CNY'S SHE Hustles Talks Nov/Dec 2020

SPECIAL INSERT WOMEN OWNED BUSINESSES

FEATURING:

- COVER STORY: MICHELLE DARIN - TEARNEY’S KARATE - THE BEAUTY ROOM - BEAUTIFY ME - TALENA SKYE - KEFI MARKETING - NOT BLENDED - MARY ALICE - JOKELE BEAUTY AND MORE!

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MICHELLE DARIN

BY MICHELLE DARIN

My name is Michelle DaRin and I run Michelle DaRin Jewelry, a fashion company that sells my handmade jewelry, clothing, and women’s accessories.

I am a New York City native who has called Syracuse home since I was an undergraduate in the 1990s. Recently, I was invited to be featured in CNY Woman Magazine by some fabulous women who love to support local female entrepreneurs in business. It got me thinking about “local” and how the pandemic has really emphasized how important local is and how much our community means to us.

Michelle DaRin Jewelry has benefited from the CNY local community in many ways for a long time. We have had excellent sales in upstate New York and enjoyed a regular client base and following. Additionally, the local press has been congenial and the retail stores, Cazenovia Jewelry and Heidi Boutique, that we partner with, have been supportive and boosted our profile.

MDJ has a long history in CNY and it has grown in numerous ways.

Thinking outside the box with my designs and with our business model

always moves us forward. A few years ago, we took a chance and auditioned for Shark Tank and we made it to the second round. Unfortunately, we did not make it to the show. However, it was a positive experience and it motivated us to keep going. I’m not saying there weren’t any tears and I

wasn’t disappointed but we learned a lot and used that new knowledge to improve and grow our business.

That experience opened us up to the idea of looking locally and partnering with Cazenovia Jewelry. It has been fruitful and Ralph Monaforte, of Caz Jewelry, has put up a highly visible

billboard three years in a row during the holiday season! That exposure has been priceless. Additionally, our participation in the ever local Syracuse Fashion Week has been beneficial for exposure and sales as well.

Before COVID-19, I questioned if I should have ever left NYC and wondered where my business might be if I stayed there. Now, I am super grateful to live on 8 acres in beautiful Central NY. I work from home, which I always knew was a blessing, but with COVID-19, I realize more than ever how my work is an extension of every facet of my life. It is my lifestyle, it is how I live. Whatever I am thinking about shows up in my work. It’s how I process and reflect on what I am feeling internally.

How lucky am I? Most people don’t get to have their life’s work be their expression and catharsis.

Times are uncertain but my people have shown up. My husband James, who is also my business partner, is tirelessly building me a new studio where we plan to host art and music events just like we did when I was in graduate school at Syracuse University

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“Whatever I am thinking about shows up in my work. It’s how I process and reflect on what I am feeling internally. How lucky am I? Most people don’t get to have their life’s work be their expression and catharsis.”

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SHIFT+CONTROL {{ SHE HUSTLES TALKS}} “Before COVID-19, I questioned if I should have ever left NYC and wondered where my business might be if I stayed there. Now, I am super grateful to live on 8 acres in beautiful Central NY”

hosting art and music events. Back then, I would bring the art, my husband would bring the music and people would buy my work. It was a lightbulb moment. After I received an MFA in Metalsmithing and an MS in Art Education the goal was to get a stable teaching job, but instead, I went with my dream. My heart was in creating and I was fortunate enough to run with it with the support of a loving husband who had a steady paycheck. The result has been a winding and twisty road with many ups and downs with much success.

We did every show we could squeeze in and travelled throughout New York to get our name out there and build our brand, Michelle DaRin Jewelry.

Before the pandemic, we had already been talking about scaling back our participation in the art and craft show circuit and focusing on more online sales and retailers. Poetically, at the last show we did, our tent got caught in a microburst and ended up in pieces looking like a bunch of chopsticks. We never bought another tent and we don’t plan on it. Our

business model has changed and we are focusing on virtual jewelry trunk shows where I get to present some cool original jewels and my husband James can let his comedic light shine.

Who knows what our new world will look like? For now, shopping from home keeps everyone safe and affords us much freedom for me to explore new original ideas in jewelry and accessories and new ways for us to grow our business.

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{{ { SHE HUSTLES SHE HUSTLES TALKS TALKS}}} SHIFT+CONTROL “Before the pandemic, we had already been talking about scaling back our participation in the art and craft show circuit and focusing on more online sales and retailers”

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“Our business model has changed and we are focusing on virtual jewelry trunk shows where I get to present some cool original jewels and my husband James can let his comedic light shine.

Who knows what our new world will look like?�

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BEAUTIFY ME Hello Central New York! My name is Gabriella Rose, owner of BeautifyMe. As an experienced and educated expert in all things beauty, I specialize in skincare, lashes, brows, and makeup with NYS certifications as a Skincare Specialist, Lash Tech, Brow Tech & Cosmetologist. I am very appreciative and excited to be introduced to this amazing magazine as the next Beauty columnist and expert.

As a beauty artist having worked all over NYS, I am excited to share my experience with you. From doing event makeup for charity shows such as Stitched Fashion that gives back to the Ronald McDonald House to bridal makeup, to taking part in the world-famous NYC Fashion Week.

I guess you can say I travel quite a bit. Another one of my passions! My beauty artistry doesn’t stop there. I specialize in all types of makeup such as bridal, event artistry, and fashion makeup as well as skin care, lashes, and brows.

Let me tell you my story and a little bit about myself (or a lot). I am a traveling artist and the founder of “BeautifyMe.” I’ve been in the industry for over 5 years now and decided to start my own business about 2 years ago. Since then, I have become a published makeup artist and have done work for many designers at New York Fashion Week.

How and why did I choose my business name? It represents what I

do, I beautify! More importantly, I beautify you! Doing what I do allows me to help my clients with having the confidence they deserve. My goal for each of my clients is to enhance the beauty outside by understanding the beauty inside. To enhance your natural beauty. To Beautify! I love advising clients with beauty tips for their everyday look or making them feel like royalty on their wedding day or simply teaching the application of falsies. Trust me it’s harder than it looks and YouTubers definitely make it seem like a piece of cake!

I grew up in Guilderland, NY playing around with glitter, cheap makeup, bright lipstick, and EVERYTHING pink, until I was old enough to try my mothers makeup and learned by practicing. I was nowhere near decent.

Youtube was JUST beginning to be popular with videos and influencers aside from funny cat videos. I was one of those girls with the ‘box brow’ phase, after my super thin eyebrow look phase. It took me a couple of years to finally do brows correctly.

Growing up I had a favorite store… or should I say dream salon. Club Libby Lu. I want to thank that place for inspiring me. I went to Cosmetology School for Makeup. I went to SkinCare School for Skin, and took classes to become a Certified Brow and Lash Artist. Makeup artists today work in two industries... cosmetic or fashion makeup and FX or film makeup. I have previously worked with couture designers, models, artists,

photographers, videographers, bridal parties and fashion shows. Some of my work has been published on the web or fashion and life magazines. You can find my published work on the Syracuse Fashion Weekend Website or the Saratoga Living Magazine.

What excites me the most about doing what I do is the huge difference a simple touch of concealer or brow gel can make and the confidence it reflects afterwards. As an artist, I feel it is very important with each client to listen, discuss, and understand. It is crucial for me to always be up to date on what the current trends are in the beauty industry. Even with the experience I have, I learn every single day. There are millions of people in this world and each person was born different. Diversity and creation are beautiful, and with the people I have met throughout it all are a huge part of my inspiration.

There is always something new and/ or different that might be introduced by someone’s creativity. You might try that new trend, and then come up with additional ideas to make that creativity something bigger. That is art. You can add on, you can take away, you can change, or you can keep it original. No matter what, it’s beautiful. Models, Celebrities, Movie Directors, whoever an artist works for, depend on their favorite makeup artists for their expected look for appearances, and shoots. Beautiful makeup applications start off with having beautiful skin. A lot of people can’t stand their skin, and that is

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“I am here to share my knowledge, experience, and appreciation with you.”

s because they don’t understand their skin. My job is to help. Prep, prime, and finish. You want to follow a simple skin care regimen that’s personalized for your skin type and skin needs.

Whether you have oily skin, aging skin, dry skin, or even normal skin, including conditions like rosacea, eczema, acne, hyperpigmentation… there is always something out there for you.

I can share with you about this topic is to think of your skincare as a percentage of 100%. Say you go to a Medical Spa and see an Esthetician who performs monthly chemical peels, IPL, or even microneedling services. As an Esthetician, I can tell you the services I do to you only takes up 20% of your skincare. The other 80% symbolizes your at home

I am here to share my knowledge, experience, and appreciation with you. The most common question about SkinCare that I get asked about are recommendations for products. What brands?

What product for this concern? What product for that concern? My go to answer is no matter what skin type you have, and skin condition there is, always use Medical SkinCare Products.

The advantage you will see and will experience compared to regular cosmetic skincare products are faster and stronger results. It’s well worth the price when you receive actual results instead of buying a product that just smells or feels good. Every client is different.

One client can have oily, acneic skin that is very dry and flakey, while another client has normal skin with hyperpigmentation and rosacea. The most important knowledge

skincare regimen that you have to follow morning and night.

Although it sounds like a lot, it can be something very simple. All you need is dedication. Your dedication will pay off and uncover beautiful, raw, healthy skin. Performing all of the services I do, and changing skin that screams for help along with creating my artwork on a beautiful canvas, is my career. Right now I stick

to my short term goals and aim for my long term goals.

Opening my own studio where our priority is our clients. Everyone is welcome and taken care of luxuriously and comfortably. A place where you can come get ready for your first date, or your wedding day. You walk in excited with expectations and with the spin of a chair, you walk out a Queen.

Head to toe, the canvas is shining. This is my business, BeautifyMe. As an artist and the founder of BeautifyMe, I am here to service all your beauty needs and wants.

If you’re looking for special occasion makeup for any event, headshots, photoshoots, or fashion shows... book me as your makeup artist. Do you have skin concerns?

Anti-aging, dry skin, or breakouts? Book me for a microdermabrasion. Do you need better brows or lifted lashes? My station is set.

BeautifyMe is here to Beautify YOU. For more information, or to contact me please visit @beautifyme247 on Instagram and Facebook or my email is gfrose12@gmail.com

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TEARNEY’S KARATE

BY ALEXIS TEARNEY KUHL

Hi! my name is Alexis Tearney Kuhl and I am the second generation owner of Tearney’s Martial Arts. You may have heard of our school. It began in 1969 under my parents, Greg and Judy Tearney, 10th degree Black Belts. In 1986, my parents moved our family and the business to the Camillus/ Fairmount area. It was one of the best decisions they could ever have made. Over the years they have taught, motivated, and helped thousands of students.

It has always been their goal to teach the highest quality in martial arts, while helping students develop life skills that would impact their lives for the better. Through my parents’ dedication, motivation, and resilience, Tearney’s became the powerhouse dojo that it became.

Having had the experience of growing up in the family business, it was only natural that I would train, compete, and eventually teach and learn the business. I had my moments of wanting to be like a “normal family”.

When other kids heard my last name, they always brought up karate, my family, or would say something like “oh, so you can probably kick my butt”. As a shy, conscientious, and self aware child, this kind of attention grew old. When people saw me in the dojo, they often referred to me as “the daughter”, as opposed to just Alexis.

A lot of people would assume things about me due to my parents success.

Some assumed that I must be spoiled.

Many people mistook my shy nature for being stuck up. They saw my high achieving nature and assumed I must think highly of myself, when it was actually quite the opposite. I work very hard because I am never satisfied with myself. This feeling of being unaccepted and misunderstood often drove me to resent the dojo. I would need breaks

from the training, in order to find my own path and my own true self.

As I became a young adult, I realized that having this type of family business was a true blessing. There are very few occupations where you can have the kind of satisfaction that this provides.

We get to help, motivate, and inspire people to be better and achieve more.

The gratitude from parents and students is what keeps us going. I soon became a full time instructor in the dojo, and I

am now a 5th degree Black Belt. My students have valued me as a caring, motivating, and detail oriented teacher.

I’ve enjoyed many satisfying years helping children and adults in the dojo. I’ve cared for the kids as if they were my own. Many of my adult students have become great friends. Helping people is something I am passionate about.

On March 14, 2020, it was a typical Saturday morning. I finished teaching my last class of the week, and we were aware of the concerns with Covid. That was the last class I physically taught at our beautiful dojo on Milton Avenue in Camillus. On that following Monday, New York state shut down all nonessential businesses. The weeks turned into months, and the rent owed began to accumulate. No one expected this to drag on as long as it did. Without revenue in a business, bills can’t simply pay for themselves. My parents had been deliberating retirement for awhile. It became clear that it was time to step away and dissolve the corporation. Also during thus time, we were dealing with my dad’s new cancer diagnosis. They stumbled across a very aggressive bladder cancer, during a routine screening for something else.

This made the decision even easier.

When serious illness strikes, it makes one realize how fleeting life really is.

Like many others, this year has been the most stressful, uncertain, and trying time of my life. It is a daily struggle to forge ahead and the weight and

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HUSTLES TALKS } } } { {IN HER OWN WORDS { SHE SHIFT+CONTROL “Having had the experience of growing up in the family business, it was only natural that I would train, compete, and eventually teach and learn the business. I had my moments of wanting to be like a “normal family”.”

burden I feel is tremendous. It’s a lonely journey. Having lost the one constant in my life - my family’s business, feels like the death of loved one.

Due to the uncertainty d u r i n g quarantine, my husband and I opened an e-commerce vintage clothing store and named it Lhük Vintage.

Shortly after, I decided to continue my family legacy and file for another new business license Tearney’s Martial Arts, LLC. Since establishment, I have been teaching live, online virtual classes in karate and kickboxing.

I am able to provide training, exercise, and valuable character development. I have become very active with our social media pages.

Without a physical location, it’s the only way that I can remain seen and relevant. My posts are all about

motivating, helping and inspiring. So many people are struggling with what’s going on in the world. Depression and anxiety rates are through the roof.

Alcohol and drug consumption are up. Quarantine weight gain is real.

We need hope. We need positivity.

We need a light at the end of this tunnel.

And even though I am in the thick of this mess, I promise to remain a positive light for those who need i t . Te a r n e y’s Martial Arts will come back. It may exist virtually for now, but I am actively seeking a new home for our school. And when we get to other side of 2020, we will be so much stronger for it. I hope that you will follow and support my journey on Facebook and Instagram - @ tearneysma. I promise to be a constant source of positivity and authentic motivation.

Thank you for reading my story.

I appreciate you.

Unemployment is unlike anything we have ever seen, as entire industries get wiped out. If you haven’t been laid off, maybe your hours have been cut. If it hasn’t happened to you, it’s happening to someone you know.

Best Regards and Love, Renshi Alexis Tearney Kuhl

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{{ { SHE HUSTLES SHE HUSTLES TALKS TALKS }}} SHIFT+CONTROL “We get to help, motivate, and inspire people to be better and achieve more. The gratitude from parents and students is what keeps us going.“

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TALENA SKYE Cherese “Talena Skye” Bracey is God’s daughter, and a princess of the King she unapologetically declares.

Born in Manhattan and raised in Jersey City, the chilltown native is on a mission to set the captives free. Some refer to Talena Skye as a lyrical preacher as she raps the gospel while delivering her messages in a bold authoritative way.

Skye’s childhood wasn’t a happy one, lost from an environment that was uncertain from day to day. She struggled with rejection as she cried out for help and rescue from the life she so desperately wanted to escape from to no avail. In danger of being taken from her mom and put in foster care, she felt terrified and alone. No family wanted to get involved with dealing with the domestic

Talena Skye (pronounced Ta-lay-na) chose this as her artist name as a rebirth of a new beginning from a life filled with many dark days.

She adds “Skye” to her name as a reminder to always keep her head towards the sky looking to God for help through trials and tribulations.

She overcame many struggles as a child and is a survivor of domestic violence. As a child she would escape the cold atmosphere around her by writing songs and losing herself in storybooks.

Storybooks were a way of escape from the real world.

It allowed her to imagine a fun world away from her own, while helping her to use her imagination. “Alcoholism is a disease that many don’t believe can harm the self esteem and life of a child.

It can be a vehicle used by hell to drive through the doorway of a person’s spirit that can cause destruction.” says Talena.

She suffered much physical abuse at the hands of her father who himself was struggling with inner turmoils. Talena

situation she and her mom endured.

They felt alone and discouraged. Talena was the tender age of 9 years old. A little girl broken hearted and void of trust from adults around her whom she thought would love and protect her. The rejection opened doors to more sadness and feelings of despair from both her mom and daughter. Talena Skye prayed a child’s prayer that God would protect

her and keep her safe.

She was able to stay with her mom through intervention although she didn’t feel loved by many close to her. “God will send his angels to watch over you in your most trying times,” said Talena.

She received counseling and found emotional comfort from an aunt whom she grew close to during her darkest days. Her mom 10 years later gave birth to her brother. Life wasn’t a bed of roses as she struggled with the idea of her dad still being in her life whom she resented for many years. As a teen, she had to care for her younger brother, as her mom and main bread winner would work two jobs two provide a life for her children the best way she could. Her dad still struggling with his addiction tried best to provide but the disease of alcoholism drove him deeper down a path of destruction that which lead him to be become void of a normal fatherhood.

His addiction and abusive reign came to a halt as he suffered a stroke that nearly left him completely disabled. She credits God, counseling, and her mom’s sister who was away at college during most of the turmoil for saving her throughout her troubling adolescent years.

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{{ { SHE HUSTLES SHE HUSTLES TALKS TALKS }}} SHIFT+CONTROL “Talena Skye (pronounced Ta-lay-na) chose this as her artist name as a rebirth of a new beginning from a life filled with many dark days.“

Her aunt made sure she knew God’s love for her while sharing the word of God. It was those seeds planted in her heart for Jesus at such a young age that she would never let go. While attending a church one day at the age of 12, she heard the Pastor say, “Invite Jesus into your heart and He will save you and never leave you.” It was that moment she realized she wanted Jesus to live in her heart to protect her. She became born again and made Jesus the Lord of her life. However things wasn’t always what she expected.

The troubles in her life began to increase as she got older causing her to question God’s love for her. In 1993 she became really sick and developed a brain tumor in the middle of her brain. It was cancer free but the tumor almost left her blind.

She had surgery through a transphenoidal procedure done by cutting a passage under the upper lip then making an incision in the back of the nose to insert an instrument that would remove the tumor. The surgery was a crucial one that took 6 hours. However, Talena Skye trusted God and stayed in faith as God guided the hands of the doctors to success.

In the winter of 1994 she was the victim of a hit and run car accident. “As I was riding in the car with my head on the glass napping, I heard a voice say...”pick up your head” as I looked up, a white car came straight toward me. I jumped quickly and closely to the side of the driver as the door on my side, the upfront passenger side, was hit and smashed all the way to the driver side. The impact hit my back a bit and the entire window 135

glass was broken out all over my head as I sat frozen with my head down. I walked away with no scratch, or bruises just a little out of breath from the door’s impact, explained Talena. “I didn’t have my seat belt on cause I had taken it off because it was too tight from my coat and needed to breath a minute. Although I know seat belts save lives, that time not having one on saved mine because I was able to jump from my seat fast.

Jesus saved my life!! I am so grateful to be alive.” said Talena Skye In 1995 she met her soul mate who later became her husband. The introduction was made by a co worker and cousin of her new guy during her time of transition from a very bad relationship from where she was a victim of emotional abuse, cheating and mistrust from a boyfriend she dated and saw a way of escape from her environment. Things weren’t what she thought and and as she tried to break it off, he showed her a gun to scare her not to leave the relationship. Although she didn’t feel threatened, he continued to pursue her. She was stalked many times but one day he appeared peaceful, nice, and apologetic and decided to have a conversation while offering a ride to work one morning. She was tricked and briefly kidnapped which made her late as co workers questioned her whereabouts. It was storming rain with nothing around her but dumpsters and seclusion as they began to fight. He threatened to smash her head through the window glass as she began a fighting struggle screaming Jesus over and over again. The struggle eventually stopped and the ex looking very disturbed started the car and drove her to work and

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dropped her off. Too shaken by the event she collected herself and began her day at work without saying a word.

One month later she met Taji Bracey on Christmas day who became the love of her life and biggest supporter and fan.

They married on Sept 4th 1999. The two recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary and will be celebrating another special anniversary of 25 years together this Christmas of 2020.

She attended a community college and received credentials to began a career in early childhood of almost 30 years, teaching children how to have positive self esteem and how to be the best they can be. Her mission is teaching children in a fun and exciting way that helps them succeed.

In 2005 she founded The Reesie Reader and Bookie literacy Club and created the character mascots, “Reesie Reader (the girl who loves to read) & Bookie (the king of book world). The literacy club gave close to 10,000 storybook donations to kids who needed them the most, helping them to make friends with books. In 2009, she started her own business Reading Reaps Rewards Early Childhood Enrichment program. The program teaches children how to read while building learning activities around books for enrichment.

She is the author of 3 childrens books and was given the opportunity to meet Tory Burch at an entrepreneur womens mentoring event. Tory purchased copies of her first book “Storytime Friends” to give to children during a Christmas

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{ { SHE HUSTLES TALKS } } SHIFT+CONTROL “Alcoholism is a disease that many don’t believe can harm the self esteem and life of a child. It can be a vehicle used by hell to drive through the doorway of a person’s spirit that can cause destruction.”

event. She is currently seeking to make her books into animation film. Her third book Reesie Reader Little Entrepreneur teaches kids gems of becoming an entrepreneur. She wrote and produced a kids song that’s featured in the book called “Storytime Friends” that was sung by her cousins the The Storytime Friends Crew, who were 7, 8, and 12 at the time of production. The crew sang for children and promoted the importance of reading and being the best you can be. They are all grown up now as successful wonderful young adults today. She became a certified kids music and movement Instructor from Kindermusik University, and operates a program through her own business Reading Reaps Rewards presents Kindermusik.

Kindermusik International, Inc is a world leading method of early childhood education and is one of the most widely recognized music and movement programs for young children.

In 2010, she attended and graduated from Rising Tide Capital Business Academy for entrepreneurs. In 2012 she entered a New Jersey statewide business competition for Reading Reaps Rewards run by Rising Tide Capital Business Academy, and became a top ten finalist from 80 plus contestants. Victor Cruz, a former NY Giant attended the event.

Today, Talena Skye is on a journey praising God from a place of victory through all life has sent and sends her way. In 2016 she lost her mom to cancer and wrote a song titled “Mama” as a tribute to her. The song also features Be Cleare Allen who also lost her mom to cancer and contributed a poem to her mom used in the song “Raw Blue Hue” After Talena’s mom’s death, she was left to

care for her dad who suffered a stroke a few years ago.

Her mom was his caregiver has gone home to be with the Lord and responsibility and care is now left in her and her brothers hands. Although Talena Skye didn’t have a good relationship with Her dad , she walks the path of forgiveness and cares for her dad’s well being and security. He is now a born again believer in Jesus, alcohol free and living a life of peace despite being lonely without his wife, the only person who cared for him despite his battles and understood his struggles.

“Its funny how life works but God has a plan and I trust Him.” says Talena Skye.

Talena Skye is also a voice over talent, making people laugh with many character style voices from men and womens voices in the style of Egyptian, Italian, Spanish, African and Indian to many kid styles.

Talena Skye is no stranger to struggle, hard work and perseverance.

Today, she continues to teach children while ministering hope, authority and faith to others using the gifts God gave her.

Talena is not ashamed to be radical for Christ as she boldly states in her newest release “Something 2 Say” which was inspired by world events that sparked the strong lyrics igniting a fuse toward the kingdom of darkness. Her new EP soon to be released is called “Arise” inspired by the scripture Isaiah 60.

You can find Talena Skye’s music online.

Her childrens books by Cherese Bracey are also available online for purchase.

Also, check out her video “What is Faith?” on YouTube.

To learn more about her business, visit www.readingreapsrewards.org. @ readingreapsrewards IG Facebook Please follow her on @ talenaskyeinstagram and visit www.talenaskye.org for new and upcomingmusic...Stay tuned!

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CHERESE T. BRACEY

BY TALENA SKYE

Meet Cherese T. Bracey founder and CEO of Reading Reaps Rewards Early Childhood Enrichment Program.

Cherese is an entrepreneur, educator, author, creator and songwriter. She is a domestic violence survivor who overcame many struggles as a child, including a brain tumor that nearly left her blind. As a child, Cherese would use storybooks as a way of escape from troubling times. Reading and writing songs were a way to help spark creativity and help her to cope with feelings of sadness from an uncertain environment. Finding God at an early age of 12, Cherese credits her faith in God for the positive person she is today. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will direct your paths,” says Cherese. One of her favorite quotes from Proverbs 3:5-6.

Cherese’s mission is helping children succeed by encouraging them to have confidence in learning by making learning fun!

books for enrichment. “Because of the recent pandemic, it makes it hard to run my business originally however, offering programs virtually may be a challenge but it helps me reach more children abroad,” says Cherese.

Today she is the founder of The Reesie Reader and Bookie literacy Club for kids and created the character mascots, “Reesie Reader (the girl who loves to read) & Bookie (the king of book world). The literacy club gave close to 10,000 storybook donations since it’s inception in 2005, to kids who needed them the most, helping them to make friends with books. In 2009, she started her own business Reading Reaps Rewards Early Childhood Enrichment program. The program teaches children how to read while building learning activities around

The crew sang for children and promoted the importance of reading and being the best you can be. They are all grown up now as successfulom wonderful young adults today.

She is the author of 3 childrens books “Story Time Friends”, “The Case of The Withering Books” and “Reesie Reader Little Entrepreneur” She was given the opportunity to meet Tory Burch at an entrepreneur womens mentoring event. Tory purchased copies of her first book “Storytime Friends” to give to children during a Christmas event.

Her third book “Reesie Reader Little Entrepreneur” teaches children the gems of becoming an entrepreneur.

She wrote and produced a kids song that’s featured in the book called “Storytime Friends” that was sung by her cousins, The Story Time Friends Crew, who were very young at the time of production at ages 7, 8, and 12.

Cherese loves performing puppet shows for kids using various voice overs to bring laughter to little faces and families. Her fun learning approach helps children love to learn by creating a happy laughable way to learn.

She became a certified kids music and movement Instructor from

Kindermusik University, and operates a program through her own business Reading Reaps Rewards presents Kindermusik.

Kindermusik International, Inc is a world leading method of early childhood education and is one of the most widely recognized music and movement programs for young children.

In 2010, She attended and graduated from Rising Tide Capital Business Academy for entrepreneurs. In 2012 she entered a New Jersey statewide business competition for her program, Reading Reaps Rewards. The competition was run and held by Rising Tide Capital Community Business Academy and was it’s first competition of which she became a top ten finalist from 80 plus contestants.

Victor Cruz, a former NY Giant attended the event.

Cherese is no stranger to struggle, hard work and perseverance. Today, she continues to teach children while ministering hope and faith to others using the gifts God gave her. Her childrens books are available at the Jersey City Public Library and is available online for purchase.

To learn more about her business, visit www.readingreapsrewards.org.

Like her page on Facebook.

Follow her on @ReadingReapsRewards Instagram.

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THE BEAUTY ROOM

BY CNY WOMAN ONLINE

Rewind to April 2020; Smack dab in the middle of the Coronavirus pandemic. All non-essential businesses have been closed until further notice.

Emily Speers, professional hairstylist, had not been able to work in the salon since the end of April. Ten weeks of being closed and suddenly, we get the word that salons are able to re-open.

But, Emily’s salon that she worked in for several years folded in the midst of the pandemic. The Owner decided it wasn’t in her cards to own the salon anymore. And just then, the opportunity of a lifetime fell into Emily’s lap...to become a salon owner.

The previous owner of the salon, which is now known as “The Beauty Room”, handed over the salon to Emily to help her succeed in her dreams of being a salon business owner. Emily was nervous and optimistic about taking over a business at the age of 24, and not to mention during a global pandemic. She said to herself several times throughout the process, “Am i crazy for opening a business during a global pandemic?”.

But, she continued to move forward and put those thoughts to the back of her mind knowing that it would all 143

work out, and with the help of her family and friends, she would thrive.

Fast-forward to present. Emily has been the proud owner of “The Beauty Room” located at 33 Oswego Street in Baldwinsville, New York since June 2020 and is not looking back. Business is booming and she is beyond blessed to have been given this opportunity.

Since opening, she has been working on remodeling the space to make it her own, and has also added an esthetician and another hair stylist to her salon. Emily says she enjoys “building relationships with clients and offering a space where they can come unwind and relax while they receive their services. It’s something everyone looks forward to when coming to the salon; to be able to let their hair down and know they are

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going to leave feeling refreshed and beautiful.” Emily hopes to continue to grow the salon and continue making her vision a reality.

Since Emily was a child, she knew she wanted to be a hairstylist. Once she graduated from Baldwinsville’s C.W. Baker High School in 2013, Emily pursued her education at “Continental School of Beauty” where she graduated in 2014 and became a licensed cosmetologist after passing her New York State Boards. Emily is always continuing her education by attending hair shows and taking educational classes online. She strives to stay up to date on current hair trends and techniques to keep her clients looking stylish and making them look and feel their best.

“The Beauty Room” offers a variety of services from hair cutting, coloring, wedding and formal hair, waxing, facials, etc. You can find them and their full list of services on Facebook, Instagram and Google under “The Beauty Room”. Appointments can be booked by contacting Emily at 315-857-6909.

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KEFI MARKETING

BY KATINA KARL

“Putting Heart, Kindness, Positivity and Success Into Marketing Campaigns” “Our goal is to bring great success to our clients by creating meaningful, fun, exciting marketing campaigns, full of heart. We may be a small marketing company, but we have a big impact on everything we are a part of. When we say, we’ve got this, we promise you, we do.”

– Katina Karl, Owner My name is Katina Karl and I am the owner of Kefi Marketing in Liverpool, NY. A marketing agency that helps businesses with their marketing, from social media to media buying/ paid social, as well as public relations. At Kefi Marketing we pride ourselves on putting positivity, kindness, heart and success into everything we do. I spent over two decades in the corporate world from Long Island, NY to South Florida. I learned from very early on, if there’s something you want in life you needed to work hard for it. I come from a family background of small business owners. I was always determined to one day make a statement of my own.

In 2018, Kefi Marketing was born. Kefi is a beautiful Greek word that means full of life, joy, excitement and so much more. It’s almost hard to even define the feeling and word Kefi (Kef-ee). I wanted something that was true to my Greek 151

heritage and to honor my mom at the same time. I lost my mom in 2015 after a battle with Neuroendocrine cancer. I put everything on hold to be her full-time caregiver at the time. I also left South Florida to move to Binghamton, NY to be closer to family and to start over by going back to school, while working, both full-time. At the same time, I met my other half, Tyler, who grew up in

the Baldwinsville, NY area and we have planted roots together in Liverpool, NY with our dog, King Louis.

Over the years, I’ve been able to work alongside business owners throughout New York State, making a difference in their businesses with their custom marketing campaigns. I’ve treated every client’s business as if it were my own.

What sets Kefi Marketing apart is our passion and partnerships with local

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nonprofits. Our community is where we call home and it’s important to give back to it. Kefi Marketing has been able to bring good light to the local businesses and the nonprofits we’ve partnered with. I even took on the chairwoman position of Public Relations for the Junior League of Syracuse (The JLS is an organization of diverse women committed to enriching the quality of life for women, children and their families in the Central New York community).

Through Kefi Marketing’s continued growth and success with businesses small and large we look forward to creating new jobs in our community through innovation, hard work and dedication.

C OV I D - 1 9 h a s changed the way we market. We have had to become virtual in a new way--to create new ways to connect, shop, and interact with customers like never before. We saw business owners having to use social media, in ways some of them may never have used social media before and some did not even have a social platform for their business.

Business owners wear enough hats every day; marketing, advertising and social media is a full time job that many of them don’t have the time for. Others try their hand at it and may not see

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success, because they don’t have the right skills. It’s important to work with a professional team that can understand your business inside and out to come up with the right game plan for success.

For example, for one of my clients, we created virtual live events during COVID-19 that had customers tuned in and ready to shop live on Facebook and Instagram each month. Customers were able have a connection with us, which people were craving after being quarantined at home. With the success 155

of our virtual lives and new ways of marketing, that business was able to open a brick and mortar store in the midst of the pandemic. For another business, we created an in person event following COVID-19 guidelines that dedicated a day to offer free car washes for essential employees, first responders and healthcare workers, they were able earn hundreds of new customers and bring good light to the community. It brings me such joy to see the success of a campaign, knowing that we did that,

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we created that success.

At the end of the day, what matters to me the most is that if I was able to help a business or change a life, I know I did my part. Just like Kefi’s marketing motto, I hope I can inspire others out there to be positive, kind and strong. To know that anything in life you dream of is possible, if you work hard. It won’t come easy, you may face adversity on your journey, but keep going. Spread your wings and fly.

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MARKETING, ADVERTISING, PUBLIC RELATIONS & SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING MARKETING CAMPAIGNS FILLED WITH INNOVATIVE THINKING, SUCCESSFUL MINDSETS, AND CREATIVE SOLUTIONS, ALL WHILE PUTTING KINDNESS, POSITIVITY AND HEART INTO EVERY CAMPAIGN. BRING KEFI MARKETING TO THAT TABLE FOR ALL YOUR MARKETING NEEDS!

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www.Kefimarketing.com | Liverpool, NY Katina@kefimarketing.com Social: @KefiMarketing

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NOT BLENDED Not Blended is an Eco-Friendly clothing company that promotes diversity to show that you do not have to blend to belong. The term Not Blended was created to start a conversation. It was created to have individuals think about their position in society. Many of us fit into many categories and society tries to label us and group us into one category.

When you say you are Not Blended you are saying I am me, I have multiple layers.

You are saying that you are not going to let society define who you or who you love.

In 2018 the CEO and Founder of Not Blended Patrice Edwards studied in Germany and felt like she did not belong. She felt as even though she earned her right to be there, she did not feel welcomed by the other students. She constantly had to be the spokesperson for African Americans, even though she was not American.

Many people looked at her and automatically determined who she was and who she should be. Many people were surprised to learn that Patrice immigrated from Trinidad and Tobago and was raised in a Caribbean household.

Throughout college, she visited many countries such as China, France, South Korea, Austria, Italy, and many more.

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noticed that many people were not accustomed to being around people of color and did not know how they should act around them.

Patrice started to think to herself what if she created a blog where people could share their stories. She wanted people to think about their insecurities and write about them. She wanted people to know that we all

have insecurities and making someone feel insecure about their skin color or who they are is wrong. No one should feel uncomfortable to make you comfortable. Soon many people were sending stories. They shared what

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they did not like about themselves and why they felt different. By thinking this way many were able to see what it is like to be a person of color. Many people of color spend everyday trying to live in society that is unaccepting to them due to their brown skin.

Something that cannot change. As people started to think about their insecurities in this way they started to think differently. It shows that when we stop thinking about ourselves and think about others we see that we are no different. We all have things that make us feel different and we should embrace it.

As the blog grew Patrice wanted to start a MOVEMENT and started selling keychain.

As keychains were doing well she met her partner Asia Ards who encouraged her to do more to develop a streetwear clothing line.

Asia knew what it was like to feel excluded as a black middle eastern who is a lesbian and grew up in a predominately white neighborhood. She felt like she did not belong so she became passionate about Not Blended. She knew that she had to be a part of this movement.

With just the two of them as business partners, they were able to create an eco-friendly clothing line that

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{{{ SHE HUSTLES SHE HUSTLES TALKS TALKS} }} SHIFT+CONTROL “Not Blended is an Eco-Friendly clothing company that promotes diversity to show that you do not have to blend to belong. The term Not Blended was created to start a conversation”

the products are packaged in nontoxic materials such as recyclable boxes and recyclable paper.

They make their own clothing tags and pins and try to provide a hands-on experience. Each order is sent with a personal note so that the customer knows that they are happy to have them a part of the Not Blended movement. To reach new customers Not Blended recently has been a part of a couple of local markets and small business events. This gives customers a chance to meet the faces of Not Blended. Our customers not only 159

are our inspiration but our voice and movement.

Currently Not Blended focusing on furthering their outreach. They are partnering with other small businesses to expand their brand. They are also going out in the Rochester community and providing food to those in need.

Not Blended hopes to eventually start their own scholarship to provide backpacks and school supplies to disadvantaged neighborhoods to help students be successful in school. Not Blended is more than a clothing company it is a safe haven.

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Currently Asia works hard on running social media such as Instagram and website. She also works hard on creating new designs to help Not Blended expand. Patrice is spending her time getting her Master’s in Marketing and Communication so that she can communicate with her customers effectively. Not Blended hopes to give back to the community to help create a better safe loving environment. Not Blended was created to start a movement to show you do not have to blend to BELONG!

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JOKELE’ Matika “Miss Tika” Goldsmith is a beauty Guru in the making. Born and raised in WNY, Matika found herself captivated by the ability to make women beautiful as early as the age of 8.

She would take her barbie dolls and cut their hair into cute styles, even curling them with curling irons making sure not to melt the not so human hair. As time went on she began to practice on herself. Having a mother (Evang.

Vicky Canty), as a beautician only fueled the fire for Matika. It pushed her further to become a beautician.

By the time she was a freshman in high school Matika had a very steady clientele full of girls and women of all ages.

Knowing that her heart was dead set on going to cosmetology school, she ran into a challenge with her mother about her not wanting to attend college as planned. However, with very much consideration and little talk with her grandfather the late Willie Canty Jr, her mother finally agreed. Matika went on to graduated in 1998 from Continental School of Beauty Culture in Buffalo NY. At the tender age of 18, with a 163

temporary license in tow, she was introduced to Monique Winfield whom would not only give Matika he first chance as a professional booth renting hairstylist but she would also become her mentor and a major part of her growth in the beauty industry.

With big dreams and aspirations

Matika knew that her drive would take her on a journey to leave her mark in the world. Now a New York State Licensed cosmetologist Matika found herself becoming more and more interested in the makeup part of cosmetology. After being asked to join a team for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week the MUA in her stood at attention. In 2011 Matika would leave the New Revelations nest where she had worked since 1998 and opened

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Miss Tika Salon of Hair & Beauty located in Lockport Ny. Matika was looking to fill the void, which was a lacking of hairstylists that cater to the Ethnic clientele in that city.

From the first day she opened her doors business was amazing. Working sun up to sun down with her team (braider & sister) Larraine Brown and (Barber & Husband) Johnny Goldsmith they were taking over! Through this journey many clients and friendships were formed. They quickly became apart of the community.

Back to school givea-ways, Health care outreach, Breast Cancer Awareness are a few of the community events that the Miss Ti k a Sa l o n s t a f f participated in.

One day Matka walked into choir rehearsal where she sang first Soprano with the Lighthouse Interdenominational Choir not knowing that she would get the first glance of her happily ever after. As time went on she found herself singing and traveling the country with this oh so handsome man. Becoming friends at first, hanging out, laughing and joking she quickly realized that when he was around so was were the knots in her stomach accompanied by

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{{{ SHE HUSTLES SHE HUSTLES TALKS TALKS} }} SHIFT+CONTROL “ As a Christian people tend to expect you to be perfect or to always turn the other cheek.

That couldn’t be further from the truth.“

accompanied by the determination to be as cute as possible.

As time went on they would began dating and in 2003 she became Mrs. Johnny Goldsmith Jr. 1 yr later they welcomed her first born Donovan Lee. He was her Rainbow baby. Johnny and Matika had suffered a loss before this blessing. The loss of their baby would bring them closer than ever.

To their surprise Joniya Autumn was on her way 1.5 yrs later. Due to medical complications Matika would find herself on the operating table which would cause the loss of half of her reproductive system. Afraid that more children was only a dream they prayed and believed. God saw them fit for a miracle and Kendall Elise was born. The Goldsmith family was complete... so they thought!

In 2016 Matika was forced to close her doors as she embarked on one of the most joyous occasions, the arrival of her baby girl Princess Leila. Due to a very complicated pregnancy Matika became too sick and was unable to perform as the head stylist of her salon. With her dr’s recommendations she was placed on bedrest for the last leg of her pregnancy which was 5 more months. She made the difficult decision to focus on her health and nurturing and delivering a healthy bundle of joy. Leila Lianna Goldsmith entered the world in Sept as healthy as a baby could be. At that moment Matika and her husband knew that they had made the best decision.

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family too soon she decided to pause the reopening of her Salon to focus on being a wife and a mother.

Growing up in the church Matika had always known that there was a calling on her life. With a mother as a Evangelist she was very familiar with what this particular calling would cost to fulfill. She ran every which way she could but she was never able to escape what thus said the Lord concerning her mission. Under the leadership of her pastor Bishop James H Bowman she accepted the call to ministry and began to become active in ministry.

Matika has accepted several speaking engagements in which she has seen how and what God can do through you if you just simply let God be God. Her faith is one thing that she takes very seriously. After walking away from 2 car wrecks, one which required the jaws of life, she is a FIRM believer that there is nobody greater than the Lord above. “ As a Christian people tend to expect you to be perfect or to always turn the other cheek. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I’m human just like you. I get angry and just might say something that you would not expect but thank God for Jesus!

Thank you Jesus for sacrificing your life that I might live again. He loves me enough that he doesnt require me to be him. He requires me to try my best because he already knows that I’ll never be perfect. Now ain’t God good!” Matika is often found saying “ If you do your best, God will do the rest!” That has become a

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household staple with encouraging her children.

Covid 19 being the first pandemic that Matika has lived to see has unfortunately left its ugly mark on her family. Loosing 3 immediate family members and 1 distant, her husband has felt the full weight of the Corona Virus. Again this was a time to totally lean on their faith. Prayers of peace and comfort has helped them through. Even though there were many sad times Matika found that this time was better than ever to dive totally into the development of her Cosmetics line Jokelé Beauty.

With the name founded from her 3 daughters Joniya, Kendall & Leila, they have been very involved from picking colors to naming them. This now family business has Launched and is doing better than expected.

Its vibrant and nude array of colors of moisturizing lip gloss has left people stunned. The flair in their lashes are very unique and flattering to every eye wearing them. Soon we will be introduced to Jokele Beauty Hair Care.

Birthed from her daughters extensive battle with eczema, Matika was determined to create all natural products that would stimulate her daughters hair growth while treating her eczema at the same time. After many many attempts of purchasing products that promised to do but failed, she studied all day and night until she had every piece to the puzzle.

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{{{ SHE HUSTLES SHE SHIFT+CONTROL HUSTLES TALKS TALKS { RECOVERX } }}} “Jokelé Beauty. With the name founded from her 3 daughters Joniya, Kendall & Leila, they have been very involved from picking colors to naming them. This now family business has Launched and is doing better than expected.”

Birthed from her daughters extensive battle with eczema, Matika was determined to create all natural products that would stimulate her daughters hair growth while treating her eczema at the same time. After many many attempts of purchasing products that promised to do but failed, she studied all day and night until she had every piece to the puzzle.

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With a blend of natural butters and oils she will soon launch Jokelé Beauty ButterCream Hair Butter and the Super Stimulating Hair Growth Oil. Tested and tried it has found to be the next best thing in hair care.

With the results that in the matter of 2 months her daughters hair had grown completely back in, she knows that it’s only a matter of time that

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the rest of the world would agree.

Now located in the Boulevard Mall in Amherst Ny Matika is enjoying the sudden expansion of her business.

Jokelé Beauty will soon be a household name.

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MARY ALICE

BY MICHELLE DIBERNARDO

MaryAlice Enright, I’m 46 yrs old and I currently live in Gilbertsville, Pa which is situated in Montgomery County, Pa. She was born and raised in Delaware County inside a little suburban town called Folcroft. She has two beautiful children, Patrick who is 15, and Samantha who is 12 yrs old.

me to never quit.

Michelle: If you could work with any celebrity who would it be?

Michelle: What made you get into the entertainment business?

2) My mom has always inspired me.

No matter how difficult a situation we were in she always managed to stay on top and stay positive. My mom was sick most of my childhood but no matter she made it known how much she loved me and she taught

4) In five years I still see myself doing more Hair Modeling and Acting but also I plan to have my Real Estate License by then. I’m great with people and I know my Real Estate. That’s my ultimate goal.

Michelle: You do a lot of hair modeling.

Can you tell the audience what hair modeling entails?

1) I decided to take the chance in the entertainment industry a few years back in June 2016 for a Madison Reed Hair Modeling Casting Call for QVC. My hair has always been my signature trademark so I took the opportunity to try out for QVC. My hair was long and thick so I took the chance. I competed with a lot of girls but the ones in charge of Madison Reed liked me. I just made sure I let my confidence shine and I acted like myself. The rest was history.

Michelle: Who inspires you?

Michelle: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

5) In order to be a great hair model the number one thing that I feel is important to be one is actually being relatable to your audience. That’s what they love.

3) If I could work with any celebrity I’d say it would have to be Richard Gere. His charismatic ways and has a long list of movies under his belt have always caught my attention.

Hair Modeling involves putting your hair in the hairstylist’s hands and having faith that they’ll make you look amazing. Sometimes hair gigs can take all day depending on how drastic the outcome.

For example, last year when I was at a New York hair gig it took the entire day just to get the right color desired. I love hair modeling because it’s always evolving and there are so many different looks. I love knowing that I inspire others with my hair and I’m approachable which helps viewers relate to me.

Even with him being older he always had a place in my heart.

Social Media: Facebook and on IG at Maryalice_enright

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8400 OSWEGO RD. STE 1 I LIVERPOOL, NY I SYRACUSESILHOUETTE.COM I (315) 848-6020

CONTACT US AT NETWORKROCQUEEN@GMAIL.COM