May/June 2018 issue

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safe, loving, nurturing, & family friendly Seeking a

day care program?

Appletree Day Care offers 4 CONVENIENT SOUTHEAST RALEIGH LOCATIONS!

visit appletreenc.com or call 919.255.3434 Mention The City Insight to receive $50.00 off your registration fee Appletree Day Care is ready to help foster the development of your 6 week old to 12 year old child with its educational based programs, which are provided by credentialed and degreed teachers and staff.

Offering "Before" and "After" school care, while promoting a "healthy learning" atmosphere is what Appletree is all about! Give your child the gift of learning in a structured environment while you are away!

Locations on: Old Poole Rd, Clarendon Crescent, New Bern Ave, & Poole Rd

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Inside This Issue Greetings! First, Thank You for following The City

Insight over the years. Your support is very much

appreciated! We are excited to feature and highlight Abonni D. Anthony, CEO of Achieving Excellence Consulting, Inc., which provides vital support to

business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs from

consulting and mentoring, to building professional partnerships, to helping business owners reach

their potential. Make sure to add Abonni Anthony of

Achieving Excellence Consulting to your contact list!

In this issue, since the sun and heat will soon be

everyday factors, we have included insight on how

PRESIDENT & CEO, FOUNDER & PUBLISHER Joseph Crawford VICE PRESIDENT, HUMAN RESOURCES Ella Frazier SALES sales@thecityinsight.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Aminah Thompson editor@thecityinsight.com

to protect your skin this summer. You will also learn

ARTWORK & DESIGN artwork@thecityinsight.com

as dark chocolate and its health benefits. Also, check

LIAISONS Abonni Anthony (Business) Rene Daughtry (Technology) Sheyenne Kreamer (NonProfit)

about North Carolina’s native muscadine wine, as well out several business showcases, highlighting various

companies that provide some significant resources for both other companies and the community.

We thank you in advance for supporting our clients, which have the challenging commission of building

their brands in this tough economic market. We have

learned, however, that if we work as a community, we will have a plethora of resources as well as being in a

position to support others. The City Insight is looking forward to connecting you to the products and services from our clients and partners!

To receive promotions, freebies, giveaways, and

discounts from our clients, we ask that you signup to our eNewsletter. Click here.

Thank you again!

The City Insight, Inc.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Abonni Anthony Linda Bousquet Joseph Crawford Ella Frazier Margarita Galvan Joshua Henry Siobhan McIntyre Angel Feimster-Montoya Elizabeth B. Sherman For Employment Opportunities hr@thecityinsight.com The City Insight, Inc is published bi-monthly. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner without the written permission of The City Insight, Incorporated is strictly prohibited.

2007-2018 Copyright, The City Insight, Inc. All Rights Reserved

INSIDE

Save Your Skin From The Sun

08

Beyond Blessed Always

10

Healthy Pads R’ Us

12

Personalizing Your Home In A Distinctive Way

14

Empowering Boss Ladies

18

Leadership Tips: Delegating Work

20

Official NC Fruit Is A Star Of Muscadine Wine

22

Dark Chocolate: A Sweet Treat With Many Benefits

31

From Debt To Wealth

32

Collaborating With Professional Partnerships

34

Plan The Perfect Family Vacation

38

DON’T MISS Save Your Skin From The Sun

08

Leadership Tips: Delegating Work

20

Official NC Fruit Is A Star Of Muscadine Wine

22

Dark Chocolate: A Sweet Treat With Many Benefits

31

Plan The Perfect Family Vacation

38

The City Insight, Inc. P.O. Box 28857 Raleigh, NC 27611

on the cover:

Abonni D. Anthony, Self-Synergy and Creating Professional Partnerships ...Page 24

Phone: (919) 696-3250 info@thecityinsight.com www.thecityinsight.com

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www.donfeelyphotography.com

Save Your Skin From The Sun

By Elizabeth B. Sherman

With summer just around the corner, many Triangle residents are ready to get out of the house and enjoy the warmer weather. Along with beach trips, playing outside and lazy days at the pool, summer days bring their own set of safety concerns for families. Sun exposure, ticks, and heat-related illnesses are some of the chief concerns this time of year.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, according to the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention. Skin cancer is also highly preventable.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), even on an overcast day up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays can still get through the clouds. While it may not feel like you’re getting any sun, your skin is still being exposed to the UV rays that cause skin cancer and early skin aging.

Another common misconception is that sunburn or skin cancer only affect people with fair skin who burn easily. The FDA notes, “Whatever our skin color, we’re all potentially susceptible to sunburn and other harmful effects of exposure to UV radiation.”

You can greatly reduce the risk by using a sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher on all exposed skin every 8

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day. SPF represents how much protection a sunscreen offers from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. For maximum effectiveness, consumers should choose a broad spectrum sunscreen, according to the FDA. Broad spectrum means that the sunscreen protects against both UVA rays, which primarily cause early skin aging and wrinkles, and UVB rays, which cause most sunburns.

Both UVA rays and UVB rays can cause skin cancer. Sunscreen should be applied generously 15 to 20 minutes before going outside and reapplied every two hours, or more frequently if you’re spending time in the water, to deliver the sun protection indicated on its label.

While a higher SPF provides more protection than lower SPF, the sunscreen with the highest SPF isn’t always the best. To date, studies have not proven that sunscreens with SPF higher than 50 provide more protection than those of SPF 50.

Scheduling outdoor activities before 10 a.m. or after 2 p.m. can also reduce your family’s exposure to UV radiation. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. is when the sun’s rays are the strongest each day. The FDA also recommends wearing long-sleeved shirts, long skirts, pants, sunglasses and broad-brimmed hats to help limit skin’s exposure to harmful UV rays.

For more summer safety tips for your family, see our website; www.thecityinsight.com.

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Beyond Blessed Always

By Siobhan McIntyre Percy Hinnant’s favorite Bible verse is Psalm 34:4, “I sought the Lord, he heard me and delivered me from all my fears.” He carries this no-fear philosophy into his business, Beyond Blessed Always. Established in February 2018, Beyond Blessed Always is a Christian-based company which sells shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, pillows and other décor and accessories that carry Christ’s message. The company’s merchandise features Bible verses and scripture, as well as general inspirational quotes and phrases.

Believe it or not, the company began as a spur-of-the-moment idea. In November 2017, Hinnant 10

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was on a flight heading to visit his best friend, and God spoke to him and gave him the name “Beyond Blessed Always.” Hinnant says he has always had a desire to bless others and he felt like God was calling him to start a business, but he constantly fought against that call. “I was afraid to take the risk,” Hinnant admits.

He didn’t know much about starting a company, but he followed the dream that God placed in his heart and built Beyond Blessed Always on a foundation of faith. Immediately after God gave him the name of the business, he got to work, drawing a rough sketch of the company logo and brainstorming ideas for t-shirts and coffee mugs.

Percy Hinnant is still in the early stages of building his brand, but Beyond Blessed always has already proven to be a life-changing venture for him. For Hinnant, it’s much more than business, it’s a chance to walk in purpose and share his testimony. Years ago, life dealt him a bad hand. After being evicted, he found himself depressed and unmotivated with a pessimistic outlook on life.

Then, hope came in the form of Beyond Blessed Always, where the company motto is “Blessed to be a Blessing to Others.” Through his personal story and the positive messages his business promotes, Hinnant aims to empower others, to show them how God can turn a negative situation into a blessing.

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Hinnant believes that his purpose in life is simply to spread God’s goodness, and he hopes that Beyond Blessed Always will help him to do that. “I love helping people and giving back even when I am low myself,” he says. “Seeing people smile after you bless them is one of the best feelings in life.”

So, what advice would he give to aspiring entrepreneurs? His answer is simple, yet profound: Eliminate fear! According to Hinnant, “When you fear less, you achieve more, and I have no more fear. Every Beyond Blessed Always design comes from the heart. My designs are meaningful in my own life, and I hope they’ll have a positive impact on my customers’ lives as well.”

beyondblessedalwa com

As company sales increase, Percy Hinnant hopes that when people think of his business, they’ll think about God’s love. In fact, he proudly says that his faith is what sets his business apart: He strives to keep Christ at the center of it all. His ultimate goal is to use his brand to win more souls for the Kingdom of God. He wants his merchandise to start meaningful conversations, especially amongst believers, and to promote love and fellowship both locally and globally. Hinnant wants all his customers to be beyond blessed, always, as he continues to turn his passion into purpose.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: beyondblessedalways.com

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Healthy Pads R’ Us: Healthy Products To Support Men and Women

By Joshua Henry

We have all heard horror stories and hilarious anecdotes surrounding the female menstruation cycle. While a lot of this is an exaggeration for the sake of entertainment, the truth is that a lot of women face serious issues during their “time of the month. Among these issues are overpriced and unsafe sanitary products.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an average of 600,000 hysterectomies are performed annually within the country. This perilous procedure is resulting in unhealthy monthly cycles for thousands of women.

However, the people of Healthy Pads R’ Us will tell you that there is change on the horizon, as are working tirelessly to make menstruation less of a frustration for women across the globe.

Founded in January of 2017, Healthy Pads R’ Us strives to help save and improve the lives of women by offering healthier products that are currently not found on the shelves. As part of the Now We No Foundation, the organization aims to empower, protect, and enhance the life of every woman and girl through education.

The far-reaching nature of Healthy Pads R’ Us separates them from other organizations. The company has offered demonstrations in public libraries as well as places with live music and bands. They take this marketing approach because of the importance of spreading the word about this life-changing product. We only get one body. So it is a personal mission for the members of the organization to bring awareness to how important it is to use +healthy products that do not cause that body harm. The business has an added uniqueness and appeal because it emerged from within a family unit.

Melita Quick, the founder of Healthy Pads R’ Us, has always had an innate desire to help others. As a respiratory therapist, she was trained to think outside of the box and to make split-second decisions that would ultimately allow someone to live longer. So, when she discovered the healthy sanitary products offered by Cherish that were biodegradable and contained no chemicals or dyes, her attention was piqued. The product works so wonderfully because of negative ions.

These ions reduce inflammation, alleviate cramps, eliminate “bad” bacteria and odors, and balance pH. More importantly, it also allows women to stay dry with the technology of pulling the liquid down to the bottom of the pad. After conducting her own research and partnering with the Nspire Network, Mrs. Quick felt the need to not only teach her family but anyone who was willing to listen about these remarkable products.

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As well as being a full-time respiratory specialist, Quick is also a female hygiene specialist. As such, she offers natural products and services for women including natural soaps, lotions, sitz-bath herbs, cleansing steam baths, and yoni stools. She also hosts educational classes that teach women why this is important.

Of course, the company feels that these Healthy Pads should not only be in every woman’s purse and bathroom at home, but also within medical and transitional housing facilities, prisons, and schools. They hope to continue to provide educational tools and live focus groups for women across the country while also providing healthy products through organizations, organic stores, small businesses, vending machines, and, of course, online at HealthyPadsrus.com. The sanitary napkins and natural products are also used for menopausal women, grand parents who suffer from incontinence and men with prostate surgeries and bladder leakage.

They hope to share these safe and healthy products with the world. If you would like to hear more about these amazing products and schedule a demonstration, contact healthypadsrus@outlook.com.

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Personalizing Your Home In A Distinctive Way

By Margarita Galvan

A home’s personality is its soul and a reflection of its inhabitants. Since you are unlike anyone else, your home should be unlike anyone else’s. In this day of mass production where you likely have the same dining set, living room rug, wall art, bedroom quilt, or even floor plan, as thousands of other people, there is a conscious need for personalization of the home. With a little effort and attention, your home can be the unique reflection of yourself that it ought to be.

An elegant, versatile, economical and effective way to achieve this is with a gallery of photographs. Photographs are an underappreciated personal form of art. We all have them, though maybe discarded into a jammed dresser drawer or a mumble-jumble of buried computer files.

Wherever they are, those photographs are priceless because they are unique. They are a documentation of your loved ones, your vacations, events you were a part of. Beautiful and poignant, they are like footprints of your life. As such, emotions are directly tied to your photographs making them very personal and valuable.

Art evoking these emotions gives your home a soul.

If you are a gifted photographer, who is handy with Photoshop and has a

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stockpile of showpiece photographs, fantastic. Unfortunately, most people wielding cameras are not Ansel Adams doppelgangers. Nevertheless, if you think your accumulations of photos are not works of art that ought to hang prominently on the wall, you are wrong. Advances in digital photography and printing have made it possible for the computer illiterate, mediocre photographer to have an edited collection of great photos. Most photoprinting facilities have helpful technicians and user-friendly options for cropping, color enhancing, and conversion to black and white or sepia, all of which can correct, disguise or distract from a poorly taken picture. For instance, your blah, washedout photo of Uncle Jed telling stories to a bored audience at a family reunion. Crop it to an off-center close-up capturing Jed’s storytelling face, and then convert it to black and white with increased contrast.

The way his eyes crinkle, the crook in his nose, and the tar-stained fingers clutching his Bud Lite, now give you a photograph of depth and interest. What to do with the consummate commonplace pet photo: a cat asleep on some household surface, with three quarters of the photo insipid carpet and couch background. Crop it right up to the feline’s head and frame it with a thick white mat.

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Once you’ve played with your photographs and created some masterpieces, they need to be displayed effectively. Pick a wall in the house that can be transformed into a gallery wall. Begin collecting frames of various sizes that have a common trait. The currently popular transitional style home would be complemented by champagne frames of varied thickness, patterns, and sizes. If your home tilts toward a Victorian style, chose heavier frames in aged gold each with unique rococo patterns. For a mod look, select black or stainless angular frames. Select different kinds of green frames, painted, upholstered, and glass for a playful effect.

Rustic wooden frames or wrought iron would function well for an old-world style.

The key is to have a common element in your frame collection which compliments the feel of your home and ties the photographs together.

For a tighter collection in your gallery,

select photographs with a theme. Dig up all the beach photos you have and frame them in a driftwood color for a relaxed look in the bathroom. If you like more color and pizzazz, you might prefer sea glass mosaic frames. Use whatever beachy trait floats your boat. Enliven your mud room with a smattering of camping and outdoor photos framed in knotty pine. For warmth and romance in the bedroom, hang a triptych of photos above the headboard of you and your spouse in young love. (It’s nice to remember those younger, thinner days.)

For some sizzle, mat them in a luscious chianti!

Be creative, have fun. Since you want your home to reflect your personality, let these suggestions be merely suggestions.

Regardless of your choice, the result will be a gallery of well-framed personal photographs to give you pleasure to see on a daily basis and leave an indelible imprint of your character in your home.

City Directory Listing Shiloh Restoration Church, Inc.

Pastor Felix Iyoko 7304 Falls of Neuse Road Raleigh, NC 27615

Empowering Boss Ladies

By Siobhan McIntyre Charique L. Richardson and Raushawna Price are each boss ladies in their own right, but together, they are a force to be reckoned with in the business world.

Richardson, a sales coach, and Price, a leadership and success coach, have partnered to empower female boss ladies who want to take their businesses to the next level. They created a program called Expect Increase: where mindset and sales meet. In this program, two worlds collide to create the perfect formula for success. Expect Increase is a hands-on, interactive networking strategy where Richardson and Price take female coaches, creatives, and influencers under their wings and teach them the ins and outs of successful marketing.

Charique Richardson specializes in sales—netting more than $80 million to date. With her knowledge and experience, she teaches ladies how to connect their way to the top of the ladder through networking and visibility.

Richardson holds a Bachelors in Marketing and a Master’s of Business Administration, and she knows the highs and lows of business first hand—she had to network her way to a managerial position at Duke after getting laid off. Richardson shows clients how to 18

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communicate effectively, perfecting their sales conversations, creating and conveying messages that are unique to their specific brands. Perhaps most importantly, she works to help them develop an abundance mindset.

Richardson recognizes that the key to obtaining and maintaining wealth is “visualizing, believing, trusting God, and taking action.”

Raushawna Price also believes that wealth begins in the mind. Whereas Richardson uses mindset to obtain wealth in numbers, Price is more concerned with inward wealth. She encourages clients to tap into the wealth of knowledge and leadership skills that is already inside of them. She teaches them to lead their best life, and she leads by example. A certified member of the John Maxwell Team with a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Industrial and Systems Engineering, as well as a second Master’s in Educational Leadership, Price recognizes that mental wealth converts to monetary wealth. A selfproclaimed facilitator, she invites clients to release their inhibitions and move out of their own way so that they can reach their full potential. Price believes that success starts with self-awareness. She emphasizes that knowing who you are

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and what you want makes it easier to be proactive in reaching your goals.

Richardson and Price are passionate about helping other women succeed because they know first-hand the importance of having such support.

They know what it’s like to be struggling entrepreneurs, mompreneurs who feel like there aren’t enough hours in a day, who desperately want to find a healthy balance between work and family life. They’ve been there, and they’re willing to share the keys to success with anyone who will put in the work. Investing in your business means

investing in yourself. Let Richardson and Price make your business work for you! If you’re serious about taking your business to the next level, sign up for their new event called “How to Stimulate Your Mind to Increase & Boost Your Revenue in 2018.” Happening June 2nd from 10 am to 2 pm at the Hilton Garden Inn in Raleigh-Durham/Research Triangle Park, this event is a unique opportunity to network with other boss ladies and formulate a customized plan of action tailored to your personal business goals. To learn more and register, visit www.expectincrease. eventbrite.com.

www.expectincrease.eventbrite.com www.chariquelrichardson.com www.raushawnaprice.com

Leadership Tips: Delegating Work

By Linda Bousquet

I think back to my days employed as a Civil Service clerk. It seemed that there was an endless number of people who had the authority to assign work to me. It wasn’t fun, but I learned many valuable lessons that would prove helpful later when I had my own staff, and it was my turn to delegate tasks. This is what I learned: 1. Know what needs to be done. Make sure you know the amount of time or effort it will take to complete the assignment. Be sure it is not an impossible task to finish in the amount of time allotted.

2. Listen to your staff’s needs and concerns. If they have questions or need more information, be available. Sometimes your direction is necessary to complete the task.

3. Time is valuable. People work better when they are refreshed and not harassed. Be mindful of deadlines but limit undue stress.

4. Don’t micromanage. Once you have delegated the job, step back and allow them to complete it.

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5. If you have concerns, frame them in a constructive way. If you see the work not going in the direction you want, remember, everyone is different. I might view the same task and devise a different solution, or come away with a different vision and perspective. Be sure you are clear in your expectation(s).

Last but not least, 6. Give credit where credit is due. Your staff is only as good as you are. They are an extension of you. If something is getting missed, you should take the responsibility. Likewise, when the project is a success, make sure you pass the Kudos along to the right person.

The Golden Rule still applies. Treat your staff as you would like to be treated.

Make sure your staff knows how much you appreciate them, value their opinion, and have confidence in their abilities.

Your staff will understand that you have to delegate—it’s how you do it that makes the difference. And your leadership style after you delegate can make or break; either build your employees up with the confidence to work independently or break them down such that they are scared to work independently. By nature people want to do a good job and want to please. Give them the opportunity to shine, it might surprise you.

Are you a business owner and seeking affordable methods of reaching your audience? Check out https://sales.thecityinsight.com.

LET US ADVOCATE YOUR BUSINESS: The City Insight believes in the betterment of small businesses and non-profit organizations.

Join us today and participate as a Business Member for only $15 per month OR purchase a 2-month magazine ad for as low as $40.

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Official NC Fruit is a Star of Muscadine Wine

By Ella Frazier

The wine industry in North Carolina is a growing one, ranking among the top wine producers in the United States. The industry in North Carolina consists of primarily two types of grapes, the European Vinifera grape, and the Native Muscadine grape.

Geographically, Vinifera grapes are grown in the Western and Piedmont regions of the state. Vinifera grapes normally produce Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay and Viognier wines.

The Native Muscadine (Vitaceae) grapes, which include the Scuppernong (the state’s official fruit) and the Carlos and Nobles grapes are grown in the Coastal region. North Carolina is home to the oldest cultivated grapevine in the country: the Mother Vine in Manteo on Roanoke Island, a 400-year-old scuppernong vine. Native Americans preserved muscadines as dried fruit long before the Europeans inhabited 22

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this continent. One of the first wines made in the United States was from Muscadine grapes produced by the early American colonists in the Carolinas and Virginia. One of the first commercial wineries in North Carolina is the Medoc Vineyard in Brinkleyville, established in 1835 by Sidney Weller.

Today, Duplin Winery in Rose Hill is the largest and oldest winery in the state, in addition to being the world’s largest producer of wines produced from muscadines. The Biltmore Estate Winery in Asheville is the most visited winery in the United States with more than one million visitors annually.

Muscadine grapes are high in antioxidants, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health. The high level of resveratrol found in Muscadine wine can also help reduce Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels.

Another food (actually a dessert) that is a great antioxidant is chocolate.

So you can double the benefits by eating some chocolate with your

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glass of wine. Muscadine wine can be paired with many dishes. Dry white varietals can be paired with grilled pork, chicken, and seafood. A semisweet white Muscadine wine goes great with pork, chicken, fish, salads, and pasta with white sauce. Sweet white Muscadine wine pairs well with fruits and desserts like cheesecake and chocolate, and a semi-sweet Muscadine blush wine pairs well with NC style BBQ, fruits, and smoky cheeses. If you have a little left over, that you aren’t in the mood to drink, try some wine jelly!

Wine Jelly 3 cups sugar 2 cups dry red Muscadine wine 1 (3-ounce) package liquid pectin Combine sugar and wine in a large saucepan or Dutch oven.

Cook over medium heat; stir until sugar dissolves (do not boil).

Remove from heat, stir in pectin.

Skim off foam with metal spoon.

Quickly pour hot jelly into sterilized jars, cover, and process. Yield: 4 half pints.

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Visit

www.achievingexcellence220.com

Email

Or abonni@achievingexcellence220.com

Abonni D. Anthony

Creating

Self-Synergy and Creating Professional Partnerships

By Joshua Henry

Today’s professional and economic landscape can be treacherous for many business owners out there. Many people trying to get their business off the ground may become disheartened with their lack of progression or success. Luckily, there is help out there waiting and willing to give business owners the tools and resources they need to succeed. That help comes in the form of Abonni Anthony and her organization, Achieving Excellence, Inc. Achieving Excellence was born from witnessing people struggle in their business ventures and not having that vital support they needed. Abonni Anthony noticed that some organizations touched on what someone needed to succeed, perhaps offered a class, but not the specific mentorship needed to start and succeed in business. For her, business is all about relationships, not necessarily the product or service being offered. When you sit down with a business owner and really talk to him or her about motivations and dreams for a business, you can help identify her drive and see the ways you can help them succeed.

So, how exactly does the organization work with business owners? Achieving Excellence offers three main support resources to its clients. First, Advertise or Exposure? sales@thecityinsight.com

the organization will offer an evaluation and consultation process. In this process, the organization sits with the client and determines if being a business owner is something they have the heart for. Owning and operating a business is not for everyone, and Abonni Anthony wants to make sure that she and her company do not placate anyone and lead them down a path that ultimately isn’t for them.

If you don’t have the ability or willingness to put your blood, sweat, and tears into building a business, then you need to rethink your plan.

Once that phase is done, the organization begins to evaluate the resources you have at your disposal. Owning a business takes more than just money, it takes people skills, a mindset of excellent customer service, and a community of professional partners to help you along the way. For instance, Abonni Anthony’s group has had a longlasting relationship with The City Insight. Helping each other in this professional landscape is important.

Finally, one of the more important resources that Achieving Excellence offers is networking!

Abonni Anthony strongly believes in a community of business owners that can give customers a well-rounded service. In having thecityinsight.com

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those connections and relationships, a business can ensure they give the customer or client the best possible service, even if that service isn’t with them.

This networking also leads to a vital part of business-ownership: professional partnerships. No one person can do anything alone.

Having a community of like-minded individuals and support allows one to succeed in both business and life. A prime example of this need for community occurred not too long ago in Greensboro. Business owner Andrew Rumley (Customer Cycles Limited) saw devastation after the tornadoes in Greensboro. Wanting to help, he went to the Chick-fil-A Gate City that opened just four days prior, to buy 200 sandwiches to hand out to the displaced residents. Nick Matthews the owner-operator told him to get 100, and they would match his efforts with the other 100. Andrew and his friends walked the streets of East Greensboro giving them out along with bottled water.

Nick and his leadership team went into the restaurant on Sunday night to make 400 sandwiches that they gave to first-responders and other people in need. They even went to the ER to hand out sandwiches and make the children smile with stuffed cows. Their generosity continued, with the leadership team continuing to hand out food in the community throughout the week. This, just another example of what is achieved in working together and helping others. That is why Achieving Excellence focuses so much time and effort in helping business owners achieve their dreams.

Even as a child, this drive to help others has always lived within Abonni.

As the youngest of four siblings, she always wanted to do everything they were doing. Seeing that she wasn’t big enough to do those things, Abonni decided she could still help and be involved. Since her brother would ride his bike, she would help him place the cards in the spokes. Not being big enough to cook, she would help her mother in the kitchen by gathering ingredients and helping prepare meals. It was all about finding a way to help and be involved.

This mindset followed her as she began a professional career as an assistant, where she reveled in aiding others. From there, she moved up to be an executive assistant. She came to love the feeling of knowing when her executives went into a meeting, they were always prepared and had what they needed. It was doing this work that she found a passion for helping others succeed.

Achieving Excellence’s promotes the idea of “Self-synergy.” According to Abonni Anthony, self-synergy is the belief that “what I do builds to who I am and what I offer my clients.” Building and improving upon yourself will ultimately improve how you can run your business and tackle other ventures.

This is why education is so important to Abonni Anthony, who is currently a candidate for a Ph.D. in organizational leadership. Having already earned a Master of Arts and another in Business, she realized that she needed to set herself apart in the tough business landscape. She needed to keep improving herself and her skills to give her that competitive advantage.

Many people have the dream of running their own business and being their own boss. However, not everyone has the mindset and the right traits to pull it off. One necessary trait is determination. Abonni Anthony asks her clients to find their “why.” That is, the reason why they have decided to be an entrepreneur. When things get difficult, as they will, you need to be able to look back and ask yourself why you are doing this. The answer needs to come from a sound place, and not one focused on superficial or materialistic gain. For Abonni Anthony, that “why” is her children—she wants to be an example for her children through the businesses and work she leaves behind.

For Abonni Anthony and her team to be effective, it is important for the business owner to be honest and brave enough to understand and admit when he or she needs help and actively seek help. If you feel that you don’t need help or that you are performing in the best possible way for your business, then it would be pointless for someone to try and show you something different.

As an organization, Achieving Excellence runs by the slogan, “We rise and fall together, but always moving forward, achieving excellence.” This means that as a community of professional partners, Abonni Anthony and her clients motivate each other and keep each other strong. They are constantly moving forward instead of being hindered by problems or obstacles. Doing this enables everyone to achieve excellence.

Visit www.achievingexcellence220.com to learn more.

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Dark Chocolate: A Sweet Treat With Many Benefits

By Ella Frazier Chocolate. You can find it in grocery stores, gas stations and retail outlets across the world.

Small artisan chocolate stores feature some of the best chocolates. You can find dark chocolate, milk chocolate, sweet chocolate, semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, unsweetened or baking chocolate and white chocolate in the artisan market. And if you want to personalize your sweet treat, homemade might be the way to go, using only the finest ingredients and creating your own creative varieties.

Most would agree, chocolate is tasty; but did you know that it is good for you as well?

Studies show that dark chocolate can help lower blood pressure and reduce LDL cholesterol. A box of chocolate in the shape of a heart is symbolic in more ways than just the expression of love—dark chocolate contains powerful antioxidants that are good for the heart.

Why do you close your eyes and relish the moment when biting into a piece of chocolate?

Chocolate stimulates endorphin production, which gives a feeling of pleasure. When you are unmotivated, reach for some dark chocolate. Studies suggest that dark chocolate contains serotonin, which acts as an anti-depressant. Along the same lines, if you are looking for a “little pick me up,” dark chocolate contains theobromine, caffeine and other natural stimulants.

The benefit of dark chocolate does not stop here. Aging in the body, as well as damage that leads to heart disease, is caused by free radicals. Chocolate, in general, contains flavonoids, which act as antioxidants to protect the body from these free radicals. Antioxidants are also found in strawberries. Try combining strawberries with dark chocolate and prepare for a delicious antioxidant treat.

Studies have also found chocolate to be a cancer-fighting food. The next time you are setting the table for that romantic dinner, include other antioxidants such as red wine, blueberries, and tea as they too are cancer-fighting foods. Dark chocolate is also known to improve the memory. So when you give your sweetheart that box of assorted chocolate, chances are she will remember. This means that chocolate is not just for Valentine’s day anymore, but for every day. Remember to share it with someone you love.

There are some things to keep in mind if you decide you are not going to eat ALL of your chocolate on the same day. You should store your chocolate in a cool, dark, dry place at 60-70 degrees F. The refrigerator is not the best place to store your chocolate. Make sure it is away from strong-smelling items since it can absorb nearby odors.

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From Debt to Wealth

By Angel Feimster-Montoya

Most Americans are serving time in “debtor’s prison.” We are furiously trying to get out of debt and free ourselves from this financial nightmare. We owe credit card companies, banks, mortgage companies and the list goes on. It’s so easy getting into debt and getting out can seem impossible. Most of us tend to live beyond our means and make unnecessary purchases with credit cards, or sadly we lose our income due to layoffs and can no longer keep up with mounting bills.

Understanding types of debt is important. Some debt is necessary: mortgages, student loans, and possibly a car loan. Make sure to write them off on your taxes if applicable and this will increase your refund. Unnecessary debt includes credits cards. We all know the trouble they can bring when used irresponsibly.

If you have numerous credit cards, cut them up immediately! This doesn’t mean close they account, which might have an adverse effect; but do not continue to spend! Keep one for emergencies only, but make sure it has a low annual interest rate. Make your payments on time and pay more than the minimum payment—the more you pay every month, the less you will end up shelling out in the long run. Stay away from department store credit cards. While they might come with some nice perks, the interest rates are too high.

Don’t be afraid to negotiate. If you do not have a low interest rate, then ask for one. Credit card companies will work with you if you have paid on time. If not, continue to make payments and after several months call and ask again about a lower rate. Be firm and let them you know you are trying to remain in good standing and they will work with you. Also, make sure to tell them if you are having financial problems; many credit card companies will come up with additional payment options.

Some people like to use balance transfers as a way of getting a lower interest rate. Transferring your debt to a new lower interest card can be very tricky, but beneficial if you do it correctly. Make sure you understand the terms of the balance transfer offer, including what fees are associated with the transaction, the introductory interest rate, and how long you have until that interest rate changes.

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Before entering an interview or meeting, there are a few things that are important to remember in order to keep your composure and come out of the meeting successfully. First, be honest with yourself about what you truly deserve. Be realistic with your requests. Secondly, be confident, positive and patient. This will display your professionalism and show that you know what you’re asking for. It will give you an upper-hand from the start. Also, remember that benefits factor into the equation. If you’re receiving a company phone, car, computer, health insurance, etc., then you need to deduct that from a typical salary that doesn’t include these things. Lastly, focus on your tone of voice, ensuring it is not too demanding or too passive. Speak persuasively.

If you succeed in your attempt, make sure to get it in writing so that there are no discrepancies later with what you agreed on. An understanding employer should accept this as professional and organized. If you do not succeed, evaluate the meeting fairly and maturely. Try to determine the work performance that does merit salary increase. Ask your employer directly. He or she will respect your drive to succeed.

Most importantly, realize that no salary is set in stone, and the likelihood of you getting what you deserve is good as long as you follow these important steps.

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Collaborating with Professional Partnerships By Abonni D. Anthony, MBA

Business is not conducted in isolation, nor can a business owner provide excellent customer service alone. It is the business community that owners create that provide optimum care for their customer. A champion business owner will see in another great owner a compliment to his or her own deliverance of excellence.

Each business community will have a theme such as excellence and integrity. The community you build around you speaks volumes about the image you want to portray to the customers that occupy your portion of the market share.

Professional partners are not the people that do business in the same circles as you. They are those business owners that make considerable efforts to enhance your delivery of excellence by their accenting service or product. It is a mutually beneficial relationship that creates a synergy felt by the customer. An example is the professional partnership built between myself and The City Insight. I am a contributing author for the City Insight Magazine, and the City Insight gives my client entrepreneurs the royal treatment while they utilize the publication’s tools for optimum exposure. Another professional partner is Don Feely that provided the cover photo for this month’s edition. His professional headshots elevated my business team and client profiles to the next level. I, in turn, have added to his clientele network, such as Robert Half for whom he provided a photograph for their nation-wide magazine.

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Partnerships will not always be with other business owners, but also with individual business professionals. These professional partners are ones you make a connection with and desire to support based on their integrity, honesty or their excellent customer service. I frequent both Raleigh and Mebane for business and have engaged professional partners that exhibit the qualities I seek in my business community. On a simple trip to the cell phone store in Mebane, I encountered Mitch Potter. He displayed knowledge of the product and did an excellent job listening to my needs to suggest the best solution. I found similar consideration for my needs at the Wells Fargo in Mebane when Jason Loy walked me through the banking options that specifically met my needs. Jennifer Allred, the branch manager, executed the same level of customer service as I entered and exited.

Listening is vital to a business professional and can never be underestimated. A perfect example of this is yet another dynamic team of professionals at EyeDeals Optometry in Raleigh, under the supervision of optometrist and owner, Dr. Linda M. Stolfo. I have trusted my eye care to her because she hears the concerns of her patients. The incredible care received is complimented by Nicholas Pallas who considers requirements of the patients to find the complementary pair of glasses that complete the service in style.

Make professional partners that create synergy, to provide clients with optimum customer service. Network and build mutually beneficial relationships that propel you toward the next level in your professional development. Create a business community that allows members to inspire each other toward ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE!!!

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(919) 792-9540 1030 N. Rogers Ln. Suite 119 Raleigh, NC 27610 www.paulsbarbershop.com

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Plan The Perfect Family Vacation

By Angel Feimster-Montoya

Planning a family vacation can seem overwhelming, but it is important to keep in mind that this vacation is supposed to be fun. So, why can’t planning it be fun as well?

The first step to planning the perfect family vacation is to involve everyone in the family. Hold a family meeting or, over dinner you can discuss where everyone would like to go…taking a vote would be a fair approach. Once you’ve decided on the location, see what everyone’s expectations are and try to include at least one activity that sparks the interest of each family member. For example, take one day to visit a theme park (for the younger children) and another to go hiking and fishing (for your spouse). This way, everyone has something to look forward to, and that will make the whole trip run more smoothly.

Secondly, you should research the history of the location you’ve chosen. Vacations can be a learning experience for your children amidst all the fun. Find out if there are any special historical monuments or spots that you don’t want to miss. Brush up on your knowledge about them so you can teach your children valuable lessons regarding the area.

This kind of hands-on learning will stick with them forever, and you will enjoy it, as well.

Next comes the “hard” part, booking the reservations. Make sure to do this a few months ahead of time, so there are no discrepancies when the date gets closer. Be sure to research costs in various places, so you know you’re getting the best rates possible. Waiting until the last minute can mean spending more money in the end.

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Now that you’ve got your plan down, it’s time to create an itinerary to keep the family on schedule, and constantly looking forward to the next event. While being careful not to over-plan, it is important to consider budget (first and foremost), transportation, accommodations, dining and entertainment with each activity and make a chart with fun stickers and colors. When the children see their ideas on paper as part of the planning, it will have them more excited than you can imagine. Creating a fun countdown calendar will also have them on the edge of their seats ready to go. Hang them both on the refrigerator for the children to see each day leading up to the vacation.

As the departure date nears, make a shopping list of everything you’ll need to purchase before leaving and also a list of everything you’ll need to take with you from home. Have the children help by gathering their own list of things and going shopping with you. Make sure to plan your wardrobes based on the activities for each day and begin packing ahead of time, so you don’t forget anything important.

Consider medications, toys, extra blankets/pillows and non-perishable snacks for travel.

A great option for families to consider is renting a house or condo rather than a hotel if you’re planning a longer vacation. Browse www.

VRBO.com, one website with homeowners looking to rent out vacation homes all over the U.S. Some of the rentals are actually less expensive than hotel rooms, and you can also save on food by grocery shopping and eating in, rather than dining out every night. Arguably, the most important part of a vacation is a peaceful rest; this may be difficult to accomplish in a cramped hotel room with the whole family.

Lastly, whether you’re flying or driving, you’ll need to make sure you allow yourself plenty of time for any unexpected delays. Often with children come temper tantrums, forgetfulness or any number of things that you can’t prepare for, so leave plenty of time for dawdling.

Also, make sure to explain to your children the rules of a vacation.

Are they the same as the rules at home? Can they stay up a little later? Must they hold your hand at all times? If the children are clear about what is expected of them, this will cut down on any accidents or scares.

Make sure you give your family the best vacation possible by planning ahead. This is a big investment, and you want it to be close to perfect, so take your time and HAVE FUN!

Having the Conversation About Addiction Recovery, Wellness and Citizenship Through Advocacy, Recovery Communities of North Carolina May Have the Answer!

RCNC Vision: ● North Carolina promotes a culture that supports addiction recovery for individuals, families and communities ● North Carolinians seeking addiction recovery have access to the highest quality care, services, and support ● North Carolinians in addiction recovery are equal and valued members of our State

● North Carolinians in addiction recovery have opportunities to achieve their fullest educational, occupational and civic potential ● Recovery from addiction is a celebrated reality

We are here to help, visit us at: 5245 Capital Blvd.

Raleigh, NC 27616 (919) 231-0248 www.rcnc.org.

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