SHE
HUSTLES
TALKS
WOMEN
ENTREPRENEURS
Featuring:
- - LAM HOANG MY
“AMY”
- RUMELLA CAMERON
- KW FITNESS
-A ROSE IS STILL A ROSE
- DEWITT STYLING
- MIND. BODY. META.
- ANGELA TEWA
-ALWAYS CHASING
BETTER COACHING
- SACRED GODDESS BOX
AND MORE!
Enjoy
FASHION FORWARD
WITH THE CHERRY PIT
VOICES FOR IMPACT
ASK DANIEL BALDWIN
WARRIOR WELLNESS
WITH ALEXIS TEARNEY
Shaneika Marie Ford
VISUAL ARTIST.PHOTOGRAPHER.
ENTREPRENEUR.
COVER STORY
16 SHANEIKA MARIE FORD
mar/ap
{ TABLE OF CONTENTS }
16
12
40
182
242
58
edition
{ TABLE OF CONTENTS }
87
REGULARS
66 WOMEN WHO INSPIRE
Evangela “Van” Stanley
62 ALL ACCESS
178 UNSTOPPABLE WOMAN
182 THE SAVVY ALLY
194 I AM...
58 ASK DANIEL BALDWIN
50 WOMAN ON THE RISE
Chloe Schnell
304 TRACY IS TALKING
308 IN HER OWN WORDS
240 ANIMAL CARE SANCTUARY
CORNER
232 TEEN TALK
182 AFTERNOON COCKTAIL
178 VOICES FOR IMPACT
276 B. MOR
214 SAVON SPEAKS
308 TRAVEL WITH AGNESS
225 BUSINESS TALK
270 THE LITTLE BLACK BUDDHA
288 YOU MATTER
REGULARS
194 COACHING WITH KRISTIN B
244 TAMMY’S TIDBITS
188 TRAVEL WITH AGNESS
SPECIAL FEATURES
87 SHE HUSTLES TALKS
Amy Houng
KW Fitness
A Rose Is Still A Rose
Rumella Cameron
Dewitt Styling
Mind. Body. Meta.
Angela Tewa
Always Chasing Better
Sacred Goddess Box
FASHION & BEAUTY
40 FASHION FORWARD
The Cherry Pit
HEALTH & WELLNESS
256 SEXUALLY SPEAKING
282 WELL TRAIL
312 MENTALLY THINKING
190 SCALP NY
174 ASK THE DOCTOR
204 WARRIOR WELLNESS
236 ZESTFUL AGING
262 DR J’S BEAUTY
274 WELLNESS 360
292 HIP HEMP
298 LADIOLOGY
62
{ FROM THE PUBLISHER }
“Being powerful is like
being a lady...if you have
to tell people you are, your
aren’t.” - Margaret Thatcher
F
or the “Women’s History” edition of Central NY
Woman Online we are so excited to be able to bring
you our latest cover woman, Shaneika Marie Ford.
Visual Artist. Photographer. Entrepreneur. Mother
and owner of S’Marie Photography in Syracuse
NY. Read all about her inspiring story starting on
page [16].
Plus, you won’t want to miss all of the incredible features,
women entrepreneurHERS in our SHE Hustles Talks section,
new columns including “Ask Daniel Baldwin” and more that
is filling the pages of this edition!
For the Central NY Woman Online’s SHE Hustles Talks cover
woman this edition, we have the amazing founder of Golden
World Magazine, Goldenl World Group llc, Golden World
pageants and all around quintessential woman entrepreneur
and hustler, Lam Hoang My, but we just call her Amy. Amy
Hoang is an ambitious, successful businesswoman who is a
passionate innovator in the fashion, beauty and entertainment
industries. Read all about this fashionista starting on page
[87]. Then don’t forget to keep reading because there are so
many other amazing enrepreneurs also joining us this month
to tell their stories of how they are hustlin.
ON OUR COVER
T T
On the cover of our March/April edition of Central NY Woman Online, we have
visual artist, photographer, entrepreneur, mother and so much more... Shaneika
Marie Ford photographed by Rob Daniels photography.
Thank you for joining us for another amazing issue. Stay
tuned as we launch our sister publication Buffalo Woman
Online coming in April 2021, atart back up with our Pop Ups
in the CUSE on April 18th at the Craftsman Inn & Suites in
Fayetteville. And you definitely won’t want to miss the launch
of our She Hustles Talk Show on May 1st at OFC Creations
featuring women from all over the country coming together
to talk about business, how they are hustlin, and LOTS more.
We will also be launching our semi-annual Influential Woman
Online magazine where I will be sharing some of my story for
the first time.
This year is going to be amazing and filled with lots of new
opportunities. Hope you will all join us for the ride!
Kelly
8 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ A LOOK AT OUR TEAM }
PUBLISHER
TALENT & PROMOTIONS
CREATIVE DIRECTOR/GRAPHIC DESIGN
PHOTOGRAPHY
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
ADVERTISING SALES
SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR
WEB DESIGN & MANAGEMENT
Kelly Breuer
LS Jones
Kelly Breuer
Brody Wheeler
KL Storyography
Natalia Karpov
S.Marie Photography
Rob Daniels
Sandy Arena
Dr. Shanelle Benson Reid
Kelli LaPage
Dr. Pam Denton
Angela Duncan
Tammy Vreeland
Tracy Simone
Randy Agness
Bonnie Floyd
Savon Holt
Rumella Cameron
Jarrod Schoomaker
Ellen Feldman
Judi Swanson
Ahlia Kitwana
Dr Pebble Kranz
Alexis Tearney
Kirsten Soos
Gabriella Rose Fiederlein
Chloe Shnell
Daniel Baldwin
Christine Grandin
Kristie Stumpf Rork
Dr. Sarah F. Spiegelhoff
Kelly Breuer
Toni Natalie
Network Rochester
Devin Mack
Devin Mack
Kristin Bauer Gross
Jeannie Gainsburg
Rochester Woman ONLINE is the premier professional woman’s online publication in the greater Rochester area. Our feature articles address major topics that interest local
women. Each issue includes articles on health, fashion, fitness, finance, dining, lifestyle and personal perspectives, as well as a spotlight on local area women. The electronic
magazines are distributed freely through your favorite app store and will be in your inbox electronically by the first week of every month. The publication is available free of
charge. Please feel free to contact publisher Kelly Breuer at 585.727.9120 or you can email us at networkrocqueen@gmail.com. Download our current media kit at www.
rochesterwomanonline.com.
The magazine is published 12 times a year by Rochester Woman ONLINE. Copyright © 2017 Rochester Woman ONLINE. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or
republished without the consent of the publisher. Rochester Woman ONLINE is not responsible for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts, photos or artwork. All such submissions
become the property of Rochester Woman ONLINE and will not be returned.
She Talks Law member perks:
• Free legal education from award-winning
attorneys on topics relevant to your business and
life;
• Industry leading panelists and presenters with
special offers and opportunities to grow and
succeed;
• An exclusive forum to collaborate with the best
women in the business;
• Access to premier legal services for members of
She Talks Law;
• An opportunity to feature your business to other
women, including being featured on Boylan
Code’s social media and website;
• And more!
Powerful women empowering women
in business and in life.
She Talks Law Women’s Roundtable
Join our Host and Attorney, Jennifer Aronson-Jovcevski, and a powerhouse group
of women business owners, women entrepreneurs and women investors across all
industries as we collaborate and empower one another.
To join, RSVP by email to:
jajovcevski@boylancode.com
For a complete list of topics and real time
information on presenters and upcoming
roundtables, follow Jennifer on LinkedIn and
SheTalksLaw on Facebook and Instagram.
Boylancode.com
Rochester | Newark | Canandaigua
Attorney Advertising
{ FOR { { SHIFT+CONTROL COVER A GOOD STORY CAUSE } }
}
SHANEIKA YOU ARE MARIE ENOUGH. FORD
BY KELLY BY BREUER NICOLE I HEROUX PHOTOS WILLIAMS BY ROB DANIELS I PHOTOS & S’MARIE BY NSP STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY
Visual Artist.Photographer. Entrepreneur.
Recently, Central NY Woman Online
had the pleasure of doing a Q&A with
Syracuse photographer Shaneika Marie
Ford, otherwise know as, S’Marie. Known
for her incredible portrait photography,
we were excited to know more about
our latest cover woman and talk about
everything that makes her such an
amazing entrepreneur.
Tell us about
yourself...Where are
you from? Tell us
about your family
and your background.
My name is Shaneika
Marie Ford and I was
born and raised in
Syracuse, NY. I have 3
children (all boys) and
one furry son named
Max (Maltipoo). In
addition, to being a
mom and entrepreneur,
I currently work as
an Executive Director
at a local non-profit
agency. I started as the
part-time receptionist
straight out of high school and worked
my way up. Throughout my years of
being employed I also attended college
on and off until I received my Master’s
Degree in 2015.
Leadership and entrepreneurship was
always a part of my being. Being the
oldest of 6 prepared me for leadership.
I always felt I needed to be a good
example/role model for my siblings, so
I strived to be a great example for them.
I am almost always able to get people
to follow my lead.
Entrepreneurship was something I always
wanted to engage in. I remember so
vividly at the age of 9 saying I wanted
to be an entrepreneur. I was attending
a youth program and the coordinator
asked the class what we wanted to be
when we grew up and I said “I want
to be an entrepreneur”. So at a young
age I already knew what professional/
business journey I wanted to embark on.
How and when did you start
photography? Is it always something
you wanted to do?
Initially, photography started off as a
hobby for me. It wasn’t something I
wanted to do or even thought of. Back in
2013, photography went from a hobby
to an entrepreneurial endeavor when I
received a lot of praise and recognition
from some engagement photos I took
of my sister. Once those pictures were
released people were inboxing me for
photo sessions. So a former business
partner and I formed S&R Images. I
am mainly self-taught, but I did take
photography courses at OCM BOCES,
Syracuse University Light Work and
I attended and still do attend many
online photography classes through
various companies.
How did you start S
Marie Photography?
S’Marie Photography
came about in 2016
when I decided to
embark on my
photography journey
alone. S’Marie is
actually just may
name shortened
(Shaneika Marie =
S’Marie). I decided
to brand my name.
What is your
favorite part of
doing what you do?
Capturing moments
that will create a
physical memory for families. I love
to see the smile on people’s faces and
the laughter they have while looking at
their pictures. It also warms my heart
when I see people share photos I took
of their loved ones and even more so
when they share photos I took of their
loved ones that have passed away. I love
that I was able to capture a moment in
time for them that they can have and
look at forever. When I realized how
meaningful a physical memory was
16 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 17
18 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
“Entrepreneurship was something
I always wanted to engage in. I
remember so vividly at the age
of 9 saying I wanted to be an
entrepreneur.” I was attending a
youth program and the coordinator
asked the class what we wanted
to be when we grew up and I said
“I want to be an entrepreneur”.
So at a young age I already knew
what professional/business journey I
wanted to embark on.”
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 19
{ { SHIFT+CONTROL COVER STORY }}
“My biggest success personally was not succumbing to the statistics of teen moms. Being a
teen mom presented some challenges but I prevailed.”
that’s when my passion for photography
turned into my purpose.
Do you have any advice for other
females wanting to jump in to the
photography business and what the
most important thing to remember is?
Yes my advice would be: Don’t get
discouraged about the saturated
photography field. Everyone has their
own lane and niche that will make them
stand out from the rest. It doesn’t even
have to be that you provide the highest
quality images it could just be your
personality that sets you apart. What
God has for you is for you.
Also, everyone is not your client! Never
be offended or become discouraged if
people do not like your work or prefer
not to use your services. Some people
will love it and some won’t- that’s life
and its OK! I always say I prefer Aldi’s
over Wegmans; Walmart over Target
while others prefer Wegmans and Target
(get where I’m going?). At the end they
all have their preferred clientele and so
will you! Thank goodness for options
What has been your biggest challenge
during the pandemic?
The biggest challenge for me has been
juggling work, homeschooling and
making the tough decision to temporarily
close my business. I closed for about 2
months and then reopened on a limited
and reduced basis.
What has been your biggest success
both personally and professionally
and why?
My biggest success personally was not
succumbing to the statistics of teen
20 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 21
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 23
30 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ COVER STORY } { { WOMEN { SHIFT+CONTROL COVER WHO STORY ROC }
}
}
“ S’Marie Photography came about in 2016 when I decided to embark on my
photography journey alone.”
moms. Being a teen mom presented
some challenges but I prevailed.
Professionally, Stepping out alone to
start and grow my business. This was
huge for me because I am the behind
the scenes type of woman. Believe it or
not I do not like attention . I’d rather
be the mastermind behind the
scenes . Stepping out on my
own meant I had to come from
the back to the front which took
a lot of courage .
Who has made the biggest impact
on your life and why?
Of course my children impact my
life. It’s because of them that my
strength, drive and determination
to succeed is magnified. I value
them and want to leave a good
legacy for them. Additionally,
I’d like to give recognition and
credit to the environment I grew
up in. My environment was a
huge impact on my life. My
environment (neighborhood,
family dynamics, etc.) was one
of such that I did not want to
be like, live like, or live in! It was
a huge motivator for me to stay
focused and do what I needed to
do to create a better life for me.
What do you think is your
strongest skill as a photographer?
My ability to connect and build a rapport
with my clients. This connection has
led to referrals, returning clients and
most important genuine friendships. I
have met some beautiful souls whom are
dear to my heart through photography.
What do you know now that you didn’t
know 10 years ago about yourself?
How I will purposely find advantage in
adversity. My life’s motto is “it is what
it is” so with I always try to find some
good and some opportunity in adversity.
What was the biggest obstacle you
faced in your life, and how did you
overcome it?
My biggest obstacle was presented in
my teen years, when I found myself
pregnant at 16. I just knew my life was
“over”. When I say over I mean all the
dreams and desires I had for myself were
no longer obtainable. I was sure I would
be everything I said I didn’t want to be
and everything others around me said I
would be because I was pregnant at such
a young age (uneducated, on welfare,
etc.). However!! As you can see I’m none
of those! I always had confidence in
myself. I always believed in me! I always
bet on me! So no matter what I knew
having a child wasn’t going
to hinder me. My journey
may have been altered by my
vision was not. I graduated
high school on time with my
class. Class of 2000. I walked
across that stage to where
my baby was on the other
side waiting for me. I went
on to working full time and
furthering my education. Now
I presently sit in front of you
as Ms. Shaneika Ford, MBA,
Owner of S’Marie Photography
and current Executive Director
of a local non-profit which
employs approximately 45
employees and services 80
individuals with intellectual/
developmental disabilities.
Are there any resources or
even advice that someone
has given you that have really
helped you on your journey?
The good ol’ practice, practice,
practice advice! You cannot
improve if you don’t get out there and
shoot!
What has been your biggest
accomplishment in your career thus far?
My biggest accomplishment thus far is
receiving 2 construction photography
contracts with a well-known and
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 31
32 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ { SHIFT+CONTROL COVER STORY }}
“Everyone has their own lane and niche that will make them stand out from the rest. ”
prestigious company. My goal for
S’Marie Photography in 2018 was to tap
into larger revenue generating projects
and this included receiving contracts.
I put out a Facebook and Instagram
New Year post and said I was looking
for contracts of all sorts and lo and
behold I received two not even a year
apart . Construction photography
also allowed me to venture into another
form of photography.
What is your favorite form of social
media in 2021 and why?
I tend to gravitate more towards Facebook.
Facebook has been the most beneficial
platform for me. It allows me to have
my own business page, promote, sponsor
to reach a larger audience, showcase my
work, and so much more. I especially
like that my clients can share the pictures
that I took of them and I usually gain
more followers and most importantly
more clientele that way.
Many people have unrealistic
expectations and ideas about being a
professional photographer and running
their own business. How have you
overcome these?
I’m a realist so I wouldn’t say I had to
overcome any unrealistic expectations. I
didn’t have the unrealistic expectations
that I would become a top photographer
overnight or everyone would know my
name nor did I expect that everyone
would love my work. I knew it would/
will take time for me to become one of
the best and to be known so I knew I
had to get out and put the footwork in.
#17 Where do you see yourself 1 year,
3years, 5 years from now?
I have been saying this for the last couple
of years and now I’m manifesting that
I retire at 40 and go full fledge into
self-employment/entrepreneurship.
Along with photography, I am exploring
additional wealth generating opportunities
to help me reach this goal. So to answer
your question, I see myself retired from
working for others and solely working
for me.
What has been your key to successfully
being in business this long and makes
you not just a great photographer, but
a female entrepreneur?
A few things have been key to me being
successful. First, I would say being a
woman that is confident and eager
to learn and grow has been key to my
success as a photographer and female
entrepreneur. Additionally, being able
to achieve balance in all aspects of my
life has helped as well. Lastly, being
professional, open-minded, and having
a positive mindset keeps me going and
thriving.
What makes Women’s History month
special for you?
Women shine 24/7-365 so we should
be recognized all day every day but it’s
nice to have a month solely dedicated
and putting focus to recognizing our
historic and present contributions to
the world. Women are amazing and do
amazing things. Women are killin’ it!!
As a business owner, what would you
say are your top priorities for both
yourself personally and in your business?
One priority I would share is self-care.
It is so important that we take care
of ourselves. We are no good to our
business or our self if we don’t indulge
in self-care.
How do you market your business
during the pandemic, and which
avenues have you found to be most
successful?
I’m grateful for word-of-mouth
marketing. A lot of business during
the pandemic came from client referrals.
Additionally, my social media accounts
remained active so people were able to
find me and view my work that way.
Tell us about one event that has
happened in your life that has changed
you and why.
Having a child at a young age changed me.
I already felt I knew about responsibilities
because I am the oldest child and often
helped my mom but having a child
of your own is a whole other level to
responsibility. I was a typical teenager
that liked to hang out with friends and
didn’t always make the best decisions.
Living in the type of environment I
grew up in it was easy to get caught up
in the wrong crowd. Having my son
forced me to make the right decisions
for my life and his life despite what my
surroundings showed me. It forced me
to be responsible at a higher level. I truly
believe had I not had a child that no
matter how determined I was to not
fall victim to my environment I could
have. It gave my life more purpose and
drive to succeed.
I want to make it clear that I’m not
condoning teen pregnancy at all! I
encourage all teens to wait until they
are an adult to experience parenthood.
Don’t take away the years you need to
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 33
{ { SHIFT+CONTROL COVER STORY }}
“Leadership and entrepreneurship was always a part of my being. Being the oldest of 6
prepared me for leadership.”
experience and explore life. This is just
an event in my life that changed me.
This is the life plan that God has written
for me to live.
What have you found
to be successful or a
hindrance being in
Central NY?
A success and hindrance
to being in Central
NY is that it’s a small
community. Everyone is
connected to everyone
in some shape or form.
This is a good thing
and bad.
Do you think being a
minority has helped
or hindered you in
business?
I think it has both
helped and hindered.
The business as an
entity may be eligible
for several resources
that are great even more
so with having my
MWBE Certification
I’m afforded more
opportunities but the
hindering is being
labeled a minority
which does harm at
times because of the
bias and stereotypes
that follow us within
the system.
Who has been your biggest influence or
a mentor photographically and why?
Again, photography was initially a
hobby for me so I do not have a long
standing history following photographers.
However, I have been following the
work of Shamayim. I also love the fact
that photographer Polly Irungu created
a space for black women photographers.
Black women photographers is global
community and directory where your
work can be shared and featured for
more exposure and recognition.
Tell us about your most memorable
photoshoot and why is stands out
above others.
My most memorable
photo shoot was a
maternity shoot that I
shot at a local hiking trial.
It stands out above others
because the scenery was
absolutely beautiful and
the area the mother chose
to stand held so much
meaning. She choose to
stand by a huge tree that
roots were so visible. This
tree, for her, represented
the tree of life. Signifying
strength, courage, new
life and immortality. The
roots were so prominent
supporting this huge
tree. For me it was very
symbolic to a mother
being the foundation,
birthing, nurturing,
raising, and forever
supporting her child.
34 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 35
COMMITTED TO PROVIDE CLEAN HEALTHY INDOOR ENVIRO
(315) 516-0727 I VANDYKENOR
NMENTS FOR COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES
RISCLEANING@GMAIL.COM
40 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ FASHION FORWARD }
{ ANNA’S STORY }
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ FASHION FORWARD }
CHERRY PIT
BY KIRSTEN SOOS I PHOTOS BY NATALIA KARPOV
Red is bold. Striking. The pigment of
rich wines, or the color found in each
dark, acidic bite from a cherry.
In downtown Syracuse’s McCarthy
Mercantile a new shop has
found its home; the Cherry Pit
Collective. The talented and
creative minds of three local
sellers have come together,
making a splash in the
underground shopping center.
Despite the cool, industrial
aura that encompasses the
mercantile, the Cherry Pit
caught my eye with its warm
glow the moment I came
down the stairs. Perhaps it
was the cozy layout with a
vintage room divider, carpets,
and a record player. Or, the
caring way each garment hung
on the racks in harmony,
echoing the cheerfulness of
a rainbow. Maybe it was the
seamless blend of three very
distinct styles, ones that had
me digging through the rows
of outfits I adored and loved
to mix and match. Whatever
the reason, the eye for detail
possessed by Abby Minicozzi,
Michelle Pfaff, and Chloe
Schnell has carved out an
undeniable corner underneath
the Wildflowers Armory.
The three women met during
their weekend popups and decided to
take the plunge and open a shop. In
addition to selling vintage pieces, each
Cherry Pit designer is preparing to dive
into upcycling, a realm of fashion in
which they are all clearly capable. They
have found a sense of togetherness in
their goals, and this has translated to an
overall approach toward their business
model. Right away, the Cherry Pit
has had its customers walking out the
door with reusable tote bags, branded
with a classy logo while promoting an
ecological mindset. Not only that, but
fifty percent of the proceeds for each bag
are donated monthly to the Vera House,
a foundation seeking to provide resources
for victims of abuse, as well as education
on its many forms. To give back to the
community, and instill trust in their
shoppers, the Cherry Pit
girls will be posting these
receipts monthly for full
transparency.
However, this emphasis
on unity hasn’t stripped
the personalities of Abby,
Michelle, or Chloe away.
Prior to this endeavor,
each woman has
dedicated themselves to
their individual fashion
brands.
Michelle Pfaff is the
founder of Fawnd
Vintage. A tall, curlyhaired
lady with a
commanding presence,
Michelle has always had
ambition, and an interest
in clothing, even at a
young age. In high school
she started a fashion club,
winning a department
award her senior year.
Michelle went on to
pursue an education at
the Fashion Institute of
Technology, graduating
in 2018 with a Bachelor
of Science Degree in
Entrepreneurship and
Ethics and Sustainability. Upon returning
to Syracuse in 2020, Fawnd began,
taking inspiration from Paris and
Barcelona while integrating clothing
from her own collection. Michelle
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 41
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ { FASHION SHIFT+CONTROL FORWARD } }
“Red is bold. Striking. The pigment of rich wines, or the color found in each dark, acidic
bite from a cherry.”
brings a romantic, bohemian style to
the Cherry Pit, blending earth tones
with feminine patterns and florals.
This mesh of balanced colors and
practical pieces doesn’t mean Michelle
is afraid of the bright and the unique,
however. Like her co-founders, she
is a fan of red, her favorite shade
being Persian.
Abigail, Abby, Minicozzi is currently
attending Syracuse University. Her
love for clothing led her to collect
more pieces than she knew what to
do with. Abby has now launched a
mini online business and fashion
label within the Cherry Pit called
Metamodernity. Drawn to movements
from many different decades, Abby has
always wanted to prioritize respect for
tradition while gaining an instinct for
what’s coming next. The very name
of her brand encapsulates a style that
renews bits and bobbles from the past
while continuing to create and design
outfits for an everchanging world.
Pieces that are available for purchase
46 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ COVER STORY } { { FASHION { WOMEN { SHIFT+CONTROL COVER WHO FORWARD STORY ROC } }
}
“ Despite the cool, industrial aura that encompasses the mercantile, the Cherry Pit caught
my eye with its warm glow the moment I came down the stairs.”
that are available for purchase through
Abby’s line are great for a busy student,
without sacrificing style or comfort.
Imagine a satin long sleeve button-up
with sixties-style flowers, but a modern,
flattering cut; a retro, futuristic approach.
Forward-thinking and enthusiastic, Abby’s
youth has led to success in college and
an optimism that is unlikely to slow,
no matter what is thrown at her. Abby
also has an affinity for red, though her
preferred shade is maroon.
Chloe Schnell has already had a
substantial career in fashion, designing
her first collection for a runway show at
fourteen. Despite the ups and downs of
the industry, Chloe has an unbreakable
spirit that has at times dimmed but has
never gone out. Her tastes, and her own
contributions to the industry, can best
be described as possessing a flair for the
dramatic. Chloe has learned to thrive
within unorthodox trends, without
lacking knowledge on all the stylists
that have come before her. Her favorite
shade of red is scarlet.
The Cherry Pit has had a very successful
first month, and the founders only hope
to continue growing, as well as providing
opportunities for other artists.
Photography by Natalia Karpov. @
TheNatLens
48 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ WOMAN { SHIFT+CONTROL THE RISE } }
YOU CHLOE ARE SCHNELL ENOUGH.
BY NICOLE HEROUX WILLIAMS I PHOTOS BY NSP STUDIO
In America alone, fashion is a multibillion
dollar industry, as well as an
artistic outlet for countless visionaries.
However, it’s not all about the glitter.
Clothing is first and foremost a
necessity. Designers who
want to survive within an
ever-changing industry
need to keep thinking
about next steps. So,
where do you find an
artist who’s practical with
textiles while daring to
go against conventional
trends? Look no further
than Chloe Schnell.
Ambitious, bright, and
the personification of the
avant-garde, Chloe Schnell
has already had an eyeopening
and successful
start to her career; and,
she’s only twenty-three.
Schnell’s first step into
the fashion world began
at fourteen with her own
runway show. Through
this, she was introduced
to Jennifer Diederich, a
designer from Syracuse
NY whose collections
and time on Project
Runway have earned her
recognition. Through her
experienced colleague’s
support, Schnell ventured
to New York City for an
internship. Soon, she was knee-deep in
fabric and garments, running errands,
and even modeling in Diederich’s
2012 collection, until her return to
Syracuse.
Schnell’s second collection was shown
at a trunk show in Armory Square,
consisting of six prom-style dresses,
two of which sold right then and
there. Her third collection, a tenpiece,
all-white line, was showcased
at the Oncenter in the winter of
2013. Her love for vinyl fabrics
and odd shapes began to play a role
in her design approach. Two years
later, the landmark theatre offered
a first look at her EGG collection,
utilizing spherical influences and a
yellow, brown, and white palette. By
eighteen, not only did she have six
collections under her belt,
they were all handmade
and one-of-a-kind.
Schnell has made it
clear; “I work with single
pieces. I have never massproduced
my work. It feels
more special that way.”
After high school, where
else would a young
designer with clear talent
and passion go than the
Fashion Institute of
Technology? This path was
one Schnell had always
dreamed of. With her
body of work, it seemed
she would be nothing
shy of a shoo-in. Yet,
Schnell’s excitement was
soon crushed. FIT denied
her application.
However, Schnell’s
optimistic flame was far
from burning out.
Moving to Brooklyn, she
knew that the best thing
she could do for herself
was to continue working
in any facet of fashion she
could. Finding positions at vintage
shops and artists’ markets kept her
communication and sewing skills
sharp. The disappointment following
FIT’s rejection only made her work
50 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ CNY INSPIRING WOMAN }
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 51
52 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
“Clothing is first and foremost a
necessity. Designers who want to
survive within an ever-changing
industry need to keep thinking
about next steps. So, where do you
find an artist who’s practical with
textiles while daring to go against
conventional trends? Look no
further than Chloe Schnell. ”
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 53
54 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ WOMAN { SHIFT+CONTROL THE RISE } }
“Buy second hand, buy local. F*** fast fashion. Support your local designer.”
harder. By Christmas, Schnell saw
herself boldly posing in an advert
displayed on New York’s L-train.
The next opportunity she had to
reapply, she did, and this time she
received an acceptance letter from
FIT. Schnell went on to design two
more unique collections;
the ZIG-ZAG in 2016, and
the Teletubbies Collection
in 2018.
Unfortunately, despite the
opportunities her dream
school provided, Schnell’s
time at FIT was not without
its slew of challenges.
Living in the city was
expensive. Throwing
herself into her work meant
sacrifices. Coupled with
the competitiveness of
academia preparing her
for an industry she was
starting to lose faith in,
Schnell was left feeling
isolated and, at times,
defeated. It was hard to
find happiness in creating
when the truth about the
directions her career could
take were laid out in front
of her; “The ridiculous
markups, the exploitation
of workers, the praising of
over-exaggerated egos. I
spent a while processing the
negative reactions from my professors,
who I told I wanted to be ethical
and sustainable. I came very close
to giving up on fashion altogether.”
Like many who want to make a
difference, Schnell wanted to do
what felt right in her heart. Yet,
those who are most effective are not
rule-breakers; they are instead those
who learn the rules so they can make
new ones.
Chloe Schnell now has a new dream.
She doesn’t just want to just sell
her designs, she wants her business
model to exemplify consideration as it
confronts the established and orthodox
approaches. Having always loved
creating custom clothing, Schnell
wants to someday open an in-house
garment production store. A store
that will have its own seamstresses,
its own designers, its own team who,
prior, “have been affected negatively
by the garment production industry.
I want to ensure a positive,
safe, working environment
where employees make a
living wage.”
Presently, Schnell is
working with her clients
to make custom clothing,
continuing to shape this
business model into a
reality. Her mother, Pam
Schnell, has a professional
sewing service, whose
first custom collection
was designed by Chloe
following her graduation
from FIT. Idioms and
Aphorisms
was an eight-piece dress
line, basing garments on
phrases such as, all eyes on
me, which is pictured here.
While her love for fashion
design has returned, and a
renewed sense of optimism
has been garnered, Schnell
has one current request for
designers and consumers;
“Pay attention to tags. Where was it
made? Whose hands participated in its
construction? Is the price outrageously
low? Buy second hand, buy local.
F*** fast fashion. Support your local
designer.”
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 55
{ WOMAN { { SHE SHIFT+CONTROL HUSTLES ENTREPRENEUR TALKS }}
}
58 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ { WOMAN ASK { SHIFT+CONTROL DANIEL ENTREPRENEUR BALDWIN } } }
ASK ME ANYTHING...
BY DANIEL BALDWIN I PHOTOS BY BRODY WHEELER
It’s interesting the process of being
in a magazine. You sit down and do
an interview, or sometimes multiple
interviews, then there’s the photoshoot
and the many things we talk about
and learn about each other on that
day.
As a reader, you don’t see all of
the “behind the scenes” that
goes on especially between
the subject and writer, and
you certainly don’t get to ask
any of the questions. After the
article comes out, boom...
thousands of inquiries and
questions follow.
Because I live my life in
service, I approached Kelly
Breuer and asked her, “Could
I write an article for your
magazine monthly”? I want to
give my experience, strength
and hope to those who may
be able to benefit from it.
Kelly said, “yes”, so here we
go! Ask away...don’t be shy, I
will answer anything.
So here we go. #1 Does he
still plan on opening a rehab
facility on the north shore?! If
so how can I help? - Jennafer
Kelly
Daniel: Jennifer, the North
Shore Rehab idea is still on the table.
The problem is getting people behind
it that live near where the rehab
center would be.
What I get is, “We dont want a bunch
of druggies living near us.”
Well guess what people, the same
kids that are robbing your homes
and cars who live on your block are
the kids I would help in the rehab.
It’s a bad problem. Let’s strap our
boots on and clean it up.
#2 Why are they’re so few actor’s
and actresses with disabilities in the
entertainment industry? And can
you get me his autograph lol. - Tom
Turner
Daniel: Hi Tom, I think there are
more actors and famous people with
disabilities than you may realize. I
believe the problem lies more with
why it is not more publicized that
they are challenged.
How inspirational it
is to see an individual
overcome their
obstacles.
Hers a list of some
of those who have
achieved greatness.
Including:
- personality disorders
(Billie Eilish)
- famous people in
wheelchairs (Stephen
Hawking)
- famous people with
learning disabilities
(Tom Cruise)
- celebrities with
physical disabilities
(Stevie Wonder)
- famous people with
learning disabilities
(Chris Rock)
- other successful
people with disabilities
(Franklin Delano
Roosevelt)
#3 As a multi-award
winning screenwriter, I’m starting to
look for either an agent or a manager.
I was just nominated for the 12th
time in only 3 years for Best Original
Screenplay (this time at the Beverly
Hills Film Festival for a comedy I
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 59
{ ASK { SHIFT+CONTROL DANIEL BALDWIN } }
“I want to give my experience, strength and hope to those who may be able to benefit from
it. ”
screenwriting awards in Burbank, LA and
elsewhere. It’s time to find representation
but I don’t know anyone. Can Daniel
recommend someone? I am very serious
about this as a professional move. -
Bridgette Yaxley
Daniel: Well Bridgette, congratulations
on your success. It sounds like finding
an agent shouldn’t be that hard for
you at all.
I can help you on your journey for
sure. I’ll privately message you with
an introduction or two if you like.
Let me advise you and others on how
you pick the right agent or manager. I
think it starts like many relationships
in life. Do you feel comfortable with
this person? Do you like them? Can
you communicate freely with them?
Do they have the same vision and
goals as you? Yes it sounds like dating
a little bit but actually?
This is an intense partnership that
can often last for years and have a
dramatic outcome on your career.
You want someone who is going to
say your name everyday.
Ask Daniel at acemanhead@mac.com
60 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 61
62 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{{ SHIFT+CONTROL ALL ACCESS } }
WHO IS SHANELLE R.
BENSON REID?
BY DR SHANELLE BENSON REID
THE WOMAN
Dr. Shanelle R. Benson Reid, President
and CEO of the ACCESS Global Family
of Companies, Devoted Educator and
Serial Entrepreneur has spent her adult life
encouraging others, cultivating relationships
and advocating for the underserved.
THE STUDENT
Dr. Benson Reid earned an Associate of
Arts in Liberal Studies from San Bernardino
Valley Community College, a Bachelor
of Arts in Sociology from California State
University, San Bernardino (CSUSB)
and a Master of Arts in Education from
CSUSB as well. Dr. Benson Reid earned
her Doctorate in Organizational Leadership
from the University of La Verne.
Her academic achievements and life
experiences, prepared her for a career in
assessing, designing and implementing
programs to address equity and social
awareness in both public and private
educational settings.
THE ENTREPRENEUR
However, her leadership extends beyond
the schoolhouse to more recent feats of
entrepreneurship as the President and CEO
of ACCESS Global Group, where her
mission remains grounded in relationship
building and community service.
ACCESS Global Group is a Consulting Firm
that addresses organizational challenges in the
areas of Management Consulting, Executive
Coaching, Professional Development, Public
Relations, Legal Analysis, Human Resources
Compliance and Talent Acquisition. ACCESS
Global Group specializes in meeting the needs
of the organizations while simultaneously
meeting the needs of the stakeholders.
Possessing a fervent commitment to economic
development, Dr. Benson Reid launched
ACCESS Dental Laboratories with her
husband, Mr. Todd R. Reid, Sr. ACCESS
Dental Laboratories is a full-service dental
laboratory that specializes in the design of
crowns, bridges, partials, dentures, night
guards, implants and veneers.
THE CANDIDATE
Dr. Benson Reid’s unique connection
to the City of Syracuse and District 14
enables her to build bridges and empower
stakeholders while advocating for resources
and representation. Likewise, her passion
for people and commitment to community
has prepared her for this new journey.
With a desire to advance Children and
Family Services, Access
SHANELLE
to Healthcare, Equity
in Education, Employment Restoration
/ Opportunities and Environmental
Sustainability, Dr. Benson Reid is poised to
represent District 14 of Onondaga County.
THE PLATFORM
Children and Family Service
From medical testing and vaccines to
therapy and counseling, Dr. Benson Reid
believes there must be equitable access to
exceptional, comprehensive children and
family service across Onondaga County.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
As a business owner, Dr. Benson Reid
recognizes the benefit of economic
development and realizes Onondaga County
offers attractive incentives to local, regional
and national businesses. However, she
believes priority must be given to existing
businesses.
TAX INCENTIVES
One of the many advantages of operating a
business in Onondaga County is enormous
tax incentives. As a business owner, Dr.
Benson Reid recognizes the need for economic
development but she also recognizes the
need for a balanced economic plan that
not only benefits corporations but also
benefits constituents. Tax incentives should
be contingent on the number of people
hired with competitive salaries and benefit
packages as well as the overall economic
contribution to the community.
ACCESS AND AVAILABILITY
As it stands, there is a disconnect between
the people who live in District 14 and the
decisions that are being made on behalf of
District 14. This must change. The citizens
must have access to information that will
undoubtedly impact their current and future
well-being, as well as the representative who
is charged with speaking on behalf of the
citizens of District 14. Transparent access
and availability is the minimum.
GERRYMANDERING
Redistricting has been and will continue to
be an important discussion. Gerrymandering
is typically used for gaining a competitive
advantage. To avoid improprieties,
redistricting should be in the hands of
nonpartisan individuals, committees and
/ or organizations.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
With open fields, distinctive wildlife and
close-knit communities, Onondaga County
is a great place to call home. Corporations
that choose to do business in District 14
must understand the need for environmental
sustainability and commit to adhering to
the highest environmental standards.
THE TEAM
Dr. Benson Reid is committed to serving the
residence of District 14 as well as Onondaga
County. Her personal motto is “inspire
individuals to pursue self-discovery, empower
them to be innovative, progressive and
revolutionary in thought and motivate them
to be global activists.” Dr. Benson Reid
encourages self-analysis and self-assessment
while promoting innovative and progressive
designs for change and implementing
strategies for sustained success.
Looking to join the team? We would be
honored to have you!
From Door-to-Door Canvasing and Making
Phone Calls to Candidate Meet and Greets
and Campaign Fundraisers, Together, Let’s
Make Our Next Day Our Best Day!
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 63
SHANELLE
{ { WOMAN WOMEN FOR A GOOD WHO INSPIRES CAUSE } }
EVANGELA “VAN” STANLEY
BY KELLY BREUER I PHOTOS BY BRODY WHEELER
In this month’s “women’s history” edition
of Central NYWoman Online, we have an
incredibly inspiring woman, also known
by many as a true Rochester “staple”. She
has been helping others in her community
and giving back selflessly for over 20
years. She is the People’s Choice Kitchen
owner, a single mom, a true
woman entrepreneur and
well, all around empowering
woman...please welcome
Evangela Stanley, but you
can call her Van. She is
the epitome of a strong
and giving woman and is
always hustling to help others.
I am so excited that we have
such an all-around amazing
woman in the local Rochester
community for you to
stop in when you come to
town. I had the pleasure to
sit down and talk with her
and find out just who she
is. Her big smile greeting
me when I walked through
her doors and she was so
excited for her cover shoot.
After all she was celebrating
20 years in business and
just received the key to the
city from Mayor Lovely
Warren. It was heartwarming
to see some of her friends joining us
to support her, including her son
Egypt that I had the pleasure to meet.
We barely scratched the surface of this
incredible woman ‘s journey and story
during our interview, but we hope you
enjoy what she had to tell us. Make sure
to stop by 507 Chili Ave and say hi and
while you are there, don’t forget to order
their award-winning jerk salad! Did I
mention she has the best Jamaican food I
have ever tasted? All I can say is I may be
addicted now and stopping in every week!
So, you are known as a “staple” in the
Rochester community having started
your business in 2001 in the heart of
the city of Rochester. Tell our readers
a little bit about Evangela “Van”
Stanley and you how this all started.
Thanks for the huge compliment from
the community. Being called a “staple”
is truly more than I could have ever
hoped for. Evangela “Van” Stanley
(me) is a single mother of a 20-yearold
son Egypt, a business owner, a
people’s peron. After graduating from
East High School, I achieved went to
Bryant & Straton College for two years.
I have always had a love for customer
service and people; I worked for UPS for
five years, Strong Memorial
Hospital for three years, and
also worked for Xerox for
another four years as well.
All my major jobs were based
in customer service for large
corporations with high traffic.
What made you decide
to open the People’s
Choice Kitchen? Where
did you come up with the
name for the restaurant?
I decided to open up a
Caribbean Restaurant after
numerous requests and pleads
after friends and family would
see and taste my fiancé’s
island food. My fiancé grew
up watching and helping
his mother in her restaurant
back in sweet Jamaica.
I still laugh about the story
behind finding the name
for the restaurant “People’s
Choice Kitchen”. We were
inspired after watching the movie “Shaft
“. My fiancé loved the character Peoples
Hernandez. So, that is where People’s
choice came in. It just seemed to fit.
Tell us about what it was like
starting a business 20 years
ago as a minority female.
Starting a restaurant in 2001 was
66 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 67
“I honestly don’t believe I
would change anything
about my career path.
I have learned so much
along the way and the
good out weighs the
bad.”
{ WOMAN WHO INSPIRES }
“I still laugh about the story behind finding the name for the restaurant “People’s Choice
Kitchen”. We were inspired after watching the movie “Shaft”. My fiancé loved the
character Peoples Hernandez.”
very exciting but also nerve racking
because we were warned it was
extremely hard work. I took a couple
of business classes in college, but now
I was going into uncharted territory.
What has been your key to successfully
being in business for two decades?
I believe the key to my success
was growing up in a house with
a father that was a very hardworking
man that instilled in
us integrity, family values and
dedication and a praying mother.
What is your restaurant’s
specialty? What are you known
for?
My specialty at “People’s Choice
is my jerk chicken; however,
my restaurant is also known
for our famous “Jerk Chicken
Salad. It also allows you to be
bad and eat healthy at the same
time. Many of my clients shared
with me that our Jerk Chicken
Salad tastes better here at the
restaurant than back in the
islands of Jamaica. We take
each herb and spice seriously.
What made you decide
to focus on Jamaican
food at the People’s Kitchen?
This is a very easy question for me;
I decided on Jamaican food because
my fiancé was born and raised in
sweet Jamaica. When he arrived in
the United States, he brought along
all of his mother’s secret recipes
with him from her restaurant.
As a business owner, what would
you say are your top priorities for
both your personally and business?
Some of my top rituals and priorities for
myself are to always be considerate of
other people’s time; being punctual and
reliable is a must for me. Consistency is
also a must for a restaurant business and
being friendly should come naturally.
How have you marketed your business
during the pandemic, and which avenues
have you found to be most successful?
Keeping my restaurant in the forefront
in a competitive market keeps me in
the lab while others are sleeping or
traveling. I am continually re-investing
back into the restaurant. I constantly
try to come up with creative ways to
give back to my community. I love
the response from using different radio
stations and social media to captivate
different types of people’s attention.
Tell us about one event that has
happened in your life that has
changed you and why.
This question is a little more
challenging and very personal to
my clients, family and myself; I
am a survivor of an armed robbery
at my restaurant and now dealing
with a very broken system. I hope
no other business owner has to
experience that violating feeling,
which motivated me to give back
even more. The outpour from the
community was surreal. Since then,
we had to change and upgrade
our system to some state-of-theart
equipment inside and out.
If you had the chance to start your
career over again, would you do
anything differently and why?
I honestly don’t believe I would
change anything about my
career path. I have learned so
much along the way and the
good out weighs the bad. I have
overcome challenges that did not
seem possible, but my strong
faith and belief system carried me
through many storms. I will never let
me circumstance define my destiny.
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
This question brings a huge smile across
my face because my greatest inspiration
happens to be my beautiful and sweet
mother. “My mother has taught me to
walk by faith and not by sight.”
70 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 71
72 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ WOMAN { SHIFT+CONTROL WHO INSPIRES } }
“My specialty at “People’s Choice is my jerk chicken; however, my restaurant is known for
our famous “Jerk Chicken Salad, it also allows you to be bad and eat healthy at the same
time.”
What is one thing that
you feel defines success?
Success for me is knowing God is in
the mix and allowing others to see
and witness the same joy so they too
can pass it forward to someone else.
Success for me and my fiancé was to
build a strong foundation for our son
by leaving him a legacy. But it was also
breaking strong generational holds by
passing on health and wealth to
the next generation to follow.
Tell us about “Soccer Sam
Fantauzzo” and how you were
able to get your sauces into
Rochester’s famous Salvatore’s
Old Fashioned Pizzeria’s.
I thank God, and I’m grateful
for Soccer Sam listening to Bob
Lonsberry live talk radio show.
Once he heard Bob mention how
excellent our famous jerk sauce
taste on Bob’s show; Soccer Sam
reached out to me and indicated
that he strongly believed my
jerk sauce would be great at his
Salvatore Pizzeria’s, which brought
music to my ears. I am so glad
he was tuned into Bob’s show
that day to hear about People’s
Choice Kitchen. The rest is history!
Where do you see your
business 5 and 10 years from
now? Any plans to franchise?
My 5-year plan consists of me opening
another restaurant on the East side of
the city where I was born and raised.
I would also love to add more stores
to carry my jerk sauces. My 10-year
plan is to successfully train my son
for the full operation so that I can
confidently transition the business to
him. As far as franchising goes, I have
mentioned it to my sister in Florida
for many years. I would definitely
continue to entertain those thoughts.
Do you think being a minority has
helped or hindered you in business?
Being a minority business owner
definitely has not hindered me all. I have
successfully operated my restaurant for
20 years in the inner city. My clientele
comes from all types of backgrounds
and we treat them all the same.
What is one thing you have done that
not many people know about you?
I enjoy going into the malls to see
who I could randomly bless that day. I
generally look for teenagers that I would
offer to pay their bill or tell them to
pick out more items so I could pay for
them; the look on their faces is priceless.
What is one piece of advice
you have been giving that has
helped shape who you are?
I received a lot of advice from my mother.
We have a very close and strong bond
together. I cherish all of her strong
values and most importantly,
her advice to us to always
put God first and he will
lead me down the right path.
What would be one
word to describe you?
If I had one word to choose to
describe myself; it would be
“compassionate.” I truly love to
encourage and see others happy.
Has the pandemic helped
or hindered your business?
How have you had to pivot
to keep business going?
Like so many other businesses
and especially restaurants, we
took a hard hit too. We are still
feeling the pandemic’s impact,
but we are so grateful we did
not lose any family members
or customers to Covid-19.
We are thankful for our loyal
customers continuing to support my
business and helping us keep the doors
open so we can also bless others to pay
what they can afford.
What would be one bit of advice
you would give to young women
wanting to start their own restaurant
business?
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 73
74 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 75
{ WOMAN WHO INSPIRES }
“Success for me and my fiancé was to build a strong foundation for our son by leaving a
legacy for Egypt and also by breaking generational strong holds by passing on health and
wealth to the next generation to follow.”
The advice I would share with a young
woman would be to invest in their future
and love what you do but most of all
stay determined and focus. You have to
be passionate about your business this
might sound easy, but it is so important
to be a people-person is just how it goes
in order to succeed.
What is the most favorite thing about
what you do?
My favorite thing I enjoy doing in my
business is opening a customer’s tray in
front of them and allowing the herbs and
spices to speak for themselves. I love to
witness the expressions and excitement
of their face when they see their food.
It brings great satisfaction to me
What is the most favorite thing about
what you do?
My favorite thing I enjoy doing in my
business is opening a customer’s tray in
front of them and allowing the herbs and
spices to speak for themselves. I love to
witness the expressions and excitement
of their face when they see their food. It
brings great satisfaction to me.
Other side notes...
I forgot to mention that if it wasn’t for
Soccer Sam, Palmer’s Market,, Bob
Lonsberry, and Boss Sauce I wouldn’t
have been able to feed 200 people for
Thanksgiving for free.
Plus, my Angel Tree during the holidays,
we were able to provide over 200 toys
to kids in need thanks to Soccer Sam
and his generosity.
I also do something called Sisters
Giving Smiles. I reached out to several
salon owners, to pamper women from
Alternative for Battered Women and I
catered the food.
Van also works a lot with domestic
violence organizations and victims.
When I asked why, she said, “ My
oldest sister Sandra Stanley whom has
passed away. She suffered many years
of abuse from her boyfriend. He once
pushed her through a glass window at a
hotel. Surgeons donated their services to
reconstruct her face. That’s one reason I
enjoyed giving back to battered women.
I received several proclamations giving
back for this cause and I will continue
to do anything I can to help.”
80 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ WOMAN { SHE SHIFT+CONTROL HUSTLES WHO TALKS INSPIRES }}}
}
WHO IS KRISTIE STUMPF
RORK?
BY KRISTIE STUMPF RORK
She is a 50-year-old Writer, Curve
model, and Social Media influencer
who was diagnosed with Breast Cancer
in November 2020. She moved from
New Hampshire back her hometown
of Cape Vincent, New York in the
fall of 2019 to help care for family.
She lives with her husband in a large
farmhouse next door to her parent’s
home and farmland. Together, they
have two beautiful scientific
miracles, one born by IVF
and the other FET, as well as
an adopted rescue dog, and
three cats.
“Cancer During COVID-19:
This is My Fight Song.”
“Like a small boat
On the ocean
Sending big waves
Into motion
Like how a single word
Can make a heart open
I might only have one match
But I can make an explosion.”
Early morning, November
18th, I sat alone in an
examination room at the
Women’s Wellness and Breast
Care Center in Watertown, New
York. Months of mammograms,
MRI’s and a biopsy had led to this
moment. I told myself I was prepared
for whatever the outcome. And then
my doctor and her nurse walked into
the room.
My doctor wasted no time getting
to the point of the appointment. I
had cancer.
I was wrong, I was not ready and felt
myself slowly disappear inside my
brain. As she discussed the type of
cancer I had, the stage, the treatments,
all I could think about was if someone
were there with me, to hold my
hand, to wrap me in their arms. As
the tears streamed down my cheeks,
my doctor asked her nurse to fetch
me some tissues. She returned with
a small box, hard, and cold in my
hands, with crisp, starchy tissues.
As I continued to try to make sense
of what my doctor was telling me,
I kept thinking of the box in my
hands and how it was like the whole
experience: cold, hard, crisp. That box
of tissues provided me no comfort.
For twelve months, individuals
across the country have sat alone in
examination rooms, like me, hearing
the devastating news that they have
cancer, while no loved one is there
to hold their hand or wrap them in
their arms.
These cancer patients have been
abandoned in the front of hospitals,
as ordered by COVID restrictions
to walk in alone where they will face
life altering surgeries without their
loving family and friends. Then no
loved one is there to see them
when they get out of surgery
or sit with them as they recover
in their hospital room.
These cancer patients have been
dropped off at their radiation
and chemo appointments
with a wave and well wishes
like students in front of an
elementary school; however,
instead of a crowded school, it
is more like a prison and their
time there is spent in solitary.
“And all those things I didn’t say
Wrecking balls inside my brain
I will scream them loud tonight
Can you hear my voice this
time?”
Navigating this cancer journey
through the COVID shackles
since November has been difficult;
however, when I think about the
hundreds of thousands of cancer
patients throughout the nation that
have had to endure appointments,
procedures, surgeries, and treatments
alone and in isolation due to the
Pandemic, it breaks my heart!
Emotional and physical support are
important components of recovering
from cancer! I want the world to
know that cancer patients NEED
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 81
{ WOMAN { { SHE SHIFT+CONTROL HUSTLES WHO TALKS INSPIRES }
} }
“Emotional and physical support are important components of recovering from cancer! I
want the world to know that cancer patients NEED emotional support!”
emotional support! I want to shout
it from rooftops, rattle the chains,
stomp on the floorboards, and make
some noise! It has become my FIGHT
SONG!
Emotional support is not just wanted
during a cancer patient’s revelations,
biopsies, surgeries, procedures,
and treatments, it is a necessity! A
fundamental component of a person’s
well-being is their emotional, social
support, and mental health. If a
person’s emotional well-being is
supported, that resilience and positive
emotions help in the healing process.
According to Cure.com, the initial
reaction to a cancer diagnosis is often
shock and disbelief, followed by a
period of distress characterized by
mixed symptoms of anxiety, anger
and depression. Huh?! And for the
past 12 months, cancer patients like
me, have had no one to share that
initial reaction with due to COVID
restraints. Let alone the following
months of appointments, surgeries,
and treatments!
I found it validating that the American
Cancer Society agrees with me! In
their article, “Nurture Your Emotional
Health: Coping with Anxiety During
the Coronavirus Outbreak, published
at the cusp of the Pandemic, they
stated that cancer patients “need to
take care of their emotional and mental
well-being.” They suggest “keeping a
good outlook, getting plenty of sleep,
and trying new recipes.”
But…wait!
Myself, as well as the other cancer
warriors that I have been fighting
alongside, are not and were not
comforted by a good night sleep
when we learned of our diagnosis or
by trying a new recipe before being
dropped off for treatments. The
emotional support that we crave, and
need is physical. It is the gentle touch
on the shoulder letting us know that
we are supported and loved, or the
hand holding ours when we just do
not want to feel so alone.
“This is my fight song
Take back my life song
Prove I’m alright song
My powers turned on
Starting right now I’ll be strong
I’ll play my fight song
And I don’t really care if nobody else
believes
Cause I’ve still got a lot of fight left
in me!”
Like the lyrics to Rachel Platten’s
“Fight Song” “I might only have one
match, but I can make an explosion.”
I have made it my mission to share
my story and the story of all cancer
patients during COVID. If enough
people can hear our voice then we
can make a difference, we can make
a change, we can get the emotional
support that is so necessary in the
healing of our fellow warriors.
“Can you hear my voice this time?”
I am petitioning the CDC to
CHANGE the COVID-19 Healthcare
Plan and make an amendment for
Cancer Patients that allows for either
a person to accompany them to
appointments and hospitalizations or
the creation of a healthcare companion
that would do the same, to maintain
and support the emotional well-being
of the patient which would ultimately
improve their recovery.
Sign the petition: http://chng.it/
X9BTVsddxV
82 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 83
STARTING AT
$199
INFLUENTIALWOMANONLINE.COM
SPECIAL
INSERT
WOMEN
OWNED
BUSINESSES
MEET
Lam Hoang My ( Amy Hoang)
FOUNDER OF GOLDEN
WORLD GROUP, LLC
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
I’M READY TO MAKE YOUR VISION COME TRUE!
{ SHE HUSTLES TALKS }
LAM HOANG MY
YOU ( AMY ARE HOANG) ENOUGH.
BY NICOLE HEROUX WILLIAMS I PHOTOS BY NSP STUDIO
Amy Hoang is the founder of Golden
World Magazine and she holds multiple
positions under the Golden World Group
LLC, which includes the Golden Sea
Corporation, Golden World Beauty
Pageant, Golden Agarwood Jewelry,
& Golden Health and Beauty Supply.
She has been featured on the covers of
Malvie Magazine and Gmaro Magazine.
Also, she has been published in Vigour
Magazine, Edith Magazine, Illumee
Magazine, and many
other publications
in Vietnam. Amy
Hoang is an
ambitious, successful
businesswoman who is
a passionate innovator
in the fashion, beauty
and entertainment
industries. She uses
her artistic talent
as a fashionista to
promote luxurious
couture, while
leading a resplendent
lifestyle exemplified by
adventure, elegance,
and altruism.
Amy Hoang is a
poised, graceful entrepreneur who
is intelligent, empathetic, and openminded.
She is an eloquent speaker who
leverages her superb communication
skills to build strong networks in the
entertainment industry and to promote
her philanthropic pursuits, especially
during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under Amy Hoang’s leadership, Golden
Health Supply provided high-quality
medical equipment to customers in the
U.S. and internationally. Specifically, her
company provided many antibacterial
mask products to help protect people
from COVID-19 spread. Furthermore,
the Golden World group kicked off 2021
by donating masks to people in the city
of Stanton, Southern California. Her
organization handed out over 25,000
boxes of medical masks and hand sanitizer
to people in need.
Amy Hoang is a generous and
compassionate humanitarian who donates
to a variety of charitable causes. Several
of these causes include: The Golden
World Group Charity Foundation,
Shriners Hospitals for Children, “Pray For
Vietnam” initiative to help flood victims,
American Cancer Society, environmental
preservation of the oceans, and retired
military veterans in Massachusetts.
In addition, her organization focuses
on helping vulnerable, impoverished
women and children throughout the
world. She constantly gives back to her
Vietnamese community and artists. The
Golden World Group will help bring
the blockbuster, Vietnamese movie
“Sam Hoi” to the U.S. to reach a larger
audience. Moreover, Amy Hoang believes
that it is important to celebrate diversity
using her Golden World platforms to
promote inclusion and cultural awareness.
She is committed to embracing diversity
in the entertainment world. As the
CEO of the Golden
World Beauty
Pageants, she brings
together creatives and
contestants from
various cultures and
nationalities, such
as the Ms. Golden
World events from
2017 to present and
Ms. Golden Sea
Pageant in 2019.
As the first runnerup
of Ms. Vietnam
International
Pageant 2015, she
wanted to create an
inclusive pageant that
welcomes all men
and women. Her
pageant emphasizes the importance of
individuals who have heart and passion
for their communities. Amy Hoang’s
radiant, cheerful personality inspires
others to see their own beauty and to
make a meaningful difference in the
world. She believes that acknowledging
and honoring cultural diversity will lead
to the creation of global citizens who are
dedicated to making positive changes in
their communities and abroad.
90 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 91
92 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
“Amy Hoang is an
ambitious, successful
businesswoman who is
a passionate innovator
in the fashion, beauty
and entertainment
industries.”
94 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ WOMAN { SHIFT+CONTROL WHO INSPIRES } }
“Amy Hoang’s vision of inclusivity inspired the creation of the Golden World Magazine.”
Amy Hoang’s vision of inclusivity
inspired the creation of the Golden
World Magazine. The magazine provides
a unique opportunity for designers,
photographers, models and artists
from various cultural backgrounds to
showcase their work to a larger audience.
Additionally, this magazine will celebrate
the creative teams and models who
participated in the Golden World Beauty
Pageants. It will commemorate the
tremendous effort, time and diligence
required to organize and to coordinate
unforgettable beauty pageant events. Amy
Hoang aims to inspire and to encourage
other young talent organizations to
submit their work for future publications
in order to cultivate an international
creative community.
As a brilliant female CEO, Amy Hoang
has successfully navigated the challenges
of 2020 while changing business strategies
to suit the times. She is optimistic that
the future will be prosperous for the
Golden World LLC with several major
projects and collaborations currently
under way. One of her company’s most
important mottos is “Understanding
- Loving - Caring – Sharing,” which
continues to influence her progress
into 2021. Amy Hoang is not only an
immensely gifted businesswoman and
trendsetter in fashion, but a selfless
leader devoted to diversity, inclusion,
and philanthropy.
Tell our audience about yourself and
where you are from.
My name is My Lam Diem Hoang
kwown as Lam Hoàng My. I was born
in Vietname and and graduated from
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 95
{ COVER STORY } { WOMAN { { WOMEN { SHIFT+CONTROL COVER WHO STORY INSPIRES ROC } }
} }
“ I love learning and sharing. I love to learn what I dont know and share what I do
know .”
the University of Tourism in VN.I moved
too the US at the age of 20. I am the
present CEO of Golden World Beauty
/ CEO OF Golden Sea International
/ chair women /Founder of Golden
World Group Inc Charity foundation
Co founder / owner of Golden
Health Supply, the CEO at BOMOI
Entertainment and the Owner of Beauty
Times Salon and Spa.
What got you into the pageant world?
I love learning and
sharing. I love to learn
what I dont know and
share what I do know .
Promotion of a platform
is a big one for me too.
Being passionate about
a cause and entering a
pageant is a great way
to share your platform
and your enthusiasm
for something that you
strongly believe in.
How did you become
CEO of Golden World
Group/ Founder of
Miss Golden World
/ Miss & Mr Golden
Sea International?
I love beauty and feeling beautiful.
Making other confident in thier own
skin. Beauty is from the inside out.
Working on charity work , giving back
to the society all helped me to become
CEO. I am a good leader . I lead the
company in the right direction . I help
people reach their goals, and I am not
afraid to hire people that are better
than me, ass long as they are good for
the company. I look out for others not
just my own benefits.
I love that the Golden World Group
is about helping children in need,
empowering women, understanding,
caring and helping others. What made
you start the organization with this
mission?
Children are our first priority. They
are the future of the world. Being a
minority woman, Ideaply understand
the difficulties that women in Asia and
in general arefacing. Racism, funding
security, lack of capital, family, children
and the list goes on.I can see myself in
that world. So I am doing my best for
myself and for others . Giving back is
a beautiful action. The world needs it.
Understanding, caring, loving and
sharing is who I am. I just want to be
able to help as many people as I can.
It seems that you are really a true
woman entrepreneur. Can you tell us
about your other businesses?
I loved doing business when I was a little
girl. I helped my mom to manage her
store after school. Growing up with that
business mind, I can see opportunities
everywhere. I Graduated from Bay Bath
University for International Business and
this was really the start of my crazy life.
Long story short, our company has
grown very large in different fields:
like real estate, import/ export, sea food
meat, the Entertainment
industry :and more. We
host two Pageants every
year as well. I am also
a special event planner.
Plus, we help people
in the fashion industry
eith raising capital for
investment. We Supply
PPE products in big
quantities.
What gave you the
courage to start your
own businesses?
I really dont know what
one thing made me start
my business ( insert laugh
here). I born for this.
My passion is working
and making others happy.
What is your current reigning status?
How long have you been competing?
I competed once 6 years a go and didn’t
win, but I was a first runner up. I am
short and petite, so maybe that was the
reason why I couldn’t touch that crown.
So, I said to myself, if I cant not win
that crown for myself I will make myself
the director of a pageant and lay it on
96 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ COVER STORY } { WOMAN { { WOMEN { SHIFT+CONTROL COVER WHO STORY INSPIRES ROC } } } }
“ My favorite part of my job is seeing our contestants shine, gain confidence, lead them to
other opportunities, and open their doors to the world.”
others with special criteria for petite,
but smart women like me to shine even
if it was only once in their life.
What is your favorite part
about being in the pageants?
What about coordinating
the pageants?
My favorite part of my job is
seeing our contestants shine,
gain confidence, lead them
to other opportunities, and
open their doors to the world.
Coordinating a pageant is
not easy, especially if it is an
international one like Golden
World Beauty Pageant. We
welcome all races, ages,
nationalities, different
backgrounds , different level
sof education, different shapes
and sizes. We all unite on
one platform to compte, to
learn, to share, and to love
each other.
Who has been your biggest
influence?
Oprah Winfrey is my biggest
influence. I read about her,
listen to her, and my goal is to
sit with her on her TV show
one day. I want to talk and
share everything with her.
Who has been the biggest
success story to come from
the Golden World Pageants?
On the younger side we have
Jacqueline Paras, Miss Golden World
2018 . She is from the Philippinesand
she is now a great face in the NY fashion
industry. She is a great model, singer
and dancer. She goes a long with the
Golden World Group in all of our
charity works.
For the more mature ladies, we have
two that have had great success in their
career.The first is Mrs Annie K Nguyễn
who was crowned Mrs Golden Sea
International in NY in 2018. She just
successfuly singed a multi-millions
dollar PPE contract for Golden Sea
Corporation. Then, we have Mrs Golden
World Entrepreneur 2019
Ninh Nguyen who is very
well known in Los Angeles,
California for her chain
PHO FILET. She is making
million now in income and
is very successful. Both of
them are representatives for
the Golden World Group
501C3 charity foundation.
What do you look for
in contestants for the
pageant? What about
for the winners?
We are more strict on
contestants for Miss
pageants then the others.
They have to meet the
requirements: beauty,
education, community
work , personally, height,
weight, and even family
background is checked.
For Ms and Mrs contestants
we look for the background,
personally, education,
and their passion. Most
important is their goal
in what do they want to
achieve.
For the winner of Miss
they need to meet all the
requirements to be the best. Ms/Mrs: is
more about their great achievements in
life, and something for others to learn
and follow.
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 99
100 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 101
102 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
104 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ COVER STORY } { WOMAN { { WOMEN { SHIFT+CONTROL COVER WHO STORY INSPIRES ROC } } } }
“ Yes, we got hit really hard with the pandamic. We had to make several changes in order
to rescue our business.”
Have you had to make any changes
during the pandemic to how you
run the pageants?
Yes, we got hit really hard with the
pandamic. We had to make several
changes in order to
rescue our business.
We are making PPE
products, doing virtual
shows, zoom shows, and
even got creative with
a livestream talk show.
Where did you get your
education, and what
did you major in?
I was graduated in VN
for my first 4 years
degree in Tourism. Then
I moved to the US and
continued my education
at Springfield Technical
Community College
and graduated from
Bay Bath University
in Longeadow, MA six
years later.
Who has been the most
influential in helping
your career?
That would definitely
be my mom. She is my
best friend ever.
What do you have
planned for 2021?
The coming back of
the Miss Gokden Sea
International 2021,
Miss Golden World Beauty Pageant
2021and the Golden Legendary
special Award.
What is the one thing you cannot
live without when competing?
You can’t do anything without
confidence.
Who has been your favorite designer
to work with and why?
KhangLe and Jacky Tai because
they are so creative, have a unique
fashion style and are so amazing to
work with.
What do you think is the one quality
that makes you a lady boss?
+ being a people person
+ hard working
+ willing to learn
+ confident
+ understanding
If you could use one word
to describe yourself what
would it be?
Sweet but tough.
If you had one piece of
advice to someone just
starting out, what would
it be?
My best advise to everyone
would be to be yourself, be
passionate, start while you
are still employed, don’t
do it alone, get your clients
and customers lined up,
and most importantly have
a business plan in place.
Make sure to do your
research before jumping
in and get professional
help. Have a dream, dream
big and work hard and be
patient because success
never comes that easy.
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 105
{ WOMAN { SHIFT+CONTROL WHO INSPIRES } }
“Have a dream, dream big and work hard and be patient because success never comes
that easy.”
106 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 107
110 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHE HUSTLES TALKS }
RUMELLA “LA DIVA”
CAMERON
PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER “GOODKNEWS” CARDWELL
Please give a warm welcome to the
latest She Hustles Talks cover woman,
the “Diva” herself, Rumella Cameron.
So you are a professional wrestler, a real
estate agent, and a business owner of
Conversance Business Solutions LLC.
Plus, you are a mother. Tell our readers
a little bit about Rumella “LaDiva”
Cameron and your background.
My name is Rumella
Cameron. I am a mother of
3, the CEO of Conversance
Business Solutions, a real
estate agent, and I am a
community activist, where
I served as the town leader
in a political committee.
Which of your 3
professions came first?
I actually started wresting
in 2007. Two years out
of high school, I began
to pursue my wrestling
career. I then started my
business in 2015, and I
became a licensed real estate
agent last January 2020.
Tell us about being a
professional wrestler. How did you
start? What made you want to do
something like that?
What got me interested in wrestling, my
family and I would sit around the tv on
Monday nights and watch it together.
WWE, formally known as WWF during
the Attitude Era was the best. I would
see superstars such as the Rock, Lita
& and the Hardy Boys, and Chyna.
I thought it was cool. One day I was
watching tv and saw a buddy of mines
on a local channel wrestling. I called
the network to get in touch with the
promoter, and that’s how I got started. I
signed up for training a few weeks later.
Where did the wrestling name and
persona “La Diva” come from?
My wrestling persona is like my alter ego
lol. She’s fierce and takes no mess from
anyone. I have high standards, so LaDiva,
which means The Diva transpired. In
the ring, I am the heal, which in better
terms, the villain. I love playing the bad
girls. Brains, beauty, and brutality is my
tagline. Being the only female wrestler in
Upstate NY and becoming the women’s
champion in just a few promotions on
the east coast and in Canada, I was that
chic. The majority of my opponents
were men. So I had no issue going toe
to toe with the guys. Hey, why not?
What made you decide to start your
own business and become a female
entrepreneur in Real Estate and
Conversance Business Solutions?
I follow and a lot of
successful entrepreneurs
and business owners.
Success millionaires say the
key to success is to have
seven streams of income.
I whole-heartily believe in
that. You can’t always rely
on a basket, and you should
never put all your eggs in
one basket. But I do this
strategically, of course.
There’s only so much time
in a day. But I was ready
to go on my own and be
on my boss. I founded
Conversance in 2015,
serving small to mid-sized
businesses nationally,
providing administrative
support and business
strategies. What got me
into real estate, one of our clients was
building their team, and we helped
streamlined their processes and systems,
and it just grew from there. Why not
get into real estate. Real estate is the
best way to make investments and build
up your financial portfolio.
What made you decide to start
Conversance, and what is its mission?
112 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 113
114 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{{ SHE SHIFT+CONTROL HUSTLES TALKS }}
“ I love playing the bad girls. Brains, beauty, and brutality is my tagline. ”
Our mission is to be the top virtual
assistant firm in the US, providing
administrative support and business
services to small and medium businesses
that are either starting up or expanding.
Not too many entrepreneurs have the
resources to hire a team, and we provide
one at a fraction of the cost. We help
with business planning, executing the
plan, and building up your team to
help you be successful in your business.
As a business owner, what would you say
are your top priorities for both yourself
in the business and also for your clients?
My top priorities are business
development, sales, and client retention.
I spend the majority of my time
finding ways to be a resource to our
clients and how we can help them
grow their business. Their success is
ours. Lead generation is a daily task.
How do you market your
business, and which tactics have
you found to be most successful,
especially during a pandemic?
I market my business by networking
with other businesses, introducing
myself, setting up meetings, reaching out
via social media, and cold calling. The
most effective way we gain new clients is
through reaching out on LinkedIn and
following up with cold-calls and emails.
Sometimes I would try snail mail, but
that didn’t bring much success. The direct
interactions have been very successful.
What was your key driving force
to become a real estate agent?
The funny thing is, I love Millionaire
Dollar Listing NY and I have been
following Ryan Serhant for many years.
Although the real estate market is not
the same as it is in NYC or LA, I’ve
learned so much that I have applied to
my own real estate business. Another
reason why I got into real estate is
much bigger than me. Some people
believe that they are not able to achieve
buying a home, and I am changing
that narrative. Everyone should be able
to qualify for a home, understand the
home buying process, and know there
are grants and resources available to
them. So I work with buyers and educate
them on this. It makes me happy to
get a buyer into their new or even first
home. We are on the journey together.
If you had the chance to start your
career over again, would you do
anything differently and why?
No, every failure leads to success.
In failing, you learn a lesson. My
path is mine to take and made
me into the person I am today.
What would you say are the top
three skills needed to be successful as
both a professional female wrestler
and a female business owner?
Top 3 skills would be perseverance,
determination, and patience.
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My greatest inspiration has been the
many women before me that went
through struggles to carve a path for
themselves and generations later. Mostly,
my mother and grandmother. Strong
black women who did everything on
their own to provide and take care of
their families. I wanted to prove to
them that their hard work and the
life they have provided weren’t in vain.
How do you define success?
Success means many things to many
people. What success means to me
and that I am surrounded by people
who love and support me. Success
to me is knowing that somehow I
have inspired someone and/or made
some type of impact on them.
Do you spend more time lighting
fires or putting them out?
That’s a great question. I believe I
am the fire. But I am really good
at putting them out. What defines
a person is how they can pressure.
Tell our audience what
makes you a hustler...
Hustler is my middle name. What
makes me a hustler is that no matter
what life throws my way I always find a
way to maneuver and get to my goals.
Where do you see your businesses a
year from now? What about 5 and
10 years? Will you still be wrestling?
In a year, I see my business with a
huge team, helping businesses all
over the world and providing jobs
locally. I do plan on wrestling until
my body tells me it’s time to stop.
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 115
116 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{{ SHE SHIFT+CONTROL HUSTLES TALKS } }
“We are changing the trajectory. Black women represent 42% of new women-owned
businesses.”
Do you walk your talk?
Always!
Do you think being a minority has
helped or hindered you in business?
I don’t make it an issue, but I know for
sure there are systems in place to keep
us down. I don’t always get the same
opportunities as my other counterparts,
so I make the opportunity. It
honestly shouldn’t matter. I see more
opportunities coming because I am
a minority women-owned business.
We are changing the trajectory.
Black women represent 42% of
new women-owned businesses.
What is one thing you
have done that not many
people know about you?
After attending Brockport, I was
actually a Criminal Justice Major and
Business Administration and Military
Science. I was planning on going into
the Army as an officer. I decided that
wasn’t the best choice for my family. So
I decided I can still serve and did the
RPD test and passed. But of course,
life doesn’t always go as planned.
What is one piece of advice
you have been giving that has
helped shape who you are?
When I was attending Genesee
Community College, I had a professor
that I went to get advice from, and
she told me, “Your life begins the
moment you step outside your comfort
zone.” She was right. Each year I find
a way to push myself to the next level.
Of your 3 VERY different career choices,
which has been your favorite and why?
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 117
118 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 119
{{ SHE SHIFT+CONTROL HUSTLES TALKS } }
“I really feel as though the pandemic has helped my business. With companies going
virtual, we were able to shine during this time by providing virtual assistant services. ”
Professional wrestling. When I am
in that ring, I feel alive. I feel free. I
feel at home. It’s my passion. But I
know putting my body on the line like
that is not good for my family. I have
my babies I have to come home to.
Has the pandemic
helped or hindered
your business?
I really feel as though the
pandemic has helped my
business. With companies
going virtual, we were
able to shine during this
time by providing virtual
assistant services. We’ve
been trying to show
businesses for years
the benefits of doing a
majority of the workflow
virtually and how it saves
them time and money.
The crazy thing is I started
my real estate business
right before the pandemic,
it was slow at first, but I
was able to get my first
three sales before the
end of the year. I wish
I was able to do more,
but hey, that’s what life
threw my way. Have
to make the most of it.
Do you have any
big business plans for 2021?
Well, yes I do. We are going into
year six, and we plan on doing a
huge marketing push to increase
awareness and reach more businesses.
What would you say your clients
think is your best quality?
My interpersonal communication
skills. I am to connect with my clients,
and they like that. I understand their
wants and needs and what they are
looking to accomplish, whether
they are a home buyer or a business
owner looking to grow and expand.
What does your family
think about what you do,
especially being a pro wrestler?
My kids think I am a
rock star. I don’t see it,
but everyone always tells
me how I inspire them.
That makes me happy. I am
just doing what I can and
living to my full potential.
What would be one bit of
advice you would give to
young women wanting to
start their own business?
START!!! Don’t let anyone
tell you that you can’t, or
talk you out of a decision.
Keep your eyes on the prize,
do what makes you happy
and live your life.
Make-up: Lamany
Chanthavong
Hair: Quanda Weaver
Stylist: Latrice Brown
Vyntage Junkie
Skin care & Creative
Director: Vaughan Pinckney
120 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
MAKENNA
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 121
{ SHE { SHIFT+CONTROL HUSTLES TALKS } }
ANGELA TEWA
My name is Angela Tewa, a 26-year-old
New York City native currently living
in Western New York. I have grown
to be a woman of many hats. I am a
proud boy mom of a precious oneyear-old
son, associate’s and bachelors
degree holder in Criminal Justice,
and I graduate with my master’s
degree in Social Work from the
University at Buffalo this May
of 2021. I also intern with the
NYS Department of Parole.
Throughout my entire graduate
program, I have been working
as a caseworker and skill builder
in child welfare for at risk youth
and families in the system. I have
recently resigned to dedicate my
undivided attention and focus
in school while preparing for
post graduation.
I am incredibly ardent in
my line of work in the field.
That is one thing that I’m
sure will never change is my
human rights perspectives,
my compassion for people,
and my genuine heart to help.
In 2016, I took up a modeling
offer and had not stopped since.
Many people have asked me,
“Why didn’t you make it into
a business earlier?” I’ve always
loved being in front of the camera,
but telling stories and creating art
through my pictures is such a fulfilling
and inspirational deed to me. I’ve
always had full-time work, money
was never a motive, and no matter
how many paid gigs I get, it never
will be. It is my passion, and it is my
self-care. Of course, after leaving a
full-time job, yeah, it was time to
cut down on so many collaborative
projects. After all, I think I got quite
a few years of building my craft and
gaining experience in so many different
aspects of the industry to be able to
take the following steps. Still, up to
this day, I love being active in the
community, helping others create,
helping others get experience and
genuinely networking and making
friends with like-minded individuals.
What started off as a hobby then
became a serious passion and money
maker. I have been blessed with
many opportunities such as runway,
modeling for local brands, freelance
photography, music videos, and extra
roles in popular series such
as Orange Is The New Black
and SVU: Law and Order.
I have gotten questions
about the possible conflict
of modeling and my career
in criminal justice/social
work. Now, as I am about to
graduate with my master’s,
my goal is to use my platform
to advocate for human rights
and combine the two!
The climate that we are in
in this country is intense
on all levels, especially
with the black lives matter
movement, racism, police
brutality, LGBTQ+ justice,
gender inequality and the
list goes on. I think it would
be pretty negligent of me as
a young black woman and
black mother of a black son,
to just continue to take pretty
pictures, and that’s it. I’m
not just a pretty face.
There’s purpose behind my choices
as a creative. There are so many
ways that I have utilized my “social
media presence” and will continue
to, to speak out against issues and
speak for those who never got the
chance to or who simply can’t.
Signing petitions, sharing stories,
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 123
124 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 125
{ SHE HUSTLES TALKS }
“I’ve always had full-time work, money was never a motive, and no matter how many
paid gigs I get, it never will be.”
voting, getting involved in black lives
matter campaigns, supporting black
businesses, having those difficult
conversations with others, simply
telling someone, it is not enough to not
just be racist, you have to be constantly
anti-racist, so on and so forth.
Be sure to check out and like, if you’re
feeling generous, my modeling business
page on Facebook, AngelaTewa, if
you’d like to book me as a model
for any commercial brands, creative
portraits, videos, etc other modeling
projects. You can also check me out
on Instagram at @princesa_angiee
to see all of my cool creations and
also subscribe to my new YouTube
channel that documents my modeling
life, called “Off The Record”.
{{ SHE HUSTLES { SHE SHIFT+CONTROL HUSTLES ENTREPRENHERS TALKS }}
}}
MIND. BODY. META.
BY MO SHANTY
Tell us about yourself and what made
you start Mind. Body. Meta...
I began a different organic skincare
business about 10 years ago in Auburn
and I really fell in love with the holistic
side of skincare then. I had taken
schooling in Herbalism and Organic
Chemistry in my training leading up
to getting my Esthetics license. I started
making my own skincare in 2013,
taking all that I knew and fell in love.
It was at that point that I realized that
I didn’t want to work for anyone else
in this arena. And it was all going very
well. There was a point in my life where
things were rock bottom. I could not
figure how to right myself and I was
emotionally damaged. I sought out
a talk therapy approach and leaned
very heavily into Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy. It really helped me develop
better coping skills and recognize
the areas I still needed work. That
pulled me in the direction of seeking
my own certification in Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy which I did in
2018. Creating MindBodyMeta was
a no-brainer to begin. If you’re truly
setting out to help others take care
of their own whole body and being,
we’re really missing the point if we’re
only coming part way. Skincare is my
passion, emotional intelligence and
stability is my passion and herbalism
and aromatherapy are two things that
helped me sustain myself through some
of the most difficult times in my life.
I’d be silly not to offer that amount of
well-being to my clients.
I know The Pali word Mettā means
benevolence or goodwill and loving
kindness. How did you decide on this
as part of your business name?
That’s so interesting! I’ve never known
that! Ha! Actually, it’s just a shortened
version of the word, Metaphysical. I’ve
been a solitary practitioner of Herbalism,
Tarot and Brujeria since I was about
13. It’s been part of my life for over 30
years and the marriage of Tarot and Talk
Therapy was one the most wonderful
assets to my growth. I wanted to be an
educational resource in Metaphysics,
addressing the many variations and
ways people can be more spiritual. And
spirituality is so individual, it’s important
to understand what will work best for
you in that journey.
What made you decide to start your
own business?
Honestly, I didn’t like working for other
people that weren’t truly invested in
me. I really detest micromanaging. I do
enough of that to myself, I don’t need it
piled on. But the main reason is because
I don’t think I’ll ever find a business or
corporation as unique as mine where I
would be happy. Marrying facial and
bodycare with an herbal apothecary as
well as a mental health talk therapy
office seems like too much of an
amalgamation, doesn’t it? But it works
so well and seamless here.
What is your favorite part of doing
what you do?
Wow, hmm, really all of it. I make 80
out the 87 products that are sold on
my shelves. That’s really the beauty
of it. I get to put my energy, my hope
and my expertise into everything that
touches a client. I love Skincare and
Histology and the Therapy. It’s so
hard to choose.
What types of services do you offer
and what makes you different from
other service providers?
Firstly, we offer skincare services like
waxing, facials and body treatments.
All products used are made by me,
so I can stand firmly behind them
with the knowledge that they do
what they say they’re going to as well
as knowing each and every ingredient.
I’ve also taken extensive continuing
education in Oncology Esthetics and
a heavy concentration on Melanated
Skin, which is hard to come by in this
area unfortunately. There are so many
talented Estheticians of color. Seek them
out. We offer Lash Services, especially
for Sensitive Eyes, Cognitive Behavioral
128 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{{ SHE { HUSTLES SHE HUSTLES ENTREPRENHERS TALKS } }}
130 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{{ SHE SHIFT+CONTROL HUSTLES TALKS }}
“If you’re truly setting out to help others take care of their own whole body and being,
we’re really missing the point if we’re only coming part way.”
Therapy and a Women’s Educational and
Healing Roundtable called Women&
which focuses on healing through many
of the issues Women face like Trauma,
Stress, Sexuality and Societal Expectations.
I love doing Tea and Tarot on Thursdays
as well. I also run a Women in Horror
night at the studio where women who
love a good scary movie get to sit, watch,
hang and eat some really great snacks.
Another plate I spin is being a Horror
Screenwriter so it’s let’s me flex that
muscle and really enjoy it.
What is mental health talk therapy?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy especially
is a problem-solving therapy. Most folks
that do well in CBT are that feel stuck
in distress or bad behavioral patterns
that they adapted to, those behaviors
turn into negative, harsh, and extreme
thinking patterns. When we really
dissect those patterns, we discover that
there are inaccuracies or distortions. In
CBT, I teach clients to identify their
negative thoughts and how to replace
them with more accurate, adaptive,
and helpful ones. It’s especially helpful
for panic attacks, social anxiety, trauma
and narcissistic recovery, and those
stuck in painful feelings or unhealthy
relationship patterns.
What would you say is the mission
behind Mind. Body. Meta?
To help serve the entire human being.
Mentally, emotionally, and physically
and I suppose spiritually. If you’re a
personal success but a spiritual mess
we’re your best place to achieve that.
If you’re struggling emotionally, we’re
here to help walk you through better
coping mechanisms, if you’re struggling
physically, mostly through image and
skincare, we’ve got you covered to be on
your way to honoring yourself.
Has being an entrepreneur and owning
your own business affected your family/
personal life?
It’s been a tough balance for sure, but
the rewards are well worth it. You think
that owning your own business comes
with a certain vein of independence: I
can make my own hours and I go here
and there. It’s a mix of being there for
your clientele and working long hours
to produce products, content, time for
the people that seek you out and depend
on your being there. My clients are such
a driving force to be the best I can and
my support at home is essential for my
growth. I’m an incredibly independent
person, to a fault actually, I have a need
to do everything on my own. But it’s
lovely to hear that I’m inspiring, I’m
goal oriented and I’m nurturing from
those that love me. A support system is
important. Find those that champion you.
What was your key driving force
to become a female entrepreneur
and opening a wellness center and
combining mind and body?
Really, my own experiences. I’m a
bootstrap woman and fully grown latchkey
kid. We learn to be self-reliant. But
also, as a woman, it’s tough being given
credit that you can build an empire on
your own. Metaphysics and Therapy,
Skincare and Herbalism, that’s all a part
of me. It’s helped me grow and shape
myself and when things weren’t going
in the directions they needed to, all of
that let me re-mold myself and go back
to the drawing board. And I want my
clients to know that when you step in
here, feel free to be messy. To step in
my studio unfinished, wondering, still
figuring things out because that’s the
beauty of women isn’t? We mold and
shape and ignite and ember and bring
the thunder and water new growth.
We do all that AND build empires, all
with two hands.
Are there any services that are unique
to your business?
Our Herbal Pack Facial Massage utilizing
plant extracts in a hot soak pack then
massaged into the skin followed by a
toxin drain.
For Body, our Chakra Balancing Duo:
it kicks up a LOT for people. We carry
so much disharmony in the body when
we’re stressed, it’s a real peek into what’s
really going on inside.
For Mind, our Women& Roundtable.
It’s not your average support group.
Women& is not your typical one and
done meeting, nor is it a weekly venting
session. Its learning how to successfully
work THROUGH your issues. The
work is pertinent. If you are in a place
where enough is enough and you’ve had
it with you own flip-flopping and you
need that push to move forward to a
more well-balanced life, than Women&
is for you. It’s more of a workshop and
it’s so necessary for women to know that
there is a space to do that. Sometimes
relying on your family and friends that
are tired of hearing you vent isn’t helping
you. You’ve got to move through it. I’m
here to help you achieve that.
For our Metaphysical, all of our herbal
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 131
{{ SHE SHIFT+CONTROL HUSTLES TALKS } }
“Spirituality is so individual, it’s important to understand what will work best for you in
that journey. ”
herbal tincures, blends, candles, spell
and healing kits. Such an amazing array
addressing lots of spiritual needs.
Do you believe there is some sort of
pattern or formula to becoming a
successful entrepreneur?
Oh not at all. We’re all tripping forwards
and anyone who tells you they’ve got it all
figured out I’m wary of. There’s always a
pitfall, a misstep, something that legitimately
will nwever work in your business.
The only success that is tried and true
for me in knowing my “why”. I’m a
“why, why, why” person. Down to brass
tacks. It’s been essential in my movement
through the parameters my life’s path
has put me through. It also is adjacent
to my authenticity. Am I showing up
in the right ways for myself? Why not?
Is this bringing me peace? Why not?
I’m feeling some kind of way about
this por this person, why? Know your
“why”. Simon Sinek, who is one of
my favorite motivational speakers says,
“People don’t buy what you do, they buy
why you do it.” Not that I need people
to be frequent buyers, but understand
why I do what I do and hopefully that
will resonate with someone.
What has been your most satisfying
moment in business?
Recently, we were entered into “Best in
the Region – Esthetician”, it was really
surprising considering we’ve only been
open 7 months. It let me know that my
community appreciates me.
How do you build a successful customer
base?
We have customers all over the globe,
literally. You can’t sell yourself short and
just market to those that like what you
have. Let people get to know you, people
buy you, not just your products. My key
to that has been letting people know
what I do in circles that don’t involve
business. Most of my online and global
clientele has come from my friends and
colleagues in the screenwriting industry.
We’re all going through a lot of the same
things, if you’re not tapping into the fact
that you can be accessed online, you’re
missing out. Some folks are shy about
asking, be accessible, I mean ALL your
stock. It’ll be tedious but it’s so worth
it. Also markedly reaching out to your
existing base with a purpose. I tried
newsletters that never got read. Give
them something that pertains to them,
research what services and products they
purchased. Are you making something
new in extension of that or a service that
pertains to that with a discount? Make
it personal.
Tell our audience one thing they may
not know about you.
I’ve been a screenwriter for 12 years and
an EP on iTunes.
“What is your ‘why? ‘” Why do you
do what you do?
As a woman, a woman of color at that,
I don’t have the liberty of not being a
social activist. MindBodyMeta will
always fight against Racial Injustice,
Domestic Violence, Global Inequality,
LGBTQ+ Discrimination and we’ll always
champion Gender Equality, Human
Rights, Movements for Racial Justice and
Change and Mental Health Awareness.
It hasn’t made me the most popular,
especially in a caustic environment but
it’s essential to me. It’s so important to me
that my client’s feel safe and unjudged
when they walk through my door and
that’s why it’s so important to take care
of every facet of a human being. I do it
because I want to feel safe when I walk
into a well-being atmosphere. I’ve been in
places that didn’t make me feel welcome
in this industry, I don’t want anyone to
every feel like that in my “house”.
When starting your business, did you
ever ask yourself “WILL CUSTOMERS
‘WANT’ OR ‘NEED’ MY SERVICES?”
No not really. I started it with the
intention of education. If you make
people aware of the resources that are
available in your location, they will
eventually see the value in that and seek
you out. Getting that info out there is
key. You simply cannot come from “if
you build it they will come” attitude
and expect the flood gates to open.
Educate, educate, educate!
What are your plans for 2021 and
beyond?
I’m a big believer in keeping your
hard work protected. We’re currently
developing new trademarked stress relief
products for our customers. Adrenal
fatigue is commonplace now that we’re
in a flight or fight response all the time
whilst living through this pandemic and
we want to educate you on how that
can affect your body, mind and spirit
and hopefully help you calm that.
If you could write a book about yourself
what would it be titled?
132 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
MAKENNA
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 133
{{ SHE SHIFT+CONTROL HUSTLES TALKS } }
“I get to put my energy, my hope and my expertise into everything that touches a client.”
Funny enough, I currently am. It’s
called “Catch 42 and 7 Lies Little Girls
Are Told”.
What is the best piece of advise that
you have been given that has helped
you in your business?
“Know that your power will intimidate
the ones that don’t seek their own.” It’s
very easy to get caught in the loop of
wanting everyone to like you or for
them to understanding what you do
and or doing. As long as you do and
understand yourself and your mission
and can stand behind it, you have to
believe that what others say or think about
you is none of your business. Don’t let
those who don’t fully support you, tell
you your journey is wrong. And don’t
ask for directions from someone who
doesn’t care to go where you’re headed.
134 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
...for whole body and being.
MindBodyMeta
100 Genesee Street, Ste. 11 Auburn, NY 13021 315-231-5065 www.mindbodymeta.com
We offer these services with the purpose of
challenging beliefs in reactivity and it's blockages
Mind
as well as trauma recovery to create a healthier
mindset and trust in yourself.
Women& - a safe space and educational roundtable
discussion focusing on topics that women
face. We cover stress, trauma and narcissistic
recovery, grief, gender roles, & societal
expectations.
Chakra Balancing Duo - This body treatment
focuses on blocked Chakra and clearing, deep
relaxation and guided meditation.
Guided Meditations - These can be sent to your
email every week to set you on a better journey for
health: Sleep Better, Stress Less, Reconnect, Align.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist,
Master Herbalist, Women ' s
Empowerment Counselor, Licensed
Esthetician, Card Reader
Mo Moshaty
Mo has worked with several women's
support groups across Western &
Central NY as well as Eastern New
Jersey. Her Therapy concentration is
Trauma and Narcisstic Recovery,
Mother Wound and Personal
Empowerment.
Esthetic Services, Herbal Education balance the body's central
nervous system and integumentary system. Both carry means
Body
to detoxify the body to refresh and renew on a cellular level.
Facials - Teen, Normal, Dry/Dehydrated, Sensitive, Againg,
Hormonal, Hyperpigmented
Body Treatments - Salt Glow, Mud Wrap, Chakra Balancing
Herbs, Tea and Tinctures - Choose from 30 herbs and
adaptogens in bulk.
Lash Extensions - Perfect for anyone who loves length and
fullness but no extra makeup.
*Archetype Blends Adaptogen Tea coming in April*
.
Meta
Metaphysical products and education for the
purpose of expanding consciousness regarding
our own spiritual path to remove blockages in the
body, the spirit and relationships.
Tarot & Oracle Card Readings - Perfect for anyone
who feels a little lost, needs a boost or clarification
on life, love, work and self.
Dressing Oils, Herbs, Candles and Tinctures-
Additions to your spiritual practice to enhance,
calm, manifest and draw positives to you.
Spiritual Counseling and Ritual Education- Learn
more about your path and what you'd like to
accomplish for yourself to live a more balanced
life.
136 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{{ SHE HUSTLES { SHE HUSTLES ENTREPRENHERS TALKS } }}
ALWAYS CHASING BETTER
COACHING
BY MICHELLE HORTON
Tell us about yourself, your background,
and how you started Always Chasing
Better Coaching..
I was an educator for almost 25 years,
a teacher and administrator and spent
a good part of my career creating
transformation in school programs to
provide better learning opportunities for
students and professionals alike. After
going through a personal transformation,
I decided that it was time to help other
women have the audacity to do
the same.
What is the mission behind your
business?
My mission is to design unique,
individualized transformational
support for women through
training and resources while creating
a diverse and inclusive community.
What, in your opinion, is the
most important quality in your
business and the services you
provide to your clients?
The most important quality in my
business in integrity. Who I am as
a person is reflected in my business
and that boils down to integrity.
I stand strong in who I am and
what my business is for women.
Do you believe there is some sort of
pattern or formula to becoming a
successful coach?
I think the beauty of entrepreneurship
is that there is no one path to anything.
My experience in developing coaching
programs for teachers and administrators
was one route, but there are as many
different paths to coaching as there
are women have the imagination and
audacity to create their own way!
What makes you “hustle” both
personally and professionally?
I hustle personally and professionally
because I am a passionate feminist.
I believe it the power of women to
accomplish anything we set our minds
to, and I love being a part of the success
of my sisters.
What fascinates you about helping
others be the best version of themselves?
I am so profoundly impacted by the
uniqueness of every single woman and
her journey. We all have really important
stories to tell, and I believe that each
of the women I meet is meant for my
personal path as well.
Why did you choose this profession?
I am a transformer by nature. I walk
into a room and want to rearrange it or
redecorate it. It’s just my nature. When I
began my own personal transformation
a few years ago, I championed through
it with a woman who coached me
every step of the way. Although our
transformations are often lonely and
solitary work, I experienced the impact
of having someone alongside me equally
devoted to my success. I want to be that
for others.
What is the best piece of advice
that you have been given that has
helped you in your business, or
dealing with clients?
The best piece of advice I have
received is to take care of myself
first so that I am best equipped to
run a successful business and bring
my full self to my relationships and
day to day life. What this means to
me is that I need to take good care
of my body, mind, spirit and learn
something new every day.
As a business owner, what are
your top three priorities?
I try to stay focused on three things:
love, success, and abundance. These
are pretty broad but every day I
reflect on those areas with these
questions:
In what ways did I show up today
leading with love?
What steps did I take today toward
ensuring the success of my business?
How did I experience abundance today
and is there a way to share that with
others?
140 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{
{
SHE
SHIFT+CONTROL
HUSTLES TALKS
}
}
“My mission is to design unique, individualized transformational support for women
through training and resources while creating a diverse and inclusive community.”
Would you do business with yourself
if you were a client and why?
Hell yeah! I am laser focused on helping
women cross their own personal finish
lines and no one celebrates BIGGER
than me when my clients win!
Is there one phrase or statement that
you always remember and share?
“Have the audacity…..” I love the word
audacity. It implies a boldness, a little bit
of sass and I think women who want to
reinvent, evolve, or pivot in their lives
need to have audacity to go get it!
Do you find it helpful or hard being
a female owned business?
It is an amazing time to be a woman
entrepreneur! Women are collaborating
and coming together like we have so many
times in history to show our economic
and political power in numbers. This
movement is different though…much
more inclusive and diverse. I recognize as
a white woman that I have a responsibility
to all of my sisters to take them by the
hand when a door opens for me. In
the past, we weren’t as willing to take
others along when we achieved success.
Today, that is changing and it’s exciting
to be a part of that dynamic. Some of
the most successful, powerful women
I admire are women of color who are
champions for themselves, their families,
and entire communities.
What is your ‘why? ‘” Why do you do
what you do?
I have always been moved to help the
underserved in our world and women
are so full of amazing energy that is
tapped unnecessarily. The journey of
healing and growing is one of hope
and victory. We can overcome any
circumstance and become the woman
we see inside our dreams. Living a full
life to our capacity is a gift to ourselves
and everyone that loves us. I want that
for everyone.
Who were some of the mentors that
encouraged or inspired you on this
journey?
I have a network of women who I turn
to for encouragement and inspiration;
however, my wife, Anne Montreal,
hands down navigates her life in such
a way that I come everyday to my own
life ready to be the best possible person
I can be – for myself, for her and for
our family!
Who is your ideal client?
My ideal client is a woman who has
finally said, “I’ve had enough and because
I’ve tried to fix this myself and because
it means so much to me, I am ready to
ask for help!”
What are your plans for your business
for the future both personally and
professionally?
I am in the process of building an online
learning portal where a lot of the skills
and strategies I use with clients will
be accessible to women who are more
interested in a “self-help” approach rather
than a personalized coaching experience.
My wife is adding an education consulting
branch of the business, so I’m involved
in that as well.
My goal is to have both businesses
sustainable and profitable while we
manage them from any beach on the
planet!
When starting your business, did you
ever ask yourself “WILL CUSTOMERS
‘WANT’ OR ‘NEED’ MY SERVICE?”
The challenge of a coaching business,
especially life coaching, is that customers
don’t know what it is, what it looks like
or even if they would benefit from it. It’s
exceedingly difficult for women to see
that they don’t have to suffer and that
coaching, quite different from therapy,
is a doer’s way of improving your life in
a relatively short period of time.
Are you a born leader? Having a
great idea is one thing. Being able to
communicate that idea and convince
others to jump on board is another.
Do you feel you have what it takes to
be successful?
I’m the first-born child of four and
always gravitate toward a leadership
position. I believe that we all have what
it takes to be successful, it’s whether or
not we can outsmart our inner voice
that’s trying desperately to keep us at
our status quo. I am as successful as I
let myself be!
If you had the chance to start your career
over again, would you do anything
differently?
If I had the knowledge that I’ve gained
from my life’s experiences thus far, I would
start my career over. At the same time,
I am so grateful for the point at which
I am in my life that to start over again
would mean a lot of other things would
be different too. I genuinely believe that
I’m right where I’m supposed to be.
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 141
EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR FULFILLING WORK,
RELATIONSHIPS AND DAY TO DAY LIFE IS ALREADY
RIGHT INSIDE OF YOU! I CAN COACH YOU TO AND
THROUGH IT ALL!
528 PLUM STREET #108 SYRACUSE, NY 13204
ARCHEMYGROUP.COM/ALWAYS-CHASING-BETTER-
COACHING
(315) 440-2147
MICHELLE@ALWAYSCHASING BETTER.COM
144 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHE HUSTLES TALKS }
{{ SHE SHE HUSTLES TALKS } }
DEWITT STYLING
Tell us about your background, and
the history of Dewitt Styling Shop.
I started working at DeWitt Styling
Shop in 2005. It was shortly after
Bob, my successor, became business
partner with one of the original
founders, Don. Don and Joe opened
the shop in 1964. I had about 3 years
of experience, mostly women’s styles,
before I started there.
#2 What makes you “hustle”?
#3 What made you decide to
become the owner of a barber
shop that has over 50 years of
history in CNY?
#4 How do you stay abreast
of the latest trends?
#5 What is your signature
and why?
#6 What fascinates you about
this line of work?
#7 Why did you choose this
profession of being a barber?
#8 What is your most favorite
service and why?
#9 As a business owner now, what
are your top three priorities?
#10 Would you do business with
yourself if you were a customer?
#11 Do you walk your talk as a lady
boss?
#12 What changes can you make that
would change everything?
#13 “What is your ‘why? ‘” Why do
you do what you do?
#14 Who were the mentors that
encouraged you?
#15 What do you find is the best to
promote your business?
#16 What are your plans for the
business for the future?
#17 Do you find it hard or challenging
to be a female boss in a male dominated
field?
#18 How do the other men treat you?
#19 If you could time travel back to day
one of your startup and have 15min
with your former self to communicate
any lessons you’ve acquired with the
intention of saving yourself mistakes
and heart ache, what would you tell
yourself?
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 145
146 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ { IN {
SHE
SHIFT+CONTROL HER HUSTLES OWN WORDS TALKS
}
} }
“My daughter makes me hustle. Knowing I have a toddler daughter looking up to me.
I need her to know she can accomplish anything she puts her mind to as well as she can
have anything she desires”
What is your favorite fashion
accessory and why?
I could not just choose one favorite
fashion. LOL. I love shoes and I love
me a nice purse. Both set the tone
for your outfit. #13 What is your
main goal for 2021? My main goal
for 2021 is to Pray, stay focused and
watch all my manifestations come
true. #14 What is your “must have”
fashion item of the year? My must have
fashion item of the year is outerwear.
Must have a nice outerwear jacket/
coat. My favorite coat right now is
the ‘’ Color me” coat on my website.
Check it out at www.Miracleslabella.
com. #15 Tell us one piece of advice
you would give to someone starting
their own business in 2021.
Be yourself, do your research, don’t
rush the process and never be afraid
to ask for help if its needed and keep
your faith.
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 147
150 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHE HUSTLES TALKS }
{ SHE HUSTLES TALKS }
KW FITNESS
BY MANDY WEBB
Tell us about yourself, your background,
and how you decided to open KW
Fitness.
I was born and raised in Syracuse, and
graduated from CNS back in 2003.
My background is in sales and marketing,
and I’ve been an entrepreneur since I
was 19! I moved down to Binghamton
in 2009 to start a sales and recruiting
business and successfully broke every
record that territory previously held
for that company.
My husband Kevin is a Certified
Personal Trainer, who graduated from
the American Academy of Personal
Training in Boston in 2011. He started
privately training clients shortly after
he graduated, and opened the doors
to our first KW Fitness studio down
in Vestal in March of 2014.
When we were looking at our future
together, we decided it would be best
to close down the business I had at the
time and work on growing KW Fitness
together because it was more aligned
with our objectives and family goals.
What is the mission behind your private
personal training and nutrition studio?
Our mission is To Deliver Health and
Fitness Results that Last a Lifetime. We
do this by teaching people maintainable
habits, with accountability and guidance.
What, in your opinion, is the most
important quality in your business
and what you provide your clients?
I would say our most important quality
in our business is our culture. We are
solely a Private Personal Training studio,
so our clients like the comfortable, nonintimidating
atmosphere. It’s not like
a typical “gym” that packs classes and
lacks support & accountability.
Do you believe there is some sort of
pattern or formula to becoming a
successful entrepreneur male or female?
I believe that it doesn’t matter someone’s
background, upbringing, past, financial
situation, or even education.
To be a successful entrepreneur, the
most common things that I’ve seen is
having tenacity, drive, grit, persistence
and resilience.
What makes you “hustle” both
personally and professionally?
For me personally, I hustle because I know
that the only person who can determine
my future is me. I have the power to
choose the effort that I put in every
single day. Having an entrepreneurial
spirit in corporate America or while
working for someone else will only
get me so far!
What inspires you in doing what
you do?
I’m inspired by helping people to live
longer, healthier, more fulfilling lives.
I’m also inspired to lead by example for
my children, to create a bright future
for them, and to do Kingdom Work.
I truly believe in what we do here at KW
Fitness, so it makes it much easier to
get out of bed in the morning!
Why did you choose to open a
private facility? You hold your clients
accountable, but who does that for
you?
We chose to open a private facility
because we want to be able to work
with people on a personal level and
help them achieve their goals hands on.
Most of our clients are people who
don’t like the “big gym” setting and
want a more personal feel.
For our own accountability, since
day 1, we have always invested in a
business coach.
We believe that the only way to continue
to grow, and to keep lifting our people
up, is to keep growing ourselves.
The most dangerous way to think is to
think you know all there is to know as
an entrepreneur. Surrounding yourself
with people who have been there before
and who can challenge your thinking is
the way to continue improving!
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 151
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ SHE HUSTLES TALKS }
“When we were looking at our future together, we decided it would be best to close down
the business I had at the time and work on growing KW Fitness together because it was
more aligned with our objectives and family goals.”
What is the best piece of advice that
you have been given that has helped
you in your business?
“Don’t look beside you to see what
everyone else is doing. Don’t look to
see who is ‘setting the bar’. BE the bar.
Look to outlast everyone else. The only
business you should be competing against
is the business you were yesterday.”
I can’t remember what book I read that
in, and it’s not word for word, but it really
resonated with us and has helped us to
stay level-headed, even during such an
unpredictable year.
As a business owner, what would you
say are your top 3 priorities?
Top 3 priorities:
1) Profitability (so we can be around
long term)
2) Taking care of our team
3) Taking care of our clients
Is there one story of triumph and
accomplishment that stands out from
the rest either with yourself or a client?
For us as a business, I’ll never forget a
terrifying moment that we had back in
March of 2017. We weren’t correctly
projecting our cash flow and it looked
as if we were going to be in the red
within a few weeks. Like, to the point
where we couldn’t pay our team or our
bills. I literally couldn’t sleep that night.
The next day, we got to work. We were
going to do whatever it took to make
it happen and to never look back. We
created a new campaign, threw what
little advertising dollars we had behind
it on Facebook, and got 27 clients that
month (our goal is usually around 9 net
clients). We learned our lesson and like
I said, we have never had a moment like
that ever again!
Is there one phrase or statement that
you always remember and has inspired
you or stuck with you?
My favorite quote of all time, and honestly
I think it’s been my life mantra, is the
following quote from Charles Swindoll:
“The longer I live, the more I realize the
impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me,
is more important than facts. It is more
important than the past, the education,
the money, than circumstances, than
failure, than successes, than what other
people think or say or do. It is more
important than appearance, giftedness or
skill. It will make or break a company... a
church... a home. The remarkable thing
is we have a choice everyday regarding
the attitude we will embrace for that
day. We cannot change our past... we
cannot change the fact that people will
act in a certain way. We cannot change
the inevitable. The only thing we can
do is play on the one string we have,
and that is our attitude. I am convinced
that life is 10% what happens to me
and 90% of how I react to it. And so
it is with you... we are in charge of our
Attitudes.”
What services do you provide your
customers that makes you a one stop
shop for health and nutrition that is
different from others?
Personalized nutrition and exercise
programs for our clients, customized
to each individual. Not “cookie cutter”,
one size fits all type-thing.
“What is your ‘why? ‘” Why do you
do what you do?
My “why” is to make an impact on
the world in whatever capacity that I
can. I believe every person is here for
a reason, and I personally believe that
I’m here to help people live up to their
full potential. As a person of faith, I
do what I do as if I’m not working for
myself. It’s not about me.
Who were some of the mentors that
encouraged or inspired you on this
journey?
My mom has always been an inspiration
to me. She had me at a really young age
and had to leave behind her dream of
attending music school as a very young
mom. She started out as a bank teller
making minimum wage, to now being
the Sr. Vice President of Retail Sales at
Seneca Savings Bank. She has taught
me the art of the hustle! Her leading by
example has inspired me to not settle
and always go after what you want :)
What are your plans for your business
for the near future and further out,
let’s say 5 to 7 years?
Our plans are to continue growing
so we can create stable careers for our
Personal Training staff. We’ll be starting
the process of opening our 3rd location
in about a year, and we want to continue
helping our clients achieve their health
& fitness goals!
When starting your business, did you
ever ask yourself “WILL CUSTOMERS
‘WANT’ OR ‘NEED’ MY SERVICES?”
I personally have never thought about
this, but when we started to really narrow
down our “client avatar” (target market)
is, the question of “WHY does this
152 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{{ SHE SHIFT+CONTROL HUSTLES TALKS }}
“We are solely a Private Personal Training studio, so our clients like the comfortable, nonintimidating
atmosphere.”
person need us” came up, and we started
clarifying what our “Mrs. Jones” (ideal
client) really looked like.
Are you a born leader? Having a
great idea is one thing. Being able to
communicate that idea and convince
others to jump on board is another.
Do you feel you have what it takes to
be successful?
I’ve been told that I’m a natural leader,
so I started to believe it and I’m ok with
that :) I work hard at every endeavor
I get myself into. If (God forbid) our
business closed tomorrow, I would find
another avenue to be successful.
If you had the chance to start your career
over again, would you do anything
differently?
If I had the chance to start my
entrepreneurial career all over, I would
tell myself to act as if I couldn’t fail, and
not listen to my own head trash! I used
to overthink and overanalyze way too
much. I once heard from a mentor of
mine “don’t think, just work!”, and it
was super helpful in helping me to get
out of my own head!
What is the one word you clients would
use to describe you?
They would probably say that I’m
optimistic!
154 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
KW FITNESS
Fayetteville's Premier Personal Training Studio
PRIVATE.
SAFE.
EFFECTIVE.
RESULTS.
Personal Training and Nutrition Coaching.
Call for a complimentary consultation:
315-400-3252
KWFitnessNY.com
156 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL { HEIDI’S LAW } }
{{ SHE SHIFT+CONTROL { HEIDI’S HUSTLES LAW TALKS } }}
SACRED GODDESS BOX
BY TRACY DONALDSON
Tell us a little bit about yourself and
how you started the Sacred Goddess
Box, LLC.
Greetings Goddesses! My name is Tracy
Donaldson and I am a woman who wears
many hats. I am a Mother, Daughter,
Sister, Friend, Nurse, Goddess Steam
Practitioner, and Entrepreneur. Rochester,
New York is where I was born, raised
and of course reside. Coming from
a family of a Jamaican decent - the
importance of family, hard work,
and dedication has been instilled in
me from a very young age which I
owe to my parents. However, I have
to give credit to attending The first
HBCU, Lincoln University, for
instilling in me great core values,
being a woman of integrity, as well
as a leader.
What exactly is the Sacred Goddess
Box, LLC?
Sacred Goddess Box, LLC’s is a
holistic practice focusing on feminine
wellness. The highlighted service
provided is using hydrotherapy
through Yoni (vaginal) Steaming.
Yoni steaming also known as V-Steam
is a non-invasive, self-care, holistic
practice where women sit over a pot
of warm organic herbal steam. The
warm (never hot) steam permeates
the exterior of the vagina and up
into the womb. Women find this
service to be very relaxing. The vagina
is porous like a sponge and because it
is so porous, it can easily absorb the
medicinal properties and oils of the
organic herbs that are used. I blend my
herbs so they are tailored to my clients
needs rather it’s for a refresher to if she’s
trying to conceive to everything else
in between. Yoni steaming has a range
of physical, emotional, and spiritual
benefits such as:
• Reducing menstrual cramping and
symptoms of PMS
• Helps with odor
• Decreases heavy menstrual flow
• Regulates irregular or absent periods
• Helps with postpartum healing and
toning
• Helps with those suffering from
idiopathic infertility
• Aids with uterine fibroids, ovarian
cysts, and endometriosis
• Help with strengthening the pelvic
floor and tightens the vaginal canal
• Helps to restore natural “good” bacteria
and ph balance to aid in prevention
of yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis
and odor
• Relieves symptoms of menopause such
as dryness or pain during sex
• Detoxifies the womb and body
• Helps to release stored emotions &
anxiety
• Helps to activate feminine energy
by allowing women to tap into
their creativity
• Relieves tension and induces
relaxation
• Helps with insomnia
• Can help aid in healing from
past sexual trauma
Other services that are offered
here at Sacred Goddess Box, LLC
are Womb Stimulation, Womb
Clay pack, Ionic Foot Detox,
Ear Candling, and Post-Surgical
Lymphatic Drainage as well as Body
Contouring will be available soon.
The entrepreneurial journey
is not an easy one. It requires
determination, time, hard work
and leadership. What motives
you and keeps you going?
What motivates me are the women
I have thus far encountered on
this journey. Many women have
entered my suite with the weight
of the world on their shoulders. To see
that weight lifted by the end of their
session and to see the smiles on their
faces as they are leaving let’s me know I
am walking in my purpose. I love doing
this. It never feels like a work. It’s like
I get to hang out with my girlfriends
every day!
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 157
158 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{{ SHE SHIFT+CONTROL { HEIDI’S HUSTLES LAW TALKS } }}
“ Sacred Goddess Box, LLC’s is a holistic practice focusing on feminine wellness.”
How do you find new clients? What
has been your biggest success?
Finding new clients isn’t an easy task.
There are several women to my knowledge
in the Rochester area who offer these
services. So there is definitely a selection
to choose from. However, by word of
mouth, client testimonials, awareness,
educating, and advertising on social
media, the word gets around to other
women. The women who are meant for
me find themselves at Sacred Goddess
Box, LLC.
What made you decide to get into such
a unique business?
I’ve always wanted to be a business
owner. In 2018, I was out of work for
approximately 5 months. I used that
time to research different successful
small businesses. I learned that feminine
wellness was on the rise. I recalled visiting
a friend in Atlanta where we had a Yoni
Steam. I really enjoyed the experience
and wished there was something similar
offered in Rochester. So I figured, how
hard could it be to throw herbs in a pot
of boiling water? Unbeknownst to me,
it was way more than that. Since I was
unaware of any actual businesses who
provided Yoni Steaming, I decided to
try my hand. I found a certification
program in Atlanta that taught the art
of Yoni steaming. It was a three day
program and by the end I became a
Certified Goddess Steam Practitioner.
I opened my business to begin in my
home and have since opened a suite in
October of 2020.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In 5 years, I see my business expanding
to a larger location where I am able to
offer services to multiple clients at at time
without disrupting the sacred experience
that I now provide to my clients.
What kind of person do you feel makes a
successful female entrepreneur especially
in 2021?
In 2021, a successful female entrepreneur
first and foremost has to believe in herself.
She has to believe in what she is setting
out to accomplish before anyone else
believes in it. To know that she will be
knocked down a multitude of times and
it’s up to her to picker herself up, brush
herself off and keep pushing forward.
To have the mentality to not be afraid
to ask for help. To know that there may
be many women doing the same thing
she is doing but she has to remember no
one has the same recipe that she holds.
And her only competitor should be
herself! Because who God has for her
is for HER and no one else.
What makes you hustle?
There are 3 things that make me hustle.
One, if I want to eventually run my
business full time I have to work hard.
I cannot get to where I want to be if I
don’t put the work in. So knowing my
vision and where I want to eventually
take Sacred Goddess Box, LLC keeps
the hustle going. Two, the women I
encounter. I have learned since doing
this, there are so many women dealing
with reproductive ailments, lack of vision,
sexual traumas - to be able to talk with
them, set goals, come up with a plan
pertaining to whatever it is they are
going through in life - to help them set
their intentions and watch it manifest is
truly rewarding for me. Getting positive
results makes me want to go harder for
our women. And three, I have people
who look up to me. I have to set an
example. Mom/Godmom/Auntie is
not a quitter. I’m going to finish what
i started. I’m paving the way to show
them anything can be accomplished
if you put your mind to it and put in
the work.
Who has been someone who has inspired
you in your profession and why?
Tracey Bryant-Swint, Alchemist and
Queen of the V-Steam, has played a major
role in inspiring me on my professional
path. She’s who I gained my knowledge
from. She is absolutely amazing and a
go-getter! She’s so knowledgeable; always
seeking to learn more to heighten her
craft so she can come back and educate
her mentees. Because of her, we’re always
up to date on the latest and greatest
when it comes to feminine wellness.
Watching her makes me want to do
more, learn more, and be greater.
What do you think are the top 5
qualities of a great female entrepreneur
are?
• Life-Learner
• Integrity
• Vision
• Confidence
• Courage
• Respect. Sorry I had to throw in an extra
What is your favorite part of your
business and why?
I love meeting the different women I
have encountered. They come from
many walks of life ranging 14 to 75
years of age. I love hearing their stories.
I love learning from them. And I am
honored to have have been able to help
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 159
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ HEIDI’S LAW }
{ SHE HUSTLES TALKS }
“Many women have entered my suite with the weight of the world on their shoulders. To
see that weight lifted by the end of their session and to see the smiles on their faces as they
are leaving let’s me know I am walking in my purpose.”
What would you say are your strengths?
My greatest strength is my ability to
listen. Listening is to empathize. It gives
the speaker a sense that I care about
their well-being and I’m there to help.
Listening is Power.
If you could time travel back to day
one of your startup and have 15min
with your former self to communicate
any lessons you’ve acquired with the
intention of saving yourself mistakes
and heart ache, what would you tell
yourself?
To not second guess
myself. To tune out the
naysayers and that my
biggest supporters will be
those I least expect. If I
would have known this
in the beginning, there
would have been many
thing I would not have
taken personally.
What would you say is
your greatest professional
accomplishment to date?
My biggest accomplishment
to date has been helping 4
women who were told they would
never have a baby, conceive and birthed
beautiful beings.
What’s the best advice you have received
in business that you wish to pass on
to our readers?
All money isn’t good money. It’s okay
to tell a potential client that you cannot
service them. It’s important to protect
your energy and your space.
What did you do before opening the
Sacred Goddess Box, LLC?
Before opening my business I was and
currently work as a Master prepared
Registered Nurse for a local hospital
here in Rochester as a coordinator for
the Department of Surgery.
How did you come up with the name
for your company?
In the art of Yoni Steaming, the word
“Yoni” means “Sacred” space. A
“Goddess” is a female deity. Goddesses
have been linked with virtues such as
beauty, love, sexuality, motherhood,
and fertility. As women we must know
and embrace that. So hence “Sacred
Goddess” and then there is “Box”. It can
mean one of two things: either a square
object that can store items (in this case
the throne or stool women sit over to
steam) or woman’s vagina. And there
you have it, Sacred Goddess Box, LLC.
What’s your favorite thing to do in
your free time?
During my free time, I enjoy cooking,
reading for knowledge as well as for
entertainment, and I also enjoy traveling.
Unfortunately, due to COVID traveling
has been limited.
What is Number One Business Goal
you plan to accomplish over the next
year?
My number one goal is to begin
gathering data for a research article
on Yoni steaming. Where I am a firm
believer and can testify on the benefits
of Yoni steaming, unfortunately there is
not a lot of research out there.
Being a nurse educator, it is
important for me to have the
data to back what I preach.
Tell our readers one thing
they may not know about
you.
I am a woman who has
experienced sexual trauma
as a child. Childhood into
my adulthood was extremely
hard. I suffered from
depression and insecurities. I
made many poor decisions.
But what saved me was being
able to heal and release those
demons that haunted me daily. Before I
embarked on this business journey, I had
to self reflect. I had to love myself again.
I had to forgive my abuser knowing I
would never get an explanation or an
apology. There is no way I could provide
my services to women if I didn’t address
my personal issues first. I was able to
accept what happened to me, forgive,
and release. Once I came to a place
of peace, everything fell into place. I
had to heal first before being able to
heal others.
160 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 161
162 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{{ SHE SHIFT+CONTROL HUSTLES TALKS }}
{{ SHE SHIFT+CONTROL HUSTLES TALKS }}
A ROSE IS STILL A ROSE
Tell us about what A Rose Is Still A
Rose Outreach...
“A Rose Is Still A Rose”. (A.R.I.S.A.R.)
is a non-profit organization created for
young girls and women. We are made
up of a group of committed women,
injected with various community
partners who are dedicated to the
growth and development of young
girls and women within the Rochester
community.
How did you start the non-profit
and why?
As a social worker
I have worked with
women and young
girls for over 10 years’,
experience advocating
and serving historically
underserved
populations dealing
with substance abuse,
trauma, and mental
health concerns. I
worked for a great nonprofit
organization
which helped me to grow, but most
of the organization had limitation on
who they could serve and if they didn’t
meet the criteria most was turned away.
A Rose Is Still A Rose Outreach is
designed to serve all young women from
all walks of life. I started with a vision
which help me move to planning. I
enrolled into a Master’s program, Master
of Science in Strategic Leadership at
Roberts Wesleyan College. This gave
me more understanding on how an
organization is operated and as well
helped me to identify what type of
leader I am and strive to be.
What challenges did you face when
starting up a non-profit? Any advice
for others in the same situation?
There wear many challenges and still
till this day. I’m finding out my vision
is much bigger than I thought it was..
My advice would be to stay the course
for this is a marathon not a sprint. Be
patient for there is a time and season
for everything. Always leave room to
grow and learn.
What is the mission behind A Rose
Is Still A Rose?
Mission
A Rose is still a Rose is a non-profit
organization created for young girls
and women. Our focus is to support
young women in finding an optimistic
approach in life. Through positive
encouragement and cultivation of their
vision and purpose (life goals), we assist
by providing the necessary resources
to assist them with overcoming the
obstacles of life.
Vision
A Rose is still A Rose will be a consistent
blossoming sisterhood and garden of
support for young women within
the Rochester community. Through
outreach, empowerment and growth,
we will help every rose bloom where
they are planted.
What has your organization
accomplished to date?
Due to the pandemic my organization
could not fully fulfill its obligation to
serve in the magnitude of which it
would have like to. But we still was
able to raise money and help four
families during the
holidays, as well as
make donations to
women which help
towards schooling,
starting up a business,
shelter, clothing, and
council.
Can you share one
or two stories of
individuals whose
lives have been
changed because of
your organization?
There is a young women who came to
me and used the services of me being her
life coach. We have been connected for
over a year now. But she recently came
to me because she was struggling in
many areas and needed help on finding
her own way and purpose. With our
services I was able to see her growth
and dedication. She is now an intern
for ARISAR, and she is flourishing
and setting goals for herself.
There was also other young women
who was starting her own hair salon
business. ARISAR was able to provide
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 163
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
“A Rose is still A Rose will be a consistent blossom
women within the Rochester community. Through
help every rose bloom wh
164 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ing sisterhood and garden of support for young
Outreach, Empowerment and Growth, we will
ere they are planted.”
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 165
{ SHE SHIFT+CONTROL HUSTLES TALKS } }
“ A Rose is still a Rose is a non-profit organization created for young girls and women.
Our focus is to support young women in finding an optimistic approach in life.”
resources as well as money and help
go toward her business which is now
up and running.
What makes you hustle?
Knowing that there is so much
more to see and experience
in life. I want myself and my
family to be in a position to
live the fulfillment of life
without limitations.
What are your organization’s
goals this year?
To encourage women to
become a part of the ARISAR
sisterhood by registering
for a free membership
on our website. www.
stillaroseoutreach.com
Once registered in our free
program, each rose will be
eligible to receive support
in the following areas below
and so much more.
Services
o Building positive
relationships/Sisterhood
o Weekly newsletters
o Tutoring, Mentorships
and life & social skills
development
o Self-love/Healthy
relationships
o Community service
o Parenting support
o Goal setting
o Financial literacy
o Career Exploration & Professional
Development
o Skill Building (i.e. facing insecurities,
rejection, abuse and anger.)
How can donors help other than
making financial contributions?
Donors can help by volunteering their
time and knowledge. If donors have
free space available to host different
workshops that would be helpful as well.
What is one thing you have done that
you do not regret?
The one thing I have done that I do not
regret is investing in myself. Whether
that be financial, further education,
seeking counsel and ect.
What is most important
to you and why at this
point in your life?
What’s most important to
me right now is financial
wealth, not just for myself
but my family and my
community. I grew up with
a poverty state of mind,
and I now understand
the important of breaking
generational curses.
What is your favorite part
of doing what you do?
Motivating women who are
willing to overcome their
current challenges and are
continuously encouraged
to strive for independence
as they are inquest to reach
their current life goals. By
Supporting them to ensure
that they have the tools
to be successful in their
endeavors and will continue
to have the support
necessary. Ultimately,
becoming effective leaders
and change-agents within
the community in which
they live.
As a business owner, what
are your top three priorities?
1.To continue to think futuristic,
meaning staying current on the changes
that happening around the world.
166 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 167
{{ SHE SHIFT+CONTROL HUSTLES TALKS }
“My plan is to be transparent as possible so my reader can see not only am I educated in
these subjects, but I had to walk them out as well to get to where I’m at today.”
2. Networking and utilizing valuable
resources.
3.To stay focused on the
purpose.
Where do you see A Rose
is Still A Rose in the next
year? What about 3 years
from now?
In the next year I would like
to see ARISAR moving in full
gear. Workers and volunteers
in place. Weekly and monthly
workshops being provided to
give support to the women
that we what it means to
be free.
What provoked you to
start this book?
I saw a documentary
from Michelle Obama
called ‘Becoming’, In her
documentary she quotes
“what seem like nothing
to you is your power”
this touch me because I
questioned myself about
writing a book about my
life. Asking myself who
would want to read about
me? Not knowing that
each of us has a story that
can save or Inspire someone
else. Its important for me to
live in my purpose. Being
a Life Coach is what I’m
inspired to do. Helping
other walk out their traumas, fears,
grief, unforgiveness, and give them
skills on leadership development,
purpose, selflove, which will allow
them to see their power.
What are your intention with putting
this book out?
My intention is to promote my brand.
Allowing my reader to see why I am
qualified to be a life coach on these
subject matters. My plan is to be
transparent as possible so my reader
can see not only am I educated in
these subjects, but I had to
walk them out as well to get
to where I’m at today. And
that I’m still doing the work.
What do you plan for the
readers to take from this
book?
I want my readers to
understand you don’t have to
live within the circumstances
you were given if it doesn’t
align with your purpose and
who you are today. Make the
changes and do the work to
be better each day. The most
important thing is to live your
purpose to your best ability,
within your constraint. A lot
of time we allow our past
traumas to keep us feeling
Anger, a shame, sad, hopeless,
which cause Anxiety, fear,
unforgiveness. But when you
decide I want better for me,
or I know longer want to be
in this place that is the first
step towards your freedom
and healing. I want my readers
to feel ready and confidence
to take on this journey and
face that thing that has held
them back from living in
peace, joy, love, prosperity,
most of all their purpose.
168 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 169
A Rose Is Still A Rose Outreach LL
A.R.I.S.A.R
Tiffany J. Anderson, MSL
Director of Program
(585) 363-3311
E-mail: aroseissillarose101@gmail.com
Website: www.stillaroseoutreach.com
Speaker | Mentor | Life Coach | Consulti
C
ANGELA TEWA
ng
“MY GOAL
IS TO MAKE
EVERY
CLIENT FEEL
COMFORTABLE
AND
BEAUTIFUL.”
LICENSED MAKEUP ARTIST AND ESTHETICIAN
WWW.MONTIMAKEUP.COM I (315) 395-6793
CEMONTI1@GMAIL.COM
174 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ UNSTOPPABLE { SHIFT+CONTROL WOMAN } }
{{ ASK SHIFT+CONTROL THE DOCTOR }}
HOW CAN YOU OPTIMIZE
YOUR WELLNESS?
BY DR. SARAH F. SPIEGELHOFF
As it has been over one year that we have
been living through a pandemic, taking
care of ourselves might be more important
than ever.
For the last 15 years as a psychotherapist,
I have been drawn towards not only
helping clients with mental health issues,
but also empowering them to improve
their overall wellness. My clinical work
and research has shown me that we
cannot only improve one area of our
life if we want to see lasting lifestyle
changes. Yet so many people do not
fully understand the construct of
wellness, rightfully so, because in
today’s society wellness and self-care
have become somewhat of a fad.
Taking care of yourself should not
simply be about buying the latest
wellness supplements marketed on
Instagram, expensive devices found
on popular wellness blogs, and quick
fixes that promise wellness with no
lifestyle changes. Being well is a
lifestyle. It involves finding harmony
in life, rather than struggling and
often not succeeding when trying
to find balance in the everyday.
Wellness is complex and dynamic,
in that how we move through the
world will always change. Some days we
will feel great and ready to take on
challenges, while other days we feel
tired and may need to stay in bed a bit
longer. Both are okay. It is necessary that
we listen to our body and our mind to
determine what is right for us.
When I work with women, I help them
explore how they understand their own
personal wellness and how to create
meaningful change. My approach is
different from many other wellness
practitioners because I do not only focus
on the why, but more so the how. It is
easy for blogs and wellness gurus to
tell you why you need to improve your
wellness - better health, better
relationships, better strength, better
performance, and so on. We all know
why. The challenge that many people have
is the how, especially when determining
how to make lasting change. However,
ask yourself the following two questions,
“How do I understand my current state
of wellness? How do I want to optimize
my wellness?” These questions can be
more difficult to answer, because it
requires introspection and self-motivation.
This is where my role as a holistic
psychotherapist comes into play.
Throughout years of scholarly research,
I realized that overall wellness is robust.
Many wellness experts speak about
specific factors that affect wellness or
specific habits that we should develop to
improve our lives. Some only focus on
diet and nutrition, some might include
other aspects like mindfulness. Though
these aspects for wellness are relevant,
I have found that an element that is
often missing from the discussion is
identity. Identity is often overlooked in
wellness models and wellness practices,
but it is critical to how we understand
our overall wellness and how we
pursue lifestyle changes.
As I continue to explore wellness
and identity development, though
my clinical work and research, I see
that the two constructs intersect.
I have seen this in several ways:
1. How you think about yourself.
First, how people think about
themselves affects wellness. For
example, if you are someone who
wants to improve your physical
health by exercising, it may be
challenging for you if you are
embarrassed by your weight and
are ashamed to be seen exercising.
Your perception of yourself will
limit your ability to determine
how you can make changes to that
part of your life, which will ultimately
improve your overall wellness. Again, it
is easy for someone to tell you why you
need to improve your physical health,
but the how can be more complicated.
2. How to make changes. It can also
be difficult to understand how to make
changes if you do not understand yourself.
Today we hear about and read about
so many examples of ways to improve
our wellness. Case in point, blogs and
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 175
{ ASK THE DOCTOR }
“As you can see, wellness is more than just a fad and it more than just the why. Wellness
is also more than just the treatment (e.g., medication, therapies, mindfulness, exercise,
diet, etc.).”
social media often write about new
diets that will improves our lives. One
blog might give support for a Keto diet,
another might recommend fasting, and
a third might be in favor of a vegan diet.
How do you choose? If you struggle to
understand your own needs, whether they
are physical, emotional, or ethical, you
might jump around from one fad diet to
another. In such cases, it is important
for your to explore what is important
to you and what do you need. Perhaps
you have a job that is demanding and
only allows a brief
period of time to eat during the day,
making a fasting diet challenging.
Or perhaps you morally choose not
to include animal protein in your
diet, making a Keto diet difficult as it
eliminates many of the central foods in
this diet (e.g., seafood, cheese,
poultry, and eggs). Understanding
what your lifestyle needs and sense of
self are helps you determine how to
make changes.
How to make commitments. One critical
part of identity development is making
commitments. If one does not explore
their interests, it might hard to make
commitments, or at least commitments
based on what you actually want in life.
If one does not take the steps above to
determine how to improve wellness, it
will be difficult to commit to change. Let’s
consider mindfulness practices, something
that I often discuss with clients. Research
shows that mindfulness practices have a
significant impact on stress reduction,
lowering anxiety, improving focus and
memory, improving
relationships, and even immune
functioning. For many, when they
think of mindfulness practices they
think of meditating in silence for an
hour. But what if this doesn’t work for
your schedule? What if you hate sitting
in silence? Rather than deciding to start a
mindfulness practice based on whatever
the latest fad tells you to do, it is more
important to determine what you enjoy
and how that will work for you. If you
are short on time, maybe your practice
will be a few minutes of deep breathing
guided by your smart watch. Or if
you like movement, your mindfulness
practice might be determining which
form of yoga you are most drawn to and
whether or not you practice from home
or in a studio.
As you can see, wellness is more than
just a fad and it more than just the
why. Wellness is also more than just the
treatment (e.g., medication, therapies,
mindfulness, exercise, diet, etc.). Instead
wellness is a lifestyle practice that
includes understanding your identity
and thoughtfully determining how to
make changes.
After many years of working with clients
and exploring wellness and identity, I
began developing a model of wellness
called the Optimum Wellness Model.
This model of wellness is comprised of
five wellness identities - physical identity,
emotional identity, spiritual identity,
relational identity, and performance
identity - all of which make up your
core holistic wellness identity. The core
identity is how you identify with and
understand your holistic self. From a
clinical perspective, this refers to your ego.
When working with clients at my private
practice, I help them navigate what
changes they want to make, how they
understand who they are as a person
and what barriers they experience, and
to empower them to determine how
they can make changes.
The outcome of our work together is
success, not only defined by me, but
also defined by my clients. Together
we identify the why and explore the
how. Through this process, we look at
the foundation and formation of self
that create emotional and behavioral
problems. Through a client-centered
approach, we also consider how we
can improve the client’s overall sense
of well-being.
If you are engaging in a new wellness
journey, I encourage you to ask yourself
not only “Why do I need to improve
my wellness?,” but also “How can I
improve my wellness?”
Dr. Sarah F. Spiegelhoff is a licensed mental
health counselor in private practice at Dr.
Spiegelhoff & Associates. She specializes in
holistic wellness and integrative health,
adolescent and young adult mental health,
and family counseling. In addition to her
work with clients, Dr. Spiegelhoff is also
a part-time professor for the graduate
counseling program at SUNY Oswego. If
you are interested in learning more about
the Optimum Wellness Method, by signing
up for the Dose of Wellness newsletter, you
will receive a free Introductory Optimum
Wellness Plan. For more, visit drspiegelhoff.
com or contact her at sarah@drspiegelhoff.
com.
176 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
178 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ UNSTOPPABLE WOMAN }
{ UNSTOPPABLE { SHIFT+CONTROL WOMAN } }
FEMALE FORM OF
LEADERSHIP
BY DR. PAM DENTON I PHOTO BY KATRINA GRADY
Why We Need the Female Form of
Leadership to BE UNSTOPPABLE!
You want to play bigger, be unstoppable
and be a powerful woman! You want
to embrace life, even with incredible
challenges we are facing. You want more!
What is the vehicle that will get you
there? Leadership! But, I am not talking
about “Old Guard” leadership, it is
the Female Form of Leadership that
will get you the success you deserve
and desire.
You may know that your leadership
is the key to unlocking the door to
success. And as you unlock the doors
of change with leadership evolution,
you can begin to move to the other
side of where you are today and
access what you want.
Women have a contribution to
make to leadership: the biggest
contribution is in accepting and
honoring that there can be a new
way of approaching our leadership. In
order for life and business to change
and produce prosperity, we must
invest in becoming powerful leaders.
And reshape how we see modern-day
leadership.
In order to really change we have to face
the reality of what is no longer working
in leadership and make a choice to
become the catalyst for change.
This is where being UNSTOPPABLE
comes in. We have to choose to break
through past programming of leadership
that is holding us stuck. This process
takes an unstoppable attitude and inner
strength.
Women must choose a new
paradigm of female leadership that is
confident,courageous, successful, and
prosperous.
Once you have realized a new way of
leading in the world is essential for success,
then you can dive into releasing your
stuck behaviors in a way that facilitates
a new life that you desire.
Ask yourself:
Where am I today as a female leader?
And where does the female form of
leadership fit into your paradigm shift?
Do you believe you can lead?
These are important questions to answer
in your journal because humans face
some serious obstacles and in order to
get through them we must reshape how
we view leadership and begin to act in
new ways. It begins with you!
So let’s begin the process of reshaping
your leadership so you can become
super successful!
The process starts with a reality check
and a self exploration.
Reality Check! Where are we
today as leaders? And what is
not working in leadership?
In order to make fast changes
that will reorganize healthier
behaviors,we have to examine
how we currently lead. Then
we can understand where we
need to go.
Female Leadership has a specific
form but it is rejected due to
misunderstanding.
In my trainings and coaching,
women report:
• Leadership is repulsive and
not for her.
• Leadership is aggressive and
controlling.
• They want nothing to do with
leadership.
• They have heard it all before about
leadership.
• Leadership is dry and boring. It is
analytical.
• Leadership is not for women.
And, women tell me that they believe
leaders of all kinds (and at all levels)
have become aware that traditional
leadership methodologies no longer
serve us as humans.
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 179
{ UNSTOPPABLE { SHIFT+CONTROL WOMAN } }
“You want to play bigger, be unstoppable and be a powerful woman! You want to
embrace life, even with incredible challenges we are facing. You want more! ”
Below, these women define leadership.
Let’s call those who embrace the following
qualities and styles as the most important
leadership qualities “The Old Guard.”
It’s a system that is the Patriarchy and
has been severely masculinized:
• Headstrong
• Intellectual
• Analytical
• Masculine
• Hierarchical
• Non-feeling
• Non-emotional
• Pain IS gain
• Put your head down and go
• Suit and tie
• Division between masculine and
feminine
• Who do I know
• It’s a big boy’s club
• Domination
• Control
• Feminism acknowledged but woman
NOT accepted
When you read these definitions, you
can easily see how the descriptions and
styles do not correspond with modern
leadership or modern thinking and ways
of life. Women have not really had the
chance to rise up and achieve success;
we are still being held back and held
down in an Old Guard world. In order
to rise up and achieve success, we must
bridge the gap between all leadership
styles and accept that there are new
ways of leading that must be honored
and respected!.
The old guard taught women to put up
and show up no matter what sacrifices
needed to happen. They taught us drive,
aggression, and ambition over feeling
love and life/work balance. They taught
us to drive to the point of breaking and
then be FIXED! Instead of taking care
of yourself along the way and investing
in your preventative healthcare and
authentic leadership style.
To reclaim your female form of leadership
and embody the power your desire, the
first step is to realize and release the
stress cycle, break through this habitual
patterning and program a new form of
EMPOWERED leadership into our
daily lives.
The empowered leader driven by
female consciousness, will take time
and dedication to create. And ultimately
this process begins with YOU! We need
YOU as the Female Form of Leader! In
order to reset to a more relaxed, creative
flow of leadership you have to let go of
old stressful habits holding you down.
This is a process of reshaping yourself
into a healthy, empowered leader and
it takes a totally new paradigm shift.
Are you ready?!
Modern-day, success driven women want
to be emotionally present, dynamic,
heart centered, community based,
collaborative, connected and intuitive.
And these women want money to flow
to their businesses and lives. Women
want to have it all!
Beyond bridging the gap discussed
above, the Female Form of Leadership
is necessary to inspire other people to
change. When we change, others will
be inspired to do so; it’s an exponential
factor, a domino effect.
As you let go of the worn-out, stress
induced, clunky patterns of Old Guard
leadership you will begin to gain the
prosperity and abundance that you
desire. You will begin to reclaim your
power from the negativity and disruption
caused by old forms of leadership that
no longer fulfill us. No matter what,
the female form of leadership the one
that is emotional, creative, and intuitive,
will provide you with the unstoppable
success you truly want.
Start today! Embrace that there is a
new way to lead and it begins with you!
Being a successful female leader means
that you are good with the fact that you
might just have a mission, a destiny, or
a purpose. That you want to tap into
the deeper resources inside of your
healthy body to access your real and
authentic form of leading. That you
want to tune into your core and listen
to your intuition. That you want to
thrive instead of merely survive. By
reprogramming your leadership into a
new female form of Core Intelligence
(CQ) you will be able to access all the
things you want in your life.
This is where manifestation gets real,
with the Female Form of Leadership!
Be Unstoppable and develop your true
female leadership with CQ!
Dr. Pam Denton coaches leaders and
businesses in the new era of leadership.
Driving new business success with Core
Intelligence (CQ). Visit Dr. Pam for her
business coaching at www.supercorefit.
com/executive-coaching
180 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 181
182 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ UNSTOPPABLE { SHIFT+CONTROL WOMAN } }
{
SHIFT+CONTROL
THE SAVVY ALLY }
LGBTQ+ ALLYSHIP
BY JEANNIE GAINSBURG I PHOTOS BY ASIF ALI & BESS WATTS
HOW TO MESS UP
PROPERLY
With LGBTQ+* terms, identities, and
cultural norms constantly changing, it’s
difficult for allies to keep up. We may
feel intimidated by all the changes and
silenced by the fear that we’ll accidentally
say something that will offend someone.
We probably will. We all do.
People often think I’m joking when
I say that being an ally is an ongoing
journey of messing up, but it’s true.
We mess up with somebody (for
example, we might accidentally use
the wrong pronoun). We make an
appropriate apology (more on that
in a moment). We forgive ourselves
(not always as easy as it sounds). We
put in the work to get it right the
next time (savvy ally tips for that are
coming up). We share what we know
with others (non-judgmental ally-toally
conversations are so important).
Repeat (oops…we mess up again in
some other way).
I’ve been actively messing up as an
ally to the LGBTQ+ communities for
two decades now, so I’m an expert.
Formerly the Education Director at the
Out Alliance (Rochester’s LGBTQ+
center), I now run my own small business
called Savvy Ally Action. My goal is to
increase people’s confidence in having
respectful conversations with each other
and to jumpstart even the most tentative
LGBTQ+ ally.
So, let’s look more closely at the process
of how to mess up properly, as this is key
for being a great ally to any marginalized
community.
The Blunder: We may blunder by
accidentally using an offensive, outdated
term (for example, the “gay lifestyle”),
making assumptions by using gendered
language (for example, “Take this
form home to mom and dad.”), or
misgendering someone by using the
wrong pronoun, as mentioned above.
Since I recently made the pronoun
blunder myself during an interaction
at Starbucks, I’ll use this as my example
as I walk through the process.
The Apology: The first thing that needs
to happen after I blunder is that I need
to make an appropriate apology. The best
way to do this is to imagine that I just
bumped into the person on the street. I
wouldn’t walk past the person without
saying anything, because that’s rude. But
I also wouldn’t make a huge deal out
of it, begging them for forgiveness and
sobbing on their shoes. I would simply
say something like, “Oh, excuse me” or
“I’m sorry.” When I misgender someone
I feel terrible, and my tendency is to
over-apologize. Here’s the problem with
that. Even though apologizing profusely
may make me feel better, it’s likely to
make the person I messed up with feel
worse. It will draw a lot of attention
to my blunder. It can also pull
the focus of the conversation
on to me and how badly I feel.
Then I can end up in situations
where the person I messed up
with is trying to make me feel
better. Awkward! So, a quick
and simple, “I’m sorry,” is best.
Forgiving Yourself: Oh, it sounds
so easy, doesn’t it? I find that I
can beat myself up for weeks
over an incident like the one I
described above. What I try to
do when I mess up is remind
myself of three things. First,
that I’m human. Second, that
mistakes make me think about
issues, make me more aware
of my language, and help me
become a better ally. And third, that my
mess-ups help me connect with others
when they make the same blunder.
Getting It Right the Next Time: Here’s
the big moment that separates the eagles
from the slugs! (How’s that for getting
creative with ungendered language ?) I
can either forget all about this incident
and write it off as “no big deal,” or I can
do the work to get it right the next time.
Here are a few tips that have helped me.
1) Try again right away. If I’m still in a
conversation with the person I messed
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 183
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ THE SAVVY ALLY }
“People often think I’m joking when I say that being an ally is an ongoing journey of
messing up, but it’s true.”
up with, I make a point of using the
correct pronoun right away. This helps
to cement it in my brain and shows
the person that I’m actively working
to get it right.
2) Practice in my head. Running what
I’m about to say through my head
before it comes out of my mouth has
proven a very successful strategy for
fixing my errors.
3) Write it down. When I write
things down I’m more likely
to remember them. So, for
example, I might write, “Jo
(they/them),” somewhere where
I see it often. Adding people’s
pronouns after their name in
my phone contacts also helps.
4) Practice on your pet: If
you struggle with nonbinary
pronouns, like singular they,
you’re not alone. Lots of folks
find these and other nonbinary
pronouns difficult to master.
One way you can become more
proficient at using nonbinary
pronouns is to use them when
talking about your pet. Most pets don’t
mind being referred to as they as long
as you remember to feed them on time
and occasionally scratch their heads.
(Tip credit goes to my friend, Kayden.)
5) Imagine a mouse. Another tip for
getting singular they right is to imagine
the person has a mouse in their pocket.
“They are coming to dinner. Get out
the mini cheese tray!” (Tip credit goes
to my friend, Eridan.)
Sharing What We Know: A great role
for allies is to step in, with patience
and kindness, when we hear someone
blunder and share what we’ve learned.
Members of marginalized communities
should not have to be the ones always
educating others. A great strategy for
starting a conversation with someone
who’s just blundered is to demonstrate
your vulnerability by using a connecting
statement like, “I used to use that word
too” or “I also messed up their pronouns
last week.” Then go on to share why
you changed your language or tips that
have helped you get pronouns correct.
Blunder Again: Yup. It’s going to happen.
Here’s an inspirational story to help you
embrace the journey.
Years ago, my friend Sean, who was
assigned “female” at birth, began his
transition to male. Early on in his
transition he and I would often get called
“ladies” at restaurants, and it would bum
him out for hours. One day, Sean and I
were at a racquetball club and we were
asked by a staff member for our driver’s
licenses, in order to borrow racquets.
She looked at the licenses (probably
noting Sean’s name and “M” gender
marker), finished our paperwork, and
then looked up and said, “Okay ladies!
Let me show you the courts.” Her face
immediately turned red, and she said,
“Oh! I mean guys.” Then she looked even
more embarrassed and said, “I mean…
friends.” And then she put
her head down and scurried
off ahead of us to the courts,
looking like she wanted to run
out the nearest door. When
we got to the court and the
woman left us, Sean turned
to me with a big smile on his
face and said, “I love her for
that. I love that she worked
so hard to get it right.”
* Lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender, queer/
questioning, plus so much
more!
Jeannie Gainsburg is an awardwinning
LGBTQ+ educator, consultant,
and author. If you’re seeking more
ally tips and information on how to
create LGBTQ+ inclusive spaces, please
check out her book, The Savvy Ally: A
Guide for Becoming a Skilled LGBTQ+
Advocate, available on Amazon and
through the Monroe County Library
System. To schedule a workshop or to
access free educational goodies, go to
www.savvyallyaction.com.
184 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 185
188 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ TRAVEL { FINANCIALLY { WITH SHIFT+CONTROL AGNESS SPEAKING WINE } CELLARS } }
AN AFTERNOON IN
HAMMONDSPORT AND NAPLES
BY RANDY AGNESS
Every once in awhile I get to experience
some amazing sights and meet the most
friendly folks you could imagine. As a
kid, me and brother and sisters would
enjoy a few days in Vine Valley staying
with my father’s parents summer cottage
on the southern tip of Canandaigua
Lake near the town of Naples New
York. It was uncomplicated time
where we would spend the morning
either swimming in the shallows or
attempting to gather minnows along
the shoreline beach.
If we had the luxury
of having a little bit
of loose change, then
it meant we could
venture into the
penny candy store
which was a short
walk away where
we could spend an
amount of time
staring at the options
of ordering lengths of
dot candy, stranges
of thin licorich, a
pockets full of gum
balls, or jaw breakers
to munch on or trade
between ourselfs.
When our grandfather saw us getting
restless he would pack the five onto
the motor boat for a tour of the lake
front where we would wave at anyone
hanging out on the summer afternoon
before arriving back ahead of dusk
to find long straight sticks to roast
hot dogs over the oven pit fire under
cooked to what seemed like perfection,
but most likely more undercooked as
soon as one of us felt their dog was
ready we all decided to eat together
smoothing the buns with ketchup and
mustard along a plastic glasses filled
from pitchure of ice cold kool aid or
lemonaid and a helping of macroni or
potato salad. It was a real treat to go
into the town of Naples to the most
favorite restaurant where we could all
find individual stools at the counter
to order a delicious cheese burger and
French fries. There wasn’t much talking
until the meals disappeared while my
grandparents ate at a booth. It was
a place where the summer residents
pretty much knew each other after
years of repetitions.
I traveled down thru Naples and notice
the Bob and Ruth’s sign and quickly
decided to stop in reminisce about
the days gone by and broke into a
conversation with the owners while
eating my favorite meal. I’m not sure
if it was the chatting about the past
or the quality of the Riesling, but I
wanted to have this restaurant and the
wonderful staff serve my wine. Either
way they didn’t hestitate to buy a case
and they showed me the lounge area
called The Vineyard appropriately
where I’m sure the locals would have
con gengated on the weekend nights
to soci alize. But everytime I pass thru
it’s a must stop.
This time it was closed for the season as
my trip designation way focused was a
business meeting at the Pleasant Valley
Wine Company in Hammondsport
NY located on the
bottom of Keuka
Lake. When first
starting into
winemaking I
was hired by Mel
Goldman at Keuke
Lake Vineyard
known at KLV.
I was working
thirteen hour days
in the winery on
weekends helping
out prior to their
bottling run. I
would stay in the
winemakers loft
overnights and
would complete all
the duties in the winery preparing the
batches of wine including transferring
the wine between tanks “racking” and
thoroughly cleaning the tanks before
returning the wine. KLV received
the first 90 point rating with Wine
Spectator for their vintage of Dry
Rieslings. When you visit be sure to
spend a few minute longer to learn
about the steep vineyard slopes of the
property that create the wonderful
grapes..
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 189
{ TRAVEL { WITH SHIFT+CONTROL AGNESS WINE } CELLARS }
“Every once in awhile I get to experience some amazing sights and meet the most friendly
folks you could imagine.”
Pleasant Valley Wine Company is located
a bit further south of the Hammondsport
and is the oldest winery in the Finger
Lakes as the first bonded winery in
the nation in 1860. I had no idea
about the storied history of Pleasant
Valley and the American Champagnes
brands produced on the campus of
buildings including Gold Seal and
Great Western among many others. I
was escorted into the main office and
up the stair to the gorgeously wooded
conference room.
Agness Wine
Cellars arrived to
discuss options of
working together.
It was simply me
flanked by the
Doyle’s Mike
the President and
his son Patrick,
the sales director
Matthew Healy.
Mike Doyle was
interested in
Agness Riesling
made in the
Finger Lakes so
I offered a sample
of our Riesling to
share at the meeting, after generous
compliments, then the real discussions
began in how we could work together
on a new wine project.
Once completed, I was offered a
a real treat - a personal tour of the
sprawling facility and interconnecting
production areas over many floors,
buildings by Matthew Healy. Along
the way, I viewed the rows upon
rows of absolutely huge winemaking
tanks of various sizes. As we ventured
further on the tour, I was simply
amazed at each and every turn of
winemaking spaces and architecture
along the way over many levels. This
is a must see tour and wine tasting
which is able to support hundreds
of visitors daily. Even the pictures
stunning photos can’t portray the
size emormany of the operations and
the simply beautiful historic spaces
where visitor are able to drink wine
for special events supported by the
numberous consecutive kitchens to
needed for various events thoughout
the year. Eight of the original Great
Western buildings are actually listed
on the National Registry of Historic
Places. Their wine caves with bricked
arched ceilings may have been all lost
if it wasn’t for the efforts of Doyle
Family when purchased and restored
the winery and vineyards. Beyond
the massive number of cases of
Champagne finished annually, Sherry
and its processing is a sight not to
be missed by both the serious wine
enthusiast and those wanting to see
the working history of winemaking on
a grand scale. When first started 100
gallons of wine was produced, now
having the capacity of 14 millions
gallons with 500 vineyard acres.
The name Great Western received its
name from a pronouncement as “the
Great Champagne
of the Western
World.” I could go
on and on about
the transitions of
ownership which
is now back under
local control of the
Dolye Family, but
this is a destination
requiring a
personal visit to
truly appreciate
finishing in the
Pleasant Valley
visitor tasting room
for some Great
samples.
192 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
AGNESS
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 193
{ { SHE SHIFT+CONTROL SAVON HUSTLES SPEAKS TALKS }}
}
OVERPOWER FEAR
BY SAVON HOLT
Fearless: is the absence of fear. Are you
allowing fear to stop your growth? If
so, why? Fear is simply an emotion
that can be controlled by changing
your mindset, but many people let fear
consume them. It can paralyze your
body and stop you from becoming
the best version of yourself.
Imagine yourself living a fearless
life, going after everything you
dreamed. You’re setting goals
and executing them one by one
and setting realistic timeframes.
Your boldness, brave heart,
and courageous spirit set you
apart from others.
Life can throw us curve balls.
Those unexpected circumstances
can cause us to worry, stress,
have anxiety or even depression.
However, when we learn to
be fearless on our journey, we
overcome our fears. Facing
our fears can be simple as
confronting our concerns, the
obvious, and or hidden demons.
It includes facing those fears
that are too embarrassing to
confess (like the fallout from
a dumb misunderstanding or
the consequence of making bad
choices) and those symptoms of
fear that we may not understand
(like change in our sleep
patterns, eating habits, or panic
attacks). However, the biggest
downfall of fear is its hinderance to
fulfilling our purpose.
Have you ever heard the saying
that one of the wealthiest places
on earth is the cemetery? Well, it
is true. Various studies have shown
that 98% of people die with their
dreams. Only two percent of people
die with their dreams fulfilled. I can’t
help but imagine that fear plays a
huge factor in people dying with
unfulfilled dreams. Just think of
how many people die having these
great ideas that they never pursued,
it only made it to the idea stage. An
idea with no action behind it is just
a thought. They saw the vision but
never created the reality. Imagine
how many had dreams to be doctors,
lawyers, teachers, dieticians, models,
writers, or public speakers but feared
they weren’t good enough, worried
about what others would think, or
didn’t have the money to pursue their
dreams, etc. Don’t allow fear to stop
you from serving your purpose.
If you had told me five years
ago, I would be an author and
speaker I probably would have
thought you were crazy. Heck,
if you would have told me I
would graduate college and
become a columnist, I would
have laughed. I always wanted
to be a speaker, but I was too
shy, lacked confidence, and told
myself my vocabulary wasn’t big
enough to become a speaker. I
always wanted to write a book,
I even started writing an urban
book when I was younger, but
fear discouraged me. I wrote
between10–30-page papers that
would be ripped apart by my
professors in college, making
me feel like I wasn’t a strong
writer, but I graduated with a
B average.
Now I write monthly columns,
and I am entering into grad
school. I tell you this because if
I had allowed fear to stop me, I
wouldn’t be where I am today,
inspiring others to do the same; be
fearless. I could have given up, but
where would that have gotten me?
Being fearless is about perseverance
and being ready to face anything
that comes your way. Those little
194 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ { SHE SAVON HUSTLES SPEAKS TALKS }
}
“We are brave, strong, limitless, courageous, bold and FEARLESS.”
hiccups on your journey are just
strength testers that show you how
strong you are.
The first step to any recovery process
is admitting there is a problem (I am
scared). The second step is identifying
the issue (like I fear heights, but why
do you fear heights?). Admitting
your fears helps, it shows you are
self-aware. Journaling helps a lot too.
Write down the woman you would
be or how life would look for you if
you didn’t have fear in the way. Then,
write down your goals (in black pen),
after, write down what’s stopping you
from achieving those goals (in red pen
next to each goal), next write down
(with a green pen) how you would
accomplish those goals.
For the first three days, review your
goals and fears. On the fourth day,
cross out everything you wrote in
red pen, so now all you are focused
on are your goals and how you will
execute them. You should have a shift
in your mindset. After that, nothing
to it but to do it! After 21 days, this
will become a habit. Remind yourself
each day of your goals and how
you will accomplish them. Nothing
happens overnight, so take your time
and embrace your journey. Fear will
creep up and make you feel helpless
and as if you’re not enough. Just
know, you are enough and more
than capable of becoming the woman
you are destined to become. Work at
your goals daily, stay persistent and
consistent. Us women hold so much
power. We are brave, strong, limitless,
courageous, bold and FEARLESS.
{ SHE HUSTLES TALKS }
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ AFTERNOON COCKTAIL }
“DEMANDS AND DESIRES”
BY AMANDA ASHLEY
Too much to do and too little
time…. always! It’s the story of
our lives, because well... the more
responsibilities we have, the more
life demands of us.
If you want to look at what’s
demanding straight in the eyes,
send me your address, and I will
ship you a 42 inch, 42 pound four
year old child and a
bowl of candy for a
weekend.
I ASSURE YOU…..
sweeter than the tooth
of a child, are their
will, dedication and
relentless persistence
to get what they desire.
We all once were
children ourselves,
so what the hell
happened?
If you’re physically,
emotionally and
mentally exhausted
by the end of your
days, chances are your attack on
your demands has become a little
less intensified. Life becomes a
big squeeze, and often the things
we care most about suffer.
Perhaps it’s time to re-route?
What brings life fulfillment is not
completing a daily checklist of
to-dos. What we desire more of
in our lives deserves to be tended
to, and it’s time we make the time!
Balancing, breathing and stretching
are crucial to our personal and
professional development. Without
balance we have no stability,
without stretching we are unable
to see how limitless our potential
is, and without taking a moment
to breathe, we lose sight of who
we are.
Demand what’s right for you, by
asking “What more do I want”
and consider how the choices you
make today will affect your future.
Time and space are limited, so it’s
wise to be conscious of how you
delegate each of your precious
moments, and let go of what no
longer positively serves your life.
Set loose that relentlessly persistent
child within, and take steps towards
pursuing the life you’ve always
dreamed.
Happiness and accomplishment
await and YOUR happiness is
forever WORTH
demanding.
- Amanda Ashley
Live Videocast every
M/W/F livestreamed
and archived at
w w w .
afternooncocktail.show
Subscribe to Afternoon
Cocktail on Youtube!
Available on Itunes,
Spotify, I heart Radio,
Stitcher, Amazon
Music, Google Music,
Alexa, etc, so catch up
on your inspiration
and keep spreading good energy
to those around you!
200 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ AFTERNOON COCKTAIL }
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 201
202 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ FINANCIALLY { { SHE SHIFT+CONTROL HUSTLES SPEAKING TALKS }}
}
TAKING CONTROL
BY DONNA CATOR CFP®, CDFA®, AND MARGARET M. WHELEHAN, CDFA®
OF THE FINANCIAL
IMPACT OF DIVORCE
Let’s face it, no one gets married to
get divorced. It is the death of a
dream. If you or someone you know
is going through a divorce, it’s time
to get prepared for emotional and
financial challenges.
Even the most amicable
divorce brings major
life changes. Having the
guidance of a qualified
team will put the odds in
your favor to emerge from
divorce in a financially
stable place where both
parties believe the divorce
settlement was fair. There
are three key professionals
you may want on your
divorce team – A therapist,
divorce attorney and/or
mediator, and financial
planner who specializes in
divorce planning, preferably
one who is a Certified
Divorce Financial Analyst®
practitioner.
A CDFA® practitioner is
skilled at analyzing the
financial issues of divorce.
His/her role is to help the
client and attorney understand how
financial decisions made today will
impact the client’s financial future. The
process provides an objective view of
settlement offers and counterproposals
and may suggest a different way to
negotiate vs. taking matters before
a judge.
What are the realities of divorce?
• Plan to live on less income: Divorce
often results in going from a twoperson
income in one household to
two households with one income each.
It is important to understand what
your household budget was while
you were married and be prepared
for what it will look like post-divorce.
Your attorney and CDFA® practitioner
work as a team to determine what
income to each is fair and equitable.
• Not all assets are equal: The taxation,
liquidity, and future growth potential
of an asset all need to be considered
in the division of assets. One spouse
generally wants to keep the family
home. Think twice about that. The
family home has upkeep/maintenance,
property taxes and consumes cash
flow for daily living. There may be
a vacation home or cottage as well
as pre-tax IRA or 401(k) accounts.
Understand that different assets may
be taxed differently. Take this into
account when dividing assets.
• Don’t let emotions rule: Be
thoughtful about your financial future
and that of your children,
if applicable. Knowledge
and rational thought are
key to negotiating a fair
and equitable settlement.
By working with a CDFA®
practitioner (a neutral
third party), it becomes
easier to treat your
settlement in a thoughtful
manner.
• Wait, we had more assets
than this! It is common
for one spouse to try to
hide assets. Gather at least
three years of tax returns
to look for differences
compared to what is being
disclosed today. A CDFA®
practitioner is trained to
take a deeper dive.
• QDRO? What’s that? A
QDRO (qualified domestic relations
order) is a judicial order used to divide
employer retirement plans in a taxfree
manner. Be sure to confirm with
the plan provider that QDROs are
allowed. It is important that QDROs
are transacted properly or taxes and
penalties may apply.
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 203
{ FINANCIALLY {{ SHE SHIFT+CONTROL HUSTLES SPEAKING TALKS }}
}
“Let’s face it, no one gets married to get divorced. It is the death of a dream.“
• Don’t rush to sign: It took years
to accumulate your wealth. Take
enough time to question if your final
divorce decree is equitable (does not
necessarily mean equal).
• Make sure your interests are insured:
If spousal and/or child support are
being paid as part of the settlement,
consider life and disability insurance as
a requirement. This ensures payments
will continue to be made in the event
of pre-mature death or disability of
the payer.
The goal is to make informed
decisions while going through the
divorce process and yield the best
financial outcome possible. As CDFA®
practitioners, we are happy to meet
with you (virtually or in person) to
review your options. Please contact
us today.
*Securities and insurance products are offered
through Cetera Investment Services LLC,
member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are
offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC.
Neither firm is affiliated with the financial
institution where investment services are offered.
1816 Penfield Rd, Penfield, NY 14526
Investments are: *Not FDIC insured *May lose
value *Not bank guaranteed *Not a deposit
*Not insured by any federal government agency.
Donna L. Cator, CFP®, CDFA®, is Vice
President, Wealth Advisor, CNB Wealth
Management, Canandaigua National Bank &
Trust Company. She can be reached at (585)
394-4260 x50623 or by email at DCator@
CNBank.com. Margaret M. Whelehan,
CDFA®, is Vice President, Financial Advisor*,
CNB Wealth Management, Canandaigua
National Bank & Trust Company. She can
be reached at(585) 394-4260 x42129 or by
email at MWhelehan@cnbank.com.
204 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
INVESTMENTS
FINANCIAL PLANNING
TRUST & ESTATE
RETIREMENT
INSTITUTIONAL
PRIVATE BANKING
FAMILY WEALTH
Our people apply their unique expertise
to meet your distinct goals.
At CNB Wealth Management, we’ve assembled a team of experienced,
noncommissioned, and highly credentialed professionals, working in your best
interest to meet your needs.
Everyone looks at wealth differently—each with their own goals and dreams.
That’s why ourur CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professionals, trust and estate
attorneys, investment advisors, and the region’s best trust officers work closely
with you—and with each other across their areas of expertise—to develop a
comprehensive wealth solution to achieve your goals now and for the long term.
rochester
600 East Avenue
canandaigua
72 South Main Street
basin park
1150 Pittsford-Victor Road
And no matter the size of your relationship, you’ll receive concierge-level service,
backed by our proprietary Pledge of Accountability*—our commitment to deliver
the service and experience you deserve.
CNBank.com/WealthManagement | (585) 419-0670 | Trust powers since 1919
*To see the full version of our CNB Pledge of Accountability, visit CNBank.com/Pledge. Investments are not FDIC insured, not bank deposits, not obligations of, or guaranteed by, Canandaigua National
Bank & Trust or any of its affiliates. Investments are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of principal amount invested. Investments and services may be offered through affiliate companies.
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 205
APRIL 2021 TRAIN TO LEARN
WITH EXPERT JEROD SCHOONMAK
TRAINING INCLUDES:
-CONCEPT OF SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION
-SAFETY AND SANITATION PROCESSES
-CONTRADICATIONS
-DIFFERENT TYPES OF MACHINES
-TATTOO NEEDLES
-PRE-CARE AND AFTERCARE
-PAIN MANAGEMENT
-SKIN STRUCTURE AND DEPTH OF INSERTION
-ASSESSING CLIENT SKIN TONES AND ETHNIC BACKGROUND
-FITZPATRICK SCALE
-NORWOOD SCALE
-CHOOSING AND MIXING PIGMENTS
-STRETCHING THE SKIN
-FEMALE PATTERN BALDNESS
– LUDWIG SCALE
-SYMMETRY AND TOUCHUPS
-DEPTH TECHNIQUES
-BUILDING AND MATCHING DENSITY
-BLENDING
-THE CONSULTATION PROCESS
-MANAGING EXPECTATIONS OF THE CLIENT
-MARKETING TIPS AND TRICKS
SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION
ER, OWNER OF SCALP INTERNATIONAL
$3099 DENISTY ONLY COURSE FEES INCLUDE:
1. ONLINE TRAINING PRE-REQUISITE
2. 2-DAY PRACTICAL HANDS-ON CLASSROOM TRAINING WITH
MULTIPLE LIVE MODELS WITH DIFFERENT HAIR LOSS CASES.
3. FINANCING AVAILABLE
**PLUS BONUS FOR THE FIRST 5 APPLICANTS:**
1. 6 MONTHS OF MENTORSHIP FROM EXPERT JEROD SCHOONMAKER (VALUE
OF OVER $1200)
2. SOCIAL MEDIA PROMOTION + FULL PAGE AD IN ROCHESTER, CENTRAL NY
OR BUFFALO WOMAN ONLINE MAGAZINES (VALUE OF $999)
FOR INQUIRIES PLEASE EMAIL INFO@SCALPNY.COM
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
208 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
TETRA IMAGES, LLC / ALAMY
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ SCALP NY }
RECEDING HAIRLINE IN
FEMALE
BY JAROD SCHOONMAKER
CAUSES, PREVENTION
AND TREATMENT
You rarely see women getting bald unlike
men. Although the data shows males
have a higher percentage of hair loss
(alopecia) compared to females, they
do get them, even looking for solutions
cosmetically like scalp micropigmentation
services for ladies.
The content of this article is to
thoroughly discuss what every woman
must know about receding hairline,
its symptoms, causes, preventions,
and treatment, to ensure healthy hair
follicles keep growing in long term.
In other words, here’s what you can
do if you have uneven hairlines or
hair loss.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Losing hair is an everyday occurrence
that happens as part of a normal
conditions for most people; it is normal
to lose approximately 100 hairs a day.
The hair thinning slowly and gradually
falls out, then new hair grows back
again. But some circumstances may
point to a possibility that receding
hairline in women is problematic
when it exceeds the normal count.
Signs and symptoms of hair loss may
include:
Gradual thinning hair on top of head.
This is the most common type of hair
loss, affecting people as they age. In male
pattern baldness, hair often begins to
recede at the hairline on the forehead.
Women typically have a broader thinning
hair all over their head.
Circular or patchy bald spots. Some
men and women lose hair in circular
or patchy bald spots on the scalp, beard
or eyebrows. Your skin may become
itchy or painful before the hair falls out.
Sudden loosening of hair. A physical or
emotional shock can start hair to loosen.
Handfuls of hair may come out when
combing or washing your hair or even
after gentle tugging. This type of hair
loss usually causes overall hair thinning
but is temporary.
Full-body hair loss. Some hair loss
conditions and medical treatments, such
as chemotherapy for cancer, can result
in the loss of hair all over your body.
The hair usually grows back.
Patches of scaling that spread over the
scalp. This is a sign of a ringworm. It
may be accompanied by broken hair,
redness, swelling and, at times, oozing.
CAUSES AND TREATMENTS
These are multiple causes of receding
hairline or thinning hair in women and
each condition are followed by their
respective treatment.
ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA
A very common cause of hair loss
which is another term for male or
female pattern baldness. Men tend
to lose hair from the temples and
center part of the head. In women,
hair usually becomes thinner all over
the head. If one has a family history
of male and female pattern baldness,
chances are high you have too.It is
more likely to happen as a person
ages but can start at any point after
puberty. Many females who experience
androgenetic alopecia develop it after
going through the menopause. This
means that hormones may have
something to do with hair loss in
women.
Treatment:
It is possible to treat this condition
with a medication for hair growth,
namely minoxidil twice every day.
TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM
Telogen Effluvium causes more hair to
fall out, sometimes in handfuls, this is
an estate where the hair remains in the
natural shedding phase of the growth
cycle. Usually, telogen effluvium is
a temporary form that resolves over
time, such as, surgery and childbirth.
It is advisable to see a doctor to find
out the cause.
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 209
{ SHIFT+CONTROL { SCALP NY } }
“This psychological toll affected the woman more that men, obviously. Female pattern hair
loss may lead to depression, anxiety, and social phobia.”
Treatment:
A doctor will need to treat any underlying
causes of telogen effluvium. If a physician
suspects that specific medications are
causing hair loss at any form, they may
change them.
ANAGEN EFFLUVIUM
Anagen Effluvium causes large amounts
of hair to fall out rapidly during the
growth phase of the hair cycle. The
condition may cause hair to fall out
from the head, as well as from other
parts of the body, including eyebrows
and eyelashes, just like chemotherapy
treatment.
Treatment:
Treatment for this condition depends
on the cause but can include a topical
solution of minoxidil. If a person has
anagen effluvium as a result of undergoing
chemotherapy, cooling the scalp during
the procedure may help. Hair will often
grow back 3–6 months after stopping
chemotherapy.
ALOPECIA AREATA
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune
condition that causes hair to fall out
suddenly. The immune system attacks
hair follicles, along with other healthy
parts of the body. Hair from the scalp,
as well as eyebrows and eyelashes, may
fall out in small chunks.
Treatment:
If a person has this state of being, they
should see a physician. A doctor may
prescribe medication to help the hair
grow back.
TRACTION ALOPECIA
A receding hairline due to hairs being
pulled back into tight hairstyles. Traction
alopecia causes it to break and come loose.
Include:
Tight buns or ponytails
Braids
If traction alopecia continues, a person
may develop bald spots and thinning
of the hair.
Treatment:
In terms of self-care, avoiding tight
hairstyles will usually prevent further
damage.
MEDICATIONS
Some medications have side effects that
can start hair to fall out. Examples of
such medications include:
blood thinners, such as warfarin
Accutane, to treat acne
antidepressants, including Prozac and
Zoloft
beta-blockers
cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as Lopid
Treatment:
If a person thinks hair loss may be due
to a medication they are taking, they
should consider seeing a physician for
an assessment. The doctor might be
able to reduce the dosage or switch the
person to a different medication.
FRONTAL FIBROSING ALOPECIA
Frontal fibrosing alopecia typically occurs
in a receding hairline pattern and may
also result in hair loss in the eyebrows
and underarms. Frontal fibrosing alopecia
most commonly affects post menopausal
women.
Treatment:
Certain medications can manage
symptoms and stop the progression
of the disease. The cause is unknown.
Birth control pills
Hair loss while using birth control
pills may be a bad experience to some
people. Others might suffer hair loss
several weeks or months after they
stop taking them. If people are taking
birth control pills, they can choose one
that has a low androgen index. This
may help to lower the risk of hair loss.
Other forms of birth control that give
hormonal changes, such as implants and
skin patches, may also cause hair loss.
Treatment:
The American Hair Loss Association
recommends that people who have an
increased risk of genetic hair loss opt for
a non-hormonal type of birth control.
RINGWORM
Ringworm is a fungal infection that can
start hair loss. Ringworm on the scalp,
or tinea capitis, can cause temporary
bald areas on the head, its symptoms
include: itchy, red patches of skin, small
spots that get bigger and many more.
Treatment:
If ringworm does not heal by itself,
then a doctor may prescribe an
antifungal medicine. Alternatively,
they may prescribe an antibiotic, such
as Griseofulvin.
POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME
(PCOS)
A condition that affects a woman’s
hormone levels. Women with PCOS
210 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
212 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ SCALP NY }
“Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) typically presents as a diffuse thinning of the hair across
the entire head.”
produce higher-than-normal amounts of
male hormones. This hormone imbalance
causes them to skip menstrual periods
and makes it harder for them to get
pregnant. Its symptoms include hair
loss, depression, and acne. Its risk factors
infertility, diabetes, and obesity.
Treatment:
There is no cure for PCOS, but you can
manage the symptoms of PCOS with
the help of your physician.
REGROWING HAIRLINE
There are a lot of ways to regrow
hairlines from scalp massages to taking
supplements, and eating a healthy diet.
Here are the best and advance methods
of the doesn’t require much patience:
Hairline lowering/advance procedure
The hairline lowering/advancement
procedure is performed by your surgeon
making a trichophytic incision along the
natural hairline and then carefully moving
the scalp forward and downwards on
the forehead. The hair-bearing tissue is
then moved forward and sutured into
its new lower position. After suturing,
the individual hair follicles may also be
transplanted to fill in gaps and to ensure
that the hairline is natural.
HAIR TRANSPLANT
The use of hair transplantation also
works to normalize the shape of the
new hairline and also to minimize
the appearance of any scarring as hair
growth manifests through and over the
incision line. In most cases, after the
hair transplants surgery, there are only a
very minimal, barely visible scars at the
hairline. This scar will eventually fade
to become nearly invisible over time.
PLASMA INJECTIONS
Here’s one we hadn’t heard of before.
Platelet-rich plasma injections (PRP) have
been used in other fields of medicine
for over a decade but have only reached
dermatology within the last five years.
Simply put, Blood is extracted from
the person with hair loss and ‘growth
factors’ are extracted from the blood,
then injected back into the scalp in the
area where hair loss is occurring.
SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION
During the scalp micropigmentation
process (SMP), specialists apply an ink
to a balding area with microneedles,
which create micro impressions to
give the illusion of hair. The ink helps
replicate the appearance of thicker hair
and each formula is mixed to match a
person’s natural hair color as much as
possible. The best people to ask, how
scalp micropigmentation help hair loss
is the Scalp International Hairlines, for
they are the best professional to choose
for your receding hairline problem and,
every client that is treated will not leave
the final session of treatment without
being 100% satisfied – guaranteed!
BOTTOM LINE
In male pattern hair loss (MPHL), the
hair loss typically presents itself as either
a receding front hairline, loss of hair
on the crown (vertex) of the head, or a
combination of both. Female pattern
hair loss (FPHL) typically presents as
a diffuse thinning of the hair across the
entire head.
Either way, there is no doubt that hair
loss or even receding hairline affects
both men and women’s psyche. This
psychological toll affected the woman
more that men, obviously. Female pattern
hair loss may lead to depression, anxiety,
and social phobia.
For more information about Scalp
International Hairlines and how we
can help both men and woman with
hairloss, please visit our website www.
scalpny.com.
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 213
214 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
HELPING MEN AND WOMEN
WHO ARE SUFFERING
FROM HAIR LOSS,
SCARS, AND FORMS OF
ALOPECIA BECOME BETTER
VERSIONS OF THEMSELVES
THROUGH SCALP
MICROPIGMENTATION.
2851 MILTON AVE SOLVAY, NY 13209
(800) 236-6792
WWW.SCALPNY.COM
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 215
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
216 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
TETRA IMAGES, LLC / ALAMY
{ SHIFT+CONTROL { BEAUTY TALK } }
LET’S TALK ABOUT EYEBROWS
BY GABRIELLA ROSE FIEDERLEIN
Let’s talk about eyebrows. The
eyebrows main function is to prevent
sweat, water, and other debris from
falling down into the eye socket but
they are also important to human
connection and facial expression.
Another function of eyebrows is to
prevent moisture from flowing into
the eye. Of course, so that we do
not get chemicals into the eye that
doesn’t belong there. In the beauty
industry, the eyebrows are a huge
part of the whole look! It is common
for people to modify their eyebrows
by means of hair removal
and makeup.
Fashion in eyebrow
shape continues to
change throughout the
ages and eyebrows have
always featured heavily
in fashion often a part of
cultural demands made
on women about body
hair. Did you know that
eyebrows in different
cultures and decades symbolized
someone’s power? Japanese women
and men from the eighth century
practiced a look called “hikimayu”
where shaving or plucking of the
eyebrow hair was in and painting
smudge like brows higher on the
forehead happened. This practice is
comparable to an era where women
who shaved their eyebrows were
symbolized as high class women.
Starting in the 1970s are when doctors
started injecting patients with botox
to raise the brow instead of having
them naturally sag as we age. Now
during the 21st century, injections
are the most popular trend as well as
plastic surgery to prevent the look of
aging, and stay looking younger! Who
doesn’t want to stay looking young?
I certainly would love to look young
forever. Another few trends in the
skincare and beauty industry today, to
keep up a clean look with brows are
now brow lamination, brow tinting,
and microblading. Some people even
permanently tattoo their eyebrows
as a way to permanently achieve and
maintain the color and shape. What
are eyebrow lamination, brow tinting,
and microblading? Eyebrow lamination
is a relatively new procedure that
focuses on creating shiny, smooth,
and natural brows. Brow Lamination
is also known as an eyebrow perm
just like lash lifting is known as an
eyelash perm. This service is great for
people who want a more clean and
shiny look to their brows. For people
who have very messy brows, or thin
brows and need more of a uniform
look, this is great to schedule for
yourself. Unlike microblading, needles
and coloring are not involved unless
you add a tint which is a temporary
dye added to the brows that last up to
eight weeks depending on the brand.
Brow Lamination is temporary and
lasts up to six weeks.
The process of microblading, also
called cosmetic tattooing, involves an
eyebrow technician to use a machine to
create small precise cuts that match the
strokes of hair naturally. Microblading
does involve needles, and goes down
one to two layers underneath the skin,
which is why it is not permanent.
A permanent tattoo lasts forever
because it goes much deeper into the
layers of the skin. The brand that I
use to microblade
my clients lasts 1-2
years.
Microshading
is a part of the
microblading
process where a
tattooing technique
occurs in which
a small handheld
tool made of several
tiny needles is used
to add semi-permanent pigment to the
skin. Microblading itself is a tiny blade
used to create similar texture brow
strokes to add more hairs, definition,
and shape. You might be asking, “well
since it is a tattoo...does it hurt?” I
apply a numbing cream on for ten
minutes before starting the actual
service which creates no pain. It is
more of a sensation where you don’t
feel much but you hear a sound that
clients might not like. Microblading
and Microshading is definitely worth
the money for how long they last
and the fact that you do not need
to fill them in as much anymore!
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 217
{ SHIFT+CONTROL { BEAUTY TALK } }
“Did you know that eyebrows in different cultures and decades symbolized someone’s power?”
There is a pre and post process for
each microblading/shading service
that you need to prepare yourself for
which will be included during the
consultation. Microblading isn’t only
reserved for thin, sparse brows even
if you’ve been blessed with naturally
full ones, microblading can enhance
what’s already there. But the results
are especially remarkable on those
with thin brows (and can be nearly
life-changing for people who suffer
from alopecia or cancer).
Last but not least there is eyebrow
tinting which is the application of
a semi permanent eyebrow dye to
enhance, shape, and more so define
the brows. This service is great for
anyone. The more you learn, the
more questions you might have and
the more interested you become in
trying one of these amazing services.
Well, you can. Contact and book
with BeautifyMe today and you
will get a discount off of your first
service! Contact BeautifyMe so we
can Beautify you.
Instagram: @beautifyme247
Email: gfrose12@gmail.com
218 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 219
220 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ UNAPOLOGETICALLY { SHE HUSTLES TALKS AUTHENTIC }}
}
REFLECTION
BY CHRISTINE GRANDIN I PHOTOS BY MICHELE ASHLEE
The relationship we have with
money is a direct reflection of the
relationship we have with ourselves.
Being Unapologetically Authentic
means valuing your time and energy.
As we gain a higher value for ourselves,
we become much more particular
about what we spend our time and
energy on. Everything in our life is a
domino effect of the value we place
on our time. It took me years to gain
a strong, healthy relationship within
myself. I would work extremely hard to
spend my money
on frivolous things,
with no concern
of saving or my
credit.
In my last column,
I discussed the
types of unhealthy
relationships I had
in my life, these
behaviors being a
direct reflection of
the lack of value
I placed on my
time. Along your
journey of becoming Unapologetically
Authentic, you will begin to realize
that certain people, places, and things
are not worth your time. I cannot
possibly value my time if I spend it
around people who drain my energy
or just do not simply add value to
my life.
Value comes in many forms, such as
spiritual, emotional, mental, physical,
and financial. I choose not to watch
much television, as I feel it is not a
good time spent. We all must do
things that bring us peace, for some
people, that is a television, and that
is perfectly fine. Once I began to
gain control of my life, I had to dig
myself out of a hole. I was in debt, I
had no savings, and I lost everything
due to my work injury and poor
choices. My credit score was in the
400 range.
Until this time, I never cared about my
credit. I slowly started working to pay
off debt and build my credit. In just
one year, I was able to raise my credit
score to over 700 points. I was able
to accomplish this by changing the
way I viewed money. Once I looked
at how much I valued my time, I
had to make a direct connection to
how I spent my money. This allowed
me to know the difference between
spending my money and investing it. I
began investing time and money into
paying off debt, starting a business,
mentoring, advertising, books/reading,
classes, and more.
With the learned and applied
knowledge, my time became even
more valuable. I do work a full-time
job that is currently helping me grow
my business until I can comfortably
leap into full-time entrepreneurship.
I had to correlate my time and what
I find acceptable to be paid for my
time and not settle for anything less.
The goal is to consistently increase
the value of my time by expanding
my knowledge and skills. I am 38
years old, I was never taught to value
myself, let alone my time or money.
However, it is never
too late to turn
your life around.
I do not want my
son to get caught in
the cycle of living
in debt. Statistics
say that 80% of
Americans live in
debt. If I do not
break the chains,
the process will
continue.
You do not have to
make an excessive
amount of money to build wealth. You
must have a good relationship with
money and genuinely value your time.
I will always be a work in progress,
I just purchased containers and
food for meal prep to save time and
money when life gets busy, it’s easy
to grab food on the go. Food is one
is the most significant expenses per
household, that about doubles when
eating out often. Consistent small
changes equal big results.
I recently joined the YMCA. This is
{ UNAPOLOGETICALLY { { SHE SHIFT+CONTROL HUSTLES TALKS AUTHENTIC } } }
“Being Unapologetically Authentic means valuing our time and energy. As we gain a
higher value for self, we become much more particular as to what we spend out time and
energy on.”
an investment into the health and
overall well-being of my son and me.
Some people say investing in certain
things is too expensive, but if you take
a good look at what you truly spend
your money on and adjust according
to placing value on your time, you
will see that you can afford much
more than you think. If it does not
help me grow and add value to my
life, I do not have time for it.
I am too busy growing, glowing, and
living Unapologetically Authentic!
222 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 223
{ SHAMELESS SHAWNY }
{ I AM... }
I AM A WOMAN
HEAR ME ROAR!
BY LASHAWNDRA ASHFORD I PHOTOS BY KAMERON ASHFORD
Women are fearless. Women are brave.
Women are courageous. Women are
superheroes. Women can wipe their
tears with one hand and conquer
the world with the other. Women
are the matriarch of their family. A
woman doesn’t have to say anything
to hear her strength. A woman’s
characteristics can be loud and clear
by simply being a woman. Without
women, how would the world exist?
IMPOSSIBLE
When you talk about history be sure
to mention the part that some of
the most influential change-makers
were women. Looking back on where
women started and where they are
today leaves me in amazement thinking
about all the phenomenal attributes
the women in the past must have
possessed to make such a change.
Women went from not being able
to: vote, be in political office, run a
business, have a voice, get a credit card
in our name, no paid maternity leave,
take legal action against workplace
sexual harassment, and the list
continues.
Fast forward to now, women are
able to do all of the above and more.
Today’s change allowed women to
be Physicians, vote, run their own
business, have a voice, First Vice
President Kamala Harris in office, first
woman’s NFL official, Photographers,
Realtors, women with credit cards their
name and property in their name.
Do you understand your privilege?
TRUTH TALE
Women weren’t recognized beyond
the stereotypical role of society. A
women’s role was to cook, clean,
and be a caregiver. Women were
undervalued and unnoticed. Women
were penalized for being a woman.
Men didn’t need to obtain a title
or document of ownership to have
possession over women. Being a
woman gave consent to inequality.
How is this fair? Can you imagine
the hurt and disappointment women
experienced during this time?
DETERMINED WOMEN CAN
MAKE CHANGE
Beyond March
Celebrating women does not begin
or end in March. Celebrating women
deserves a lifestyle. We must let go
of our very own biases to continue
celebrating all women by addressing
and acknowledging our unhealthy
conditioned behaviors to demand
cultural change. Understand your
privilege, continue to bring awareness
to the achievements of women because
what we have become accustomed
to; would not exist if it wasn’t for
the women who fought for equality.
226 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 227
{ I AM... }
“Women are fearless. Women are brave. Women are courageous. Women are superheroes.”
We are paving the way for the next
generation.
NOTHING IS GIVEN WITHOUT
A FIGHT... HOLD ON...
As Helen Reddy said, “I am woman,
hear me roar, oh yes, I am wise but
it’s wisdom born of pain yes, I paid
the price, but look at how much I
gained.” Our right was given with a
fight, let’s make the fight meaningful
by continuing to break barriers.
International Women’s day celebrates
EQUALITY!! We cannot celebrate
the change in inequality if we do
not change our perception. Equality
is celebrating beyond the color of
our skin, friendships, and our very
own biases. Equality is diversity and
inclusion!
YOU HAVE IT IN YOU
Women empowerment is beyond
empowering the women within your
circle. Women empowerment is no
discrimination. I don’t need to know
you to empower you. You shouldn’t
need to know me or anyone else to
empower them. This is mindset.
YOU ARE EMPOWERED TO DO
THE IMPOSSIBLE
We are now in positions to empower
one another, what will you do with
your power? What will you do with
your voice? What will you do to
celebrate women’s equality outside
of your race, social, and economic
norms?
I envision a world of International
women shamelessly exemplifying
diversity, inclusion, and empowerment
celebrating beyond the color of our
skin & comfort zone. It’s demonstrated
we have endless opportunities because
we are:
WOMEN WITH SUPERPOWERS!
WE ARE CHANGE!
WE ARE DETERMINED!
WE ARE BOLD!
WE ARE FIERCE!
WE ARE POWERFUL!
WE ARE FULL OF FIRE!
WE ARE BRAVE!
WE ARE STRONG!
WE ARE FEARLESS!
WE ARE HISTORY!
WE ARE SHAMELESS!
WE ARE LIMITLESS!
Let’s continue to celebrate social,
economic, political, & CULTURAL
achievements.
Happy International Women’s Month!!
Here’s to US!!!
IG: I_am_shameless_shawny
FB: Shawny Cox-Ashford
Stay YOU, Stay TRUE, Stay SHAMELESS
Own it, embrace it, Face it Shamelessly
~ Shameless Shawny
{ COACHING WITH KRISTIN }
{
{
COACHING
COACHING { SHIFT+CONTROL WITH
WITH
KRISTIN
KRISTIN } B.
}
}
PHOTOSHOOT
PREPARATION
BY KRISTIN BAUER-GROSS
STRESS FREE GUIDE
I’m standing in front of my closet
panicked!
What to wear?
What to pack?
How to style hair and make-up?
I start to try on clothes. It quickly
becomes overwhelming and time
consuming, I’m not loving any of the
looks. My favorite dress doesn’t fit. That
pair of pants that fits perfect needs to be
dry cleaned. The button came off that
pretty blouse a year ago and still needs
mending. I sift through a mountain
of clothes and then consider perhaps
I should buy totally new outfits.
I decide to go work on something
else and procrastinate this photoshoot
preperation for later.
Fast forward to the day of the
photoshoot. I show up frazzled and
unprepared and worse yet, I’m running
late. End up picking out clothes last
minute, the morning of the shoot and
everything is disjointed.
This ever happen to you? Can you relate?
Today I show up relaxed and happy.
But back then, I had no strategy around
planning, preparing and packing for
photoshoots.
Hundreds of photoshoots later,
I’ve developed a strategy and clear
preparation plan and share with you
here my step-by-step process. If one
tip transforms how prepared you feel
leading up to your next photoshoot,
then my heart will sing.
Let’s say, a photoshoot or life event
you want to capture is coming up.
This can be any type of photoshoot:
engagement, maternity, wedding,
graduation, holiday family photos,
actor headshots, updating portfolio
for your modeling agent, images for a
re-branded business website, imagery
for social media content.
STEP #1: Get clear on the intention
of the photoshoot:
Getting clear on the purpose of the
shoot and how the photos will be used,
I’ve found truly helps with being happy
with the outcome. Also it is helpful in
determining what photographer to
hire, what to wear and how to plan
the shoot.
Consider your goals for the shoot.
Write out the goals down.
Think about how the images will be
used: online, websites, social media,
e-commerce or actual tangible photos
such as hanging on a wall, sending
prints to family, cards, keepsakes for
yourself or someone special, an album,
or printed headshots.
STEP #2: Research photographers:
You wouldn’t call a podiatrist with
questions about heart health, right?
Photographers are the same way. Most
photographers have a specialty or a
few specialties.
When researching photographers
look carefully at their recent work
and portfolio on their website,
Instagram and/or Facebook. Look for
a photographer who specializes in the
type and style of photos you are seeking.
Planning a wedding? Research wedding
photographers. New baby? Infant and
family photographer. Getting started
as a commercial actor, a photographer
whose niche is commercial acting
headshots.
I often see people disappointed when
they hire someone for something outside
of their niche or area of expertise.
As a model and talent coach, I frequently
see aspiring models or actors shoot
with someone who does not specialize
in the type of photos that are actually
needed to be taken seriously by agents
or that would get them booked on paid
assignments. Finding a photographer
who is an expert in their niche will get
you leaps and bounds ahead and make
you look like a million bucks.
Have a conversation with the
photographer and ask questions.
• Discuss what will be included for the
price point quoted?
• Is editing included?
• For how many images?
• How are images delivered?
• When will they be delivered?
• Who provides make-up and hair?
• Does the photographer direct you
with moving and posing?
• Do they assist with wardrobe?
• How long is the shoot?
• Inside or outside (on location)?
STEP #3: Who is responsible for what
on shoot day?
{ COACHING { SHIFT+CONTROL WITH KRISTIN } B. }
“Hundreds of photoshoots later, I’ve developed a strategy and clear preparation plan and
share with you here my step-by-step process.”
After talking things through with the
photographer, I like to make a list of
what I’ll be responsible for on shoot day.
I recommend outlining what needs to
be done and approximately how long
it will take to accomplish each task.
For example, if purchasing a new outfit
is necessary, think about the time it takes
to shop, and when you’ll do that, be it
virtually or in person. Consider when
the items will arrive by and if they don’t
fit or don’t work for the look you’re
going for, what is the plan B?
Think about other errands that might
need to be done prior to a photoshoot,
such as mani/pedi, waxing, setting up
childcare, blocking off time in schedule
for shopping, taking the shoot day off
from work or getting a haircut.
STEP #4: Preparing for photoshoot day:
Make a list and check it twice!
Make your own list or grab my FREE
“Photoshoot Prep Checklist”
Having a packing checklist makes
preparing for photoshoots stress free!
Grab my free checklist by visiting:
https://linktr.ee/kristinbauergross
STEP #5: Show up feeling your best:
On the day of a photoshoot nothing
can replace feeling refreshed, confident
and prepared.
• Pack the night prior – or sooner
• Eat a healthy early meal the night before
a photoshoot that is low in sodium and
sugar. Sodium, sugar, alcohol or late
night meals leave us feeling bloated,
heavy, tired, swollen and lethargic the
next day.
• Bring water and pack snacks
• If the shoot is outside think about
the weather: sunscreen, umbrella, or
winter gear
• Try on all the clothes you bring. Yes
try on everything.
• I repeat, try on everything. This helps,
knowing exactly what fits and what
doesn’t and to attend to any mending
or clothes that need to be cleaned or
pressed.
• Trying all wardrobe on also allows us
to get to know which items work with
what accessories, undergarments, socks
and shoes. Sometimes we “think” we
know what something will look like but
once we arrive and realize oh wow the
only bra packed looks all wrong with
the blouse that was planned. Having
tried on all wardrobe would alleviate
these snafu’s.
STEP #6: SHOOT DAY
Have fun! All the hard work is done.
When a shoot day arrives I try to focus
on being present, in the moment and
enjoying myself as much as possible.
• Allow plenty of extra time for
traffic, delays, bad weather, or other
unforeseeable problems while traveling
to the photoshoot location.
• Being prepped early allows you to not
arrive in a panic and instead enjoy every
minute of your photoshoot
• How the subject feels shows through on
camera. If you feel relaxed and happy this
is how the final photos will be reflected,
if you are unprepared, arrive late, didn’t
eat breakfast, missed your morning
coffee, or whatever other mishap this
too will show in the subject’s face.
Make prepping for your next photoshoot
a breeze with my free checklist!
Snag the free photoshoot prep checklist
here:
https://linktr.ee/kristinbauergross
Enjoy this article? Love to connect on
Instagram.
Follow
@KristinBauerGross
@KristinBCoaching
232 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 233
234 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHE HUSTLES TALKS }
{ { VOICES SHE { THE HUSTLES KEFI FOR WAY IMPACT TALKS } } }
MARKETING IN 2021
BY KATINA KARL I PHOTOS BY LYNEA D’APRIX PHOTOGRAPHY
Spring signifies a renewal, new
beginnings and growth. As we move
into the next season of 2021, Voices
For Impact podcast is dropping new
episodes that center around this
‘rebirth’ theme. The ladies behind
EmPowered Nutrition and Always
Chasing Better Coaching share
empowerment tips and advice on
living your best life in two of the
new episodes to hit the podcast.
I don’t know about you but January
and February are the hardest months
of the year for me to get through
each year. The cloudy and short
wintery days make life a bit more
of a struggle but as soon as March
hits — I am revitalized and the
hope and excitement for the future
kicks in. This could also be because
March is also my birthday month.
The first day of Spring (March 20)
to be exact! My birthday always
feels extra special because it is the
first day of Spring. I feel like I am
being reborn into a new year and
a new season all at once. This year
in particular, I feel this sense of
excitement for a new beginning more
than years past. Especially since last
year, around March 20th was the
when the pandemic hit America
and so began the beginning of a
shut down… but it does not do to
dwell on the past, I think collectively
we are all looking forward to this
new year.
Are you the type of person always
looking to improve themselves? A
life-long learner? Do you look for
inspiration and motivation on how
to begin the self-love journey? Do
you want to start your own business
but do not know where to begin?
I am so excited to share all new
episodes of Voices For Impact this
year. At the start of 2021, Voices For
Impact has already dropped some
episodes with incredibly talented
guests that are sharing their stories
and advice, just for you.
Spring is a great time to harness the
energy of the season and allow your
mindset to move away from dreary
winter doldrums into the fresh new
energy of spring. Life moves quickly,
but spring can be a reminder that
there’s always time to start a new
beginning on our goals, plans, and
dreams. The transitions between the
seasons offer a great metaphor with
which to view our lives, incredible
change moves at a slow pace but
with patience and persistence, our
efforts will allow us to live the lives
we seek.
I hope you feel motivated to take on
the day after reading this article and
for more daily inspiration listen to
Voices For Impact on Apple, Spotify,
and iHeart Radio podcast platforms.
Subscribe and stay connected on
Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and
LinkedIn @VoicesForImpact.
DID YOU KNOW? Podcasts are
really effective at selling, spreading
awareness, and building good
reputations for companies. It’s an
intimate medium where listeners
develop real relationships with hosts,
so when hosts recommend products
in their own voices, audiences are
more likely to try their product.
Voices For Impact has attractive
demographics for advertisers, with
listeners that are more of an affluent,
educated consumer than average,
according to Edison Research. My
current list of sponsors include JAB
Online Services, Kefi Marketing,
EmPowered Nutrition, among others.
Email voices4impactcuse@gmail.
com if you would like to get your
message out to a new audience by
sponsoring an episode or sharing
your story to help encourage people
to find their passion and purpose.
Danielle is a Nazareth College alum
and is currently pursuing her MBA.
Currently she works as the Senior
Director of Development for a local
nonprofit. In addition, she volunteers
for several organizations in the
community and is a Board Member
for Association for Fundraising
Professionals and a Central New
York Business Journal’s 40 Under
Forty honoree.
{ VOICES FOR IMPACT }
“Spring signifies a renewal, new beginnings and growth. As we move into the next season
of 2021, Voices For Impact podcast is dropping new episodes that center around this
‘rebirth’ theme.”
236 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ THE SHIFT+CONTROL ACS CORNER } }
A REVOLUTIONARY
INNOVATION
BY JOHNNY WILLIAMS
Revolutionary innovation has always
been a key part of what makes Animal
Care Sanctuary special. As one of
the first no-kill shelters in the nation
when we were founded over 50 years
ago, being on the cutting edge of new
ideas to save more lives is a part of
our roots.
We’ve carried that with us over the
years by working hard to be
on that forefront. Nearly 10
years ago, we launched our
own low cost community
veterinary clinic, which
has been a vital part of our
operations and still relatively
uncommon for an animal
shelter. Additionally, our
pre-vet intern program is
one of extremely few in the
country.
And now, we’re looking to
be on the cutting edge to
save more lives once again.
Over the last couple of years,
our cattery began looking at
FIV and FeLV positive cats
more closely. FIV (feline
immunodeficiency virus)
and FeLV (feline leukemia
virus) are similar retroviruses
that only affect cats. In years past, a
cat that tested positive for either of
these viruses was essentially euthanized
automatically – partly because many
shelters generally don’t have the
space to quarantine sick felines with
contagious viruses. These viruses affect
a feline’s immune system, making it
easier for them to get sick – at least
theoretically.
Fortunately, ACS had the space in
our then-recently renovated cattery, so
we started taking in these supposedly
ill cats and housing them in their
own area. However, after months of
caring for these cats, not only did our
staff notice that the felines seemed
perfectly healthy, they showed no
symptoms of any illness at all.
So we slowly started looking for
adopters for these cats. Being as
transparent with potential adopters as
possible, we informed them honestly
about their conditions – that the cat
tested positive for FIV or FeLV and
what that means. But because of the
stigma surrounding these viruses,
finding homes for these otherwise
extremely sweet and adoptable felines
was proving difficult.
But more is being learned around
the country about these viruses. And
the biggest takeaway is how little is
actually known about the viruses. A
recent research article published by
the Humane Society of the United
States helped us confirm what we
were already learning: that these
viruses are not necessarily
deadly, not exceptionally
contagious, and infected cats
are capable of living long,
happy lives. In fact, even
the testing process itself is
not reliable in diagnosing
these viruses.
Armed with this new
information, we’re setting
out to battle the stigma
that FIV and FeLV cats are
deathly ill and unadoptable.
In fact, the three FeLV
felines that we’ve had up
for adoption for months,
have all found homes in
February, including 10-yearold
Pawdme and sevenyear-old
Lando, the latter
of which was with us since
August of last year and even
spent time as our office cat.
So if you’re out looking for a new
feline friend and come across a cat
that is FIV or FeLV positive, don’t
pass them by. In our experience, FIV
and FeLV kitties have been some of
the sweetest felines that have come
through our doors. Give them a
chance.
238 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 239
{ THE ACS CORNER }
“As one of the first no-kill shelters in the nation when we were founded over 50 years ago,
being on the cutting edge of new ideas to save more lives is a part of our roots.”
242 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHE SHIFT+CONTROL HUSTLES TALKS }}
{ WARRIOR { SHE SHIFT+CONTROL HUSTLES WELLNESS TALKS }}
“THE IMPORTANCE OF REST
AND RECOVERY”
BY ALEXIS TEARNEY KUHL
If you’ve been exercising for a
substantial amount of time, you know
and value the importance of your
routine. Have you given much thought
to your recovery and rest? Many
people think that the “work” is in
the workout. And while
that is true, the real
growth and building of
strength is in your rest
and recovery time. If
you haven’t built
in enough time for
recovery, you may
end up burned out or
injured. This is because
your body isn’t getting
adequate time to repair
itself.
Strength building is
a repetitive process
of breaking down
muscles, and repairing
them. Tiny micro tears
occur, which is normal
and healthy in building
muscle. When balanced
with sufficient time to
rest and recover, the
muscles then rebuild
themselves to a stronger
version of what they
once were.
So how much rest and recovery do
you need? This may vary from one
individual to the next. If we are
discussing sleep, adults need an average
of 7-8 hours per night. Athletes
might need a little bit more. If we are
talking about rest days, that depends
on the person, their routine, their
age, etc. 1-3 rest days per week is
generally a good rule. This rest day
might be a complete day of rest. For
some people, it might include foam
rolling. Others may benefit from a
relaxing walk, gentle stretching, or
yoga.
For longtime athletes who are in a
vigorous program, a complete week
off once every 3-5 weeks might be
necessary. For me personally, I greatly
benefit from this. I usually spend
this week doing plenty of yoga and
Pilates. After my week off, I can
return to my usual routine feeling
excited and strong.
What are the key signs that a rest
recovery period are needed? Here
are some signs:
- an elevated resting heart rate.
- difficulty sleeping.
- feeling burned out,
unmotivated (especially
if this isn’t normal for
you).
- nagging muscle fatigue
and soreness.
Get in tune with your
body and check in every
once in awhile. Knowing
what is normal for you
will help you get the most
out of your routine, while
avoiding injury. This will
set you up for long term
success. And no, a week
or two off will not derail
your efforts. Stay well!
Alexis Tearney Kuhl
owns and operates
Tearney’s Martial Arts.
Since Covid-19, she
has pivoted her karate
and kickboxing classes to an online
virtual format.
She teaches both adults and children
(ages 5 and up). Together with her
husband Jordan, Alexis also owns the
online vintage store Lhük Vintage. You
can follow her in Instagram @
alexistearneykuhl.
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 243
FOR
ANN
SAVE TH
SEPTEMB
HELP THE ONE IN SEVEN IN THE SYRACUS
10AM-2PM VENDOR & FASHION SHOW AT THE CRAFTSMAN INN & SUITES I F
CONTACT US TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION AT 585.727.9120 I EMAIL N
E DATE
ER 26, 2021
THE
UAL
E REGION AT RISK FOR KIDNEY DISEASE.
AYETTEVILLE, NY I SPONSORS/VENDORS/MODELS NOW BEING ACCEPTED
ETWORKROCQUEEN@GMAIL.COM OR SHARON@HEALTHYKIDNEYS.ORG
online
246 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
WHEN YOU SAY “MEH”
TO SEX
BY DANIEL ROSEN, LCSW-R, CST
For many women, and men, sex with
a partner is less about exhileration
and more about intimacy, partnership,
role fulfillment, and perhaps even
reducing anxiety about how they
think they are supposed to want sex.
Contrary to popular belief, these
are PERFECTLY NORMAL ways
of thinking about sex. Some may
consider themselves to be demisexual
(a sexual orientation in which one
is attracted to only those to whom
one feels close), or having responsive
desire (feeling desire after feeling
sexually aroused), and some may
even identify as asexual (a sexual
orientation in which people feel little
or no attraction to others).
Many people like all the “extras” from
sex: closeness, intimacy, relaxation,
release, security, comfort, relational
satisfaction, and feeling good about
nurturing and caring for their partner.
If all goes well, a sexual experience that
starts out from a place of willingness
rather than wanting may end up with
that sexual kick of sensation— but it
is like the cherry on a sundae or extra
pepperoni on pizza - it’s an option
one might enjoy (perhaps really, really
enjoy) but not the reason for sitting
down to eat.
You may have been taught that having
an orgasm is the best thing in the
universe. Or, that if you don’t crave
sex, you are not normal. Maybe things
started out the other way— you
could not keep your hands out of
your partner’s pants (or your own).
Sex was exciting and desireable.
You felt satisfied and you satisfied
your partner. But now you feel like
a rotary dial phone, a VHS player,
a dried flower.
You may be the person in a relationship
who feels like this, or you may be in a
relationship with someone who feels
like this. Some “want to want” sex.
Some are desperate to feel wanted.
Some may be old enough to know
the Cheap Trick song “I want you
to want me” and believe this is the
ONLY way to be in a relationship:
everyone feeling equally wanted.
I call this the “Tyranny of Reciprocity”.
This is the idea that unless the balance
is perfectly even at any given moment,
the relationship is unfair or inadequate.
When it comes to sex this manifests as:
“I had an orgasm. Now you need one
too.” Or “you had an orgasm, now I
get one.” Or, “I wanted sex/initiated
sex last time, now its your turn.”
Let’s compare it to other domestic
activities: Do your bodies sleep the
same number of hours? If you had
4 scoops of ice cream and I’m full
after one, do I need to eat 3 more?
I just sneezed and I feel great, now
it’s your turn?
Many couples have what we call
“discrepant desire”— one partner
wants more sex and the other wants
less (or, at least, they want to not
feel bad about wanting less.) Some
couples feel that they get along in
every way except sex. They try to
be happy with this lack of sexual
contact but they want more. This
is common. For many couples, sex
is like a vitamin: you need a certain
amount for the relationship to be
healthy and even if neither of you
wants to take that vitamin, its still
good for both of you in the long
run. In a recent large study of the
factors that contribute to relational
satisfaction, sexual satisfaction was
rated as one of the most influential.
Some strategies people take to address
this:
● Compromise: Jane want sex 4
times a month, Alex wants sex just 1
time a month at a maximum, so they
will try for every other week. (Hint,
not going to work well). Unwanted
sex is unwanted sex whether its with
a husband, a wife, a stranger or a
politician.
● Give up on sex together and try
other partners: This requires lots of
conversation and consent and for
some folks it might just work but
for others it breaks what most people
consider the primary agreement of a
long term relationship— the two of
us together forever. Feeling pushed
into an agreement like this is rarely
helpful.
● Give up on sex altogether: Some
couples will navigate a sexless marriage
well, but many will find that sex is a
key ‘vitamin’ and without it all the
love, compassion, and emotional
intimacy is not enough. All couples,
no matter their age or health status,
can create sex worth having. (A quick
medical note especially for women:
sex should never hurt. If sex is painful,
medical interventions are available.)
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 247
{ { SEXUALLY SHIFT+CONTROL SPEAKING } }
“People looking to enhance their sexual relationships need skills, tasks, a mental attitude,
and practice to have more satisfying sex (please note: we are not aiming for “more sex” — we
are going for more satisfying sex.)”
) ● Bully and demand your partner
have more sex because that is
the unspoken expectation of the
relationship/marriage agreement:
this never works. Meaning, while
there may be sex, this is not the way
to feel closer, get more intimate,
or have each party be satisfied. If
the goal is to make just one person
happy, this may make for a peaceful
kingdom. However, somewhere in
there is pain and dissatisfaction, if
not worse— trauma.
There is hope and a better way. At the
Rochester Center for Sexual Wellness
(and other clinics around North
America) there is a new therapy called
Optimal Sexual Experience Groups.
This is a research proven method
for couples with desire discrepancy
or with low/no sex relationships to
improve their sexual relationship. The
Optimal Sexual Experience method
recognizes that everyone is OK just
the way they are. People looking to
enhance their sexual relationships
need skills, tasks, a mental attitude,
and practice to have more satisfying
sex (please note: we are not aiming
for “more sex” — we are going for
more satisfying sex.) Bad sex leads to
a mental attitude of expecting bad
sex which — no surprise — leads
to bad sex.
“Great lovers are made not born.”
Great lovers are similar to great
chefs who learn through dedication,
training, trial and error, and the
addition of their own special sauce.
Some people ARE born with a flair
for flavors — but no great chefs are
made without devoting significant
time and dedication to the practice.
What if you were able to interview
people who felt that they had amazing,
intimate sex and figure out how they
did that? What if you could unleash a
team of researchers to identify exactly
what these folks had in common:
how they talked about sex, felt about
their bodies, experienced in their
bodies, minds, and spirit, what skills
they had, what they thought about
during sex?
Well, this study has been done and
the findings are different from what
you might expect. In Magnificent
Sex, Peggy Kleinplatz and A. Dana
Menard, along with their research
team, decode the components,
facilitators, and pathways to optimal
sexual experiences for couples. Dr.
Kleinplatz has trained teams of group
leaders all over North America to
deliver a carefully crafted group
treatment. At the Rochester Center
for Sexual Wellness, we are honored
to be a part of this ongoing research
into enhancing sexual relationships by
offering Optimal Sexual Experiences
Groups. The 8 session group for
couples is private, confidential, and
includes education, discussion, and
instructions for homeplay. Rochester
Center for Sexual Wellness’ first series
of groups, led by Mr. Rosen and Dr.
Kranz, concluded in December 2020,
with great success. The 6 couples in
the group emerged with new direction
and hope for enhancing their sexual
relationships. The next session is
forming now, are you ready for more
satisfying sex in your relationship?
If you are interested in learning
more about Optimal Sexual
Experiences groups at the Rochester
Center for Sexual Wellness,
please visit our website at www.
rochestercenterforsexualwellness.com
or call (585) 865-3584 to arrange for
an initial assessment to find out if the
groups are right for you. You can find
more information about the Optimal
Sexual Experiences research team and
other pairs of trained therapists at
www.optimalsexualexperiences.com.
Daniel Rosen is a licensed clinical
social worker and an AASECT certified
sex therapist. He is the Behavioral
Medicine Director at the Rochester
Center for Sexual Wellness where he
sees individuals, couples, and provides
group therapy as well as supervising
sex therapists in training on their
way to AASECT certification. He is
a lifelong Rochesterian who nurtures
plants, builds things, and is continually
learning to play the guitar..
248 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
250 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ { SHIFT+CONTROL YOU MATTER } }
VICARIOUS
BY JUDI SWANSON
Vicarious means to feel how someone
else is feeling through our imaginations.
In Sanskirt the word Muditā “means joy;
especially sympathetic or vicarious joy, or
the pleasure that comes from delighting
in other people’s well-being” as defined
by Wikipedia.
As I was meandering along my life I was
reflecting upon recent joys of people
around me. On Friday, one of the students
I counsel, with the assistance of her
school counselor, applied for college. The
background of this student is rough stuff.
Tons of trauma, hardship, and hurdles to
overcome. You would not know this if
you met her. She comes to school every
day with a smile on her face, does her
work, and gives it her all. A few years
ago she was not sure she would see this
day as she had been suicidal. Her joy,
her Sukha, was pure and heartfelt in this
moment. I felt it and celebrated with her.
“We’re stronger when we cheer each other
one.” Serena Williams
There have been times in my life, too
many, where I did not fully embrace or
experience someone else’s joy. Perhaps
it was because they were experiencing
something I wanted and my unhealthy
envy kicked in, I did not feel they deserved
whatever goodness was occurring (which
reflected my insecurities and ego) or other
reasons I did not totally understand.
What I do know is as I worked on myself,
became more whole and in love with
who I am, I could celebrate someone
else’s joy completely. Even when there
were times I was feeling some envy or
ego, I would cheer the other person on
will all of my gusto. To my surprise, when
I moved beyond my negative feelings
to celebrate someone else, I felt better,
happier, confident.
“How you make others feel about themselves
says a lot about you.” Kushandwizdom
Lately I have been reading “Think Like
A Monk” by Jay Shetty. In one part He
talks about “Reverse Internal Energy”,
how envy, and “Schadenfreude” which
means “taking pleasure in the suffering
of others”. Jay says “When we derive
joy from other people’s failure, we’re
building our houses and pride on the
rocky foundation of someone else’s
imperfection or bad luck.” Think of it
this way as Jay states it “The more we
define ourselves in relation to the people
around us, the more lost we are.”
You know what happens when you
celebrate the joys and accomplishments of
others? It is freeing, beautiful, connecting.
Just imagine if we all began to acknowledge
and support the joy of others with no
negativity? We could have “joy flash
mobs” where we are joyous because of
the accomplishments of someone else.
“When we seek to discover the best in
others, we somehow bring out the best in
ourselves.” William Arthur Ward
Too often in our “comparison culture”
today we rank ourselves by comparing
to others. Relationships, grades, jobs,
vacations, clothes, cars, homes and more.
Guess what? This way of thinking is
destructive to us. Our envy feelings
don’t build us up. They bring us down.
A Psychology Today article states “Envy
has to do with feeling unhappy about
the success of someone else, or about
what they have and, at the same time,
secretly feeling inferior yourself. Instead of
finding success for yourself or improving
yourself, you may be envious and want
what another person has or find yourself
wishing that the other person would
lose that quality or possession in order
to make things seem fair.”
The way to feel better about ourselves
will always be doing the work to like,
and love, ourselves. To combat the voices
of negativity in our heads with ones of
strength and capability. Build on our
confidence and strength. To work towards
what we want to accomplish. To give a
big WAHOO to celebrate the joys of
others. When we expand our joyousness
to beyond ourselves by feeling our Muditā
for others, joy radiates into a world where
more joy needs to be celebrated.
We are not born with low sense of self
and lack of confidence. How life comes
at us, and how we are impacted by life
events, affects us. The great news is we
can change how we feel about ourselves.
An article in Zen Habits states “I strongly
believe that you can do things to increase
your self-confidence. It is not genetic
and you do NOT need to be reliant on
others to increase your self-confidence.
And if you believe that you are not very
competent, not very smart, not very
attractive, etc…that can be changed.”
We all have the power and ability to
change what we believe to be our truth
if we are willing to do the work. We are
worth the work.
You and all of your amazing skills and
talents matter. Let’s Muditā for others
and create flash mobs of joy. Celebrate
each other with gusto. To view others
achievements as inspirations, because if
they can accomplishment something it
means you can too. To see the success of
others as a moment in time to be joyous.
That is the type of world I envision for
all of us.
May your Muditā be with you.
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 251
252 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{{ COMMUNITY ASK SHIFT+CONTROL THE DOCTOR ROCS }}}
{ SHIFT+CONTROL TAMMY’S TIDBITS }
DANCE IN THE RAIN
BY TAMMY VREELAND
When was the last time you danced
in the rain? Although it may sound
a bit cliché - have you ever danced
in the rain? Thrown caution to the
wind? With April coming up and
bringing showers, this could be your
perfect opportunity!
Most of us may see the rain as
depressing. A grayness that envelopes
us. A longing to see the sun and feel
its warmth to re-energize us.
We need and crave the sun, no doubt.
But without our April showers, there
could be no May flowers. Touché,
right? Yes - without the rain, there
is no true appreciation for the sun.
So, instead of longing for what is
coming. Embrace the now, knowing
it will make the latter - that much
sweeter! No one ever said we could
not enjoy both sides of a yin and
yang situation.
Yin and yang, yet another cliché
saying? Or is it? Is it, as the definition
for cliché goes, a phrase that is overused
and betrays a lack of original thought?
I think not, for when you look at
what yin and yang represent, it is far
from not being original! It is a concept
of opposites that complement each
other. In this case, take our April
showers that will complement our
May flowers.
No fooling, dancing in the rain can
give you just as much enjoyment
as skipping in the sun. Speaking of
fooling, I’d be remiss in acknowledging
another thing April is well known
for... April Fool’s Day! April 1st is,
of course, April Fool’s Day! A perfect
excuse for tomfoolery, but what is it?
Or should I say, who is it? The origin
of tomfoolery seems to come from a
man named Thomas Skelton. Around
1600, he was a jester or a fool for the
Pennington family at the Muncaster
Castle in Britain. He was known
as Tom Fool. It is said he was even
possibly the model for the jester in
William Shakespeare’s play, King
Lear of 1606.
Unfortunately, it seems he wasn’t a
very pleasant man! Tales of him sitting
under a tree by the side of the road
with weary travelers asking him for
directions. Depending on whether he
liked you, he would either tell you
one way or send you on a treacherous
way to the marshes!
Even though that origin seems to be
the most well-known, Tom Fool is
actually centuries older! He started
appearing around in the 1300s as
Thomas Fatuus. The first part, Thomas,
a common name like what we use
today with Tom, Dick or Harry. The
Fatuus part means stupid or foolish.
And yet, how could any of this possibly
tie into our April Fool’s Day? Surely,
April’s Fool Day is a fairly modern-day
made-up celebration? Actually no, it’s
not! Although its exact origins remain
a mystery, some historians speculate
it dates back to 1582. This was when
France switched from a Julian calendar
to the Gregorian calendar.
People who were slow to get the
news continued to celebrate the New
Year during the last week of March
to April 1st. They quickly became
the butt of jokes and pranks for not
knowing the calendar had changed.
One prank was to put paper fish on
their backs, for it meant they were
“easily hooked” or as we may know
as a “gullible” person.
In 1700, English pranksters began
popularizing it by playing practical
jokes on each other. By the 18th
century it had spread. In Scotland,
it became a two-day event, starting
with “hunting the gowk”. Gowk is a
word for cuckoo bird or a symbol for
the Fool. The first day, people were
sent on phony errands. The next day,
Tailie Day, involved pranks played by
pinning fake tails on people’s backside.
I suppose you could say a pre-cursor
to the modern-day version we know
as “kick me” signs!
So, there you have it, the history
of April Fool’s Day. But what is the
future of April Fool’s Day? Some
may think it’s not a good holiday
to take part in. That it can be mean
and even lead to bullying. And yet,
isn’t something - what we make of it?
My point is, of course, April Fool’s
Day should NOT be about being
mean or humiliating. Instead, it
should be a fun day! I think the safest
and most fun way of participating
in April Fool’s Day is to not simply
target one person. A day to make
your co-workers and family smile.
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 253
{ TAMMY’S SHIFT+CONTROL TIDBITS }
“We need and crave the sun, no doubt. But without our April showers, there could be no
May flowers. Touché, right? “
When planning a prank, always think
about how you would like it if it was
done to you. Would you laugh it off and
enjoy it, or is it something you would
take to heart and may upset you?
Doesn’t have to be mean, it simply is a
day to have fun and smile. Saying April
Fool’s afterwards may seem foolish to
say, but I guarantee
you it brings a smile
and reminiscence of
when we were kids
trying to fool ole
mom and dad.
Even one of my
favorite writers,
Mark Twain, said,
“The first of April
is the day we
remember what we
are the other 364
days.” There you go,
a perfect example.
Sometimes laughing
at ourselves is the
best joke! Sure, old
holidays may not be
what we want for
this day and age, but
we can make them
what we want.
So, what’s it going to be this year
for you? To be the fool or to play a
fool? Whichever the case, it’s all in
good fun!
And now this brings us to our five
random National April Holidays. A
couple of days to put us in the mood
for the month coming up:
254 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
April 3rd - National Find A Rainbow
Day - What better way to celebrate
Spring than while dancing in the rain
and look for our rainbow. Some of you
may roll your eyes at the thought but
seriously do you want to go through
life never being able to say you danced
in the rain? That you did not search
for rainbows? Doesn’t matter what
your age is, this is obtainable - go
out and do it!
April 12th - National Big Wind
Day - Maybe a good day to go fly a
kite? Yet another thing that has no
age restriction. This is more fun than
you may realize. Pack up and go to
the park. Soar your kite high in the
sky and soon your troubles will float
away too.
April 14th - National Look Up At
The Sky Day - So yes, we definitely
have a theme going on here. Whether
it’s dancing in the rain, looking for
rainbows, flying kites on a blustery day
or simply staring up and making shapes
out of the clouds. April suddenly
becomes more than just a rainy month!
April 24th - Arbor
Day. Arbor Day is
a special day that is
set aside throughout
the world to raise
awareness of trees
and the important
role that they play
in our environment.
All fooling aside,
we need to do our
part so that the
joke won’t be on
our future! Do your
part - go plant a tree
or find an event that
encourages this day
to be celebrated!
April 30th -
National Honesty
Day. Seriously, how
funny is this? April
you start out as a fool only to end
up honest, you are a wild and crazy
month!
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 255
{{ SHE SHIFT+CONTROL { { HUSTLES HIP B.MOR HEMP TALKS } }
}
THE FIRST SIGNS OF
MENOPAUSE
BY ANGELA DUNCAN, M.S. AND MARY JANE HAAKE, CPCP
Perimenopause is referred to as the final
cessation of your menstrual cycle and
the time in which you will start the
journey of menopause and menopausal
symptoms. Mood swings, hot flashes,
weight gain and vaginal dryness are just
a few of the signs that you are heading
towards the big change.
Perimenopause is a different journey
for every woman, but on average, it
takes about a year to complete if you
are heading into menopause naturally
(not medically forced). The average age
occurs between 45-55, after which time
you are postmenopausal.
Common signs and symptoms of
perimenopausal include the following:
• Missed Periods
• Hot Flashes
• Weight Gain
• Sleep Deprivation
• Mood Swings
• Sore Breasts
• Chronic Headaches
• Night Sweats
• Memory Problems
• Changes to skin and hair (pH balance
changes)
• Incontinence
As if these symptoms are not enough,
there are a few others that I really want
to focus on.
Vaginal Dryness is an unfortunate
and uncomfortable early warning sign
of menopause. Estrogen is needed to
keep moisture in the skin, hair, eyes
and vagina. Vaginal dryness can cause
uncomfortable and painful sex but
can also lead to other issues such as
vaginal atrophy, which is when there is
thinning of the tissue and even shorting
and tightening of the vaginal canal. It is
important to deal with vaginal dryness
right away. Sex should not be painful
and there are options available to make
sure it never is.
Primary care doctors or gynecologist
may prescribe a type of gel, prescription
medication or a vaginal ring to help with
dryness. Hormone replacement therapy
(HRT) is another option but not all
women can or want to add hormones
back into their body. There are organic
solutions available and it is important to
do your research about those products.
In The Pink moisture drops and intimate
massage oils are estrogen free but work
amazing at putting the moisture back
into the vagina.
Chronic Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
are a type of bladder issue that can
affect women in perimenopause. UTI
symptoms include urinating more
frequently which can be painful, dark, or
bloody. Hormone changes are the culprit
to frequent UTIs during menopause.
These changes can cause vaginal bacteria
to change, which increases your risk of
not only getting a bladder infection but
also experiencing them on a chronic basis.
Studies show that menopausal women
tend to have a higher pH measurement,
which can lead to the risk of developing
UTIs. A UTI does not cause a higher
vaginal pH but having a high pH can
increase a person’s risk of developing a
UTI. Reduced estrogen levels during
perimenopause and menopause can
put a person at risk of developing more
infections. In The Pink’s vaginal moisture
drops are designed to provide moisture
which in return helps to keep the pH
in balance.
Decreased Sex Drive can be a symptom
of perimenopause. Studies show that as
women head towards the big change they
often feel one of two extremes. Some feel
sexually liberated now that they are no
longer able to get pregnant, while others
may become self-consciousness and
feel undesirable. The sudden hormone
changes can often lead to feelings of
depression and anxiety as well. For
women it often takes both physical
and mental stimulation. If she is in a
depressed state or lacking self-confidence
because of menopause it can be difficult
for her to become aroused.
Experiencing vaginal dryness and
tender breast can also have an impact
on sexual desires. The idea of pain and
not enjoyment from sex can keep a
woman from being turned on and ready
to go. Hip Hemp’s intimate massage oils
are a great organic solution to vaginal
dryness and pain during intercourse.
With only a few ingredients these plantbased
lubricants are estrogen free and
packed with antioxidants and nutrients.
Although these products are not designed
to increase sex drive, a side effect from
feeling more lubricated and not in
pain can help bring back the desire to
be intimate.
Changes to Skin and Hair are a common
side effect heading into menopause. The
lack of estrogen will soon cause a loss
to fatty tissue and collagen which will
make skin drier and thinner and will
affect the elasticity and lubrication of
256 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{{ SHE SHIFT+CONTROL { RECOVERX { HUSTLES B.MOR TALKS } }
}
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 257
{ SHIFT+CONTROL { HIP HEMP } }
“Mood swings, hot flashes, weight gain and vaginal dryness are just a few of the signs that
you are heading towards the big change.”
the skin near your vagina and urinary
tract. Hair can become brittle and may
even start to fall out. During this time
skin may be more prone to developing
wrinkles as well as acne blemishes and
eczema flare-ups.
Hip Hemp’s In The Pink intimate
massage oils are great to be used from
head to toe and as a lubricant. Hemp
Seed Oil is used as the base or the
carrying oil of these massage oils. This
anti-inflammatory, detoxifying oil and
analgesic properties closely match skins
lipids. Hemp Seed Oil is packed full of
Omega 3 and Linoleic Acids which has
been proven to help with skin elasticity.
The essential oils that are added to the
base oil offers their own benefits of
moisturizing and calming along with
many other satisfying results.
Hip Hemp’s line of In The Pink products
are all estrogen free, organic, and free of
soy, nuts, dairy, fillers, gluten, chemicals
or GMO’s. It is always important to speak
with your doctor about any questions
or concerns related to your health. It is
also a good idea to keep track of your
symptoms you may experience when
you start the journey of menopause
and make sure to communicate those
with doctor as well. There are options
available to help feel comfortable and
confident during this journey of life.
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ WOMAN {{ SHE SHIFT+CONTROL HUSTLES ENTREPRENEUR TALKS }
} }
262 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ { WOMAN { SHIFT+CONTROL ENTREPRENEUR THE RISE }
} }
TRICIA MIG LIORE KU NTZ
Tell us about your business. What
product or service do you provide and
who is your target audience?
My main business is called The Purple
Painted Lady and it is a paint boutique.
In other words, I own a paint shop that
offers products along with support,
advice and workshops. We have sold a
couple of special high-end furniture and
cabinetry paint lines for over 12 years
here in western NY. We like to have fun.
Life is short, so why not enjoy being
at work! My target audience
is anyone who has a piece of
furniture that needs a facelift, or
those who look at their kitchen
cabinets and wish they could
change their look. I can help
these people make their home
look beautiful, but on a budget.
The Purple Painted Lady’s main
store is in Macedon, NY. We
have a showroom, and we also
ship all online sales orders daily.
We also have a second location
of a satellite spot at the Shops
on West Ridge in Greece. We
sell online and, between our
website and social media, have
around 2,000,000 unique visitors
monthly. I have a few products
that are private labeled through our
business also such as brushes. The
Purple Painted Lady has taken on a
life of its own. I play a role in it, but
truly - I am part of a team of some
amazing women that make it what it
is, and I am very grateful....and lucky to
have them because The Purple Painted
Lady would not be what it is without
all of us. My husband Steve is a key
part of some of the technical support
and all of the emotional support he
gives. At The Purple Painted Lady we
sell cabinet and furniture paint, host
workshops and try to provide the best
customer service possible. We carry
a few fantastic paint lines, but it all
started because of Chalk Paint® by Annie
Sloan. It is a flat paint that adheres to
virtually any surface without sanding or
priming. Once painted and dried, we
use a furniture wax or brush on top coat
to seal it. I found this product about
12 years ago and was so blown away
with it after using, I quit my day job
to open a shop...and the rest if history.
Our target audience is anyone who wants
to unify a room by painting a piece
of furniture or is in need of updating
their cabinets in their bath or kitchen.
Besides having our shops - I am the
promoter of the annual market called
The Purple Painted Lady Festival. We
host that the third weekend of September
and have around 350 artist and vendors
from architectural salvage, upcycled
items and painted furniture. It attracts
around 14,000 people and is a lot of fun!
And then lastly- I am in the process of
opening a wedding/event venue focused
on agritourism in Wayne County. It is
called Fig Hollow Barn and we hope
to be formally launched by late 2021.
When did the
entrepreneur bug bite you?
I have always been a
fan of small businesses.
Most of my careers since
graduating college were for
small businesses. I love the
excitement of it - the ups
and downs, the way to make
it grow in unlimited ways
compared to a traditional
job where you work for
someone else and need to
get approval. Honestly,
most of the businesses I have
worked at in my past were
more conservative. I have
always had ideas on how to
make a business better...now I
get to have fun making things happen.
How did you come up with the
name “The Purple Painted Lady”?
I remember when I started out after
my daughter was born in 2005 - it was
initially painting murals. It is funny
how you start in one direction and
then, things have a way of taking on a
life of their own. But anyway- I needed
a business name and I had wanted
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 263
264 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 265
{ { WOMAN { SHIFT+CONTROL ENTREPRENEUR THE RISE } } }
“My main business is called The Purple Painted Lady and it is a paint boutique...
in other words, I own a paint shop that offers products along with support, advice and
workshops.”
The Painted Lady because I live in this
beautiful, colorful Victorian farmhouse
and painted murals in the beginning.
The previous owners of our home were
fun and when we had moved in back in
2003, it was already painted in shades of
periwinkle and then - from a different
angle, I paint for a living. However, the
url was already taken. So, one late night
around midnight my husband and I
were just brainstorming names and
he threw out, “The Purple Painted
Lady.” At first, I wasn’t in love with
it but now, I could not imagine the
business be anything else. It is also
a great name because if you Google
it we are the only business with
that name. Maybe that is because
I ultimately trademarked it, or also
because it is unique. A pretty big
thing when starting a business is to
make sure you choose a name that
there are not already 1000 of.
Are You Happy in what you do
And What Would You Change if
anything?
I live, breathe and dream my business.
Am I happy? Well, I know I may be
a bit insane and sometimes I have a
“love/hate” ralationship with it and
it does get overwhelming. I find for
me, my businesses become like another
child in my life. But yes, I truly love
what I do and there is not one thing I
would change.
Please tell us what being a business
owner means to you and why you
became an entrepreneur in the first
place?
Being a business owner for me is freedom.
I had been in roles working for others
throughout my life and have had ideas,
but working for someone else, there was
not total freedom to create, or to take
chances. Being I am my own boss, the
sky is the limit. Not one idea is too crazy
for me to try if I believe in it. I love
how also, being a business owner allows
me to meet so many different people,
to collaborate with other businesses,
and also support them in helping make
their dreams come true. I do quite a bit
of coaching to other artists and small
businesses. I often think about that
saying, “rising tides raise all ships.” It
is 100% true. Building relationships
with people and other businesses is so
important. I believe that in this world,
you get, what you give. It ultimately
comes full circle.
What or who has been your greatest
influence in business and why?
This is going to sound silly but one time
I was watching a tv show called Flipping
Out on Bravo which is all about this
guy named Jeff Lewis who is a designer.
Back in 2004, I remember watching this
one specific episode where Jeff, who is
the focus of the reality show was having
lunch with his dad. His father said to
him something like, “find a business
where you can make money when
you’re sleeping.” That saying made an
impact on me and I have considered
that in choices and navigating my
business. Being part of the online
sales world was something I decided
to do since in 2021.
What would you say is your greatest
professional accomplishment to date?
Hmm, probably starting and
coordinating our annual art festival and
the way it allows us to help so many
charities and volunteer organizations
through it. Not to mention, creating
a platform that brings people together
with artists. And artist make this
world a much better place to live in!
What kind of person do you
feel makes a successful female
entrepreneur?
This is just my opinion, but a person
who has grit. A person who knows
and believes above all other things, that
their purpose is worthy and so are they
and are willing to role up their sleeves
and dig their heals in . Plus, work more
hours than most people believe exist
in a single day to make dreams into a
reality. A person who is dedicated and
understands that every decision they make
should continuously direct them toward
266 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ WOMAN { SHIFT+CONTROL ENTREPRENEUR } }
TENDER LOVING
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 267
268 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ { { WOMAN SHIFT+CONTROL ENTREPRENEUR THE RISE } } }
“A pretty big thing when starting a business is to make sure you choose a name that there
are not already 1000 of.”
a goal. A person who understands, that
every new encounter with a new person
may be an opportunity. That sounds
like I am embellishing, or writing for
some Hallmark movie, but at the end of
the day, if a person doesn’t have what it
takes to stay on path and keep the pace
for days, months and years on end they
will drop off. I always tell my daughter,
and anyone I am business coaching, that
there is nothing between you and success
except for yourself. Guaranteed there
will be obstacles, set backs, and mistakes
but perserverence, the ability to pivot,
be open to changes and to learn from
all of that will only help you.
I know you created a festival that has
grown substantially over the years.
Tell us about it, and what you think
has been the key to making it a success
year after year.
Keeping it fresh and focusing ultimately
- on the customer service experience
that guests will have when they attend.
We have artist and vendor meetings
through the summer just so we can
convey how important the interaction
with guests attending is. Our artists and
vendors - I believe are the best of the
best. I recruit the artists and believe I
am pretty selective. I have always said
that I want people to leave thinking to
themselves they need to save the date
for the following year because it was so
good they do not want to miss it.
What’s the best advice you have received
in business that you wish to pass on
to our readers?
Yikes, hard to pick just one thing. I
would say, believe in yourself and don’t
over analyze making decisions! Start
small, don’t get in debt to launch a
business. Whatever you choose to do
- be the best at it!
What are the 5 top qualities of being
a successful woman entrepreneur?
Hmm, this is interesting. I think these
qualities are important no matter who
you are, but I would say, being driven
is a must. You need to be willing to put
in the many, many hours of hard work
seven days a week to grow your business.
You need to be flexible and resilient
because change and setbacks are going
to happen. Being a female business
owner can be tough. Believe it or not,
people can have prejudices.
Being positive and grateful is extremely
important.
And depending on the line of business you
are in, being outgoing and friendly. My
business has grown due to relationships
I have built with people that I have met
through the years.
What has been the most effective
marketing initiatives or programs you
have used to promote your business?
Basic old, free social media. The internet
is an amazing thing and has built my
business to where it is today.
What would you say are your strengths
as an entrepreneur?
I think my instincts and being able
to make smart business decisions and
see my future and the growth for my
business and not being afraid to make
it happen. I am a people person. I
love meeting people and networking.
And, I am a risk taker. I like to make
things happen.
What meet ups, local entrepreneur
events, and accelerators do you
recommend that have helped you grow?
Bad question for me - I do not do any of
this. I have found the best mentors for
me are found outside of these types of
groups. I look to other business owners
that I feel have “made it” and who I
respect. Those are the people I like to
learn from. Sometimes, organizations
and events become a bit showy. I want
to get right to the meat and potatoes. If
you have a business idea. Look around
your community or your industry
and find someone who is slaying and
watch how they run it. There is always
something to be learned.
What one thing have you learned as a
small business owner that has served
you well over the years?
So, my response is from the perspective
of a small business owner. Personally,
I have never over extend my credit. I
always paid for everything at the time
I purchased versus taking terms with
another business. I do not ever like
owing money and only grew my business
when financially, I could do it myself.
This theory can differ among people,
but it has served me well.
#Are there any resources or tools you’d
like to share with other small business
owners that have helped you run your
business?
If yes, please describe (and include links
if available). Let me introduce you to
Facebook. LOL My 16 year old daughter
jokes that she remembers when I was
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 269
{ WOMAN { SHIFT+CONTROL THE RISE } }
“I truly love what I do and there is not one thing I would change.”
so excited for my business to hit 500
followers. Now we are approaching
70,000.
Do you have any new projects coming
up (or have you just completed a big
project ~ reached a milestone, etc.)?
If so, please tell us about it. Yes! I
am starting a new
business called Fig
Hollow Barn. It
is an old barn that
we have renovated
on 40 acres focused
on agritourism here
in NY and being a
flexible event space.
We will be hosting
weddings in 2022
and hosting various
farmers markets. It
is extremely exciting
and so much fun
launching this!
What do you do
for fun/relaxation?
Making my dreams
come true. Sorry,
but that is true. But
I also love to paint.
I really love painting
furniture! I love
hosting gatherings
and cookiing dinner
at my home for
friends and family.
What do you do for encouragement
or to be motivated ?
I find networking with other business
owners really encourages me and
sparks a new fire. When I travel
(or did travel prior to 2020- LOL)
See a beautiful curated space is so
inspirational!
How do you balance your
entreprenuer life with family/friends
that don’t understand the challenges
we experience? Honestly, I have
weeded them out of my circle. Joking,
not joking. But seriously, my business
is my life. It is my heart. My small
business is not a hobby. It supports
my family and employs others and
helps them support their families too.
I find that my close circle of friends
and family are very supportive. I
am very grateful for them. If you
have people in your life who are not,
you might need to re-evaluate those
relationship. (not joking)
What is your Number One Business
Goal you plan
to accomplish
in 2021? To up
my social media
game.
Is there anything
else you’d like to
share with our
readers?
Just that 2019 and
2020 have been
hard, difficult
years for so many.
Grant some grace
to others and ....
be as supportive as
you can for your
local businesses.
Yes, Amazon is
convenient and
quick, but if
possible and it
makes sense, try
to support some
of the shops and
restaurants in your
community. They
need you!
270 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 271
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
274 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ LADIOLOGY }
{ SHIFT+CONTROL { LADIOLOGY } }
BECOMING INSULIN SENSITIVE
BY DR. YASELLYN DIAZ- VEG A
In this article, I will come back to a
health topic that affect many people,
including many women. I would like to
talk about insulin, insulin resistance and
how to become the opposite of insulin
resistance which is much healthier,
becoming Insulin sensitive.
You probably have heard about insulin
when spoken in regards to diabetes,
pre-diabetes, etc.
But insulin is a very important hormone.
It is released by the pancreas, one of the
organs involved in digestion but also is
responsible in releasing this important
hormone that allows glucose (sugar) to
enter cells which then reduces blood
glucose (blood sugar).
I will try to explain it in a simple way.
This is how the process goes: when we
consume carbohydrates or any food (for
example rice, pasta, starchy vegetables,
etc.) our bodies break down these foods
into its simple forms: glucose, proteins,
fats, etc. Most of the mentioned foods,
are high in carbohydrates and hence will
be broken down into high amount of
glucose, which is a simple sugar used for
energy in our bodies. There are other
types of simple-one molecule sugars such
as: fructose, galactose and ribose. Once
we have broken down these foods into
simple forms of sugar, insulin is released
by the pancreas in response to those
carbohydrates consumed. Insulin then
acts as a train and take the broken down
and digested glucose from the blood
stream and transports it to the liver and
stimulates the making of glucogen in
the liver. Glycogen is a molecule that
stores glucose in the liver. Think of it like
a group of glucose stored, now called
glycogen- like big sugar bags.
In states of insulin resistance, the same
amount of insulin does not have the
same effect on glucose transport and
blood sugar levels. Therefore, blood sugar
levels may appear high. This is caused
when bodies either do not release the
same amount of insulin to take away
the extra-glucose in the blood or the
process is not efficient enough. There are
many causes of insulin resistance. Some
risk factors for insulin resistance include
obesity, little or no physical activity, family
history of diabetes, low vitamin D levels,
various health conditions, and certain
medications. But also, insulin resistance
could be a precursor for a person to
develop diabetes. Insulin resistance- or
the inability of insulin do its function
has been link to many conditions such as
PCOS, hormonal imbalances in women,
infertility, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
and may increase the risk of cardiovascular
conditions, cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer
and other neurodegenerative diseases and
Autism. Therefore, it is our best interest
to find out more about it and how to
do the opposite. The opposite is to help
our body so that insulin becomes very
efficient in taking the extra glucose from
our blood stream and this will decrease
our risk of diabetes and may improve
our hormone levels.
First, let’s explore signs and symptoms
of insulin resistance.
1. If our fasting glucose (blood sugar
before eating anything in the morning
or after not eating for 12 hrs.) is over
95 mg/dL
2. If our A1C levels are over 6. These levels
are measured through a laboratory test
in the blood and measures the average
sugar in the blood in the past 3 months.
3. If waist circumference (measure
around your body at the level of your
belly buttom) is bigger than hip/buttocks
circumference (this is the measurement
around your hips at the largest/widest
part).
4. If you are constantly feeling tired and
need coffee, energy or sugary drinks to
stay awake and feeling with brain fog
and difficulty concentrating.
5. If you consume a diet high in refine
carbs, or foods with high glycemic
index such as: rice, pasta, potatoes,
cereals, breads, etc. In addition, if you
consume little amounts of Omega 3,
found in fish, nuts or consume high
amounts of alcohol or nitrates (found
in salmi, bologna, cheeses etc)- this can
be another pre-disposing factor.
6. If you have taken for an extended
period of time steroid medications, you
may be more prone to develop insulin
resistance.
In summary, if you have one or several of
those signs and symptoms and suspect
you may be insulin resistance, you should
consult with your medical doctor or health
provider to further explore these signs.
Meanwhile, you should also consider
implementing these recommendations
that will improve the insulin response
and may help to decrease the blood
sugar levels, improve your hormonal and
energy levels, and overall quality of life.
First of all, let’s consider sleeping.
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 275
{ LADIOLOGY }
“You probably have heard about insulin when spoken in regards to diabetes, pre-diabetes,
etc. But insulin is a very important hormone. ”
Catching up with sleep will help insulin
resistance, but meanwhile you work on
getting your good nights of sleep, do
not depend of caffeine. Instead, hydrate
properly by first thing in the morning
drink 12-16 onz. of water or “gel” water
-soluble fibers (that is by juicing carrot
juice, celery juice etc.) these will help
with insulin response.
Secondly consider adding a routine of
regular exercise. When we exercise on
regular basics this helps to move glucose to
glycogen storage for energy and improve
insulin sensitivity and response. According
the Deborah Weatherspoon PhD. RN
from the Medical News Today – when
we exercise, our muscles become more
sensitive to insulin therefore helping to
possibly reverse insulin resistance by
changing into a more active lifestyle.
In addition, it is essential to reduce your
stress levels and decrease or remove
stressors. In a prior article, I mentioned
the effects of stress in our bodies and
how our bodies under chronic stress may
increase the levels of cortisol, therefore
further aggravating the insulin resistance.
Cortisol is a hormone that acts exactly
the opposite of insulin. In the presence
of stress, we release cortisol, and will
make sugar/glucose more available just
in case we need to run or fight to save
our lives.
In our bodies, our response to stress
will be the same, whether the stress is
emotional (like a stressful relationship)
or physical (running away from a lion),
whether is it perceived or real, the body’s
response is the same. In case of stress the
heart rate will increase, glucose levels in
the blood will also increase in case your
body needs more energy to fight that
lion or run away or if you need to think
more rapidly to figure out a situation.
Therefore, it is imperative to decrease
those stressors and improve our response
to those emotional, physical real and
perceived stresses. Meditation, yoga,
prayer, counseling, talking to a good
friend and other forms of stress relievers
will help to decrease cortisol levels and
improve insulin response. Chiropractic
care may help with decreasing your
stress response and regulating your
nervous system.
Other ways to improve your insulin
sensitivity would be to reduce sugar
intake. Reduce added sugars, sugary
drinks, process foods or boxed/canned
foods that often contain preservatives
and may be high in corn syrup.
Consuming Omega 3 fatty acids found
in fish and nuts will also help because
these will decrease inflammation in the
body and improve insulin response.
Adding herbs and spices such as
cinnamon, may help to decrease blood
sugar levels, turmeric (curcumin),
ginger and garlic that are powerful
anti-inflammatories and may help reduce
insulin resistance and improve function.
Along with the already mentioned dietary
changes, consuming fiber, eating plenty
of fruits and vegetables and start juicing
vegetables such as carrots, spinach and
celery will help with the regulation of
gut friendly bacteria which has proven
to help with insulin function.
In addition, if necessary, loose couple
pounds – according to an article published
in Medical News Today, loosing 5.7%
of body weight (this is for a person that
weights about 200lbs. losing about
10-14 pounds – can reduce the risk
of diabetes by 58% and may increase
insulin sensitivity giving the individual
a better function of insulin and less
risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes,
hormonal problems etc.
Lastly, there are several supplements that
may also help with insulin sensitivity such
as chromium. It is important to consult
with a health provider before starting
the use of this or any supplements.
In conclusion, many of our body’s
responses and hormones are dependent
on how well we balance glucose and
insulin responses, hence making the
goal of becoming insulin sensitive is
paramount in our quest for overall health.
As always, have an amazing month and
until the next one.
276 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL { LADIOLOGY } }
LADIOLOGY
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 277
{ RISE { ABOVE SHIFT+CONTROL YOUR STORY } }
HAVE WE FORGOTTEN HOW
TO TRULY LISTEN?
BY SANDRA COOZE
A conversation is happening between
two parties: the speaker and the listener.
Each one plays a very important part
in this ‘dance’. If we truly listened,
we would hear more than just the
words of our opponent. We would
hear what was not said. We would
hear the true meaning behind the
spoken words.
Let me tell you a little story: a couple
of weeks ago, my son came into our
bedroom at night – it must have been
around midnight. This was unusual.
Normally, he would just go to the
bathroom and then straight back to
bed. Well, he did not say anything
while standing next to me, then turned
around and went to the bathroom
and then back to sleep. Still, it was
a bit strange.
The next day, he did not remember
the incident, as I had expected. That
evening though, when my husband
brought him to bed, he suddenly
erupted into a panic. He started
to cry and scream hysterically that
he did not want to go to sleep and
dream about him dying again. So he
must have had a nightmare the night
before about him being dead. My
husband could not calm him down
and our son called for me.
Seeing my son in such distress was
heartbreaking. Normally, I would
have held him and hoped that his fear
would disappear and that he would
calm down, but I would probably not
have been able to shift his mindset.
I would not have known what to
do in that moment. Well, thanks
to my coaching education, I was
trained for situations like this one.
When I held my son in my arms, I
instinctively went into ‘coach position’
and just listened. I heard him repeat:
“I do not want to dream about dying
anymore!” So, I asked: “Well, what
do you want to dream about?” That
was the million-dollar question. That
was the question that moved him
out of his terrified mindset almost
instantly. He said: “I want to dream
about something fun.” So I asked him
to tell me about a time when he had
fun and he started talking about the
playground the other day, and the kids
he played with and he laughed and
was happy again. This happened in
a matter of less than 3 minutes after
I took him into my arms.
He went to sleep happily that night,
hopefully dreaming about his time
on the playground.
What happened here was, that I was
solely focusing my attention on him.
Generally, we focus our attention to
the problem and try to find a solution,
so focusing our attention within
ourselves to find the answer. In this
case, I did not focus on myself at all,
I was just listening to my child and
responded to what he was telling me.
The thing with listening is that for the
most part, we listen with an agenda.
We listen to either reply, we listen to
give advice, we listen to talk about
ourselves. But we hardly ever listen
just to listen. Which means that
while the other person is talking, we
are only half listening because in our
mind we already work on the reply.
Many people feel that they are being
misunderstood or that people receive
what was said in the wrong way.
Well, as a speaker, we can bend over
backwards all we want to get our
message across. If a person comes with
a specific mindset, they are bound to
misunderstand since they are guided
by their emotions, limiting beliefs,
self-sabotaging behavior, or current
state of mind.
And yet most people are afraid to ask
whether what they heard was truly
what the speaker meant. And so we
rather feel hurt – often for no reason
at all, than having our fears confirmed
that the person who talked said what
we understood on purpose.
So, what can we do to resolve
a brooding dispute over spoken
words before it can manifest itself in
resentment? We have to overcome our
fear and ask the speaker if what we
understood is what he/she meant to
say. In most cases, the answer will be
no. Don’t assume that someone who
tells you something is trying to hurt
you. Most of the time, it is your own
mind that creates this assumption.
Our emotions can become a tricky
part in conversations. Therefore, don’t
focus on how you feel, but solely on
what the other person is saying. Don’t
shift your thoughts toward what you
want to reply. You can do that after
you heard every word.
Truly listen to what is said. You will
hear so much more!
278 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 279
{ TRACY SHIFT+CONTROL IS TALKING }
EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS
BY TRACY SIMONE
What if you had to leave your house
in a hurry? Would you be ready?
So many people would not know
what to do if the power were out
for more than a few hours.
Whether there is a
major storm coming, a
government lockdown, or
even civil unrest, we need
to always be prepared. We
cannot afford to assume
that something cannot
happen where we live.
Years ago, the police came
through my neighborhood
knocking on all the doors
and making everyone
evacuate because there
was a gas leak in the area.
In many areas all over
the country, there are
power lined that are above
ground. This leaves them
vulnerable to wind or
ice storms, felled trees,
vehicles hitting poles and
transformers, and even
damage from animals.
When a storm is coming,
you do not want to be in
the crowd that rushes to the store.
You want to already be ready for most
things that could happen.
Of course, we can never predict
every possible type of incident, but
each of us can have a basic level of
preparedness. Most people have a
couple of flashlights and extra batteries
and candles. That, however, will
not keep you warm if it is winter and
there is a multi-day outage. Make
sure at a minimum that you have
a way to create electricity. This is
especially important if you or someone
in your household takes medication
that requires refrigeration.
In fact, food, water and any needed
medicine are the must haves that you
should make sure to keep on hand.
We do not want to break the bank
preparing, but it makes great sense
to pick up a few extra cans of food
and things for hygiene each time we
go out. Before you know it, you will
have built up a decent stockpile of
required items. Water is the most
important because you cannot live
without it. You can last longer with
water than with just food alone.
Safety is also something to consider.
This includes your
environment. If your
living area uses gas or
electricity for heating and
cooling and those sources
of power are not available,
what will you do? Every
home should have some
alternate way to power
critical items. Consider
getting a device that can
heat part of your home in
case the regular source is
out for a while. Propane
heaters can be found fairly
inexpensively, but make
sure to get something that
is safe to run indoors.
Generators can be pricey,
but are invaluable in an
emergency. These can
be gas, propane or even
solar powered. Shop
around and save up for
one if you need to. In a
true emergency, you will
be very glad that you did
your research and now have a way
to run a fan in the summer or can
keep your refrigerator going without
too much concern.
Do you have a way to cook food?
There are butane camping stoves that
can be used indoors if handled safely.
280 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 281
282 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ { SHIFT+CONTROL DR J’S BEAUTY } }
HAPPY WOMEN’S
HERSTORY MONTH!!!
BY DR. ANIKA SIMONE JOHNSON
This is a great time to celebrate yourself
and every milestone in your life. You
are such a dynamic woman who
deserves to be rewarded for all your
accomplishments. I celebrate you in
your personal and career achievements
and I want to encourage you
to always celebrate yourself.
How you celebrate yourself
will always be a reflection
to how others celebrate
you. Do it BIG!!! YOU
DESERVE IT ALL!
To celebrate yourself this
month I would like you
to step up your makeup
routine. Who does not
LOVE a polished flawless
makeup look while on a
zoom call and social distance
dinner date? This is what
you need: 1. Foundation 2.
Concealer 3. Brow pencil
or powder 4. Powder (loose
or press) 5. Mascara 6.
Blush and 7. Red lipstick.
Many of us have not used
our makeup in months
due to the pandemic and
requirements of wearing a
mask. Therefore, check your
makeup bag and toss out
those old makeup products.
How can you tell
Use these easy tips to check your
makeup cosmetics to make sure they
have not expired.
The makeup product may be stamped
with a 6M or 12M on it or on the
original packaging if you did not
throw it away. All makeup expires
eventually and other ways to tell if
a product is expired is by smelling
it. If the product has a peculiar odor
or smells slightly off, texture and
color has changed, it may be expired.
Understanding the shelf life of makeup
cosmetics will help you maintain
healthy makeup habits including a
flawless makeup look.
When to throw it away
Foundation and concealer (12-18
months), Powder products (12-18
months), Cream products (12-18
months), Mascara (3-6 months),
Lipstick/lip-gloss (18-24 months)
and Liquid eyeliner (3-6 months).
Now that you are ready to clear out
your makeup bag remember if you
do not know when you opened
a product it is most likely
expired but follow the ‘how
can you tell tips.’ Take a deep
breath, toss it out and plan a
day to treat yourself to your
favorite makeup replacements.
You now have permission to
just do it!
It may be easier to purchase
your makeup online so be
sure to check out www.
drjbeauty.com to repurchase
your makeup favorites, use
coupon code 15OFFMA at
check out. If you need to get
out the house visit your local
makeup emporium.
After you have all your makeup
products, adorn yourself
with a flawless makeup look.
Share and tag your beautiful
photos with me for repost
on IG@allthingsdr.j.beauty
#WHMflawlessmakeup
#allthingsdrjbeauty
Vibrate Higher
All Things Dr. J. Beauty
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 283
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ DR J’S BEAUTY }
“This is a great time to celebrate yourself and every milestone in your life. You are such a
dynamic woman who deserves to be rewarded for all your accomplishments.”
284 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 285
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ CHILDREN AWAITING PARENTS }
A CONVERSATION
BY LAURI MCNIGHT I PHOTOS BY SANDY ARENA
Between Lauri McKnight, Children
Awaiting Parents’ Executive Director
and Sandy Arena, Worth More Nation
Founder
In March, Children Waiting Parents
(CAP) Executive Director Lauri
McKnight was honored to be guest
speaker at Worth More Nation’s (WMN)
annual fundraising fashion show.
As CAP and WMN have a strong,
shared bond, Lauri and WMN
Founder Sandy Arena had the
following conversation about
children—particularly the needs
of girls—currently or formerly
in foster care.
LM: How was Worth More
Nation founded, and what drew
you to this mission/passion?
SA: I founded Worth More
Nation (WMN) in 2016 with
the vision to empower girls
and young women. The name
came to me while praying and
running on a treadmill at the
Pittsford Y! I was a former faithbased
dance studio owner and
founder/director of a faith-based
traveling ballet company working
with thousands of girls over the
years producing programs and
shows with higher purpose. We
transitioned the directorship of
that organization to my oldest daughter
Alexis, who since made it her own. While
I was still involved in the organization—
mentoring her as needed and serving
as her professional photographer—I
dearly missed working with children
and young people and was ready again
for something of my own.
I then registered the name and created
a template for a social media and online
presence, and then let the name sit as
I had no idea specifically what Worth
More Nation would be, or how it would
serve. All I knew was that I wanted to
empower young ladies and girls to gain
confidence and inner strength and to
know their worth.
It wasn’t until the following year in
2017—through my personal involvement
fostering children in our home, as well
as working in the pageantry and fashion
industries as a photographer and also
“Momager” to my youngest daughter
Annaliese—that WMN would become
better defined as an organization that
would help girls know their worth
through fashion, pageantry and giving
initiatives.
LM: What drew you to this mission/
passion?
SA: I was sexually abused as a child by
my grandfather and suffered through
moving to a new home or
town at least every other
year. I had lived in 25 homes
by the time I graduated
from high school, including
four homes during the first
year of my life. My father
was an alcoholic and my
parents divorced when I was
a young teen. I knew from
experience that early trauma
had a way of whispering the
lie that you don’t matter
and that you are less than
those around you. I became
passionate about helping
girls and young women
rise out of traumatic times
to live out their God-given
destinies with the knowledge
that they are ENOUGH
and that they are Worth
More.
LM: Why is this so
important for the
participants? What kind
of results are you seeing?
SA: I had seen with my own daughter that
participating in pageants, fashion shows
and fashion shoots and wearing beautiful
garments—if done compassionately and
correctly —had a way of boosting her
confidence and bringing her joy while
286 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ { SHE CHILDREN HUSTLES { { SPECIAL SHIFT+CONTROL AWAITING ENTREPRENHERS FEATURE PARENTS }
}}
}
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 287
288 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 289
290 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ CHILDREN { SHIFT+CONTROL AWAITING PARENTS } }
“I see the power of these moments to transform girls where they would hold their head
higher, smile more brightly, or walk with more confidence.”
she made new friends and developed
poise, presentation, public speaking and
advocacy skills for a lifetime. I see the
power of these moments to transform
girls where they would hold their head
higher, smile more brightly, or walk
with more confidence. I see the power
of a dress to transform and to set the
stage for what could be. I see a shy
demeanor turn to triumph when girls
would gather the confidence to walk
on a stage or speak in a microphone. I
see them light up in the appreciation
of applause, and in the glory of being
seen and noticed.
Through WMN’s initiatives and programs
then, I wanted to provide girls in need
of a boost and coming out of traumatic
places that same opportunity regardless
of their support systems or abilities to
pay. I wanted to give girls that same
healing balm.
LM: Who can participate, and what
is the process?
SA: Specifically, WMN offers an annual
Miss Worth More Nation Pageant
where girls impacted by foster care
or any kind of trauma are invited to
participate at no charge. These include
girls who are in foster care, girls who
have been adopted through foster care,
girls who have aged out of foster care,
and girls who are siblings in families
who foster. We also work with girls
who join families through any kind of
adoption circumstance.
At the pageant, each girl receives a gown
and a dress to wear in the pageant and
take home, as well as a Miss Worth
More Nation banner, crown and t-shirt.
At the pageant, the girls are mentored
by professional models and pageant
girls as well as leaders in the foster care
community. They are taught poise, public
speaking and presentation skills, and
the end of the program, they showcase
the skills they learn on a beautiful stage
in front of an audience. Because of the
confidentiality and nature of foster care
in some circumstances where girls are
still in the system, our pageants are not
open to the public and are attended by
family and friends.
LM: Where do you get your dresses?
SA: We have a special occasion closet
filled with hundreds of gorgeous, barely
worn gowns and cocktail dresses that
has been donated to us mostly through
the national pageant community. As
word spreads, more dresses show up
at our doorstep, and our headquarters
is filled to capacity with tulle, sequins
and glitter! The girls and young ladies
we serve are invited to take dresses
for their own personal use for proms,
adoption ceremonies, school concerts
and events, and even just for fun. As
quickly as they come in, we want them
to go out again! We also use the gowns
and dresses for our Miss Worth More
Nation Pageant, as well as to showcase
them on the runway at our Fashion
Show Fundraisers featuring girls who
have been in our Worth More Nation
pageants, as well as professional models
and pageant girls from other pageant
systems. These fundraisers support the
pageant so we can offer them for free.
LM: What’s the biggest take-away?
SA: My biggest take-away for our
participants in our Miss Worth More
Nation Pageant for Girls impacted
by Foster Care and Trauma, or our
empowerment fashion shows and photo
shoots is that they would feel appreciated,
confident and supported. We want
them to see what could be and realize
their potential. We want them to know
their worth and value and to embrace
the idea of a future without limit. We
want them to dream bigger and to walk
into those dreams with confidence. We
want them to meet new friends, find new
mentors and gather in a community of
support. We want them to know they
are loved and cherished and that they
matter, and that there is a giant team of
Worth More Nation volunteers behind
them who cares.
I am a woman of faith who believes that
God created each person with a purpose,
plan and destiny to bring them hope and
a good future. When trauma enters into
your life as a child—through no fault
your own—the unconscious messages
often are that it is your fault and that
you are unworthy. It is so important
to girls and young ladies experiencing
hard circumstances to break out of those
negative mindsets and to find inner
value and purpose to break free to a
new future. I know this from personal
hardship and experience.
LM: What kind of funding support
do you receive?
SA: We have been supported by the
upstate New York and national pageant
and fashion community who have
embraced our idea of building confidence
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 291
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ CHILDREN AWAITING PARENTS }
“As CAP and WMN have a strong, shared bond, Lauri and WMN Founder Sandy
Arena had the following conversation about children—particularly the needs of girls—
currently or formerly in foster care.”
and self-worth because they know from
their own personal experiences that
pageantry with purpose and fashion on
the runway can be powerful. I always
joke that if you want something done,
ask a pageant girl and pageant mom. I
have found these girls and women to be
goal oriented, compassionate, and service
oriented. They are the ones collecting
and shipping us the dresses and gowns
that our participants wear on stage and
bring home. We also have received a
tremendous amount of support from
the foster care community, professional
photographers, and from our local and
school communities. All of our goals
have been accomplished through inkind
donations of gowns and dresses,
and fundraising efforts.
LM: What do you want the world to
know about Worth More Nation?
SA: I want the world to know that
we are here to help all girls and young
ladies in need of a boost to know and
understand their worth, and that we do
it through the power of pageantry with
a purpose, fashion, advocacy, and giving.
There are so many broken children and
young people in this world, and it is
within our power to come alongside to
guide and offer our love, support and
healing. Glitter is our gig and it is fun,
happy and impactful!
LM: What are your next goals?
SA: To take Worth More Nation to a
higher level, our next goal is to become
a 501(c)(3) organization to open up
new levels of funding to expand our
programs. My goal is to have a Miss
Worth More Nation Pageant in every
state. I want to gather girls from across
the country in the Finger Lakes area for
an annual, national pageant to showcase
on a national stage to help advocacy and
to be connected to a community. We
need funding support for legal fees for
the 501(c)(3), and for event production
fees. A crown, banner, and t-shirt package
costs approximately $60 per girl, never
mind the venue and production costs to
produce a top notch pageant event. We
only want the best for the girls we serve!
Another goal is to beautify our Worth
More Nation dress closet. To keep
our expenses down, the dress closet
is currently located in a spacious and
separate apartment area in our home. Last
year, we held a fashion show fundraiser
to raise money to put down new flooring
in the closet. The floors are currently
crumbling and we have makeshift rugs
to try to cover them. We ended up
donating that money to support a local
foster care family who had tragically
lost one of their children that they had
adopted through foster care. They were
collecting money to give him the funeral
service he deserved, and we felt that was
more important to support than our
flooring needs. Girls come to the closet
for fittings for our pageants and fashion
shows, and I would love for them to
have a top notch boutique experience
when trying on the dresses, because after
all, that is part of the fun and joy in the
confidence building journey!
LM: Who has been involved behind
the scenes, and how have they helped?
SA: My entire family—including husband
Sam, son Caleb, son-in-law John, and
daughters Alexis and Annaliese have
been deeply supportive of WMN. They
do everything from moving dresses
and show equipment from one place
to another; hauling props and gowns
to our empowerment photo shoots;
working backstage as dressing room
attendants or backstage managers; to
performing dance productions on our
stages. My oldest daughter Alexis has
been so gracious in sharing her dance
company at our shows.
My youngest daughter Annaliese,
however, has been the most involved
in the administrative work behind the
scenes, helping to keep the dress closet
organized along with other local pageant
volunteers, helping with all of the dress
fittings, and, as a professional model
and pageant titleholder for the past
nine years, teaching and demonstrating
staging and public speaking skills to
our participants. She also serves as our
emcee, as she is very comfortable in the
spotlight and has excellent public speaking
skills, learned through participating
in pageants! Annaliese has held many
pageant titles over the years and has
walked in many fashion shows. She is
the current Miss Guam High School
America and will compete for the title
of Miss High School America 2021 in
June in Little Rock, Arkansas. Visit her
LinkTree to connect with her online:
https://linktr.ee/AnnalieseArena
For more information about Worth More
Nation, visit www.worthmorenation.org.
Facebook: worthmorenation; Instagram:
@worth_more_nation; Youtube: Worth
More Nation.
292 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
Help Us Find
Forever Families
for Children
Waiting the
Longest in
Foster Care.
At Children Awaiting Parents we provide:
Pre- and post-adoption services
Support services for youth aging out of foster care
MAPP training for prospective adoptive parents
Support groups
childrenawaitingparents.org I 585-232-5110 or 888-835-8802
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 293
294 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ HER EDGE }
CHANGE YOUR NAME
BY ROBIN DEWIND
I decided to take my name back.
I never changed it professionally, but
legally I did for eight years when I
was no longer ‘De Wind’.
I secretly worried if I was hit by a car
and died suddenly, I did not want to
be buried with the wrong last name.
That would kill me.
At the time I worked down the
street from the Social Security
Administration which I thought
was the first stop on the journey
back to my old self.
You must show up in person and start
the process of proving who you are all
over again. It requires an application,
and proof of who I used to be.
Who was I?
With the stroke of a pen, I had easily
become someone else.
Now I was in a long line on my lunch
hour jumping through several hoops
trying to prove my name. The SSA
can easily compete with the DVM as
a legal abyss to be avoided at all costs.
I waited in line for well over my
‘hour’ only to be told when they
called my name that I did not have
enough of the right documentation
to prove I was me.
My license, credit cards, bills, bank
accounts all said otherwise. My birth
certificate was a copy and not good
enough for the woman on the other
side of the glass who smiled and said
“next”.
I had nothing to prove who I used
to be.
After traveling to the Monroe County
department of records to get a new
birth certificate, I was back in business.
I was also back in line again on yet
another lunch break at the SSA.
There was a new lady, but unfortunately
the same old reaction; do not pass
go, and head directly to the DMV,
and you are certainly not collecting
your name legally just yet.
The Department of Motor Vehicles
was happy to let me be ‘me’ again.
After I waited in the fourth line on
my journey, they took my picture
and there I was.
My, name address, and a check for
$65 proved I was Robin Lea De Wind.
Unfortunately, my new best friends
at the Social Security office informed
me, that I needed to check my divorce
decree to see if it had given me
permission to take my surname back.
Permission?
Are you kidding me?
If my divorce decree did not give
me the right to revert back to my
maiden name, I would have to file
with New York State to formally
turn back time.
When I returned home, I found
my papers and on the very last page
of the lengthy agreement, there it
was; the permission I needed to feel
whole again.
I am convinced now, that my herculean
effort was not about shedding my
name but shaking off how I felt about
myself for all those years.
I was in my late thirties and had finally
achieved my life goals. I had my dream
job, a house, and a beautiful baby
girl. But eventually the pressure of
having it all left me feeling insecure
and needing to be so in control, I was
emotionally out of control.
It felt easy and natural to start throwing
out a few insults - at myself.
All my name-calling left me feeling
unworthy, limited, and guilty.
Fat, bitch, and old topped my personal
list.
I feared that if I did not voice my
imperfections out loud first, someone
else would. I had given myself so
many labels it did not matter what
my real name was. I had already renamed
myself.
This is what I have learned since
those days of having it all.
Changing an unhappy life is a
painful and lonely road but I highly
recommend it.
It took years but all my name-calling,
ended up speaking some truth.
I am finally through menopause so
of course I have gained some weight,
but I will never utter the “f” word
again, it is so defeating.
{ SHIFT+CONTROL { HER EDGE } }
“ I am secure in my abilities, and instead of having to be “in control” I have faith it will
all be okay.”
I certainly am a “bitch” but sometimes
it is necessary.
I am old(er) and grateful for the
wisdom and perspective that comes
with life experience.
I am a mother, a daughter, and a
business owner. I decided to use
my real name as part of my business
because it is my brand, it is who I
am, and I am proud of the multiple
trips it took to reclaim myself again.
I am now in my late fifties and have
finally achieved my life goals. I have
a dream job, a new house, and my
beautiful baby girl is now growing
into a young woman. I am secure in
my abilities, and instead of having
to be “in control” I have faith it will
all be okay.
I now choose to call myself valuable,
loved and forgiven.
My new names are not listed on any
formal document and I no longer
need to ask permission or prove my
identity to anyone.
296 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
CONTACT ROBIN DE WIND TODAY! I ROBINDEWIND@G MAIL.COM
CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE :: MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021 297
{ { MENTALLY SHIFT+CONTROL THINKING } }
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
BY BONNIE FLOYD
March 1 marked the beginning of
Women’s History Month. This annual
celebration of women’s historical and
contemporary achievements takes on
special significance this year. Many
of the 2020 events for the centennial
celebrations of women’s suffrage needed
to be cancelled due to the COVID-19
pandemic. The theme for this year’s
Women’s History Month is extended
from the 2020 theme, “Valiant Women
of the Vote: Refusing to be Silenced.”
According to womenshistorymonth.
gov, Women’s History Month has
been designated as an opportunity to
commemorate and encourage the study,
observance, and contributions of women
in American history. The contributions
of women have an unappealing history
of having been heavily overshadowed
by the accomplishments of their male
counterparts.
Some may question the need for
designating a Women’s History Month,
as some may have formerly questioned
the need for a Black History Month.
As ongoing racially oriented discussions
have proven, the needs and aspirations
of the oppressed are often overshadowed
by the voices of the dominant.
Women’s History Month first traces its
roots to March 8, 1857, when women
from New York City factories banded
together to protest poor working
conditions. The first Women’s Day
celebration was held in New York,
in 1909. The United Nations first
recognized International Women’s Day
on March 8, 1975. Around that same
time, historians developed the idea of
selecting March as the celebration of
women’s significant contributions to
history. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter
designated the first official National
Women’s History Week, beginning on
March 8 of thar year. Congress declared
March 1987 as the first official Women’s
History Month. These developers were
acutely aware that women’s contributions
to history have been seriously overlooked.
Unfortunately, this remains true to
varying degrees.
Personally, I recall my educational
experiences as being predominately
marked by hailing the achievements
of men, as opposed to those made by
women. I remember my dismay in
finding out the truth behind the discovery
of the double helix shape of DNA. James
Watson and Francis Crick are commonly
believed to have been instrumental in
this monumental discovery; however,
Watson and Crick based their work on
one of their colleagues’ research. In the
early 1950s, Rosalind Franklin was the
one whose images of DNA proteins
revealed a helix shape.
Despite these historical inequities, women
have made remarkable strides in diverse
types of careers. Women own about
40% of U.S. businesses, a statistic which
is up 114% in the last twenty years.
According to the Association of American
Medical Colleges, for the first time in
2019, women comprised 50.5% of
medical school students. In 2018, the
American Bar Association stated that
women comprised 52% of law school
students. With respect to my career as
a clinical psychologist, a 2017 statistic
revealed that 75% of doctoral degrees
in psychology were awarded to women.
Unfortunately, women’s advances in
traditionally male-dominated fields
have not been matched by equal pay.
By recognizing women’s contributions
to history, young girls are awakened to
a world of possibilities for their own
futures. This realization was evident
while watching television coverage of
Vice-President Kamala Harris’ swearingin
ceremony. Young girls everywhere,
for the very first time, could imagine
that they, too, could one day ascend
to such a lofty position. Little girls of
color could finally say that their vicepresident
looked like them.
The purpose of Women’s History Month
was recently amplified by inequalities
women have faced secondary to the
COVID-19 pandemic. These inequalities
include pay disparities; women still only
make 77 cents for every dollar earned
by men. In addition, one in every three
298 CENTRAL NY WOMAN ONLINE MARCH/APRIL EDITION 2021
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ { RWO’S
{
MENTALLY
SHIFT+CONTROL
MENTAL THINKING HEALTH
}
} }
“Each of us as women has a responsibility to honor the sacrifices of women who have come
before us, women who-often against all odds-have succeeded in accomplishing monumental
tasks, without having received adequate recognition and respect for their efforts”
women will face gender violence in her
lifetime. Due to the pandemic, women
have been disproportionately