZYIA Activewear?

Founded in 2017, ZYIA Active is an activewear lifestyle brand that believes in embracing physical activity with excitement, vigor, and delight – and that doing so is more fun and easier with friends. More than activewear, our vision is to empower women through our four pillars: Community, Activity, Uplift, and Light.

Why did you choose direct-selling as your business model? Please discuss from a financial and a social perspective.

I love the direct-selling business model because of its infinite potential to help people – which was a big factor in my decision to start a business. The directselling model also allows us to fulfill our mission of empowering women by offering our sales reps the opportunity to experience small business ownership and provide for their families.

Unfortunately, the direct selling industry has earned a negative reputation because some companies put profit over the people they claim to help. ZYIA was founded to uplift women through social interactions, physical activity, and financial independence. To that end, our sales reps are able to get involved with low startup cost and risk, unlike our competitors: A starter kit costs $295 and includes five staple products, a $100 gift card, and business tools valued at $50. Most importantly, ZYIA reps do not have to recruit others in order to succeed and are not asked to carry inventory.

All products are shipped direct-to-consumer from our warehouse, and we employ a robust customer service team to directly help representatives serve their patrons. To date, we’ve paid out over $30 million in commissions.

What have been some of the benefits of choosing a direct-selling model? What have been some of the challenges?

The biggest benefit in the direct selling industry is that it allows our customers and reps to be rewarded when they stand behind our brand. The model allows them to either earn discounts, free clothes, or even commissions just for sharing their love of our products with others. The hardest part would probably be that this is a newer concept to most people, so it does take some time to educate others on how it actually works.

What are your top 3 tips for scaling a business? #1: Don't spend more money than you have! Sounds simple, but it's harder than people think. You need to create a budget that is in line with your current revenue. #2: Put together a team that knows how to plan operationally for growth. It is all pointless if you do an amazing job at creating demand, but then can't keep up with it. #3: What worked for ZYIA was to strategically plan for change. We never assumed that our sales would follow a perfect trajectory. Sales can spike, drop, and move all over the place, so we kept ourselves nimble in all aspects of our business so that we could move with the ebb-andflow of demand.

What advice do you have for mompreneurs who are deciding on a business model for their products and services?

I think there are a few things mompreneurs should consider when deciding on a business model. In no particular order, this is what I examined: Start-up cost, competitors, experience of both myself and my management team, and whether or not the business model fit into my lifestyle and what I wanted.

To learn more about Erin Bradley and ZYIA Active, visit https://zyiaactive.com.

CEOMOM | 37

Let’s Talk Business

4 Ways to Turn Your Side Hustle Into a Full Time Business By: Shravan Parsi If you try to make a buck on the side with an extra job that inspires you but doesn’t really pay the bills, you’ll likely hear this sobering and uninspiring advice: Don’t quit your day job.

But some people do manage to turn a side hustle into a main hustle – and prosper in the process.

“It definitely takes effort, energy, and a willingness to step out there, but the rewards can be great,” says Shravan Parsi, CEO and founder of American Ventures, a commercial real estate company, and ForbesBooks author of The Science of the Deal: The DNA of Multifamily and Commercial Real Estate Investing (www.scienceofthedeal.com).

Parsi was a full-time pharmaceutical research scientist working 9 to 5 and dabbling in real estate on the side when he realized his regular job was hampering his real estate deals because he wasn’t available to talk with people or show a house during the day.

Eventually, he bid farewell to his old career and launched his new one in commercial real estate.

Parsi has a few tips for those who long to shake loose from their current careers and venture into something that drives their passions.

1 2 3 4

Be bold and flexible.

A willingness to take chances and adapt to changing circumstances is critical. Even in seventh grade in his native India, ambition boiled in Parsi. He realized that to become the kind of global leader he aspired to be, he would need to know English. So, he transferred to an English school. “My parents supported my decision even though they knew it would be challenging,” he says.

Be interested in everything and observe closely.

You never know when opportunities to expand your knowledge – and be inspired by new ideas – will present themselves. Parsi says he learned this lesson at age 14. His father was a doctor who himself invested in real estate as a passive investment, and was having a two-story house built – one story for the family and one as a rental. “He pointed out that I had time to kill over summer vacation and recommended I watch the process,” Parsi says. “So my brother and I watched the construction and supervised the contractors. It left a strong impression on me.”

Pivot when necessary.

Life doesn’t always go as planned, so you need to be prepared to change direction, Parsi says. As an example, Parsi originally planned to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a doctor.

But admission to medical school in India is highly competitive and he missed the cutoff criteria by one-tenth of a point. That’s when he pivoted and became a pharmaceutical scientist instead.

Learn how to sell anything.

At different periods in his life, Parsi worked in a cell phone store, sold Amway products, and sold nutritional supplements. Those experiences weren’t always the best, he acknowledges, but he did gain something from them. “I realized that if I can sell the products and a story and recruit others, then I can sell anything,” Parsi says. “Selling is a pivotal skill most entrepreneurs must have.”

It definitely takes effort, energy, and a willingness to step out there, but the rewards can be great,” says Shravan Parsi, CEO and founder of American

Oh, and about that “don’t quit your day job” advice. Parsi says there actually is something to that.“ I did not quit my pharmaceutical job right away,” he says.

“I had an objective to stay in that job until the real estate income was twice the value of my salary. When I hit that objective – when real estate was no longer a side hustle – I decided it made sense to invest more time in real estate than the scientific position.”

Now American Ventures is a successful multifamily and commercial real estate investment firm with a proven track record.

“Never settle for less,” Parsi says.

Shravan Parsi, CEO and founder of American Ventures, a commercial real estate company, is author of The Science of the Deal: The DNA of Multifamily and Commercial Real Estate Investing (www.scienceofthedeal.com). Parsi is an entrepreneur and innovator with a background in the diverse fields of real estate investing and pharmaceutical research. He has been involved in Texas real estate since 2003. Born in India, Parsi developed a life-long interest in business and investing from watching his father, a medical doctor, invest in real estate. Parsi has acquired several apartment complexes in aggregate of over 4000 units and several commercial properties by co-investing with private equity groups, pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and accredited investors.

CEOMOM | 39

RANAY ORTON

Talks Running a Successful Online Business on Amazon

Like many successful entrepreneurs, Ranay Orton set out to solve a problem. She created Glow by Daye, a haircare company that would cater to the needs of women with textured hair, an often overlooked group in the beauty industry. Orton’s love for her own hair’s versatility has helped her create products such as satin sleep bonnets and deep conditioning heat caps, garnering over $1 million dollars in online sales through Amazon.

Orton shared her tips for selling successfully online, the benefits and challenges of using Amazon and what makes Glow by Daye a unique brand.

Who is Ranay Orton?

I am a wife, mom and founder of Glow by Daye. I wear many hats, but those are the ones I have on most days. My friends would describe me as the supreme optimist. I believe anything is possible. I don’t like the word realistic.

Tell us about Glow by Daye. What are your products and services? Who do you serve?

Glow by Daye is a haircare company bringing simple, intentionally designed tools for maintaining and managing textured hair at home. Our products include the daily staples such as satin sleep bonnets and deep conditioning heat caps, all made to help maintain a consistent healthy hair care routine. We serve those with textured hair and various hair styles. Our products are specifically made to help meet the needs of versatile hair.

What was the defining moment that led you to create Glow by Daye?

The defining moment was when I had box braids years ago, forcing me to use a hair tie

to hold them in my bonnet. If you can imagine, I looked crazy! The bonnet was thin and the elastic had stretched out completely even though I had just bought it from the beauty supply store. I told myself that there had to be a better solution so I began the process for creating an ideal bonnet that could handle my various hair styles, lengths, and textures. From there, each product was made as a solution to a common challenge in maintaining a healthy hair care regimen.

What separates your hair bonnet from competitors?

At the core, our products have been intentionally designed for consumers with bigger, thicker, longer hair, and the many different styles in between. We are intentional about inclusion, which has historically been underrepresented in many of these regularly used daily staples. Our products are purposeful, and we as a company care about our customers and helping them along their hair journey. We show this not only by our products but our “Glow Guarantee” which makes sure you receive a full refund if our products are not the right fit for you.

In 2018, you generated over $1 million in sales using Amazon. Walk us through your process for getting set up on Amazon.

Our success with Amazon came from being one of the first premium options for those with textured hair. It began with our satin bonnets, the only thing available on the platform at the time was the same inferiorly made bonnets you would find at the beauty store. That was a major success in 2017, and in 2018 we expanded our product offerings to include our dryer attachment and heat cap.

Those two were also the first to be seen on the Amazon platform, specifically made for CEOMOM | 41

Starting only on Amazon is fine, but once you have a proven concept and see that people want your product, start thinking about how to bring your customers into your fold.

Photos Provided By: Ranay Orton, Glow by Daye

and targeting women of color. Being first with our intentional design was the reason for our early success.

The process of getting set up on Amazon was fairly easy. The hard part was sourcing and securing the right supplier to execute what I wanted.

That took months. Amazon makes it fairly simple to get started selling once you have your product and packaging.

What are your top three tips for successfully selling on Amazon or any other online sales platform?

1. Stay true to your key differences and the market you want to serve. You will be tempted to try and promote/”sell” to everyone because Amazon has such a large reach. It’s okay to be specific. Others will still buy.

2. Take the time to learn the ins and outs of the back end. Even though Amazon makes it a little easier with fulfilling to customers and management of inventory etc, it is very important to know the fees and costs associated with using this platform, and of course, being aware of your product costs and margins.

3. Use it with the idea of using it. Starting only on Amazon is fine, but once you have a proven concept and see that people want your product, start thinking about how to bring your customers into your fold. Amazon doesn’t give you any customer information, so you need to make the people that buy from you love you so much that they want to become your customer, and not just Amazon’s customer who happens to buy your product.

What are the biggest challenges using Amazon to sell your products? What have you learned from those challenges?

My biggest challenge is protecting my ideas and brand integrity. I have found that with being one of the first on Amazon marketing to my audience, I saw a wave of “copycatters” blatantly stealing copyrighted photos and other facets of my business and brand. To mitigate this, I trademarked my brand, copyrighted any intellectual property, and worked within Amazon to help protect against those issues with their Brand Registry Program.

How has being a mom impacted your approach to business development?

I sometimes think about how much more time I would have if I would have started my business before I had children but then I am not sure how efficient I would be. My kids are of a higher priority in my life than my career and so it creates a sense of urgency for me to complete what I need to get done and be efficient in all that I do. The value of time has been elevated for sure after children!

What’s next for Glow by Daye?

Glow by Daye plans to introduce many new and exciting daily essentials to better maintain and achieve your ultimate hair goals! We also look forward to partnering with a few retailers to bring Glow by Daye to a shelf near you soon! To learn more about Ranay Orton and Glow by Daye, visit https://www.glowbydaye.com.

THE VALUE OF TIME HAS BEEN ELEVATED FOR SURE AFTER CHILDREN!

CEOMOM | 43

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BRANDY BAXTER INSPIRING WOMEN TO FIND THEIR MONEY PERSONALITY

It started with the realization that she hadn’t had one of the most important conversations of her marriage, the topic many of us dread and some avoid- the talk about money. Brandy Baxter, an Accredited Financial Counselor®, a United States Air Force veteran, sought after speaker, and author of the book, The Three Little Divas™ Reach Your Money Goals in 3 Steps Before You Huff and Puff and Blow Your Next Paycheck Away, along with her husband eliminated over $75K in debt and now helps others to do the same. Baxter walks alongside her clients to give them the information and power they need to set their own financial goals and work to bring them to fruition. She takes a nonjudgmental and personalized approach to financial counseling that is as much about your values and belief in yourself as it is your net worth.

CEOMOM Magazine spoke with Baxter about her journey to financial coaching, her STEP goal setting method and what she wants her financial legacy to be for her two daughters.

Who is Brandy Baxter?

Brandy is a person who loves a good challenge, a person who believes in equitable treatment of all people. I am a mom, a wife, a Christian and an educator. I love sharing what I learn with others.

What does your role as a financial coach entail?

As a financial coach I partner with clients who have limiting beliefs getting in the way of reaching their financial goals. I come alongside them and give them the information they need to develop a plan.

Once they determine their plan of action, I provide accountability and support. I am not there to have all the answers, but to ask the right questions so they can develop the greatest awareness about the solutions.

Sometimes clients don’t trust their own judgement. I help them lean on their own wisdom and trust themselves.

How did your career as a financial coach begin?

It started when I got married. I adore my husband. The first month we sat down and went over our finances we realized that we had never had the financial conversation.

We had almost every conversation except the one regarding finances! We both brought a meausre of debt to our marriage.

We were facing a lot of debt that we weren’t prepared for. I wasn’t working, so we had to tackle this debt on one income. I reached out to financial experts but didn’t get the help we needed. The accountant wanted to do our taxes and our bank wanted to sell us insurance. We weren’t ready for these products, because debt elimination was our main priority.

I heard about a financial planner and after completing his assessment form, he sat across from us and said we had too much debt for him to help us build a financial plan. I felt defeated. I told my husband, “There are answers and I am going to find them.” I immersed myself in understanding basic financial principles. I have always been into learning and sharing information with others. I would share about, saving and putting money away for a rainy day. A friend told me I should take financial education classes to learn more. I did and eventually began my career as a financial coach .

What are the biggest obstacles people face when working to reach their financial goals?

The biggest obstacle people face is limited income. I have spent six years working with families who are classified as low to moderate income. In working with them, I am discovering that their income is limited compared to the quality of life they want to live. I don’t believe in telling clients to cut expenses. I tell clients to increase income.

We live in a time where you can have revenue streams from a variety of sources.

I want my financial legacy for my daughters to be freedom of thought, freedom of expression and freedom of creativity.

People who are serious have cut everything they can by the time they reach me. I offer them an alternative. Rather than cutting expenses, I teach them how to find money in their monthly bills and look for other ways to increase income. For example, unused membership fees, subscriptions for services not being used, that’s money being wasted.

People are looking for a way to reduce the pressure and I help them find solutions.

You wrote a book, The Story of Three Little Divas: Reach Your Money Goals in 3 Steps: Before You Huff and Puff and Blow Your Next Paycheck Away, where you help women figure out their money personality. What is a money personality? How do you figure out yours?

I wrote the book to help women start the money conversation. The book was a combination of different people I’ve worked with and a few central themes. In the book there is one diva who is label-obsessed and will buy whatever she wants without looking to her future. Another is aware of the future and understands the importance of planning, but life happens, and present events get in the way of future planning. The divas learn the power of financial goal setting and preparation. A money personality is like our default response or reaction to money situations. It’s how we tend to behave with our money. You can figure out your money personality by reading my book and seeing which Diva you most identify with.

What is STEP Goal setting? What are the first three steps on the journey to financial freedom?

I discovered while working with clients that as

become adults we can be so focused on the present that we fail to think ahead. Our future goals will impact what we do today or going forward. We have to create a plan of action for tomorrow. People are familiar with the SMART goal method which is great for developing a goal statement. However, it doesn’t give us the steps to identify what resources are available to help us accomplish our goals. The STEP model helps clients look for the resources that are available in four areas: sociological, technological, economic and personal. STEP teaches people how to look at all these external factors and pull in the resources and tools that are already around them.

Other than financial freedom, what do you want your financial legacy to be for your daughters?

I want my financial legacy for my daughters to be freedom of thought, freedom of expression and freedom of creativity. I want them to have the freedom to pursue their hearts’ desires without the worries of money. Our number one asset is flexibility.

We need the financial freedom to be what we want to be. What that looks like for me is to create a lifestyle for my daughters that cultivates an environment where they have the freedom and knowledge to pursue the life they want.

To learn more about Brandy Baxter and to get a copy of her book, visit her online at https://brandybaxter.com or https://www.TheThreeLittleDivas.com.

CEOMOM | 47

LET'S GET REAL

HOW I LEARNED TO LOVE MYSELF FIRST By: Holly Wilson

You may know me from my reality TV days.

My younger sister, Heidi Montag, and I were cast on the reality show The Hills. You probably thought we had it all, and maybe that you wanted to have our lives. Except I had a drinking problem. Following the sudden death of my stepbrother, I began drinking excessively to cover the pain. I started drinking first thing in the morning, and at the height of it all, couldn’t go more than a couple of hours without being under the influence. I hit a low point and finally came to the realization that it was time to make a change. I wanted a different future and different results in my life. Upon getting sober, the first thing I realized was that making a change was an inside job. I had to accept hard truths about myself. I had to accept all the messy parts about me.

I had to learn to love myself for who I was.

Love your neighbor, love your family, love your job are all mantras we were taught in childhood. “Love yourself” was not a lesson commonly taught by our parents or something we learned in school. Sure, the philosophy has always been there - Gandhi, Rumi, Eleanor Roosevelt, Maya Angelou, all spoke of the importance of self-love. But our materialistic culture has ingrained in our brains the opposite idea - that we are not good enough. We are told we must try to do better, to keep up with the Joneses, with our colleagues, with our school peers.

We are taught we must work hard to get the best grades in school, to go to the best colleges, to find the perfect spouse, to be the perfect moms. Social media gives us many opportunities to compare our lives to those of others, from the lavish vacations friends are taking to the extravagant birthday parties created by Pinterest moms. Throughout it all, the message is “you are not enough.”

I had to work hard to find my path to wellness. I am a single mom, I run my own business, and I am sober. I have learned to love myself and all the areas where I am not perfect. I tell myself daily that I am enough. And I have made it my life’s mission to support other women who are struggling in the same ways that I was, both with addiction and with the underlying causes behind their substance use. As women, we don’t need to face a rock bottom moment to practice self-love. I share with my clients a few key tactics that are applicable to anyone:

I have learned to love myself and all the areas where I am not perfect. I tell myself daily that I am enough. As women, we don’t need to face a rock bottom moment to practice selflove.

1. Take time to check in with yourself. Are you feeling happy, joyful, fulfilled? Are you irritable, frustrated, feeling critical of others? If negative thoughts are filling your head, it is a signal that it is time to do some work. The best antidote is gratitude.

2. Be real with yourself. Whatever you believe about yourself will become your truth. If you tell yourself that you are not good enough, others will begin to perceive you that way, too.

If you choose to infuse your world with positivity and personal affirmations, those beliefs will become your truth.

The next generation is lucky to have pop culture icons who preach self-love. Thank you, Lizzo! I hope our kids understand that they can choose to be enough. I hope our kids learn that their unique selves, with all their mess and flaws, are perfect. But for the next generation to see and live their beautiful truths, we, as their mothers, must see and live it too. Our greatest gift is showing them the example of self-love.

Society tells moms to give all that they have and all that they are to their children.

Instead, let us love ourselves first, and show our children how to do the same.

Holly Wilson is a passionate champion for women in recovery, encouraging women everywhere to become empowered leaders of their own health and wellness journeys. A former reality TV star on The Hills, Holly first experienced addiction following the death of her stepbrother.

Having an intimate knowledge of substance abuse recovery as a recovering addict herself, Holly believes strongly that women should not have to hit rock bottom in order to get help. She has dedicated her work to supporting women and their unique challenges of maintaining parental and familial responsibilities and is deeply committed to the recovery community and to helping women be empowered leaders of their own recovery journey.

Holly believes that all women matter, they are perfect the way they are, and they should stand up and be counted. Holly founded Women’s Recovery in 2017 which specializes in clinically savvy, trauma-informed treatment for women with locations in Denver and Summit County. As one of very few female leaders in the addiction and recovery space, Holly is a face and voice for all women struggling with addiction and wanting to find the road to recovery in a uniquely feminine way.

3. Be your own best friend. Be your own hype woman. Write those positive affirmations on your mirror. Tell yourself that you are strong, brave, smart, beautiful, capable, and enough.

Don’t rely on others to send you these messages, you alone create these truths for yourself.

CEOMOM | 49

Secure the Bag

5 Tips to Move Your Business Beyond an Economic Crisis by: Vonna Matthews

We are seeing incredible financial hardship across the nation. From the airline and hotel industries to small businesses to large corporations. So many are being impacted by the uncertainty of our world, healthcare system and economy.

During every trial exists an opportunity for exponential growth. The COVID-19 pandemic is no exception. Though these are unprecedented times, there is still an opportunity to rise like a phoenix from the ashes. Some of the most innovative companies were formed during a national economic crisis. Companies such as Trader Joe’s, Microsoft, Square and Airbnb started during a recession. You too can come up with the next big idea.

Here are five tips to move your business beyond an economic crisis.

Determine if you need to pivot your business. Before you pivot, develop a strategic plan that will position your business model for success beyond the economic crisis. Start with an audit of your current products and services to determine which offerings can withstand the economic downturn and which can not. Categorize your offerings based on which ones need to be put on the shelf until things get better,

which ones you should focus on now and which need to be eliminated. Categorize your offerings based on the following criteria - production and marketing costs, current sales and market demand.

Focus on income generating activities. This is not the time to do a brand overhaul unless it will help you generate immediate income.

Leverage what you have as it relates to time, resources, support and finances. Remember, during an economic crisis you are limited.

Reduce your participation in business activities that don’t make money.

As a part of your pivot strategy, look at the three E’s - expansion, elimination and elevation. Expansion - what strategies and products and services should you add to your business model? Take into account the costs and time it takes to bring a new product or service to market. Your new products should respond to consumer need.

Take an out of the box or innovative approach to solving a consumer problem.

Elimination - what should be removed? Now is the time to remove all of the excess fat. If it isn’t making money it should be eliminated to make room for expansion and elevation.

Elevation - which should you focus on to increase sales. These are your more successful product and service offerings.

There may have even been a recent increase in demand due to a shift in consumer needs. Now is the time to focus on those products.

If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to take your business online. For example, if you’re a fitness instructor, think about how you can stream your classes online. If you’re a wedding planner, try and create an online course and share with others your knowledge.

Online courses are hot right now, some are even selling for a few thousand a pop.

Secure the bag. Financing your business to insure positive cash flow is vital to its viability and success. There are a phlethora of grants that are available for small businesses who are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. A lot of the grants have an easy application process with funds that are available immediately. Some experts suggest focusing on non-debt financing. I recommend that you look at all of your options when it comes to raising capital for your business. If you elect to borrow, make sure you do it responsibly and take out only what you can afford to pay back. Even beyond the pandemic, raising capital should be a regular part of your business operations.

Tips 4 was provided by Mike Volkin of FreelanceMasterclass.com.

CEOMOM | 50

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ENVISION HER IMPACTFUL Editor-in-Chief Vonna Matthews

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Taly Melo Krystal Jackson Dale May NJ Stevens, Ebby’s Touch Sarah Adler Shravan Parsi Holly Wilson Mike Volkin

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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

CONTENTS 30 5 FUN BRUNCH RECIPES TO MAKE AT HOME Editor-in-Chief, Vonna Matthews, had a transparent and inspiring conversation with Williams at Motivated Mom 2019 Retreat.

38

4 WAYS TO TURN YOUR SIDE HUSTLE INTO A FULL TIME BUSINESS

Now is the perfect time to transition your side hustle into a full time business.

40 MEET RANAY ORTON Ranay Orton created Glow by Daye, a haircare company that caters to the needs of women with textured hair.

46 MEET BRANDY BAXTER

26 MEET JENNIFER

Brandy is a financial coach that helps families reach their financial goals and realize their dreams.

CEOMOM | 54

forhermedia.co

Spring 2020

DR. JENNIFER HAYTHE WORKING ON THE FRONTLINE DURING A PANDEMIC

BRANDY BAXTER INSPIRING WOMEN TO FIND THEIR MONEY PERSONALITY

5

TIPS TO MOVE YOUR BUSINESS BEYOND AN ECONOMIC CRISIS

HOLLY WILSON

HOW I LEARNED TO LOVE MYSELF

ENVISION HER IMPACTFUL

e u s s I e l b u o D