Issuu

SPRING/SUMMER

2024

SelfCARE ULTIMATE

GUIDE FOR 2024 $27.00 US WWW.SOUTHERNCRESCENTWOMENMAGAZINE.COM

Bulding Families, Businesses & Legacies

SPRING/SUMMER

2024

SelfCARE ULTIMATE

GUIDE FOR 2024 $27.00 US WWW.SOUTHERNCRESCENTWOMENMAGAZINE.COM

Bulding Families, Businesses & Legacies

11 ISSUE SCWIB

S O U T H E R N

C R E S C E N T

I N B U S I N E S S M A G A Z I N E

Ariel Shaw. MBA Publisher & Founder COVER

Dr. Sandra Kearse Monique Gibson

Ariel Shaw, MBA

Shonkeya Shaw

Yvette D. Best

Lashondra Swanson

Demetria Winters

Mica Williams

BEAUTY & MAKEUP

2024 MEDIA

Shonkeya Shaw, Keya Did It Beauty N Browz

STYLE CONTRIBUTIONS SCWIB

PHOTOGRAPHY GOBI PHOTOGRAPHY

CONTRIBING WRITERS Ariel Shaw, MBA Lashondra Swanson Shamica Davis

CONNECT WITH US Southern Crescent Women In Business Magazine southerncrescentwomenmagazine.com PO Box 1152 Stockbridge GA 30281

Connect with Ariel @iamarielshaw SOUTHERN CRESCENT WOMEN IN BUSINESS MAGAZINE

How has mentorship helped you grow as a women-owned business? Mentorship has been invaluable. It has guided me toward navigating challenges, scaling the business, and determining strategic goals. Engaging with mentors has also expanded my professional network, thereby opening doors to new business opportunities and partnerships.

How has Southern Crescent helped you excel as a woman-owned business? Southern Crescent has been a supportive community that values diversity and inclusion, providing a robust network of resources 2024 is the year of Reinvention for many—a time where they are and opportunities. The community's emphasis on promoting revamping their business and personal lives and reinventing their women-owned businesses has helped me gain visibility and brand. Does reinvention play a major role in your personal and credibility, which has been crucial for business growth and business brand for 2024? If so, how? establishing trust with clients. Absolutely, reinvention is a crucial theme for us in 2024, both personally and for Best Tax Solutions LLC. It's an opportunity for Connect with Yvette @yvetteknowsbest us to better meet the evolving needs of our clients in strategic Visit www.besttaxsolutions.us consulting. I'm focusing on leadership growth and extending our educational outreach, which aligns with our business goals of empowering clients through knowledge and strategic insight. What services and products do you offer that allow you to stand apart from your competitors? Along with tax preparation and compliance, we also provide proactive tax planning services and tax representation. Our standout service is our personalized approach—tailoring strategies that fit individual client profiles and their unique business dynamics. Additionally, as an IRS Enrolled Agent and a Certified Tax Coach, I bring a level of expertise that is designed to optimize financial outcomes for our clients. SOUTHERN CRESCENT WOMEN IN BUSINESS MAGAZINE

SELF-CARE REDEFINED By Lashondra Swanson

...These are some great ways we can love on ourselves by creating goals for selfcare for ourselves... Seek the advice of a professional esthetician or master cosmetologist that can help you get closer to your goals with treatments and products. If its not in the budget to get professional treatments on a regular basis you can also schedule a consultation and get recommendations for products that will help you get to your beauty care goals. These are some great ways we can love on ourselves by creating goals for selfcare for ourselves. We all have looked in the mirror and wished for more smoother, radiant skin. Now is the time to recommit getting a skincare routine that will address your specific skincare goals. Schedule a facial with your esthetician and start working on your skincare goals. It’s amazing what a great skin brightening facial and full body polish can do for your skin!

s summer approaches and the season shifts from winter to spring and summer, most people feel a shift in their mood. Studies have found that the longer daylight hours and blooming flowers boost serotonin levels in our brains which contribute to making us feel happier and create a surge in energy. We all get in the mood to do some spring cleaning. We want to declutter and create a space that looks more refreshed and organized. This is a time we tend to love on our surroundings more. I think of cleaning house as loving on my environment. Making things look and feel more comfortable to live in. We can take this same approach to loving on ourselves. We call this self-care. Self-care is the practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness, especially during periods of stress. Let’s talk about some simple ways we can make self-care a priority moving into spring and summer. Create a list of wellness goals you want to accomplish if you haven’t already (i.e.., schedule annual checkups with your doctor/ dentist, drink more water, exercise 30 minutes a day, get more sleep). These are all great ways that will contribute to our health, wellness, and self-care. Create a list of skincare, body care and haircare goals. (for instance, it may be … My goal is to have more even skin on my face and body. Or my goal is to have stronger, longer hair. My goal is to have more smoother skin on my arms). Then after you decide on what areas you want to address then find what solutions there are to create the even healthy skin, the beautiful hair, and smooth skin you desire.

Now, create a list of relationship goals (for example, plan to sit at the dinner table at least once a week with your family and discuss your week, Call and check in on friends and family that you have been out of touch, have a date night with your bae on a regular basis, attend a networking event). Having healthy relationships are also ways we add value and can be a form of self-care as connecting with the right people can help us feel more connected and valued. These are just a few ways we can began to be there for ourselves through selfcare. What ways do you plan on taking an active role in protecting and being there for yourself this spring and summer? What are some things you plan to do that will make you feel more happy, less stressed, and that will create a sense of well-being? This is your sign to make self-care a priority. You deserve it!

Lashondra Swanson. CEO Pamper Me Total Beauty Spa, LLC www.pampermetotalbeauty.net

SOUTHERN CRESCENT WOMEN IN BUSINESS MAGAZINE

The power of the pack or women who support women is still a new concept and space that has grown over the past 10 years. How important is this concept to your business and has it positively impacted your bottom line? Do you think it's here to stay? What can we add to this space to continue to nurture it? This is the most important because supporting other women positively is so incredible. I am personally grateful for Southern Crescent Women in Business simply for the empowerment and equality, a stronger feminine network, mental/ emotional well-being, overcoming stereotypes, double standards, mentorship and role modeling. Women supporting other women helps to empower and promote gender equality, lifting each other up, challenging societal norms, breaks down barriers, build resources, boost self-esteem, confidence and resilience. What services and products do you offer that allow you to stand apart from your competitors? Our Rising Angels Services & Products: 1.Enhanced Amenities- we offer enhanced amenities that promote comfort, convenience and well-being. These amenities include spacious private rooms, beautiful landscaping (each resident has a flower planted in their memory) fitness - , spa services and social gatherings for each resident to kindly connect with others. 2.High Staff Ratio- we here at Our Rising Angels, we maintain a high staff-toresident ratio to ensure personalized attention and care. We are providing more one-on-one time with residents, creating a nurturing and supportive environment that sets us apart from facilities with larger populations. 3. Personalized Care Plans- We have developed individualized care plans tailored for each individual resident’s specific needs and preferences. These plans include personalized medication management, dietary plans, recreational activities and social engagements. 4. Specialized Care Programs- The staff at Our Rising Angels has develop specialized care programs to cater to specific needs, such as memory care for residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, palliative care, rehabilitation services and respite. We focus on specific areas of expertise so that we attract residents who require specialized care.

2024 is the year of Reinvention for many- a time where they are revamping their business and personal lives and reinventing their brand. Does reinvention play a major role in your personal and business brand for 2024? If so, how? Re-invention plays a major role in both my personal and business brand for 2024. My personal brand, re-invention allows me to evolve and adapt to new and goals. Re-invention enables me to showcase my growth and developments. My many accomplishments make me MORE attractive to potential employers, clients and collaborators. My business brand, re-invention, is crucial to staying relevant in a rapidly changing market. It involves continuously assessing market trends, customer needs and technological advancements. Re-inventing my business, it allowed me to update my products, services and strategies to meet & beat the evolving demands of my target audience. Business thrive, scale and grow by staying ahead of their competitors, new inventions and providing new opportunities. What can we expect from you and your business? Has 2024 Q1 and the beginning of Q2 been what you expect and more? How? We are off to a great start for Quarter 1 of the New Year. We implemented new strategies such as developing a unique value proposition, enhancing service quality, expanding our network and embraced technology. I have identified unique services, amenities, prioritized exceptional service delivery and has ensured that all staff members are well trained and compassionate. We also has built relationships with different healthcare professionals, hospitals and social services agencies.

How has Southern Crescent helped you excel as a woman-owned business? SCWIB (Southern Crescent Women in Business) has introduced me Monique Gibson-Miller to the world through their marketing tools. SCWIB has expanded my network (brand) by connecting me with other industry professionals, access to new business opportunities and hands on trainings. SCWIB has played a significant in my journey by empowering me to overcome obstacles, learn from experienced individuals and grow as a successful woman entrepreneur in the personal care home industry.

Connect with Monique @ourrisingangelspch and visit https://ourrisingangelspch.godaddysites.com/

SOUTHERN CRESCENT WOMEN IN BUSINESS MAGAZINE

What services and products do you offer that allow you to stand apart from your competitors? The beauty/ spa industry is a multi-billion-dollar industry and growing! We are grateful to take up space in the industry as we offer an array of products and services. Our services include haircare, makeup, facials, body scrubs, massages, yoni steam, ionic foot detox, teeth whitening, full body waxing and more! We offer skincare, body care, and haircare products. We have an exclusive personal brand or skincare that will transform skin for a more youthful, radiant, healthy skin! It’s our customer favorite! We also offer more clinical, and physician formulated skincare products that will address any skincare needs. What sets us apart is our personalized approach we give to each client to help them curate a self-care experience that will speak to their needs. You can come in an get a haircare service, facial, brazilian wax and massage (Our mommy need a me day package). We’ll help you choose a service or multiple services that will make you feel mor Relaxed, Refreshed and Renewed! Our “Ultimate Spa Experience” is a package that we offer that allow individuals choose four spa services to take a journey through multiple self care experiences. The most chosen four services during an Ultimate Spa experience is: 1. famous body scrub- where every inch of your body is exfoliated using our exclusive polishing technique that feels like an exfoliating massage along with hot towels wrapped around your body to leave your skin feeling extremely smooth and looking radiant! 2. Ionic foot detox- It will remove impurities from the body gently and elevate your energy as it creates feelings of wellbeing from removing unwanted toxins from the body using ionic array. 3. Herbal foot treatment- This will remove all the dead skin from your feet with a massaging scrub then we will give you the most heavenly foot massage using an herbal cream that will be sure to relieve any achy feet! 4. The body wrap sauna treatment- will allow you to reduce inches in area of concern with our exclusive body wrap treatment, while relaxing in a sauna blanket with aromatherapy. A great way to relax with a powernap and lose unwanted inches!

2024 is the year of Reinvention for many- a time where they are revamping their business and personal lives and reinventing their brand. Does reinvention play a major role in your personal and business brand for 2024? If so, how? For Pamper Me Total Beauty Spa we started the reinvention in 2020. The year we all had time to refocus and get our lives and businesses in order. After receiving clear direction from God as to where the brand should go. We moved into expanding to a new location, getting systems in place and building a team. The reinvention for Pamper Me was to get professional, intentional, and clear about what problems we solve. Then move forward with marketing the business to attract our ideal clients. I will say it has been a successful start as we officially opened in the new location in July 2022, and was excited to over exceed our goal for the first year! Thus, we are still moving forward with focus to meet the needs of the clients we serve as well as growing our client base at our location as well as online. In addition, we still are learning new ways to make business function better through automation and innovation, which has been a game changer in the reinvention process for the business. As it relates to personal branding as the founder. I am recommitting myself to focus on my personal goals. I guess that is a way I am reinventing myself personally. I want to inspire individuals through my personal brand message which is prioritizing self care.

The power of the pack or women who support women is still a new concept and space that has grown over the past 10 years. How important is this concept to your business and has it positively impacted your bottom line? Do you think it's here to stay? What can we add to this space to continue to nurture it? It is very important for me to show support to others, especially women. I also appreciate and value the support I receive from other women. In terms of “The power of the pack” I have recently moved into making building relationships and networking more a part of my life and business. It doesn’t do you any good to be alone. Relationships are essential to one’s success. No one can do everything along. I believe that its important to find a good support system that will add value. For me the biggest advertisement has been word of mouth from other women that I serve. One person may know 5 people that can benefit from my services and each od those may know 1 or more. In addition, I look for opportunities to show support to the many women I meet. Its important for women to set examples that collaboration over competition is key to our success and growth! This concept is here to stay for sure. We all need positive influences and a tribe we can grow with that make us feel supported. To continue to nurture this space I think just allowing each person to feel valued being their authentic self, creating a space for women to show up and be celebrated, acknowledging accomplishments, having discussions around current challenges to promote a space to problem solve and find solutions to overcome various challenges personally and in business. Having frequent meetups for a goal of uplifting educating and networking. These are ways I believe that can continue to nurture the power of women supporting women. Has 2024 Q1 and the beginning of Q2 been what you expect and more? How? So far 2024 is off to a good start! Even with staffing challenges, I have learned ways to manage with the amazing team I have, and it has created opportunities for me to help train them on elevated skills so that we don’t miss a beat. Sometimes its all about improvising and believing that you have everything you need for today! I’m excited to see how Q2 events go as it is centered around building community!

How has mentorship helped you grow as a women-owned business? Mentorship has been an essential part of me growing a women owned business. It has expanded my knowledge about business operations and so much more! Mentorships need to be part of every business owner life. We only know what we know and having that accountability not only keep you focused on your goals but also elevate Business thrive, scale and grow by staying ahead of their competitors, new your thinking in ways you would not have ever known. inventions and providing new opportunities. What can we expect from you How has Southern Crescent helped you excel as a woman-owned business? and your business? As for Pamper Me total Beauty Spa we are moving into building our online Southern Crescent kicked 2024 off with an amazing session of planning for the year. presence by offering more services online as well as building digital library It gave insight on why we need strategic planning as business owners and helped me for those that desire more training and certifications. We are also moving set my goals for each quarter at the beginning of the year. I also have benefited from forward with a campaign to help women and men alike who struggle with the many trainings to elevate my skill set in networking and business operations. Its unwanted facial hair to help them eliminate unwanted hair permanently. always a blessing to gather with other women in business and network. Southern We will offer Epilfree a new innovative treatment that is pain-free, that Crescent has numerous opportunities to get together with like-minded women and work on all skin and hair types of even grey hair! Plus, we will also bring network while at the same time receiving invaluable information. Its always an back electrolysis as a second alternative to hair removal to those that uplifting, powerful, and positive time at all the networking sessions that I have attended. I have met so many amazing women that inspire me to keep moving and prefer that method. They both are approved for permanent hair removal. growing my business. I’m grateful to be apart of such an amazing organization. Thank you, Airel Shaw, for your excellent spirit, the opportunities and work that you do for Connect with Lashondra @pampermetotalbeauty_ our women in business community! SOUTHERN CRESCENT WOMEN IN BUSINESS MAGAZINE

THE RIGHT LEADER AT THE RIGHT TIME FOR HENRY COUNTY

TOGETHER, WE HAVE:

➥ Passed Pay Raises for Public Safety ➥Passed an 8.5% Pay Raise for County Employees ➥Led the Groundbreaking on our $50 Million State of the Art Aquatic Center and Water Park (SPLOST Project) ➥Allocated $3.5 million dollars of ARAP funding for a 16 bed Observation Unit at Piedmont Hospital (to relieve overcrowding in the emergency room) ➥Open a New Elections and Voter Registration Office ➥Opened a $1 million dollar fitness facility for Senior Citizens ➥Purchase over $10 million in Fire, Police and other Public Safety vehicles & equipment ➥Fiscally Responsible for Tax Payer Dollars

Early voting begins April 29, 2024 Early voting ends on May 17, 2024 Election Day is May 21, 2024 Learn more about our chair at: carlottaharrell.com

Candidate Corner WOMEN IN POLITICS PROFILE

Tell us who you are and what role are you a candidate for? My name is Chivonne N. Fleming and I am a proud candidate for Clerk of Superior Court in Clayton, County. I'm a resident of Clayton County for 30+ years and a product of Clayton County Public Schools. My family and I own Real Estate in Clayton County. II'm vested here, this is home. I have over 25 years of Clerical/Administrative and Management Experience - mostly right here in Clayton County. My career began managing the renowned Remax office in Jonesboro, to where I now manage the largest indoor retail space on the Southside of Atlanta - Southlake Mall. My Clerk of Court experience is with the City of Atlanta. Currently I serve as President of Clayton County Federation of Democratic Women and has been an integral part of my community well before running for office receiving an Honorary Doctorate in 2023. Notable projects in my community include but are not limited to the clerical leadership on the very first Community Improvement District in Clayton County - Airport West Community Improvement District (AWCID). I partnered on this project with Nickel Works Consulting while juggling several other CIDs. I'm a 2x Senate resolution recipient for my work enforcing House Bill 141 which aids in mitigation against Human Trafficking. Additionally, I'm an adoptive mommy to my 16 year old son - Robert T. Fleming, and a widow to the late- great Jacolbe T. Fleming. A notary for over 20 years, I provide free notary service to the seniors of Clayton County and have had the pleasure of answering the call for jury duty - my civic duty. She is knowledgeable of the clerical piece of the courts as well as the consumer piece of the courts. I am truly a clerk that is for the people - The Constituent’s Clerk!

Is this your first time running for office? If it is not, did you have to dig deep to run again? Yes, this is my very first time and I couldn't be more excited about this endeavour.

Tell us who you are and what role are you a candidate for? I am Attania Jean-Funny. I'm a wife, mother, small business owner, community advocate, and educator. I use my love of learning and passion for community engagement to empower families. I am a proud graduate of Florida A&M University and Baruch College in New York City. I have a strong foundation in both academics and leadership. My goal is to become the next Commissioner of District 3 in Clayton County.

As a woman, how did you find the courage to run and seek office? My motherly instincts force me to work tirelessly for a better future for our next generations. When I saw that the cries of the people weren't being heard by our leadership, I decided to step in and be the change that I wanted to see. It started with a desire to see positive change within my community. I would wake up in the middle of the night with directions and ideas of how to effectively engage with leadership. They were not always happy with me but I knew the cause was bigger than me. There is a saying that I believe, "everything is political." Once I started putting the pieces together, I began to become more involved with the political system and researched opportunities for training. The more I learned, the more I wanted to share with others. From that point, there was no turning back.

Is this your first time running for office? If it is not, did you have to dig deep to run again? This is not my first time running but I didn't have to dig deep to run again. I believe that even if you don't get the position, the journey is still a success. The lessons learned, people that you inspired, and the issues exposed were worth the time and effort to run. We should cheer good candidates on just like we cheer on our favorite sports team. John C. Maxwell wrote, "The only guarantee for failure is to stop trying." My advice is to block out the noise and run your race. Is this your first time running for office? If it is not, did you have to dig deep to run again? This is not my first time running but I didn't have to dig deep to run again. I believe that even if you don't get the position, the journey is still a success. The lessons learned, people that you inspired, and the issues exposed were worth the time and effort to run. We should cheer good candidates on just like we cheer on our favorite sports team. John C. Maxwell wrote, "The only guarantee for failure is to stop trying." My advice is to block out the noise and run your race.

SOUTHERN CRESCENT WOMEN IN BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Why do you feel you are the best for this position? I plan to bring increased digitalization, organization, superior customer service, implementation of policies and procedures, along with innovative leadership is what she plans to bring to the Clerk's office so that the clerks are equipped to work smarter and not harder, while being more effective for our community. Most reasons that bring someone to court come with a significant amount of grief; I'm your compassionate and empathetic clerk. I understand and will work to make your visit as seamless as possible. I believe that the clerks deserve a livable wage. My mission is to provide professional development to all - from leadership to front-line workers. Clayton County's Clerk of Superior Court has been unopposed for almost 2 decades - A Vote for Fleming is a Vote for Fresh Leadership and Innovative Change As a woman, how did you find the courage to run and seek office? Honestly, I didn't think of it from the perspective of being a woman. I've always been a servant leader and this role was a precise fit for my background. Once I got started, I then realized how much of a minority I was and so I began my advocacy to encourage other women to seek office by joining and becoming the President of Clayton County Federation of Democratic Women. I'm passionate about "Girl Power" so it was a no brainer for me. How can we find you? You can find me on the world wide web at www.VoteforFleming.com or on FB & IG: @Vote for Fleming

Why do you feel you are the best for this position? I am the best person for Commissioner because I have a heart to serve the people. I possess a combination of talent, experience, and a relevant skill set to move the county forward. I have been in the background doing the work for many years. When it was imperative for someone to stand on the front line for justice, I stood up. I currently serve my community as the Vice Chair of the Board of Zoning Appeals, founding executive board member of Clayton County Federation of Democratic Women and in leadership at Tabernacle of Praise Church International. I have served as an education advocate and positioned myself as a conduit to connect our community with resources and events taking place in the county. How can we find you? You can find out more about me by visiting my website at AJeanFunny.com, on Facebook at A Funny for the People, on Instagram at @ajeanfunny and on Nextdoor under my name, Attania Jean-Funny. If you are interested in volunteering or donating to my campaign, please reach out to me. And remember - "Do whatever it takes to be your best self!" AJF

Leigh Truss Smith

CARDINAL DEVELOPMENT GROUP, LLC Lets welcome Leigh Truss Smith of Cardinal Development Group, LLC to Southern Crescent Women in Business! Cardinal Development Group, LLC offers wellness program design for your organization. They assist your organization in: improving employee health and well-being; empowering your employees with lifestyle skills that enable them to achieve their best possible health; positively affect employee morale and employee engagement; and optimize performance and productivity. Leigh stated that she supports women in business, "Women are often the decision makers in their homes when it comes to spending money. We often wear multiple hats and understand the journey. Our businesses are key to the vitality of our communities. We are more alike than we are different. “I am not my sister’s keeper. I am my sister.” ' -Iyanla Vanzant. Follow them on all social media platforms.

Krissi Pannell

KMW SOLUTIONS LLC

Krissi Pannell of KMW Solutions LLC As a Real Estate Agent and the Co-Owner of a Promotions Company, Krissi states "I look forward to being surrounded around business savvy women that want to grow. Being in business takes courage and having a village like SCW can be essential...."

Alischia Hatcher EXPRESS TAX &FINANCIAL SERVICES Alischia M. Hatcher is the owner of Express Tax & Financial Services, LLC and has been in business for the last 10 years with over 20 years of experience in tax preparation. She holds a Liberal Arts Associate Degree-Health & Human Services, Accounting Tech Certificate,and Notary Public. After working for companies like H&R Block and Liberty as a preparer, manager and instructor, Alischia branched out on her own. She has spent more than 20 years coaching and providing resources to individuals & businesses.

Learn more about Krissi at www.YourAgentKrissi.com.

Express Tax & Financial Services provides Tax Preparation, Accounting, Insurance, Business Solutions and Notary. Learn more at www.expresstaxsrvcs.com.

Vonda Hendrickson TOUCHTONES MASSAGE

Vonda Hendrickson of Touchtones Massage Located at 815 Pavilion Court, McDonough, GA 30253 and offering massage services, luxury beauty treatments and modern technology for body contouring. Vonda states that in regard to supporting other women "Absolutely, it is through supporting each other that we all grow." Learn more at www.touchtonesmassage.com. Follow Touchtones Massage at all social media outlets.

Dr. Sandra Kearse SASK PRODUCTIONS

Lets welcome back Dr. Sandra Kearse of The SASK Productions to Southern Crescent Women In Business! An author, pastor, song writer and a creative, Pastor Kearse is a force to be reckoned with. Dr. Kearse shares that "Not only am I a U.S. Veteran and former Chaplain..., but I am also an Author, Singer-Songwriter and Composer! My service is always done with joy and appreciation for my community!"

Lindsey Schneider

To learn more or to book Dr. Sandra Kearse, visit www.pastorkearse.com

ADP, INC.

Lindsey Schneider of ADP, Automatic Data Processing, Inc, to Southern Crescent Women In Business Institutional Partnership Level! Renewing and deepening this partnership with ADP is critical to the support we provide to small businesses, diverse businesses and women in business. Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP) is an American provider of human resources management software and services. ADP's annual revenues exceeded the $1 billion mark, with paychecks processed for about 20% of the U.S. workforce. Members and small businesses will benefit greatly from the continued and renewed partnership between Southern Crescent Women In Business, Inc and ADP, Inc. Welcome back Lindsey!

Southern Crescent Women In Business Magazine