Hickory Living August 2020

Complimentary August 2020 On the Cover

Womneenss

Celebrating

Styles for All Ages page 10

In Busi

page 19–27

HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2020

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HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2020

935 4th Street Drive, NE, Suite 4 Hickory, NC 28601

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HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2020

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contents

AUGUST 2020

MacAdam Smith Publisher mac@oasisluxuryhomes.com (484) 769-7445

FEATURES 10 • COVER STORY Aqua B Boutique Styles for All Ages

16

16 • BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Scenic View Landscapes Exceeding Expectations in Outdoor Design

CELEBRATING WOMEN IN BUSINESS...

23 • Women Business Owners Making Opportunities to Create Success

Kathy Wheeler Design & Advertising Sales kathylivingmagazine@gmail.com (828) 238-3224

Sharon Simpson Advertising Director sharon@lncurrents.com (704) 677-9159

27 • Strategic Planning for Small Businesses 21 • Grace MacLaurin, PA-C 22 • Regina Stiltner 25 • Kabo Williams 26 • Diana Williams, MSN, FNP-C, IFMC

22 Hickory

LIVING 10225 Hickorywood Hill Ave., Unit A Huntersville, NC 28078 (484) 769-7445 HickoryLiving@gmail.com

www.HickoryLivingMagazine.com 4

HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2020

Linda B. Wilson Advertising Sales lindalivingmagazine@gmail.com (704) 657-0237

IN THIS ISSUE 8 • Welcome To The August Issue 33 • What’s Cooking Carrot Cake Hickory Living reserves the right to deny any advertisement or listing. Submissions are welcome, but unsolicited materials are not guaranteed to be returned. Hickory Living assumes no responsibility or liability for the information, services, products, claims, statements, accuracy, or intended or unintended results of any advertiser, editorial contributors, company, professional corporation, business or service provider herein this publication. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

Don Forrest Advertising Sales donlivingmagazine@gmail.com (828) 244-6538

contributors

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kristie Darling • Kathy Wheeler

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Shane Greene Photography

HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2020

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HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2020

The Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton and The Law Office of

Helton, Cody

Blair E. Cody, III have Merged.

& Associates, PLLC

AREAS OF PRACTICE: • Divorce • Personal Injury • Workers Compensation • Criminal Defense • Traffic Violations • Social Security Disability • DWIs • Wills & Estates • Child Custody and Support • Immigration

HickoryLIVING

Pictured: Blair E. Cody, III (left) Lyndon R. Helton (right)

828-328-9966 827 Highland Ave. NE Hickory, NC (located near Lenoir-Rhyne University)

www.HeltonCody.com HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2020

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Welcome to the

net and play badminton or volleyball. While at home, it’s a good excuse to involve and teach children about yard work. Who knows, they may love it and you can just delegate that chore to them! When the work is done, pack a cooler of ice cream and take a trip to the park.

August Issue

By Kathy Wheeler

This month in Hickory Living magazine we are Celebrating Women in Business! You will find mini interviews with some of Catawba County’s finest female entrepreneurs who are thriving in the business world. If starting a business is your dream, these ladies are inspiring. Check it out!

Speaking of amazing women, Hickory Living is proud to feature Aqua B Boutique on the cover this month. Owner Michele Willis is passionate about fashion and has expanded from one store to four over the years. Like many of us women, she has a family and a career, and makes it all work beautifully!

You will find a few articles with tips on getting more done and making a plan for your business. Maybe you’ve considered starting an online business or working from home. Some of these tips are good for not only business owners but those running a household alike!

Delegating chores, setting goals, and streamlining tasks are key!

©iStockphoto.com | goldenKB

S

chool starts in August, but this year, back-to-school will look different. At the time I’m writing this article, the governor has approved that schools will open August 17th in Plan B mode––a combination of on-site and remote learning. Everyone will be required to wear a face covering while at school and on the bus. However, parents can choose a 100% remote learning option for their children through Online Catawba K-12 Virtual Academy. For more information visit www.catawbaschools.net.

With children spending more time at home, make sure they get some exercise and spend time outdoors. Your own backyard is a good place to start!

Pitch a tent and let them camp out. Build a firepit, roast marshmallows and make s’mores. If you don’t have access to a pool or the lake, turn the sprinkler system on, pull out the squirt guns and have some fun! Set up a

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HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2020

Since businesses are getting back to somewhat normal from the COVID-19 shutdowns, we thought it would be a great opportunity to recognize them while creating some fun for our readers. We’re having a contest! The Best of the Foothills is Hickory Living’s Reader’s Choice Awards, and voting starts this month.

Visit our website at hickorylivingmagazine. com and let local businesses know that you support them by voting for your favorite in each category! In November, we will tally the votes and present plaques to the winners and announce them in our December issue! Good luck everyone!

We hope you enjoy the August issue. Thank you for reading Hickory Living magazine!

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on the cover

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HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2020

Styles for All Ages

By Kristie Darling | Photos by Shane Greene Photography

Style

is a reflection of your attitude and your personality. At Aqua B Boutique, they strive to help shoppers find styles that meet their unique needs.

Upon entering the Hickory store, located downtown on The Square, you’ll be greeted by a knowledgeable sales staff that is eager to help. Their friendly and creative staff know how to help you feel beautiful, and most importantly, comfortable in your own skin. Picking out the perfect outfit and matching accessories can do that, don’t you think?

“Over the last nine years, we’ve made so many friends in the Hickory area,” Michele Willis shared, “and we are ever so thankful that they trust our opinions and the styles we carry in our stores. Many have chosen us as their personal shoppers, and we love that!” Michele is Aqua B’s owner, entrepreneur, and fashionista par excellence. She has built a specialty enterprise of stylish boutiques in our area with locations in Hickory, Mooresville, Morganton, and Blowing Rock.

They are proud to offer styles that appeal to women of all ages and sizes—XS to 3X at Hickory and Morganton locations and sizes XS to XL at Mooresville and Blowing Rock.

Many regular customers have spread the word throughout our region, and new customers come shopping all the time. Aqua B’s in-store experience is always friendly, helpful, and successful—you’ll find something you love at Aqua B!

Photo:

On the cover Michele Willis, owner of Aqua B Boutique and Lauren Curtis, Hickory’s store manager Opposite page With over 20 styles to choose from, these Southern Bliss fun and witty tees quickly became a customer favorite! This is Lauren’s favorite brand too and you’ll catch her wearing it often.

Above Left–ERIMISH is Aqua B’s most popular bracelets! They sell for $8 each or a set of 5 for $35. Allie is passionate about this brand and loves when customers want her help in matching an outfit with a gorgeous stack of Erimish bracelets.

Right–Aqua B is ALWAYS a fun shopping experience!

HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2020

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With a really fun, cutting edge online presence, Aqua B makes it very easy to browse, select, and purchase what you’re searching for. What could be easier?

TAKING ONLINE SHOPPING TO A TOTALLY FUN LEVEL What would a spontaneous fashion show on Facebook Live look like? Michele and her team have figured that out for their customers to enjoy and IT IS SUCH AMAZING FUN! “We’re now producing live fashion shows on our new CommentSold platform,” store manager, Lauren, explained. “Every week we’re on Facebook Live for about 60 to 90 minutes. While you watch, we try on and model clothes for you and suggest complementary accessories.

It’s Facebook Live, so you can ask questions throughout the show. It really is the easiest way to shop whether you’re local or not.” CommentSold is the newest high-tech, soft touch shopping experience, and it’s taking off like wildfire.

Plus, you don’t have to leave home! If you decide you want something you love, you’ll automatically get an invoice through Facebook. To learn more about the next CommentSold fashion show at Aqua B, visit their Facebook page (Aqua B Boutique) for updates.

Photos, above, top to bottom:

• No matter the occasion, Aqua B’s helpful staff will assist you in finding the perfect outfit. Sabrina, one of their fabulous team leads, is always smiling and eager to help.

• Graphic tees are a huge trend right now! Stop by and let Lexi show you our newest graphic tees.

• Stop by one of their four locations to see what’s new at Aqua B. 12

HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2020

A FULLY STOCKED WEBSITE Of course, you can check out Aqua B’s new merchandise every day, 24/7, at www.SHOPAQUAB.com. The inviting website has well over 1,000 products to scroll through until you find just the right dresses, rompers, tops, bottoms, jeans, tees, shorts, kimonos, scarves, belts, shoes, bags, hats and beanies, bralettes, jewelry, wristlets, gifts, body care products, and even stylish face masks. I love how they have a specific link to curvy sizes. You never need to be concerned about the quality of the selections. “We choose the softest fabrics that feel so good to wear from a variety of popular, well-known labels,” team lead, Sabrina, told me. “We focus on what’s in style, what’s comfortable, what is easy to wear, and what looks great. And, we hand-select brands and individual pieces with our customers’ tastes in mind.” Aqua B has a large FB presence at Aqua B Boutique and Instagram at aquab_boutique. You can choose free in-store pickup, and there’s free shipping on purchases of $75+ or a $5 flat rate. Gift certificates can be purchased online and in the stores.

WHAT’S IN STORE “Every day there’s something new online and in the store,” Anissa Demiter said, and I sensed she wanted to get out her latest finds to show me! “My 14-year-old daughter, Sydnie, and I shop together, and we always find something we fall in love with. It doesn’t matter that we’re years apart,

the styles here crossover for many of us moms and daughters who need to plan a serious back-to-school excursion or enjoy a spontaneous drop-in shopping spree. We pick up a lot of gifts here, too, for her girlfriends and mine!”

The labels you’ll find at Aqua B are fun, flirty, wellmade, and very affordable. Favorites are Z Supply, Free People, BedStu, Lucky Brand, Southern Bliss, Simply Southern, Vintage Havana, Erimish, O-Venture Rings, Teleties, Natural Life, and more. Stop by your local Aqua B to shop these awesome brands plus so much more!

Look for a return of Sip N Shops. “When the time is right, we’ll begin hosting casual in-store parties again to celebrate how thankful we are for our wonderful customers,” Lauren said. “It’s a fun time when we offer giveaways, discounts, and fun beverages.”

MAKING THE PERFECT CHOICE The Aqua B team knows their stuff, and they want to share their expertise, knowledge, and fashion sense with you—perhaps as your new personal shopper!

As the company’s visual merchandiser, Laurel travels to each store weekly to keep the stores fully stocked, easy to navigate, and looking great. In addition to Lauren, the store manager and Sabrina, one of their team leads, you’ll also find pictured some of their part-time sales associates—Allie, the talkative, helpful one who never meets a stranger; Abbey, totally organized, eager to help you find the perfect piece; and Lexi, super fun, ready for you to find whatever it is you need for your next outing. They are on hand to let you wander about on your own or answer questions, make suggestions, or get crazy with something totally new and different!

WHAT’S NEXT? “We’ll transition into fall in late August,” Michele said, “and the styles we’ve already ordered for cooler weather are amazing. We don’t want to give away too much, but it looks like fall 2020 is going to be a fun season with lots of graphic tees and tie-dye. I sincerely hope anyone who hasn’t been to Aqua B will think about coming in soon to see what’s next.”

HICKORY 262 Union Square

Photos, above, top to bottom: • Have you checked out the large Simply Southern section? This is one of Abbey’s favorite brands, and with all the fun accessories

Aqua B offers, it’s easy to see why she loves it!

• Meet Laurel, the boutique’s very talented visual merchandiser!

Michele understands that helping women feel pretty is important, but she knows what’s also critical is making women feel comfortable, welcomed, and well-served. Her team is passionate about customer service. They work hard to make certain you’ll want to come back for more fun, more discoveries. “We’re always ready to help in a nopressure environment. We get compliments daily about our helpful, friendly assistance…we’re always wearing a smile.”

MOORESVILLE 688-B Bluefield Road

MORGANTON 114 West Union Street

BLOWING ROCK 110 Sunset Drive #1

www.shopaquab.com HICKORY LIVING •AUGUST 2020

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HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2020

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business spotlight

Photos:

Left–Kevin Sipe, landscape designer and owner of Scenic View Landscapes

© Shane Greene Photography

Above and opposite page–Nothing improves curb appeal like beautiful landscaping, but enjoying your outdoor spaces is just as important. Pictured are examples of Scenic View Landscapes’ work. Water features, firepits and hardscaping surrounded by beds of gorgeous plantings add to the appeal! (Photos provided by Scenic View Landscapes)

school, advancing to a degree in Landscape Horticulture from NC State. Twenty years later, he’s established Catawba County’s leading landscape team. Now, Kevin’s role is more coach, motivator, role model. He explained, “We’re not just selling the space—the landscape—we’re all about giving our clients a noticeably better experience.”

LANDSCAPES,LLC

Exceeding Expectations in Outdoor Design

By Kristie Darling

“My team is always thinking about this question: How can we do this so it exceeds expectations? I want clients to say, ‘Your workmanship and customer service are like the difference between a fast food burger and something totally delicious, cooked just right, at the finest steak restaurant. I’d heard Scenic View was among the best—now I know it’s true.’”

Since 2000, Kevin has operated a top-quality business specializing in creative landscaping and design services for people looking for the best. He learned from the ground up, pun intended. He started out with a yard mowing enterprise in high 16

HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2020

Each year, Kevin’s team focuses on one concept to grow the team and make improvements. In 2020, it’s PRO-ACTIVE. “We’re identifying ways to work pro-actively, not reactively,” Kevin explained, “so you can say, without hesitation, that our experience together was the best you’ve ever had with any service company—plumbers, electricians, whoever.” The team is trained around this mission...excellence in creative design innovation, professional integrity, and quality business practices that exceed client expectations…and the core values of honesty, integrity, attention to the customer’s desires. This business model has earned Scenic View a reputation as one of the very best. “We’re blessed, even with ups and downs, to continue to stand apart from mediocrity and create landscapes that reflect exactly what our clients want for their home.”

Scenic View’s highly desired service—creating and maintaining quality landscapes—is not offered by mowing crews. Clients

include new homeowners starting from scratch, those with established yards and gardens, and property owners needing major rejuvenation.

Whether the team is discussing expansive new-home designs, a landscape makeover, creating beds, outdoor lighting, grading, sowing, sodding, planting, or hardscapes, Kevin starts by listening carefully. “The personal attention we give sets us apart, I believe. To see the vision they have in their mind’s eye, to hear what they want. Do they enjoy lots of

gardening time or is less yardwork a goal?

Should we maintain everything from lawn to plants to seasonal debris? What does the family do outdoors—swing in a shaded hammock, entertain with friends and family, do they enjoy cut flowers on the table?” Kevin asks. “I’ll show drawings, videos, photos, but first I need a clear understanding of their lifestyle.

With this input, my team will get it right—the first time.”

Kevin Sipe is an expert in the landscape design industry. Start with the best if

you’re dreaming of a beautifully landscaped home. A consultation with Kevin ensures creativity, prompt service, and of course, beauty. “We treasure our client relationships,” Kevin shared. “We really do put our clients first—they’re like family. I’m blessed to perform this work. That’s how I look at every day.”

Scenic View Landscapes 828-256-2517 736 17th Street SW Hickory, NC 28602 scenicviewlandscapes.net

Welcomes

Todd L. Fridley, DO, FACOS Dr. Fridley received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia, and completed his residency as Chief Surgical Resident at Grandview Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio. Carolina Surgery & Cancer Center is proud to welcome Dr. Fridley as part of their surgical team, and his family to the Hickory area.

Pictured above from left to right: Susan Pabst, MD, FACS; Todd L. Fridley, DO, FACOS; & Bryan McCluer, MD, FACS

“The level of trust given to a surgeon by his or her patients is something I believe is earned with the care provided before, during, and after their procedure. I strive to provide excellent care in each phase of treatment in an effort to gain and maintain that unique level of trust while obtaining good outcomes for my patients.”

1501 Tate Blvd SE, Suite 202 • Hickory, NC 28602 • Tel: 828-485-2707 • Fax: 828-485-2708 • carolinasurgerycenter.com HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2020

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HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2020

successful powerful passionate

Celebrating

Women In Business Š iStockphoto.com | MangoStar_Studio

Hickory Living is proud to celebrate women in business this month. On the following pages, you will meet successful women in our area who are following their passion. They possess an entrepreneurial spirit and the ambition and positive outlook that it takes to grow their businesses. We appreciate all that they contribute to our local economy, and we celebrate their success!

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HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2020

Women in Business

Grace McLaurin is a physician assistant, owner and partner in Vitality Anti-Aging Center, Vitality Surgical Center, V-Infusion Hydration Center, and owner of Aesthetic Consulting & Training (ACT) in Hickory. The group offers integrative health and non-surgical aesthetics, such as Botox, dermal fillers, Cooltone, CoolSculpting, BodyTite, FaceTite, Cellfina, PRP, plastic surgery, hydration therapy, nutrition counseling, weight management, skincare, and more.

Grace has a BA in Education from UNC-Charlotte. This month she begins working on her Doctorate in Medical Sciences with a concentration in Administration.

How did you decide on this career track?

I have always loved medicine. I grew up in a medical family and realized when I was young the importance of being healthy on the inside and looking healthy on the outside. I started Vitality AntiAging Center in 2006 with just five employees. We have grown every year. In 2014, we moved to Moretz Mills and continue to add cutting edge aesthetic and health services that men and women are looking for, such as infusion hydration therapy, surgical aesthetics, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, weight loss programs, and more. We offer direct pay medicine, as well.

What awards or industry recognition have you received?

We won Aesthetic Everything Awards, which are made through the Premiere Aesthetics Network, the largest network of aesthetic professionals in the world. Our awards are Best Injector, Best Physician Assistant, Best Female Business Owner, and Best Med Spa East.

© Shane Greene Photography

Grace McLaurin, PA-C Owner and partner in:

What are the latest trends in your field?

Jawline sculpting, body contouring, lip injections, and PRP are huge now. Vitality offers non-surgical options that can help people achieve the body they have always dreamed of. Clients are very interested in preventative health and vitamin infusion for better health in many areas.

If you had a motto (or you already do), what would it be?

Above all, be kind.

What do you believe sets you apart from others?

Over the years, we have become an industry leader and nationwide instructors in our field. We research, train in, and incorporate cutting edge services and techniques offering extensive options and comprehensive care. Our services, treatments, and packages are customized for each individual’s needs.

Where Health and Beauty Meet®

How are you creatively doing business during the COVID-19 economic shutdown? In several ways: We have created at-home facial boxes, increased telemed opportunities to provide clinical services to patients without an in-person visit, and can consult via telephone and FaceTime. In addition, we’re now offering an on-line weight loss program.

HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2020

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Women in Business

What do you offer?

We offer one heck of a laid-back boutique experience! If you leave feeling welcomed and appreciated, with or without a Splentique bag, we’ve accomplished our goal. Private, no pressure shopping.

Several days each week you can reserve Splentique for a private one-on-one experience, a small group of friends, or small party.

Book it through splentique.net or social media. We love hosting Facebook shopping parties! Message us!

What awards have you received?

2018/2019 Finest Clothing Store in Catawba County 2019 Finest Business in Downtown Hickory 2019 Business. Well. Crafted. award from the city of Hickory What are the latest trends?

Currently I’m more focused on what’s needed than trends. So, we have beautiful products that are relevant to what we’re going through personally—we might need fashion facemasks more than new denim or to find sanitizers because big box stores can’t. However, beautiful clothing, shoes, and accessories are always a given at Splentique.

What are your future goals?

To design and produce most of my products regionally and not rely on vendors to design something my customers love. Having domestic resources easily accessible is critical to my company’s success and can be disrupted in these times. Yes, I would like another location, but I feel the days of having a 500+ store presence is over.

Customers are shopping differently and I’m not sure that having the overhead of that many brick and mortar locations is healthy.

HickoryLIVING

Regina Stiltner Owner of:

Regina Stiltner has been in retail for over 20 years. She started in sales with a family owned business that became a 300+ store chain and advanced from district manager, to a zone manager of learning and development, and finally the head of visual merchandising. She decided to move back to North Carolina, and worked at Talbots where she left as director of sales-NC/VA. Regina wanted to create a company that nurtured deep rooted relationships, offered awesome products, and gave back to its community. She did just that when she opened Splentique!

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HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2020

What’s your motto?

Abraham Lincoln said, “If I only had an hour to chop down a tree, I would spend the first 45 minutes sharpening my axe.” I love that, but during COVID I didn’t even have an hour! The tree just came down and almost landed on me! However, it’s clear 2020 is a time to slow down, reflect, and sharpen my axe.

How are you creatively operating during the COVID changes?

I learned early on not to mistake activity with achievement. I tried new things; some worked, others failed. My top success stories: 1. Sell the experience. I sold prepackaged retail therapy kits. Beauty, coffee enthusiast, wine lover, jewelry lover—little prepackaged kits for the shutdown.

2. Sell the experience with more connections online, approaching online shopping parties like in-store experiences and connecting with people who showed up. I was thoughtful with their orders and asked questions. Result? Incredible friends!

3. Sell the experience. I made it easy to shop. Curbside pickup, free shipping, and public hours plus days dedicated to women desiring an exclusive experience. Sales are up; overhead is down.

And, I’m spending more time with family…makes me happy.

Open Thursday - Saturday 11–5 • Private Shopping Mon-Wed 246 Union Square NW D, Hickory • 828.838.1449 • splentique.net

Women Business Owners Making Opportunities to Create Success

By Kristie Darling

©iStockphoto.com | jacoblund

More and more, we’re finding that the people we do business with are women.

Some may be business newbies learning by the seat of their pants, while others are highly educated with numerous degrees, but all are motivated to pursue their passion. Throw in family dynamics and personal responsibilities, and we may wonder how they do it all, while they may be asking themselves, “What did I get myself into?” We meet these amazing and creative women every day, and they are pulling it off!

Running a business isn’t easy! Small business owners have to wear a lot of

hats, and each person has their own image of success. We’re sharing ideas you might consider to help your enterprise run a little smoother so you can do more of what you love and less of what you don’t.

Different businesses create different challenges.

Is getting more done each day, month, or quarter critical? Is finding and keeping quality employees the major challenge? Is paying staff better wages your priority? Creating more customers and clients? Getting out of debt? Figuring out how to not be doing it all yourself?

Before we begin talking about ideas on how to get to your goals and where you want to be, think about what success means to you and write it down!

TIME, ENERGY, PEOPLE, SUCCESS Ever think you’ll never get it all done?

That you might literally explode before you close up shop? Here are some ideas: Make sure you hire the right people… responsible people who can take on some of your load. Dig deep when interviewing potential employees to find out what responsibilities they’ve successfully managed before, and translate HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2020

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those skills into how they could take on, say maintaining inventory, contacting customers, doing all the shipping and handling, cleaning up the office or shop, ordering products or supplies, doing payroll, greeting walk-ins…the list goes on. So, while you’re thinking about this, write down all the roles and responsibilities you now have that someone on your team could assume.

Delegate, delegate, delegate. This carries over to your at-home workload, too. Now you’ve got multi-talented staff who know how to make a bank deposit, open or close up shop, keep the staff room cleaned and stocked, think about the skill set living at your house and remember to delegate whenever you can. Perhaps your spouse or roommate has fallen down on their part of the bargain. Could your teenager take the dog to the groomer? Do your middle schoolers do laundry?

The dishes? We know women’s work is

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HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2020

never done, but it doesn’t always have to be done by the woman!

Streamline what needs to get done so you’re not always reinventing the wheel. You might need to start with a spreadsheet of tasks, goals, activities for particular situations, but eventually you will establish shortcuts, shorter lists, and shorter timelines. KISS, or keep it simple, stupid, is a helpful mantra when overwhelmed looks like your next landing place.

Partner in your field of business and community. It never hurts to learn from others, even people who might be considered competitors. If you extend your hand to other women in business for conversation, exchange of ideas, sharing, and collaboration, you may find that there’s plenty of work, customers, opportunities, and knowledge to go around. Opening up to community resources can also reveal an attitude

of abundance and strength you didn’t know existed out there in the so-called, “cut-throat world of business.” A woman’s touch is always good.

Relax. Know that you and the people around you at work and at home will be all right. Perhaps some tasks didn’t get done this week or this month.

Maybe it’s time to evaluate just how important that project is. Re-assign, re-design, re-evaluate, re-place, relocate, re-purpose and remove are ways to start over and do better next time.

And, of course, remember, not everything needs fixed or changed to create success, just those areas that impede getting to your goal—you know, the one you wrote down when we started?

What was that again?

To all women business owners out there—you are awesome, bravo! Keep up the good work!

Women in Business

Following a career as a certified ophthalmic assistant and surgical assistant, Kabo pursued an interest in esthetics. She graduated from ANEW Vision Academy in 2015 as a licensed esthetician. She worked for a plastic surgeon/medical spa gaining invaluable knowledge and training before opening Polished From Head to Toe in 2017. Kabo has continued her education and has received certifications in lash artistry and lifting, advanced chemical peels, holistic skincare/ Gua Sha/facial massage, brow lamination, and speed waxing. Kabo is certified through Obagi and PCA Skincare.

Kabo Williams Licensed Esthetician, Certified Lash Artist and Owner of Polished from Head to Toe

How did you decide on this career?

I have always been fascinated with esthetics. It’s an ever-changing field with newer and better product advances and treatment modalities. Staying on top of what’s tried and true, what’s current and what’s best to offer my clients is what keeps me eager to continue learning more. I find it extremely

rewarding to be able to help my clients achieve beautiful healthy results, and I love seeing the confidence it inspires in them.

That is truly my greatest joy in this career.

What changes have you made over the last year?

I’ve added another licensed esthetician and a licensed massage therapist. I’m building a like-minded, skilled team to take care of our clients. I stress continuing education and training and make sure it’s available to the staff.

What are the latest trends in your field?

Lash lifts curl and lift your natural lashes.

They instantly appear longer and eyes appear more open. Results last six to eight weeks.

Brow lamination is a straight perm for your brows. It creates the look of fullness and added volume covering sparse areas. Results last eight to ten weeks.

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Women in Business

© Shane Greene Photography

Diana Williams, MSN, FNP-C, IFMCP Owner of Strategic Wellness Functional & Anti-Aging Medicine

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HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2020

Diana Williams is a board certified family nurse practitioner and functional medicine practitioner.

through healthy lifestyles/nutrition. We’ll partner with Catawba organizations focused on improving community health.

How did you decide on this career track? Healthcare has intrigued me since I was a child. Helping people find long-term wellness is what I enjoy the most. I worked in traditional medicine but wanted a natural approach, focusing on illness’ root cause, prevention, and helping people treat disease by understanding what made them sick in the first place, not suppressing symptoms with medication.

Latest trends in your field? Genomics and nutrigenomics. A family history of cancer, diabetes, or Alzheimer’s isn’t destiny for you. Genomic variations testing reveals what you might develop and you can prevent those with the right foods and supplements.

Healthier people will develop healthier families—and a healthier community. I want functional medicine’s more natural, holistic approach to be more accessible and acceptable, and make Catawba Valley the healthiest community in North Carolina.

What services do you offer? Functional wellness and medicine; bio-identical hormone replacement therapy; food sensitivity/ allergies; weight loss; treating IBS and IBD; aging; skin conditions; anxiety/depression; autoimmunity like Hashimotos/MS; infections like Lyme’s disease; genomics testing.

A 2021 goal is to address community-based wellness and disease prevention, emphasizing improved community outcomes

What sets you apart from others in your field? We’re all capable of healing.

Some people have lost hope, and my desire is to help them achieve wellness through functional medicine. We’re here on earth for a purpose; my purpose is to help you achieve optimal health and become empowered to serve out your greatest potential.

Strategic Planning for Small Businesses

By Kristie Darling

©iStockphoto.com | metamorworks

H

ave you ever heard this saying? “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” It’s true. Just like you wrote a business plan when you started your enterprise (a one-page list of ideas and goals?) or a three-ring binder plan required by the bank when you applied for a loan, planning doesn’t stop when you open the doors. In this context, strategic means, “identifying shortor long-term goals.” Planning means “linking your goals to your specific, measurable means of achieving them.” Two parts.

Huge corporations regularly invest time and energy to write strategic plans, and although you might not think you have those resources, success is in the balance. Make time, get input, be serious. Then, don’t just put it on a shelf. It’s required reading by all. As time goes by and goals are achieved—or not—strategic plans are revised, updated, and worked again.

It’s a process not an event.

Business owners sometimes have a great plan in their head but don’t share it with their people. If you think that will really get your business where you want it, reconsider. Lack of real clarity and consensus results in poor decisions…how can you make a good choice in a new sales associate or delivery driver, in what equipment you need to add, or new products to offer if the information about those issues is only floating around in your thoughts or feelings? Where’s the data, what’s the context? It’s better to invest the time and energy upfront making a plan than un-doing mistakes or paying the price of a bad move.

Also, don’t think that the world is too unpredictable or your business too simple to benefit from a good strategic plan. Is it time to create a written plan for your business during COVID? If you determine those things you can control and work that into your plan, you’ll be in a better position to cope with whatever comes up.

Here are some suggestions for your small business’ strategic plan for success:

1. Engage and involve your people. That includes owners, partners, employees, interns. Don’t be hesitant to share strategic information with your team. The truth is that those who work closest with your customers will be most helpful understanding their issues; they’ll help you discover solutions.

2. Perhaps talk with clients—would an online customer survey be helpful at this time? Make a point during your planning process to speak personally to customers when they are in your store or calling in for information. How did you hear about us? Did you find everything you need? Would you consider referring us to friends?

3. Everyone in the planning process should be comfortable talking about the business, their job, and even their personal goals. They should feel heard, understood, and included.

4. Don’t let the planning process drag on; get organized around getting it done. Explain what you want to accomplish with everyone involved so they can be most helpful.

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5. First, as a team, assess your business’ strengths, weaknesses, needs, values, and dreams. Then have each team member do the same for themselves. By understanding everyone’s strong and weak characteristics, creating and implementing the plan will be easier and more effective.

6. Revisit and review past plans and incorporate your find-

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ings into this planning session. Celebrate past successes!

7. Identify short-term goals (this week, this month) and long-term goals (this quarter, this year).

8. For every goal, strategize carefully how you will get this done. What are the steps? Who, specifically, is the person or people tasked to address and meet each goal? Make sure they have the resources of time, information, and authority to do the work needed.

9. Lay out a shared calendar or timeline of the plan going forward in a format that is easy to read and understand.

10. For each identified goal and its corresponding implementation, define how you will measure its successful completion. Is it when the new inventory worksheet is complete or when it is actually used? Is success when the break room includes a microwave and fridge so employees can have a place to eat in when necessary to keep from having to skip lunch? Is success when the product storage area is organized by type, date, and use and isn’t mixed in with everyone’s personal stuff anymore? Keep it simple but measurable.

11. You will want to revise your plan for incidences like COVID. You’ve had a trial run with recent shutdowns, so make notes about what worked and what didn’t.

12. When your plan is complete, write it up and have a meeting around the finished report. Clarify any questions, reassign tasks, if necessary. Make sure the road to implementation is well understood by everyone.

13. Once again, celebrate the success of completing your first or maybe your tenth strategic plan. This work can be as simple and specific or as complex and extended as you and your business require. But either way, it really is critical.

Take a deep breath as you move into the next steps of your business ownership journey. You are armed with good information, and there are plenty of resources out there to help you even more. You’ve come a long way to get where you are, and now, getting beyond today and into tomorrow will be easier and more rewarding.

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Our goal is to get you back to those you love and the life you love living.

You are in good hands at Conover Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. After an illness, surgery or injury, our team is dedicated to your recovery and safe transition back home!

• Rehab Wing with Central Gym and Indoor Track • Results Oriented Physical, Speech and Occupational Therapists In-House • Family Owned & Operated

Conover Nursing & Rehabilitation Center 828.695.8282

www.ConoverNursingandRehab.com

920 4th Street SW • Conover, NC 28613

2020

In these challenging times, we are here for you,

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as we all work together towards growth, face challenges and embrace new opportunities.

www.catawbachamber.org

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2020

Best of The FOOTHILLS HickoryLIVING READER’S CHOICE AWARD

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HICKORY LIVING'S READER'S CHOICE AWARDS

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Is there a small business that you have enjoyed shopping with or who offered you great customer service? Let them know by voting for your favorites! 2020’s Best of the Foothills winners will be announced in our December 2020 issue.

CATEGORIES 1. Auto Repair Services 2. Car Dealer 3. Insurance Company 4. Breakfast 5. Sandwich Shop 6. Fine Dining 7. Golf Course 8. Best Place for Cocktails/Wine 9. Fitness/Gym 10. Aesthetics/Med Spa 30

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11. Weight Loss 12. Day Spa/Massage/Facials 13. Hair Salon 14. Women’s Boutique 15. Dentist 16. Orthodontist 17. Chiropractor 18. Veterinarian 19. Pet Groomer 20. Law Firm

21. Hardware Store 22. Home Builder 23. Interior Design 24. Landscaper/Lawn Service 25. Nursery 26. Real Estate Agency 27. Consignment/Thrift Store 28. Wedding Venue 29. Jeweler 30. Caterer

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Celebrating Our 40th Anniversary!

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What's Cooking?!

Carrot Cake

Surprise your family with a dessert fit for the season. This Carrot Cake recipe is a traditional take on the timeless treat and created using everyday ingredients.

Find more dessert inspiration at Culinary.net.

Carrot Cake Culinary.net

2 ¼ cups flour 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon baking powder 1 cup vegetable oil 1 ¼ cups sugar 3 eggs 1 ½ cups carrots, shredded 1 cup crushed pineapple

with juice ²/³ cup walnuts Frosting: 2 packages (8 ounces each)

cream cheese ¾ cup butter, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 5 ½ cups powdered sugar Directions Heat oven to 350 F. In large bowl, sift flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and baking powder.

In mixing bowl, cream together oil and sugar. Add eggs one at a time. Gradually add in carrots and crushed pineapple.

Add dry mixture to wet ingredients and beat until smooth. Fold in walnuts.

Pour batter into two lightly greased 8-inch round cake pans and bake

25-30 minutes, or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely. Remove cakes from pans and slice off tops to level cakes.

To make frosting: In mixing bowl, cream together cream cheese, butter and vanilla. Gradually add in powdered sugar and mix until smooth.

Spread two large spoonfuls frosting over top of one cake and stack second cake on top. Frost entire cake with remaining frosting.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Culinary.net HICKORY LIVING • AUGUST 2020

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828.325.9849 828.328.3500 315 19th St. SE, Buildings 100 & 200, Hickory, NC 28602