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Welcoming Diversity At Cracker Barrel Old Country Store , we think a key to our success is welcoming diversity in our company, our country stores, our restaurants, and our communities. ®

EDITOR’S NOTE

Lacey Johnson

HEN I ACCEPTED my role as lead editor for The Connect in the spring of this year, I told my CEO, Eric Jordan, “I want to show that success does not look like one thing, but that it feels like a singular thing: the fulfillment of the highest expression of one’s unique desires and gifts.” I remain true to this, although I have learned that the pinnacle of that fulfillment isn’t the only realization of success per se; the journey and reaching towards that fulfillment is part of it as well. That’s where all of the magic hangs out. To say I am gratified by this issue would be the understatement of 2017. I have poured so much of myself into the creation of its content, and I’m extremely proud of my team as well. I hope these pages bring you joy. I hope they invite you to be more compassionate and conscious, while serving as a reminder that the aspects of your personality which are most celebratory of others (and life in general) are no accident at all. I hope they smack you with the belief that faith and willpower can defy statistics, and that there is dynamite power in the refusal to give up on what your heart is screaming that you must do. I have written a mantra (originally published this time last year to my personal brand, TheDailyDoll.com), and I wish to share it with all of you. Please know it is no random occurrence that your eyes are meeting these words. These words are for you. I hope you will fold them inside of any doubts you may be wrestling with as you step into 2018. Print it out and post it on your mirror or fold it into your wallet. Above all, live it:

I DARE YOU TO PROSPER. I dare you to not merely stand in the shadowed parks of what is most familiar, admiring your city of lights from a distance, but to build a bridge and meet your dreams where they are realized. I dare you to be uncomfortable, and to be refined by the red-hot flames of that discomfort. I DARE YOU TO FOLLOW THE VOICE OF YOUR INSTINCT. I dare you to be led by the fragrance of your heart’s desire. I dare you to reach with a mighty fist into the ether, and pull every glittering dream into the constructs of your reality. I dare your wishes and beliefs to align. I dare you to get it right this time. God bless you.

PUBLISHER, CEO ERIC JORDAN ejordan@theconnectmagazine.com PARTNER DR. EDDIE D. HAMILTON, MD, FAAP EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LACEY JOHNSON ljohnson@theconnectmagazine.com EDITORIAL INTERN MADISON YAUGER DIRECTOR OF VIDEOGRAPHY CHRIS HOLLO HEAD PHOTOGRAPHER BARBARA POTTER bpotter@theconnectmagazine.com PHOTOGRAPHER DEVIN WILLIAMS DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CAROLYN MCHANEY-WALLER Carolyn.waller@zeitlin.com DIRECT CONNECT SUSAN VANDERBILT susanvanderbilt@entreesavvy.com SENIOR WRITERS DR. MING WANG JACKIE NENTWICK JOE SCARLETT KEELAH JACKSON TONI LEPESKA CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS GRAHAM HONEYCUTT - Empowerment DAWN MASON - Family & Relationships TORI TATE THOMAS - Branding & Marketing MISHON LANDRY - Diversity DIRECTOR OF SALES ERIC JORDAN PUBLISHERS AND SALES REPRESENTATIVES Help Wanted: Join Our Team ALABAMA FLORIDA GEORGIA KENTUCKY LOUISIANA MISSISSIPPI TENNESSEE VIRGINIA ADVERTISING INQUIRIES advertise@theconnectmagazine.com For all editorial pitches and submissions, please contact Lacey Johnson at ljohnson@theconnectmagazine.com.

Sincerely, “PUTTING YOUR BUSINESS IN CLIENTS’ HANDS”

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 4

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ANTONIO FAJARDO

HOLIDAY 2017/2018 | THE CONNECT MAGAZINE

THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM

HILE PREPARING FOR our final issue of 2017, I was faced with a daunting challenge: With Deepak Chopra as our previous cover story, how was I going to make this one as special? It seems appropriate that this issue of The Connect magazine is focused on the subject of faith, considering all the recent attention given to purposeful living. As the magazine enters its fourth year of publication, I cannot help but reflect on the wide variety of events and developments there have been along the way, including the opportunity to start Stay Connected! Knowledge Academies, which is our subsidiary and first student-driven magazine. I recall saying to myself several years ago,”How cool would it be to start a kid’s magazine, challenging kids to think outside of the box while getting them excited about writing?” In 2015, I clearly remember coaxing a local investor into helping me find commercial real estate. I had this vision of having an actual Connect Center. The Magazine did a fantastic job inspiring individuals as we explored the nuances of successful living. However, my dream was to have a physical building used as a career development center. I have often asked myself, “How did you make it this far without a business loan or angel investors?” The answer is simple: “Trust the Process.” I have learned: Concentrate on counting your blessings and you’ll have little time to worry about anything else. I believe we all want to live a successful life; whatever success means to us personally. Unfortunately, our words often don’t reflect that. If words have power, that means everything you say is shaping your life and the lives of others. You may not feel it or see it the minute you speak THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM

it, but those words are planting seeds. Each one of us are trying to figure out this thing called life. Sometimes we’ll need some a break, a chance, a Connect, or an opportunity. Sometimes, we just need someone to show us some compassion and kindness. If you’ve ever had someone help you in some special way, remember how it felt and keep that feeling in mind when the opportunity arises for you to help someone else. “If you’re not making someone else’s life better, then you’re wasting your time. Your life will become better by making other lives better.” - Will Smith As 2017 comes to a close, I challenge each of you to find at least one article from the previous issue of The Connect that inspired you most. Please share the article with a friend or loved one. After reading the article again, take a few minutes to write down your goals for 2018. Choose the goal that matters most to you and will have the most positive impact on your life. Once you choose that goal, make sure to write it down where you can see it daily so that it stays in the forefront of your mind. Finally, believe that your words have POWER. Speak them into existence. The success of The Connect magazine is because individuals took a chance on the dream, vision, goal, purpose and passion I have for connecting others. Best of luck pursuing your goals in 2018. Please keep the faith and, as always, “Trust the Process.”

CEO/PUBLISHER THE CONNECT MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2017/2018

14 CONTENTS HOLIDAY 2017/2018

Cover Story 24 HOW HOLLYWOOD PUBLICIST KIKI AYERS WENT FROM

HOMELESS TO BOSS LADY She crawled her way from homelessness to reporting from red carpets and building a publicity empire.

Features 14 MEET VERONICA T. MALLETT: THE MODERN WOMAN’S HEALTH INNOVATOR & DIVERSITY EDUCATOR There was never any stopping this renaissance woman.

16 16 LIFE-THREATENING HARDSHIPS MADE THESE TWO

ENTREPRENEURS UNSTOPPABLE Two unrelated stories. Both shining examples of how life’s hardships always gift us with something.

30 BOOK CLUB: NEW YORK TIMES BEST-SELLING AUTHOR DANIELLE WALKER’S “CELEBRATIONS” Millions have improved their lives with her delicious recipes. We think this calls for a celebration.

32 HOLLER & DASH IS SERVING UP HOT BISCUITS, MODERN STYLE &

AGE-OLD TRADITION This stylish biscuit house is a Millennial hotspot - still aligned with the family values from which it came.

36 BRANDING LEGEND LOUIS UPKINS HAS DEVOTED

HIS LIFE TO ANCHORING PURPOSE This legendary branding mentor invites you to live with absolute intention.

38 XMI IS GUIDING SMALL BUSINESSES TO THEIR FULL POTENTIAL

All small businesses hope to launch themselves to a high platform. XMI delivers.

42 THE ASIAN ART MUSEUM IN SAN FRANCISCO UNITES THE

PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE From the ancient to the contemporary, creative goldmines rest inside of these walls.

44 BECOME YOUR HEALTHIEST VERSION STARTING RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE These two health gurus say all transformations begin with making the next right decision.

Columns 12 SUNSET RESOLUTIONS: 5 WAYS TO MOVE ONWARD AND UPWARD

TOWARD THE NEW YEAR Don’t let the sun set on this year’s missed intentions. Time and tide wait for no one.

19 WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU DON’T GET YOUR DREAM JOB

It stings to not be picked. But it also may lead you to your big opportunity.

21 5 WAYS TO BE MORE INCLUSIVE IN THE WORKPLACE (AND WIN!) 23 I AM A BRAND; NOW WHAT?

You’re trying to build something awesome. Be not afraid to shout it to the world.

41 HOW TO BUILD A STRONG IMAGE IN THE NEW YEAR & BEYOND Showing is more powerful than telling.

47 THE POWER OF KEEPING THE LOVE TANKS FULL

Knowing your partner’s love language can deepen and heal your connection.

48 I KNOW WHY YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FAILED THIS YEAR Change won’t come as long as the same old lawbreaker is divvying out all of the rules.

HOLIDAY 2017/2018 | THE CONNECT MAGAZINE

The Connect Magazine is a quarterly lifestyle publication and online media source committed to engaging our diverse audience through empowering and impactful stories of entrepreneurs, young professionals and businesses in pursuit of creating positive ripples throughout the world, through efforts large and small. THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM

EMPOWERMENT

WRITTEN BY: TORI TATE THOMAS

ERSONAL BRANDING HAS intensified with the advancements of technology. Thanks to the internet and social media, nearly every human in the world has the power to develop a unique identity on a professional level. Selena Gomez, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lauren Conrad are a few examples of people who have harnessed the reach of technology to market themselves and their careers in such a way. But in order to create a personal brand that resonates with a vast audience, it is important to be authentic, consistent and engaging. You have the power to design how your personal brand is seen by the world, so do it right. Today’s consumers are intelligent, opinionated and outspoken; they are not afraid to call you out if you shy away from being honest and genuine. Once you have identified your personal brand and developed the conventional platforms - website and social media accounts - you may be thinking, “Now what?”

you’ll learn more about what truly gets through to your audience. Remember: Get creative, stay authentic and be consistent in your message. You’ll soon begin to understand how truly helpful these platforms can be to marketing yourself.

MAKE YOUR MARK Create a logo or symbol to give your personal brand a unique identity. Not only does this enhance brand recognition with your audience, but it also adds to your level of professionalism. Get creative and visualize the desired perception of your brand. Do you consider yourself handcrafted, organic and personalized? Or, do you prefer to be seen as contemporary, sleek and classy? Determine the outward visual tone of your brand and start designing with it in mind.

USE YOUR VOICE You’ve created a personal brand for a reason. You are the inspiration behind it all, so use your voice to tell the world about it. Start a podcast. A personal brand is about marketing yourself and your career; a podcast offers your audience a chance to hear your story first hand. One of the best aspects of this medium is that it can develop as your brand develops. As you continue on your self-branding journey, the podcast can be an outlet for sharing insights, knowledge, stories and motivation with the world. If you need motivation, 24 percent of the United States population ages 12 and older listen to podcasts monthly. So, if starting your own podcast is too much, don’t be afraid to reach out to other podcasters and offer to be a guest on their show. Either way you choose, podcasts are a helpful medium to use your voice.

REACH OUT You’ve created this amazing personal brand, so why not reach out to share it with as many people as possible? Social media advertising tools are a vital way to connect with potential fans and stay in front of your current following. These marketing platforms, from Facebook to Twitter, can offer intelligent strategies for reaching out while keeping a healthy budget – they provide bang for your buck. Social media advertising tools also provide you with invaluable insight into the effectiveness of your personal branding strategies. How engaging is your content to your target audience? If you change the picture or call-toaction in the ad, will it yield better results? Don’t be shy about A/B testing your content here. Separate your audience into two groups and serve each of them a different variation of the same ad; for example, one ad has a picture and the other contains a GIF, but both are conveying the same message. Compare your results to determine which variant worked best based on your desired outcome. The reporting tools on these platforms help make the comparison process a breeze and THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM

GET OUT Put yourself out there and host or speak at an event – trust me, I know you can do it. This is one of the best methods for showcasing your knowledge and expertise. Getting out to events also gives you an in-person opportunity to connect with others. Technology is great for reaching out, but nothing beats a person-to-person encounter. There are plenty of opportunities such as local chamber events, industry seminars, conferences, workshops and client appreciation lunches - just to name a few. These get you out into the real world and help market your personal brand.

GIVE BACK While personal branding is about promoting you and your career, find a way to weave giving back into your brand’s identity. There are more than enough opportunities to do this. If you’re a social media marketing guru, teach non-profits how to be more effective with their social media platforms. If you’re an artist, volunteer to teach art at an after-school program. Find a need in your community and go for the giving. This not only benefits your community, but will boost your success in the end. People tend to remember selfless acts, so give back generously and create a positive perception of your brand. You might even learn more about yourself - and your brand - in the process. THE CONNECT MAGAZINE | HOLIDAY 2017/2018