ANNIVERSARY ISSUE
SPRING 2022
JASMINE SANDERS
BLOOM
WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED P. 1
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FROM THE DESK OF CHERYL POLOTE WILLIAMSON
lost count of how many times I’ve done something someone else said couldn’t be done. The only person other than God with any authority over my life is me. There is not a single person that can say anything to stop me. I don’t say this boastfully or in arrogance. I say it in hopes that it sparks the same attitude in you. Hear me. Nothing can stop me. My prayer is that you decide the same for yourself. If I'm a force and you're a force, think of the maximum force we could be together. That’s why you will never find me discouraging anyone or telling anyone what he or she can’t do. It is also precisely why I spend ZERO time entertaining anyone attempting to discourage me or tell me what I can’t do. “No one is reading paper magazines anymore.” “Paper magazines are old hat.” “Digital is the way to go.” “The market is too saturated.” “There are bigger brands that people know and love that own this space. There is no room for you.” These are just a few of the things people said when I took our email-distributed, ever-expanding, digital newsletter-turned-magazine to print publication. Now, here we are... Celebrating ONE YEAR in print and subscribers in the following Top 10 Countries: • United States of America • Canada • South Africa • Australia • Italy
• Philippines • Ireland • Turkey • Bahamas • Mexico
We did it. That’s all. That’s the post (as they say). With this anniversary edition, we are fired up, not looking back, and headed into the future of this dynamic, very necessary, industry-recognized, and backed media source. What better time, as we embark upon the newness of spring than to highlight the importance of blooming where you’re planted and blossoming on purpose. It’s what Cheryl Magazine did, and that’s how we will continue into the future—intentional in our pursuits and blossoming no matter the odds. What about you? You have it in you. I know you do. You have the ability to sprout, to blossom, to grow, right where you are. I don’t care what others have said or how they have tried to stop you or bring you down. SPEAK LIFE! Dig in, spring roots, breakthrough, bloom, and shine! You can. I know you can. We at Cheryl Magazine will do our part to continue as a reputable resource that you can trust. We are here for you as you build, develop, master, and conquer, and we are rooting for you all the way. See you at the top!
Cheryl
Love,
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Cheryl
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Cheryl MAGAZINE
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Cheryl
Family, Community, Human Interest: Help, Hope, and Legacy
IMAGINING BLACK FREEDOM Courtney Williamson
SPRING 2022 | ISSUE #10
CONTENTS
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REDEFINING LOVE Two perspectives —a married and a single woman's view
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THE BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE My Journey Through Motherhood
COVER STORY: JASMINE SANDERS
Award-winning, top-ranked, nationally syndicated, multi-media personality A Rose is Still a Rose
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LIFESTYLE
Celebrate LIFE With Family, Good Food, and Fun!
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PARENTING TIPS Make It a Movie Match-Up Month
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FAMILY CORNER Spring, Easter, Traditions, and FUN Everybunny Will LOVE!
8 Monique Coleman I Value Who I Have Become Instead of What I Do
Autumn Bailey Q&A With Shaw University Alumna Film and Television Producer
BUSINESS & FINANCE Get insight that will help strengthen and empower your life and business! P. 6
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LET'S BRUNCH Creating the perfect spread for Easter or Mother’s Day
Camara Aunique Helps Make God the CEO of Your Life ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT: Hear Your Own Yes: Pam Eudaric BUSINESS SENSE & SENSIBILITY: Get Intentional About Expansion THE LIST: Cheryl's Favorite Business Resources
IN EVERY ISSUE We THRIVE! Motivation, Inspiration, Action Plans, and POWER
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A Letter From the Editor-in-Chief
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with Tess Alexandria As You Blossom...
What Women Should Know with Corey Jackson The Secret to Dating an Entrepreneur
Daddy Issues
Dr. Cheryl Polote Williamson
The Gentleman's Voice:
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with Charmaine Roots Castillo From Tears to Flower Doodles
with Patricia Bailey Enjoying a Journey of Change
with Keri Ann Zamore Unpacking Trauma
Foxxy Wizdom
CELEBRATE
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AGING WELL
FOCUS ON MENTAL HEALTH
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with Roni M. Benjamin Help Protect Your Standard of Living
with Traci Henderson Smith It's A Family Affair, LadyBugz Founders: Zoe and Zarya Spires
#GIRLPOWER
Money Talk
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PROUT, BLOSSOM, GROW, RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE.
- CHERYL
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Kim Coles
Joy and Pain and Evolution, OH MY!
HEALTH & WELLNESS COVER SHOOT: Photographer: Corey Guevarra Hair: Jazzmyn Samuels Makeup: Kimberly Douglas
Look Well. Heal Well. Feel Well. Live Well!
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THE COST OF MOTHERHOOD Maria D. Flowers, MHA
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HEALTH, BEAUTY, AND BALANCE Hayli Boyd P. 7
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STYLE MATTERS
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Happy Anniversary to Us! Cheryl Magazine celebrates one full year of lifting the voices of capable, daring, inspiring women who spark change on the local, national, and international levels. We want you to join us for a virtual celebration of powerful women in business, media, and community leadership. Virtual? You might be asking. Yes, but wait! Before you put that sassy sequin number or red carpet showstopper back in the closet, know this, SIS, WE’RE VIRTUAL, BUT WE’RE FABULOUS! It’s a cocktail party, awards celebration, and so much more, and we’re dressing the part. Come prepared to mix, mingle, network, shop, dance, and enjoy great performances and presentations in an exceptional virtual 3D experience as we salute those who made this successful year possible. So then, the question is the same as if the event were live. What, oh what should you wear? Here are some tips on how to prepare for a formal virtual event. Come on now; don’t act like you didn’t dress up for at least one of the VERSUZ virtual concerts. We know we did, so let’s have some fun! 1. Yep, you guessed it, HAVE FUN! Step into the evening prepared to have a great time. Your energy should be your number one wardrobe choice. Get motivated to show up as excited and as grand as you would in person. That level of energy brings even more excitement to the evening and lets the host and honorees know that you are delighted to be in the virtual building. 2. Make an impression. We will mix, mingle, and network. You may even get the chance to talk with a celebrity or two, or three! Dazzle and make your mark, even online. 3. What if you do too much? HA! No such thing. Fabulous is FABULOUS, darlings! For an in-person event, sure, you would whip out your best dress or formal jumpsuit. There would be sequins, and jewels, and bling, oh my! We say, do it. Do it all. You should still do that for the virtual event. Be as gorgeous as you
dare. It will make your host feel like their event is taken seriously, and it will allow you to get some wear out of your formal pieces and feel amazing in them. 4. Find great light! If your camera is on, don’t let all that fabulousness get hindered by bad lighting. Great lighting makes all the difference. There’s no better image or video than if you have the proper light pointed at yourself. Using the natural light setting on a ring light is quite complimentary, or finding the perfect spot in the room where, BAM, you’re all aglow, works as well. 5. Come to party! There will be dancing, a virtual bar, and so much more! But, while we want to make sure you’re looking and feeling wonderful, and you have your favorite cocktail or glass of champagne in hand, shoes are optional!
We’re celebrating.
Confetti & Cocktails: Our First Year Anniversary Friday, April 1, 2022 at 6:00 P.M. CST. Register or replay at cherylmagazine.com. Want to stay up to date on future events? Visit our website to join our mailing list. P. 2 1 Cheryl MAGAZINE P. 2 1 Cheryl MAGAZINE
Let's
Brunch We hear that we started something with our holiday recipes in the winter edition. Many of you commented on what a hit they were, so how could we pass on helping you create the perfect spread for Easter and Mother’s Day brunch? We couldn’t. Brunch is traditional on both of these special dates. If you’d like to steer clear of the crowded restaurants, designing a glorious buffet of your own is definitely an option.
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Do we really need a recipe for deviled eggs? How about a twist on a favored appetizer? Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs Total prep time: 45 minutes Servings: 12 Ingredients 6 eggs 1 ounce smoked salmon, finely chopped 2 ½ tablespoons mayonnaise 1 ½ teaspoons spicy brown mustard 1 tablespoon pickle relish, drained 1 teaspoon dried dill weed ½ teaspoon salt 1 pinch ground black pepper ¼ teaspoon dried dill weed, for garnish 1 pinch smoked paprika, for garnish ¼ teaspoon fish roe (tobiko, masago, or caviar), for garnish (optional) Instructions 1. Boil eggs on high heat in enough water to completely cover the eggs. Once the water is boiling, remove from the heat and let the eggs stand in the hot water for 15 minutes. Pour out the hot water, and then cool the eggs under cold running water in the sink. Peel once cold. 2. Cut eggs in half lengthwise and scoop out yolks. Mash the yolks with a fork in a small mixing bowl. Mix in the smoked salmon, mayonnaise, spicy brown mustard, pickle relish, salt, and pepper. Combine well. Make adjustments to suit your taste. 3. Spoon or pipe the yolk mixture into the egg whites and sprinkle with smoked paprika, top with fish roe and garnish with a bit of additional dried dill. 4. Carefully cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving. Roasted lamb is a tradition in many households on Easter. Not only is it a popular seasonal dish for spring, many have a deeper meaning behind consuming the tasty dish for symbolic or religious reasons. Total prep time: 40 minutes Servings: 4 Ingredients Lamb chop marinade: Simple marinade. Amazing flavor. Olive oil Lemon juice Chopped or minced garlic Fresh rosemary
Fresh thyme Dried oregano Sea salt Black pepper P. 7 5
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