The Spot Mag - November 2020

CELEBRATING WOMEN IN BUSINESS

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November 2020 T H E S O C I AL DILEMMA M IN DFUL NESS HO L I DAY ST YLE IDEAS F E ATUR E: DAY EDWA RDS C HUR CH SPACE WOME N ON THE MOVE C . R EN EE W ILSON

NOVEMBER 2020

IN THIS

Issue

Feature: Day Edwards p. 26

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E M OT ION AL F ORE C AS T

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C RYS TAL ’S RE AL E S TAT E T IPS

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C RYS TAL ’S C HAM PION S

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M IN DF U L N E S S

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TOP 5 M AS K T RE N DS

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WOM E N TO WATC H- L aura Gri er

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HOL IDAY FAS HION

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IN T E RIOR DE S IGN

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N AT ION AL F E AT U RE

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PR T IPS WIT H AN IK A

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WOM E N TO WATC H- C Renee Wi l so n page 4 2

Contributors C O -F O U N D E R & EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: CRYSTAL SWEARINGEN

CREATIVE DIRECTORS: CRYSTAL SWEARINGEN

ADRIANNA SWEARINGEN

ANTHONY GONZALEZ ANIKA JACKSON ANGIE CAMPBELL BRIT TANY SWEARINGEN LAURA GRUBB TAYLOR KAY SARAH KELLOGG W R I TE R S :

NOVEMBER 2020

Crystal Clear 2020 has been a year!! I’m excited about many new projects set to launch in 2021, and I want to thank all of you for your support, encouragement, and motivation along the way! The Spot Mag will have a new podcast launching every Tuesday, where I interview women entrepreneurs from around the country! My passion for cooking has led to shipping orders of Crystal’s Famous Cobblers. I can’t wait to see what 2021 has in store as we all learn to love and support each other in new and empowering ways.

Quotes and Thoughts to end the Year “Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we can fear less. - Marie Curie “I am learning every day to allow the space between where I am and where I want to be to inspire me and not terrify me. - Tracie Ellis Ross “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the the more you have.” -Maya Angelou “One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world.” Malala Yousafzai “The minute you settle for less than you deserve, you get less than you settled for.”

Maureen Dowd

Love you all! Stay healthy and always lead with love!

Crystal Swearingen Crystal Swearingen, Co-Founder | Editorial Director

The Spot Mag

@the.spot.mag

crystalsavesthedeal@gmail.com

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EMOTIONAL FORECAST

Welcome to the wonderful month of November.

It’s the best time of year where family, friends, and FOOD are all united. This month should feel loving and joyous with many elements of home and warm nostalgia. I wanted to focus on the beginning of the month because we know the last part always has the typical seasonal high energy.

We begin this month kind of with a yawn. It’s as if we came through a longer summer than usual and have that need for some real R&R. We’ll also have survived another retrograde coupled with the energetic pull of 2 full moons in October. Rest is precisely the goal at the beginning of November. Allow yourself a moment to enjoy the fall colors, eat nourishing comfort foods, and begin your journey of thankfulness. Thankfulness is the intention you want to set as soon as November begins. This energy will draw more abundance and joy into your home and family life and the workplace.

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By the end of the month, we’ll start to see more family and notice how abundantly provided for we all are. Escape the fear of loss and grasp that what you have in front of you is just for you!

It’s not leaving, and you wanted it to be there. All the love and fellowship will continue to keep that mood feeling high energy, and overall you’ll be ready for more FUN! Allow November to be fun and light. We’ve had many months of small and large achievements this year, but the greatest will be the feeling of family togetherness. I hope this sets the tone for your month and wish all of you a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Best Wishes, Angie Campbell The Southern Psychic Www.southernandpsychic.com Www.facebook.com/southernpsychic

CRYSTAL’S REAL ESTATE TIPS

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CRYSTAL’S CHAMPIONS

Wanda Booth 1/19/75-9/26/20

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With a heavy heart, we announce our financial columnist Wanda Booth passed away on September 26, 2020. The first article she wrote for the magazine was entitled “Planning Your Legacy”. Wanda leaves behind a legacy with so many people inspired and empowered by her life and the fantastic light she shined on those who knew her. She continued to lead mastermind webinars during the pandemic and promote her first book published this year Insight 2020. I was always in awe of the work and dedication put in daily. We will miss you!!

Wanda Booth Memorial and send to: Edward Jones c/o Carah Berry 6720 W. 121st St Suite 104 Overland Park, KS 66209

Crystal’s Champions is dedicated to strong and inspirational women and organizations that are making a difference in the community. To nominate a Champion, email Crystal at Crystalsavesthedeal@gmail.com

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MINDFULNESS

Our Social Dilem ma

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Like most of us over the past several months, I’ve been consuming more television, social media and digital content to help manage the stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic. In the past couple of weeks, at the urging of the owner and editor of this publication, I watched The Social Dilemma, a documentary current streaming on Netflix. After my initial feeling of guilt and frustration at hearing the conscious motivations of the developers of these platforms, it struck me that the corrosive nature of these services is less related to the technology itself and seems to be a reflection of our society and the vulnerability of human nature.

I do my very best to apply a mindful perspective to most things in life. As I sat back to reflect on how can I prevent being consumed by technologies that have become so entrenched in our social fabric and lifestyles over the past 15 years, I could not help but to challenge part of the premise posited by the perspectives in the film. Yes, there have been multiple studies completed showing evidence of the chemical changes in our brain that occur with increased use of social media. Advertisers have done this for ages. We experience a dopamine (the feel-good chemical!) rush when we check our feeds, anticipating someone liking or commenting on a post. And I wonder if this is not any different than the anticipation people felt sitting around a radio 100 years ago or a television set 50 years ago. Yes, we as humans want and need approval, it is part of our genetic makeup and evolutionary trait that we benefit from feeling a part of a bigger community. It is our tribal nature, not something to shun. And, we cannot be totally dependent upon it for our self-worth and self-image.

As I watched it through the second time, the statistics also rang true. Increased suicides, experi-

ences of depression and anxiety, particularly among our sons and daughters, have significantly increased over the past 10 years since the explosion of digital social engagement. As a practicing mental health professional, I see this truth on a daily basis. And yet, it felt like the causal links they were drawing in the movie were incomplete. Has simply being exposed to more points of comparison lead to our eroding mental health? I argue no. What I see as the most destructive aspect these platforms is how we treat each other within them. Yes, we are vulnerable to our posts, what we share, comparing ourselves to what others have or do, this can be deeply validated. However, it seems that our anxieties are rooted on these platforms the same as they are in our other concrete relationships, the fears of being judged, rejected, embarrassed or ignored. These are our existential human fears and they are extraordinarily amplified online. We get dragged, canceled, bullied, etc. The worst elements of our human behavior have become too normal in the comment section. Because we are simply typing, we have become disconnected from the negative consequences of our words. But they hurt the same to the recipient. We have evolved to be able to manage some criticism and critique within our worlds, and I don’t see that we have developed enough to not internalize hundreds or thousands of people laughing at us or ridiculing our lives, or do I think we should. No matter what the generation or technology, invalidation has and will always erode our mental health.

“Social media also exacerbates our most fundamental beliefs, the echo chamber gets louder and louder. We can rowdily express our anger or disagreement, which fulfills our short-term gratification, and slowly broadens the rifts of our communities. To be honest, this is why I commit to only sparingly commenting on posts, even when I disagree.”

My last observation was in telling of the story of social media it seemed to intentionally or unconsciously overlook the incredible positives that have been realized through our global connections. Brilliant creatives, social movements, access to information and education, empowering connection. Black Lives Matter, Arab Spring, Fight for Our Lives are all driven by our passions for social justice and are/were coordinated through social media. These are consequences of our social dilemma. I live across the country from most of my family and closest friends, and primarily because of our online connections I still feel a part of their lives. I get to see my nieces progress with sports or my close friends’ travels or professional successes because they share. Is that not the dilemma that is posed? What connection and fulfillment are we willing to trade for our attention to a screen? And are we satisfied enough with our own lives to not judge ourselves in comparison to others?

To be honest, I don’t have the answer. I do know that when we apply mindful awareness to this, we can be more conscious about to what we give our attention, how these things contribute to how we feel, and how much time we are devote to the scroll. Mindfulness is about awareness and intention. Social media is not inherently harmful in my opinion, so long as we can be mindful of how we use it. Anything that can be addictive will be if we lose control of our intentions. This peek behind the curtain let us know their intentions, now what are yours? And with that, please follow me at @hurt.heal.grow (Just kidding).

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TOP 5 MASK FASHIONS Masks aren’t going anywhere, and as you have probably witnessed, creatives have wasted no time in reimagining this new accessory.

I considered doing a Do’s and Don’t of Mask Fashion but if anything, that I say has even the slightest possibility of discouraging people from wearing their mask, no thank you.

Enjoy—B.

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The Homemade.

This is my diy Nike sock mask. This simple mask is exactly as it seems. She was a cinch to make, and garners compliments everywhere I go. It’s the perfect streetwear element to the casual sweats look while simultaneously pairs neatly with bold red prints and black leather. It’s the perfect mask for your cross aesthetic experimentation.

One of my favorite LA retailers, @Courtyard_LA, designed these stunning face masks for the modern-day renaissance woman. Her wearer is inspired by the finer things in life, like embroidered linens and recycled tapestry bustiers. She’s watching Emily in Paris while thinking of her own study abroad trip (real or fantasized)

This stunning creation by Tia Adeola is simply too pretty to ignore. It comes in a variety of colors, modeled here by @ diamonkwhite on Instagram in orange, and @samariazelisa in black. The feminine undertones perfectly mesh with the structure of the wrap-around piece. She specifically lives in my head rent free.

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The pink disposable.

When I first saw this mask, the baby shower pink offered welcome reprieve and comforting spirit. Not to be underestimated, she is nothing like the sterile electric blue we are all too familiar. Her softness is almost innocent, as if she has no idea the series of events that landed her on everyone’s Fall accessories list. https://www.kkcostudio.com/collections/accessories-objects https://eluxive.com/products/imran-potato-black-lv-logo-face-mask?variant=18066697715777 https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/stylish-face-masks-toshop-now

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Reserve an hour for yourself and/or your friends.

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Woman to Watch: Laura Grier Laura Grier is a photojournalist who has been called the Indiana Jones of Adventure Travel Photography and is a recent addition to the Discovery Channel UK’s “20 Richest People in the World List”, people who are rich in life experiences that is. Living abroad from a young age, it is no surprise that Laura turned her life of travel, adventure, and exploration into a profession.

As a photojournalist for the past 18 years, Laura has photographed on all 7 continents and has made a life out of exploring the world, capturing and writing about her experiences.

The concept for “Andeana Hats” was born because of the shared affinity for the Sacred Valley, Peru, its land, culture, energy, and people by its founders, Laura Grier and Pats Krysiak.

Two years ago while trekking together on the infamous Ausangate trek across the Rainbow Mountains, Pats and Laura came across many amazing Andean women and were captivated with their unique hats and weavings. Determined to share the energy of the Sacred Valley with the world and to help bring awareness to these female artisans and their cultural practices, Laura and Pats came up with the concept of combining their personal hat styles with their traditional weavings to create apparel that captures the energy and culture of the Andeana people and infuses it into the everyday life of those who wear them.

When did you know you wanted to go into this business?

I have been obsessed with hats from a young age and I have been photographing these incredible Quechua Artisans through my photography work with National Geographic for over 12 years. National Geographic represents artisans creating “vanishing crafts” around the world and helps give income opportunities and a global marketplace to these artisans so they can sell their goods and keep their cultural traditions alive. So when my girlfriend Pats and I saw that we could do a similar business model and start

a hat company based out of the Sacred Valley Peru with these female Quechua Artisans, we knew we had to take on the challenge!

What are some challenges you have faced in building your business and how did you overcome them?

Shipping and logistics have been our biggest obsta cles since we started and still are to date! We are working with indigenous artisans that live in remote villages high in the Andes Mountains.

They don’t have access to the internet or even have a written language. Quechua is an ancient form of the Inca language and is oral or woven, so placing online orders with them directly is impossible. Add in limited women and materials making the hats, weather delays, COVID-19 shutdowns, international borders shutting down, and civil unrest at times and you have a cocktail for permanent delays on getting these beautiful and meaningful hats out of the country. We are just two women in completely different countries trying to run this business remotely and to call it “challenging” is an understatement!

What tip would you give another woman looking to start her own professional journey?

Sometimes the “emotional currency” that you earn by following your passion is far more valuable than the monetary currency you can earn.

If I add up the hours I spend on Andeana Hats vs my photography business, I get paid FAR better doing photography, but my heart and soul are full when I work on Andeana Hats and I know that I am doing something that is helping many women across the globe. So you can’t always just follow the money in life. Go for it, no matter how unreachable or crazy the idea seems at first

Tell us about your favorite quote?

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“You CAN look good, feel good and DO good at the same time.” Every Andeana Hat and Intention Band is hand shaped or woven out of alpaca wool and each purchase is benefitting female Quechua Artisans living in the Andes Mountains of Peru.

What makes our hats so unique are the subtle imperfections of the Quechua artisan’s work.

Due to the traditional nature of our craft, no two hats or bands will ever be exactly alike.

We are very committed to not disrupting the flow of their village life and allowing them the freedom to weave and work at their own pace that allows for their farming and families’ schedules. Because of this, each hat takes about 3 weeks to complete and we produce limited quantities of Andeana Hats every month

Our dream is by 2021 we would LOVE to build a climate controlled taller (or workshop) in the Andes Mountains in a safer, more easily accessible area where we could train more Quechua women to create our hats and employ more women in their communities. It could also create another form of sustainable income for the Quechua people and we would love to expand Andeana to host tourism-related weaving workshops, retreats, and trips.

Learn more about Andeana Hats and Laura Grier

What is your next step?

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Every Andeana Hat and Intention Band is hand shaped or woven out of alpaca wool and each purchase is benefitting female Quechua Artisans living in the Andes Mountains of Peru.

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HOLIDAY LOOKS 2020: ENDING THE YEAR WITH A STATEMENT By: Lauren Grubbs

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BIO: My name is Lauren Grubbs; I am 23 years old. I was born and raised in Dallas Texas and love it! I attend school at the University of Texas A&M Commerce. I have always loved writing and fashion ever since I was a little girl. The first time I stepped into Hazel and Olive I knew I wanted to work there! I have been working at H&O for almost three years now which is crazy! I love being able to work in the fashion industry and allowing you to express yourself. I can’t see myself doing anything different!

Believe it or not, the holidays are right around the corner!

This means it is time to revamp your wardrobe for all of the latest trends for winter. Summer fashion is great, don’t get me wrong but winter fashion is the best. There are so many ways to express yourself and add your signature touch to these looks. With those temperatures dropping, layering is super important for this time of year. Along with your favorite sweaters, this season we are expecting to see workwear with a mix of streetwear. In addition, we can’t forget about all of the upcoming holiday parties! Give us all of the statement pieces to be sure and stand out at all of your upcoming events.

BLAZERS

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With blazers being such a big trend right now, it makes such an easy look for all of our working woman. Don’t be afraid to add a pop of color with your blazer! Make a statement from the office to a night out in a bright set! Pops of colors instantly brighten up your day, while elevating your wardrobe. The great thing about blazers is that they can also be dressed down. Style it over a graphic tee and boyfriend jeans with your go to sneakers for a more casual look.

ACCESSORIES

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We can’t forget about accessories! This season for accessories, gold jewelry is what you need!

Chain necklaces is the latest trend; everyone needs to get their hands on these necklaces! These classic jewelry options are timeless and work with every single type of outfit. You’ll want to rock this combo every day, no matter where you’re heading! These necklaces are great to layer with, don’t be afraid to mix some silver pieces with it. https://www.hazelandolive.com/collections/necklaces

Combat Boots Having a good pair of combat boots elevates any outfit and gives an edgier look. There are endless possibilities when it comes to styling these boots! They can be styled with all of your chunky sweaters to keep you warm, or even put them on with a mini dress and tights to keep you warm.

Having a good black pair of combat boots is an essential in your closet, or any neutral color in this style that way it matches everything. https://www.hazelandolive.com/collections/boots/products/urban-honey-combat-boots-black-1

FLARE PANTS

These jeans offer a super flattering silhouette that gives some ‘70s playful vibes with a modern twist.

Since these pants are very shapely, it is important to wear a shoe with a little heel or platform.

Wedges and ankle boots are perfect to pair with your go to flare jeans for those cold nights out.

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try a pair of leather flare jeans, or even a bold stripe pattern. These jeans can be paired with a graphic tee and denim jacket on top, or any of your go to chunky sweaters. This is a basic necessity for your closet. https://www.hazelandolive.com/collections/pants-1/products/leather-together-pants-black We can’t forget about holiday party looks! Dresses are one of the easiest choices for a night of celebrating! However, if you’re not the type to wear a sparkly gown, there are plenty of other options for you. Don’t feel required to show up to holiday gatherings in a dress, you can always wear a sequin pair of wide leg pants or midi skirt. Let the pants do the talking and keep it simple with a neutral color turtleneck and minimal accessories. Wide legs pants are such a huge trend right now, and they are extremely comfortable for a night out.

DESIGN ON A BUDGET SARAH KELLOGG As an Interior Designer, I often have clients who come to me with a list of items they would love to incorporate into the design of their space. Often, those items are way out of their budget, but I always find a way to get them that look they want at a price they can afford. Here are some of the most desired items that were unattainable for my clients until I found them affordable options.

The Leather Saddle Barstool. With its sleek and simple design combined with a seat that is oh so comfy, these stylish barstools have been a top request this year. Here is one from CB2 for $279 which is not a terrible price. It is made with real leather with a handsewn whipstitch and an iron frame. Totally worth the cost but if you are on a budget and need 4, the cost can add up fast. A set of 4 would cost you well over $1000.

Enter the Kent Bar Stool from Inmod. Instead of leather, this stool is upholstered in a performance leatherette and has the nice whipstitch (but not handsewn) and instead of an iron base, this has a black powder coated steel base. At only $89 per bar stool, you can purchase a set of 4 for only $356. What a bargain!

CB2 Leather Saddle Barstool: $279.

Inmod Kent Bar Stool: $89. $190 savings

Mirror Envy

Anthropologie Adelaide Mirror: $548

A fabulous substitute for this mirror is the Champagne Maria Arch Full Length Mirror from Kirkland’s for just $159.99. What a steal!

Anthropologie Adelaide Mirror: $548 Kirkand Champagne Maria Arch Full Length Mirror: $159.99

Anyone else obsessed with any and everything from Anthropologie? They have some fabulous home décor pieces like this full length Adelaide Mirror for $548, but that can be a budget killer for just one piece when designing an entire room. These mirrors are great for bedrooms or large walk in closets and I absolutely adore the arched details at the top of the mirror.

$388.01 savings

Farmhouse Tables

The live edge farmhouse table is growing increasingly popular right now. There is something about a live edge tabletop that makes the table so much more interesting and different. It, without a doubt, stands out and gives the table a hand made look. Here is a table live edge table from Bassett that has a crossbuck base. Bassett is very customizable in their stains and sizes and the quality is excellent, but the price tag may not fit everyone’s budget.

Their 72” table retails for $4139 but is often on sale for closer to $3000.

TThis Mandeville Live Edge Solid Wood Walnut Dining Table by Simple Living can be found online for around $405.59 (Overstock.com).

Bassett Bench*Made Maple 72” Rectangular Table: $2897 (online sale price 9/24/2020)

Simple Living Mandeville Live Edge Solid Wood Walnut Dining: $400

$2497 savings

Plant Life I am a sucker for plants, trees, anything that brings the outdoors in, but I am also a killer of such things. I am so grateful for good quality artificial botanicals! Olive trees have become a must have accessory for everyone’s homes. It is a great filler for a space that needs something tall but fills out and adds a natural element to any space. Pottery Barn sells a 5’ Faux Olive Tree for $229.00

You can find one at Home Depot that I am almost certain is the same exact one that Pottery Barn has (can you see a difference?) for just $115.86.

Pottery Barn 5’ Faux Olive Tree: $229 Home Depot 5’ Faux Olive Tree: $115.86 $113.14 savings

Pottery Barn Tree $229

Home Depot $115.86

Sarah Kellogg has been designing interiors for over 18 years in the Lawrence, Kansas City and Topeka areas. In 2010, she started her own company, Sarah Kellogg Interiors, focusing on residential and small office interior design. Sarah’s passion for helping clients fulfill their envision and truly listening to her client’s desires and needs has made her a forerunner in her field. Sarah is also passionate about using her talents to give back to her community. She has been involved in the Topeka Designers’ Showhouse for the past several years as well as serving on the Women Build committee benefitting Habitat for Humanity. Her passion for helping people and community involvement are what drive her to be successful in her work everyday.

Day Edwards -

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“Disrupt-her”and Trailblazer in the Faith and Tech Worlds

The combination of faith and tech is not the first collaboration to come to many people’s minds.

But Day Edwards has turned both fields on their heads with the advent of Church Space - a new app and website that connects vacant church spaces with business owners, event professionals, and church planters seeking space at an affordable rate.

ticular defined Day’s life path. Due to the stress of juggling both a growing family and a growing ministry, Day’s mother suddenly passed away from a heart attack. “[My mother’s passing] gave me a heart to serve churches and church leaders. I wanted to help them become revenue-generating while taking the stress off of pastors and church leaders.”

Not only does Church Space take an ingenious approach to uplifting such a critical community, but its founder reflects that same dexterity.

There would be no Church Space if it weren’t for the formative experiences that shaped the life of tech mogul, woman of faith, and all-around visionary Day Edwards.

Day went on to launch The Consultancy PR firm, which immediately drew the attention of new budding ministries. With an increased understanding of the church marketplace and its publics, Day Edwards launched Church Space in January of 2019.

Day’s entire life experience culminated in the idea for Church Space. Born and raised in Austin, Texas, Day grew up understanding the in’s and out’s of organic church building by watching her mother play a pivotal role in her family’s church community. Day’s mother established and grew local churches from the ground up throughout Austin, leading Day’s mother to grow their family’s church into a pillar of their Texas community. Their living room sanctuary became the community’s sanctuary.

Since then, her revolutionary app has met incredible success. Excelling in the marketplace, Day received the 2019 Essence New Voices Pitch Competition and the Texas Black Expo CEO and Roundtable Pitch Competition, all while Church Space was still building itself from the ground up. Dubbed the “Airbnb” for Churches by CBN News, Church Space continues to re-imagined revenue-generating models and systems for the Christian marketplace.

“Watching my mother taught me a lot about building for your community and how churches are effectively established and launched. She showed me what both evangelism and successfully launching businesses and nonprofits looked like.”

“Since working with Church Space we have been able to afford more mission trips, and reconnect with our community by renting space to local businesses and event hosts,” said satisfied Church Space user Pastor Tony Ervin of Houston. “I would have never thought renting our space could have yielded over $23,0000 while increasing our churches’ attendance and community support.”

While this day-to-day exposure to the power of communal worship always directed Day’s work and interest to some degree, one event in par-

These are the types of responses to Church Space that makes this work worthwhile, according to Day. “My most rewarding moments are

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always just helping local churches gain revenue, then watching them help their local communities flourish with that extra revenue. It’s all a domino effect”.

not be women or people of color) get exactly what they ask for. It’s ok to come to the table with your demands,” Day says.

It was through these lessons that she bolstered Even with this success, Day still had her chalher passion. Day’s desire to complete God’s lenges. As a Black woman entrepreneur, she’s will by helping ministries flourish mirrors her had to learn how to advocate for herself first ability to inspire other aspiring black women and foremost. “My biggest lesson has been to entrepreneurs in the tech space. Her advice to ask for what is deserved of my work; to never those pursuing their own successful enterprise? hold back because I’m a woman or a woman “Keep going and be loud about your brand of color. Being involved with multiple networks and your access. Oftentimes we get overlooked of diverse women, I realized that most times, as and we have to be our own cheerleaders, our women of color, we don’t articulate what we own walking billboards. Rely on yourself and want while watching our counterparts (who may know your worth.”

“A must read handbook for the twenty-first century professional.”

– Olivia Fox Cabane, Author of The Charisma Myth

Negotiating

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Leadership Communication Networking Management Hiring … and much more!

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PUBLIC RELATIONS & MARKETING TIPS

Your Brand Amplified™: Meaningful Holiday Campaigns

Holiday time is upon us once again. In a pandemic, where Halloween was "canceled" in many parts of the country, how do you help your Brand stand out for the holidays and continue to establish a relationship with your partners, clients, and customers?

Company Messaging There is no better time to start than immediately! If you don't have a company newsletter, I cannot stress how this needs to be part of your ongoing marketing and PR strategy. While no one likes to be inundated with email, a once a week message is a great way to communicate with your audience and continue to build brand loyalty.

If you don't want to recognize every faith's holidays, that is ok. You can still get into the holiday spirit! An easy way to do this is to stay attuned to your client or customers' needs and wants. This year, with everything that has gone on in the world around us, it is more important than ever to make sure you are providing information that is timely, relevant, and uplifting.

Everyone can use a break from the day-to-day stress of daily life, whether they're unsure about work, dealing with home school while working from home, or any of the number of issues that have been brought upon us.

Share what you are doing to give back and to promote the spirit of the holidays in your newsletters and on your social media.

For Thanksgiving, share what you are thankful for as a company, as well as individuals; sharing what your team is grateful for creates content for your social media and other communications outlets and personalizes the company.

If your team or company volunteers or makes donations to local shelters or food organizations, share photos! Do not be afraid to share what you are doing.

If you participate in Christmas or other holidays, create a countdown on your social feeds, websites, and newsletters with fun facts for each day, favorite Christmas movies and memories, and unique "Deals of the Day".

Corporate Gifting For those higher up on your Thank You list, it's always a good idea to send gifts and cards the old-fashioned way – aka the USPS or another delivery service.

People like receiving meaningful mail.

For my company, I created a client Google form asking them for a mailing address, their favorite dessert, their favorite charity, and key members of their teams whom I should also be asking. Spoiler alert, with two clients who have delicious gourmet treats, everyone

on my personal and corporate lists are likely to get something from one of them or both of them!

Here are a few tips: If you need to, segment your lists by size of the customer, importance, or other customer/ client loyalty measures, and allocate a certain budget or type of item for each category.

Send out a hand-written holiday card where possible or a personalized message if sending a gift sent directly from a company.

If you are a business with many customers, create a general video message to use on social media and send to your customers.

Support small and Black-owned businesses – you can even share your favorites on social media and in your company newsletter, creating goodwill across social media!

Charitable donations towards your clients' favorite causes, or your favorite cause in their honor, are also great ways to go to show your appreciation.

Team Building Make sure that your team feels appreciated during this holiday season. One of the biggest morale builders you can offer is to take care of your team. Are they singles who have been alone for months? Young families who can't see their extended family? Or older folks who are experiencing loss at not seeing the grandkids? The messages you send internally, especially this year when you might not have been together for months, are more critical than ever. How can you connect authentically and lift their spirits?

Have your leadership create short, personalized videos on their phones for every team member, telling them how much they're appreciated and why. Text the first right before Thanksgiving telling them why you're grateful for them. Do it again before the New Year and mention a new goal to motivate and inspire them for 2021. There's no cost and the response will be overwhelming.

Do something good together. Select a local charity, adopt a family, send cards to your local responders, etc. Ask your team for their suggestions. Then figure out what you can do together (that you pay for). Or, if you opt to make a corporate donation because the usual opportunities to volunteer aren't on the agenda this year, don't simply sign the company's name. Include every team member's name (with their permission).

How is this PR, you ask? There is simply no better PR than a team that feels valued, appreciated and loved.

Special Thanks to my fellow Publicists for their suggestions and contributions!

Natalie Tate Phlox Partners Phloxpartners.com Jayne Morehouse Jayne & Company Jayneandco.com

Anika Jackson Owner- AnikaPR www.anikapr.com

HOW TO MAXIMIZE Advice From Business and Mindfulness Coach, Ayana O.

“From a place of gratitude, I am able to see a better tomorrow and work towards it, getting a little closer each day.”

-Ayana O. At various times in our lives, we tend to isolate ourselves from the external by choice or by circumstances, often because the outside world it too much to bare. But what if we isolated with intention? During these periods you can have your biggest breakthroughs and aha! moments. It helps you do more, be more, and creates a foundation prepared to catapult you.

1. Get Clear

3. Plan Your Future

5. Practice Mindfulness

Clarity is the key to everything! Having a clear vision of where you are and what you want to achieve is the foundation for maximizing your time and talent. Once you gain clarity, then you will be able to yield the most benefits by spending your time doing what you need to to get what you want.

Another great way to maximize your time during this period is to plan ahead. Start by writing down all the things you would like to do, be, and achieve, followed by all the things you deeply desire.

Mindfulness is purposely focusing your attention on the present moment, being intensely aware of what you are feeling and sensing in the moment and tuning in to be fully present

Without clarity there is ambiguity.

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Ambiguous goals - or even worse, no goals at all - can leave you feeling as though you are wondering in the dark, frustrated and demoralized. Instead, articulate a clear and specific vision of what you want to create and get familiar with what that looks like. Going back to that vision and its associated goals will be your compass.

Create a framework/outline on how you plan to achieve each goal, outlining what you have and what you need to achieve it using a technique like the SMART goal method. You may find some goals you do not want to pursue after all.

4. Organize I don’t have time for {blank}!

2. Journal

How often do you find yourself saying that? Where does the time go?

Journaling is a great way to get to know and discover all parts of you. It is a superb way transfer the problems from your head to paper, emptying the mind and freeing up mental resources for problem-solving instead of problem-storing. Journaling will excell your capacity for creativity - putting it on paper frees up your valuable mental creative space!

A major contributing factor for feeling overwhelmed, underproductive is that we do not manage our time effectively. We mismanage our most precious resource - TIME. Reclaim your time by staying in, not commuting, practicing social distancing, use it to get organized and implement time management tools and habits that will set you up for long term success.

Going through your day mindfully eliminates distractions, reduces stress and anxiety, and improves consistency - all of which contribute to being able to maximize you.

No one said life would be easy, but with the right tools you will able to gain optimal results and avoid some major pitfalls along the way if you are able to create a solid foundation and maximize your time and talents.

Remember: whatever you do today, make a difference in your own way.

Ayana O. Business & Mindfulness COach Visit linktr.ee/CoachAyana0 for more!

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Women to Watch: C: Renee Wilson Entrepreneur, Founder, and Leader Among Women

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C. Renee Wilson is an entrepreneurial force. After a number of years gaining recognition consulting in the wealth building and business development arenas, she decided to use her ambition and passion to help others maximize their potential. Wilson’s story epitomizes the spirit of black entrepreneurship and women solidarity; using

the success you’ve gained to uplift others.

Wilson grew up in Bakertown, Louisiana and spent her youth watching her mother and grandparents constantly giving. As active members of their ministry, generosity and selflessness were always at the core of their service. Wilson admittedly never saw

herself pursuing that kind of work. “As a young girl I thought, ‘Why do they always have to do stuff for other people?’” Wilson said in an interview on Equity Movement TV, the media platform for unique financial wellness consortiums called Equity Movement and Man Cave that she is building with real estate mogul Julius Cartwright.

“But as I got older I started to realize that there’s something very fulfilling about doing something for other people.” And so, over the course of seven years, Wilson used these values to build the legacy of her primary business venture: Women’s Inflection Point.

cast, Women Acquiring Assets, and the Women Acquiring Assets section of Equity Movement Magazine) have reached hundreds of aspiring women of all ages and ethnicities to help them reach their fullest potential.

“I have women of all different ages and ethnicities that have connected, are doing business together, and have grown their own platforms through the engagements they’ve had through [WIP]. I love connecting people to what and who they need to be connected to for their success.” Wilson says. “Women’s Inflection Point is an incredibly diverse community; which is how we expose Women’s Inflection Point (WIP), which began in ourselves to new perspectives and think beyond 2016, whose approach, strategies, resources, biases. There’s something to be said for getting and mission all revolve around helping women women of different backgrounds together.” organically reach their maximum potential in each of their life cycle stages.

All of Wilson’s success did not come without its challenges. But following every obstacle, was her greatest success.

The organization takes the unique approach of focusing on three tiers of the Maslow’s Hierar- “The most rewarding moment is always right bechy of Needs pyramid: Physiological (your well- fore I’m about to give up,” Wilson says. “It’s like ness), Safety (your money), and Self-Actualiza- when everything is going wrong - the speaker tion (yourself). “I felt it would be helpful to build cancels the morning of or the financial supporter the platform based on something people were runs out of money to give - you start to ask yourfamiliar with,” Wilson explained. “Most people self why? But when you keep going, even if you I speak with are very familiar with Maslow’s the- can’t see the outcome, as long as you believe in ory. Maslow’s also covered the key areas that I what you’re doing, it always works out. As I look wish I knew and had practiced early in life.” back, I realize that no matter what the challenge was, the people came, the feedback was great, And therein lies the revolutionary essence of and I made a difference in people’s lives. And WIP. The program is so unique not only because I wouldn’t have gotten there had I quit. If you of its fundamentally holistic framework, but also don’t keep going, you never get to know what because of the pure authenticity in its intent. At your full potential looks like,” Wilson says. the core of WIP is a set of values, habits, and skills that Wilson wished she had known at her Perseverance as the key to maximizing potential various phases in life. is reflected at the core of WIP and at the core of Wilson’s life experiences. “No matter how many “My experiences along my 62 year journey have times you get knocked down you always and led me to become very passionate about helping must get back up. You must keep moving. My other women not make some of the same mis- favorite thing to say to my son, Darryl, all the takes I made. As I look in my rearview mirror, time…. The Miracle is in the Movement!” caring for myself is not something I did and today those decisions have had a major impact on me,” Wilson says. “My way of helping women is through my platform Women’s Inflection Point.”

And it’s working. Overall, the non-profit and its corresponding media platforms (namely its pod-

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CRYSTAL CLEAR REALTY B U Y I N G O R S E L L I N G T H E C H O I C E I S C R Y S T A L C L E A R 7 8 5 - 5 5 0 - 3 4 2 4 W W W . M Y A G E N T S E L L E R . C O M / C R Y S T A L - S W E A R I N G E N

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