Growth Women's Business Networks Magazine June 2020 Issue

June 2020

Dr.

Markesha Miller

Should I use my 401K Emergency Funds

Dr. Lucretia Buckley

COPING with Covid

Author

Spotlights

Growth Women’s Business Networks Magazine

Digital and Print.

VISIT US ONLINE!! www.gwbnmagazine.wixsite.com/gwbnmagazine www.facebook.com/GrowthWomensBusinessNetworksMagazine/

Inspiration. News. Networking.

Photo Provided by Jeffrey Erhunse on Unsplash

about us

Growth Women’s Business Networks Magazine is an inspirational Christian magazine that was created to support women authors, business owners/ entrepreneurs, ministry leaders, and nonprofit organizations by networking together to assist them in reaching their goals of growth within their industry.

Mission Growth Women’s Business Networks Magazine mission is to empower and support women towards their growth within various industries. We believe in supporting one another and networking to assist you in reaching your overall mission of building a larger customer or client base. As an inspirational Christian magazine, it is important we encourage, inspire, and uplift one another with the love of Christ while working daily for the Kingdom of God.

Purpose Our primary purpose is to be supportive of women in our local communities, in different states across the United States, and even countries internationally. Growth Women’s Business Networks is here to support women authors, business owners/entrepreneurs, ministry leaders, and CEOs of nonprofit organizations by taking them to a higher level of growth in various industries towards a successful future.

Photo Provided by Eye for Ebony on Unsplash

Vision Our vision is reach people by sharing the gifts and talents from women in various industries who want to market their products and services.

The online digital magazine will eventually be available in print copies sold in stores in the United States and worldwide.

contents

7 Author’s Spotlight 8 Cover Feature 10 Women in Ministry 12 Author’s Spotlight 14 Entrepreneur Spotlight 16 Women Wellness 18 Financial Literacy

Founder

I would like to thank God for blessing me with the vision to create Growth Women’s Business Networks Magazine to support women and men in various industries. Thank you to all the readers who support the magazine’s mission, purpose, and vision in an effort to help us build our networks. We are look forward to bringing all our readers inspirational articles and spotlight features in every magazine issue.

Jennifer Diaby, MBA GWBNM, Founder

Growth Women’s Business Networks Magazine strives to support women authors, business owner/entrepreneurs, educators, health & wellness coaches, ministry leaders, non-profit organizations, and radio/television hosts. We also offer an opportunity for men to be featured in our Gentlemen’s Den Spotlight.

If you are interested in advertising with us throughout the year, we have affordable bronze, silver, and gold sponsorship packages. To become a contributor who support the magazine contact us at gwbnmagazine@gmail.com Mission: Growth Women’s Business Networks Magazine mission is to empower and support women towards their growth within various industries. We believe in supporting one another and networking to assist you in reaching your overall mission of building a larger customer or client base. As an inspirational Christian magazine, it is important we encourage, inspire, and uplift one another with the love of Christ while working daily for the Kingdom of God. Purpose: Our primary purpose is to be supportive of women in our local communities, in different states across the United States, and even countries Internationally. Growth Women’s Business Networks is here to support women a uthors, business owners/entrepreneurs, ministry leaders, and CEOs of nonprofit organizations by taking them to a higher level of growth in their various industries towards a successful future.

Vision: Our vision is reach people by sharing the gifts and talents from women in various industries who want to market their products and services. The online digital magazine will eventually be available in print copies sold in stores in the United States and worldwide.

God Bless You Jennifer Diaby Founder/CEO of Growth Women’s Business Networks Magazine

Growth Women’s Business Networks Magazine Contributors

FOUNDER/CEO Jennifer Diaby

PUBLISHER Danyelle Timmons

WRITER Victoria Henry

Women Fashion WRITER Bernadette Graham

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Financial Literacy WRITER Kadenia Javis

Author’s Spotlight

Chou Hallegra

Social Media Links Linked In: https://linkedin.com/in/chouhallegra/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/graceandhopeconsulting https://www.facebook.com/ChouHallegra/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/GHConsultingLLC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chouhallegra/ Youtube: http://bit.ly/ChouHallegraYouTube Anchor: https://anchor.fm/chouhallegra Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ChouHallegra/

Chou Hallegra is a Resilience Expert, a best-selling author, a transformational speaker, a Certified Professional Life Coach, and a multi-credentialed Mental Health, ability, and diversity consultant on a mission to help people rise above their circumstances, reach their full potential and live fulfilling lives. Find out more at graceandhopeconsulting.com 7

Q&A Interviewed by Jennifer Diaby Please introduce and tell us a little about yourself. I am a licensed psycho-therapist, consultant, mental health media expert! I love my work as I am a true scholar at heart. I practice, research various aspects of mental health, and I believe greatly in the power of service to the community. I am originally from Pageland, South Carolina. I moved to Columbia, SC to attend college in 1997 and I never looked back. I obtained my B.A , Ed.S and Ph.D all from the University of South Carolina. I was fortunate to be able to obtain Opportunities to teach at the University of South Carolina while continuing my research. I have also taught at several colleges and universities in South Carolina and beyond.

I am the daughter of Minnie B. Miller and the late Roosevelt Miller. My parents have always been my biggest teachers and supporters of life. They have instilled in me values and lessons that showcase in my work and my way of life. I am currently engaged to Samuel A. Fuller! He is my daily reminder that God is faithful. Sam is the principal for South Aiken High School in Aiken, South Carolina. Our wedding was scheduled for October 2020…but COVID-19 said “No”. However, we are okay with God’s plan. We have rescheduled for May 2021.

You are the Owner/Clinical Director at Holistic Psychological Associates. Tell us where your office is located and what type of services you offer patients. Yes! Holistic Psychological Associates has three office locations. We provide clinical services ranging from psychological assessments, individual therapy, group therapy, couples and marital therapy. In addition, we also offer consultation services to companies, supervision to those seeking clinical licenses, and coaching for those professionals who need that extra support with challenges. We also provide psycho-educational services as well. Our office locations are 1201 Main Street, Columbia SC: 8910 Two Notch Rd. Columbia, SC; 509 Grier Ct. Aiken, South Carolina.

Where can our readers view more about your services? Readers can definitely check out all of my services and info at drmarkeshamiller.com, although currently our site is in the process of being updated. However, feel free to read all of my weekly blog entries at www.drmarkeshamiller.info.

You are the host of your talk show, “On the Mark with Dr. Markesha Miller.” What type of topics you discuss on your show? “On the Mark with Dr. Markesha Miller” is a radio show that I created in 2018. This show carries a special meaning for me. We talk about all things mental health! This show has a special twist of putting faces and voices to mental health. We are currently in the process of national syndication. We have interviewed individuals from NFL football players, national recording artists, and individuals struggling with cancer and other chronic illnesses. This shows serves to uplift, inspire, and educate. I would like to think that we do just that! Readers can definitely listen to an archive of our shows at onthemarklive.com! Listeners always ask me about the significance of the title. Well, let’s just say that there is a book for that. Yes, the book is slated for release this year!

Where can the readers tune into your weekly talk show? We have been fortunate to air on several stations in South Carolina. Currently, while we are working through the logistics of syndication, readers can definitely check their local broadcasting stations in their respective cities as well as our updated website.

Dr. Miller you are working to make a great impact to empower children, communities, families and women. Please elaborate on the reason you work to impact others. That is a very good and interesting question. However, I have to say that I did not choose this career. It chose me. I sat out on a completely different path. I always knew that I wanted to ignite change. I knew that my work would be significant. When I was younger, I admired Dr. Ben Carson and saw myself as being a neurosurgeon. Well, let’s just say that organic chemistry and blood changed that. I decided to go with my next desire. I began a journey in law school and chose to take time out and re-evaluate. Something was not clicking. I chose law school because I loved reading, debating, the power of analysis, and I saw myself changing lives for the better. I later realized that I did not feel fulfilled…so as I often tell my students… ”I took a time-out”. Let’s just say that during that time out….Dr. Markesha Miller was born. I realize that now I have combined the life of the neurosurgeon and the attorney. I operate daily on the mind of others, removing faulty thinking, flawed reasoning, and healing the inner child. In addition, I advocate among legislators for better mental health access, laws that protect mental health patients, and I advocate for those that are oppressed by society and the system. In 2018, I founded The Marguerite C. Blackwell Foundation which the mission is to empower, encourage, and equip individuals and families in rural areas to live beyond limitation. We all are marked with a purpose. This is my purpose. I am just “putting mental health on the mark”.

I know you have talked about people’s mental health during this Covid-19 pandemic.

What advice would you to those who are dealing with depression, fear, and stress during this pandemic? First, show yourself and others grace. This is a unique time for us all. We all are learning and adjusting as we go. However, we recognize that this is a time in which depression, fear, and stress are normal reactions and emotions. So, first, let me validate those.

Try to normalize your life as much as possible while practicing social distance (talk to friends, create a routine for yourself), journal your thoughts, allow yourself to take a time-out from the media and discussions around the pandemic. Sometimes, it can be overwhelming….this is where it is important to know and practice your own boundaries. Recognize what you can and cannot deal with emotionally and mentally and how much. This is also a perfect time to find a healthy outlet (reading, art). However, when you begin to realize that the depression, fear and stress are Interfering with your ability to function daily, this is when you would want to consult with a mental health professional.

I know you are an adjunct professor at the University of South Carolina. What do you enjoy about working in the field of education? I am a true educator at heart! My mother is a retired educator of over 40 years. She always wanted me to be a teacher, but I never saw that as my career choice. I have been in academia since 2007. I have taught several undergraduate and graduate courses at the University of South Carolina. I also have worked full time in academia as an Undergraduate director and a Clinical Director for graduate level courses. What I have come to understand is that teaching truly begins in the heart. I enjoy educating others but even more…I enjoy the harvest of when students reach out to me years later and say “Dr. Miller, I still remember what you said during lecture one day and you were right” or “Dr. Miller, can I call you and run something by you?”. It is one thing when students respect you because it part of the hierarchy of the professor/student relationship. It is another when the respect is because they respect you as a pioneer in the field. One nugget of teaching that I am adamant about is that I never lower the bar for the students, I insist that they meet it. Let’s just say that the tough love works because I have held onto numerous relationships from students removed seven plus years ago.

What is one of your greatest accomplishments? I would have to say that I live my greatest accomplishment every day. I was blessed with wonderful parents who poured into me and encouraged me from the wound. I have flourished up and now I have the opportunity to impact, empower, and heal lives.

How do you find balance between your career and personal life? I definitely practice what I preach. Balance is definitely key. I am very intentional about self-care and spending time with my loved ones. I think the greatest teacher for me about balance was when I had to figure out what was most important. Three years ago when my parents both began to battle with dementia and I had to step up to take care of them and their affairs, I walked away from full-time academia, my home, my full-time life in Columbia and moved back to Pageland, South Carolina to take care of them Many people could not and maybe never will understand this choice and sacrifice. I made the commute every day for three years back and forth to Columbia and only a few people knew because I never missed a beat building my practice full time and continuing to provide media interviews and host my radio show. There was a great lesson in this for me. I learned what was most important in my life and to build on that. We learn that we never know how strong we are until we have no other choice but to be strong. Let’s just say that God is the center and everything balances on HIM. I realized that during those three years of my life to continue to balance everything on HIM. My parents taught me to seek God at an early age, which helped me to understand that HE is the glue that holds everything together.

Therefore, I know that HE will never allow me to “tip” over.

Please share any upcoming conferences, events, or workshops with the readers? There are so many things in the works! My mission is to always keep mental health on the forefront. Readers can follow my website at drmarkeshamiller.com and my social media to stay up to date on mental health information as well as upcoming trainings, webinars, etc. that I will be facilitating. Our website is under construction and being updated so please be patient as we work to bring you greatness.

Give us some words to educate, inspire, and encourage women and all of our readers of Growth Women’s Business Networks Magazine. In all that you do, be intentional. Every breath should be taken with intent. From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same sun….we all have a purpose that is meant to be fulfilled. God was intentional about his work and we are made in HIS image. Know that you are “marked” with purpose; so live, love, laugh, and always…always stay “on the mark”.

www.drmarkeshamiller.com (803) 636-8618 drmarkeshamiller.info Holistic Psychological Associates

Dr. Lucretia Buckley Interviewed by Jennifer Diaby Q&A

Please introduce and tell us a little about your yourself. Hi, I am Dr. Lucretia Buckley CEO of Virtue Cosmetics, RichWear LLC., and Be Bold, Be Beautiful, and Be You Inc. I am an established author, preacher, and teacher.

Dr. Buckley, you are a woman of faith who work for the Kingdom of God. Please tell the readers about your ministry. I have a global ministry. I established my first church in Pompano Beach, Fl. 2011. I have planted three churches and founded Kingdom Divinity School of Ministry 2014. I specialize in healing and empowerment using evangelism platforms around the world.

How many years have you been in ministry and where is it located? I have been in ministry over 15 years and my ministry current location is Atlanta, GA. You are the Author of an inspirational book called “Faith Walker” give us more information about your book and the reason you wrote it. This book is also a manual written to provide informative study tools and biblical information on how the believer can increase their faith and walk in the promises of God. Where can your book “Faith Walker” be purchased? You can go to my website www.lucretiabuckley.co and amazon.com the book is also located in several Barnes & Nobles in Mississippi, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina.

Dr. Lucretia Buckley, you are the Owner and Founder of Virtue Cosmetics, Inc. When was your business established and tell us about Virtue Cosmetics, Inc? Virtue Cosmetics is one of my newer business founded in 2019 and is centered around make-up, beauty, hair, and skin care products that my company offers to all cultures around the world.

Share with the readers where they can view your products and purchase them. Instagram @ virtuelookcute Be Bold Be Beautiful & Be You is a movement that you coach, mentor, and empower women. What was the main reason you created the movement. This empowerment was birthed in 2018, but did not come into fruition until 2020. This program caters to all young ladies and women from ages 21 and up. This platform is created to assist, instruct, coach, and guide women around business, career, health, finance, and relationships. This mentoring/coaching program encourages women to embrace their femininity and authenticity in any industry.

If any women would like to register in your coaching empowerment movement where can they find out more information. Please go to my website : www.lucretiabuckley.co and register.

What is one of your greatest accomplishments? My television show “It’s All for You” Talk TV, established in Atlanta, Ga 2016 we had a blast on every show, I can’t wait until the Lord allows me to do it again.

During this critical time of Covid-19 pandemic give the readers some words of encouragement. Trust God and if you have lost a loved one due to this illness may the Lord continue to strengthen you and your family during this difficult time.

Please share any of upcoming books, conferences, or events with the readers? October 24th “NOW IT’s TIME” Women’s Empowerment Atlanta, GA with some special guest speakers, and some great surprises.

Give us some words to educate, inspire, and encourage women and all of our readers of Growth Women’s Business Networks Magazine. Pray and allow God to lead you through his spirit by discerning truths through the passion by the love of God. Keep your head to the sky and always have positive successful people around you. Remember it is okay to release negative people, places, and things. Never allow anyone to devalue you and know that the hand of the Lord shall always be on your life. Trust his word and have faith.

With love & honor, Dr. Lucretia Buckley, Apostle – Kingdom Divinity School of Ministry Lucretia Buckley has established an outreach/life coaching empowerment movement that has been appointed in the earth by God to build up women, restore feminine grace, embrace their authenticity in ministry, and maintaining their success in the marketplace.

Teaching and equipping women how to operate in male dominated industries without compromising their integrity, faith, or character. Be Bold Be Beautiful & Be You Inc. was branded &founded in 2018 and is now in full fruition. Mentoring and life coaching is a huge part of Be Bold Be Beautiful and Be You services.

This program offers 1 on 1 private coaching consultations to help you take your life to the next level in top achievements. Venues will consist of empowerment, enrichment educational intensives, prayer summits, business networking expos, fashion shows, health & wealth seminars and so much more.

Dr. Lucretia Buckley is the CEO of Virtue Cosmetics LLC, RW&Co. LLC. & B.O.S.S Enterprise. She has mastered her way into business by creating multiple platforms by having a passion for fashion, cosmetics, and real estate.

Author’s Spotlight

Joan T Randall Interviewed by Jennifer Diaby

Please introduce and tell us a little about yourself. I am an award-winning Multi Best-Selling Author, Entrepreneur, and Independent Publisher. Over the last four years I have written ten books; a combination of single and collaborations. I transitioned into Entrepreneurship in 2016 after spending twenty-five years in Corporate America; the last seven years of that tenure as a Vice President for a Fortune 500 luxury retail chain. One of my most recent accomplishments is being ordained as an Elder. I am a Leader at Elevation Church while enjoy serving and volunteering in my community.

You are the President/CEO of Joan T Randall Enterprise LLC. Tell us about your business and what type of services you offer?

I provide a Hybrid Publishing service and specialize in non-fiction books. I help spiritual thought leaders; ministry leaders and individuals of faith go from penned to published, to get their gift and message to their audience so they can leverage impact and legacy. I am a business coach and I help startup businesses create a business model blueprint for marketing, sales, and profit.

Recently, you released your new book “Bags In The Attic.” Please tell us about your book and what inspired you to write it? Bags In The Attic is part 1 of my personal story. In the book, I share the harsh reality of domestic abuse and how I ran away with my daughters to escape my abuser. I open up about my unfortunate experience with homelessness and the devastation of my Mom passing away on my birthday. Despite the pain and shame, yet I found the strength to evoke the will to survive the odds. I went from broken to brave, victim to victor, and survivor to thriver. I wanted the world to see that reality, and to know that we are not defined by our adversities, we can make the choices to learn and grow from them. Part 2 of the book will be released in 2021, which tells an even more compelling story.

Where can our readers purchase your book “Bags In The Attic”? Amazon, Barnes & Noble and anywhere books are sold online.

You compiled an anthology book called, “Finding A Path To Victory” with co-authors writing their stories in it. What was “Finding A Path To Victory” about and the reason you created it. Finding a Path to Victory highlights the story of 9 individuals who leaned on their faith to overcome tremendous obstacles. I think it sounds like a cliché when someone says, “my faith brought me through.” So, I wanted the world to see that truth personified and read the real-life stories of these brave women and one man who miraculously had a God experience that completely changed their lives for the better. The stories are authentic and relatable.

Do you have any more books to be released this year? Yes, “The Image In The Mirror” is an Anthology with 20 Women set to be launched in December 2020.

What advice would you give our new upcoming authors? I believe that everyone should write a book. A story or message is a gift to the world, and it leaves a lasting legacy. It is easier than ever to write a book because the options of publishing are readily available. A book does not have to be typed; it can be recorded, transcribed into a manuscript, edited, and published without hassle. Some ghostwriters will write a book for an individual after doing a few rounds of interviews with them. The most important thing is to set aside the time to write and be free to express yourself as you see fit. Having a book also gives you a level of credibility that can be leveraged to improve your life and business.

Please share any upcoming conferences, events, or workshops with the readers? My next event is The Limitless Lifestyle Intensive scheduled on September 25th and 26th. THE LIMITLESS LIFESTYLE INTENSIVE Presents CREATING YOUR INFLUENCE AND IMPACT. The UN-CONFERENCE designed for you to take immediate action. I call it an un-conference because that word is overused. The details of the event were mentioned above, but you can also find more information and links to purchase tickets, at www.limitlessintensive.live

TINA RAMSAY Interviewed by Jennifer Diaby

Q&A

Please introduce and tell us a little about yourself? I am Tina Ramsay.

I am a Certified Female Wellness/Empowerment Coach, Menstrual Health Advocate, Public Speaker, Community Volunteer, Wife, Mother, and the Founder of HealTheHoneypot.com.

You are the Founder of HealTheHoneyPot.com, what is the main purpose you created your company? The main purpose that I created my business is because I had a problem. Once I solved the female issues that I was experiencing in regard to my cycle and our overall health I wanted to share my journey to wellness. I decided to empower other women and girls to stop suffering in silence dealing with our periods and health. I want to normalize non-traditional topics that affect all women. Dropping the embarrassment of these discussions I made these healthy conversations Fun and engaging for everyone.

Why is it so important for women to stop using the traditional sanitary napkins? Most of the traditional pads and tampons in the stores today are loaded with harmful toxins and chemicals. Most of the traditional pads today made from recycled garbage, old newspapers, wood pulp, and toxic that dioxin has been linked to cancer. When we use the toxic product it could harm our health and may cause us many unnecessary problems. That’s why it is so important for users of these products to be informed and educated on this problem, so that they can make better choices and decisions in regard to their health.

What type of health problems can be caused by traditional sanitary napkins? Through reading several studies along with my personal experience while understanding how toxic chemical products affects the body. I personally feel that most of the issues that are common to females such as: Endometriosis, Fibroids, recurring vaginal infections, certain cancer, infertility, and painful/ long periods. Some Hysterectomies may possibly be traced back to the long time use of chemical-based products that we use each month, which includes traditional sanitary napkins and tampons. For the most part, women are suffering because we just don’t know that there is a problem.

You offer a free PDF called “7 Reasons Why Sanitary Napkins Are Dangerous” that women can read to educate themselves on the harmful effects of traditional sanitary napkins. What is the reason you put this free PDF together and how can women view it? I put this educational PDF together to give back to the community and make it easy for everyone to get access to this free information. This will help us as women to make better decisions in regards to our health in this area of female wellness. My goal is to empower women to stop suffering in silence and to one day have a generation of young girls who will never experience the challenges that we have faced as women. Women can get my Free Educational Copy of the “7 Reasons why traditional sanitary napkins are dangerous” from my website at HealTheHoneypot.com As a Health & Wellness Coach, what advice would you give to women who suffer heavy or painful menstrual cycles? I would tell a woman who suffers with heavy, long, and painful periods to be mindful of the pads, tampons, her diet, and the products that she uses each month in and on her body. I would also suggest that she experience our All Natural Sanitary Napkin that is a healthier and better option. We only endorse the Jewel Premium Sanitary Napkins and PantyLiners from Heal The HoneyPot.

Where can our readers follow you on social media? facebook.com/HealTheHoneypot | facebook.com/tinajramsay instagram.com/heal_the_honeypot | Youtube: Heal The Honeypot Heal the Honey Pot products have been featured on several popular platforms. What is one of your great accomplishments?

HealtheHoneypot.com and the Jewel Pads that we endorse have been featured on several platforms. Each accomplishment and appearance has been an honor and much appreciated. I don’t have any accomplishment that stands out above the rest because all of them have helped our Mission to be shared with more amazing women and teens empowering them to make better decisions in regards to their health. It allows women to experience a happy period after using our products consistently. Each appearance and individual hold a special place within my heart.

Please share any of upcoming books, conferences, events, workshops with the readers. We will be having an upcoming book and natural product launch. We will be building our educational initiative for teens and women in regard to our three areas of focus, which include Education, Wellness, and Empowerment. HealTheHoneypot.com will also be hosting the Women’s Well Fest taking place on September 19, 2020, at 12noon-6pm EST in Orangeburg, SC with Kharmisa and Company. You can participate in this event and register to come on Eventbrite.

Give us some words to educate, inspire, and encourage women and all of our readers of Growth Women’s Business Networks Magazine. Health, Wellness, and Life do not mean perfection. However, it does mean that you are willing to show up even when it is hard to do so. Be consistent and work harder and smarter than the day you did before. “Every Adversity, every Failure, every Heartache, carries with it the SEED of an EQUAL or GREATER BENEFIT” Napoleon Hill Don’t give up!

ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT Interviewed by Jennifer Diaby

Please introduce and tell us a little about your yourself. Hi, I am Linda Otterbridge creator and owner of a suite of platforms for women entrepreneurs. And also host of the podcast show The NO Plan B Entrepreneur. Straight NO Chaser Show. I love connecting along with supporting women entrepreneurs to reach their desired dreams and goals of becoming an entrepreneur.

Mrs. Otterbridge you created an excellent platform for women entrepreneurs called “Hook a Sista Up.” Please tell the readers about HASU. Hook a Sista Up is a membership based supportive platform where women connect with other women entrepreneurs to offer resources, be their cheerleader, mentor and be an accountability coach for each other.

You created your T-shirt brand called “Entrepreneur Blueprint.” Where can our readers view your T-shirt and place an order. Allow me to share the story of how this tee was created. I recently created my tee-shirt from a question I asked on FB. The question was “What on word can you share with an entrepreneur to stay on her journey?” And the comments flooded my comment section. A tee-shirt was not in the plans. However 4 months later I hired a designer to create a Word Art tee-shirt from all 50 plus words. I named the tee “The Entrepreneur Blueprint.” “I got what it takes.”

The shirt can be purchased from our Hook a Sista Up website at https://www.hasucollaborative.com/shop Where can women follow you on social media? Women can follow me on FB and Instagram https://www.facebook.com/groups/Hookasistaup/ | www.instagram.com/hook_a_sista_up Recently, you started a new podcast called “The No Plan B” tell us more information about your podcast and when can our readers tune in to listen. The NO Plan B entrepreneur. Straight NO chaser podcast is about women who have taken that leap from the 9-5 to do entrepreneurship full-time. Our guests will share their challenges and their wins on their journey in hopes of helping others who would like to do the same. The podcast will be relaunching in 2 weeks and will be on all the major podcast platforms for review. It can be found on the podcast platform at https://anchor.fm/linda-otterbridge What advice would you give to entrepreneurs during the Covid-19 pandemic? I would encourage an entrepreneur to stay relevant to keep in touch with family, friends and their customers. And create some new lanes and products for their businesses. This is the time to think outside the box in hopes of sustaining their businesses during this natural disruption and crisis. So pivot and stay relevant.

Please share any of upcoming books, conferences, or events with the readers? The only event I have coming is the relaunch of my podcast “The NO Plan B Entrepreneur. Straight NO chaser conversations.

Give us some words to educate, inspire, and encourage women and all of our readers of Growth Women’s Business Networks Magazine. Your dreams, your goals and your business are specifically designed for you. And stay relevant your business will drive where you go. Be okay with change.

www.hasucollaborative.com

By Victoria Henry, LMHC

Women Wellness

First, it takes a moment to gather yourself when you are in the midst of radical change. Our whole world is in the midst of change. You don’t know what to expect or what the changes will be or when the changes will end. There is a period of adjustment that we are all going thru. We have many things changing.

We are adjusting to: *Not being able to socially connect *Working from home and/or not working at all *Spending much more time alone or with our family *The ways we cope via exercise, other modes of relaxation, planning travel, and/or postponing plans etc. *How we care for our health (both physical and mental) in person or via telehealth *How we nourish ourselves (cooking at home, stockpiling food, getting takeout, etc.) *How we spend and/or save *Distance learning and/or providing education at home for children or ourselves *How we groom (no barber shops, nail salons, gyms, etc.) *Being hypervigilant about cleaning and washing our hands (basic human hygiene plus plus)

Create a plan for coping: Here are some ideas on how to maintain your mental health

1.Routines mean safety. Even if you’re at home, you can do your best to create a schedule of things you’d like to accomplish. Meals, daily movement, time for creativity, work, meditation, etc. Keep your same eating and sleeping patterns.

2. Spend time daily doing things which edify you mind, body, and spirit. Pull your mental energy in and evaluate what your needs are (mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical). 15 minutes of movement. 15 minutes of mindful meditation, prayer, etc. Have time away from dealing with things that can increase stress.

3. Spend time doing things that are fun, learn new things, read books. Do somethings that you have put off because you now have time to do these things. Time and space are a gift which can give you a sense of accomplishment.

4. Laugh. Find ways to keep your attitude light and positive. Tune into a comedy special. Play with your children. Binge watch some reality TV. It’s ok to spend time letting your brain focus on some positive things.

5. Lower expectations of yourself and others- Expect to find yourself coping and that others are coping as well. Some people will truly spend time alone and others may spend time trying to continue with their normal routines. Spend time accepting and managing rather they are judging and rejecting.

6. Be patient and compassionate with yourself and others. We are all struggling. We are all trying to cope.

7. Maintain healthy boundaries (avoid toxic people, relationships, news broadcasts, etc.)

8. Accept the things that you can not control. Let go of the need to control things. Breathe thru it.

Pay attention to the feelings and emotions your experiencing. Allowing yourself to be pulled into chaos and panic will perpetuate an issue of “experiencing panic.”

Ask yourself if you are in immediate danger, pain, etc. Are you ok in this moment? Resolve to stay in the moment. Use your five senses to stay grounded in the present moment. Resolve to be at peace from moment to moment.

Take all the time you need to gather yourself and get back to center. No need to apologize for being scared, worried, upset, annoyed. We are all finding solutions. Get in a healthy mental space and then find ways you can help. Helping others helps you stay connected. Be well. Be whole. Be blessed!

www.hasucollaborative.com

HOOK A SISTA UP COLLABORATIVE Linda Otterbridge is the owner of several platforms for women entrepreneurs and writers. She is an entrepreneur, speaker, and facilitator who loves mentoring and consulting with new entrepreneurs and new companies to launch their businesses. In 2013, she launched her platform to connect and support women entrepreneurs called Hook a Sista Up. Through the platform, hundreds of women have experienced mutual support as they run their businesses, through resource support, connections, and mentorships. She is passionate about working with new business owners in the start-up phase. As an accountability coach, this is also Linda’s chance to use her skills to get the women through the start-up phase and on to the next phase.

In 2015, Linda extended her support for women by creating another platform specifically for authors, called Women Who Write GR. This platform hosts an annual Women Who Write Expo, bringing together writers and authors to share their resources, connect, and support one another. The No Plan B Entrepreneur Podcast is her newest platform for bringing women business owners together. After seeing the success of both Hook a Sista Up and Women Who Write GR, you can only imagine how VERY excited Linda is about her new endeavor. Through this podcast, she will get to share the stories of the women and men entrepreneurs who jumped in full time to their own gig without a net.

Our Mission:

We help women entrepreneurs by bringing awareness to their businesses, promoting their work and providing a supportive relationship with other women entrepreneurs as they launch and sustain their businesses through collaboration and mentorship.

The sisterhood of HASU also offers one on one mentoring by HASU members and supporters of HASU, seminars, workshops and speaker series surrounding the needs of the members.

Don't miss the opportunity to partner and collaborate with other women entrepreneurs with shared experiences which can be nurtured through our HASU learning opportunities and Hook a sista up sisterhood.

If you are starting a business, own a business or want to be a part of HASU as a small business or corporate member please join us as we assist women to change their lives and legacies.

Emergency Funds Do you need a quick infusion of cash? Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security

(CARES) Act, you may be able to take money out of a qualified plan, like a 401(k), or an IRA, with favorable tax consequences. But should you do it? You might view withdrawing money from a retirement account as a last resort.

Background: Among other changes in the CARES Act relating to qualified plans and IRAs, a participant can withdraw up to $100,000 of funds without paying the usual 10% tax penalty on distributions before age 59½.

Plus, you can take as long as three years to pay the resulting tax bill, spread out evenly over the three years. If you repay the full amount within three years, you owe no tax. To qualify for this program, you or your spouse must be diagnosed with COVID-19 or experience adverse financial consequences due to the virus such as being laid off, having work hours reduced or being quarantined or furloughed.

What are the pitfalls? There are several reasons why you may want to avoid taking money out of your retirement accounts unless it's an absolute emergency.

You’re diluting your retirement savings. Although the money comes in handy now, you’re chipping away at your nest egg and forfeiting growth. For example, if you withdraw the maximum amount of $100,000 that would have earned 6% annually tax-deferred for ten years, the value would have been $179,000.

It may be bad timing. Experts say it is difficult to time the markets in the current volatile environment. If you sell some holdings right now, you may be locking in losses that would miss the recovery in the next few months or years.

You still owe income tax. Income tax is due unless you replace the full amount within three years. Also, depending on your situation, you could end up paying tax at higher rates than you would in your retirement years.

Better options might exist. Arranging a hardship loan from your 401(k) might be a better alternative for your situation. You avoid the taxable event of the withdrawal and you pay back yourself with interest. Other options include refinancing a mortgage with lower interest rates, taking advantage of payment relief from mortgage, rent or student loan payments or deferred credit card billing. While it is an option, retirement plan withdrawals are not always the best choice. Think through all scenarios before withdrawing from retirement funds to cover emergency expenses.

Due to COVID-19 we are asking that you call to make an appointment but our Drive Thru is Open! 803-419-1001 Address: 7171 Two Notch Road Columbia, SC 29223 Phone: (803) 419-1001 www.javistax.com | 1040@javstax.com

Tamara C. Gooch Founder/CEO, Pink Pearl LLC Multi-passionate serial entrepreneur, Certified Master Coach, International Best-Selling Author, Transformational Speaker, & Podcast Host. Tamara C. Gooch is the Founder and CEO of Pink Pearl, LLC a transformational movement that magnifies individuals’ voices and triumphant stories of boldness, confidence & truth. Our mission is to inspire and equip women and moms like you to gain clarity, build and grow thriving businesses and lives. Showing moms, a way to succeed in business and in life with less stress and overwhelm.

With, Chocolate Chat Café: Candid Conversations podcast & PheMOMenon At Forty Tribe Facebook group, a think-tank, next-level innovative learning platform. Tamara has established the concept of online community building and engagement. Building and creating an elite, high-result society of everyday moms & women who are impacting the world in monumental ways. Her formula for success is simple – Faith, Fierceness, Fearlessness, Fabulousness, Action, and Incessant Education. Tamara propels her clients forward with the blueprint and tools needed to transform their lives, launch and grow a profitable business, monetize their zone of genius in the most efficient way while enjoying time with family, and most importantly self.

Master Coach | Author | Speaker | Trainer | Coach| Mentor "A Pearl Isn't A Pearl, Until It Is Out Of Its Shell"

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… We are excited for our continued growth. We have featured over 47 women with this 4th issue.

T’Keya Tatiana Timmons Entrepreneur | Spiritualist | Nurse At the age of 20 years old, T’Keya has jumped right into the one thing she is definitely gifted at, caring for others. She always felt her best when it came to taking car of others when they were sick or making other people feel good about themselves.

During Her four years of high school she attended the Health Science Program and became a Certified Nurse Assistant her senior year. After graduating high school in 2017, She joined the US Army to persue her dream in becoming a nurse. Due to a knee injury, T’Keya returned home and enrolled right into nursing school. She graduated from ECPI University in 2019 and earned her degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse. T’Keya started her nursing career with the desire to become a neonatal nurse and a doula. Although she loved taking care of people, she became drawn to holistic and herbal healing.

T’Keya always suffered with eczema and never could find the right soap or cream to use on her skin. In December of 2019, she gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and discovered that he had eczema also. It worried her to watch her baby suffer with red, weeping, irritated skin. She tried every over the counter bath, lotion and cream for her son but nothing worked. She developed a deeper interest in herbs and studied the benefits of using natural herbs and the effects of natural healing inside and out. She wanted to find a product that she could use and also safe to use on her baby. This produced the birth of DainTea products. T’Keya was able to create organic herbal products for people who had sensitive skin or eczema. She takes pride in creating handmade products that loves your body back. She loves to make people feel good in their body, mind and spirit. She is currently working on a line of products to help with moms after childbirth. These products will help with the healing of female reproduction, vaginal health and breast feeding issues.

●Bath Teas ●Drinking Teas ●Soaps ●Foam Baths ●Yoni Wash & Steams ●Breast Lifting Oil ●Hair Products for Twist and Locs ●Detox, Soaks & Scrubs for Feet and Hands

Etsy.com/shop/DainTeaShop Facebook.com/DainTeaHerba/

From the Publisher Greetings, I pray that everyone is doing well and surviving this horrible time we are in. My deepest condolences to those of you who have lost loved ones during the Covid pandemic. I lost my mother and step father a month apart and things have changed tremendously. Although I did not lose them to Covid-19, it still does not change the fact that they are gone and I am grieving.

We are in desperate times. Your business may be slow, income has depleted and you are not able to pay your bills. The difference is that everyone has been affected a certain way from this virus. We as women develop a “do what we gotta do” mentality to keep moving. I suggest you educate yourself more in your field, take some quick online classes or find new ways to reach your customers. Protect your family, prepare your household with food and remain hopeful in this time.Techniques” are things that I enjoyed to help me shut my mind down and relax to be better for the next business day. I hope that one of these techniques that I shared helps you.

Danyelle D. Timmons A.D. BA Owner/CEO Excel Publishings, LLC Boss Lady SC Inc.

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Contact Information: Phone: (803) 546-6848 Email: excelpublishings@gmail.com Web: www.excelpublishings.com

Heavenly Father, Thank you for this opportunity to support both women and men in various industries across the world. May you bless our readers with the inspirational words in the magazine that will make a great positive impact on their lives. In these difficult and uncertain times, we pray for hope and strength to remain strong standing on your Word in the Bible despite what is happening around us. Lord, surround us and our families with a shield of protection. No Weapon Formed Against Us Shall Prosper. Isaiah 54:17 I pray for the people who are experiencing life-threatening illnesses and sickness, those who are fighting for their life because of this virus or loss of a loved one due to Covid-19 known as Coronavirus. Bring complete healing and restoration to everyone who have survived this virus. According to scripture Isaiah 53:5, By His stripes, we are healed. A lot of people are suffering due to fear, I pray that you give them comfort and peace. Provide for all of our spiritual, emotional, and financial needs in this season. We thank you in advance for breakthroughs, miracles, and answers to our prayers.

In Jesus Name. Amen.

Photo by Mishal Ibrahim on Unsplash