Father’s Day Gift Guide

FIND YOUR FATHER’S FAVORITES

THE DAD’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

BY JEN OLENICZAK BROWN

Shopping for my dad is NOT EASY.

I yearn for the years I was in school sometimes. Remember making things for Father’s Day? And your dad, no matter what, took it and pretended to love it (or loved it!), and there was no stress, just a cool art project or fancy card? Whew! Those were the easy days, even though they were often made of popsicle sticks and too much glue.

Now I’m like, do I go with something that he can use or something he can enjoy? Why can’t I do both? When I ask him what he wants, he jokes and says a DeLorean (true story), but for real, where can I find him something that doesn’t make him cry because that’s not our relationship, but is also great for my dad and not big box commercial, because I clearly cannot afford a DeLorean (yet)? This stress used to happen every year until two years ago when I finally figured it out.

I’ve found that the best gifts I’ve given since those fantastic DIY school gifts are just as thoughtful, just as connected, and just as intentional – and found by shopping local.

You’ve heard why you should shop local: more this past year than any other, I’m sure! But have you looked around a local store or restaurant? When I walk into Foothills, I notice a few things: I recognize servers and bartenders. I pass people I know on the way in. I wave to folks on the street walking by and might even have a longer conversation with the table next to me – local businesses are beautiful examples of our community here in Forsyth County. They are collections of folks that connect around something, whether it be food, goods, or services. Shopping local also allows you something special that evokes the same customization as those school-made gifts that you know dad actually liked: something especially for him, not just another toolbox or flashlight. So often, local businesses and small businesses in the area have unique and even one-ofa-kind items that are hard to find in other areas of the country.

By getting dad a growler from his favorite brewery, some cookies specially made for him, or even a watch from a long-standing family jeweler, you’re picking out something intentional – from you and your choices and from a neighbor who works in merchandising at the store, or the owner that lives down the street. It’s not about the money spent; it’s about that intentionality you get from a local shop that just isn’t there when you look at a big box store.

And if you’re like me, and you KNOW local is the way to go, but you still have a difficult, at best, dad to shop for, never fear – our Father’s Day Gift Guide is here! Local businesses will give their picks for gifts for dad, so instead of sitting at home and stressing on Google, enjoy a curated list of places – and presents! – to show dad how much he means after a year where a family has mattered ever so much.

And spoiler alert: my dad doesn’t live here in North Carolina (he’s in Wisconsin), but the best gift we got him, according to him (while he patiently waits for his DeLorean)? Old North Carolina license plates and Cheerwine – gear and the drink. What are you waiting for? Get out there and be intentional this year by shopping local for Father’s Day for all those dads in your life.

Custom Cigar Box

handmade by Co-Owner Van Williams and Cigars infused with our spirits. Available cigar flavors: Bourbon Infused, Rum Infused, Coattail (Cinnamon Whiskey) Infused

Spirits

range from $19.95-$176.80 per bottle. We produce Whiskies, Bourbons, Rums, and Vodkas

Gift Certificates

available for any dollar amount to spend in the distillery or the Busted Barrel Cocktail Bar or gift certificates for a tour and tasting at the Distillery

Glassware

We have a variety of glassware laser engraved available for purchase including rocks classes and Glencairn glasses.

OLD NICK WILLIAMS FARM & DISTILLERY

Windsor Jewelers

Made in the USA, King Baby is fashion jewelry for bikers and rockers at heart. Crafted in .925 Sterling Silver by master silversmiths, King Baby is a fashion jewelry company that captures the rock ‘n roll spirit in a wide variety of artisan rings, bracelets and necklaces. Find the perfect piece for your rebel at Windsor Jewelers.

Clemmons Bicycle Foothills Brewing

Dads love cold beer! And the best way to keep beer cold is with these state-of-the-art DrinkTanks® stainless steel growlers from Foothills Brewing. Durable, leakproof, dishwasher safe and covered by a lifetime warranty. The last growler Dad will ever need! Available in 64 oz. and 32 oz. sizes at all three locations, or online at foothillsbrewing.com.

Cherry Tree Lane Cookies

Treat Dad to something sweet this year! Whether he is reaching for a nine iron or a wielding a spatula near the grill on this Father’s Day, we have delicious decorated sugar cookies for the guy in your life. Find a variety of options available on Instagram and Facebook, packaged and ready for gifting. Order today! @cherrytreelanecookies

Castle Lights

This year Dad wants to come home to a house that looks like a million bucks. Give your home a giant upgrade with our lighting systems. Watch his face light up. www.castllights.com

Trophy Room Bourbon Bar & Dogwood Hops and Crops

BY TARYN JEREZ OF ONECRAFTYMISS.COM How to Know When It’s Time to Raise Your Prices

This column is meant to serve as a resource for readers who seek inspiration and knowledge for building their own small business brands. Through actionable advice, find the encouragement to help you keep living your life with hustle and heart.

If you’ve ever had a conversation with a grandparent, you’ve probably heard something to the same effect of “Back in my day a soda pop only cost a nickel!” Well, Grandpa was right; times change and so do prices!

When it comes to your business you may not be selling anything for a nickel but when is the last time you thought about raising your prices? Perhaps you are in the thick of the conversation with your inner monologue right now, wondering if it’s time. There might be different reasons for your desire to increase your pricing and while they are all valid, it can sometimes still feel difficult to push the “go” button.

If you aren’t quite sure when to raise your prices, here are a few key things to help you determine if the time is right!

YOUR MARKET IS EXPERIENCING CHANGE

In the last 14+ months it’s hard to find a market or industry that hasn’t experienced change! Thanks a lot, global pandemic! Think about what areas of change you’ve encountered or are currently encountering in your business. Have you seen an increase in similar companies or product providers pop up? Have the supplies you use for your business experienced an increase in pricing or heightened demand? These are important elements when determining if your pricing is ready for an uptick as well. If you find your industry is getting more competitive and the demand is higher, that may be your green light to reevaluate and increase your pricing.

YOUR CUSTOMER CONVERSION RATE IS HIGH...A LITTLE TOO HIGH

Weeks may go by without really thinking about your customer or client conversions but it’s an important aspect of your sales to consider. A simple way of looking at this as a service based business is for every consultation or inquiry, how many times did you receive an actual sale? If you’re a product based business, it can be a little trickier but ask yourself how many objections versus transactions you’ve had over the year. If your conversions are really high that’s a great thing of course, but it can also be a red flag if those conversions happen with little to no hesitation over and over. It may mean it’s time to raise your prices as the current pricing may be a little too low. YOUR HAPPY DANCES ARE LOSING GUSTO

Think about that excitement every time you close a sale! The feeling that someone out there wants what you created or trusts that you’re the right person for the job - you know the one! Well, you may not realize it but those happy dance moments over sales may start to get more and more mediocre. Of course, as your business grows you may get used to sales coming in more but check in with yourself to see if that spark is starting to get smaller and smaller. You want to price your work at an amount that feels really fulfilling when you make a sale. It’s important to check in with yourself and ask, “Am I selling my work at a price that matches the value of what I offer?” Challenge yourself to increase your prices the next time you notice you’re losing that gusto in your sales!

Hustle & Heart Challenge

This month think about your current pricing strategy and how it makes you feel. Are you proud of your prices? Do you believe in them? Do they convey the value of what you offer? If you see room for improvement, do you feel confident in moving those dollar amounts up higher or are you held back by fear or insecurity? Remember, you are capable and worthy of creating a profitable business!

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Books About the History of Winston-Salem

BY MEGAN TAYLOR

As the world slowly returns to normal, this year’s summer vacation may still not be the same. Travel plans may be altered and trips closer to home could be on the schedule. Yet, that doesn’t mean memories and fun can’t still be made. One way to do this is by taking a staycation right here in Winston-Salem. Our city is full of historic sites to visit, whether your trip is only a day or spread out through a couple of days. To help prepare for your trip and help pick out what historic sites to see, read up on the history of Winston-Salem. This list is just a handful of books filled with facts and stories. Of course, you don’t have to be taking a staycation just to brush up on your history. These books are perfect for locals and history-fans alike.

WINSTON-SALEM: A TWIN CITY HISTORY

by Michael Bricker

WINSTON-SALEM IN VINTAGE POSTCARDS

by Molly Grogan Rawls

WINSTON-SALEM: A HISTORY

by Frank Tursi

Originally separated into the two cities of Winston and Salem, the twin city has a longstanding history. Author Michael Bricker covers the history of the twin cities, starting with the founding of the Moravian settlement of Salem and the industrial town of Winston, and moves to present day. An interesting aspect to this book is that the perspectives of tobacco and textile industry works are brought in, as well as the transformation of the city after the Civil War, the Industrial Revolution, the Great Depression, and the Cold War. Often these events are overlooked, but they aren’t in Bricker’s book. Take a step back in time and explore what Winston-Salem used to look like through vintage postcards. In 1913, Salem and Winston officially joined together as one city. Through this book, readers will get to see postcards and captions about historic landmarks, homes, and neighborhoods of these two cities as separate entities and together. In addition, Grogan Rawls brings in sites that pertain to WinstonSalem’s cultural history, including sporting events, college campuses, and more. This pictorial book is full of wonderful vintage postcards that showcase our beloved WinstonSalem. I have this book and love it! Trust me, it is a treasure. Former newspaper journalist Frank Tursi has covered many topics, including environmental and special projects. Now, he has added another special project to his portfolio, a chronological history of WinstonSalem through unique perspectives. In his book, Tursi describes the history of the development of Wachovia, the future site of Winston-Salem and the industrial haven of Winston as created by the Reynolds, Hanes, and Gray families. Along with the history, he adds in the journey of the city’s coming of age and transformation since the 1989 buyout of RJR Nabisco. Lastly, Tursi uses the perspectives of various locals throughout time to include little known facts. These voices include Marshall Kurfees, Simon Green Atkins (an educator to African Americans), Z. Smith Reynolds, F. Ross Johnson (who at one time was known as the most hated man in town), and Joe Camel. Another book that is packed full of history and a must-read for all.

But I still don’t want to go…

BY JEN OLENICZAK BROWN

As a closet introvert, the past year or so hasn’t been terrible when it comes to social interactions. I don’t like large groups, busy places, networking events where people are everywhere – it’s exhausting and just too much work.

While I missed humans, I got to hang out with my husband, spend time with my dogs, read books, get writing done – it was nice!

And now, we’re careening towards a return to normalcy – which means…events.

Large groups.

Busy places.

Networking events.

I’m exhausted just thinking about it – and I know I’m not alone. Experts and psychologists are quoted in new articles from Refinery 29 to Washington Post talking about the anxiety even extroverts are experiencing with the return to normal social life.

Anxiety aside, what happens when we don’t have the excuse of COVID? How do we tell someone we don’t want to do something? Whether it’s a friend or a coworker, telling someone that you don’t want to hang out is stressful in itself. If you’re struggling to say no, keep reading for tips to make the anxiety a bit less when you’re declining the invite.

DO YOU NOT WANT TO?

First, check in – do you really want to decline? After the past year, you might think you want to say no, out of the comfort of declining everything. If you find out that you actually DO want to go, but you’re a little nervous, go for it! If you don’t, keep reading. EMPATHY ALL AROUND

If you just say no, will the other person get upset or have hurt feelings? Is there some reason you need to be there like you might meet someone that might be helpful to your career, or is it a special event for a good friend? If any of these are true, you can’t just say no. Let’s handle the easy no first: if none of the above apply, just say no! You can politely decline, say no thank you, and move along.

If you can’t just say no, then you have to practice empathy. Think about it: how will they respond if you say no? We can predict the reactions of most people in our lives – and their actual reaction, not the one your anxiety is telling you.

DON’T MAKE AN EXCUSE

Let’s be honest, lying isn’t the way to go. Too many people think it’s ok to do things like fake an illness or make up some home drama. Know what happens when you lie? You get caught. Think about why you don’t want to go – are you not feeling your best? Do you have a ton of work? Are you not feeling a big group tonight? Get an honest reason in your head before you say anything.

DON’T GHOST

If you don’t want to go – don’t just disappear. Of all the things you can do or say, just disappearing is rude and disrespectful. As awkward as it might feel to say no and decline, don’t just disappear.

JUST BE HONEST

Above all, saying how you feel is one of the best ways to decline an invite. Saying that you’re just not feeling up to being “out” is a perfectly fine response! When you’re declining, state it as respectfully and politely as possible – remember, they might want to spend time with you! That doesn’t mean that you should move to be passive and go “because you have to” – it just means when you do say no, you should be kind. Especially if it’s a friend – and above all, treat someone as you’d like to be treated.

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