Spring's vibrant colors and expanding ecosystems exemplify sustainable growth, showcasing nature's positive influence on renewal.
like nature, collaborative leadership fosters collective strength within the business community, often surpassing individual achievements. The African proverb, "When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion," underscores the power of collaboration.
Throughout history, covert efforts have sought to hinder collective progress, recognizing the threat posed by united fronts. By embracing collaborative leadership, businesses can overcome barriers and unlock their full potential.
Galvanizing diverse talents and leveraging unexpected sources strengthens teams and expands an organizations’s capabilities, leading to greater success. Rather than focusing solely on competition, standing collaborative leadership emphasizes unity, resilience, and continuous growth.
It's not always about reaching the finish line first; often it's about thriving together.
We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”
— Barack Obama
UNITED
“ WHEN SPIDER WEBS UNITE , THEY CAN TIE UP A LION ”
— AFRICAN PROVERB
WHEN WE STAND TOGETHER , WE CAN BECOME BIGGER THAN OURSELVES
Black women remain the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs
Black women's emergence as the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs despite comprising less than 10% of the U.S. population is a testament to their resilience, determination, and innovative spirit. Despite facing unique societal pressuresandstereotypes.Blackwomen entrepreneurs have defied the odds, leveraging their talents and seizing opportunitiesinthebusinesslandscape.
The thriving business environment, coupled with the rise of emerging and startup ventures, has provided fertile groundforBlackwomentoestablishand growtheirenterprises.
Even before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of Black womenowned businesses was on an upward trajectory. Between 2017 and 2020, this segment experienced remarkable growth, with a nearly 20% increase, outpacing the growth of both womenowned businesses and Black-owned businessesoverall.
This exponential growth underscores the untapped potential and entrepreneurial prowess within the Black female community. It's imperative to recognize and support the endeavors of Black women entrepreneurs, as their success not only contributes to individual prosperity but also enriches the economicfabricofsocietyasawhole.
We are thrilled to provide you with an update on legislative initiatives occurring in public policy on federal, state, and local levels, impacting small businesses and the business community at large.
Welcome back to our Public Policy Corner for THRIVE Magazine!Thismonth,weare thrilledtoprovideyouwithan updateontheVirginiaGeneral Assembly’s 2024 legislative session.
TheVirginiaGeneralAssembly convened a 3-month session startinginJanuarywhereover 3,500billswereintroducedand over 2,200 of these bills were passed with 153 those vetoed byGovernor Glen Youngkin. The General Assembly is currentlyinsessionworkingto reconcile their passed budget with that of the Governor’s proposedbudget.
“Over 2,200 bills were passed”
Keylegislativeareasofinterestto Virginia’s small business communityarelistedbelow.
Small Women and Minority (SWaM) Business Procurement EnhancementProgramHB 1404(Del.Ward)Passed.Thisbill establishes the Small SWaM BusinessProcurement Enhancement Program. This program has a statewide goal of 42%ofcertifiedsmallSWaM business utilization in all discretionary spending by executive branch agencies and covered institutions in procurement orders, prime contracts, and subcontracts as well as a 50% goal for subcontracting
to small SWaM businesses in instances where the prime contractor is not a small SWaM business for all new capital outlay construction solicitations that are issued. issued.Thebillprovidesfora smallSWaMbusinesssetaside for state agency and covered institutionpurchasesofgoods, services, and construction, requiringthatpurchasesupto $100,000 be set aside for award to certified small SWaMbusinesses.
skill games allow players to benefit from “skill” — often an ability to recognize patterns — to improve their chances of winning
VirginiaSmallBusinessEconomic DevelopmentActestablished;regulation ofskillgamemachines;penalties.
Establishes the Virginia Small Business EconomicDevelopmentActforthe purpose of providing a regulatory and registration scheme for skill game machinesintheCommonwealth.Thebill authorizes and specifies the registration requirements for the distribution, operation,hosting,andplayofskillgame machines,asdefinedinthebill.Thebill imposes a 25 percent tax on the gross receiptsfromtheplayofeachskillgame machine from each distributor and providesfortheuseofsuchtaxproceeds, withmostbeingdepositedintothePreK12PriorityFund,establishedinthebill. The bill directs the Virginia Lottery Board Board to promulgate regulations no later than January 1, 2027, to implementtheprovisionsofthebill and authorizes the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority to grant a provisional registration, beginning July 1, 2024, to any entity that provides a laboratorycertificationfroma laboratoryapprovedbytheAuthority
that the game being distributed, operated, or placed in an establishment meetsthedefinitionandrequirementsof askillgamemachine.
VirginiaBusinessReadySitesPrograms. Programs. As passed by the General Assembly, this item reduces funding levels for the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program from $150 million in FY 2025 and $50 million in FY 2026, as proposed in the introduced budget, to $20 million per year. The Governor’s amendments provide an additional $50 millioninFY2025.Inaddition,there waslanguagetoadjusteligibilitycriteria forthisprogramtoallowsitesofatleast 50 acres to qualify (current budget language allows these sites to qualify onlyincertainregions),aswellas sitesthatmaybebisectedbyaroadway orotherutilityrelatedinfrastructure.
Sheila Johnson
SheilaJohnson,thefirstAfrican-American womanbillionaire,shareshertriumphant yettumultuousjourneyinhermemoir "WalkThroughFire."Shetakesyouona journeyfromenduringpublichumiliation toherincrediblerisetobeingabusiness mogul.Duringthisrollercoasteroflife,she unveilspreviouslyhiddenstruggles, includinganemotionallypainful33-year marriage.Fromamiddle-classupbringing tohervastentrepreneurialventures, Johnson'sexemplifiesresilienceand determinationassheconfrontsobstacles.
ByRobinMcDougalRaised Maywood,Illinois,bysupportiveparents,Sheila Johnson'sdemonstratedapassionformusicasaconcert violinistandlateramusicteacher.Now74,sheistheformer co-founderofBET, founderandCEOofSalamanderHotels andResorts,aswellastheonlyAfrican-Americanwoman withstakesinthreeprofessionalsportsteams.
“Don’t let anyone convince you that your dream, your vision to be an entrepreneur, is something that you shouldn’t do. ”
— Cathy Hughes
Dedicated to women business owners, women thinking about becoming a business owner and women business owners ready for the next level.
Companies with female founders perform 63% better than those of their male peers
Only 2.7% of venture capital dollars went towards female-founded companies in 2019.
Black female startup founders received merely 0.34% of the total venture capital spent in the U.S.in 2021
Let's Change These Statistics Together!
2024 BGV Pitch Program Application
Ends on Wed, Nov 6, 2024 11:59 PM
By Robin McDougal
Do you know an exceptional woman who has made a significant impact in 2024?
THRIVE Magazine is seeking your insights about outstanding women in entrepreneurship, philanthropy, or advocacy. Share why she deserves recognition for her remarkable contributions to her community. Let's celebrate her achievements together! Please consider sharing stories of Outstanding Women.
Let’s Start the Conversation:
THRIVE Magazine is dedicated to bringing our network timely and valuable business information designed for success. We are committed to providing resources, leadership, and advocacy to promote prosperity within the African American Community. We invite you to collaborate with us to facilitate the economic empowerment of black-owned businesses with the latest trends, insights, and data from your area of expertise.
"Your voice is important. Click Here to tell us what our community needs to know."
We invite you to share information that will:
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An Accelerator Program empowering black owned businesses for economic growth and sustainability
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Thank You Senator Tim Kaine & Senator Mark Warner
As featured on
By Jude Joseph
Melissa Peterson
An Interview with Jude Joseph, Cybersecurity Editor
Thrive’s Cybersecurity Editor Jude Joseph conducted an interview with Melissa Peterson Founder, President, and CEO of Blue Sky Innovative Solutions, during NVBCC’s monthly GovCon Committee spotlight sessions.
Jude:HelloMelissa. Tellusalittleaboutyourself.
IamoriginallyfromtheBronx,New York. Moved out here to do government work, interestingly. I was a management consultant and decided that I wanted to transition over to government moreforlifestylereasons.Andalso because I was looking to invest more in real estate at the time, somethingthatI'mstillinto.Iama serial entrepreneur, so I have prettymuchbeenanentrepreneur since I can remember. My earliest memory of this was,, doing a little performanceonmystoopathome for the kids in the neighborhood andchargingadime.
I made up the show as I went along,butIrememberthatIwasn't asexcitedaboutdoingtheshowas
I was about selling the tickets to theshow.Andthatwaskindofmy
Jude:So,tellusabout BlueSkyInnovativeSolutions.
Blue Sky was started back in around2015orso.Gotasoftstart.I started the company while I was working for a large company called CSE. CSE is no longer around, it's been consumed by GDITatthispoint.ButIhadalways been an entrepreneur, but I'd alwayskeptitseparate.SoIalways hadkindofmydayjob.AndthenI hadthethingsthatIwasdoingon theside.Ifeltlikeitroseabovethe level of a side hustle, if you will, becauseitwasveryorganized,had employeesandstufflikethat.
But I never really dedicated all of my time to it. So Blue Sky Innovative Solutions is a labor of love.
Jude:So,tellusabout BlueSkyInnovativeSolutions.
Blue Sky Innovative Solutions provides federal, state, and local governmentclientswithsupportin areas including cybersecurity, application development, and end-to-endmissionsupport.Some of our key clients are defense and intelligence clients like DISA, which istheDefenseInformationSystems Agency, CISA, which is the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and state and local clients like Prince George's County, which is where we are based.
Let's see, we're about 100 people strong at this point, and we work across a lot of different markets. We like to think of ourselves as smallbutmighty.
Jude:Whatmadeyoudecidetotake aleaponyourown?
I would have kind elders within government say, “ You should really start a business. You know, Melissa, you're good. You should really do this. You should, you know, start an 8A.” I had no idea what an 8A was at the time. Because as I said, I've been doing thisforaverylongtime.
But, you know, seeds were planted and they just kind of laid there. They weren't on fertile ground just yet. There came a point though, whenIwaselevatedenoughwithin my career that there really, I won't saythatitwasnecessarilyaglass ceiling, but we know that there is, butthat'snotreallywhyIleft.
Jude:Whatmadeyoudecidetotake aleaponyourown?
I think that I had achieved what I wanted to achieve within corporate America. And for me, this was very much about selfactualization,youknow,takingthat risk and going out on a limb and building something from scratch andcreatingthisbabyandhelping othersinthecommunity.
Yeah, it was just something that I wanted to make sure that I did in mylifetime,anditjustseemedlike aperfecttimeforit.
Jude:Howhasyourcompanygrownover theyears?Wasitquickly?Wasitsteady?
Yeah,that'sareallygoodquestion. So we had a different trajectory than most. So while I was still at CSC, I set up the bones of the company, meaning got certifications,thingsofthatnature, andgotsomesubcontracts.Really nothing major. When I say subcontracts, I'm talking about, you know, a friend putting me on forabody,givingmelikeaprofitof a dollar, you know, on the person, right?Butjusttogiveussomepast performance. So that's what I started out by doing. But then when I finally left CSC, our first contractwasaprimecontract.
And it was actually with Prince George'sCounty.Again,whileIwas withCSC,IwassupportingtheIntel defense business. And so obviously, I couldn't go after work withinthatspace.
Jude:Howhasyourcompanygrownover theyears?Wasitquickly?Wasitsteady?
ButIwentafteropportunitiesatthe state and local level as a result. And we'd gotten on an IDIQ, I say we, I mean me and one other personwhoisnowmyCTO,bothof us sitting in our respective basements working on these proposals. So we got an IDIQ and then four solicitations, four task orderscameoutonthat.
And we were fortunate enough to win one of those. And with that, Blue Sky was off to the races. And so, you know, I think, At the end of the day, there was a whole lot of hardwork,right,andweweresmall for quite some time while we're building up the infrastructure of the company and doing things of that nature. We're still amassing additional subcontracts and we got other prime contracts at that time,buttheywererelativelysmall.
It's funny because people always think that you're an overnight success. I don't really believe in that. There's a whole lot of work thatalwaysgoesintoanysuccess. whether it's like, an iceberg and most of it was, you know, lots happening below the surface and you just don't see it. Most people don'tseeit,buttherewasdefinitely alotofeffortthatwentintothat.
But I would say that we grew, relatively rapidly for the first few years, but certainly achieving our 8A certification drove explosive growth for us. What it did, real quicklyforuswas,itenabledallof those clients that we've been working with for these years who didn't have an easy way to get to ustogettous.
Jude:intermsofcertifications,whenit cametoobtainingyourHUBZone,wasthat helpfulinyourgrowth?
I would say that the HUBZone certification is helpful for us from thestandpointofsubcontracting.I think that we're still working to educate the contracting officer market and program managers about the availability of highly skilled IT-oriented HUBZone companies to meet their requirements.Soyoujustdon'tsee quite as many sole source opportunities come out under the HUBZone program. Also, as you may know, the sole source authority for the 8A program is different from that for HUBZone and women-owned small businesses.
For that reason, there are fewer solesourcesthattendtobemade under the women-owned small businessortheHUBZoneprograms, just because they're protestable and the government people like theeasybutton.
Jude:Duringyourjourney,didyouever havelikeanahamomentwithyour business?Likewhendiditfinallyclick?
I would say, first of all, I really appreciate the compliments. We are learning every day, right? When you hear people say that there are levels to this, right? So, youknow,thislevel,andwe'revery happy about that. I'm so grateful and, humbled by it, but we recognizethatwe'restillgrowing.
I have constant epiphanies about things all the time. One that I'll share is that it's interesting how strengthscanbecomeaweakness if you're not careful. So one of the biggest strengths, I think, that we have had in driving our growth is that I'm very hands-on business development person. So a lot of ourcontractshavecomefromme, but that can also be a limiting factoranditcanslowyourgrowth if you're not bringing in enough other people who can do that. bringinthoseprotégésearly,right, longbeforeyouneedthem.
By William J. McBorrough
Meet Shari Mitchell, a force to be reckoned with in the world of cybersecurity. Her unwavering commitment to safeguarding digitalrealmsandherpassionfor emergingtechnologyhaveearned her the title of Cybersecurity Queen. Let’s delve into her inspiringstory.
Shari’s journey commenced during her youth when she faced multiple cyber-attacks. These early challenges ignited her determination to fortify her online defenses. As a victim turned advocate, she transformed adversityintoadrivingforce.
With over ten years of experience at Dell Technologies, Shari has honed her skills across various cybersecurity domains. Her expertise extends beyond technical know-how; she is a fierce advocate for cybersecurity awareness. Shari believes that individual efforts collectively enhance our nation’s security posture.
Shari’s mission transcends personal security. She tirelessly works to empower the next generation of professionals and every internet user. Through workshops, talks, and educational initiatives, she emphasizes the shared responsibility we all bear insafeguardingourdigitallives.
Shari’s story unfolds in her hometown of Maryland. Here, during her freshman year of high school, she encountered her first cyber-attack—an incident that would shape her path. Imagine the chaos: a maliciously crafted fakesocialmediaprofileusingher personal information and that of fellow students. The outrage reverberated through the student bodyofover2,000.Thankfully,the school intervened, leading to the expulsionoftheperpetrator.
Shari’s passion for music led her down another pivotal path. Unknowingly,shedownloadedfiles from untrusted sources, unwittingly inviting a ransomware attack that encrypted her data, including schoolwork. Despite the adversity, she persevered, emerging stronger and more resilient.
Shari’s journey exemplifies the intersection of technology, resilience, and advocacy. As the CybersecurityQueen,shenotonly protectsthedigitallandscapebut also inspires others to do the same. Whether you’re considering acareerincybersecurityorsimply seeking to fortify your digital defenses,Shari’sstoryservesasa beacon—a reminder that our collective efforts shape a safer digitalfutureforall.
Shari Mitchell’s Odyssey: Penn State and the Unconventional Pivot
Shari’sacademicvoyageledherto PennState,wheresheembarkedon adegreeinSecurity&RiskAnalysis. But it was during her senior year that she made a bold move—an unconventional shift in her path. Armedwithameticulouslyoutlined class plan, she approached the dean of the College of Information Science and Technology. Her proposition was simple: excel in summer classes, and she could switchhermajor.Andexcelshedid. Acing every course, she solidified her trajectory toward a cybersecurity-focusedfuture.
Trailblazing Resilience Challenges, for Shari, are not obstacles—they’re opportunities to forge new paths. Her journey through the intricate landscape of cybersecurity stands as a testament to resilience, determination,andtheunwavering beliefincreatingone’sdestiny.
Shari’stenureatDellTechnologies has been marked by growth, development, and unwavering commitment. As we approach June,shereflectsonaremarkable decade of contributing to the company’s success. Her journey began as a college hire in the IT Development Program, where she rotated through different teams, gaining a diverse range of experiences.
Identity and Access
Management: Shari’s very first project had a security component. She played a pivotal role in ensuring robust identity and access management practices, safeguarding critical systems anddata.
FinancialServicesApplications: Her journey continued as she supported financial services applications through change and release management. Her expertise ensured seamless transitions and enhanced security.
Customer Intelligence and Product Security: Today, Shari works in security, focusing on customer intelligence for products and applications. Her insights drive innovation and protectusersacrossthedigital landscape.
When asked about her secret to career growth, Shari shares her recipe:
1. Curiosity: Asking questions fuels continuous learning and adaptability.
Networking: Building meaningful connections opens doors and fosterscollaboration.
2. Dive In: Jump into projects fearlessly, embracing challenges assteppingstones.
3. GoalSetting:Cleargoalspavethe wayforadvancement.
4. Shari Mitchell’s journey is a beacon for aspiring cybersecurity professionals. Her legacy extends beyond technical prowess—it’s about resilience, passion, and the relentlesspursuitofexcellence.
Transcending the corporate walls, Shari is a published author as the Cybersecurity Queen, which is a non-profit organization striving to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity for everyone, regardless of background, interests, or profession. Shari is on a mission to make cybersecurity a household conversation and to create a safer, more secure digital landscape for all!
Lastyear,shepublishedthefirst iterationofherbookseriescalled “CyberCrown”.Thisseriesis designedtoinspirethenext generationofcybersecurity professionals.Bybreakingdownthe complexitiesofcybersecurityinto relatabledomains,Shariaimstohelp youngmindsmatchtheirpassionto theneedswithinthefield.Her interactionswithstudentsallowher todebunkmisconceptionsandignite curiosity.
In a digital age where the virtual realm intersects with our daily lives, cybersecurity stands as the guardian of ourdigitaldomains.
"CyberCrown"isapowerful and comprehensive guide that not only beckons womentoseizetheirrightful place in this dynamic field butempowersall,regardless of gender, with essential knowledge for navigating thedigitallandscapesafely.
Butthat’snotall—SharihastakenonanewroleastheHeadof SecurityOperationsatNextGenCyber(NGC),aManaged SecurityServicesProvider(MSSP).
Whyisthisrolecrucial?Becausemaliciousactorsoftenexploit thepathofleastresistance.Smallandmedium-sized businesses(SMBs),lackingtheresourcesforrobust cybersecurityprogramsbecomeprimetargetsforcyber attacks.
NGCstepsinasaformidablesolution,offeringenterprisegradecybersecurityandinsuranceprotection.Shari’sblendof passionandexpertiseensuresthatSMBsthrivesecurelyinthe digitalage.
ThenextchapterforShariwillbefilledwithchallengesthat resultinhugerewards,andshecouldn’tbemoreeagerandup fortheride!Herlegacyextendsbeyondtechnicalprowess—it’s aboutresilience,passion,andtherelentlesspursuitof excellence.
Aswereflectonthemeaningof Women'sHistoryMonth,the NorthernVirginiaChamberof Commerceturnsitsfocustoa silentshadowthatoftentrails behindmanyofourmostbrilliant minds,particularlythoseofblack womeninourvibrantbusiness community:ImposterSyndrome. Thiscomplexemotionalexperience, whereindividualsdoubttheir accomplishmentsandharbora persistentfearofbeingunmasked asa"fraud,"disproportionately burdenswomenofcolor,subtly underminingtheirwell-beingand professionalgrowth.
InthebustlingcorridorsofNorthern Virginia'senterprises,where diversityfuelsinnovation,the storiesofblackfemale professionals,entrepreneurs,and leadersunfold—atapestryrichwith resilience,yetnotuntouchedbythe tendrilsofimpostersyndrome.Itis throughtheirvoices,theirlived experiences,thatwefindthemost profoundlessonsontranscending thishiddenbarrier.
ThePersonalBattlesBehind ProfessionalSuccess
Impostersyndromemanifests uniquelyacrossdifferentlives, entwinedwiththesystemic challengesthatblackwomenface intheworkplace.Thepressureof "beingtheonlyone"inaboardroom orleadingaprojectcanamplify doubts,makingeachachievement feellikeapotentialtriggerfor scrutiny,ratherthanamilestoneof success.
BuildingBridgesofSupport: There'sprofoundpowerin community.TheNorthern VirginiaChamberofCommerce cherishesthecreationofspaces whereblackwomencanshare theirstories,seekadvice,and findmentorship.Thesenetworks serveasareminderthatone's feelingsofinadequacyare shared—andsurmountable— challenges,notsolitaryburdens.
CelebratingEveryStep: Acknowledgingone's achievements,bothbigand small,actsasacounterweight tofeelingsofbeinganimposter. Personalrituals,peer recognition,andpublic celebrationsplayacrucialrole inreinforcingtherealityofone's accomplishmentsand contributions.
EnlighteningOurAllies:True progressrequirestheactive engagementofallies.Through educationandopendialogue, wecanilluminatethespecific challengesblackwomenface, fosteringanenvironmentwhere supportisnotjustofferedbut tailoredtoaddressthenuanced realitiesofimpostersyndrome.
ChampioningSelf-Careand Compassion:Atthecoreof battlingimpostersyndromelies theactofkindnesstowards oneself.Encouragingselfcompassion,mindfulness,anda balancedlifestyleamongour communitymembersiskeyto buildingtheemotional resilienceneededtoface professionalchallengeswith confidence.
Ourregionishometocountless blackwomenwho,despitethe shadowsofdoubtcastbyimposter syndrome,haverisento remarkableheightsofprofessional excellence.Theirjourneys,marked bybothchallengeandtriumph, servenotonlytoinspirebutalsoto guidethenextgenerationof womeninbreakingfreefromthe invisiblechainsofself-doubt.
Aswereflectonthepurposeof Women'sHistoryMonth,let's continuetoamplifythevoicesand storiesoftheblackwomenamong us.Theirachievements,their struggles,andtheirresilienceare notjustchaptersintheirown storiesbutareintegraltothe broadernarrativeofour community'sjourneytoward inclusivity,empowerment,and collectivesuccess.
TheNorthernVirginiaChamberof Commercestandscommittedto nurturinganenvironmentwhere everywoman,especiallythosewho walkwiththeadditionalburdenof impostersyndrome,canpursueher professionaldreams unencumbered.Together,wecan transformthenarrativefromoneof doubttooneofundeniable strengthandachievement.
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer.”
— Harriet Tubman
March is designated National Awareness Month for several causes and medical conditions, including Women’s History Month, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), National Bleeding Disorder, National Kidney, National Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), as well as days dedicated to World Kidney Day (March 11), Purple Day for epilepsy awareness (March 26, and National Doctor’s Day (March 30), where April is the designated month for conditions and causes including Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), National Autism, National Child Abuse Prevention, National Donate Life, National Parkinson’s, National Minority Health, where National Public Health week (April 1st-7th), National Youth HIV/AIDS Day (April 10).
Every year, these causes are brought up to the American public to pay attention to special conditions that many deal with regularly. Many of these conditions are rampant in the brown and black communities nationwide. Conditions such as extreme bleeding with monthly menses cause a large amount of brown and black women to be iron deficient, which can reduce a woman’s ability to work long hours and take care of her business and family. This condition alone affects approximately 30% of brown and black women, of whom 19% suffer from iron deficiency and 12 % have iron deficiency anemia. This condition alone will reduce the sufferer’s productivity. American women of African descent are 3 times as likely to be diagnosed with conditions related to irritable bowel conditions, with many of these individuals being diagnosed with other
comorbidities such as type II diabetes, stress, and high blood pressure, to name a few. Many think that if they go to the doctor, they will receive a prescription for medication, and they will take that medication for the rest of their lives. Yet, there is a better way to reduce these symptoms from most conditions.
Small business owners should be encouraged to take time and look at their overall health. We must prioritize our health to grow our businesses and succeed. Take time out of your busy life and make lifestyle changes to reduce the stress that business ownership can bring. Think of it this way: if your oxygen mask pops out of the ceiling of the plane, you’re instructed to put your mask on first. Working on stress reduction is like putting your mask on first. Your mood is the most significant cause of stress. Stress reduction is vital to improving your overall health, as well as eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables that are organically grown. Organically grown produce is imperative to reducing inflammation and improving conditions associated with the endocrine system. These chemicals are endocrine disruptors and cause symptoms of many conditions, such as hypothyroidism, adrenal dysfunction, Chronic kidney disease (CKD), type II diabetes, low testosterone, low estrogen, and high estrogen, the leading cause of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
All the conditions mentioned here can be reduced dramatically with simple changes to daily habits. Taking short breaks with 20-30 minute walks throughout the day can improve productivity and mood. Where consuming a plant-based diet with 3-4 ounces of protein and small amounts of quality fats from avocados, nuts, and seeds will improve overall mood, decrease anxiety, help manage weight and bring overall balance to the body. Making a few lifestyle changes will help the entrepreneur manage stress, increase productivity, and build business to scale their business up and hire more employees eventually.
Hummus is a traditional Middle Eastern spread that is delicious on vegetarian sandwiches. Or it is great to enjoy with fresh carrot, celery sticks or fresh red, orange and yellow bell peppers, as a dip. You may want to blanch your vegetables to bring out the flavor of the vegetables while preserving the nutrients.
Ingredients
2 lemons (zest one lemon, juice both lemons)
2 cups great Northern beans, canned
5 tablespoons tahini (sesame seed paste)
1-11/2 teaspoon sea salt (divided)
2 cloves garlic (rough chopped)
2 sprigs rosemary leaves (fresh)
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup filtered water
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup cauliflower florets
1 cup carrots
1 cup celery
1-2 red, orange, or yellow bell pepper (sliced about 1/4 inch thick)
Ice water bath
Directions:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil for blanching the vegetables and add 2 tablespoons to the water to season the blanched vegetables.
Combine great Northern beans, lemon zest, lemon juice, tahini, 1 tablespoon salt, garlic rosemary leaves, olive oil, and water in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth. Drop vegetables into boiling water, blanch 3- minutes until the color brightens. Immediately plunge blanched vegetables into a cold water bath to stop the cooking.
Drain vegetables and allow to air dry
Prep time: 30 minutes
Makes: 3 cups hummus, 5 cups blanched or raw vegetables
Vegetarian, Nut-free, Gluten-free
"Recipe from Feeding the Young Athlete, Sports Nutrition Made Easy for Players, Parents and Coaches by Cynthia Lair (Readers to Eaters, 2012)."
Themusicbusinesshasseenatransformativeshiftwith theemergenceofanewgenerationofmusicproducers who have moved away from traditional studios to become bedroom producers. These producers exemplify the essence of music entrepreneurship, as theybuildtheirownbusinesseswithintheindustry.They innovate by solving problems, meeting needs, or introducingfreshapproachestomusicproduction
.Whether it's creating unique sounds, offering production services, or building online communities, these entrepreneurs monetize their skills through variousavenues,includingdirectpaymentfortheirtime and passive income streams such as royalties or licensing.
This shift highlights the democratization of music production, allowing talented individuals to thrive outside of conventional studio settings and empowering them to shape the future of the music industry through their creativity and entrepreneurial endeavors.
By Robin McDougal
In the ever-evolving landscape of music, there are moments that transcend genres and spark conversationsthatreverberatefarbeyondtheconfines of a single track or album. Such is the case with the intersection of "Maya Sings Country" and Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter" album – two artistic endeavors that converge to shine a spotlight on diversity within the countrymusicgenre.
"Maya Sings Country" is more than just a children's book; it's a testament to the power of storytelling and music to foster understanding and celebrate diversity. Through the journey of Maya, a young girl navigating herloveforcountrymusicinaworldwhereshedoesn't always see herself represented, readers are invited to explore themes of identity, acceptance, and the universal language of music. In a genre often associatedwithaparticulardemographic,"MayaSings Country" serves as a vital reminder that country music belongstoeveryone,regardlessofrace,background,or upbringing.
Enter Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter" album – a bold and audacious exploration of country music that defies categorization and challenges the status quo. By seamlesslyblendingelementsofcountry,R&B,andhiphop, Beyoncé not only showcases her unparalleled talentbutalsoamplifiesthevoicesofBlackartistswho havehistoricallybeenunderrepresentedinmainstream countrymusic.
Through tracks like "Roots Run Deep" and "Southern Soul," Beyoncé's album serves as a rallying cry for inclusivity and a call to action for the industry to embracediverseperspectivesandexperiences.
The connection between "Maya Sings Country" and "Cowboy Carter" is profound and multifaceted. Both works stand as beacons of change, challenging longheld stereotypes and championing the importance of representation within the country music community. Together, they spark a dialogue about the need for greater diversity in all aspects of the genre – from artistsandsongwriterstoproducersandexecutives.
Asweshinealightonstoriesthatmatter–storiesthat have the power to inspire, educate, and provoke thought.Theconnectionbetween"MayaSingsCountry" andBeyoncé's"CowboyCarter"albumisonesuchstory –astoryofresilience,creativity,andthetransformative power of music to break down barriers and build bridgesbetweencultures.
Inaworldwheredivisionseemstoreignsupreme,letus heed the lessons taught by "Maya Sings Country" and "Cowboy Carter" – let us celebrate diversity, amplify marginalized voices, and strive to create a more inclusive and equitable music industry for generations tocome.
