OCTOBER 2022

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Dear Dearest Neighbors,

It’s

are changing, the temperature is dropping and pumpkins are taking center stage. And, of course, the McLean Living magazine is aglow.

The centripetal question kids are asked during their first week back at school is “what did you do this summer?” Responses range from “Went to the beach,” “Stayed on the lake,” “hiked in the mountains,” to “visited relatives,” “traveled to the city,” or “attended sleep-away camp.” Now that we are back in school and ready for a whole new year, activities are shifting back into gear. Many of us are dreading the cold months ahead, but we should bathe in the cool mornings and warm evenings we have now. Watch the leaves fall with a smile on your face!

Before we dive into the next pages, I want to thank some very kind neighbors who have called me with very inspiring stories for my magazine. I really appreciate that you all are learning to understand the blessing that is this community magazine.

This issue is so much fun, we have the amazing Tatum Evans who was featured in the US Open, a new section called Diva Corner written by an acclaimed local blogger Aarti Shah, as well as illuminating articles from our neighboring experts.

It's so truly amazing how this magazine has so many empowered women; we even have a feature on Kelly Featheringham who wrote an absolute mustread for all of us readers. Her soul and positivity are absolutely contagious. And last but not least, our October cover featuring the truly fantastic Paola Soto. She is quite the lady. Read her story and believe me, she is a woman to admire.

Thank you ladies, and all others who have assisted, for this wonderful issue. Let’s Dive in!

ACCOUNTING & TAX SERVICES

Iche Chiu | 360 CPA 866-550-2050 360.cpa

PERMANENT MAKE-UP

HAIR STYLIST

Daniel Bechara | Salon Daniel 703-893-5000 salondaniel.com

HEATING AND AIR Brian Anderson TemperaturePro Northern Virginia 703-828-0886 | temperaturepro.com

ACUPUNCTURIST

Dr. Sarah Alemi | Eastern Roots Wellness 571-354-6643 easternrootswellness.com

BAKERY

Sandra Penetta | Sweetbites Cafe 703-448-1115 sweetbitescafe.com

CAREER COACH Kelly Featheringham | Kelly Featheringham ACC, Executive Career Coach 914-489-8856 | kellyfeatheringham.com

Paola Soto | Synergy Beauty 703-734-0772 synergybeautytysons.com EDUCATION

Jinsil Kim | C2 Education of McLean 703-288-4400 c2educate.com

THERAPEUTIC WELLNESS

Yully Ludena | Yulli Therapeutic Healing Center 571-888-5193

REAL ESTATE

Brian Mason | Home Sold 540-314-8745 besteverrealtor.com

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

Stephanie Q. Lawrence | Vinson Hall 703-936-6501 vinsonshall.org

INSURANCE

Milena Bu | State Farm 225-252-1932 buforyou.com

MOVER

Gina Kovatch | Petra Moving Company 703-547-7631 petramovingcompany.com

MENTAL HEALTH

Eva-Maria Theodosiadis, MD & Dr. Debra Brosius | Integrated Psychology Associates of McLean, LLC 703-215-4101 debrabrosius.com | ipamclean.com

DENTIST

Dr. Negar Tehrani | Aura Dentistry 703-748-1900

FURNITURE

Joni Foerter | Front Porch Furniture Rescue 703-543-9248 frontporchfurniturerescue.com

MASTER PEDICURIST & ONCOLOGY-TRAINED ESTHETICIAN

Lisa Tep | Sesen Spa 703-281-0822 | sesenspa.com

WARDROBE STYLIST

Cemile Caliskan | Chaliskan 571-585-1728 | chaliskan.com

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Photos by Tatiana Dove

Photo captured at Greenhill Winery & Vineyards

Mastering your ABCs

By Katie Culligan

Kelly Featheringham's superpower is that she embraces failure. She is an executive and leadership development coach who works with folks in leadership roles to develop, refine and leverage their strengths to become exemplary leaders and lead high-performing teams. She provides oneon-one coaching, team coaching and training programs. She also does keynote speaking for groups, organizations and conferences.

But why does she embrace failure? Because from failure arises essential learning experiences, the opportunity for

grace and humility, and the gift of deep appreciation. She elaborates, "Accomplishments that come easy vanish quickly; but those that take determination and tenacity are cherished and reflected back for years to come."

The business owner started her company in 2018. She spent more than 15 years working for the government before becoming a coach. Her government agency provided her with access to work with an executive coach, which was terrific and life-changing. She was starting to tire of the extensive travel and time away from home with her government job, and the coaching helped her get clarity and create a strategy to determine what she wanted to do next.

© Best Version Media

Kelly's executive coach was also the inspiration for her wanting to become a coach. She had always felt passionately tied to her mission, but was looking for something that she could feel more closely tied to the impact. She truly appreciated how the coach worked, so she wanted to learn to affect people in such a positive way as well.

She explained, "I love knowing I have helped someone feel better about a difficult conversation, a job interview, or giving a speech, along with watching a manager/leader feel more at home in their role, thus inspiring those around them. When I ask my clients a question, and they stop and look at me like they've just had an incredible a-ha moment, it's inspirational. That's the impact I want to have as a coach for as many people as possible." She wishes that coaching had been available to her when she was younger. She had so many questions and often had no idea who to direct them at or if the answers she received from others were for her benefit or theirs.

Her method of working with her clients is "no one size fits all." While she started with a reasonably rigid approach that included "set programs," she quickly pivoted to a much broader approach after feeling unaligned with where her clients were. She now has a framework that she begins with, but adapts each session to meet her client where they are.

The clients that can benefit most from her services are new or struggling C-suite executives (i.e., someone managing others). The number one thing she speaks about and coaches during her live seminars is assumptions, boundaries and communications. She also focuses on managed groups for her team development training.

This just so happens to be the topic of her new book "Maximizing Team Performance by Mastering your ABCs: Assumptions, Boundaries, and Communications." It was a fun project that incorporated many themes she hears daily across her client's work. She will offer various group activities around the book, such as a live training program. She will also be adding public speaking offerings on this topic, which can be done as a keynote speaker to a team or organization.

She says her days are fun because no two days are alike. Her business today looks very different from how it began, primarily due to her client's requests, referrals, and suggestions. They have shaped her company and the services that she offers. She values their feedback and appreciates that they are comfortable asking her to create specialized training for their teams. She is honored that they would bring her to work with a struggling employee rather than give up on them.

"We all go through highs and lows in our careers, and in my experience,

"We're much stronger when we surround ourselves with people who are not like us, but can amplify us."

Kelly has been married to her husband, Kris, since 2016. She has a stepson, Liam, who is about to turn 14 and is starting 8th grade. He is a big sports fan and specializes in football. She also has a dog named Seamus, a six-year-old Westie, and considers him her officemate, supervisor and constant companion. Kris and Kelly love wine tasting in Virginia. One of her favorites is Greenhill Vineyards (the location for this article's photoshoot). Kelly is also a sports fan and likes to encourage that in kids. Before the pandemic, she was a middle school girl's volleyball coach, and recently in June, she was a sponsor for the first Leadership Sports Academy hosted by United Charitable Inc. It was an exclusive one-day sports performance training program for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors nominated by their school administration or coaches. The academy combines sports training with educational seminars and panels for student-athletes.

You can find Kelly's multi-faceted book on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Kindle. She looks forward to broadening her message through more leadership development training and speaking. She emphasizes, "We don't need to know everything, even if we're in charge. We're much stronger when we surround ourselves with people who are not like us, but can amplify us."

THE WHY of The What

By Julia Liang, Resident LPC, Integrated Psychology Associates of McLean

In a culture that is data-driven, creating measurable impact becomes our survival strategy. We are compelled to strive for the highest GPAs, the greatest number of trophies, and the strongest KPIs. There is no peak to our achievements, only a relentless quest for greater milestones. The same goes for our children. From honors classes, to sports, to performance arts to Science Olympiad, there is always more they can do to become successful.

But what does success mean when our children are riddled with anxiety?

From cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to acceptance commitment therapy, the journey inward focuses not just on how we can better separate our bodies from our hearts and minds, but rather more on how we can integrate each of these processes to form

an authentic self. This self that we speak of revels in major milestones, but also requires a close attunement to its needs. Are you feeling thirsty right now? Tired perhaps? Maybe you are craving some company. Whatever it may be, there is no need too small that we ought to ignore it. And yet, in our fervent pursuit of achievement, difficult emotions become our enemies and rest is a waste of time. One Google search on toxic positivity and we see the importance of allowing ourselves to be fully human rather than omnipotent machines. Although a strong sense of mastery reinforced by achievements is an undeniably crucial component to well-being, we might do better approaching the path to success in a humbler manner.

Consider this imagery of humble growth. When we work, we are reaching upward; our arms are stretched above our heads as we grasp for new deadlines, achievements, progress, and success. Our aim is to grow taller, get stronger, speak louder. When we assume a posture of humility, we can begin to turn inward and examine not only what we need in the moment but also what areas of limitations require our tender affections.

© Best Version

We are then able to step outside expectations of

our voices soft, movements

our being small. We may learn that we are not always problems to be fixed or construction sites with work in progress banners

across the fields. Rather than compulsively growing our branches,

allow ourselves to turn to our roots and focus

the absorption of nutrients that provide us with a sustainable foundation.

the answer lies in the posture of humility. Perhaps even though we must urge them to march forth, self-actualize, excel, strive, and rise to the top as mini Übermensch, we might also guide them to cultivate an internal steadiness that is rooted in the why of their what. This begins with a humble introspection of their internal universes, or what we might otherwise call mindfulness. Our children might learn that the ever-expanding external universe is just as marvelous as the variability in their own thoughts, emotions, and sensations. Under this framework, the activities they participate in would not be a means to an end (e.g., a way to secure college admissions), but rather the end itself. Our children will be successful not because they have reached perfection, but because of a more solid sense of self capable of understanding why they do what they do and how to cultivate relationships with the people in their communities, the land they live on, and most importantly themselves.

Integrated

help our children who are

with

you ever met a worldwide permanent makeup boss?

here she is!

Version

By Katie Culligan

Paola Soto (46) and her daughter Fernanda J. Alvarado (23) of McLean! The close-knit duo moved to the U.S. in 2000 from Chile. What they thought was going to be a family vacation in Miami ended up becoming a six-month trip that then led to a permanent residence, spending two and a half years in New York. 22 years later, they are still proud to call the United States their home.

2006, the mother-daughter pair moved to Lilian Court in McLean. They also explored living in D.C. for a couple of years, then downtown Bethesda for about six years until Fernanda graduated high school. Eventually, they found themselves back in McLean when they moved to Park Crest in Tysons Corner. Since then, Paola has called the McLean side of Tysons her home for the past five years. She exclaims “I love the diversity and the convenience around us!” Paola and Fernanda round out their home with their rescue cat, named Mouse. They state that the furry family member is “very friendly and demanding of love; he’s like a dog trapped in a cat’s body!” Mouse runs to them when they whistle and even wags his tail like a puppy. In addition to her friendly fur-baby, Paola elaborates that she loves all pets, especially dogs.

Paola was born and raised in Santiago, Chile as the middle child of three. She calls herself a “rebel” child who developed

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a passion for beauty, make-up and skin care. She craved more independence, so she attended a boarding high school in England. She then returned to Chile to receive her Bachelor’s degree in Tourism & Hospitality Business from SEK University in Santiago. She later received a second degree in International Studies and Business, with her focus on marketing and advertising, from Pace University in New York. She then continued her educational journey by completing her certification on Skin Care and Permanent Cosmetics from The Esthetic Institute in Vienna, VA. Paola’s certification training was with some of the best master trainers in the industry, including Branco Babic (Phibrows), Sviatoslav Otchenash (Stardust and S Magic Techniques) and Elena Nechayeva.

Since her graduation, she has enjoyed instructing others in the field and is now considered one of the eight best trainers in the world as part of the Sviato Academy (previously called Academy-S). Her attention to detail is what sets her work apart from others in her field. She teaches and speaks primarily about permanent make-up in conferences around the world. Her topics often focus on the aesthetic side of permanent make-up such as eyebrows, lips and eyeliners. She recently returned from Colombia teaching about “color correction on eyebrows” along with speaking on “color correction on lips” in Estonia.

Because of all this, Paola travels extensively for work - usually 6070% of her work involves travel and she’ll often be away for a month at a time. When she’s home, she’s often swamped with her local clients and students. She has her own office in Tysons Corner that focuses on permanent make-up aesthetics. She works with three other aestheticians and Doctor Stephanie Ng. Paola also teaches local students at her academy in her office. She has also worked with several international plastic surgeons in various countries including Dr. Fernando Terre of Clinica Terre in Santiago, Chile; Dr. Reps Sundin, Burton Sundin and his team with Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery (VIPS) and with MBody in Tysons Corner. In addition, she has consulted for several other doctors worldwide.

Paola volunteers her masterful skills and time doing areola restoration for cancer survivors in addition to lip design and pigmentation for people with cleft palates. She says she can create hyper-realistic looks, recreating things as complex as a strand of hair. A lot of her volunteering takes place in Colombia, Mexico and Spain. She says that

Massage that

she truly enjoys helping women and men with regaining and restoring confidence through her treatments and trainings, while looking and feeling their best through skin care and permanent cosmetics.

Because of her busy schedule, when not working, she tries to enjoy time at home with loved ones in McLean or with her partner, Mike Vecchitto. The couple met at a halloween party and as Paola recalls “he was one of the good looking guys at the bar and all my friends were crazy about him,” but Mike only had eyes for her and made it clear that evening. They’ve now been together for eight years, and have been doing long distance for the last five years, due to Mike’s work taking him to Miami. The two try to visit each other once or twice a month.

Paola adds that she doesn’t only travel for work - traveling just for fun happens on occasions as well! Her favorite place to “rest and do nothing” is in the Dominican Republic. If she wants to “explore and enjoy scenery,” she’ll make her way to Italy or Estonia. A self-proclaimed gym rat, she also enjoys lifting weights at the gym in her building. To balance out the amount of sitting she does at work, she commits to doing cardio and weights about three times a week.

Paola points out that her daughter, Fernanda, is her biggest pride. Fernanda just graduated from the Smeal Business School at Penn State University. The two love going to interactive activities together; like the recent Immersive Van Gogh exhibit in D.C., along with musicals and sometimes even concerts. For the past five years Fernanda has developed an interest in rock climbing and bouldering. She started doing this activity with her uncle Francisco, Paola’s fire-fighter brother. Paola has even joined her for some of these rock-climbing adventures and admits that she surprisingly enjoyed it.

Paola’s family is the partial owner of multiple gyms, hotels and restaurants in Chile. Paola states that from a young age, she knew she didn’t want to go into her family’s business due to holidays being busy and lucrative times for the business. This added stress to what should have been a relaxing family time for her growing up, so her brother took over the business and Paola created her own path. Now, due to a series of family events, Fernanda is soon moving to Chile to help out with the family business alongside her rock-climbing uncle. While Paola’s lively travel schedule keeps her from becoming involved in more activities in the area, she effuses “We live in a great and diverse community! Diversity and respecting each other are the most wonderful characteristics of this area. Let‘s keep doing what we do best!”

OUT OF FALL HVAC MAINTENANCE How to take the Scare

By Brian Anderson, TemperaturePro Northern Virginia

With Halloween coming up and the holidays right around the corner, it is an important time to prepare for the cold months ahead. The change in season is a good reminder to pay attention to your HVAC system which requires regular check-ups and maintenance to improve its life expectancy.

Here are five HVAC tips to take the fright out of your heating system and ensure you are ready for winter.

ADJUST YOUR CEILING FANS

If your home has ceiling fans, you should adjust them now so they rotate clockwise. Generally, this is as frightfully simple as flipping a switch on your fan. When you do, the ceiling fan will pull cool air up, creating a gentle updraft. That airflow will then push the warm air that naturally rises up to the ceiling back down toward the living space.

Redistributes warm air and makes a room feel warmer and more comfortable

Helps save up to 15% on your heating costs through the winter Reduces hazards and clutter caused by space heaters and heating blankets

CHECK YOUR FILTER

Replace those basic fiberglass filters every month. Extended-life filters can be changed every 60 to 90 days but check them every month. Vacuum off those monstrous dust and dirt particles from

the intake side of the filter to extend their service life. Doing this simple task keeps your system running efficiently and reduces the horror of repair bills.

INVEST IN A HIGH-QUALITY HUMIDIFIER

As frost begins to appear on your pumpkin, the air here in Northern Virginia can become extremely dry. Keeping your home’s air at the right humidity throughout the winter months will save energy and reduce heating costs. That’s because humid air holds more heat, lessening the workload of your heater. TemperaturePro recommends keeping your home’s relative humidity levels between 40 and 60%.

ADJUST YOUR THERMOSTAT

If you have a programmable thermostat, reprogram it to account for cooler weather. If you don’t have one, consider making the notso-scary investment. Programmable thermostats can save you money on your energy bills.

SCHEDULE FALL HVAC MAINTENANCE

An HVAC maintenance tune-up is one of the best investments you can make to optimize efficiency, improve comfort and enhance indoor air quality. Don’t be afraid! Learn more about our professional heating system maintenance checks at TemperaturePro Northern Virginia.

Call our team at 703-214-3110 to reserve an appointment for your fall maintenance.

Paramedical Pedicuring

By Lisa Tep, Sesen Spa

Most of us know what a pedicure is – something we do when the weather gets warm and we have to wear sandals and expose our toes. Picking out the perfect polish can take some time, but having perfectly polished toes makes us happy. So, what then, is a Paramedical Pedicure?

Paramedical is defined as relating to services and professions that supplement and support medical work, but do not cross into specific medical care. The nail industry is buzzing with something called a “medi pedi” (aka medical pedicure). While the term rhymes and is catchy, it is also misleading. A nail technician’s scope of practice does not allow the performance of medical services – in ANY state.

However, nail technicians who have been properly trained in advanced foot and nail care can provide safe and effective services that far exceed the results of a basic pedicure. These advanced techniques do not fall under medical care, but are rather, specialized, cosmetic and non-invasive foot care that aims to provide instant and long-term comfort. In other words, a Paramedical Pedicure is hyper-focused on addressing nonmedical foot and nail concerns in an effort to provide essential foot care for healthy feet.

According to a 2018 study by the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, foot pain affects women more than men, ranking among the top 20 reasons for medical visits. Our feet are the foundation of our bodies. 25% - a quarterof our bones are in our feet and ankles (along with 107 ligaments and over 100 muscles and tendons). Think about the number of steps our feet take each day. Think about the weight they carry. Every step is the beginning of a chain of events that occurs each time our feet touch the ground. If our footing is off, every part of our body responds and adjusts. For this reason, pain in other parts of our body (knee, hip, lower back) can routinely be traced back to foot pain.

SAY WHAT?

What are the Top Three Reasons Clients

Seek a Paramedical Pedicure?

Thick Nails

Nails can become thick for a variety of reasons – poor/ reduced circulation, injuries, diabetes, fungal infection, repetitive trauma, etc. When a nail thickens, it can become brittle, discolored, unsightly and cause pain or discomfort. The Paramedical Pedicure uses an e-file and an appropriate bit to safely reduce the thickness (over a series of pedicures). Not only does this result in a smoother, more natural nail appearance, it affects less pressure on the nail bed (which, in turn, reduces discomfort and pain).

Corn and Callus Reduction

Corns and calluses are thick, hardened skin that develops over time as a way for the skin to protect itself against repeated friction and pressure. This is a very common condition and the degree of severity varies among clients. Nail technicians do not perform corn and callus removal. Callus/corn shavers that use blades are expressly prohibited (for use by a nail technician) in the State of Virginia. Remember, corns and calluses are the body’s way of protecting itself. The goal is not to remove them, but to reduce them in order to reduce pain and discomfort and to prevent them from getting worse (turning into deep cracks and fissures).

CARE LIKE YOU'VE

Ingrown or Involuted Nail Mitigation

An ingrown nail occurs when the corner or side of a toenail grows towards the sidewall. An involuted nail occurs when a toenail grows and curls under itself. Both conditions, which usually occur in the big toe, can cause pain, inflammation, swelling and, sometimes, even an infection. Once either of these conditions has punctured the surrounding soft tissue, if there is blood, pus or other evidence of an infection, nail technicians are not allowed to work on the affected toe. However, technicians who perform Paramedical Pedicures receive specialized training to mitigate these conditions before they require medical intervention. Mitigation usually means precise trimming of the nail to ensure that the nail (after trimming) sits parallel to the sidewall or lays flat on the nail bed and that no sharp angles or shards remain.

Who Should Receive a Paramedical Pedicure?

Anyone who suffers from foot pain caused by thick nails, corns, calluses, ingrown, involuted nails, diabetics, oncology and otherwise immunocompromised clients who may benefit from proper foot and nail care.

What Happens During a Paramedical Pedicure?

Each service should begin with a thorough consultation and evaluation. The technician should be informed of conditions such as neuropathy, diabetes, location of existing discomfort, etc. They will visually evaluate the feet for corns, calluses, excessive dry skin, problematic nail growth and moles among other things. Nail technicians are sometimes the first to spot issues that appear on the feet. The technician should ask probing questions to better understand these conditions and they should recommend proper home care.

Trimming, filing, cuticle detailing, buffing and foot exfoliation (all things that are usually included in a regular pedicure) are performed with painstaking care and precision. Using tools such as an electric file, corn probes, excavators, flat edge nippers and ingrown rasps is where the Paramedical Pedicure begins to diverge from the average pedicure. These highly specialized tools allow the technician to safely and effectively perform thick nail debridement, corn/callus reduction and ingrown/involuted nail mitigation.

Each Paramedical Pedicure should end with a foot and lower leg massage, along with a hydrating treatment. Polish is always optional, but definitely recommended!

How Often Should Clients Receive a Paramedical Pedicure?

Pedicures serve a higher purpose. Great foot care leads to good foot health. Pedicures, in the opinion of this author, are essential and should be received monthly. Whether each month’s pedicure needs to be a Paramedical Pedicure is based on the condition of the client’s feet. Some clients may require a Paramedical Pedicure each month, while others may be able to alternate between a less technical pedicure and Paramedical Pedicure.

At-home care plays a critical role in how often clients will need a Paramedical Pedicure. Regular foot exfoliation, using a hydrating scrub or foot file, 2-3 times a week will help reduce the accumulation of dead skin. Using products that are especially formulated for feet (the skin on the feet is thicker and tougher so your normal body lotion is not ideal) will help keep the skin properly hydrated.

Where are Paramedical Pedicures Performed and Who is Qualified to Perform Them?

Paramedical Pedicures are typically offered in a salon/spa environment. Some physicians have seen the benefit of offering this service in their facility and will employ a nail technician on staff.

In the State of Virginia, nail technicians are licensed, and their scope of practice is governed by the Board of Cosmetology. However, the Board does not have continuing education requirements and does not govern (or require) industry specialized training and certification. Which means that all nail technicians are NOT created equal.

Before booking a Paramedical Pedicure, ask the nail technician what specialized training they have received and what accrediting authority provided the training. Ask about their certifications and credentials. When in doubt, ask for client testimonials or case studies.

Whether it is a Paramedical or more conventional pedicure, ALWAYS seek an establishment that is hyper-focused on cleanliness and sanitation practices. Tools and implements should be sterilized in an autoclave (while this is not required by the State Board, it is an indication that the establishment takes this matter seriously). Work areas should be disinfected between each and every client, using hospital-grade EPA-registered disinfectants (not household cleaners). Tools that cannot be sterilized should be discarded after a single use.

great rates right around the corner.

Social

By Sarah Shamlal

Good

Social4Good (S4G) is an all-volunteer, grassroots organization that brings together engaged women who want to meet new people and support the organizations that make our community strong. Each month, this column will highlight S4G's monthly project to raise awareness on critical needs in our community and local nonprofits making a difference.

In August, S4G worked with Bringing Resources to Aid Women’s Shelters, (www.BRAWS.org), to stock the shelves at local middle and high schools in time for back to school. Our goal was to provide at least one month's supply of pads and tampons to ensure local teens can focus on academics instead of worrying about getting their periods and not having the products they need. Recognizing that period poverty and costs are on the rise, S4G surpassed this goal and raised $5,200 in in-kind and financial donations!

For many girls, having a monthly supply of period products, sports bras to wear to school, and more than a few pairs of underwear are luxuries. According to the Alliance for Period Supplies, 251,382 Virginians of menstruating age (12-44)

live below 100% of the Federal Poverty Line. With menstrual supplies and undergarments not covered by social welfare programs, one in five residents lack access to the supplies they need.

"We have a lot of emancipated students that live alone. These feminine hygiene products let them spend what little money they do have on food." Megan T., Food for Neighbors/Herndon High School BRAWS serves 30+ Fairfax County public schools, supplying them with pads and tampons each month. BRAWS also supplies them with spare underwear so that students who get their period in school do not have to go through the day in stained underwear and worrying about leaking. These interventions keep female students from being absent from school one week each month because they do not have basic supplies at home. BRAWS also supplies schools with sports bras/bralettes so students can confidently participate in gym class.

S4G got together for friendly conversation and inspiration on August 30 at the home of a member to celebrate and learn more from Holly Seibold, BRAWS Founder and Executive Director. Holly shared how she first discovered the need for menstrual products and the organization's impact

Period Poverty Awareness

In 2021, 2 in 5 people struggled to purchase period products, a 35% increase from 2018.

In Virginia, 1 in 8 women and girls between the ages of 12 and 44 lives below the Federal Poverty Line.

Average prices rose 8.3% for a package of menstrual pads and 9.8% for tampons in the year through May 28, 2022.

1 in 3 low-income women miss work, school and outings because of a lack of period supplies.

1 in 4 teens in the US have missed class due to lack of access to period supplies from 1 in 5 in 2019.

SOME GOOD NEWS!

Starting January 1, 2023, Virginians will no longer be taxed for period products.

Alliance for Period Supplies & BRAWS

and advocacy efforts to provide access to products and remove the state tax on purchases (This change is effective January 1, 2023).

“Until we destigmatize menstruation and eliminate barriers preventing full access to critical period supplies for all, women and girls will never achieve gender equality. Let’s change that together, today.” - Holly Seibold, Founder and Executive Director, BRAWS

BRAWS (http://www.braws.org) is a 501C3 organization that provides menstrual supplies and undergarments to women and children in crisis, who do not have access to basic needs. Since 2015, through partnerships with shelters, schools, food pantries, and community organizations, BRAWS has distributed over four million pads, tampons, new bras, and underwear to women and children in crisis.

To donate to S4G and support local nonprofits, please visit www. Social4Goodevents

Photos Sarah Shamlal

“Always be on your own side and bet on yourself”

Our Own US Open Celebrity

By Nyomi Fox

Being featured in a publication is not an unprecedented event for Tatum Evans. In fact, being featured in a local magazine pales in comparison to Evans’ previous accomplishments. After winning her first major UTSA title, Evans was featured in a newspaper. But Evans is known well beyond the state of Virginia; she is a nationally recognized youth tennis player, having been ranked 7th on a national scale in 2021.

National recognition can be said to “get to one’s head,” so Evans is proactive in handling her mindset. In response to an inquiry about the “best advice she was ever given,” Evans advised to “always be on your own side and bet on yourself” and “control the things you can control,

don't worry about the things you cannot.”

Even with this admirable outlook on life, Evans unfortunately cannot control her schedule much – she barely has enough free time to hang out with friends.

The most challenging part of being a nationally-ranked tennis player, according to Evans, is trying to find a balance between managing an “outside sport,” her academic career, and her social life. She supposedly enjoys outdoor activities with friends, but hasn’t had much time to indulge as tennis matches, practices, and tournaments consume her available time outside of school. Due to the unduly burden, Evans needed to temporarily mentally retire from the sport, until she found her love for it again.

The best advice she ever received from a coach was to “find the feeling inside you that makes you love the sport and learn how to bring it out every time you step on the court.” So Tatum does just that, and with that fierce love she conquers the competition. She conquers tournaments small to large, and has even been a part of the US Open. But what exactly does she love? “It’s hard to put into words,” she remarks. She simply loves the feeling it gives her, which makes her feel alive with a rush of adrenaline and purpose. Being a part of such a widespread sport, something “bigger than [herself]” is an integral part of Evans’ life. So Tatum will continue to compete, and continue to bet on herself and control the things she can control.

Photos by David Kenas

Spark Friendships

By Aarti Nawani Shah

I always say handbags spark friendships! It is something I truly believe in and today I wanted to share with you, some of people I have met with just a simple compliment - I love your handbag. These are a few women I met in coffee shops, nails salons or the local pharmacy and that chance encounter turned into a long lasting friendship. It seems like 2013 was a remarkable year for handbag friendships. Please note that I have hand picked these four stories and have so many more. May be I should follow this up with a part 2?

Say hi with your handbag, contact us and we will be happy to share your story with the community.

At The Coffee Shop

Who: Nez is originally from Morocco. She currently resides in Miami, Florida and works in the tech industry. When you see Nez, you will immediately be drawn to her positive energy.

Handbag That Sparked The Conversation: I met Nez very recently (September, 2022), at a local coffee shop where I was meeting with Gloria from McLean Living magazine. Nez had a gorgeous powder blue Gucci Sylvie bag. Blue is my favorite color and I couldn't help myself and complimented her on her bag. I asked if I could take a picture of it. She was so kind and let me take her bag away from her to my table and of course set it up with my food for an awesome shot. She's a private

person and didn't want us to share her picture. But she wanted you to know that she has an awesome vintage handbag collection.

Where Are We Now: Nez immediately followed Handbag Divas on Instagram. I am hoping this will be another long lasting friendship. She mentioned she loves DC. I am keeping my fingers crossed that she will move to the DC area soon.

At The Nail Salon

Who: Melanie is a mom of two, has great sense of fashion and a very unique style. When you see her, you will immediately be drawn to her fun loving and warm

personality.

Handbag That Sparked The Conversation: I first met Melanie or should I say her handbag at a local nail salon back in June 2013. She had a stunning bright green handbag. I knew from the color and ostrich embossed leather that it had to be a Kate Spade. The colorful rope detail strap immediately caught my attention. Melanie shared that the original strap the bag came with was too narrow for her and she swapped it with the bright rainbow Furla strap. Genius! Take a closer look below.

Where Are We Now: After that conversation at the salon, Melanie and

I kept in touch via the Handbag Divas Facebook page and Instagram. We'd meet for coffee and talk about her amazing vintage handbags, fashion, life. A few years ago Melanie moved to Tennessee. However, we've stayed in touch and she is just a breath of fresh air.

Easter Egg: Melanie and I often exchange handbag care tips and here's her latest one for when you are flying: Take the emergency evacuation pamphlet and spread it out on the floor under the seat in front of you. Place your handbag on top and keep your designer bags clean! Stay tuned for an entire blog post on - how to travel with designer bags!

Photos by Aarti Nawani Shah

What Happens When You Compliment Someone

On The Street

Who: Andrea is a mom of two, works full-time and loves to travel. She is one of the most hard working people I have met. And that beautiful smile is hard to miss.

Handbag That Sparked The Conversation: I was going out to get lunch at work and saw Andrea walk by on the street with that beautiful yellow bag (April, 2013). By now you already know, I stopped her and asked: I love your handbag, is it Marc Jacobs. (Doesn't that gold plate look like it?) And she responded saying: It is from Brazil (That is a very common response from her. Next trip - Brazil) by a brand called Confraria. (We featured this bag in our Diva Finds too) It is a stunning bag and has aged so well. I recently updated these pictures for the McLean Living magazine. The leather is still buttery soft and Andrea has kept it in mint condition.

Where Are We Now: Just like Melanie, Andrea and I kept in touch via social media. We used to meet for lunch when she and I worked close to each other. She is such a fun and positive person. I guess her bright yellow bag perfectly matches her shining personality. Handbag Divas has featured Andrea so many times with her bags, her fitness routine, when she is

Aanandhi & Vera Bradley

dancing with donuts - our community loves her and we can see why.

When You Both Love Vera Bradley

Who: Aanandhi is a single mom and an all round boss lady. She is a Senior Systems Engineering Manager by day but her passion is playing with colorful beads to make jewelry (Insta).

Handbag That Sparked The Conversation: Aanandhi and I met through a mutual friend in July 2013 and Vera Bradley was our conversation starter. She loved the brand as much as me for the amazing colorful prints, how easy it was to maintain and the plethora of styles available. I must say since we met, Aanandhi's Vera Bradley collection has surpassed mine and I am not mad about it. She shared these pictures of her and her dog (his name is Newton - fitting for a household of engineers!) where she were sporting her beloved VB bags.

Where Are We Now: Aanandhi and I stayed connected through handbags and jewelry and often share stories of our travels.

A HEALTHY SMILE is a beautiful smile & A BEAUTIFUL SMILE is a healthy smile

By Dr. Negar Tehrani

It is well known that there is a direct relationship between oral health and general health. Many studies demonstrate a direct relationship between Periodontal (Gum) disease and health-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disease, colorectal cancer, diabetes and insulin resistance, adverse pregnancy and neurodegenerative disease. Prevention against and treatment for these diseases can start from your mouth.

Let’s explore how the inflammation of gums can be correlated to cardiovascular events. Acute inflammation — which involves an outpouring of immune cells that attack irritants and microbial invaders — fosters healing over a short period. But long-term (chronic) inflammation is a key contributor to many health problems, especially atherosclerosis and heart disease.

Scientific studies have proven that chronic, low-grade inflammation can be a silent killer, contributing to cardiovascular disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes. Left untreated, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis (periodontal disease). The gums lose attachment around the root of the tooth, creating a gum pocket that gradually deepens. Eventually, the infection and inflammation can cause bone loss around the teeth resulting in loosening of the teeth.

Any of following signs can indicate that you have periodontal disease:

• Swollen, red or tender gums

• Gums that bleed easily

• Pus between the teeth and gums

• Bad breath

• Buildup of hard brown deposits along the gum line

• Loose or shifting teeth

• Changes to the way dental appliances fit

It is very important to have a routine cleaning and check up to attain healthy gums.

There’s more to having a healthy and beautiful smile than mere disease prevention. Healthy mouth increases our general health and wellbeing, but it also has socioemotional implications.

A beautiful smile builds personal confidence. For example, when we know our teeth are beautiful and healthy, we are not afraid to smile.

You may have heard the eyes are the window to the soul, but I say the smile is the window to the soul. Why?

Isn’t it true that we tend to trust a person who is not afraid to flash a smile our way? This is true for both personal and professional relationships. A poll of 5,000 men and women, according to Match.com, found that a beautiful smile was the top attractive quality. In addition, the AACD (American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry) reports that 95% of adults believe a beautiful smile makes a person more appealing to the opposite sex.

A beautiful smile is important in personal relationships, but it also builds trust in professional settings. Whether you are interviewing to get a job or to gain an edge in your career, a smile will lay the foundation.

In a survey conducted by AACD, 74% of adults believe an unattractive smile can hurt a person’s chances of having a successful career and earning power. So far, we established that an attractive smile equates to better potential in meeting a special someone, attaining a more successful career and earning more! This information also corroborated research from University of California reporting people with attractive smiles have the potential of earning 12% more compared to the others.

They say age is a number, but we all try to beat this number by staying in good shape. We watch our weight, color our hair, take care of our skin and watch what we put in our body. One underrated part of the question is your teeth! Oral B research concluded that having white teeth makes you look an average of five years younger while increasing your attractiveness by 20%.

Finally, a beautiful set of teeth showing through your smile makes you memorable. According to a study by Kelton Global, 29% of Americans say that a person’s teeth are the first thing they noticed when meeting someone for the first time, and nearly 24% say that a smile is the thing they remember after meeting someone for the first time. Who can forget that smile?

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED IMPROVING YOUR SMILE?

Research shows a correlation between beautiful smiles and particular advantages that may contribute to personal and professional success. Your smile may have more power than you realize. To see how Aura Dentistry can help you through long-lasting cosmetic solutions, please contact our office at (703)-748-1900.

Best Smile

Best Smile