December 2012 Issue

December 2012 Issue

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December 2012 Issue

WOMEN"S Elevation Magazine Volume 1 路 Number 2 Publisher

DeLisha Sylvester

Contributing Writer

Alsonta Clemons

Contributing Writer

Ijeoma Nwatu

Contributing Writer

Sandra Salathe

Contributing Writer

Kisha Washington

Expert Writer, Events

Jon'll Boyd

Expert Writer, Health & Wellness

Tosh Patterson

Expert Writer, Social Media

Cathy E. Smith

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December 2012 Issue

Table of Contents December 2012 · Volume 1 · Number 2 6 Dress for Success: Holiday

16 Everyday Recipe…For the

Edition

woman on the go!

11 'Tis the Season for a Holiday Networking Mixer: Jingle and

23 How to Generate Six Figure

Mingle

Leads through Social Media 31 Is A Career Coach in Your Future?

35 A few fall season items to try...

37 A SPECIAL GIFT (A special message to

14 Creating Healthy Mindset

hardworking women everywhere)

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December 2012 Issue

Featured Entrepreneur

18 On the Cover: Meet the "Stress Manager" Chere Cofield

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December 2012 Issue

Business Spotlights

26 Michelle Hill of OnTask Assistants

33 Renee Coates-Smith of Imani Productions, LLC

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December 2012 Issue

Dress for Success: Holiday Edition By: Sandra Salathe, Contributing Writer of WE Magazine

The holidays are my favorite time of year. I find myself preparing for them before the season even begins. Listening to Christmas music well into September before the Halloween decorations have even put up. The holidays are the time that family and friends come together to celebrate the ending of one year, and beginning of the next. Holiday parties begin in both the world of the 9-5 environment and networking working world of business owners. On one hand we are filled with the curiosity of what our tree will be filled with, and on the other we making time to get those lastminute connections made before the clock strikes midnight.

The scene 50 + attendees in a room filled with food, drink, and hopefully good company.

Holiday networking events place us in good spirit not only because of the eagerness to fill our card holders with new contacts, but also because of the spirit of what is to come in the New Year. Excited faces dressed to the nine in beautiful pant suit outfits or long flowing dresses grace your presence with open hands ready to greet you. With all of these happy feelings who could feel uneasy? Before stepping out of your house you raided your closet searching for the perfect professional outfit to knock them dead so to speak, but you couldn’t find a thing. Well before you drive to your nearest clothing store of choice and allow them to talk you into spending a pretty penny, take a look at some of our tips to keep your holiday garments chic and budget friendly.

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December 2012 Issue

Just like figuring out chic and professional work attire you will need to put that same logic into holiday party networking attire. It takes the same calculation and planning one might put into a recipe to make it taste utterly delectable.

Tip 1: Dare to be different

It’s most likely that every woman will shoot for the same look at holiday parties, why not stand out? Choose a color that no one would consider wearing during the holidays. Stay away from holiday reds and greens and go with silver, gold, white, blue or even black. If you do decide to go with black, make sure your accessories are in bold color. You can also add a bit of color through tights or stockings.

Tip 2: Try something other than a dress Some women hear the word party and automatically think they must wear a dress. That’s not always the case. Another great alternative to a dress would be a pant suit in a gorgeous color. Tuxedo suits for women are huge right now and have been seen on celebrities such as Blake Lively and Gwyneth Paltrow. It’s a perfect way to give off a polished and

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December 2012 Issue

professional vibe all the while staying in the chic category. If you want to be subtle then go with an all-black version. After all, black is always a safe choice to go with just in case someone spills that holiday cocktail on you.

If you are good at dodging spills, then choose a suit in a white or cream color. Pair it with gold accessories and nude pumps. The finished result; utter genius.

Tip 3: Stand out with texture Everyone knows it’s the holiday season. There’s no need to broadcast it with your outfit choices. We’ve all witnessed that person in the room wearing Grandma’s knitted Christmas sweater and have nonchalantly rolled our eyes or gave a scornful look once upon a time. Unless you’re attending a Christmas themed party and want to be ironic, ditch the Christmas sweater all together. Another way to look festive without being overly obvious is to look for pieces with embellishments and texture.

Sequins are perfect for the season. Sequins just have a merry feel to them and can be worn in any color for this particular occasion. Going with gold or silver will make you stand out in the crowd of networkers. Just remember if you are choosing to go with this substitute, make sure you don’t go overboard with the sequins. Try choosing one item such as a blouse, blazer, or dress to add to your outfit. Also make sure you take it easy on the accessories, adding a bracelet or necklace.

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December 2012 Issue

Even though it’s the holidays, you don’t want to resemble a Christmas ornament at your holiday party.

Tip 4: Have fun Last but not least is to make sure you have fun. Your outfit is the attraction before you say hello, but you’ll win over your associates with a smile and welcoming personality. Your appearance says a lot about who you are until you begin speaking therefore, you should make sure that your personality is represented in the outfit decision you choose. You want to give off the right impression to the other party goers so it’s important that you stay true to who you are when it comes to clothing. Experimentation can be good, but if you aren’t comfortable you will stick out like a sore thumb.

It took some time until I found out how to incorporate my flare into outfits all the while keeping up with trends. Contrary to what some might believe; fashion is hard. It takes dedication and intricate understanding to fully master it. But now that you’ve gotten a couple of tips on how to

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December 2012 Issue

dress for success at your holiday parties, figuring out your personal style should be a no brainer. It’s pinning down which outfit choice you’re actually going to go with that’s the difficult part. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and I look forward to the New Year and all the surprises it will bring.

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December 2012 Issue

'Tis the Season for a Holiday Networking Mixer: Jingle and Mingle By: Jon'll Boyd of Completely Yours Events, LLC and an expert writer for WE Magazine.

Networking events are a great way for entrepreneurs to get to know one another and make lasting connections. These events typically create personal and professional relationships among industry professionals.

With only one month left in the year there is only one way to host your next networking event‌ with bright lights and holiday cheer! Hosting a holiday themed networking event is great during this time of year because people want to get out and meet people just in time for the New Year!

Vendors with a purpose!

Hosting a networking event can be a pricey affair. Since the event will be themed you have to find vendors that can blend well together! A great way to save money is to find vendors that also want to put themselves out there and create connections as well. These vendors can come in as a sponsor or a promotional partner which gives them the ability to showcase what they have to offer other businesses. Some good places to start would be companies that specialize in themed events. When you lock in a potential vendor, make sure you have them sign a contract to avoid last-minute back outs. Many vendors are excited to join networking events like this because they know it will be a great opportunity for them to

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December 2012 Issue

expand their client base, or receive recommendations from people who like what they see. Also consider that along with incorporating a holiday theme your company should also incorporate the businesses' colors as part of or play on the holiday theme as well. This is a great way to continually brand and highlight your company in a non-threatening way.

To charge or not to charge.

A great way to avoid this dilemma is by teaming up with a charity. After all, tis the season to give! Instead of entrance ticket fee to the networking event, have each guest either donate to a specific charity or bring a gift. A popular organization is Toys for Tots. Donating or giving a gift can help make a less fortunate family’s tree brighter. Instead of "paying" to attend, this can help make guests feel like they are doing something good and will help set the mood of the night! Other popular charities to consider are the Make a Wish Foundation, My Two Front Teeth, or the Salvation Army.

Something fun that makes office parties successful are door prizes! No five dollar coupons or company t-shirts and the incentive may help boost turn out.

When planning any event location is key!

When selecting a place you need to know how many guests you are expecting, and chose a place that can satisfy this number. Places to consider are theaters, art galleries, and even yoga studios. You would be surprised what some creative dĂŠcor and decorations can do to a place.

Some locations can help provide food and refreshments, and if not there are always nearby restaurants that would love the opportunity to showcase

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December 2012 Issue

their food. Let these vendors know that they can also donate to whichever charity you chose to work with. Also see if they are willing to donate door prizes to add to your supply! A Holiday Mixer can be a great way to close out the year but an even better way to prepare to have a profitable and successful new year.

Jon'll Boyd is the owner of Completely Yours Events, LLC. Find out more about her under our expert writers section!

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December 2012 Issue

Creating Healthy Mindset By: Tosh Patterson of Eat, Live & Be Well Coach and expert writer for WE Magazine.

As a successful woman you may be bogged down in the everyday details of life plus the details of your company’s success. You’re worried about everything from your bottom line to family matters. In all that chaos, it is easy to neglect yourself and, especially, your health.

Let me ask, are you happy with the state of your current health and wellbeing If your response is ‘no’ then you may be interested in making some positive changes to your daily routines. When making these changes it is important to begin with a healthy mindset, which begins with nurturing the body’s most powerful muscle—your brain.

These tips will promote a positive mindset and enhance your chances for success: 1.

2.

Believe you are worth it! Are you guilty of saying you don’t have time to be healthy? Admit it. Just raise your hand. Being healthy requires your time and attention. It may be easy to say you are busy and can’t find time, but aren't you worth 15 minutes each day? Claim time for yourself and know you are worth at least 15 minutes, or more. Aim to practice yoga, walk, meditate, or exercise during the time you earmarked at least twice per week. Start small, just be consistent. You must take care of yourself first before you can continue to serve others.

Remember your words have power! If you would not speak it to your friend, don’t speak it to yourself. As you place your health as a priority, you must speak well to yourself to nurture healthy habits and healthy thoughts. Refrain from negative selftalk by saying things like I am well, I like being healthy, or I make

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December 2012 Issue

3.

nourishing choices. And, as they say, fake it until you make it.

Simply choose to speak and/or think these words to yourself regularly even if you don’t believe it initially because, at some point, you will start to believe these things about yourself and see it come alive in your life.

Your health and wellbeing requires lateral lifestyle shifts! A lateral shift is a change so small in your daily routine you are guaranteed to do it without a tremendous amount of additional effort. So, examples such as, adding five minutes onto your current workout routine, drinking one extra glass of water each day, or reducing the number of times you eat fast food each week. Instead of rigid dieting or short-term solutions, think of lateral shifts to fold in your daily routine because you are more likely to keep up small incremental habits over time.

Regularly practicing these three simple techniques will support you in creating a healthy mindset and improve satisfaction of your overall wellbeing.

Tosh Patterson is the owner of Eat, Live, & Be Well Coach

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December 2012 Issue

Everyday Recipe‌For the woman on the go!

So here is a quick recipe that is a must try.

By: Kisha Washington, Contributing Writer for WE Magazine

Lemon SautĂŠed Chicken with chicken rice and fresh green beans

2 Thin slice chicken breast 2 lemons Chicken broth/stock 1 cup rice or rice pack Fresh green beans flour 2 eggs Italian bread crumbs melted butter/ butter salt/pepper/seasoning olive oil

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December 2012 Issue

-Season the chicken with salt/pepper/ or seasoning. Lay chicken in seasoned flour, dip in egg, and then bread crumbs. Let it rest for 5-7 mins.

-Snap your fresh green beans and place in pot with water not fully covering the top of the green beans. Steam green beans through, drain the water, and add melted butter. Season -In a pot a 2 Tbsp. of olive oil and warm, add rice and heat through. Add 2-3 cups of chicken broth/stock and simmer rice until cooked through.

-In a sautĂŠ pan, add a little olive oil and a bit of butter, place chicken in the pan and cook to a golden brown on both sides, about 5-8mins each side.

-Slice the lemon, and squeeze a bit of lemon juice in the pan with the chicken, then slice the other one. Add a bit of chicken broth or stock to deglaze the sautĂŠ pan. Add pan sauce to chicken once plated with a few slice of lemon.

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December 2012 Issue

Featured Cover Story Are You Stressed? Meet the "Stress Manager" Chere Cofield of Chere Cofield International

Chere Cofield is the best-selling author of The Crash That Altered My Life and the founder of Chere Cofield International where she helps others overcome the debilitating effects that stress can cause. Cofield began her career 22 years ago as a nurse and continues her passion for helping others through her business.

Not only does she act as a host for local Baltimore Channel 25 show call "To Your Health" she also started a health, wellness, and fitness expo based in Baltimore.

WE Magazine sat down to have a chat with this powerful woman on the rise to hear her tell her truth about stress, the ups and downs of life, and her business.

WE Magazine: For one I just want to thank you for talking to me this evening.

C. Cofield: Thank you I really appreciate you featuring me.

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December 2012 Issue

WE Magazine: Let's jump right in I read your book which is awesome by the way, and in the book you talk about the struggles you faced before pursuing your own business. Please share with our readers that haven't picked up the book yet.

C. Cofield: The book details the tragedies I faced in life. It details the loss of my father at a fairly young age, my divorce from my husband, and the struggles of being a mother of two with no income. It also shows how I picked myself up from that dark place, and the tips I used in order to deal with stress.

WE Magazine: Awesome. Why should readers go out and grab your book?

C. Cofield: Well for starters I offer tips that can help add years to your life by dealing with stress appropriately. I also allow the readers to confess some of those stresses in a journal like style, and guide them through the helpful ways to manage it.

WE Magazine: You are also the host of a show on Baltimore TV-25.

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December 2012 Issue

C. Cofield: Yes the name of the show is To Your Health. I not only host the show, but I also produce it. The show interviews a variety of health, wellness, and fitness experts that offer suggestions for fine tuning your health.

WE Magazine: Switching into managing stress for a moment. Your business is focused on stress what ignited the spark in you to start your business venture?

C. Cofield: I've been nurse since she was 17 years old it was always a passion of mine, and I was the first nurse in my family. Health & Wellness is my passion, and I always had an entrepreneurial heart therefore it seemed only right that I make it my business.

WE Magazine: In your book you talk about your father and his death did that play a huge role in your decision to literally teach people about health and stress?

C. Cofield: Most definitely my dad passed away about 3 years ago at the age of 59 from a heart attack. That happening made me really want to focus on getting people healthy and teaching them ways to add years onto their lives.

WE Magazine: You have been helping to educate people regarding their health for years now, tells us a little bit about your Let’s Get Serious Health, Wellness, & Fitness Expo 2013?

C. Cofield: I host a health, wellness, & fitness expo every year, and April 6th 2013 we are hosting the 3rd Annual event. We have health & wellness vendors give out free health information and testing like blood pressure monitoring if you don’t have insurance. It is a great place to go to get tested for everything for the family because it is a family event and everyone is urged to come. The first year we had 150 people register and 165 register for the 2012 event. There will be health food samples, free health awareness and testing, power workouts that teach the entire family how to stay healthy. That includes Zumba, cardio kickboxing fitness, African dance fitness and more.

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December 2012 Issue

WE Magazine: You offer services to teach people about stress what are some of steps you take in order to help someone manage their stress?

C. Cofield: First, I talk to the individual to identify stress, teach them that both good and bad things can cause stress, help them identify when they are stressed, and offer 10 tips in order manage stress.

WE Magazine: Getting into the fact that you are a woman in business and all of the things that you have gone through leading up to your success. How do you stay motivated?

C. Cofield: When I see the impact I have on other people’s lives, and the encouragement I receive from other entrepreneurs. Also seeing that other people draw motivation from me.

WE Magazine: What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur from a health and wellness perspective?

C. Cofield: You have to have balance in order to juggle both a family and career. Number two would be a positive mindset, and the last thing would be a schedule so that everyone is on the same page. If I might add a support system is also very important.

WE Magazine: Starting your own business is difficult with fear of the unknown or how to precede what is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?

C. Cofield: My greatest fears were hearing no and failure. But I realized that I needed to look at it and say what’s the worst that can happen? For every no that I get that’s one step closer I am to hearing a yes.

WE Magazine: You were recently honored at an event please tell our readers what this was for.

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December 2012 Issue

C. Cofield: I was honored at the Sharper Minds Consultants: Celebrating of You awards reception where I received a certificate of recognition from city of Baltimore and the mayor’s office for the contributions to the betterment of Baltimore. It was wonderful to be recognized for the difference I try to make in the lives of others and acting as an inspiration to those who draw strength from my example.

WE Magazine: Where can readers find you on social media?

C. Cofield: They can go to the website www.cherecofieldinternational.com, and look us up on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and now Instagram.

WE Magazine: Thank you so much for taking time out to grace our cover and tell your story.

C. Cofield: Thank you so much for the opportunity. Have a good night.

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December 2012 Issue

How to Generate Six Figure Leads through Social Media

By Cathy E. Smith of and an expert writer for WE Magazine.

Did that headline get your attention? How many times have you searched the internet for information to grow your business? While searching for more information to grow your business, have you seen related topics next to the link of what you were searching for?

Social media is such a critical part of growing any business these days. If you were to combine, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Pinterest users they would total well over two plus billion. With those kinds of numbers, just imagine the possibilities of exposure and all of the different ways that you can attract people to your business.

Here are 5 key strategies to navigating social media: 1)

Determine whether you want to brand yourself or your business   

Get a professional head shot, if you plan to brand yourself.

Obtain a logo with meaning so that it can easily be recognized as you move in and out of social networks.

Make sure the image is consistent on all social networks

2) Identify which social media networks is the best type for your business.  

Facebook – Great for connecting to your website, posting videos, sharing events and sharing current events.

Twitter – Great for sharing tips to show your expertise, highlighting articles, posting motivational tips, sharing your Facebook or website link and posting events.

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December 2012 Issue







YouTube – Create your own channel, educate others about what you do or post videos from important events. There are over 4 billion YouTube videos per day.

LinkedIn- Great for making powerful connections with other business owners, sharing your expertise, and learning from others.

Pinterest – Great for product sellers and connecting users to your website. You can post the price of an item in the corner of a picture. You can post a picture and provide a direct link to your website.

3) Determine whether or not you want to manually post or automate your posts  

4) use.

Set aside some time each day to make meaningful posts (if you manually post) Set aside an hour or two on a regular schedule if you plan to automate your posts Determine the best times to post for the type of social media you

5) Use key words to attract customers and leads to your social network. For example, if you sell jewelry you should use these types of key words: accessories, fashion jewelry, jewelry online, jewelry, women home based business, earrings, bracelets, fashion rings, etc.

The power of social media will allow you to connect with all types of customers across the United States and the world. Recently, I was asked to refer a few website professionals to one of my clients. Although I am connected with three pros, not one of them had their contact information easily available on social networks. Always remember to

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December 2012 Issue

make it easy for someone to connect with you, you really have one minute or less to capture someone’s attention – make it count!

Cathy E. Smith is the owner of C2 Internet Marketing Strategies

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December 2012 Issue

Business Spotlight on Michelle Hill of OnTask Assistants

WE Magazine sat down with Michelle Hill owner of OnTask Assistants.

For those of you that don’t know Hill she is taking the business world by storm with her creative and unique outlook on business relationships. Her belief “It takes one person to create a business. It takes a village to operate a business” is the force behind her virtual assistance company.

Not only does her business offer owners peace of mind and a quality team, but they also offer ways to help the small business owner create the whole package. Tackling key components to the success of any business such as office support, social media management, and sales support Hill’s organization keeps the one person business update to date with the latest trends.

When WE Magazine decided to interview Hill about her company we were intrigued by her way with branding a company. Her company handles all things creative in making sure that a business completes its identity and marketing approach. From websites to logo designs Hill creates stylish looks with bold colors that represent not only the business to the public, but also the person behind the business.

For more information on Hill and OnTask Assistant follow them via Twitter at @OnTaskAssist, Facebook, Linkedin, and of course check out the website www.ontaskassistants.com for all of your Virtual Assistant, Social Media management, Sales support, and Creative design work.

Happy Reading!

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December 2012 Issue

WE Magazine: Thank you for taking the time to talk with me.

M. Hill: Not a problem, I am happy for the opportunity WE Magazine: Let’s jump right in when did you start your business?

M. Hill: Well I started the business back in 2007. I have also had an entrepreneurial spirit, and it truly clicked in 2002. But it was after I was laid off that it really took hold.

WE Magazine: When you say you had the entrepreneurial spirit what does that mean to you? Some of our readers are caught in between fulltime work world and starting their own business.

M. Hill: Simply put I was working in a law office and I could not stop doing work for my business. I would come to work every day with all of my notebooks full of my business ideas. I would use work hours to plan for business, and one day I just realized that my day job began to cut into my dreams.

WE Magazine: So take me through this time period what was going on when you began to feel this way.

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December 2012 Issue

M. Hill: It was as if God said I needed to let go and begin my focus on myself and my business. I originally studied Dance and received my degree in it. At this time I just had my baby, my husband had just gotten laid off, and something came over me that said I can do administrative work from home and things began to come in order. My husband and I came up with the name OnTask Assistants.

WE Magazine: That is amazing so what do you think you offer with your company that other companies do not?

M. Hill: I offer many services to fit business owners’ needs. We are also beginning new programs including a business coaching program that helps business owners with their virtual productivity. We help them find their path in making income from their passion, and teach business owners hot to make the transition into the working virtual.

WE Magazine: Since you offer coaching do you offer that same coaching those looking to get into the business of virtually assisting others?

M. Hill: We do we have the new program 6 Figure VA Blueprint which is set up to help people inspiring to be a VA, we help them gain confidence in themselves, and offer a community of resources via business forums.

We help them gain confidence in themselves and offer a community of resources that include workable business forms, how-to guides, business forums and support groups.

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December 2012 Issue

WE Magazine: Switching directions for a second we have to know what has kept you driven on the path that you have taken?

M. Hill: I had the faith that god had a plan for me and that I had what it took to keep going. I had a time where I had client after client that just did not work out, and I stopped in mid-2010/early 2011. So I revamped my way of doing business. I started a schedule for myself so that I wouldn’t run myself into the ground. I changed my hours to regular business hours Monday through Friday no weekends. I created a business model based off of professionalism, customer service, and knowing my self-worth.

WE Magazine: If you could offer a first time entrepreneur only one piece of advice what would it be?

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December 2012 Issue

M. Hill: Have a system in place. Have an operational system in place and you will move mountains. Figure out how you are going to handle your clients, what information do you have? What is your message? What forms do you have already developed for services? If I had to do it all over again I would have really put strong system in place for marketing, feedback, handling customers, and clients.

WE Magazine: Michelle thank you for taking the time out and meeting with us, and good luck on your business!

M. Hill: Thank you.

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December 2012 Issue

Is A Career Coach in Your Future?

By: Ijeoma Nwatu, Contributing Writer for WE Magazine

If you are like me, you have a burning desire to shift careers, launch a business or travel the world. Have you ever stopped and wondered what your true passion is in life? Your interests? Maybe you have considered going back to school. Maybe you want to form a non-profit or devote time to a charitable cause? Questions or thoughts like these can be stubbornly persistent and incessant until action is taken.

The problem many professionals face is that they are unsure of what steps to take in order to see their idea come to fruition. Enter a business or career coach. I had the pleasure of talking with two career coaches who explain the profession, when to seek advice from a professional and how to best maximize your time hiring such help. Lauree Ostrofsky, Chief Hugger and Coach, of Simply Leap compares a career coach to a personal trainer. A coach can help connect the differing or similar crossroads in your life. As Ostrofsky explained, often clients have some knowledge as to where they want to go but it takes the coach to help them unearth possible solutions or action items to achieve their goals.

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December 2012 Issue

Nailah Blades of Polka Dot Coaching describes a coach as “someone to help you get clear on what steps are necessary to pursue your goals, specifically, formulating a plan. Blades works with women in their twenties and thirties who feel strongly about making a change and what to get “unstuck”. To really maximize your money and time, both Ostrofsky and Blades recommend being 100% committed to coaching and following through on the process. As Blades elaborated, “Coaching is very much about the individual.” If you are willing to invest your own resources into coaching, be ready and embrace the opportunity. Since relationshipbuilding is inherent in coaching, it is important to try a few sample sessions or consultants as Ostrofsky suggests. She also stresses that you must trust your instincts when selecting a coach.

If you are easy to coach and determined to work hard, you can reap the benefits like Dylan Glanzer, owner of Parties by Dylan. After working with a coach for two years, her company has grown by thirty percent. She credits her career coach with helping her realize areas in her business and management that needed retooling. Glanzer refers to the process as “hiring support” and has since dreamed bigger and better opportunities for her business.

There is nothing wrong with have an idea or twenty, but if you are feeling an itch to venture into new territory or refocusing your ideas, utilizing a career coach may be a safe and productive means to reaching your personal and/or professional dreams.

For more information about Lauree Ofroskey, visit www.simplyleap.com.

For more information about Nailah Blades, go to her website at www.polkadotcoaching.com. To learn more about Dylan’s Parties, check out www.partiesbydylan.com

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December 2012 Issue

Business Spotlight: Renee Coates-Smith of Imani Productions, LLC

Following her dreams using only her faith and the hope of something more Renee Coates-Smith started her company Imani Productions, LLC. Her company produces jewelry handcrafted by her with the belief that every woman that wears her jewelry is a “”precious jewel of God.”” She is also the author of the Bobby Jones Children’s Series that encourages fourth through eighth graders to identify and expose their Go-given secret gifts and talents.

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December 2012 Issue

She believes that it is “imperative that our youth not suppress their Godgiven abilities, but are compelled to use them�

WE Magazine: What inspired you to get into the business/field you are in?

R. Coates-Smith: My inspiration started early in life. During my adolescent years, one of my uncles requested that I tutor his son, who was in kindergarten at the time. I was paid $5.00 on Fridays. Also, while in college, another relative requested tutoring services for her son. My compensation was boxes of cereal, which I did not mind at all. In addition, I sold newspaper subscriptions when I was 12 years old.

Therefore, my inspiration came from experiencing the exchange of my skills for material and financial compensation. Moreover, I learned that my gifts were needed in society.

WE Magazine: What keeps you driven and elevated to continue on the journey?

R. Coates-Smith: What keeps me driven first and foremost is God's favor and anointing on my life. Second, observing my customers spirit and appreciation for my products and listening to their positive comments.

WE Magazine: What is your favorite quote/mantra to go by as you reach for the stars?

R. Coates-Smith: My favorite quote is, "If God gives you the vision, He has the provision." That's why I call my business Imani Productions, LLC. Imani means faith, and without faith, I would not be productive in building my business.

For more information on Renee Coates-Smith and her company visit her website at www.imaniproductions.org.

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December 2012 Issue

A few fall season items to try...

By Kisha Washington, Contributing Writer for WE Magazine

OK so the chill is in the air, leaves are turning colors and falling off the trees... Fall season is in full effect. Happens to be my favorite season of all; there are so many great items to cook with. So I'm going to give you a couple of fall items you can cook with and possibly add to your recipe list to wow the family, your partner, even and yourself.

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December 2012 Issue

Squash: Vegetable that can be cooked so many ways. Baked, sautĂŠed, steamed... Some quick dishes include: squash soup, spaghetti, lasagna, etc... Try this item with different seasonings as well: sugar or nutmeg, salt and pepper, thyme.

Pumpkin: Vegetable that is used in so many things such as pies, desserts, main courses. Try roasting pumpkin, or pureed pumpkin. This can be used sweet or savory.

Apple: "My Favorite" can be made tons of ways. Dishes include: Pies, tarts, stuffing, roasted, caramel apples, ciders, drinks, etc... Try classic apple pie, or apple cornbread, or apple butter... Yummy!

Sweet Potato/ Potatoes: Another Favorite This veg can be roasted, sautĂŠed, or made into a mash with marshmallows on top. (That is my favorite way to make it) Add some all spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, etc. for a sweet taste. Or salt, pepper, basil, thyme, etc. for a savory taste.

Cinnamon: A great seasoning for the fall. Give you a spice mouth feel and can be used to sweeten dishes or try it with a sour taste to contrast it.

Almonds: Great item. I like almonds on top of desserts. You can get the sliced, whole, chopped, etc... And add them to desserts, or savory dishes for a crunch.

Lobster: Lobster has to be one of my favorite sea-foods. Excellent steamed with a clarified butter. You can add lobster to lots of pasta dishes, or eat it by itself with steamed vegetables and a starch.

Duck: A fabulous piece of meat. It's in the poultry family so many ways you cook chicken or turkey, you can try it with duck. You can roast it, grill, stir-fry; you can also try a confit as well.

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December 2012 Issue

Beef/Pork: Excellent choices for protein. There are tons of ways to cook beef or pork. My favorites are to sear the beef, roast it, and make a vegetable stew with it, or grill steaks. With pork, I like baking chops or maybe doing a pork loin. All kinds of seasonings can be used, and also marinades work well with both. They can be paired with vegetables, pasta, starches, etc...

So here are just a quick overview of fall items to use and some great dishes that can be made. Hope you enjoyed let’s get cooking...

A SPECIAL GIFT (A special message to hardworking women everywhere) By: Alshonta Clemons, Contributing Writer for WE Magazine

Today I want to talk to you about a special gift.

It’s one that you cannot

be found in any store, online or even in the diamond mines of the world!

It certainly does not come at a discount and there are no coupons. It’s so special that only you have to power to give as one of the greatest gift you’ll ever receive.

So many women say that they feel unappreciated for all that they do. So instead of waiting for someone to recognize and acknowledge how truly incredible you are, do it yourself. This year give the gift of self! There’s nothing like a vibrant, happy, healthy woman who exudes confidence. It isn’t enough to style your hair and nails and put on make-up. Much more importantly, a woman must establish internal happiness and wellness as a basis. This will help alleviate the feeling of being unappreciated as you will begin to find joy in what you do for others. Reaching deeply within

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December 2012 Issue

requires each individual to find what makes them feel good inside. Here are some things to try to get there: 1. Set aside time for yourself. Whether its 30 minutes or 3 hours, you deserve every second. Do whatever you want even if it’s absolutely nothing, enjoy it!

2. Try some hot yoga. Hot yoga is done in a heated room of 100 degrees or more and is said to have physical and mental benefits that improve wellness and vitality.

3. Cleanse. Reduce or eliminate toxins from your life. Toxins are anything that bring you down and threaten your sense of internal wellness.

Toxins can come in form of people, food, places or things. Internal and external cleansing can make you feel brand new.

4. Try something new. What’s that one thing you’re always wanted do but you just haven’t had the time. Well now you have “me time” to do it!

5. Do something old. Is there something you love but just don’t have the time to do it anymore? Start doing those things again and develop a newfound love for them.

These are only a few things to make you feel fabulous!

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December 2012 Issue

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December 2012 Issue

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December 2012 Issue

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