The ENVOY Guide magazine

SHERRY BOLTON

Lubbock chef and baker forges her own path by helping others

you happy with your business

What are you going to do differently? How can

hire the right people to support your vision? Sadly, many small business owners do not spend enough time planning for the future. This reality can be fatal. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 20% of U.S. small businesses fail within the first year.

the end of their fifth year, roughly 50% have falte red. After 10 years, only about a third of these businesses have survived.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

you afford to

can get marketing assisted from Dr. Daryl D. Green, small business

SMALL BUSINESS MARKETING SPECIAL AGSM SERVICES

Dr. Daryl D. Green, DSL

a management strategist. He is the Vice President of Marketing at

IN EACH ISSUE

Tracee Holloway,

Taking performance

to

& FAMILY

Beverly Jurenko,

workplace

Lindsay Coward,

writer

TRAVEL & LEISURE

40 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Bliss Travel Asheville, NC

41 Black kids abroad: The benefits of Blacks traveling young

42 ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT

Ashley Hart She-Plays

Employers should avoid these

Jenn Muckelvaney,

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Culinary Co-op Lubbock, TX

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Decimalytics

Merrillville, IN

NC

Who’s Your Daddy

Duane Hemingway, contributing writer

EMPOWERING YOUR LIFE

What we look for,

Lesley King, contributing writer

ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT

Rachel Roberts

Rachel Roberts Recipes Houston, TX

SPOTLIGHT

by Mountain BizWorks

Terran Ward

Asheville Luxury Wedding Company Asheville, NC

ORGANIZATION

ARTS & CULTURE

30 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Robert Zachary

Healing Love Institute Asheville, NC

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Ricardo Tejeda

Show and Tale Creative Asheville, NC

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Consulting

where

strategic planning, marketing,

development to emerging and existing businesses. Through his professional career, Dr. Green has evaluated over 100 organizations including Westinghouse, and Lockheed Martin. In 2016, Dr. Green retired from federal service as a senior engineer manager after 27 years. He has a national

League of Women Voters of Henderson County

Brenda Sherrer

Hendersonville, NC

ORGANIZATION

Chirindo Foundation

34 Is your social environment negatively impacting your health?

35 Ailments and cannibis

by Dr. Bridget Williams, MD, contributing writer

marketing

Additionally, he is business professor at Oklahoma Baptist University. This professor

an award

Business Marketing

Manyanga

Louis, MO

BUSINESS & CAREER

Okezie,

35 15-minute workouts for busy entrepreneurs

LaJune Singleton

36 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

ENSO Massage & Wellness Hendersonville, NC

BEAUTY & FASHION

39 ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT

Renata Conyers

True Divine Accessories Asheville, NC

THE COVER:

Sherry Bolton, owner of the Culinary Co-Op in Lubbock, TX,

MISSION STATEMENT

& Layout

Sponsored Features Layout

PUBLISH DATES

From the Publisher

The ENVOY Guide does not endorse any claims, warranties, or guarantees made in any advertisements or articles, whether by a company or individual that appears in this publication. We reserve the right to reject or edit any copy, advertisement, and/or editorial content for any reason.

The ENVOY Guide is not liable or responsible, directly or indirectly, for any business or personal losses or damages caused or alleged to have been caused by the use of or reliance on any information provided in this publication. Views and opinions expressed in The ENVOY Guide by contributing writers, guest columnists, and/or any individuals featured do not necessarily reflect the views of the founder, publisher, editor, or any staff of The ENVOY Guide, and are presented for information and entertainment purposes only.

The ENVOY Guide is not responsible and is not liable, directly or indirectly, for any information submitted and/or published from a contributing writer or featured subject that is deemed false or misleading. Consult a legal professional and/or tax professional before taking any published advice. The ENVOY Guide is published by Red Angle Photography. ©Copyright 2021-2022 in the United States of America, all rights reserved.

2023 SUBMISSION DEADLINES

It’s hard to believe, we’ve come to the end of another year for “The ENVOY Guide”. Over the past two years, my life has changed profoundly because of this magazine. I’ve had the opportunity to meet some wonderful people from across the country - none of whom I would have met otherwise. They have inspired me, and hopefully you, as well. I love this magazine; it has helped me discover that I am capable of doing more than I ever would have imagined.

Both the magazine, and I, have grown significantly. There are now more than a dozen contributing writers, and the magazine is now distributed in 10 states, so far. To help keep the momentum going, I’m making changes that think will lead to even more growth going forward. Below are the two major changes I’m excited to announce:

1. “The ENVOY Guide” is going “green” and is now a digital-first publication, rather than a print-first publication with a digital option. Print issues will still be available for purchase.

2. The magazine is now FREE online. I hope this will help to further expand the readership, and allow more people to benefit from the great content in each issue. If you are a current, paid digital subscriber, you may request to receive the printed editions via U.S. mail for the remaining issues in your subscription, in addition to your digital access. Just email your request to info@TheENVOYguide.com with your name and mailing address.

I believe this is the best way forward for the magazine’s future. There’s more to come, and I can’t wait to tell you about all of it once things are finalized. In the meantime, welcome your feedback. Please complete a brief surey at https://theenvoyguide. com/form/customer-survey.

As this second year comes to an end, I look forward to continuing my mission of celebrating and highlighting the diversity, accomplishments, and talents of people around the U.S, while sharing information and resources to help us all lead more fulfilling lives. Thank you for your continued support. Please share this issue, and encourage your family, friends, and colleagues to subscribe. Also, please be sure to follow “The ENVOY Guide” on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn; and be sure to leave a review on Google.

Happy holidays, and cheers to a brighter, greener future.

Founder, Publisher, & Editor

Yvette Freeman

Photography

Yvette Freeman

Yvette Freeman

Julieta Fumberg

Arming children with three empowering principles for lifelong confidence & success

by Tameka Chapman

In 2021, we were allowed roughly 3.6 million opportunities to begin the journey of instilling a confident can-do attitude in our children. Each time a child is born, it becomes our duty, as moms, aunts, sisters, and grandmothers, to ensure that we provide a positive environment that encourages curiosity, communication and growth—but it is also believed that before this type of space can be provided to children, we must first create this space for ourselves.

There’s a saying “Do as I say, not as I do.” Contrary to the desired request, children will always do as we say and as we do. Life has taught all of us different lessons in different ways, but it’s definitely shown us all one thing— we must be intentional in what we speak because the words become our actions, our children’s actions, our grandchildren’s actions, and so on. If the ultimate goal is to create a legacy from the imprint we leave in the world, why not make it something amazing?

Take a closer look at these top tips to help children develop a positive attitude, while teaching them how to manage disappointment and failure.

Understanding the power of the words we speak Positive programming begins at an early age when we don’t even realize that our kids are listening or watching us. As babies and toddlers, they mimic everything we do—the way we walk, talk,

interact, reason, behave, and react. As parents, we are responsible for who children become as teens, young adults, and ultimately, adults, and we should not take this vital role for granted. There is power in how we speak, so understanding how our words impact us, our children and others around us will cause us to see things from a different point of view.

We should try to speak with a tone of respect and gratitude. If we want our children to grow up and be appreciative of all that we’ve done for them, we have to begin showing that same level of gratitude towards life now while they are still impressionable. Understanding that the words we speak hold power over your children’s future, it is wise to be the positive role model they need now so that when they age, they will already have ingrained within them the ability to see the positive side of life.

Understanding and teaching the power of “It’s OK”

In life, we want our children to have more, do more, enjoy more, and create more than we did. That’s absolutely great for a legacy. However, we must also introduce the power of

“It’s OK” into our children’s mindsets to help them learn how to cope with disappointments and failure.

For a moment, take time to reflect on the last project that your child attempted. Did she/he succeed? If not, what was your reaction? Did you immediately step in and help them fix it to completion, or did you allow them to start over as you offered encouraging words?

inner mental core and has a positive effect on their mental health, confidence, mindset, and decisions.

Understanding that even though they are young, they have feelings and emotions that require an outlet

Creating a realistic budget

by Veronica Edwards contributing writer

We must teach our children that it’s okay to not succeed at everything on the first try. It’s okay to give yourself grace as you learn a new concept. It’s okay to feel a bit disappointed that plans don’t always work the way we imagine they will. Teaching our children the power of “It’s okay” allows them to know that they can always get back up and start over. It also helps to strengthen their

Kids are people too, and just like you, they have feelings and emotions and, most times, have no idea how to process their feelings. Too many times, parents ignore how their kids are feeling, do not allow them to voice their emotions, or won’t acknowledge that they are little balls of emotions. This can be a result of many factors, i.e., parents not fully understanding their feelings, the generational cycle that has yet to be broken, hard-working parents who only want the best for their children, but also need to rest to keep going and the list goes on. We must tap into our children’s emotions and be intentional, each day, to sit and talk to our children without making them feel rushed to talk or a burden. Allowing children to vent is not only good for them, their mental health and physical health, but also turns your home into a haven for your entire family.

So, instead of telling our kids to “do as I say, not as I do”, let’s change that to: “Do as I say and as I do”, because you are the first and most vital role model in your child’s life. Do your part and help to birth a nation of empowered and courageous children. TE

Budgeting is an essential part of a healthy financial life professionally and personally. A budget allows you to create a spending plan for your money to ensure you always have enough for the things that are truly necessary and important to you. Below are a few budget tips that help you reach your financial goals.

The Hardest Part of Creating a Budget is Making Time to Create One

To start budgeting, track all of your income and expenses for a month. You can create a budget using a notebook, spreadsheet, or budget tracker app like Mint, which is totally free. Set yourself up with the right tools from the start. Set aside what you will need for mandatory living expenses, such as groceries, housing and transportation cost. Any money that you have left beyond that can be used for your discretionary expenses each month.

Save First, Then Spend

Most people choose to spend first and save what’s leftover. This makes saving optional and doesn’t ensure consistent saving contributions. Think of saving as a

fixed expense and factor it into your budget accordingly. If you have direct deposit through your employer, consider setting it up so that a certain percentage of your income goes straight into your savings account. With savings you can handle an unexpected car repair or other emergencies without taking on credit card or loan debt.

Understand the Difference between Needs and Wants

As mentioned above, your necessities are essential expenses that you can’t live without, like rent, transportation cost, health insurance and groceries. Discretionary spending are non-essential items that you can purchase if you have money leftover. This includes expenses like new clothing, dining out, travel, recreation and entertainment.

Practice Budgeting to Zero

Budgeting to zero means tracking every dollar you earn and giving it a place in your budget until you don’t have a single dollar to spare. Budgeting to zero can show you where your money is going and give every dollar you earn a purpose.

Automate Responsibly Technology can help alleviate the tedious aspects of budgeting and prevent setbacks. So why not let it do some of the work for you? Try setting up automatic transfers so you can regularly pay bills or sock money away without thinking about it.

Revisit your Budget Monthly

Checking in on your budget at least once a month gives you the chance to deal with fluctuations in a timely manner.

A budget shouldn’t be set in stone. If you notice you’re consistently overspending in one category and under-spending in another, even out your budget to make it more achievable.

Creating a realistic budget is a critical step in maximizing your financial health, and it can be done in less than one hour. Sticking to the plan will help you get the most out of your income and give you peace of mind that every dollar in your account is going to a specific purpose. Be kind to yourself and your new budgeting lifestyle as you settle into your new routine. TE

Veronica Edwards is the owner of Balanced Virtually, which specializes in Accounting consulting and education services. Veronica has over 15 years of experience in Accounting and Bookkeeping; is a Certified Public Accountant, a Chartered Global Management Accountant, a QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor, member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and a member of the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants.

A graduate of the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, Veronica earned her Bachelors of Science in Accounting, as well as a Masters of Accounting from Georgia Southern University.

PHOTO BY KIANA BOSMAN ON UNSPLASH

PHOTO BY SINCERELY

Understanding the car insurance balancing act

Focusing on value means thinking more broadly than savings

by Carla Bluitt, contributing writer

Car insurance advertising is flooded with messages about saving money. However, there is a balancing act between price and a level of coverage that provides financial security. If you are in the market for insurance, there are several things to consider ensure that you are getting the best value.

Each of these considerations is intended to help you understand the balancing act, and be confident you’re getting the best possible policy for your money.

Consider liability coverage limits beyond the minimum

Your policy has two main liability coverages: Bodily Injury (BI) and Property Damage (PD). These form the core of your policy. If you’re responsible for a crash involving another driver, your liability coverages ensure your insurance company will pay—up to a limit you’ve chosen when you bought the policy—for the other person’s medical bills, repair shop fees and other expenses related to their injuries or damage. Each state has required minimum liability limits. Check with a local agent for your state’s limits and keep in mind that higher limits cost more money but also provide more coverage.

Fact is, those minimum limits are much lower than the likely cost of a crash. The insurance company would pay until it meets your policy’s limits—then it’s done. Any excess costs would fall to the person legally responsible for the crash—you. That could leave you personally liable for tens, or even hundreds, of thousands of dollars.

So when you buy a policy, the limits you choose ought to at least match the value of your personal assets, including money in bank accounts, retirement and college savings, and the equity in your home. These assets could be vulnerable if you’re responsible for an accident, you’re sued and you don’t have adequate liability limits.

Consider umbrella coverage if your assets exceed your policy’s maximum available limits

On the other hand, say your assets are greater than your policy’s maximum available liability limit. The maximum varies by company, but it’s typically around $500,000 for combined BI and PD. Then it’s

time to think about umbrella coverage.

Umbrella coverage is supplemental liability coverage, usually with limits ranging from one million dollars to five million dollars.

So, if you’re responsible for a crash causing one million dollars’ worth of injuries and damage, your car insurance policy would cover the first $500,000, and the umbrella policy would cover the rest. Your assets would remain safe.

Many, though not all, auto insurance companies offer umbrella policies. An independent agent can help you decide if this coverage is right for you, and can provide some options for getting it.

Consider collision and comprehensive coverages for newer cars

Collision and Comprehensive help pay to repair damage to your own vehicle—damage that you’re responsible for. Also, if you are leasing or financing your vehicle, it may be a requirement of the loan or leasing agreement, along with a specific deductible amount.

Unlike liability, these coverages don’t come with limits. They do, however, come with deductibles. A deductible is your dollar-amount share of the costs to get your car repaired. You choose from a range of deductible options when you buy your policy. The lower your deductible, the less your policy costs.

So, say you’ve chosen a $500 deductible, and the cost to repair your car after an accident is $5,000. You’d pay the repair shop $500, and the insurance company would pay the remaining $4,500.

Again, unlike liability, collision and comprehensive are completely optional. If your car holds minimal value, comprehensive and collision coverage may not be beneficial to you. This is especially true when a large deductible is involved. For instance, if your

car is worth $2,000 and your policy has a deductible of $1,000, your insurer is only able to pay out up to $1,000 on a collision claim.

Consider gap coverage if you’re financing

Another optional coverage, Gap, is important if you owe more on your car than its worth. This is quite common for newer cars that can depreciate in value faster than the rate at which the loan is paid off.

Say you owe $25,000 on your car, but the car is currently worth $20,000. Then, the car is stolen, not recovered, and declared a “total loss” by the insurance company. The comprehensive claim would only pay for the value of the vehicle—$20,000. Gap would pay the additional $5,000, ensuring you have enough money to pay back the bank.

Most banks require you to have Gap as a condition of a car loan. Some finance companies even offer it as part of the loan, so be sure to confirm this with your finance company before adding it to your insurance.

Once you’ve paid off the loan, it makes no sense to keep the coverage. So you can then drop it to save some money.

Consider a variety of other coverage options

Beyond these coverages, you’ll find most car insurance policies offer a variety of additional options. These include rental reimbursement, med pay, personal injury protection (which is required in some states), and even roadside assistance. Each of these coverages adds additional cost to your policy, so discuss them with your agent, understand what each offers and choose wisely.

Getting proper car insurance is a matter of balancing cost and coverage levels. An independent agent can help you understand that balancing act and put together a policy that’s right for you. TE

Carla Bluitt is the owner of Brightway - Bluitt & Associates, an insurance brokerage servicing the entire state of North Carolina. With over 30 years of experience in risk management and asset protection, the agency partners with top insurance brands to offer homeowners, auto, business and life insurance. For more information or to receive a no-obligation policy review, contact the agency via www. brightwaybluitt.com or by calling 336-664-8400.

The briefcase

Story and photos provided by Trina Lynch-Jackson

My Uncle Charles Dean Buggs was an amazing artist. He had perfected a method of mask construction called the Armature Frame Method. This method consists of a frame made of strips of chipboard stapled together, forming a structure somewhat like a catcher’s mask.

This method was discovered as part of an art challenge in a course he was taking at Howard University. Yes, he was a proud graduate of Howard University’s Fine Arts Department. His teacher at that time had challenged students to create an art piece for $10 or less. Ten dollars!

He was working part time in a mail room at that time, trying to work his way through college; and started dabbling with the idea of creating masks with pieces of brown paper bags, coated with Elmer’s glue and strips of chipboard.

Through time, patience and the study of masks from different cultures, he created the Armature Frame Method. Of course, he aced the course and went on to become a junior high school teacher for several years in Washington DC, teaching his method to students. His masks were created to honor all cultures. He understood the importance of diversity and respect.

Uncle Charles was also an avid fisherman, and after years of teaching in DC, he went to Juneau, Alaska on a fishing excursion. He fell in love with Juneau — the artistic opportunities, the employment opportunities, and the weather. He returned to DC and retired from his teaching position. He proceeded to pack his belongings, took the long drive through Canada, and a ferry to Juneau, where he created his final chapter. He was able to work for the state of Alaska, and volunteer at junior high schools in Juneau, sharing his mask-making talents, and learning the richness of the native Alaskan culture using their symbology and legends.

Why am I sharing this story with you? I am the first grandchild on my paternal side.

The “first niece”, as he frequently called me. We had a special connection; a special love and admiration for one another. became a long-distance caregiver unknowingly. would write him letters, send cards, and magazine subscriptions to Ebony and Jet at that time.

I just wanted to make sure he was okay. We talked frequently, and one summer, I decided to visit him. He told me, “no cruise ships, just fly in, and I will pick you up at the airport, and show you why I fell in love with Juneau”.

When I arrived in Juneau, he was waiting with a big smile. My Uncle Charles had not changed a bit to me. was too excited to notice that cough. That cough!

My week with him was beyond amazing. He showed me his secret fishing hole, and laughed about it not being much of a secret because so many locals went there, that they had to be careful of tangling the fishing lines. That cough!

We drove around the island searching for wildflowers to plant in the condominium rock garden he created, which was just outside of his unit. didn’t realize he was preparing me. He was creating that rock garden for me and the residents at the condominium community. That cough!

We went to the rainforest, Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau Cultural Center, museums, the downtown shops, and local eateries. I met his Juneau friends who had become his Juneau family. What would do without his Juneau family? Did they know?

On one of those amazing days with my uncle, we went to several banks, and he had me signing papers, and explaining his different accounts, and his responsibilities with the condominium board. That cough! What was this all about?

I asked him about that cough, and he said it was just a cold. I was clueless, but I went along with whatever he wanted. I just wanted to enjoy my time with my uncle. His condominium had masks he had created on the walls, and he explained the technique, and how he had applied dates and names to each mask. I currently have his masks on display at my local libraries in Merrillville, Indiana, and am proud of his accomplishments and his legacy. He had also created a workbook and a VHS tape on how to create masks using his technique.

On our last day together, we had dinner continued on next page

Briefcase

with his friends, laughing and sharing stories; and just the joy of being with him has been my saving grace; my faith walks in the mornings and my late prayers at night. He was preparing me, and I didn’t know.

One day Dee called and said, “I don’t hear your Uncle Charlie moving around the apartment”. (Dee was one of his Juneau adopted family friends). replied, call the Juneau Police. I had spoken to him a few days before that call, and I knew he was trying to prepare me. I didn’t want to let him go. I remember crying on the phone when we talked. He told me what a wonderful life he had. He was already talking in the past. could hear that cough; that cough that I had questioned when I visited him a year before that. Lung cancer!

He had informed me, “No chemo for me; I have had a wonderful life”. I cried. “There will be a briefcase in the apartment with instructions. Don’t cry,” he said, “I’m alright. I don’t have much, but what little I have, I’m leaving to you, because I know you will respect my wishes”. Little did I know that two months later, on New Year’s Eve, my daughter — my only child — would die. That was almost 10 years ago, and I maintain a mountainside condo in Juneau. My retreat. My place of reflection. And now, I have that briefcase for my grandchildren.

Do you have your briefcase? Do you have your final words, documents, papers, bank accounts in order? Have you prepared your family? Leave a legacy to your family. Start the new year with your legal documents in order, and talk to your loved ones. There are so many services in place, and each state is different. So go to Mama Bear Legal Forms, or take the time to seek legal counsel and prepare your briefcase. TE

Holiday gift ideas that are perfect for men

Wall mural or poster of his favorite teams or players

Snowboard, skateboard, football Game console

Personalized beer mug Hunting or fishing gear Binoculars Grill set tools

Meat marinades

Personalized business card holder

Monogrammed travel bag Fine watch

Car detailing kit or a gift certificate to a car detail shop Vintage radio Lowe’s or Home Depot gift card

Dr. Trina Lynch-Jackson is a veteran of the US Army and avid learner. She has degrees in higher education, social work, public administration, law enforcement and fire science. Learning, teaching, and reaching people based on their needs has been her Christian mantra. Her storytelling, poetry and travels has kept her mindful as a social entrepreneur of transformative change. She was a Dementia/ Alzheimer Director for many years and currently teaches at Ivy Tech Community College Lake County as a Program Chair of the School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation. She resides in Gary, Indiana and Juneau, Alaska.

Trina holding one of her uncle’s masks in Juneau, Alaska.

“Eat clean, and drink a little dirty”

RACHEL ROBERTS RECIPES

Houston, TX

robertsrachel73@aol.com

www.RachelRobertsRecipes.com

Facebook: @rachel-roberts-recipes

Instagram: @rachelrobertsrecipes

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RED ANGLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a home chef and lifelong Houstonian who lives according to my motto, “eat clean, drink a little dirty”. Having a strong Italian mother who was always cooking amazing food in the kitchen, and a dad from Texarkana, who was always at the grill, made me who I am today. celebrate each day; using the finer things in life — fine China, grandma’s silverware — because life’s too short.

How did you come up with your motto, “Eat clean, drink a little dirty?”

Well, because that’s what I do. I live by that. I think that in life you should take care of your body, and you don’t want a meal to kill you. You want it be wonderful. After had my children, gained a lot of weight. tried a lot of different diets and at the end, I did keep the low-carb lifestyle. But I think it’s important that whatever you do, and whatever works for you — and that’s important — that you make it a lifestyle. Don’t diet. Eat well, and eat clean, and live a good life.

And even when you “drink dirty”, it should be a clean cocktail. So what is a clean cocktail? Don’t use sodas, or fruit juices, or all those sugary things. Every food, every drink, can be made a clean way, by using substitutions. And there’s good substitions, and sometimes there’s bad substitutions.

I’ve perfected this. If you’re having a margarita, instead of using a syrup with sugar, use agavé; it’s a healthier choice; a healthier sweetener. Or use monk fruit. There’s a sugar called Sugar RX; it’s a liquid. It’s fantastic in cocktails.

“Eat what you grow!” is also what I say. My creations are inspired by what I grow; what’s fresh. The beautiful traditions, flavors, and colors of my heritage are woven into the tapestry of my lifestyle. This is a life worth sharing, and I love sharing it with the world.

So what’s your favorite “dirty drink”? Dragonfruit Gin Diet Tonic

Describe your business and what inspired you to start it.

I’m a home chef creating healthy meals, using fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs grown in my garden…sharing with the world through social media, radio, and podcasts. When Covid started, I needed a way to stay connected. My love for cooking, and being on the camera came to life; and people, being at home, were tuned in.

How do you market yourself, and what method has been most effective?

Social media, radio, and podcasts.

What makes your business unique?

Me! I’m a hoot to watch. I have loyal fans that watch me daily. I’m always happy; and think that joy is contagious. I teach people how to eat what they love, make substitutions that actually work; and create meals at home easily that are healthier than eating out.

What challenges have you faced, and continue to face?

Between being a single mom, raising boys, camera on making the daily shows, it is a challenge finding a balance.

What areas of business do you struggle with the most?

Without corporate backing, struggle to carve out a space where my business is acknowledged.

What do you enjoy the most about what you do?

I love the camera on, the characters on the radio, the smile on people’s faces when eating what I make; sharing my daily coffee on my morning “Coffee Talk” Show.

How has COVID-19 affected your business?

Covid was a springboard to everything. Morning prayers with friends became so much more. The camera kept me connected to the world around me.

You’re now a co-host on Brian Sebastian’s “Movie Reviews & More”. How’s that going?

“Movie Reviews & More” has been the best experience of my life. I absolutely adore Brian Sebastian, and every Tuesday is so exciting and fun. I get to go to events with Brian, such as the Women in Film & Television Summit in Nashville, and red carpet events in LA. Plus, all of our co-hosts - Nathasha Rumbos, Howard Wiggins, Terri Marie; we have such great, cool people. Everybody has been wonderful.

What else do you have going on?

Besides my daily morning show, “Coffee Talk” on my Facebook page, I’m currently writing a cookbook, and I’m developing online cooking classes that will be available via Zoom. Stay tuned for details on those. Plus, as mentioned, you can see me every Tuesday at 8pm EST/7pm CST on “Movie Reviews & More, which is broadcast live on K4HD Radio (www.k4hd.com).

What wisdom or advice do you have for others?

Eat clean, drink a little dirty, and eat what you grow. TE

Rachel’s seared salmon with honey, goat cheese, and habañero onions pairs well with an agavé ‘rita with rosemary and jalapeño.

When it comes to planning a wedding, most couples quickly learn that no matter how many guests they plan to have, the process can be quite the challenge. Most soon-to-be-married couples spend six months to two years in the planning stage.

When the pandemic started in 2020, the wedding industry took massive hits – with many couples struggling even more to figure out how to plan in times of uncertainty. In addition to being more challenging, weddings have also become more expensive than ever.

As many started turning to elopements, Terran Ward saw her opportunity. She had just started her business in 2019, and by 2020 Asheville Luxury Elopements had pivoted perfectly into the pandemic age of micro weddings and elopements. After using Mountain BizWork’s Catalyst Fund Program and PPP support, today, she considers the business a success.

Terran first got the inspiration for the business while doing a client’s hair and makeup for a wedding when a snowstorm ended up leading most of the vendors to cancel. In an effort to save the wedding, she called contacts and found a florist, officiant, and photographer, the perfect combination to have an elopement in the wintry weather for two.

It was a success, and the client’s gratitude revealed what couples everywhere would appreciate – having one single business through which to plan and coordinate all vendors for a wedding. Terran put the numbers to paper to see if the concept was something viable, and she realized this was her next big step in life.

Community, Catalysts, and Change

By growing the business, not only does Asheville Luxury Wedding Co. have three full-time employees, but they also have nearly 30 contractors in Asheville that they work with regularly, including photographers, makeup artists, planners, florists, and more. In growing her own business, Terran inevitably helped grow the business of dozens of other small independent contractors in the city.

One of the biggest factors she credits her success to was the Catalyst Fund Program through Mountain BizWorks. The advisement, in particular, played a huge role in helping her work through the financial aspects of the business and the importance of true financial business planning and advisement:

“The terms [of the Catalyst Fund] are amazing, and you get a certain amount of TA assistance….I realized I am not an accountant, and cannot do it all myself. Now I have a virtual CFO, am putting money away for savings, and I’m going to be able to pay off debt sooner rather than later,” says Ward.

A successful business doesn’t just mean that you’re bringing in money. It also means that you use that money appropriately to budget and expand and create a business that is stable. With the resources at Mountain BizWorks, Terran truly feels this is where she’s gotten the company to today.

From Concept to a Full-Package Service

Asheville Luxury Wedding Co is an elopement and micro wedding company. But unlike most businesses in the wedding industry, they provide full-service packages, covering everything from planning, scheduling, booking, coordination, photography, makeup, and florals, all with one business. They provide a convenient, affordable, and highquality one-stop shop for couples looking to host an intimate wedding, or looking to escape for an elopement in North Carolina.

Because of the business’s security and stability, Terran also has eyes on the future: “I would love to expand. would love to take these packages regionally instead of just western North Carolina, and include South Carolina and maybe Tennessee; maybe see our packages expand and have my vendors and myself travel more to other regions.”

Her final words of advice to those starting out ring true: “Have a plan that is set in stone. You’re kind of taking a risk, but when you have a plan and know the numbers – it changes from a risk to a calculated risk”. TE

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF HENDERSON COUNTY

Describe what your organization does.

The League of Women Voters of Henderson County is a grassroots nonpartisan political organization committed to empowering voters and defending democracy. We envision a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge, and the confidence to participate. To those ends the League:

• Encourages informed and active participation in government.

• Increases understanding of major public policy issues.

• Influences public policy through education and advocacy.

The League of Women Voters does not support or oppose political parties or candidates for office. Any use of the League of Women Voters’ name or logo in campaign advertising or literature is prohibited.

What inspired you personally to do this type of community work?

Empowering voters, and defending democracy is not a spectator sport. Everyone must participate to make this vision a reality.

How long have you been doing with the League of Women Voters?

I retired from federal civil service with the Department of Defense after 30 years of service, and moved to Henderson County in 2017. joined the League of Women Voters when I moved to North Carolina because I felt the organization was the best way to learn about my new home and find ways to give back to the community.

How is your work making a difference in the local community?

The League of Women Voters of Henderson County was founded Nov. 12, 1963 and has been a strong influence both in voter education and advocacy ever since. Many needs and issues have been addressed and many collaborative, effective solutions have been put into place in the ensuing 45 years in our community and county, driven by the influence of the League.

What challenges have you faced, and continue to face?

We are challenged by the abundance of disinformation/misinformation in our civic discourse. The League of Women Voters encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. We envision a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge and the confidence to participate. We believe in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy.

What areas of business do you struggle with the most?

We have developed recruitment strategies to attract and retain a younger, more diverse demographic for membership within the League of Women Voters in Henderson and Polk Counties.

How has COVID-19 affected your work, and how have you adapted?

We have worked hard all year long, adjusting our lives around a global pandemic, caring for our families and each other while remaining faithful to the core values, mission and vision of the League. It is important to strengthen the bonds within the League, but it is equally important to value the role we play

in shaping our community. It is imperative that we continue to tell our story and show how we contribute to educating voters in Henderson and Polk counties. Even with the constraints imposed by the COVID variants, we were not deterred and remained active and engaged. Following the CDC guidelines, we used a hybrid approach that included in-person and online meetings via Zoom to conduct Voter Services activities and programs, and all board and team meetings. We held voter registration and information events at farmers’ markets, Henderson and Polk County Public schools, Hendersonville Community Co-op, Henderson County Library, and on Main Street. We continue to take action to engage the local community and provide value-added services that inform and educate our community.

What advice do you have regarding the upcoming elections?

The daily upheaval of global news and the possible upending of norms and laws may make us feel anxious. That is understandable. Even though the year has been filled with ups and downs, there is always a reason for hope. We must not turn back. We must continue to fight to protect accessible voting practices, to fight for democracy, to resist authoritarianism, to fight for voting rights, civil rights, and economic rights for all people.

Our National League President, Dr. Deborah Turner, reminds us that a thriving democracy requires the engagement of active, informed people across generations and life experiences – those who vote and those who serve their communities and their country in many ways. Our skills and talent speak to the diversity of our membership and that is reflected in everything we do. Instead of being dismayed, we are poised to fight back against egregious anti-voter laws, gerrymandered maps, climate injustice, and attacks on reproductive rights. Each of us must determine how to use the skills we have to work together to protect the freedom we enjoy.

CHIRINDO FOUNDATION

JIMMY MANYANGA

Founder / Owner St. Louis, MO

314-669-6647 | inspire@chirindo.org

www.chirindo.org

Facebook: @ chirindo-foundation

Instagram: @chirindo_foundation

Tell us a little about yourself?

I am a cell biologist, and currently working for a biotech company in Oklahoma City. I also write books. I’m Zimbabwean. Coming to the U.S. was not part of my plan as a kid. When I was finishing high school, a missionary family stayed with us, and over time, through God’s grace, doors opened for me to be able to go to college in the U.S. We are still very close. They are my American family.

What is the Chirindo Foundation?

The Chirindo Foundation supports access to basic education in rural Southern Africa by offering scholarships, clean water, food, and basic technology. Growing up in rural Zimbabwe, I understand the cost of getting basic education; providing access to education is one way to give back. remember going back recently and seeing conditions are still the same as they were a decade ago. Children still walk miles and miles to school on empty stomachs, if they can afford to go to school.

Many schools do not have the necessary infrastructure and resources for learning; like electricity, clean water, classrooms, and books. knew I had to do something. God has blessed me so much to be able to give back. believe in a world where access to clean water and education is a right for every child, regardless of their socioeconomic

status. Access to basic education paved the way to all the opportunities have today. Education is not everything, but it forms the basis for success. I believe every child should have a chance at basic education.

Chirindo Foundation was founded in 2021. Right now, it’s six [staff], including me. It is remote-based mainly because some of them are in Ohio; some in Philadelphia, and a couple are in Oklahoma. I’m grateful for our interns here, and teachers in Zimbabwe, who coordinate our programs on the ground.

What does the name Chirindo mean?

Where I grew up, we have wild animals, like baboons. In the planting season, these animals come to eat and destroy crops. So, we have this structure – a chirindo – that looks like a little hut; that’s set up like a guard house, where you stay from morning to dusk guarding the crops from wild animals. Basically, a chirindo was a safeguard for the well-being of the family; because if you lose the crops, you lose the livelihood of the family. In a similar sense, Chirindo Foundation is safeguarding the future of the kids we serve.

Do you help kids in one area or throughout the country of Zimbabwe?

Our goal is to serve all of rural Southern African children. We’re focusing on the rural areas where kids are more likely to not go to school; especially girls, because that’s where things get much tougher than in the urban areas. With one of our pilot programs, we’re focusing on one village high school to collect data to see if what we’re doing is efficient or not; because sometimes we tend to give blindly, but you never know if it’s making an impact that you want it to.

As part of this program, we’re sponsoring scholarship fees, with the supplies. Then, we collect data to see the benefit; like if they missed 40% of school last semester, if after this program, they attended 90% of the time, or 100% of the time; and if the grades improved from before and after. Missing school could be if they must go to work in the fields to get money to pay for their school fees. That’s some of the data that we are collecting right now.

Students actually have to pay to go to elementary through high school?

Yes. Our program assists those who cannot afford to do so. For instance, at the

high school where we’re doing our pilot scholarship program, there are three terms in a year; and for each term, the tuition is $50 per student. If you have 30 students, that’s $1,500 per term. Then, there are the supplies, like books, and things for them to write. We raise funds that will go to the fees and the supplies for the students for each term.

Do the students get lunch at school?

No, they don’t get that; and that’s one of our wonderful campaigns, as well - providing food - because some of these kids are walking – for instance, in my case – it was around 7.5 kilometers one way to school. That’s over four miles one way; and you don’t eat anything all day. So you’re walking almost nine miles everyday, with maybe one meal per day; and at school, they don’t offer that.

Having been in this situation before, I know the effects. I’m blessed that I was able to thrive through that. But I’ve seen other people just give up because they’re like, ‘Why am I even doing this?’, Why am I walking this much because I don’t see any hope?’; and you’re seeing your parents struggling to pay; and you’re like I’m not going to college, so why do I need to push going through this now’? So providing food at school – it’s a big deal –because I can see the impact that it has on the education of the students.

We have four different aspects of education: and one is school fees, and then supplies. You need books to read, right? – because sometimes the schools don’t even have libraries. Then you have the food – that’s part of education because you cannot just give supplies and no food – it’s hard to learn when you’re hungry. We also provide clean water, because some of these schools – like the one I went to – there was no drinking water. So you just drank in the river when you’re walking to school, or you drink when you’re coming back. The fourth part is the technology. Since most of these students don’t have electricity, we’re working on getting things like solar lamps; and having tablets where they don’t need books. But if we can have tablets, they’re going to be pre-loaded with all these reading books in something easier that they can use continuously; and it’s cost effective compared to physical books.

What’s your biggest challenge right now?

Raising funds. Asking for donations is always challenging for a non-profit. People continued on page 15

Chirindo

from previous page

have to trust you to give you their money. But I see things getting better as we get more results and form new partnerships, both in Zimbabwe and abroad. Some people may be skeptical, which is normal, because it’s kind of hard for people to understand why you’re helping somebody that you’ve never met; and it’s a new organization. We’re different because sometimes you have someone from, let’s say, the U.S. trying to give in Zimbabwe; [that person from the U.S.] doesn’t understand the situation in Zimbabwe. But if you have somebody [like me, who’s] from there, and trying to tell the same story – lived through it; and I know the actual help that people need – rather than what [someone else] thinks they need.

What do you enjoy the most about what you do?

Knowing that what we are doing here is changing lives, and could potentially change communities in the future. I like that about what we do. We may never meet some of the students we help, but it’s a great feeling knowing we are doing something positive for children and their families.

What lessons have you learned that might help others?

God always makes a way. I also think a good team is key. Being a non-profit is not glamorous, and it’s a lot of work; so surrounding myself with people with the same mission and passion makes things easier. You gotta have people willing to work as hard as you.

What’s the best way for people to help?

People can donate online at: www.chirindo.org. All donations are tax deductible. TE

New career on the horizon... now with Free College.

Blue Ridge offers rewarding career paths in advanced manufacturing.

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“Children still walk miles and miles to school on empty stomaches; if they can afford to go to school.”

What your business counselor or coach needs to know

by Duane Adam, contributing writer

If you’ve ever worked with a business coach, then you’re probably familiar with the level of anxiety that may lead up to that first meeting. Seasoned coaches understand that it takes a certain type of individual to reach out and ask for help. Statistically, those who reach out for assistance are more likely to grow a successful venture.

Business clients who request counseling understand that no one builds a business alone. The act of signing up for counseling is indicative of the fact that the client is positioned to accept the information that they will receive. One of the things that a coach is looking to establish is that you are coachable. A coach is also trying to determine how he or she can be of assistance. If so, in what way? want to answer the most common question that we receive at the Small Business Center from new clients. That question is, “What do I need to bring to my first meeting?”

I would encourage you to think of your first meeting strictly as an opportunity to meet a new person. Ideally, this person is someone who genuinely cares about helping you succeed and takes pride in being a part of it. Like any relationship, you want to be influenced by them in a positive manner. The relationship should be reciprocal in nature, as the advisor should be excited for your successes and challenged by your failures. This person may or may not have practical experience in your given area of business, but they must have enough humility to understand that they don’t always have to have the “answer”. They need to understand that there is value in listening, and sometimes folks just need to be heard. You should always walk out of your meetings feeling like a 10-foot tall superhuman, and not downtrodden.

It is important for a client to be able to tell his or her advisor how they reached

the nexus of wanting to start a business. The impetus for a successful business is typically found in the entrepreneur’s personal journey. Seldomly would one find a carpenter, who’s never cooked, opening a restaurant. Although, there are many carpenters who have become independent general contractors. This type of storytelling also helps you to articulate the problem that your venture aims to solve.

Once you are able to articulate the link between your personal and professional journey, you should be able to hone in on your purpose for doing business. Every business has a purpose-driven component, as well as a profit-driven component. All businesses should err more towards being purpose-driven than profit-driven — not just non-profits. How does this business do good

for its community? Why are you doing this as a business? This is important, because when your community sees value in what you do for it, it will, in turn, be more supportive of your efforts.

There are many business owners in our communities who are respected beyond what they do in their businesses. They are respected for who they are as people. Many of the accolades they receive are for efforts outside of the walls of the business.

If you don’t believe that purpose proceeds profits, would challenge you to do a little research; you will find that many behemoths in the business world, at some point in time, had to find their “why” in order to survive — companies like Lego, Etsy, Microsoft, and Disney, to name a few.

continued on page 17

Duane Adams is the associate director of the Small Business Center at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, where he has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs and small business owners over the past decade. Prior to working for the Small Business Center, he spent 13 years with a multi-million dollar family-owned small business where he held numerous roles in sales and management. He earned his MBA from Montreat College. He co-hosts the No Limits Radio Show on WRES 100.7 FM in Asheville, NC. He is also active on several nonprofit boards, including serving as co-chair of www.sparktanknc.org, a collaborative group of services providers in Western North Carolina dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and offering small business support. For more information, you can reach Duane at duanecadams@abtech.edu.

Yes, purpose is more important than profits, but every business needs to make money. Money must flow through a business just like blood must flow through the human body. Your business would die without it. Which is why sales are important. Business advisors should always ask about sales during the first meeting, because it lets them know if the conversation is going to be based on practical experience, or if it’s going to be based on assumptions. The conversation is much different when an advisor is speaking to a client who can directly reference his or her experience with a customer, as opposed to a client who is developing a protagonist of a future client. If you have yet to make that first sale, your advisor’s goal should be to get you there.

The magic of selling is knowing and articulating your value proposition. In other words, why should a potential customer spend his or her hard-earned money with your business, as opposed to another business. I won’t use the word competitor because if you’re

truly doing something different, you’re not dealing with competitors, you’re dealing with other options or alternatives. Competition only exists when people are doing the exact same thing.

My clients always struggle with the word competition because I don’t coach them to think in such a narrow manner. They need to find out how they can identify their own unique niche, not just take another slice of an already fragmented pie. You will always put a cap on your revenue potential if you are just doing the same thing. But that’s for another article. Just be sure that you can tell your coach how the customer is currently solving the issue, and how you can improve on that.

This is going to be a bit controversial but, never, ever register a business if you haven’t sold anything. It makes no sense because you haven’t confirmed who you think your customer is, nor have you confirmed your ability to sell and turn a profit. There are folks out there who are great at providing a service, but they struggle to sell it – even when people offer to pay. If they can get compensated for it, they virtually give it away because they don’t value their work. If you find it challenging to put a fair value on what you do, then why would you expect anyone else to? At this point, you need a [life] coach who can boost your confidence, not a business.

As you develop your relationship with your trusted advisor, there will be plenty of time to look over spreadsheets, calculate ratios, assess profitability, etc. The most important thing that you will need to deliver to your coach is your story. Everywhere you look, stories are being told. The more you tell your story, the better you will get at it. At some point, you must embrace the fact that if you are doing the right thing, you will be called on countless times to speak about what you do. Those who can concisely articulate the details of their journey will be much more successful than those who can’t. They will also be able to glean more valuable insight from their business coach. TE

“...if you’re truly doing something different, you’re not dealing with competitors, you’re dealing with other options or alternatives.”

Powerful Thing, Especially for Women.”

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Why networking is a crucial component to the sustainability of America

by Alexander Cardona, contributing writer

The past two years in American history have provided its citizens with a shift of almost unprecedented times. Facing the tails of the pandemic has brought about many historical moments of adversity and uncertainty. For some citizens, these moments of adversity have brought a rediscovery of resilience; while for others, it has created consistent moments of desperation.

Like many, in the last two years, I started my business in the middle of the pandemic and have come to empathize with both ends of this spectrum. One of the things that has been a crucial component to my business expansion and success has been my ability to network and meet people. Earlier this year, I had the honor of speaking about the topic of “Purpose Driven Networking” at the inaugural WNC Black Business Expo, hosted by local entrepreneur, Rika Harrison. My speech was about the power of connectivity and intention within the business world. However, many of these principles apply outside of that realm of interaction. As we have seen the consistent lines of division, an unrest in political agreement, and the uncertainty of economic sustainability; through it all we have lost the foundation of knowing thy neighbor. As we look at key components to what makes networking successful, we can find ways to bring about unity and collaboration within the frail state of our nation.

Most times, when people hear the word network they associate it with the negative stigmatism of trying to get ahead or someone using another person. However, this stigmatism is based on our indelible nature to be selfish. The reality is that successful networking is actually the opposite of achieving our own selfish desires.

Making networking successful takes the ability to be open to meeting other people and getting to know their stories. All networking starts with hello; successful

networking has certain intangibles, such as a firm handshake, eye contact, and a tone of confidence. To get to this point in networking, it takes personal development for the person to initiate the conversation, as well as have the confidence within themselves to hold their presence regardless of the interaction.

Another component to networking that is often overlooked by many who participate — and those who avoid it — is intention. With most people, almost all operate within the bandwidth of “WIIFM” — What Is In It

For Me? When we interact with others with this selfish ideology, we judge who we will talk to, limit our opportunities for genuine connections, and interact in a shallow manner fueled by stereotypes.

Effective networking with good intention is built on another acronym called “KLT”. In the business world, this means “Know, Like, and Trust”. In a world driven by instant

recognition, we feel that in order to get people to know, like and trust us, we must do so in a manner of comparison. We tend to get this validation using social media as our platform to compare vacations, homes, families, and more. KLT doesn’t operate from a place of competition, but rather a place of humility. Outside of social media, getting people to know, like, and trust us takes conversations, setting a meeting, understanding what is important to the other individual, sharing ideas, and other keys to fostering relationships. This is what makes networking both fun and exciting, because it is a way to understand the other humans we share this world with.

Networking has changed my life. Growing up in a society in which I was judged for being an Afro Latino, understand the experience of not fitting in. Through networking, other people have invited me to opportunities that were considered leisure time for another race.

Networking has helped me experience new places that would’ve considered outside of my social circle. The most relevant part of networking is that it has allowed me to meet other Americans — of other races and social status — who consider genuine friends. America was founded in 1776 off of collaboration and innovation through shared ideas and principles. Although America has gotten smaller through technology, we are losing the foundation of understanding each other. As we look to the principles of successful networking, we can take arms with our neighbor instead of fighting against them.

TE

Alexander Cardona, is an Independent Associate with Legal Shield/ID Shield. Raised in West Palm Beach, Florida, he received his degree in Public Health from the University of South Florida, Tampa. He and his wife moved to Asheville, NC in December 2019, and in May of 2020, Alexander started his Legal Shield business.

Network with alumni associations

by Chi Chi Okezie, contributing writer

Networking is a valuable asset to entrepreneurs and business owners. It allows someone to build their brand and awareness, develop and foster relationships. As well as, generate leads, be an expert in their industry and an influencer in the community. An untapped, underutilized and undervalued aspect of networking is connecting with alumni associations. Alumni associations offer a plethora of resources, opportunities for businesses to develop, grow, scale and be sustainable.

In this article, I will offer sound and useful advice for forging quality connections and relationships.

Start with Procurement

Every college and university (in the United States) has a procurement department. Procurement is simply the means of how an institution conducts business with vendors and suppliers. Securing contracts and other related opportunities can make your business sustainable and scalable from consistent revenue. Depending on the structure of the institution, establishing your company as a trusted and responsible vendor can open doors to more contracts and business. Here are some simple steps to get started:

1. Research the procurement website / contact info on the institution’s homepage or internet search

2. Understand the requirements to be a supplier or vendor.

3. Complete the application (online or paper form) and submit to the correct contact(s).

4. Follow up with an email to the contact introducing yourself and company. As well as, attach a capability statement (concise 1-2 page sheet of your company).

Build and Foster Relations

The next step is to build your company brand and awareness. Develop relationships with contacts in procurement, accounts payable, career services and the alumni association. Request to be included on email lists to be notified of events, opportunities and additional useful information. Also, follow the university, related departments and alumni/affinity chapters on social media. In regards to the alumni association, reach out to the director of development and alumni relations. Here are some simple tips to get started:

1. Request and schedule a short meeting (approx. 30 minutes, in person or virtually). Introduce / re-introduce yourself and company.

2. Offer useful insights about your objectives, goals and engagement with the alumni association.

3. Ask good questions about volunteering, giving to the institution and other means of engagement.

4. Follow up after the meeting to gain additional insights and foster relations.

Incorporate Into Your Business Plan

Once you have registered on procurement, connected with administration and staff, consider including these activities in your business plan (under marketing and/or networking). In your plan, insert a calendar for volunteering, attending meetings and events. Also, include a budget and track expenses for associated activities. Align your goals with your overall business goals. Implement key performance indicators which you can monitor and benchmark your progress. As well as, where you can improve, develop or pivot.

Definitely use these tactics and helpful tips to network with alumni associations. Establish your business and brand and take steps to connect and build relationships. Follow a strategic plan to enable success and more opportunities for growing your company. TE

Chi Chi is owner/producer of SIMPLEnetworking, LLC in Metro-Atlanta, GA, USA. Visit the SN official website at http://www.snseminars.com to read excerpts of her books, sign up for her newsletter, and follow her blog and social media. Also, take online networking courses at https://simplenetworking.thinkific.com to gain tips and techniques to network more efficiently.

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ADOBE STOCK PHOTO

Top 7 ways to elevate your brand:

Exploring the power of coaching and content strategy

by Tracee T. Holloway, contributing writer

In today’s digital world, brands have to be more creative and strategic about their marketing efforts if they hope to succeed. But what does that mean exactly? What does it take to get that done? Well, the truth is, it all starts with a good foundation. Some people can do it on their own, but many find it helpful to work with someone (typically, a consultant or coach) to help them set a good foundation for their brand prior to marketing. The ongoing support of a content marketing strategist or coach can be a powerful tool in your digital marketing toolbelt.

So, just how do you elevate your brand by using the power of coaching and content strategy in your marketing? Let’s explore the top seven ways to get started.

1. Start with your vision, mission, and core values.

Create a vision board. A vision board is a collection of images, words, quotes, and other visual elements that represent your goals. It helps you visualize where you want to go, and gives you something tangible to work toward. Your mission statement will help you define your purpose and maintain focus on your vision. The core values you hold will guide your decisions and actions as you work toward your goals. Work with a coach who can help you tie it all together.

2. Get crystal clear on your message.

and buyer conversions, a coach can help you identify why. You’ll want to start with a truly ideal client persona and a specific niche. Knowing who your customers should be and where to find them is half the battle in connecting with your target audience.

4. Streamline your visuals.

Unique and relevant content on social media has the possibility of spreading faster than other sources. You want to make sure your brand identity is apparent and consistent across every marketing channel where it’s present, including in the design of your email signature. Oftentimes, business owners can use an extra set of eyes and hands when it comes to creative design. Graphic designers tend to have strategic partnerships with coaches, so check with a brand coach for a design referral.

reaching your target audience and expand the reach of your brand. With constant changes in the algorithms of popular social media sites, it’s become harder to get your content in front of your social media followers using just a free account and an unpaid marketing strategy. If there is no marketing budget, you should prepare to set a realistic expectation for the return on your investment. Alternatively, those with larger marketing budgets can expect to see increased traffic and higher conversion rates from digital ads—assuming the specifics of the marketing funnel are on point. A conversation with a good coach can help you set expectations on any size budget, so think carefully about what you hope to accomplish. Don’t be afraid to dream bigger.

7. Plan your actions forward.

Taking performance feedback from pain to gain

by Beverly Jurenko, contributing writer

It’s not unusual to dislike giving or receiving feedback on job performance. The Society for Human Resources Management has reported that as much as 95% of managers are dissatisfied with their performance review systems, and 56% of employees surveyed said they do not typically receive feedback on what to improve.

this barrier will interfere with communication flows and jeopardize ease in the relationship.

you feel an employee did not do a good job with something, you must tell them, but be prepared to share where the work, not the person, fell short.

Stay away from brutal honesty and personal insults

morale for everyone, as negativity tends to spread. If you find yourself going in this direction, take a pause, redirect, and begin again from a place of compassion.

The right balance

PHOTO BY ADEM AY

This is where it could be most helpful to work with a brand content coach. Great coaches listen to your goals and ideas, ask you questions to refine your mission, vision, and values, and then work with you to craft a compelling message strategy for your brand’s content. Creating a solid foundational messaging strategy that clearly tells your story is crucial to the development of all of your content. The strength of your message could mean the difference between success and failure in marketing and advertising your brand.

3. Build a good connection with your targeted audience.

To convert first-time prospects into longlasting brand followers, your content should be personal and meaningful to them. If you’re struggling with online engagement

5. Try delegation to Automation. When you’ve got too much on your plate, you should delegate—list the items you can release to someone else to perform and assign them accordingly. And when it comes to digital redundancies and repetitive activities that sap your time and productivity, delegate those tasks to automation. That is, identify any processes that can be automated and set up proper systems to perform those processes without you. Automation could take a long time to set up on the front end, but it creates efficiency which saves time and money in the long run, if done effectively and correctly. Examples of things you can automate include scheduling meetings via web-based calendars, computer back-ups, email campaigns, sales lead captures, social media posting, news feeds, time-tracking, and customer chats. A quick online search will return many options, but a coach can help you pick the right automation solutions for your business.

6. Take time to set realistic expectations for your brand.

The goal of every business owner is to run a successful business. Thing is, it takes money to make money–or so they say. Who are they to say? It doesn’t matter because, like it or not, it’s true. Paid advertising is a must if you want to increase your chances of

Now that you’ve taken the time to understand your budget, set expectations, and iron out your content strategy, it’s time to plan your actions. Talk with your coach about your work-life balance schedule, staff or support needs, skillset limitations, financial constraints, and future business opportunities. You should set up small, tangible, actionable steps to help you reach your content marketing goals through milestones or phases. Create a calendar with dates and times of when you need to complete certain tasks. Set aside time each week to review your progress and make adjustments as needed. Your coach can help you map out your strategy over a period of time ranging from a few months to a year. Spreading it out helps to keep you from trying to tackle everything at once. You’ll be able to build momentum one task at a time. And, if you begin to feel overwhelmed, contact your coach for guidance and remember to focus on quality over quantity.

By taking care of these top seven steps to brand elevation, you are setting your business up for success with a strong foundation to withstand your marketing efforts. Have fun with the process, and don’t forget the full power of your brand is within YOU. TE

Tracee T. Holloway, CEO of the Way Up Creative Group, is a value-driven professional, brand strategist, and creative coach. Holloway applies three core values to every aspect of her life and business: creativity, excellence, and success. Tracee also uses a faith-based approach to branding and communication strategies to provide her clients with tools to achieve long-term success over time. She was recently awarded the “Local Business Person of the Year Award for Mansfield, Texas” on Alignable®, a small business networking platform with more than 7 million users. Book a 15-minute targeted brand introduction session with Tracee on her website, www.thewayupcreative. com, and get a free 7-step checklist to help you elevate your brand!

Complaints like these are leading companies to do away with performance reviews altogether, but (let’s face it!) avoiding difficult conversations won’t help your company and its employees do better. How can we make giving and receiving feedback easier on all of us? Simply being open and authentic are the keys to making this exercise easier.

The risk of avoidance

Giving feedback on job performance isn’t easy, especially when it requires sharing information the employee may not want to hear. However, when managers don’t say what they think, both sides are left with a missed opportunity to improve. It’s tempting to avoid discomfort by sticking to check-the-box type comments like “good job,” but fake accolades can cause damage. Hiding how you really feel will eventually act as a barrier between the manager and the employee. Until what is not said is acknowledged,

Moreover, from the employee’s point of view, nothing makes you feel more invisible than hearing “good job” when you know there’s more to explore. Being told your work is good when it needs to improve can also lead to a real disconnect when it comes time for promotions and bonuses. It’s always better for everyone involved to know exactly where they stand so they have time to adjust, learn, and grow.

Start with compassion Let humanity speak first by showing you care about your employee’s development and success. You don’t have to get too personal – this is not about being best buddies – but do take an interest in what motivates your employees. Focus on shared values, experiences at and about the work, and what the employee has to offer on a professional level.

Be direct and specific Feedback should always be tied to the work and not to the person. It should be specific, and tied to identified projects and situations, with examples of what should have been done that was not done. It should be based on what has been measured and verified, and not on assumptions or hearsay. If

Humiliation is never a good thing for employee motivation, so it’s a good idea to be both truthful and respectful when giving feedback. When feedback becomes too harsh or personal, employees can feel discouraged, and may even seek employment elsewhere because they interpret the aggressive tone as a lack of care for their professional development. When managers cross the line into the personal while giving feedback, the impact can be highly detrimental to

Being authentic and compassionate while delivering performance feedback can be tough, but with practice it can be learned. Finding the right balance will foster substantive conversations between managers and employees, and will inspire trust and motivation to improve. By using the heart and the head together, we can leverage our contributions, learn from our shortcomings, and maximize our ability to grow by seeing the opportunity inherent in giving and receiving performance feedback. TE

Beverly Jurenko (MBA, certified DEI practitioner, and member of the International Coaching Federation) supports people to build a world filled with inclusion so everyone can shine. Through Inside Edge Consulting LLC, she provides leadership and career coaching for high performing talent with ambitious aspirations.

Schedule a free 30 minute Discovery Session online at www.inside-edge-group.com to learn more. You can email her at beverly@inside-edge-group.com, and follow her on Instagram at @beverly.insideedge/.

PHOTO BY CHRISTINA MORILLO

Boost workplace productivity now

by Lindsay Coward, contributing writer

We’ve all heard of smoke breaks at work, but does your workplace have a policy for taking wellness breaks? When at work, or on the clock, taking breaks often seems counterproductive and is traditionally frowned upon. Perhaps you’ve been told something like, “We don’t have time for breaks.” Or maybe you’ve thought, “Why would I stop in the middle of the work day to take a walk, move my body, or breathe when can push through and finish the task?” Stopping seems pointless. Many of us even work through lunch or in the evening after we get home just to “catch up.”

Interestingly though, breaks are shown to increase productivity and mental clarity during the work day, rather than diminish it. Breaks help individuals finish more work, do it well, and in less time. Recent research shows that workers are productive somewhere between three to five hours during an 8-hour work day (Perry, 2021, vouchercloud.com survey), yet employers expect their team members to be available and productive eight hours or more per day. This research might seem shocking considering we are expected to work a 40-hour work week.

Despite what grind work culture tells us, we are physically and mentally unable to be productive every day, all day long. We can enhance our productivity, though, and show up as our best working selves through the power of breaks. When your body feels stiff, when you’re feeling stuck on a task, or you’re limited in your thought processes, wellness breaks will improve creativity, loosen your body and help you to have that “aha” moment! recently needed new ideas for a weekly one minute mindful moment video I share with my clients. tried to think, but nothing came to mind that hadn’t already shared. So, I took a short walk around the block. In less than 15 minutes, came up with nine new ideas. Nine! And all I did was clear my mind and step away from the task.

Still not convinced about the power of a wellness break? Try it for yourself. The next time you’re stuck or find yourself staring off rather than finishing a task, get up. Go do something different. Then return to your assignment and see what happens. If you’re ready to enhance your or your team member’s productivity and creativity, start by supplying them with a movement or wellness break each day. This 15 minute break should be used for team members to do something that fuels them. The “fuel” could be taking a walk, following along with an on-demand yoga stretch or meditation, journaling, sitting outside or something else entirely. When we are given permission to take a break, and actually take it without guilt, we are then able to show up as our best selves. We will be productive, clear of mind, and creative rather than just pushing through, halfway finishing tasks, and having a sour outlook.

Movement breaks:

• Improve work ethic and morale

• Improve the overall health and wellbeing of employees

• Improve mental clarity and productivity

• Decrease feelings of burnout and aggression

• Help manage stress and anxiety

• Improve workplace culture

Wondering how to get started? Set a policy that each team member has one wellness break each day they work. They can take one 15-minute break, or break it down to three, 5minute breaks for mini-breaks throughout the work day.

Model it – take YOUR break and let others know you are doing so. Share ideas around what a wellness break can look like or provide a special, relaxing area for the break.

If you want more support in this area, reach out to me! I’d love to connect and chat about my customized workplace wellness programs through Yoga Nut. We provide on-demand access to guided movement and well-being breaks for you and your team, whether you’re a small organization, a large corporation or solopreneur.

Sources: https://www.vouchercloud. com/resources/office-workerproductivity

https://www.seattletimes.com/ explore/careers/clinging-toan-8-hour-workday-researchsuggests-5-hours-is-better/

Employers should avoid these hiring pitfalls

by Jenn Muckelvaney, contributing writer

We’ve all heard the terms, “The Great Resignation” and “The Great Reshuffle” ad nauseam lately. The war for talent is at an alltime high. The reasons for that are many, and could be another topic to discuss, but chances are, if you own a business, or are tasked with finding additional talent for your workplace, you’ve already experienced this phenomenon.

What the bleep is going on in the hiring world?

I just stepped away from one of the largest staffing agencies in the world, and I’ve seen all sorts of chaos on the hiring and the candidate sides. That staffing experience, combined with my own current job search, has led me to amass my own list of hiring pet peeves:

Only willing to accept industry experience

I understand that you think your XYZ Company is the best in the world, and your corn buttering machine is unlike any other. However, if you are searching for a sales rep, and you discover a candidate with other sales experience (but without corn buttering machine experience), how about giving them a shot? More than likely, they have transferable skills; like building rapport, asking the right questions, and closing the sale. If you’re only willing to look at your particular industry experience, think about how many great potential candidates you are passing up that possess relatable, transferable skills.

Asking for the farm in job descriptions

Personally, I enjoy a well-written job description, but this is where some companies go off the rails. When posting a job opening, it makes sense to ask the universe for everything on your wish list. All

the traits that you’re hoping this shiny new hire will possess. I mean, you might as well ask for it all, right? Wrong.

I’ve seen so many descriptors and requirements in job descriptions that I’ve literally thought, are they trying to hire one person, or three? If the list of requirements is exhaustive, candidates can be discouraged from applying if they don’t feel they have enough skills to be qualified or considered for the position.

When “entry level” and experience don’t add up

I get it, you want to hire entry-level talent, so you don’t have to pay the big bucks; which is fine — if you really are seeking an entry-level person, and are willing to mentor

and guide your new hire. However, if you are asking for several years of experience, in certain areas like finance, HR, or office management, the person you wish to hire is no longer going to be considered entry-level.

Often the level of tasks and professionalism needed comes alongside someone who has previously been successful in performing said tasks. In other words, if you want someone polished and skilled at being an executive assistant, this is a candidate that has already had realworld experience in putting out office fires, keeping the lights on, and running the place like a well-oiled machine.

On the other hand, while entry-level candidates might be lacking years of experience, they often make up in other ways with enthusiasm, and/or the ability to envision new ways of doing things. Isn’t it helpful to have an outside point-of-view to get you out of a rut sometimes?

encourage you to be honest with yourself about what your true needs are in hiring. Make a list of the top three “must have” traits in a candidate, as well as three “nice-to-haves” in a candidate. Do we all want someone who can walk in and do the job right away? Of course, but every new hire is going to require proper training and onboarding. After all, you want them to feel welcomed and confident in their decision to be a part of your team.

Don’t go the “cheapest” route just to save money. Ponder this: how long will the process take you and your team? Your time spent searching, interviewing, and vetting the right candidate will add up. How much will it pull you away from your business? How much will it cost you to do it again if it’s not the right fit? May the (hiring) force be with you! TE

Lindsay Coward, MPH, is a Wellness Provider and Corporate Yoga Instructor living in Asheville, NC with her husband and two children. She is the founder of Yoga Nut, a worksite wellness company dedicated to releasing tension and stress, building wellness culture + bringing teams together so that working adults can live well – at work and in all areas of life. When she’s not leading a wellness session or filming for her on-demand library, you’ll find Lindsay outside in nature, eating local, or playing with her kids. To learn more about Yoga Nut and Lindsay’s entrepreneurial journey, check out www.yoga-nut.com.

Photo by Cat Ford-Coates

Jenn Muckelvaney has worked in staffing, B2B sales, business development, and client retention. She is a graduate of College of Charleston with a B.A. in English. She is an Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, and enjoys living in Asheville with her wife, spoiled pug, and cat. Find her on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/jennmuckelvaney/.

PHOTO BY TIMA MIROSHNICHENKO, PEXELS.COM

Tell us about yourself

grew up in a multicultured military house. I was born in Thailand, and came to the U.S. at age four. I started my culinary adventure in 2005, taking over my mom’s Thai restaurant, then adding my own comfort food items to the menu. Two years later, I developed a love/ fascination for pastries and custom cakes, and have been doing cakes for 15 years. wanted to do something more in the culinary industry that enjoyed so much, so in 2018, I decided to take a leap of faith and go to a Tony Robbins “Unleash your Power Within” event, which led to Business Mastery. I wanted to give back to the culinary industry, which has given me so much, so I started formulating the idea of a shared kitchen space/commissary kitchen; and Culinary Co-Op was born.

What is Culinary Co-op?

Culinary Co-Op is a shared kitchen space available to individuals and small businesses in the culinary field. It allows them to take the next step towards their goal of owning/opening a store-front/ restaurant. What makes the co-op work is the collaborative atmosphere and mentorship that is offered to anyone who signs up to be a part of the Co-Op.

Businesses are able to collaborate, get insights, and keep up with trends to increase revenue for their businesses. Here is where menus are created, recipes are formed, and creativity becomes reality. There is also a front classroom space for those wanting to take cooking classes from various chefs who want to moonlight as an instructor. The classes are open to the public, and are a fun way to spend a date night or a night out with a group of friends.

How did you come up with the concept of the Culinary Co-op ?

just wanted to fill a need within the community that was growing because of the COVID pandemic. I noticed more and more people were cooking out of their homes that were not following the rules set by the local health department; and so wanted to create a space where people can come and be creative, and have a platform with a storefront to where they can call it their own. They can work out of here and be able to create their products in a safe, commercial kitchen environment.

So offering mentorship was a key factor for getting people started in the right direction, by helping with steps such as acquiring a “Doing Business As” (DBA), helping them

with city permits, insurance, and proper food certifications. I also wanted the public to have a different outlet to a typical date night by cooking together. You know the saying, “good food brings people together”

How long have you been in business?

I have been in the food industry for 15 years, and opened Culinary Co-Op in 2021.

How do you stand out from similar businesses?

This is a very new, but familiar concept to the Lubbock area, so standing out has been pretty easy. People come from other areas around the U.S., and are familiar with the concept and embrace it.

What type of marketing do you do, and which has been most effective?

Currently social media has been a great tool to spread the word of upcoming events happening at the Culinary Co-Op. Word of mouth has been spreading quickly about the concept of Culinary Co-Op existing in the city of Lubbock, TX.

You recently secured a contract with Tailgate Express. Tell us about that.

I’m so excited to be partnering with them to be the exclusive caterer for the tailgates at the Texas Tech home football games. I’m creating a special menu of items that will only be available at these home games.

Since your mother was from Thailand, do you incorporate any of her recipes into your cooking?

I do. try to use some of the spices, and some of the methods, like using a pestle, for example, to ground up all of their stuff. I know other cultures have that too; but that’s just one of the things that the Thai culture uses a lot, because when you’re in the streets of Thailand, you don’t have electricity, so a pestle is your grinder. And then the different flavors from Thailand. There is a Thai dessert called Lachong, and you serve it with sweetened coconut milk. I found the essence of that flavor and made it into one of my cake flavors. So I do things like that, and just different combinations of the spices; and for instance, making pot pie and stuff

like that and just making it the way that she used to make it.

Tell us about your other business, Sweet Celebrations Bakery.

Sweet Celebrations was created because I just fell in love with doing pastries and birthday cakes. The birthday cakes turned into quinciñera cakes, and they turned into weddings, and things like that. So the progression was the different events that were going on, and then being able to cater

continued on page 26

PHOTO BY CHERYL SHEPPARD, SHEPP PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY CHERYL SHEPPARD, SHEPP PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY CHERYL SHEPPARD, SHEPP PHOTOGRAPHY

Chef Sherry Bolton can create a wide variety of dishes, from appetizers, to entrés, to desserts.

Adding chipotle aoli to Baja fish tacos with pickled red cabbage

“I love seeing two businesses collaborating and helping one another to establish the same goal of building their individual businesses.”

Culinary Co-op

to them because there were a lot of people who wanted more detailed cakes - more customized cakes. So I made it a point to learn different techniques and things that I can incorporate into those specialty cakes.

How has COVID-19 affected your business, and what challenges have you faced?

COVID just slowed the process down a little bit, but by the time opened in June 2021, people were ready to be out and mingle.

A small challenge that faced was opening in the middle of a pandemic. Finance companies considered anything in the food industry to be high risk, so I had to slowly build by collateral, and take out personal loans. So getting the financial backing with a new concept in the food industry was a double whammy.

What do you enjoy the most about what you do?

I love seeing two businesses collaborating and helping one another to establish the same goal of building their individual businesses. I love watching the students/attendees learn about a new ingredient and creating new recipes.

What areas of business do you struggle with?

Getting the space rented to full capacity. Right now, the Culinary Co-Op is equipped to handle five full-time tenants and hourly tenants. Getting people to understand the concept, and how it would benefit them. There are many people who cook from home, outside of the Texas Food Cottage law (www. texascottagefoodlaw.com), and unfortunately the local health department is undermanned, and cannot keep up with the many violations. Educating them has been a struggle because everyone feels they won’t get caught.

What’s your long-term goal?

I’m working on franchising my kitchen concept because I think it will help so many businesses, and set them up for growth. Also, the tailgate opportunity would be an added value to a future franchisee in the Dallas and Houston areas. If anyone is interested in being a Culinary Co-op franchisee, please contact me via phone or email for more information.

What knowledge do you have now that you wish you had when you first started?

I really wished I could have visited other kitchens in other cities/ states to see the dynamic and set up. Though I’m very proud of my facility, I would have loved to have some comparisons to my concept. We are also looking at creating a culinary roundtable podcast that will be released later this year.

What advice do you have for other aspiring entrepreneurs?

Just do a lot of research yourself. You have a lot of information at your fingertips. I really used the internet a lot to do my research. When I was doing my research, I wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to go. But after

looking at different things in the culinary field, felt like having a facility like this was going to help a lot of people break out of cooking out of their house; and getting familiar with “hot holds”; “cold holds”, and different things that could possibly get somebody sick. So it helps educate them, as far as, the community. But the path that I’ve taken is just putting myself out there. I’ve constantly been stepping out of my comfort zone, because this was definitely an “out-of-my-comfort-zone” kind of thing to build a concept and then, “Gee, I wonder if it’s gonna work” kind of thing. So, I was scared, but just had to push through it, and scared or not, here we go. TE

PHOTO BY RED ANGLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Seared pork chop with garden salad and Sherry’s signature red wine vinaigarette dressing

Sherry with a display of her cake pops

PHOTO BY RED ANGLE PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY RED ANGLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Applying

thumbprint

Decimalytics

What areas of business do you struggle with the most?

Tell me about yourself.

I have always been persistent in achieving goals, even when I had a few mishaps along the way. Since I was the firstborn and oldest of three, tended to overachieve. When I was younger, around the age of five, I received a medical encyclopedia from my dad with an encouraging message that still read to this day. My mom always expressed that I was a type-A personality and worked very hard to achieve my goals. Every day I would learn new medical terminology and words from Webster’s dictionary.

It took me a while to figure out who I wanted to be in life and discover my purpose. It was not until adulthood that I realized that my passion defined my purpose.

I never became a medical doctor, but am currently pursuing a doctorate in business administration, specializing in finances. I admit that opportunities presented themselves, and I created a path when it did not. My background has always involved helping others, uplifting my community, and finding solutions to problems which led me to today.

Currently, I advise breaking down numbers to rebuild for profit through planning and investing. As a community leader, my mission is to diligently work as an advocate to build wealth and close the equity gap. I have 20 years of experience in the financial industry, including investments and economics. My parents always emphasized the importance of education, so I am excited to integrate my academic background in psychology, African studies, and business.

Briefly describe your business.

I am the founder of a nonprofit organization, Brown Girls Do Invest, and a financial & advisory firm, Decimalytics. My passion for the nonprofit organization is to create a safe environment without judgment, while educating African American women to invest in the stock market, invest in real estate, and acquire multiple income streams.

As for Decimalytics, we outsource an entire finance team to small businesses that seek to fill roles in the capacity of a chief financial officer, controller, auditor, accountant, bookkeeper, economist, and investment specialist. Our firm specializes in accounting, analytics, investments, and economics. We have team members and clients throughout the United States, Kenya, and Venezuela.

pencils. At that moment, I knew that I would start a business one day.

How long have you been in business for yourself?

In 2008, I decided to start my own business; quit my position as VP at JP Morgan Chase in 2009, and it has been a roller coaster since then. I even questioned myself and submitted one time to the workplace to realize that am not a quitter. quickly walked away, stayed focused, and continued the journey as a small business owner. Today, I own a successful financial & advisory firm that generates six figures.

Who is your target audience?

PHOTO BY JEROME LYNCH PHOTOGRAPHY

DECIMALYTICS

BAHIYAH SHABAZZ

CEO / Investment Strategist Merrillville, IN 866-986-0994

b.shabazz@decimalytics.com www.decimalytics.com

Facebook/Instagram: @decimalytics

What inspired you to start your business?

I believe my inspiration to start a business began when I was nine years old. At that time, I would sell wooden pencils for 10 cents each to the students at my elementary school. The boys were my biggest customers because they would use the pencils to play wood. Wood was a game with two people holding their pencils in a cross pattern. The person to snap the opponent’s pencil the quickest was the winner. Each student would gather to challenge the winner for the day. The boys would line up with single dollar bills to purchase my pencils to play a game that only lasted 20 seconds continuously. I eventually increased my prices because realized that no other person at the school could provide supplies as quickly as I could to fulfill their needs.

My maternal grandmother provided me with boxes of number two pencils because she was a custodian at another elementary school in the city. would earn about $35 a week selling

My target audience is small business owners. My goal is to address the lack of financial resources to sustain a business beyond 10 years.

How do you market your business and what method has been most effective?

currently market my business through social media, networking, advertising, word of mouth through people I have worked with in the past, and as an emerging financial expert in various media outlets.

I am not shy about speaking to anyone who would listen, and share the benefits of working with Decimalytics.

What makes your services unique?

The services at Decimalytics are unique because we are a U.S.-based financial firm that outsources financial roles to business owners at an affordable cost. The benefits are customized to each business without a longterm obligation. We also provide financial training to each small business owner when they onboard with our company, and schedule to meet with each client monthly to discuss their numbers to give a complete understanding of their financial operations.

I take pride in the definition of Decimalytics, which is the interpretation of meaning patterns in numbers.

What challenges have you faced, and continue to face, as a minority or woman?

That is a great question. As a minority and woman, am often faced with the challenge of balancing responsibilities between my family and business.

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The area of my business that I struggle with the most is workflow. As we scale the company, I need to manage workflows and ensure the team is working at optimal capacity.

What do you enjoy the most about what you do?

In short, I enjoy the freedom of what do. Meaning am not placed in a box and limited by the expectation of others. can build a team as I see fit to help people accomplish their goals while explaining their finances and interpreting what it represents.

How has COVID-19 affected your business?

As a matter of fact, COVID-19 has propelled the business. In 2021, we added 31 new clients. We provide remote services, which allows the small companies we work with to save on expenses and increase their profit. I genuinely believe that remote and freelance workers will be preferred going forward.

What lessons have you learned that might help other entrepreneurs?

The lessons that I learned over the years are that there are no failures, just lessons; and each month may not be profitable, so manage accordingly. Also, do not attempt to do everything by yourself; collaboration will allow you to go much further.

What else would you like people to know about your business?

I would like to share that when working with Decimalytics, you will find the support you need to ensure that things run smoothly. Our firm is available to help you with any questions about scaling your business by increasing your profit. TE

Women and BIPOC

Get certified and grow your business through working with the City!

The City is looking for businesses owned by people of color and women to become certified as Minorityowned or Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs). Certification improves your chances of being contacted for work on City contracts. Businesses that work in construction, landscaping, consulting, design, repairs, and that sell various supplies especially should apply.

Interested?

Go to ashevillenc.gov/mwbecertify to get started today!

Artist Spotlight

ROBERT ZACHARY

PRESIDENT

Healing Love Institute

Asheville, NC

zackandhealinglove@gmail.com

www.HealingLoveInstitute.com

Facebook: @healingloveinstitute

What’s your background?

am an independent chaplain, an inspirational poet, storyteller, activist, and visionary. My presentations combine life, music, poetry, history, and storytelling with positive and holistic perspectives of how we will win our fight for freedom, justice, and peace.

became an activist at age 11, and four years later, I met Dr. Martin L. King at a mass meeting in my hometown of Anniston, Alabama. From that renowned meeting, I have continued throughout the years to follow a path of activism, peace, and love for all. I was squarely involved in the civil rights struggle in high school; attending mass meetings every Sunday night, and participating in school boycotts and marches in Alabama.

This activism for me continued on into college, where I majored in voice. Years later, I was accepted into the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus under Maestro Robert Shaw. After volunteering for the military to keep from going to Vietnam, I learned about the 7th Army Chorus in Heidelberg, Germany, traveling throughout Europe. auditioned, and was one of the four chosen out of 20 soldiers. Along with three other GI’s, I started a group to bring more awareness to the causes of race and unfairness in the military.

My first poem, “O Beautiful Flower”, was written during this time. I led one of the few demonstrations ever in the military on the U.S. Army Headquarters in Heidelberg,Germany. founded the Healing Love Institute and Dialogue Cafe, along with ‘Ankhe’ Linell Todd, after we relocated to Asheville in 2005.

The Healing Love Institute and Dialogue Cafe (Getting America Talking Again) were a result of my years of activism and working to enhance life in a holistic manner. The Dialogue sessions began in Asheville and Atlanta, and have been conducted in 13 different cities.

Over the years, I have been invited to present my poems and storytelling at some of the major festivals/venues across the country and Europe: Bus Boys & Poets, NOLA Poetry Festival, Furious Flower Poetry Center, Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers, London Poetry Festival, and Paris Lit Up Poetry Venue.

am also the author of two books of poems: “21 Love Poems of Sad Joyousness” and ‘Behold America, BeWHole’. “Forgotten Stories Remembered” manuscript is under negotiations for publication early next year.

It is a book of stories and interviews which I began to compile while on tour in Europe in 2019.

What do you do?

prefer to reference what I do as my artistry and work for the planet. The Healing Love Institute serves as the umbrella organization for the Dialogue Café and The Pictorial Healing Project. They all are entities created to provide dialogue and research historically continued on next page

on the true meaning of our sojourn here in these Americas. This is enhanced by our quest to create symbols and images on proof of who we really are through the Pictorial Healing Project.

What makes your artistry unique?

It is a ‘Solution Based Solution Process’.

What inspired your work?

The motions of my whole life, from childhood to present. My interest was always going to the depth of the situation to find effective solutions. Solutions based on real truths and not emotions.

What do you enjoy the most about what you do?

The people; the whole experience; the learning tools to keep honor humble.

How is your work making a difference?

The strive for cultural diversity and an appreciation of our heritage and background.

How do you market yourself?

Website, social media, and contacts all over.

What challenges have you faced, and continue to face, as a Black man?

The everyday challenges of life, without accepting the definitions laid on us: minority, at risk, or under-privileged.

What do you struggle with the most?

Respect of the work done in value and appreciation.

Has COVID-19 affected your work?

Very much. All speaking engagements cut off for a year.

Any advice you would like to share with our readers?

“Experience your experiences. All have experiences, but all do not experience the experience”. Truth stands alone and does not need me, you or anyone to fight for Truth. Truth be the truth within the truth. TE

Hear ye Hear ye:  The planning  meetings

boardroom backroom gatherings underground secret societies  to desecrate, denigrate and destroy us-but have you noticed………We Still Here.  The secret genocide commissions/projects, untagged experimentation labs Set up through government control, research and money  Sterilizations forced on the poor and mental in red zone neighborhoods  Abortions Okayed when in your eugenics favor Lynching castrations underhandedly slid into the ‘lie’ used re-push Circumcision.

All This:  Working to wipe away traces of a refine melanated indigenous people  But do you get it?  We still Here-Tithing on legacies of our ‘Knowing’ Ancestors’ We Still Divinely Here - Arrayed in Truth.

We made it through the chopping mills, Lynching pool misdeeds Out of control Lying Lie-ers’, you call ‘good old boys’ Ones who secretly Designed to perform the low down dirty work But prove/proof/truth of the matter-We Still Here fully on-In this holy plane On these grounds we made Holy-Building this land on our hands

With our minds and on our meditative knees ‘you thought’  But converted to a radical meditative powerful stupor, when you were not around So Yes, WE STILL HERE!

Traps Backfiring in your face all the while

We schooled in the Instinct Concept though Unrecognizable by scientific data

In the face of gerrymandering pools and Propagated false Voter ID fraud ‘Past’ Poll Tax and outright refusing to allow Our casted Votes Creating red zones, zip codes, credit scores, Attempts to underscore us Trying hard to stop the MELANATED Dance March People  Marching Towards A New Day SUN-But all and all-We Still Here  Coming forth in right healthy minds in style with Our inner selves  Arrayed in the beauty of our Best-Moving Melaninated Selves. Hear Ye, Hear Ye, Say;  We Still Here!!

We broke dirty trickery codes from the failed age old methods used Designated by you as brute, blind and tone death Yet we brought America Her First Tonal Music:  NEGRO SPIRITUALS

We Hereby Report after 400 years of our finished/unfinished Agenda: We Still Here-Here with the morning TICK Tock Do Dew Victoriously Arrayed in every facet of American Life Owning in high profile Intellectual areas other than just music/sports Many contributions hidden stolen away but Truth comes unhidden from our DNA

With renewed strength to carry on, Excelling Always Divinely sought after by Gods and Goddesses of Higher Dimensions  Waiting to exhale-inhale the manifestation of our dreams come true Waiting to inhale-exhale the glorification on Ancestral Reparations Worship Due Singing Earth’s REPARATIONS SONG

Hear Ye, Hear Ye: WE STILL H E R E………. And Ain’t Going NoWhere!  No, No Where!!!!

by Robert Zachary

Written August 2019, the 400 commemorative year (1619-2019) of Afri cans being brought to the shores of the U.S. as ‘captives’.

Show and Tale Creative

Asheville, NC 828-365-8602 info@showandtalecreative.com www.ShowandTaleCreative.com Facebook: @show-and-tale-creative Instagram: showandtalecreative

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICARDO TEJEDA

What’s your background?

My name’s Ricardo Tejeda. I am a graphic designer, photographer, blog writer, and printer. I was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and moved to Asheville with my wife in 2014. I’ve spent the last 18 years in the print and design industry. After years of freelancing, officially started my own creative agency, Show And Tale Creative, in 2021. We specialize in graphic design, multiple disciplines of photography, and print.

Describe your artistry and what inspired you. My design work is known for having a strong minimalist aesthetic focused on typography and creative depth through textures. I am definitely inspired by the Bauhaus movement. My designs tend to be a passage into my political and social beliefs that invites viewers to think about the designs and hopefully take something away from them. My use of negative space is meant to draw the eye naturally through the layout. My photography relies heavily on capturing the viewer through mood and emotion.

My landscape work is mainly focused on woodlands and has an ethereal quality. I also try to infuse these qualities into my portrait work and, to a lesser extent, my event work,

Artist Spotlight

17 years working in print and design for various companies, I’ve worked with less than 10 other Black people at those companies. And when you have that disparity, we know it leads to uncomfortable work environments, which I’ve had to navigate many times.

Working as a landscape photographer, many hiking trails and parks are located in rural areas that are, a lot of times, unfriendly to black people. That applies no matter where in the states. I’m positive I’ve driven through Klan country, and I’ve left trails because felt uncomfortable due to the amount of confederate (loser) flags flying from homes in the areas. Also, as abysmal as the numbers in design is for black people, good luck finding notable black landscape photographers. Damn near impossible.

What areas of business do you struggle with the most?

Logo design. I feel as though I have a strong understanding of branding and what it should be, but executing logo designs have always been a bit of a struggle for me. That’s fine though. I’ll learn.

What do you enjoy the most about what you do?

The processes behind everything. It’s a process to design album packaging or a poster. You have to understand the client and their audience, then come up with something that appeases everyone, and it’s a fun challenge.

The same can be said for photography. With portrait work, you’re dealing with another person who might not be comfortable in front of a camera. It’s understanding them as an individual and using what you learn about them to give them confidence. It’s a lot of

conversation and finding out about people, and I love that.

The process of landscape photography might be the most fun for me though. It’s just you and nature. You can’t pose nature. There’s no layout or type to change in landscape photography. You’re at its mercy, and it causes you to really slow down and observe everything, and sometimes you can do everything right, but if the conditions aren’t right, then none of what you do matters.

TEJEDA

like concerts, when it makes sense. Most of my photography work also has cinematic qualities, which comes from a love for film, especially horror movies, and cinematography.

Ultimately though, after working so many years for others, wanted to be in complete control of my livelihood and take responsibility for where I go in life, and that’s what I’m starting to do.

How long have you been an artist?

I’ve always been drawn toward artistry and creative endeavors. My elementary school had an art magnet program, and was part of that program and played trumpet in the band.

By the time I got to high school, I had started making music, recording a few albums, and performing throughout South Florida in my 20s. I started my career in print and design when I was 20, and I’ve been in that field ever since. think I’ve been what I’d consider a competent graphic designer for about 10 of those years and a photographer for six years.

So in some compacity, I’ve been what would call an artist most of my life.

What makes your work unique?

a job under one roof. Many photographers aren’t graphic designers and vice versa; fewer know the ins and outs of printing, such as how to set a job up properly for offset printing or screen printing. can do all of that.

Artistically, I try to bring a sense of my personal life experience to my work. I grew up Black and Latin, somewhat poor, in a home that was always playing music and having discussions surrounding politics. It’s important to me to infuse that into my work. I’m always trying to give my work a sense of wonder and honesty. never want anything to become routine or monotonous. More specifically, though, I think I have strong typography and layout skills. I’m also one of the few landscape photographers that try to focus on woodlands. As such, I’ve learned to see through the complications of woodlands and uniquely capture their essence.

Have you faced any challenges as a minority?

Working in my industry, there’s a severe lack of Black representation. In 2019, AIGA conducted a study of roughly 10,000 designers in the U.S., and found only about 3% identified as Black. In my

Professionally, offer creative and marketing services needed to fully realize continued on next page

Has COVID-19 affected your work, and how have you adapted?

Before COVID became a major issue, was expecting 2020 to be a huge year with events, especially concert photography. That died, so I focused heavily on further developing my landscape photography skills, and started doing more portrait work as well.

What advice do you have for other aspiring artists?

For me, I try to implore people to enjoy the process of growing and learning. With the advent of technology, there’s a desire to grow fast and grow exponentially, and that comes from a lot of what we see on social media. It takes time. A lot of time. Most people at the top of their industry are well into their 40s or 50s, and they’ve been doing what they do for decades. Disappointment and pain are very important to growth and success. Embrace that reality.

I’d also say do whatever you want as much as you can. Don’t box yourself in. Everyone talks about finding a niche, and I reject that wholeheartedly. People will automatically put you in boxes because humans need to be able to define things on their terms to understand them, so don’t give them the ammunition to do so. The best way to find what you really enjoy about your said medium or field is to explore as much as you can about it. Patterns will naturally develop in your work. Furthermore, find others who do what you do, or at least something adjacent. The inspiration and knowledge you’ll gain are invaluable.

Finally, be a good person. You’re the face of your business or endeavor, and there’s always someone watching. A bad reputation is hard to shake, and people tend to do business with individuals or companies that they like.

Where can people buy your artwork?

Everything’s on my site, www.showandtalecreative.com, and if people want prints that aren’t shown on my site, just check my Instagram and let me know what you’d like. TE

“Stacy: The Higher Power”

“Giant Bowl”

Is your social environment negatively affecting your health?

Although you may not be acutely aware of it, your social environment could very well be negatively affecting your health. If you frequently go out drinking, eating unhealthy meals, or taking unnecessary risks with your friends, your overall health is much more at stake than someone who doesn’t participate in these activities.

That isn’t to say that you can never have fun with your friends. Of course, you can. But, the key to remaining healthy is to drink alcohol, eat fat-laden foods and take risks in moderation. If you don’t, your health (mental and physical) will generally start to deteriorate...probably sooner rather than later.

Comparison Issues

For some individuals, their social environment leads to comparison issues, which negatively affect their health. Almost everyone wants to be successful. Right?

There’s definitely not anything wrong with that. But, when you’re out with friends who are talking about their most recent accomplishments and even bragging a

little, it’s easy to start comparing yourself to others. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression.

Dating

A big part of one’s social environment is dating. Almost everyone has the desire to meet that one special person who they can spend the rest of their life with. Due to the ever-growing popularity of social media, it’s easier to meet people than ever before, even if you’re a bit introverted.

Dating can have a major impact, healthwise, in the event of an unwanted pregnancy or a sexually transmitted disease. It’s important to keep these things in mind before embarking on any type of physical relationship. It’s not difficult to stay safe.

The Role of Social Media

*We look forward to serving you in the future as we are not accepting new patients at this time.

Social media plays a big role in this scenario. For many people, it’s just plain addictive. A recent study indicates that 63% of Americans log in to Facebook at least once a day. Forty percent of that number of users check their account several times a day. The

fact that social media oftentimes glamorizes alcohol and drug use makes it harder for some people to “just say no.”

It’s also interesting to note that many diehard social media users have wider mood swings and are unhappier than users who don’t participate as frequently.

Believe it or not, this addiction is so common that researchers have created the “Berge Facebook Addiction Scale.” This scale uses six types of criteria to measure an individual’s level of addiction. Answering “yes” to 4 out of 6 of the criteria questions indicates a problem.

Unfortunately, some people feel pressured into doing things that their friends do, just to remain “part of the crowd.” Don’t let the same thing happen to you. On the other hand, if you enjoy doing some of these things, you may want to think about slowing down. It’s never too late to take steps to improve your health. Remember, it won’t make you a social outcast. It’ll make you a healthier person and a more cautious friend. What could be better than that? TE

Care for the entire family!

Ailments and cannibis

by Dr. Bridget Williams, contributing writer

By now, probably everyone knows someone who uses cannabis for various reasons.

Whether it is for physical ailments or diseases, such as pain, and IBS; or for mental health reasons, such as anxiety and PTSD; cannabis has probably touched our lives in some way.

But is there medical evidence to support that cannabis does indeed benefit the human body? To answer this question, we have to discuss the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS was first discovered in the human brain in the 1980s by researchers Allyn Howlett, William Devane.

The ECS is a matrix of receptors and signals (endocannabinoids) that help to regulate the body and keep it in homeostasis, for both humans and animals. This network of receptors are found throughout the entire body. The receptors accept endocannabinoids that are produced in the body. However, if the body becomes deficient in cannabinoids, the body will become “out of balance,” leading to ailments. This is where cannabis can help.

Cannabis is made up of several phytocannabinoids that can help the body return to balance. By increasing the cannabinoid concentration in the body, this can help other body systems function properly. When other body systems function properly, this allows the body an increased ability to heal, and reach balance. Cannabis has been shown to be beneficial for several conditions. From helping with pain management, relieving IBS systems, reducing seizure frequency, lessening ticks from Tourette Syndrome, and helping to relax the mind from PTSD, cannabis has shown promise in helping us return to “balance”.

Sources/References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1760722, Br J Pharmacol. 2006 Jan; 147 (Suppl 1): S163–

S171. Published online 2006 Jan 9. doi: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0706406

2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-endocannabinoid-system-essential-andmysterious-202108112569

3. https://norml.org/marijuana/library/recent-medical-marijuana-research/introduction-to-theendocannabinoid-system/

TE

*These locations are not accepting new patients at this time.

15-minute workouts for busy entrepreneurs

by LaJune Singleton

Dr. Bridget Williams is an established board-certified family physician, best selling author (Courage In Cannabis), and the CEO of Green Harvest Health, medical cannabis and integrative health clinics located in Ohio. With nearly 20 years of experience in family medicine from The Cleveland Clinic, she combines her medical background with certifications in life and cannabis coaching into her practice. She provides valuable “medical motivational talks” on medical cannabis, CBD, life balance, and confidence. In 2019, she branched out into developing her own line of CBD products, and CBD product development for developing businesses. When not seeing patients, Dr. Williams hosts podcast shows, creates educational videos for the Cannabis Hub, and holds an advisory and curriculum development position with the Cleveland School of Cannabis. She is the founder of the nonprofit GHH Community Foundation, and “The Cannabis Can Project”. Dr. Williams is honored to have received recognition as Top Female Business, Top Minority Business with the Ohio MBE 2021, Women in Medicine Top Doctor 2021, and Top 100 Entrepreneurs 2022. Photo provided)

There are several exercises that can be done at home or in the office with everyday items, or your own body weight.

Two 16.9 oz water bottles or canned goods may be used as hand weights, which can be used for bicep curls, chest presses, lateral raises, and much more. A gallon of water can be used as a kettlebell.

Some good cardio workouts are high knees, mountain climbers, running in place, jumping jacks, and invisible jump rope. Other great cardio workouts are jogging, or taking a walk around the office or neighborhood, as well as walking or running up and down the stairs/steps in your home or office.

Other exercises that can be done include squats, lunges, chair leg extensions, sit-ups, crunches, pushups, and pelvic raises. There is also the option of doing yoga.

All these exercises are quick, and can easily be done in two or three sets, for three to five times a week for best results. TE

ENSŌ MASSAGE & WELLNESS

ASHTON KLAIBER

NC

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RED ANGLE PHOTOGRAPHY

a Licensed Massage & Bodywork Therapist

(LMBT) are in clinical applications of bodywork like deep tissue, sports massage and general pain management. In the wake of COVID-19, I have found myself offering a lot more relaxation massages. Our community, collectively, is exhausted and bodywork is needed now more than ever.

What inspired you to start ENSŌ?

The work I do is a truly integrated style from my collective education and experience that doesn’t always have a place under someone else’s roof. I established EnsōMW to offer my unabridged style of bodywork that I have developed over the course of my career. Ultimately, my goal is always to affect change in people’s hearts, minds, and bodies through mindful touch and effective technique.

How long have you been in business?

EnsōMW was established in 2020, though the idea of it was conceived over seven years ago, when I began practicing as a LMBT.

What challenges have you faced, and continue to face, as a woman, Black woman, and/or gay woman?

One of the main challenges that I face is that I am still trying to build community with professionals who look like me. When I learned about “The Envoy Guide”, I was ecstatic. I subscribed immediately, and felt a huge sense of belonging just to know that there is something like this available to be able to discover, network, and support other female/LGBTQ/ BIPOC-owned businesses in the area.

Tell us about yourself and your business.

I moved to Hendersonville in 2011 from Phoenix, AZ. I never intended to stay here as long as I have, but life has a way of rerouting maps we didn’t even know we wanted to explore. grew up in a few different places so the concept of staying somewhere long-term was never something I was committed to until had my daughter. I want my daughter to have more consistency around her as she grows up, and Hendersonville has offered us a sense of community that I never grew up with, so I expect we will be here for a while.

EnsōMW is a massage therapy private practice in the heart of Hendersonville. am the in-house everything lady, from receptionist, to bookkeeper, to practitioner. My strengths as

The other main challenge that face is being a closeted queer person in my own business. In every other aspect of my life, I am completely transparent. It is a bit of a paradox for me to have this business that was birthed from the core of who am, yet feel unsafe to be entirely me because of how the town around me might receive it. As I write this, I realize there is a larger metaphor

continued on next page

minds, and bodies, through mindful touch and effective technique.”

at work here, but either way this article now serves as a coming-out of sorts.

What do you struggle with the most?

Since I am a one woman show, I am generally in-session during the day when clients call, so I encourage people to contact me via email or text, because the structure of my days is not suited to phone calls. My office hours are usually filled with appointments, and outside of those hours, I am a mother, a partner, and trying to take care of myself at the same time. It’s something I am actively trying to fix: finding a better way to communicate with clients in an efficient and timely way.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I love what I do! Gosh, I really love what I do! I love the human body, I love learning about it, I love working with it. I love helping people feel better, love educating them about what I’m doing and why it’s beneficial.

Our medical system has become assemblyline-ish. Physicians have anywhere between 8-15 minutes to see a patient, so when my clients come to me, they often times have a lot of unquestions about what is happening in their body, and I am in a position to be able to help them understand; so I do my best to help fill the gaps and give some clarity. I don’t have all the answers, but if I can use an anatomy poster or old textbook to show and explain things I try to make the time.

How has COVID-19 affected your business, and how have you adapted?

Bodywork requires that I be in close proximity with clients, so COVID has changed a lot about the way bodywork is given and received. I have been committed to keeping up with CDC and NC State Board guidelines for sanitation and safety, which has meant creating a lot of new boundaries for myself and for clients. continue to wear PPE because as the sole employee

of my business, if I am exposed or sick, then I have an ethical responsibility to reschedule a week’s worth of appointments. have adapted by trying to make the best decisions for the right reasons, whether that is enforcing a mask-wearing policy or being lenient on cancellations because circumstances are unique right now. Fortunately, my clientele has been incredibly supportive and respectful of the policies that have put in place to protect all parties.

What advice do you have for other aspiring entrepreneurs?

Believe in what you do! Believe in your potential for success. Have purpose. Work with intention. Don’t wait until you’re exhausted to ask for help. Work/life balance will improve your quality of life. Find a mentor, then pay it forward when you can. Utilize resources available to you. Resources have found helpful: www.score.org and www.zenbusiness.com TE

ENSŌ Massage & Wellness offers a wide variety of body work, including Cupping Therapy, which, according to WebMD, can help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, and serve as a type of deep-tissue massage.

“Ultimately, my goal is always to affect change in people's hearts,

ENTREPRENEUR Spotlight

RENATA CONYERS

TRUE DIVINE ACCESSORIES

Founder & Owner

Asheville, NC

turkeybaby38@hotmail.com

Facebook: @truedivineaccessories

Tell me about yourself.

I am a single lady with one chihuahua, named Piper, who is seven years old, and spoiled rotten. have been in healthcare for 39 years, and love it. I’ve worked in some nursing homes, psychiatric facilities, and now have been with Buncombe County Health & Human Services (HHS) for 28 years; so you see healthcare is my passion and well worth it. When do I plan to retire? Hmmm, probably when get older and greyer.

Describe your business

I am a independent consultant for Paparazzi Accessories, where you can look like you just walked off the runway, looking fabulous; where $5 accessories can having you feeling like a Hollywood star.

What inspired you to start your business?

I got into this wonderful business through a friend of mine - a husband/wife team. I was buying from them, and then he asked me since I was buying, why not just be part of the team, and said “yes”. It has it’s ups and downs, but have enjoyed every moment of it. Why not bring a smile to someone’s face to let them know they are worth it.

How long have you been in business?

I have been in business for two years now. started during the pandemic in March 2020; couldn’t go anywhere, so [I decided] why not do business from home and ship orders.

How do you market your business, and what has been most effective? Social media: Facebook, and pop-ups around town.

What makes your products unique?

It’s not the product or service that’s unique. It’s the owner/customer(s) representing the product. My jewelry can travel where need be, set up, and be ready for you to view. I pride myself in meeting all my customers’ needs. If I don’t have what they want, I can get it for them within a week’s time.

What challenges have you faced, and continue to face, as a minority or woman?

Mostly, advertising for more exposure, getting more views/likes, and new customers. know at times this can be a problem not with just me, but with others, because we all sell the same thing but different products; meaning I might have something the other person doesn’t have that a customer would like to purchase. My challenges are also to not give up, stand firm, and keep pushing. Every day is not a thorn in my side; the daisies do bloom.

What areas of business do you struggle with the most? Sales, Sales, Sales! Trying to get them up.

What do you enjoy the most about running your business?

Getting out there. Oh my God, yes, it’s time consuming — pack, load, unpack, and unload — but hey, it’s part of the job if I want to get out there and keep it going. I also enjoy socializing very much; used to be shy, but now you can’t stop me.

How has COVID-19 affected your business?

The only time COVID-19 affected was when COVID first kicked it. Now things have gotten a little better, and I still wear a mask to any events go to, and customers also wear them as well.

What advice do you have for other aspiring entrepreneurs?

I learned that everything doesn’t start out fast and quick. Just pray, have patience, and enjoy life, and what you do.

Where can people buy your products?

Items can be purchased either in person, online from website, pop-ups, facebook. I always carry a bag of accessories with me. Jewels are always on hand. I’m available to do pop-ups, just give me three weeks’ notice, and can be there. Feel free to email me for questions, and if I don’t have the answer, I can get someone who does know the answer.

Check me out on Facebook: True Divine Accessories. If you see something you would like to purchase, please inbox me, and I can let you know if I still have the item or not. TE

PHOTO BY RED ANGLE PHOTOGRAPHY

BLISS TRAVEL

Wendy Gritzmacher

Founder

Asheville, NC

828-579-4777

What’s your background?

I have always worked in some level of the service industry, primarily in customer service, training, operations, and sales management. have been fortunate to master a variety of skills that always had a connected focus; an emphasis of tourism and hospitality. My love of travel has been the constant driving force in everything I do.

In 2008, my husband and I moved to Asheville, NC, where I started working for a large chain travel agency. After being a very successful agent, I was moved into management, where I had the opportunity to continue making travel arrangements, training a sales team, and achieving the status of #1 travel office in the company multiple years in a row. In 2019, my office achieved over a 30% growth in sales and revenue which is unheard of in the travel industry.

March 2020 changed a lot of things for everyone, myself included. One week I was enjoying a cruise to Mexico with my family, and the next week the world shut down. But when it shut down, we had clients in foreign countries, on cruise ships, at airports, and with millions of dollars in future travel plans. As with many people, this was a very difficult time. What I took away from this is: how you behave and perform in adversity is a pretty good reflection of who you truly are as a person. It’s your character!

Describe your business

Our passion is travel. Bliss Travel offers fun, honest, friendly and attentive service to its customers. We are a fullservice agency that sells travel agency products and services. Packages include a combination of travel tickets (air, rail, land, and sea), travel insurance, accommodations, entertainment, and other travel-related

services from our exclusive network of Virtuoso and Bliss Travels partners. Our travel consulting services provide access to the most advanced travel technology. The value added by Bliss Travel’s offerings is its knowledge and expertise, competitive rates, and travel perks.

Our values are:

• Enjoy the journey

• Laugh, be blissful, be grateful. Be positive and hospitable. Make others feel good

• Act with integrity

• Our commitment is to be honest, trustworthy and transparent

• Provide peace of mind

• Timely and effective communication keeps our clients informed, when it matters most

• High quality service

We are here for our clients during every step along the journey. Throughout every part of your travel experience, we ensure that our clients receive the best service possible.

What inspired you to start your business?

Ironically, Covid. I think fear keeps people from stepping outside of their comfort zone. It often takes something big to happen to motivate change in your life. For me, Covid was that thing. My world and financial future had been turned upside down. I was forced to lay people off, cut hours, cut pay; all while I asked my surviving team members to take on more stress and more work. Customers and vendors were reacting to cancellations, penalty fees, and lost dreams.

What I learned about myself was to be resilient, flexible, patient, determined, strong, encouraging, empathic to others, and most of all, fearless in my pursuit of happiness, which meant change. I always wanted to open my

own business. It was when stopped letting my conditioned thinking of fear equals consequence, that I knew was ready.

After 14 years of working in a corporate environment, I decided to branch out on my own and treat clients and colleagues the right way, instead of the corporate way. I love helping my clients fulfill their travel dreams and adventures. It’s pretty amazing to be a part of some of their fondest memories. I have built incredible relationships with so many others, all from doing what I love.

have traveled the world, and continue to use my extensive knowledge to plan all styles of vacations. I hold over 20 destination specialist certifications. My specialties include tours, cruises, custom vacation packages, destination weddings, honeymoons, and group and family celebrations. I am most proud getting to work with my loyal customer base.

How long have you been in business and who is your target clientele?

Since September 2021, and anyone who has a travel bucket list that is wanting to work with a partner and advocate.

How do you market your business, and what method has been most effective?

The number one way is referrals and word of mouth. I am always looking for feedback from clients with their experience in order to grow and get better. I have not only increased my social media presence, but I set a schedule to post new information consistently.

have joined the Asheville Chamber of Commerce, a morning Power Networking Group; and placed an emphasis in getting more actively involved in my community. made the mistake of trying to create my own website with purchasing a domain and WordPress theme. After a lot of time wasted, I hired a graphic designer and now my website is amazing! I also use Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and ask my clients to post testimonials.

Right now, I am working with the Western Women’s Business Center (WWBC), a division of the North Carolina Small Business Association (SBA) on a marketing plan to include print mailers to targeted areas, newspaper publications, and other materials.

My most effective marketing is...all of it! I can’t express enough, you have to have a plan, revisit it, evaluate it, and make changes in order to be successful.

What makes Bliss Travel unique?

Travel isn’t always seamless, and when it isn’t, Bliss Travel delivers peace of mind by being caring listeners that provide personalized solutions in challenging situations for its customers. Bliss Travel wants to be the first agency you think of when booking travel. We don’t want to be a nameless click, book, and forget agency. We are here for you, and your journey matters to us!

What challenges have you faced as a woman?

The hardest thing I have had to deal in a corporate structure was being overlooked as a woman in a leadership role. Oftentimes, I experienced an underperforming man being promoted simply because he is a man and not for his merits, accomplishments, or skills. I can say it is equally challenging knowing that women make 76 cents for every dollar that a man does in the same role. It didn’t matter if consistently had the top producing sales team; that I was well respected by my peers, and had a genuine love for the job.

I have experienced this as an entrepreneur as well. I have often said in the past year that I am fortunate because I have a good financial portfolio with some savings, otherwise, I don’t know how I could put in the time need to make my business successful. I have had a lot of roadblocks thrown my way, and have even been told

that it is harder because I am a woman.

What areas of business do you struggle with the most?

Networking is always the hardest thing for me. am an extroverted person by nature, but put me in a room full of like-minded businesspeople, and I honestly get nervous and clam up.

What do you enjoy the most about your business?

I would take on every challenge and adversity all over again if it meant I could run my own business! I am able to be creative and adapt to changing situations. am able to work with clients that are as excited to work with me as am with them. I love that have freedom to work a flexible schedule, that doesn’t mean less hours. I feel like my work is more meaningful and less rushed to close the sale. Overall, it is rewarding and at times blissful!

What advice, or actionable tips do you have for other aspiring entrepreneurs?

• Create a plan, revisit it, evaluate it, make changes and repeat

• Don’t try and create your own website unless you are a graphic designer

• Know your resources

The best phone call I ever made was to the Western Women’s Business Center. I know if it wasn’t for their coaching, classes, and resources, would have made a lot more mistakes than I did. Look for resources in your area, because you will find that there are a lot of advocates out there being underused. They can help make your business a successful one. TE

Black kids abroad: The benefits of Blacks traveling young

(Black PR Wire) Some of us have been blessed to travel abroad and spend part of our lives as nomads, globe-trotting, and collecting life-changing experiences through travel. As adults, we’re well aware of the benefits of travel — relaxation, an increased global awareness, and helping us find the purpose to our lives, to name a few. But, how many of us have realized that travel benefits kids as well?

Traveling with kids allows us to strengthen family bonds, provides kids with new experiences, and also prepares them to function as global citizens in the 21st century. According to Forbes.com here are some of the reasons why traveling while Black and young are so important.

Make them citizens of the world.

Children are more adaptable than we are, and the earlier we can expose them to otherness in all its various forms, the less likely they are to become solipsistic as they grow into their consciousness and power. Sheltering them from the actual world might lead them to assume that the world they know is the only one that exists, except in fairy tales.

Get them to eat weird stuff.

There’s nothing like hunger in a foreign land to make us appreciate what we have before us, and food is one of the most interesting and accessible ways to get to know a culture from the inside. Won’t eat fish at home, but will eat fish tacos on a beach in Mexico? Makes perfect sense.

Expose their brains to diverse languages.

Even if your kids don’t try to speak the language of the country you’re visiting, exposure to another language will help their brains develop English skills more rapidly. And a recent study shows that even limited exposure to a second language in infancy results in greater retention of phonological structure later.

Build their confidence and independence.

It never fails. Once your kid sees someone else go down the big slide or take the elevator alone, suddenly he or she is asking for the room key and permission to venture out alone.

If you’re staying put for a while, kids can become fully integrated into new

communities and adopt new habits in a very short time.

Even after you return home, those memories linger and influence what your children say and do, as well as how they treat others. Travel builds confidence as they make their way through unfamiliar territory, both physical and psychological.

Increase their tolerance for discomfort.

You don’t have to be roughing it to hear the complaints. Maybe the pillow is too lumpy or there’s no ice for the soda. Or maybe there are mosquitoes buzzing in your ear all night, or no tweezers to take out the splinter in your toe. Or perhaps the plane is just very, very late.

All of these anomalies are within the realm of possible travel experiences, and they’re not necessarily bad. The challenges of discomfort will allow kids to problemsolve, to practice patience, and to express gratitude in new ways.

So, in all, book the flight for you and your little ones. They’ll thank you for it later. TE

SPONSORED BY

Wendy visiting the AIC Kajiado Girls School in Kenya, Africa. The school has a “Bride Rescue Program which helps rescue young girls from harmful cultural practices, such as female genital mutilation and early marriage.

ASHLEY

Spotlight

Tell me a little about yourself and your background?

I’m an avid sports fan and have played sports all of my life. I graduated from Wake Forest University in 2008, and worked in the non-profit sector for a decade. I’ve been fortunate to travel and live abroad, and learn from many other cultures. In 2018, I wanted a career change to do something new that could still make a positive change in the world somehow.

What is She Plays and what inspired you to start this type of company?

We are a sports media company that provides audio, video, and written coverage of U.S. women’s professional sports leagues. We also provide fantasy gaming opportunities, and are building the first fantasy sports app of its kind to exclusively cover women’s sports leagues.

With my love for sports and seeing a lack of equality in the sports landscape, began to research what I could bring to the women’s side that would help bridge the gap. That is where She Plays began. I had a new niece and couldn’t stand that if she was gifted with enough talent to be a professional athlete, she would not be afforded the same treatment, pay, opportunities, etc., as if I had had a nephew. I learned that despite women being 40% of U.S. athletes, they only received 4% of sports media attention. Knowing how fantasy sports had impacted men’s leagues, and realizing nothing like that existed at all on the women’s side, that is what decided She Plays would bring to the table.

How long have you been in business and who is your target audience?

Since 2019; and fans of women’s sports, young athletes, and parents of young girls.

How do you market your business, and what has been most effective?

We have a weekly podcast called “She Plays”, and are on social media (Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook) @sheplayspro — all of our marketing has been organic up to this point. We also partner with professional leagues and athletes, and they promote our content for us.

Is there anything else like this?

We are the first and only fantasy sports provider that solely hosts games for multiple U.S. women’s leagues.

What challenges have you faced, and continue to face, as a woman and/or as a gay woman?

We have seen a serious lack of investment on the statistical side of women’s sports, and this has greatly impacted our ability to quickly and efficiently create a fantasy sports app. Fantasy sports rely heavily on good and accurate statistical data of the athletes. We have had to create our own data feeds on a number of sports. There is also a known bias in the Venture Capitol (VC) and investment world toward anyone that is not a white male. have faced gender discrimination and homophobia numerous times in the sports and investment world.

What areas of business do you struggle with the most?

I am not savvy in the technical world — not a coder, by any means. That is one thing I wish could go back and learn at an earlier age. Finding someone reliable that you can trust with such a large part of what our business is trying to do has been

She Plays

a struggle. It’s hard to find someone passionate enough to come in at an early stage and put in that sweat equity to get She Plays off the ground.

What do you enjoy the most about what you do?

I love being a part of the women’s sports world, getting to interview such amazing folks for our podcasts, and knowing that we are building something that will positively impact the sports landscape. We are building something that will help bring more attention, help the statistical side of women’s sports grow, and will engage fans in a really fun way. It’s hard to be the first to do something, and all of the building that comes with that, but it’s also very exciting and rewarding at the end of the day.

How has COVID-19 affected your business, and how have you adapted?

We were just about to launch a fantasy app when COVID-19 came and all live sports were canceled. It ended up being a blessing in disguise; and we’ve had time to pivot a bit, and create an even better app; but it was difficult. We also were able to pivot and really build up our content side of She Plays. We started a TV show that aired on Twitch and two other podcasts.

What advice do you have for other women wanting to follow in your footsteps?

My biggest piece of advice is to find other entrepreneurs that you can form a community with. Entrepreneurship is hard. It is easier when you have a select few to brainstorm with, commiserate with, and encourage each other on difficult days.

Also, write down your ‘why’ — why are you spending so much time on this, why do you think the world needs what you are building/providing — and keep it handy. Remind yourself of your ‘why’ often.

One last one: do not be afraid to send that email. I’ve had guests on my podcast I never would have dreamed would say yes. All I did was send a DM or email and ask. Don’t say no for people by not sending the invite or the question. Do it! And do it with confidence that you are providing an opportunity for them as well.

Where can people learn more about She Plays or get the app?

Our website at https://she-plays.com. Also, please follow us on social platforms: @sheplayspro. Find our merchandise store at store.she-plays.com

Our podcasts can be found on any platform that you use for podcasts; and check out our app, She Plays, on the app store. TE

Who’s Your Daddy?

by Arlene Duane Hemingway, contributing writer

Each of Hugh’s lovers were much younger than he. His latest died shortly after giving birth to their still born child.

Hugh was simultaneously sorrowful and relieved because the affair ended with no loose ends. His lover’s grieving husband was non-the-wiser.

Shortly thereafter, Hugh’s wife delivered a boy who inherited her eyes and a gene which doubles the risk of a heart attack.

Since Hugh had serious heart problems, and carried that gene which is passed to males from their biological fathers, he naturally assumed the boy was his son.

Unwittingly, Hugh raised a child fathered by his wife’s lover.

Arlene Duane Hemingway is a speaker, teacher, and the author of “A Twist of Lemon: 100 Curious Stories in Exactly 100 Words”. Contact her via email at info@arleneduanehemingway. com, or visit her website at ArleneDuaneHemingway.com.

PHOTO BY RED ANGLE PHOTOGRAPHY

What

by Lesley King, contributing writer

If you look for the good, you find good. If you look for the negative, you will find that. It is amazing how this works. A great example of this happened in my life. My birthday is February 1. As an adult, I have a yearly birthday party. It actually is a great time to get together. The holiday parties are just memories, and people are ready to see friends again. There were years at my parties that instead of enjoying and honoring the people that were there, I would be upset about those who weren’t. I would be upset that they didn’t come. I took it personally. Here was having a celebration, and instead of celebrating, was using it to show myself I wasn’t really loved.

This was crazy. I needed to make a change. So, I did. I actively decided to look at the people who were there, who did take the time to come; and to enjoy those people, instead of looking at the people who didn’t come. The parties were so much more fun. At the end of the party, was happy, satiated, and filled with love.

It changed my whole perspective. started enjoying the parties so much more. How did this happen? I changed what was looking for. embraced the people that attended, instead of thinking about the people that didn’t. I looked for the love that was being expressed, instead of finding evidence for how people didn’t like me. This has changed my life. It started with parties. Then I expanded it to the rest of my life. Now I look for the good. I look for the love in every situation. And guess what? I find it everywhere, in everyone. There is love all over the world.

The local news is about ratings. Stories about love and good don’t sell. Don’t believe me? Think about a crash on the road. People slow down and stop for the crash, but do not stop or slow for a beautiful sunset.

What you look for you find. Are you finding the right things in your life? Maybe a change of perspective is all you need. can help you with that. Send me a messag, or sign up for a free consultation call today.

Lesley King empowers people to live their best life and design their future. Helping them realize they have what they need to truly live the life of their dreams. For a free consultation, email lesleykingempower@gmail.com or call 828-206-1991. Be sure to check out the information, weekly blogs, and Tuesday’s Tips at lesleykingempower.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

ARTISTS

Moon Girl Glass

Kristen Munoz

Glass Artist

Marshall, NC 828-713-2019 moongirlglassworks@yahoo.com www.moongirlglass.com

FB: @moongirlglass

Show and Tale Creative

Ricardo Tejeda

Owner

Asheville, NC 828-365-8602 info@showandtalecreative.com www.ShowandTaleCreative.com

FB: @show-and-tale-creative

IG: @showandtalecreative

BOOKKEEPING SERVICES

Balanced Virtually

Veronica Edwards Owner Asheville, NC 414-520-0009 veronica.edwards@balancedvirtually.com https://BalancedVirtually.com

FB: @balancedvirtually

BUSINESS CONSULTANTS

AGSM Consulting, LLC

Dr. Daryl D. Green

Vice President, Marketing

Knoxville, TN 865-719-7239 drdarylgreen@gmail.com www.DrDarylGreen.com

Inside Edge Consulting, LLC

Beverly Jurenko

Owner

725 Merrimon Ave #18451, Asheville, NC 703-984-9206 beverly@inside-edge-group.com www.Inside-Edge-Group.com

IG: @beverly.insideedge

SIMPLEnetworking

Chi Chi Okezie

Owner/Producer

Jonesboro, GA 404-293-0918 cokezie@snseminars.com www.SNSeminars.com

FB: @simplenetworkingllc

IG: @championnetworker

BUSINESS SERVICES

Asheville-Buncombe Technical

College Small Business Center

Duane Adams

Associate Director Asheville, NC 828-398-7951 duanecadams@abtech.edu www.abtech.edu/sbc

FB: @abtech sbc

IG: @abtechsmallbusinesscenter

Mountain BizWorks

Jeremiah Johnson Catalyst Program Manager

Western North Carolina 828-253-3832 jeremiah@mountainbizworks.org www.MountainBizworks.org

FB/IG/LI: @mtnbizworks

The Way Up Creative Group

Tracee T. Holloway Owner Mansfield, TX www.TheWayUpCreative.com

FB/IG: @thewayupcreative

Western Women’s Business Center

Zurilma Anuel Director

1465 Sand Hill Rd, Suite 2006, Candler, NC 828-633-5065 x 101 www.WWBCnc.org

FB: @WWBCNC IG: @carolinasmallbiz

CAREER & LIFE COACHES

JM Development

Jason Muhammad Owner North Carolina 828-333-7234

jmleadershipconsulting@gmail.com

Jenn Muckelvaney

Professional People Connector Asheville, NC

jmuck77@gmail.com

LI: @jennmuckelvaney

Lesley King Empowerment Coach Mars Hill, NC 828-206-1991 lesleyeking13@gmail.com www.LesleyKingEmpower.com

FB: @lesleykingempower

LI: @lesley-king-0599378

Lotus Life Mastery

Sandhya Maheshwari

Transformational Life Coach

Asheville, NC

304-218-9689 lotuslifemastery@gmail.com www.LotusLifeMastery.com

FB: @lotuslifemastery

IG: @sandhyalotuslifemastery

LI: @sandhyamaheshwari

CATERERS

Culinary Co-op

Sherry Bolton Chef

5044 Frankford #900, Lubbock, TX 806-745-2253 sherry@culinaryco-op.com www.CulinaryCo-op.com

Facebook: @lubbockkitchenspace

Instagram: @sherry_culinaryco_op

Rachel Roberts Recipes

Rachel Roberts Chef Houston, TX robertsrachel73@aol.com

FB/IG: @rachelrobertsrecipes

CHARITIES

Chirindo Foundation

Jimmy Manyanga

Founder / Owner

St. Louis, MO 314-669-6647 inspire@chirindo.org www.Chirindo.org

FB: @chirindo-foundation

IG: @chirindo_foundation

CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS

League of Women Voters of Henderson County, NC

Brenda Sherrer

President Hendersonville, NC 828-595-2405 bjsherrer2019@gmail.com www.LWVHCNC.org

EDUCATION

Blue Ridge Community College

180 W. Campus Dr, Flat Rock, NC 828-694-1800 admissions@blueridge.edu www.BlueRidge.edu

continued on next page

FASHION: DESIGNERS & STYLISTS

It’s Amira M

Sala Menaya-Merritt

Owner/Designer PO Box 6297, Asheville, NC 828-380-6267

Hours: Virtual/Online itsamiram@gmail.com

FB: @itsamiram | IG: @#iamamiram

FASHION: JEWELRY

True Divine Accessories

Renata Conyers

Founder/Owner Asheville, NC turkeybaby38@hotmail.com www.paparazziaccessories.com/356637

FB: @truedivineaccessories

FASHION: RETAIL

The Palace

Lonnie Clay, Jr Owner 124 Sixth Avenue East, Hendersonville, NC 828-553-8063

Tue, Thu, Sat: 11am-7pm

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Capital Bankcard

Marty Reed

Merchant Advisor Asheville, NC 774-696-7066 marty@capitalbankcardne.com CapitalBankcard-Asheville.com

Decimalytics

Bahiyah Shabazz Owner Merrillville, IN 866-986-0994 b.shabazz@decimalytics.com www.Decimalytics.com FB/IG: @decimalytics

Edward Jones Ty Keplinger

Financial Advisor

136 S. King St, Suite C, Hendersonville, NC 828-696-4024 www.EdwardJones.com

HerTwoCents Podcast

Laura Webb

Co-Host 82 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 828-252-5132 lwebb@webbavl.com www.HerTwoCentsPodcast.com

FB/IG: @hertwocentspodcast

LI: @laurawebbcfp

HAIR CARE

Carolina Cutz

Jay Brown

Owner

210 S. Church St, Hendersonville, NC 259-01 N. Broad St, Brevard, NC 828-390-0471 carolinacutz@gmail.com

Trax Hair Salon

Kym McCarson

Stylist

2381 Hendersonville Rd, Arden, NC 828-423-9033 or 828-681-8831

HEALTH & WELLNESS

ENSO Massage & Wellness

Ashton Klaiber

Founder/Owner

131 W. 4th Ave., Hendersonville, NC 828-513-9416 ashton@ensomw.com ENSOMW.com

FB/IG: @ensomw

Green Harvest Health Dr. Bridget Williams, MD CEO/Physician/Life Coach Pickerington, OH drbridget@greenharvest.health www.GreenHarvest.Health

FB/IG/LI: @greenharvesthealth

One Body One World

Vanden Moseley

Functional Medicine Coaching New York, NY | Asheville, NC 212-401-6947 www.OneBodyOneWorld.com

Yoga Nut

Lindsay Coward

Founder

704-640-2066 www.Yoga-Nut.com

INSURANCE

Brightway - Bluitt & Associates

Carla Bluitt

Owner 336-664-8400 carla.bluitt@brightway.com www.BrightwayBluitt.com

LEGAL SERVICES

Legal Shield

Alex Cardona

Independent Associate 561-856-1025 cardona.legacy@gmail.com

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

City of Asheville Angelica Driver Business Inclusion Manager Community & Economic Development Dept Asheville, NC 828-259-8050 adriver@ashevillenc.gov www.AshevilleNC.gov

MEDIA

Biz Radio / Buzz Radio / Radio Free Asheville

Matt Mittan / Michelle Scheve P.O Box 9014, Asheville, NC 28815 828-398-0500 www.BizRadioAsheville.com www.BuzzRadioAsheville.com

The ENVOY Guide Magazine

Yvette Freeman

Publisher/Owner

Zirconia, NC 828-595-0059 info@TheENVOYguide.com www.TheEnvoyGuide.com

FB/IG/LI: @TheENVOYguide

MEDICAL SERVICES

One Health Direct Primary Care, PLLC

Dr. Elsie Osei-Nkansah, MD

Board Certified Family Physician 1095 Hendersonville Rd, Suite G

Biltmore Forest, NC 828-360-8359 www.OneHealthDPC.com

FB/IG: @onehealthdpc

PHOTOGRAPHY

Red Angle Photography

Yvette Freeman

Owner/Photographer

Zirconia, NC 828-595-0059 info@RedAnglePhotography.com www.RedAnglePhotography.com

FB/IG: @RedAnglePhotography

SPORTS She Plays

Ashley Hart CEO

Asheville, NC 336-692-6658 ashley@she-plays.com https://she-plays.com

FB: @sheplayspro

TRAVEL

Bliss Travel

Wendy Gritzmacher Owner

Asheville, NC 828-579-4777 wendy@blisstravelco.com blisstravelco.com

FB: @goblisstravel | IG: @wendy_bliss_travel

WEDDING SERVICES

Asheville Luxury Wedding Co

Terran Ward Owner

34 Wall St, Suite 608, Asheville, NC hello@ashevilleluxuryelopements.com https://LuxuryWeddingCo.com

FB: @theluxweddingco | IG: @avlluxelope

WRITERS & EDITORS

Arlene Duane Hemingway

Author/Writer

info@arleneduanehemingway www.ArleneDuaneHemingway.com

FB: @arleneduanehemingway

Healing Love Institute

Robert Zachary President

Asheville, NC zackandhealinglove@gmail.com www.HealingLoveInstitute.com

FB: @healingloveinstitute

Trina Lynch-Jackson

Author / Poet / Storyteller

Gary, IN / Juneau, AK trinajackson@juno.com www.goodreads.com/book/show/57310972caution

WORDS OF INSPIRATION

“Some periods of our growth are so confusing that we don’t even recognize that growth is happening. We may feel hostile or angry or weepy and hysterical, or we may feel depressed. It would never occur to us, unless we stumbled on a book or a person who explained to us, that we were in fact in the process of change, of actually becoming larger, spiritually, than we were before. Whenever we grow, we tend to feel it, as a young seed must feel the weight and inertia of the earth as it seeks to break out of its shell on

Beverly Jurenko

Leadership and career coaching for diverse, ambitious talent

Schedule a free 30-minute Discovery Session online to learn

703-984-9206

Email: beverly@inside-edge-group.com www.Inside-Edge-Group.com

its way to becoming a plant. Often the feeling is anything but pleasant. But what is most unpleasant is the not knowing what is happening. Those long periods when something inside ourselves seems to be waiting, holding its breath, unsure about what the next step should be, eventually become the periods we wait for, for it is in those periods that we realize that we are being prepared for the next phase of our life and that, in all probability, a new level of the personality is about to be revealed.”

― Alice Walker, Living by the Word