15 minute read
Women on the Move
from FW February 2022
by Forsyth Mags
ASHLEY NASSAR WEEKS
Ashley Nassar Weeks is the owner of Nassar Creative. She has grown her agency from a single employee to five employees in just five years. Ashley has a degree in computer science and political science from UNC Wilmington. “After graduating and going on to corporate, I ended up in Greensboro working at Volvo Trucks,” said Ashley. “Eventually, I found myself dissatisfied with the corporate world, and I decided to take my passion for websites and my love for the community to start my own digital marketing business in 2016. What started as a business only building websites, quickly became a full-scale marketing agency offering branding, websites and a wide range of marketing services. I am motivated by helping business owners understand the technology side of a business and that it is much easier than they think once things are set up properly.” In her spare time, Ashley enjoys interior design, quilting, cross stitching, gardening, yoga and spending time with her husband and dogs.
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BAILEY PELLISSIER
Bailey Pellissier has been working as a coach at F45 for a little more than a year as a trainer. “I am in my senior year at Wake Forest double majoring in psychology and health and exercise science,” said Bailey. “I am also part of Delta Zeta, club basketball and Momentum dance crew. I am passionate about strengthening the mind body connection through flow states and finding ways to heal through the body. I am so grateful for my family who has instilled in me kindness, compassion and resilience.” In her spare time, Bailey enjoys yoga and dancing.
FREIDA MITCHELL
Freida Mitchell is the Events Manager for Reynolda House and Reynolda Gardens. Born and raised in Wilson, NC, she received her bachelor’s degree in advertising from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a professional baking and pastry certificate from the Illinois Institute of Art of Chicago. She has more than 16 years of experience in hospitality and event management which started in five-star hotels and restaurants in the Chicagoland area. “Hospitality isn’t what I do; it’s who I am,” said Freida. “I believe in making folks feel welcome and comfortable, wherever I am.” She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc, Vice-President of the Forsyth County Hotel Association and 2021 Leadership Winston-Salem graduate. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, cooking and baking French pastries for her husband Raymone, daughters Simone and Rhilyn and rescued pitbull puppy, Panda.
Joelle Irons is the Director of Finance and Operations at The Little Theatre of Winston-Salem. Joelle grew up outside of Richmond, Virginia, and recently moved to the Triad from Avenel, New Jersey, where she served as the Box Office Manager and Front of House Manager for the Avenel Performing Arts Center. She has lived and worked in a number of states and is enjoying making North Carolina her home, along with her husband and daughter. Her passion for theatre goes back to her childhood. Joelle homeschools her daughter and was able to get back into the theatre world by teaching acting at her homeschool co-op while living in Missouri. Once she decided to make a career in the performing arts, she began working towards her Masters in Presenting and Live Entertainment from University of Miami and is expecting to graduate in May of 2022. Joelle is enjoying growing The Little Theatre’s Education department and creating a fun, creative space for kids and adults. Once the audience is seated and the performance begins, she can be found in the lobby knitting her next sock.
KRISTEN WRIGHT
Kristen Wright is a certified physician assistant with Novant Health Heart and Vascular Institute. As a vascular and vein specialist, she is passionate about helping people get back their quality of life. “It’s seeing the joy return to my patients when they are able to do the simple things again; like going for a walk with a loved one or playing with their grandchildren that lets me know I’m making a difference and improving their everyday lives,” said Kristen. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Campbell University in 2011, an associates degree in cardiovascular technology from Central Georgia Technical College in 2014 and a masters degree in physician assistant studies from Eastern Virginia Medical School in 2018. In her spare time, Kristen enjoys watching hockey. “When not working, you can find me at a Carolina Hurricanes or Carolina Thunderbirds game with my husband, Zack. We also have one dog and one cat, Ben and Gambit.”
MOLLIE BRADFORD
Mollie Bradford is the owner of Mollie B. Marketing & Creative, LLC. She has a degree in fashion marketing from the Art Institute of Charlotte. In April, Mollie will celebrate four years of full-time entrepreneurship. “I recently celebrated two years since returning to my hometown of Winston-Salem after living in Charlotte and NYC for seven and a half years,” said Mollie. “I really found a passion for the wedding/events industry, having worked as a high-end bridal consultant and stylist. I appreciate the heart-centric nature of the industry. My degree in fashion marketing has led me to launch my own full-time career under my boutique agency, Mollie B. Marketing and Creative (which I launched in Spring of 2018). Crafting impact through storytelling and purposeful branding for small business owners is what brings me joy! I have met some of the best people in the Camel City and am working on projects like The Little Chapel at Haven Ridge (a family owned sanctuary) with my dad that allows me to pour that love back into the community that raised me!” In her spare time, Mollie enjoys spending time in nature, singing, songwriting, home decorating and design projects as well as teaching herself woodworking and always dreaming up new spaces, hoping to one day design her very own treehouse! She also loves spending time with her family including her Goldendoodle, Ludo.
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FEBRUARY 4-6
SAREH NOURI BRIDAL TRUNK SHOW
Nitsa’s Apparel, 107 South Stratford Rd in W-S. Nitsa’s offers the finest selection of designer couture bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, veils, accessories, social occasion and cocktail dresses and sportswear. As the Carolinas’ Couture Bridal Salon, Nitsa’s provides its signature personal service and exceptional in-house alterations. Fabulous since 1964! #wewearnitsas
FEBRUARY 5
THE 14TH ANNUAL BREAKFAST AT SIMPLY STERLING & COMPANY
9am-5pm, The Village at Robinhood, 5275 Robinhood Village Drive in W-S. Enjoy special storewide sales and promotions as well as the launch of new lines and collections from all your favorites. “Gift bags” filled with awesome surprises for the first 25 purchasing guests. There will also be a special morning treat from 9am-12pm. Simplysterling.com
DATE NIGHT – CORNHOLE BOARDS AT HAMMER & STAIN
7pm, Hammer & Stain Yadkin Valley, 507 West Kapp Street in Dobson. Customize your project in studio with your choice of stain and paint colors. This registration will allow for two adults to work on one set. Dinner will be provided; please bring your own beverage. Cost: $200/project. www.hammerandstainyvnc.com
FEBRUARY 6
COZY KNIT BLANKETS AT HAMMER & STAIN
2pm, Hammer & Stain Yadkin Valley, 507 West Kapp Street in Dobson. Each maker will get 140 yards of cozy chenille yarn, and your throw will measure approx. 40” x 60” (actual size will vary per person). You may note up to two colors that you prefer for your blanket in the order notes. This does not guarantee that both or either of the colors will be available to you, but we will do our best to accommodate your requests. There will be no refunds or cancellations due to lack of color availability. This registration allows for one adult to make one project. Cost: $75/ person. hammerandstainyvnc.com FAMILY FIRST: VALENTINE CARD WORKSHOP
2-4pm, Reynolda House Museum of American Art, 2250 Reynolda Rd in W-S. Registrants for the workshop have the option of attending in person or pre-ordering a kit full of materials for making valentines with video instructions. Participants will receive an assortment of materials for collage and stenciling or select the special watercolor valentine set, which will include a watercolor paint set, watercolor paper for cards and oil pastels. Advance registration is required. Family First is a series of two-hour workshops beginning at 2pm the first Sunday of each month for children in grades 1 through 6 and a favorite adult. Workshops include time in the museum to explore a work of art or decorative art. Cost: $30/person. reynolda.org
FEBRUARY 6 & 20
NAVIGATING JIM CROW: GREEN BOOK AND OASIS SPACES IN NC EXHIBIT
1-4pm, Mount Tabor United Methodist Church, 3543 Robinhood Rd in W-S. Presented in partnership with the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission. Self-guided exhibit to learn about the history of the Green Book sites in North Carolina that allowed African American communities to thrive, and that created “oasis spaces” for a variety of African American travelers. Open to the public. mttaborumc.org
FEBRUARY 10
GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT GALENTINE’S PARTY
5pm-until…, The Village Inn, 6205 Ramada Drive in Clemmons. Come and enjoy and Galentine’s Party! The fun-filled night will include food and drink specials as well as a photo booth. Grab a friend, a neighbor, your sister, your mother, a co-worker and have a much-needed Girls’ Night Out! As always, each attendee will receive four tickets for our fabulous prize board drawings! See ad on page 53 for more details.
FEBRUARY 11
FAMILY VALENTINE’S DANCE
6-9pm, Kaleideum North, 400 West Hanes Mill Road in W-S. Bring the family to Kaleideum North for an evening of food, fun, dancing and Valentine’s activities. Explore the museum through a scavenger hunt and be entered to win a prize. We’ll have a photographer on hand to take a picture of your family and email it to you after the event. Cost: $10/person. eventvesta.com CRAFT COCKTAILS + CHARCUTERIE CONES
7pm, Anna Howe Design, 108 North State Street in Yadkinville. In this workshop, Jessica from Thirsty Buffalo will teach you bartending basics, how to create a wellbalanced drink as well as cocktail crafting techniques. You’ll make and enjoy two different cocktails during the class. You’ll leave with a mini cocktail mixer (which makes five drinks) and a recipe card of the cocktails you created. There is an option to take home your bar tool kit for $25. While you’re sipping your drinks, you’ll learn the basics of Charcuterie Cones, which you’ll also be able to enjoy. Cost: $75/person. annahowedesign.com
FEBRUARY 13
KIDS’ AFTERNOON OUT
1:30-3:45pm, Fairgrounds Annex Ice Rink, 414 Deacon Boulevard in W-S. Get ready for some icy fun! Mention you’re there for Forsyth Family Magazine Kids’ Afternoon Out and get FREE admission; $3 skate rentals for kids and $5 skate rentals for skate helpers. Youth hockey and group lesson personnel will be on-hand to answer questions. And as always, each adult also receives four tickets for the fabulous prize board drawings.
FEBRUARY 19
MACRAME PLANT HANGER WORKSHOP
2pm, Anna Howe Design, 108 North State Street in Yadkinville. Come learn a fun new way to add greenery into your life and spaces without taking up too much floor or wall space! Local artist Jennifer Lee will guide us through the fun and simple process of creating a macrame plant hanger. In this beginner macramé plant hanger project, we will use the square knot, spiral night, larks head and the gathering knot. These are easy to master and versatile enough to keep creating new and unique pieces. All materials will be provided while Jennifer teaches you all of the steps. There will be multiple colors of cord and different beads to choose from. Cost: $60/person. annahowedesign.com
FUTURE: MARCH 28
WOMEN ON THE MOVE CONFERENCE
Winmock at Kinderton in Bermuda Run. Mark your calendar and get excited because Forsyth Woman magazine’s “Women on the Move” initiative comes to life through its first-ever leadership conference. Attendees can expect to take part in an inspiring and empowering event surrounded by a community of women ready to learn and grow both personally and professionally. If you are interesting in purchasing a table, sponsoring the conference or have any questions about the event, please email brooke@forsythmags.com. Purchase your tickets at tinyurl.com/WOMConference.
If you have lost a loved one, especially a parent, the grief comes in waves. The strangest things can bring on tears and a laugh at the same time. How is that possible? When you cry and laugh in the same breath, you feel a bit schizophrenic. After a recent chat with a good friend about the passing of her dad and the loss of my mom, both in 2020, we both feel like nothing will ever be the same again, yet we really want to learn something from these precious losses in our lives. So what can be learned from the loss of a parent? I am so glad you asked!
IT’S HARD AND NEVER GETS EASY
I recently read a quote from Debra J. Umberson, professor of sociology at the University of Texas at Austin, “We tend to think of ourselves as ‘children’ until we lose our parents. It is only then that we are on the front line of mortality. The loss gives us a different perspective on our own lifespans and where we fit in terms of generations.” As an only child, my family was small to begin with and now it’s just me and my dad. I quickly feel like the role of ‘orphan’ is approaching with each passing day. Throughout different stages of my life, I have so wished I had a sibling, but no time more than now. Even with all the wonderful, dear friends I have, there’s a deep sense and feeling of being alone when you look to the future without parents.
When you think of the stages of one’s life, your very first relationship is with your parents. Good or bad, that example of how you relate to them and how they relate to each other impacts you for a lifetime; when a parent dies, you’ve lost your anchor and a point of reference in life is gone. It is that feeling of “Where do I fit now in the grand scheme of things?”
GOING HOME IS A PAINFUL REMINDER
With my dad now in an assisted living facility, he misses home. Familiarity with surroundings and things he’s accumulated over a lifetime give him a feeling of normalcy. But when dad and I go to the house he shared with my mom, so far, to me, it’s a painful reminder of loss. The house has an eerie sense of mom, not gone, but perhaps running an errand. Mom’s things are strewn about the bedroom, jewelry she wore from her last outing, notes on the nightstand, magazines she was reading, now some seven years old, it all is sadness and pain. For my dad, those reminders don’t seem to bring on hurt, but of comfort. In time, maybe I will find comfort in the things of my mom, but for now, visits only bring tears.
So with the pain and sadness of loss, what is the takeaway or is there one?
BY REBECCA COOPER
DON’T BE SAD IT’S OVER, BE HAPPY THAT IT HAPPENED
You can go as far down the rabbit hole of grief as you want, but what does that get you? More pain, sadness, and depression. So what my friend and I who have been discussing loss have discovered is that we need to focus on the lives of our parents and how they impacted us, good and bad. They shaped us in ways no one else ever could. We have decided to support each other in our grief and find joy in the lives our parents lived for 80 plus years. Sure we have bad days when the tears won’t stop, but little by little, day-by-day, being thankful for the lives our parents lived is where healing is starting.
