NVBCC THRIVE Magazine December 2022 Issue

ROBIN MCDOUGAL VICE-CHAIR, NVBCC EDITOR IN CHIEF

Here are a few ideas NVBCC believes are worth carrying into 2023:

1)Be a believer in the ability to finance your business with new “How-to” knowledge.

2)Be intentional about your business strategy actions every day.

3)Be stingy with your time as you build critical collaborative relationships.

4)Be careful with whom you share your Best Big Idea by adding an NDA/Confidential Agreement to your discussion.

5)Be persistent and consistent as you grow your business network.

6)Be grateful for all the "No’s" you may receive and use them to course correct.

As 2022 ends, we are all taking time to reflect on our community’s consistent tenacity and ability to achieve in the face of persistent barriers to success (inflation, supply chain, recession, increased interest rates, etc.).

There are several reasons why our community is standing strong during challenging times. One of our areas of strength is our continued ability to build a sense of community with our customers and members. Another area is our historic ability to leverage creative problemsolving as the foundation of our entrepreneurial endeavors. Finally, the ability to nurture and maintain a healthy growth mindset as we move our business needle forward lives at our core.

Like you, NVBCC will take the last days of 2022 to reflect, give thanks, and reset our business strategy clock.

7)Be forgiving of all those who can’t understand your dream, move on.

8)Be creative with your solutions as they are your intellectual property and revenue generators.

9)Be an expert at solving problems as they are your next new products or services.

10) Be proud to celebrate your accomplishments as being an entrepreneur and building a business is hard.

On behalf of all of us at the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce, we look forward to collaborating with you in 2023 because the NVBCC celebrates your ability to

THRIVE

NVBCC honors its Executive Director Sheila Dixon for her dedication and hard work.

Business on the Green is NVBCC's newest forum to network, grow, and learn. all while playing golf.

The new Ambassador Program has launched, and our new Ambassadors are in place to support the NVBCC mission. Meet your Ambassadors.

Sheila Dixon

DirectorExecutive

NoChamberofCommercecangrowandevolve withoutsolidleadershipinplace Thisisalsotruefor theNorthernVirginiaBlackChamberofCommerce Since 2019, NVBCCExecutiveDirectorSheilaDixonhas strengthenedtheChamberandbroughtvisionand focus Duringhertenure, shehasgrownthe Chamber’smembershipexponentially Ms Dixon’s stewardshiphasopenedNVBCC’sdoorstonew opportunitiesandprogramsthatwillbenefitthe Chamber, itsmembers, andtheeconomic developmentofthesurroundingareas TheNorthern VirginiaBlackChamberofCommerceanditsBoard ofDirectorsappreciatetheoutstandingworkof ExecutiveDirectorSheilaDixonandherworkforthe Chamberandthecommunity.

"A year from now you will wish you had started today." —Unknown

TORUNAMENT Business On The Green

TORUNAMENT Business On The Green

THANK YOU SPONSORS

“Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently.”

―Maya Angelou

Leaders Who THRIVE!

THRIVE

LeAnnWhite AssistantVicePresident,FVCBank NorthernVirginiaBlackChamberofCommerce EventsCommitteeChair

LeAnn White began her career in banking as a teller over 17 years ago. Throughout that time she held various positions working her way up to where she is today, AVP Business Development Officer.

Her years of experience within the banking industry have provided her with a wealth of knowledge and growth within the commercial sector. She loves educating business owners on how to navigate the best possible banking solutions for their business as well as meeting and connecting like-minded individuals.

In addition to assisting business owners with their overall banking needs, she enjoys volunteering with outside organizations such as previous Secretary with the Fauquier County NAACP, Chairwoman of the Events Committee with the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce, and Ambassador with the Hylton Performing Arts Center. LeAnn is the proud mother of 3- Isaiah, Jasmine and Noah.

Leaders Who THRIVE!

THRIVE

Learn More

MembershipCommitteeCo-Chair

Jocelyn Johnson is the CEO of Trillium & Lotus Whole Body Wellness LLC. Jocelyn is a Clinical Nutritionist, CNS (Clinical Nutrition Specialist), LDN (Licensed Dietetic Nutritionist), and Therapeutic Herbalist. She has a life-long love of cooking,

She attended Bastyr University and earned her BS in Nutrition/Culinary Arts. In 2019 Jocelyn earned two master’s degrees in Clinical Nutrition and Therapeutic Herbalism from the Maryland University of Integrated Health (MUIH).

More recently, Jocelyn guest lectured about healing foods pre/post oral surgery at Howard University School of Dentistry. Jocelyn enjoys reading nutritional biochemistry books, painting (neuro-graphic art), creating recipes, and cooking healthful meals in her spare time. In addition, she loves to peruse evidence-based nutrition and medical journals, searching for the latest research on food and nutrients to help her growing nutrition clientele.

Jocelyn is also the creator of Elliot James Naturals, a natural haircare & skincare line.

JocelynJohnson,CNS,LDN CEO,Trillium&Lotus NorthernVirginiaBlackChamberofCommerce

Leaders Who THRIVE!

THRIVE

Learn More

Tonya Poindexter White is President and CEO of The Write Touch Professional Writing & Consulting Services LLC (The Write Touch LLC) as well as Founder and Executive Director of TMK Staffing & Recruiting.

The Write Touch LLC granted Tonya the freedom to guide others on their journey to success and help them find their unique voice. Communication became more than words. It became the ability to find the independence they had been seeking through clarity. TMK Staffing & Recruiting was later formed to give clients another avenue to become successful as they continued to grow into their purpose.

Tonya received her Bachelor's degrees from the University of Maryland University College and the University of Phoenix. She then obtained her Master of Arts in Strategic Communications at Liberty University. Above all, Tonya enjoys the love of her three beautiful children, Tiana, Michael, and Keira. They are her true legacy. Tonya is honored to be a part of such a professionally governed chamber. As a new Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors member, she looks forward to using her voice, skills, talents, and resources to give back to her community.

TonyaPoindexterWhite President&CEOTheWriteTouch NorthernVirginiaBlackChamberofCommerce CommunicationsCommitteeChair

Leaders Who THRIVE!

THRIVE

MicronTechnology

Learn More

NorthernVirginiaBlackChamberofCommerce AdvocacyCommitteeCo-Chair

Bo Machayo has extensive experience as a public policy and public engagement advisor with stakeholders and elected officials at the local, state, and federal government levels. He has worked on a wide range of domestic and foreign policy issuesparticularly relating to the economy, climate, and Africa. He has successfully passed legislation, formed coalitions, and accomplished organizational goals throughout his career, including as a political appointee at the White House during the Obama Administration.

Bo is currently the Director of Federal Government and Public Affairs for Micron Technology. He previously worked for U.S. Senator Mark Warner, Loudoun County government, the U.S. African Development Foundation, the Obama White House Council on Environmental Quality, the Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. Bo graduated from Wake Forest University with degrees in Economics and International Affairs and a Master’s in Public Administration with Honors Distinction at George Mason University. Inspired by his background as a first-generation Ugandan-Kenyan-American, he has worked to serve his community through a nonprofit he co-founded: Global Inheritance.

BoMachayo DirectorofFederalGovernmentandPublicAffairs

Today, I will

Become a Member

The Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce (NVBCC) is unique among networking groups targeting black-owned businesses. The Chamber connects members to companies, fellow entrepreneurs, public and private lenders, and others who can help them advance their businesses. We inform key stakeholders about the economic, legal policy, social, cultural, and other factors that impact black-owned businesses. info@northernvirginiabcc.org or Call 703.442.4472.

Northern VA Black Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Program

It is the goal of The Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce to uphold a direct relationship with its members and engage with them regularly. For this reason, the NVBCC recently launched its Ambassador Program. The Ambassador Program's mission is to create an environment where Black Owned businesses in Northern Virginia can thrive. They do this by:

Raising awareness of chamber activities and benefits

Informing and involving new chamber members to promote strong continuing membership

Encouraging meaningful and beneficial participation in the chamber's programs Serving as a liaison between the chamber staff and membership

The Ambassador Program consists of volunteers from the Chamber membership who donate their time to assist the chamber in various activities. As informed chamber representatives, the ambassadors serve as the entity of the chamber that focuses on chamber membership retention – the backbone of the organization.

Meet Your Ambassadors

Neil McKinnon

GIRL DAD AGENT - STATE FARM INSURANCE AGENT

Who are the NVBCC Chamber Ambassadors?

Dr. Jessica Howard HOWARD CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC

Edward Williams D.E.W. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT GROUP

REGGIE HOLMES ENTHUSE CREATIVE

Patricia Dinkens

PATRICIA DINKENS, REALTOR, SAMSON PROPERTIES, LLC

“I will not lose, for even in defeat, there’s a valuable lesson learned, so it evens up for me.” —Jay-Z

RecommendedReading

ByMaggieAnderson

Author Maggie Anderson and her family took a stand in January 2009 and made the bold decision to purchase products from black businesses only. While this experiment did not turn out the way she expected it to, it did help Maggie understand why black wealth is about one-tenth of white wealth and why black businesses lag behind businesses of all other racial groups in every measure of success. This decision impacted her entire life.

If you are a black business owner or are interested in the racial economic divide in the U.S., this book may interest you.

Anderson's book successfully illuminates the roadblocks faced by Black business owners and the racial divide that continues to persist in the U.S. economy.

-Keenan Beasley, Entrepreneur

"When you become an Entrepreneur, your purpose and passion is greater than your comfort."

SEASON

Doyouhavefriendsorlovedonesthataretoughto give to? Make them a special “homemade” gift certificatetospendtimewiththem.

Stillhaven’tfoundtherightgiftforthatspeciallittle person in your life? You could give the book How the stars got their twinkle byG.J.Hogansoroneof the many books authored by Carylee Carrington of Read with Carylee. If you have a little athlete, try a session of fundamental basketball skills with The Goods Basketball camp,locatedinHerndon,VA.

Let’s not forget the adults on your list; this book, A peace for you by Kitra Martindavis, is inspiring. Finally, for an unconventional self-care experience, get to the Lose it Rage Room in Woodbridge, VA. This is event place is a great way to release your aggression and stress by smashing things up in a safespace.

Are you planning a holiday party and can’t find the right décor? Contact Pride In Planning or La Fete XpressionsLLCforyourdecoratingneeds.

SUPPORT LOCAL BLACK NON-PROFITS

This Holiday Season give a friend or loved-one the gift of a charirtable donation to an organizationthatresonateswiththeirideals.

I would like to bring your attention to three members of the NVBCC family, A Few Good MENtors, iThriveHer, and The Pearl Project Institute. The Pearl Project Institute focuses on women and girls participating in STEM and women in STEM with an entrepreneurial spirit focusingonspacetechnology.WhereiTHriveHer primary goal is to engage girls in cyber security andcoding.

A Few Good MENtors is a unique organization that takes giving back to another level. Michael Morgan, the creator of this community-based mentorshipprogram,focusesonupliftingyoung men in the brown and black communities in Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, and Atlanta, Ga.

TIS' THE

OF GIVING!

MORE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS IN THE CHAMBER

The NVBCC has other non-profit organizations that need our community support to continue theiressentialwork.TheseincludeThe African American Heritage Association, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Creative and Performing Arts Center (CAPAC), Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra Of Greater Washington, The Hey Dear Blog, Bridges to Independence, AdvocatesforCitizenAccess,WashingtonArea Community Investment Fund (WACIF), Entero Solutions, Alliance for Non-Profits, INC., National Coalition of 100 Black Women, INC., ImpactTek, Britepaths, INC., Ethiopian CommunityDevelopmentCouncil,INC.,LoveU More Foundation, New Wave Foundation, OAR of Arlington, Alexandria and Falls Church, and The Bernie L. Bates Foundation, Inc.. All of theseorganizationsgladlyacceptdonations.

SUPPORT LOCAL MUSICIANS IN THE CHAMBER

NVBCC has member musicians that offer private in-person & virtual concerts. Imgine you and your family enjoying a lovely fireside concert with by the talented Tony Craddock Jr. or Jenviolin

Check out their websites for performance dates or book your family'sprivatemomentsoon.

MERCHANT INSTALLMENT PLANS

Are you leveraging your consumer buying power? Find out what options are available to you to eliminate holiday shopping financial stress.

As consumers continue to purchase their gifts for the holidays, the options for paying for those purchases include Merchant Service Installment Plans. A merchant installment plan (often called Buy Now Pay Later or BNPL) is a thirdparty service that designs a payment plan to help consumers pay off purchases in fixed, typically equal amounts over a set repayment period. Some installment plans charge a set interest rate. However, many are designed to sidestep interest with a small fixed fee.

BNPL is especially popular for those consumers who make purchases through online platforms. When consumers see the payment options online, one of the payment options may be Affirm, one of those third-party services that design the payment structure. There are several third-party services to include:

LEARN ABOUT BNPL

While these installment services can be helpful to many, especially those with credit challenges, some tips should be considered to maximize these services:

Don’t agree to multiple installment services at once

Be knowledgeable of the terms and conditions

Always make payments on time

Calculate interest and fees

Make installment payments with a credit card

Keep a payment calendar

Due to COVID-related financial instability, the number of BNPL users and merchant installment plans has been on the rise and has been projected to hit 59.3 million users by the end of 2022. The option has decreased financial stress and provided consumers the ability to afford items they would otherwise be unable to purchase. This option provides consumers with more buying power than they had in the past. Forty-five percent of consumers chose installment plans or BNPL because it was easier to make payments than a credit card, and 44 percent chose it because it provides more flexibility.

Installment plans and BNPLs are attractive payment options to provide to merchant consumers because it entices consumers to spend more money in their stores. According to the chart, the most common reason for using a BNPL plan is purchasing an item out of the consumer’s budget.

Installment plans and BNPL has become an increasingly popular financing method that benefits retailers, consumers, and the companies that offer this financing option. Always think things through before using a BNPL plan and weigh your options to determine if this is the best choice for you.

SIMPLE SELF-CARE ROUTINE

Wondering how to start a self-care regimen? Well… have no fear! You can try one of the many apps on IOS and Android. Many of the apps listed in this article offer 3-14 day free-trials, as well as monthly and yearly subscriptions.

Apps that are available on IOS and Android

Calm app: Calm offers several types of meditation and mindfulness exercises for all. There are guided activities for children ranging from 3-17.

· 7-day free trial

· Monthly fee $14.99

· Yearly subscription $69.99

· Life-long membership $399.99

· Family plan for up to 6 individuals $99.99/month

· Prime student discount 3 months complimentary and yearly subscription $8.99/month

Meditation studio app: Meditation studio allows the user to experience a series of complimentary meditations that range from 4-8 minutes

· Yearly subscription $49.99

Meditation Pro app: This pro version app offers live meditation, fitness and yoga sessions, as well as pre-recorded classes you may take anytime

· 3-day free trial

· Monthly fee $8.99

· Yearly subscription $49.99

Breathe: Sleep better, learn to relax, deal with anxiety & stress, feel happier, get healthier, achieve success, learn to meditate, let go!

· 14-day free trial

· Monthly $12.99

"Remember this: Be kind to your mind."

YoSleepiest +:

The Sleepiest is a sleep app that teaches techniques to get to your RIM sleep

· 7-day free trial

· Monthly $9.99

· Yearly subscription $59.99

ThinkUp:

· 7-day free trial

· Monthly $7.99

· Yearly subscription $39.99

Feel better:

This is a cooking app that gives you access to 800+ plant-based recipes, endless wellness inspiration with 400+ exercise, mindfulness, and sleep classes, nutrition-based meal plans, wellness articles from leading practitioners, helpful wellness tools.

· 7-day free trial

· Monthly $3.99

· Yearly $32.99

Youper:

The Youper app offers self-guided therapy based on Cognitive behavioral Therapy (CBT)

· You sign up using your email or FB account.

· Choose what areas in your life you could benefit from self-care: work, school, relationship with yourself, friends/family, parenting, and romantic relationships

· Next, you choose how this app can support your needs: managing stress, feeling more confident, prioritizing your selfcare, loving your authentic self, speaking about your needs, or taking time to rest

· There are playlists that you can choose from, such as BIPOC mental health, Black mental health, Latinx mental health, AAPI mental health, LGBTQ mental health, guided journaling, sleep well, breath work & bodywork

· 7-day free trial

· 1-year subscription $69.99

Try one of these apps and live a less stressful life!

“Start

SELF-CARE

TAKE TIME FOR YOU!

Have a fabulous holiday season! Feeling a little over-whelmed? Try one of the many NVBCC Practitioners that can help you to raise your vibration and try a little self-care boost!

Don’t assume - Analyze Knowledge is power ~ And access to that power

should be at your fingertips.

Homemade

Apple sauce

There are many excellent brands of jarred applesauce but there is nothing quite as satisfying as freshly made applesauce from seasonal apples. This is a wonderful sweet & savory side condiment to accompany your holiday meal of roasted pork loin.

Ingredients

2 cups Honey crisp apples (diced) (organic) 1 Granny smith apple (diced) (organic) ⅓ cup filtered water

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (with the mother) 1 tsp cinnamon (powdered) (organic) ¼ tsp vanilla extract (organic) ⅛ tsp pink Himalayan salt 1-2 tsp unrefined cane sugar (organic) (optional)

Directions:

Place the cut fruit (yep, it's ok to leave the peel on if the apples are organic), water, cider, cinnamon, vanilla, salt and sugar if you are adding it in a pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and then simmer, covered until fruit is tender and the liquid has cooked off (about 15 minutes). Taste the sauce. If you feel it needs to be sweeter, add a teaspoon or two of unrefined cane sugar and reheat, stirring constantly, until it dissolves. Then puree in the blender or mash with potato masher, depending on whether you want a smooth or chunky consistency.

Preparation time: 20 minutes

About 2 ½ cups

Adapted by Jocelyn Johnson from a recipe written by C. Lair. recipe from C. Lair, 2012.

Cranberry Ginger sauce

This sauce is a family favorite and has been on my Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner table for years. I especially like it with turkey sandwiches after the holidays or as an accompaniment to pumpkin pancakes. This sauce always tastes best a day or two after it is made to allow the flavors to meld, so make it at least a day before you want to serve it. It will keep in the fridge for up to one month.

Ingredients:

12 ounces fresh cranberries (organic)

1 cup filtered water

1¼ cups orange juice (organic)

¼ cup sugar (raw sugar)

2 tbsp finely chopped peeled fresh ginger (organic)

1 tbsp grated orange or lemon zest (organic)

Directions:

·Combine all the ingredients in a large heavy-bottomed nonreactive saucepan.

·Bring ingredients to a boil over high heat stirring continuously until all the sugar has dissolved.

·Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce until it is thick, stirring often and slightly mashing the berries with the back end of the spoon, about 15 minutes.

·Transfer the sauce to a container, cover and chill.

*Store in an air-tight container for up to 3 weeks.

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Makes: About 3 cups

Adapted by Jocelyn Johnson from a recipe in Bon Appétit magazine, November 1993.

wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.”

“Talent

— Michael Jordan

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

From

THRIVE

THRIVING New Year!

Thank You! contributors

Editor-in-Chief  Robin McDougal

Managing Editor Health & Wellness Editor

Tonya Poindexter White Jocelyn Johnson

Board of Directors

Chair

Vice Chair

Fundraising Co-Chair

Fundraising Co-Chair

Past Chair

Advocacy Co-Chair

Advocacy Co-Chair

Membership Co-Chair

Events Chair

Government Contracting Chair

Communications Chair

Executive Director

Samuel Wiggins

Robin McDougal

Jameel Scott

Scott Price

Corey Holeman

Michelle Jefferson

Bo Machayo

Jocelyn Johnson

LeAnn White

Aaron Kelley

Tonya Poindexter White

Sheila Dixon