Feeling Fall

Charlotte

NOV 2022

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Editor's Note "The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members." – Coretta Scott King

M

y younger self always loved weekend trips into Charlotte with my family. Living in Concord, spending the day in Downtown Charlotte always meant we'd spend the day eating, exploring, and connecting with small business owners. I have fond memories of chatting with folks about their entrepreneurial journey, hearing their stories, and learning.

It was during those weekend trips as a girl that I learned how important, and fun it is to support, engage with, and participate in your local community and all it has to offer.

Fortunately for us, Charlotte is filled with shops and pop ups, markets and festivals, creating an opportunity for everyone to find their own unique fit within the Queen City.

Every year, the fall season offers Charlotteans an opportunity to explore seasonal goods, businesses, foods, events, while also allowing us to get to know our local policy makers.

Our second annual Fall Magazine represents the joy I felt as a girl weekend tripping to Uptown Charlotte, and all it's wonder. I hope you not only enjoy reading PINC Magazine, but engage with and support the dozens of community members within who made this edition possible.

Paige Leary Paige Leary Editor-in-Chief

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Contributors MEE T THE TEAM

PAIGE LEARY Editor

DANIKA HUNT

Social Media Manager

BEATRIZ GUERRERO Writer

LINDA POPHAL Writer

LYNN LEARY

CORINE OLARTE

Assistant Editor

Photographer

WILL JENKINS Photographer

AUSTIN GUSTAFSON Videographer & Photographer

COPPYRIGHT © 2022 CHARLOTTE PROFILES IN COLOR MAGAZINE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. COPYING OR REPRODUCTION, IN PART OR IN WHOLE, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. CHARLOTTE PINC MAGAZINE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DENY AN ADVERTISEMENT, LISTING OR FEATURE THAT DOES NOT MEET CHARLOTTE PINC’S STANDARDS OR THAT IS OUTSIDE THE SCOPE OR MISSION OF OUR MAGAZINE. CHARLOTTE PINC MAGAZINE ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR INFORMATION, PRODUCTS, SERVICES OR STATEMENTS MADE BY

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL TO INFO@CHARLOTTEPINC.COM, MAIL TO PO. BOX 25008, CHARLOTTE, NC 28229.

FIND US ON: FACEBOOK.COM/CHARLOTTEPINC IG: CHARLOTTE_PINC

ADVERTISERS OR EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS.

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Contents FA L L 2 0 2 2

22 Meet the Players Meet three NC women of Color in politics

30 Sisters with Horses Get to know the women of Charlotte's Black Saddle Club

34 Beyond Open Learn about Grant Opportunities in the Charlotte area

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FEATURES

Local culinary student prepares a non traditional Thanksgiving feast

13 Meet Felicia Bittle This local stylist has the perfect advice for building your dream wardrobe

14 Lets go Shopping Five13 Studio has everything you need for the fall and winter season

19 Designing Spaces Lauren Brooks is bringing style to spaces big and small

40 WOC Fall Wish List Our favorite goods made

by Women of Color from around the world

NEARBY FARM GROWS 200 PERENNIALS

LOCAL CHEF FEEDS REFUGEES

INSIDE PEEK AT NEW HIGH SCHOOL

BALLANTYNE fall fun outdoors

On the Cover INTRODUCING: NEW ART PROGRAM

NEARBY FARM GROWS 200 PERENNIALS

LOCAL CHEF FEEDS REFUGEES

Photo by Shrimp & Grisettes.

10 Thanksgiving with a Twist

INSIDE PEEK AT NEW HIGH SCHOOL

Culinary student Haley Williams prepares her take on Thanksgiving dinner

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What's Happening

y

Events, activities and more

THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING TO DO IN CHARLOTTE!

November

check out local happenings and events in our city

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Art After Dark: Power of the Pen Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

551 South Tryon Street

04

Doggy Happy Hour at BW Sweets BW Sweets 4:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Every Friday 1425 Winnifred Street

05 EpicFest Literary Festival For Kids Of All Ages ImaginOn 10:00 am to 3:00 pm | FREE |

06 HBCU Culture Homecoming Fest & Battle Of The Bands Bojangles Coliseum 2700 E Independence Blvd

10 Southern Christmas Show The Park Expo and Conference Center 800 Briar Creek Rd

11 Ladies Night at GreenLife Greenlife Remedies 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

501 Penman Street

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Day of the Dead Celebration Camp North End 1824 Statesville Ave 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm

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Tribute to Biz Old-School HipHop Concert Ovens Auditorium 2700 E Independence Blvd

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Party in the Park 2022 Mint Museum Randolph 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

2730 Randolph Road 7

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Haley Williams Building Community— One Meal at a Time Turkey and dressing. Mashed potatoes and gravy. Green beans.

For many these are the foundational staples of the Thanksgiving meal. But, as Charlotte-based culinary student Haley Williams says, “I think Thanksgiving food is really boring.”

Preparing an Alternative Thanksgiving Holiday Meal Instead, this year Williams’ Thanksgiving menu consists of roasted chicken with a sweet and spicy Thai dipping, a Korean corn cheese dip, a harvest salad featuring Korean sweet potatoes and brussel sprouts with a miso maple glaze, roasted eggplant glazed and finished with sesame oil, along with a lychee apple cider mocktail topped off with ginger beer and a bit of coconut cream--topped with a frozen piece of lychee.

It’s what Williams would call “becoming bonvivant” (her Instagram handle is @becoming.bonvivant). With the typical Thanksgiving meal, we eat the same thing over, and over, and over again. “I like to try new things and especially on

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Thanksgiving which I think of as a food holiday,” Williams says.

Williams has had a lifelong love of food and experimenting with food. This year’s Thanksgiving menu, she says, was driven by her love of Asian food. “I just think it’s fresh, I think it often hits on sweet, spicy, salty and sour and those are flavor profiles that I really like.”

Meal Prep Best Practice Advice Williams recognizes that many people struggle with pulling together a big holiday meal with family and friends underfoot and expectations high. Success, she says, is all about planning and preparation.

“Make sure you make a plan and that you have everything-ingredients and cooking materials like pots, pans, and everything you need ready,” Williams recommends. That way, she says, you don’t waste time and you don’t feel the stress of having overlooked something, or missing an important ingredient.

Her biggest piece of advice, though, is “to trust what you like.”

Williams says she loves cooking for other people. It is, she says, “my love language.” Some people have a tendency to “get too fancy” in the kitchen. Just cooking the things that you like. That said, she adds, “be creative.” Cooking, unlike baking, she says, offers a lot of “wiggle room.” “Calm down, take a breath and just open yourself up to the creative experience and the creative journey.”

Food Can Build Community and Drive Positive Change Williams loves the work she’s doing, but has a vision to expand that work. Currently, she’s looking into putting together a meal prep service for Charlotte and surrounding areas--creating a menu customized for a client that they would come and pick up.

Food, she says, is all about community. Both are very important to her. Her background is in social work and education and, she says, “I would love to create a space where food is the thing that gets people in the door, but the space is all about creating community.” Williams says that she wants to “use food to build community and bridge gaps between different communities and polarized communities because I really do believe that if we center ourselves and find more community, and more similarities, our world would be a better place.”

Food, Williams says, is the perfect way to do that.

Contact Haley on Instagram at: @Becoming.Bonvivant

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Introducing Felicia Bittle The Passion to Pivot celebrities. I didn’t realize there were actual roles called image consultants and stylists.”

A lightbulb went off.

Fifteen years later, as an entrepreneur and proud owner of FABstyles, Bittle loves what she’s doing and who she’s doing it for. Aside from her love of fashion and style, Bittle loves working with her clients—“I like helping people and I also love problem solving,” she says. There are a number of drivers and life impacts that bring clients to her.

Interestingly, she says, her work actually picked up during the pandemic.

When Felicia Bittle was a little girl getting ready to go to church on Sundays with her family, on Saturday evenings her dad would ask her advice about what he should wear. “What do you think about this?” “What do you think about these colors?” “This tie?”

“These shoes?” At the time, she says, she thought she was just “hanging with my daddy.” It wasn’t until much later, looking back on these experiences, that she realized how much impact they had on her and her passion for fashion.

Still, she put that passion on the back burner as she went to school to pursue a more traditional, perhaps “appropriate” career—accounting. And she was good at it.

Discovering a New Pathway But one evening as she was watching an awards show and nominees were being introduced she noticed that many of them would mention their “stylists.”

“Stylists were getting just as much publicity as the actual designers and

interesting life moments among younger clients—like proms, school pictures, and even shopping for a new school season.

“It was just all these different scenarios, and my business really blew up,” she says. A significant percentage—about 99%--of that business is through referrals. That, Bittle says, “is a testament to the impact I’ve had.”

Embrace Opportunities to Pivot Bittle’s advice for other entrepreneurs, or aspiring entrepreneurs—embrace opportunities to pivot. Bittle suggests that they can’t afford not to. And she, personally, continues to pivot as new opportunities emerge.

But, she says, she’s also discovering new pursuits. Like speaking engagements “I go to organizations, colleges, and universities, and talk about why your image is a big deal—why you should care about your image and how to cultivate their looks.”

She’s also doing fundraising for an endowment she created for her alma mater—North Carolina A&T State University—in her grandmother’s name.

Life, Bittle recognizes, is about pivoting.

Styling to Address Life’s Changing Seasons Working from home drove many people to realize they were tired of their wardrobes—or they wanted a whole new look. Others, going through separations or divorce, wanted to pursue new things and new looks. Others, now empty nesters, decided they were tired of “dressing for the kids” and wanted to pursue their own styles. And she’s seen an uptick in demand for some

Contact Felicia www.feliciabittle.com 13

LET'S GO SHOPPING A Black-owned clothing boutique is giving a new meaning to fashion statements with its trendy apparel collection.

F

ive13 Studio, located at 1425 Winnifred Street, is

owned and operated by stylist and entrepreneur Jekia Benson, bringing women in the great Charlotte area wide variety of style to choose from.

In time for a new season, stylist Felecia Bittile shared some fashion tips for the everyday woman.

The Cardigan Look The cardigan is paired with a crop top and leather leggings, blending all the pieces well together. Bittile made the look pop with turquoise earrings, hinted with gold, and a clutch, specifying that the accessories do not have to perfectly match with the clothing.

Sparkling Dress A bronzed sequined dress with a waist bell to help accentuate the silhouette. “I decided to do something in gold to just add a little pop, a little sizzle. And I just loved the way it goes against the sequins. The sequins are more bronzed,” said Bittile.

Green Tracksuit Bittile expressed this was a statement piece on its own, pairing it with a moth purse and glittery earrings.

“I chose the textured purse, and to the earrings to make it a little more glittery, a little more bling just to accentuate it,” said Bittile.

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Fonda Honk for Mental Health Bryant Mental health is a serious issue that was once considered a taboo topic and one that many shied away from. But, with people like Fonda Bryant, more and more people struggling with mental illness are now seeking help.

Charlotte PinC caught up with Fonda on October 10, 2022, World Mental Health Day. She was on a street corner near the Panther’s Stadium holding a sign that read “Mental Health is Physical Health.” and “Honk Today is World Menal Health Day.”

Fonda is a tireless advocate for mental health awareness, knowing firsthand the difficulties faced by those struggling with mental health issues. She attempted to take her own life on Valentine’s Day, 1994. She survived and is now here to spread empathy, compassion, and kindness to others going through the same situation.

She shares her own story as a cautionary tale, crediting her aunt for recognizing the pain she was in and taking action to save her life.

mainly due to the lack of education and media stereotypes. People also tend to connect mental health conditions with negative stigmas much more than with with other illnesses and disabilities, such as diabetes, cancer, or hear disease. Although the general perception of mental illness has improved over the past few decades, this stigma is still quite prevalent. Fonda is on a mission to change that!

Fonda admits that she still deals with the depression, anxiety, self-

[W]e have a lot of discrimination in this country, but one thing that does not discriminate is mental illness. It treats us all the same. Whether we got five million dollars or we’re an NFL player or Miss USA, it doesn’t care.

What motivates Ms. Bryant to get up every day and stand at a street corner with the sign, “Honk Today is World Mental Health Day,” are the people who not only honk their horns as they drive past but those who stop to appreciate her efforts, share their own personal experiences, and to just say, “thank you.”

Fonda wants everyone to know and understand that people dealing with mental health deserve the same type of empathy compassion and concern as those who are dealing with physical health issues. Research has revealed that the stigma attached to mental illness

doubt, and insecurity that lead to her suicide attempt. She tells the story of being named the Nexstar ‘Remarkable Woman of the Year” in 2021 because of her mental health advocacy. She was flown to Las Angeles for the awards ceremony and as she says, treated like a queen, but she could not enjoy the experience because she did not feel she deserved it.

According to Fonda, “that is what mental health does to you, especially depression and anxiety. It kind of puts this film over your eyes and everything positive looks negative.”

Despite the difficulties she may

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face, Fonda is motivated every day to get out and tell her story and to try to help someone.

The next time you are in a Center City parking deck take and look around and you might see a suicide prevention sign on the walls of the deck. That is the work of Fonda, after learning that 51% of parking decks in the United States have been the site of people attempting or dying by suicide. She convinced City and business leaders to install suicide prevention signs. The signs are based on the bracelets Fonda passes out to let people know that they are not alone and who they can call to get help.

If you are in the uptown Charlotte area on New Years Day, be on the look out for Fonda. She will again be the corner of Mint and Morehead streets advocating for mental health awareness. When you see her be sure to Honk of Mental Health.

If you want to learn more about being a mental health advocate or your interested in suicide prevention training, you can reach out to Fonda at Wellness Action Recovery (704) 807-3267 or Fondanc_40@yahoo.com.

When she is not on the street spreading encouragement and and bringing awareness to mental health issues, Fonda is the Founder and Director of a non-profit Wellness Action Recovery, which focus on mental health education and advocacy.

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LAUREN BROOKS DESIGNING THE CAROLINAS ONE HOME AT A TIME Taking a Leap of Faith to Pursue a Lifelong Dream Although Lauren Brooks started her business, Urban Hue Interiors, just over a year ago, her passion for art and aesthetics is something she’s nurtured throughout her lifetime. She has always, she says, gravitated to spaces that were different and unique. “That was something that always sparked my interest,” she says. Over the years she has

taken various drawing classes and sewing lessons and has always liked to dabble in the arts—sketching out different ideas, doing some acrylic painting and, ultimately, becoming exposed to the world of architecture and design through a mentor.

An Eclectic Personal Style “I’m always trying to create something that’s timeless and finding pieces that are

not only functional, but also individually beautiful,” Brooks says. She describes her personal style as “warm, eclectic—almost contemporary modern,” and says she’s “definitely big on craftsmanship—a lot of warm and natural woods, different tile and stone selections.” In addition, Brooks says, she’s also interested in the cultural aspects of her work—gravitating toward certain African American artists and different materials like ethnic prints or designs that can be mixed into other textural elements like natural plants, for instance.

“It’s all about creating this cohesive space that despite the passage of time, never gets old,” she says.

Serving Client Needs While Staying True to Her Personal Style One of the challenges Brooks says she has faced is staying true to her own unique personal style while sometimes dealing with clients who have a different style or different style preferences. That, she says, requires the ability to tie the two together somehow—a process that definitely fuels her creativity and enthusiasm for her work.

Spaces, says Brooks, need to have functionality but, she says, she works to ensure that they also capture and embody the essence of the people who will live in the space. Much of her time, she says, is spent trying to deeply understand the people she’s designing for.

She credits mentors and other advisors for helping her get to where she is today. “I’ve had a lot of influences over the years which have definitely helped me stay in this space,” she says. “Building connections with the people I work with has a lot to do with what inspires and what drives me.”

Learning and Growing Through Experiences and Connections Brooks’ first several months of being in business have been challenging in some regards, she says, but those challenges are really served to energize her and keep her committed to achieving her goals.

Learning how to communicate and work 19

Email : urbanhueinteriors@gmail.com with contractors has been one Part of that process continues to include turning to mentors—“extending myself for mentorship and getting people to sit down and have conversations with me so I can learn from them.” Her biggest success?

“Getting started!” It wasn’t easy. She had to first deal with some personal issues before pursuing her dream.

Taking the Leap Brooks says that while her mother was one of her main champions for wanting to start her business, she found herself needing to step back from that process to be a caregiver for her mother when she was ill. Sometimes, she says, “life gets in the way.” What pushed her forward, she says, “was just family pushing me and saying, ‘if this is something you really love, you have to just find a way’.”

And so she did.

To others considering making the leap into business ownership and entrepreneurship she says: “Just do it! The worst thing that can happen is that you never do it and you will always have that regret.”

A little over a year ago Brooks took a leap of faith. Since then, she hasn’t looked back— just forward—to new experiences, new clients, new mentors, and new challenges.

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MEET THE PLAYERS WOMEN OF COLOR IN POLITICS action towards the climate crisis, and the reinstatement of Roe vs Wade being part of her campaign. Beasley’s campaign gained national attention, becoming one of the biggest elections in North Carolina.

If Beasly wins this election, she will become the first Black woman from North Carolina in the senate.

“I raised my family right here in North Carolina and dedicated my life in service to this state. I know that families in our state are struggling — and Washington is not helping,” Beasley said on her campaign website.

Beasley’s campaign is backed up by current democratic New Jersey senator Cory Booker, who has been in the senate since 2013 and was the first Black senator from his state.

“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the generosity and kindness of the people from North Carolina,” said Booker while addressing his support for Beasly.

Cheri Beasley discusses reproductive rights and criminal justice reform.

Photo by Getty Images

A historic milestone was reached when the White House welcomed not only its first woman to the vice presidency but a Black woman, Kamala Harris.

In Congress, approximately 10 percent of the House of Representatives identify as Women of Color. But, only three Women of Color, Sen. Tammi Duckworth (D-IL) Asian American/ Pacific Islander, Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) Asian American/Pacific Islander and Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV) Latina, serve in the Senate.

North Carolina is poised to add one more Woman of Color to the Senate ranks. As the mid-elections are underway and the ballots will contain more Black women than previous elections. In North Carolina, former public defender, judge, and the first Black woman to serve as Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, Cheri Beasley is one of them.

“This is Election Day and I can tell you right now from all over the country the consequential nature of this election is so profound. North Carolina has a chance to put one of the most extraordinary people that I’ve met in my political life in the United States Senate. I always keep North Carolina first,” he continued.

On Saturday, Oct. 15, Beasly brought her campaign to the Charlotte area, conducting a rally at Harding University High School.

“They don’t send folks like Senator Cory Booker to North Carolina unless they know we can really win this race,” Beasley said during her speech.

The Duke University alumna announced her candidacy in the spring, with affordable healthcare, 22

Beasley addressed over 100 people while dancing and singing Beyonce’s “Break My Soul.”

“In 24 days, we’re going to make sure that they won’t break our souls because we are going to win this election,” Beasley said.

In that same rally, Beasley expressed the importance of the Black vote and why voting is important.

“It’s really important for us to know that this election matters in such profound ways to all of us and sharing that message is really important. And African American men should know that they matter, and they matter not just because of the election, but because of all they have to offer and the many ways in which they make contributions to the state.

Beasley is against Republican candidate Ted Budd, who has been serving as the U.S. Representative for North Carolina’s 13th Congressional District for six years. Both candidates are looking to replace the current senator, Richard Burr, who has had a seat in congress since 2005.

“I know we were told that the 2020 election is the most important election of our lifetimes, but if my late mother were here and Senator Booker’s father were here, they would have told us that every election is the most important,” Beasley said.

Joining Beasley on the ballot and running again since being first elected to congress in 2014, is democrat Alma Adams, Ph.D. The former Bennett College professor is the representative for the 12th District of North Carolina.

Now, Adams is running for her fifth term after becoming the 100th woman elected to the 113th congress.

Throughout her time in office, Adams has focused on what she calls “The 4H’s,” which include affordable and accessible healthcare, housing, higher education and hunger.

Alma Adams speaks in July at A Safer 12th, a community forum to discuss community policing and gun violence at the Winston Lake Family YWCA.

include affordable and accessible healthcare, housing, higher education and Hunger.

“These are four necessities that are basic human rights,” said Adams.

Throughout her years in congress Adams has accomplished many things such as the launch of the HBCU Caucus, where she introduced the bipartisan, bicameral IGNITE (Institutional Grants, New Infrastructure, Technology and Education) HBCU Excellence Act,and act that invests in infrastructure at historically Black colleges and universities.

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Rep. Alma Adams joined by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi during the signing ceremony for the Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education (FUTURE) Act during in the Rayburn Room at the U.S. Capitol December 17, 2019

Adams also introduced a resolution with Senator Elizabeth Warren and Congresswoman Pressley calling on President Joe Biden to forgive $50,000 in student loan debt.

“Everyone who deserves it, who wants to get a good education should be able to get a good quality education, including higher education. That’s why I’m glad that I was one of the big supporters of the student loan reduction,” said Adams.

Aside from what she has already accomplished, part of Adam’s

campaign includes the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, meant to address the maternal health crisis that Black women face.

The act will fill gaps in existing legislation to comprehensively address Black women who die during maternity. The act includes bills such as the Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act, which invest in deferral programs to address the risks and effect of COVID-19 during and after pregnancy, Protecting Moms and Babies from Climate Change Act, 24

an initiative to reduce levels of and exposure to climate change-related risks for moms and babies and Maternal Vaccination Act, meant to promote maternal vaccinations.

female to serve as the mayor, before serving two terms in the city council.

Diversity within politics in North Carolina has been a new topic, which is why women of color being elected for such high seats in government has attracted national attention.

“I don’t always feel like I’m an African American mayor. What I feel like is I’m a mayor of a great city, but at the same time I don’t ignore the fact that being African American makes a difference in the eyes of many,” said Lyles to WCNC during a February 2021 interview.

In Charlotte, diversity in local government has also progressed. In 2017, Vi Lyles became the first Black

Lyle’s board is also diverse, having six women of color, five of them Black, serving alongside her.

With mid-elections underway, here are some important dates.

Mid-term elections will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Ballots for the 2022 General Election have already been sent in the mail and county election offices will accept vote-by-mail requests up until Tuesday, Nov. 1.

Absentee ballots must be hand delivered or postmarked by 5 p.m. on Election Day. 25

COMMUNITY VOICES With the 2022 Midterm elections just around the corner, community members shared their perspectives on why they will or will not cast their ballots this year.

Wanting to talk to voters of all ages, we headed to Camp North End’s weekly Farmers Market to chat with merchants and shoppers to hear their thoughts on the upcoming elections, ways to improve our city, and everything in between.

We caught up with a group of teens who’ve been keeping up with societal issues in Charlotte, and around the country. Meet Hector, Sherlyn, Yadira, and Henry. We asked them what issues in society today make them want to vote.

Take a look at how members of our city are feeling, what they’re thinking, and what changes they want to see in our city.

“The inequality between different races,” Sherlyn says. “I feel like not everyone has the same quality of life or chances as others”.

“Gun violence,” says Hector. “I want to see gun control efforts. I want to be able to walk around and feel safe.

There are a lot of young people dying from guns for no reason.”

We asked the friends what qualities they look for in a politician.

“Someone who cares about improving our city in general,” Yadira says.

“Somebody I can respect. Somebody who’s honest, and a good leader.”

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Ieesha, is a jewelry maker born and raised here in Charlotte. We then asked her if there are any particular issues leading her to vote, Ieesha had some definite opinions on local issues.

“The way tax dollars are utilized,” she says. “For me, I’m interested in where the bonds are going, road improvements, and things like that.

Not so much for any leader in particular. For me, it’s more of a financial thing ”.

Fatima is the founder of Love and Healing Work, a consulting, healing, and training company that guides groups and individuals in how to engage with themselves and others through a culturally mindful, healing, and human-centered lens. We asked her if she plans to vote in this year’s midterm elections.

“I believe in the choice to vote. I actively research the people that I vote for. I know who I’m voting for, I know what they’ve voted for, and I know their voting roster. My idea of a representative, or somebody I vote for, is knowing they’re my voice at the house, capital, or city hall. If you’re not voting in a way that’s illustrious of my voice, I can’t vote for you.

We stopped by Dulce Dreams Cafe — which in Spanish translates to “Sweet Dreams Cafe” — for some delicious conchas and there we met Norma, 28. She’s a Mexican native whose family moved to Charlotte over two decades ago. “ I want to see schools get more help,” she says. “Teachers aren’t paid enough, lack of school supplies, creating budgets, and things like that. I also want to see small businesses helped out, help given to the Latino community, and immigration issues addressed.”

Wisdom, 32. Is a farmer and father of four. Although he is not native to the Queen City, he and his family have been in the area for nearly 25 years. We asked him if he’s witnessed changes to our city that he’d like politicians to address.

“Gentrification issues. Areas with low-income residents, usually renters, who are being pushed out by developers. They’re being replaced with high-income buildings and apartments, so now locals can’t live in those areas. Legislation can do more to address these issues.” “I am pessimistic because of the history”, he explains, “but I am optimistic because of the youth, and increasing awareness. I’m weary.”

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Great Skin with GOOD MOLECULES In this ever-evolving era of self-care, it becomes diffi-cult and overwhelming at times to find high-quality and affordable products to implement within your skincare routine.

With such easy access to social media, influencer, and beauty gurus, I found myself lost in the sea of cleansers, toners, and moisturizers, unsure of what products would help me see a difference in my combination and acne-prone skin.

I decided to try GoodMolecules in return for an honest review, the company gifted Charlotte PinC a variation of their “Brighting Bundle,” which included an Acne

face!

Prior to receiving the sample pack, I had heard and seen a lot of great things about the company on social media, but I am a skeptic. I began with the Acne Foaming Cleanser.

This product is very smooth and ligh-tweight. The one application did a great job of giving my pores a deep cleaning without any irritation to my sensitive skin. After gently patting my skin dry, I worked in

skincare routine with the GoodMolecules Discoloration Correcting Serum and topped it off with their Silicone-Free Moisturizing Primer. Both of these products are buildable and very lightweight in feel.

Neither product left my skin feeling sticky, dry, or heavy. By the time all my products were on, my skin was soft, glowing, and clearer than before trying out GoodMolecules!

As a brand, GoodMolecules prides itself on making low-cost high-quality products available to everyone. As someone who is new to skincare and facial routines, I enjoyed the fact that I don’t have to guess which products will work for me. GoodMo-lecules has removed any guesswork by categorizing its products based on your skin’s natural condition.

Foaming Cleanser, Niacinamide Brightening Toner, Discoloration Correcting Serum, Overnight Exfoliating Treatment, and a SiliconeFree Moisturizing Primer. Their clear and clean packaging was the first thing that caught my eye. After unboxing my new goodies, I immediately went to work on my

heir Niacinamide Brigh-tening Toner with a cotton pad. I was pleasantly surprised that this product was odorless and left my skin feeling silky smooth. I was most excited about this product because of its brightening and skin-correcting properties. Even after one wash, my skin felt great and was visibly brighter! I finished out my

Within two weeks I noticed a dramatic change in my skin’s complexion.

My face looks clear, even, and more hydrated than ever before!

Thank you GoodMolecules!

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Sisters with Horses Only 20 minutes from Uptown Charlotte sits eight acres of land and two dozen horses.

How a once rookie cowgirl started it all

Only 20 minutes from Uptown Charlotte sits eight acres of land filled with horses and ponies that is both a hidden gem and a sanctuary for Black women and children who love horses.

It was this small taste of countryside that Angie Simmons passed every day on her way to and from work. One day while headed home, Angie decided to stop and introduce herself to the owner of the miniature horse farm.

Even though Angie had no formal experience with horses, she never forgot the joy she felt on her first horse ride years ago on a guided trail. It was that memory that prompted her to stop at the property where she met the owner, Charles Sanders.

In 2007, Angie, with the help of Sanders, launched a program to spread their love of horses to Black women, and children, Sisters with Horses (SWH).

Sisters with Horses is the first all-Black women’s saddle club in Charlotte.

That lack of diversity and inclusion within other local saddle clubs was one of Angie’s biggest motivations in launching her group. As a mother and a once rookie cowgirl herself, Angie realized the importance of a saddle club that was open to all schedules, backgrounds, and experience levels.

For Angie, the organization goes far beyond just the pleasure of interacting with the horses. She says that with the other women who have joined she has found a sisterhood, “I’ve lately gained five new sisters who look out for me,” said Angie.

Though Angie herself was not raised around horses, NaziRah Mohammad, Vice President of SWH, was. As a girl, NaziRah was often around horses as her family lived next door to Charlotte 30

“We get to meet folks who’ve never had the opportunity to even stand next to a horse, just like myself.”

Cowboy legend Bobby Martin, or as she recalls, Mr. Bobby.

Five years later, NaziRah is teaching others how to ride, just as Mr. Bobby taught her.

Martin was the owner of Big M Stables, Now that the group is back to just off Statesville road near uptown conducting business after a hiatus where every year, he held a large, free due to the COVID pandemic, the all-day event for the community with group has a few things in store. riding competitions, horse rides, music, and food. Throughout his life They recently hosted a summer and in between competitions, Martin camp in July with the hopes of freely shared his expertise with others, making it an annual activity. especially African Americans and Additionally, Angie is in the young people around Charlotte. Many process of obtaining her own of whom would not have had access to property, with the intent of horses. “Living next door to him was launching Horsemanship 101 great,” NaziRah says. “I was lucky to classes where she will teach others experience that. He taught my dad about the basic care of horses. how to ride, then my dad taught me “My main thing is just letting folks how to ride.” Eager to find a space to know that we’re here and that we ride and fellowship with others like exist, and we want folks to reach her, she found herself looking for a out to us,” Angie said. saddle club to call home.

Contact Sisters with Horses: Facebook: Sisters with Horses Email: SistersWithHorses@gmail. com

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“It's a sisterhood. If [they] call me I got them, and if I call [them] they got me.

We function real well as a group.”

NAZIRAH MOHAMMAD, VICE PRESIDENT

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“I love being on a horse because it’s fun and love the feeling of being free.”

JUNE, JUNIOR MEMBER

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Beyond Open Grants A new program is giving small businesses owned by minorities grants to grow within Mecklenburg County.

What Is "Beyond Open?"

“Beyond Open,” is a small business grant program made possible by the support of Wells Fargo’s Open for Business Fund. Earlier this year, the bank chose the greater Charlotte area out of five cities to assist small businesses owned by minorities grow, build wealth and expand.

ounty and once the funds are administered, they must use it in capital assists,” she continued.

The grants are given based on the information within each application and once received it does not need to be paid back.

Ferry Beatties Ford/ Rozzelles, Freedom Drive/ Wilkinson Boulevard, Graham/ North Tryon Street, Sugar Creek Road/ I-85 and West Boulevard.

The application opened last month and

“The grant program is administered by the Foundation for the Carolina’s on a budget of $20 million. Once those who qualify apply, they may be awarded a grant of $5,000 to $250,000,” said Rocio Gonzalez.

“Those who qualify must have a business registered in Mecklenburg Qualifications Those interested in applying for a grant must have a small business, it’s that simple.

ARCHIVE CLT, LOCATED IN THE BEATIES FORD CORRIDOR OF OPPERTUNITY Though every business that is registered in Mecklenburg county may apply, a priority will be given to those companies located in or near the six Corridors of Opportunity. These are, Albermarle Road/ Central Avenue, CHERYSE TERRY, OWNER OF ARCHIVE CLT

20 Royal Look in London Stages

will close on Friday, Oct. 28. Missed the deadline? There will be additional opportunity to apply.

Types of Grants There are three types of grants one can apply to.

The Build for Success Grant ranges from $5,000 to $20,000. This grant is generally in place to help new and emerging businesses in need of smaller capital assists. These range from computers, printers to creation of an e-commerce website and/or other digital platforms. www.example.com 34

The Grow for Prosperity Grant ranges from $20,000 to $100,000. This grant is said to be best suited for businesses that have established a ;level of stability, with a desire to expand. The grant could be used from purchasing large inventory to new vehicles, special equipment, industrial or security.

The Make Bold Moves Grant ranged for $100,000 to $250,000-plus. This grant is for long-term businesses looking to transform their future and acquire substantial capital assets. The grant could be used from purchasing a warehouse to switching to a renewable energy source.

Application Process Once an individual applies for the grants, the application will be reviewed by the processing team, who will award each candidate based on the impact of the capital asset in helping the business achieve its goals, current business vitality and growth potential and any other additional information that may be requested.

“The uniqueness of this grant is that it includes giving access to the applicant to technical assistance,” said Gonzalez.

Additional Information Those who are awarded will receive their approved funds by Dec. 30.

Though the application is coming to a close there will be additional opportunities for business owners to apply later in the year.

Those interested, may apply by visiting www.beyondopenclt.org 35

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WOMEN OF COLOR FALL

WISHLIST

Support Women of Color around the world this holiday season with our some of our favotire fall finds.

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Based in Melbourne (Australia), Nkosi Ndlovu began her journey as an artist by painting but has since explored other avenues such as graphic design, photography, and finally digital collage. While not formally educated in the arts, throughout her journey she has grown and developed a style that features and highlights black bodies, particularly black women in surreal scenes of tranquility and peace.

She draws her inspirations from themes of surrealism and dadaism as well as contemporary influences of modernism and Afrocentrism.

Shop at www. gldeng6rl.com Based in Texas, Dahlia Artesanal Boutique was inspired by the countless trips Dahlia and her mother took to Michoacán, Mexico.

Dahlia’s mother knew the importance of keeping family and friends connected to their Mexican roots, and similarly to her mother, Dahlia has made it her mission to connect the rest of the world to a little piece of their heritage. Dahlia has sourced the highest quality products, hand selected each item, and ensured each product is fair trade. Not only are the artisans paid fair wages but a portion of the proceeds go directly to the artisans and the indigenous community to which they belong. Eligible purchases get 10% off their first order!

Shop at www. dahliaartesanal.com Caraa is a New York City-based sports bag and accessory company founded in 2015 by CFDA award-winning designer Carmen Chen Wuand Aaron Luo to reimagine handbags for modern life. Both Chinese-born and raised in Spain, they came to New York and quickly needed to adapt to the city’ s unique hyper-paced lifestyle. The one thing that they needed most was a beautiful yet utilitarian bag to help maneuver life in the city. Nothing on the market existed that merged the two needs—so they joined forces to create the perfect bag.

Shop at www. caraa.co Kristi Hayashida is the owner, designer, and maker of Keiko Jewelry.

Her love for making jewelry developed as a young girl, and it quickly became one of her favorite hobbies. Later in life, she learned how to dive for shells along the shores of Oahu, Hawaii. By bringing these two passions together, she was able to create unique, ocean-inspired pieces using shells and sea glass, which is how Keiko Jewelry eventually came to fruition. The word “Keiko” is Kristi’s middle name, and means “blessing” in Japanese. She hopes that each piece of jewelry you receive will be a blessing, as every item is individually handcrafted and made with love.

Shop at www. kealohajewelry.com

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Playing Financial "Catch Up" Statistically speaking, Women are less likely to invest and save for the future. Financial Advisor Ursula Strong shares where to start.

•

Ursula M. Strong, CFP® | Financial Advisor

It’s unfortunate but true: If you’re a woman, you face more obstacles than men in achieving financial security.

And that means you may well need to put in some extra effort.

Just how serious is your challenge?

For one thing, women still face a gender pay gap – based on median incomes, women earn about 82 cents for every dollar a man makes, according to the Census Bureau. This pay gap amounts to a nearly $470,000 difference in lifetime earnings, according to an Edward Jones/Age Wave study. Furthermore, when factoring in the career disruptions women face because of caring for children and elderly parents, that $470,000 becomes a $1.1 million lifetime arnings gap, according to the study. Finally, women tend to live longer than men, meaning their lifetime earnings must last longer.

Everyone’s situation is different, but these figures at least point to the challenges many women encounter.

To help yourself, consider these moves:

type of cash management account connected with your investment portfolio. This move can help give you a “bucket” of money to use for any reason, such as the need to step away from your job to care for children or aging parents.

Increase your 401(k). If you have a 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan, take full advantage of type of cash management account connected with your investment portfolio. This move can help give you a “bucket” of money to use for any reason, such as the need to step away from your job to care for children or aging parents.

Fully fund your IRA. Even if you contribute to a 401(k), you may still be eligible to invest in an IRA–and you should. You can put in up to$6,000 per year to a traditional or Roth IRA, or $7,000 if you’re 50 or older. (However, a Roth IRA does have income limitations that may prevent you from contributing the full amount.)

Learn about Social Security options.

Because Social Security provides a lifetime income stream that includes cost-of-living increases, it can help mitigate two key risks you face in retirement: longer life expectancies and inflation. You can start taking Social Security as early as age 62, but your monthly checks will be significantly larger If you delay taking benefits beyond your full retirement age, your payments will increase by 8% per year, until age 70, when your benefits max out. You’ll also want to learn about spousal and survivor benefits, which can affect how much you’ll receive.

Get some help. You may be able to benefit from working with a financial professional, who can. evaluate your situation, make investment recommendations, and help answer questions you may have, such as, “What moves can I make so I can afford to become a caregiver for an elderly parent?” Hopefully, there will be a day when women won’t have to play financial catch-up. For now, though, use all the means at your disposal to help yourself.

Ursula M. Strong, CFP® (336) 275-9320 ursula.strong@edwardjones.com This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Pay yourself first. You always have to pay your bills – but, at the same time, pay yourself by moving money automatically from your checking account each month into a low-risk, liquid vehicle, such as a money market account or some 41

FALL TREATS IN CLT From pumpkin spice to cinnamon , crisp apple and pecan flavors, Charlotte’s seasonal foods are here , but not for long. We’ve sipped the best coffee and munched plenty of pastries and desserts throughout the city looking for Charlotte’s best autumn goodies.

Check out our favorite fall flavors.

Community Matters Cafe Community Matters’ seasonal menu has something for all fall fanatics. We tried the Cafe’s Pecan Latte, Pumpkin Spice Latte, Pumpkin Roll, Molasses Roll, and sugar crusted French toast. Our meal here was spectacular, checking off all our boxes for a perfectly satisfying afternoon brunch.

Eight + Sand Kitchen Nothing invites crisp fall weather like a Salted Maple Latte and hearty Shakshuka. Available now, you wont want to miss this sweet and savory duo.

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1425 Winnifred Street, Suite 108 | Charlotte, NC 28203 Phone: 704-953-0564 www.charlottesouthend@kikastretchstudios.com 43

PUMKIN PATCH FUN A Day At Simpsin’s Pumkins in South Charlotte

For over 30 years, Phil Simpson’s Christmas trees and pumpkins have lit up the homes of Charlotteans across our city.

Located in the Carmel Commons shopping center at 7661 PinevilleMatthews Road, the Simpsons have over 20 different varieties of pumpkins to choose from, an array of tri-colored corns, homemade jams, and fresh flowers, bright, pigmented, and ready for picking.

The fall-themed farm serves as the perfect activity for pumpkin and flower picking.

The farm opened for the first time this season on Saturday, Sept. 24. The farm welcomed guests from all Charlotte with an assortment of fresh pines -

planted and grown during spring—and different sized pumpkins inside different basket displays.

Bright stringed lights decorated the farm, giving the experience a touch of fall.

The farm is open Sundays through Thursdays from 8 am. to 8 pm. and Fridays and Saturdays from 8 am. to 9 pm.

Overall, Phil Simpson’s Christmas trees and pumpkins is the perfect place to attend with your loved ones.

This fall season, take your family and friends to an unforgettable fall experience at Phil Simpson’s Christmas trees and pumpkins.

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CBKBrandingandConsulting@gmail.. com 980-428-4973 I 229 S. Brevard st. Charlotte, NC 28202 46