Bella Magazine - June 2016

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10 OF OUR FAVORITE WOMEN HAPPENINGS • FASHION MIND • BODY • SOUL

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Joey Coakley Beck Publisher & Owner jbeck@beckmediagroup.com Hayleigh Worgan Editorial Director hworgan@beckmediagroup.com Sara Coakley Office Manager bella@beckmediagroup.com ••• Want to advertise in Bella?

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P.O. Box 107 Roanoke, Virginia 24002 540.904.6800 fax 540.904.6803 Bella Magazine is the property of Beck Media Group LLC. It is a free publication printed monthly and is distributed throughout Southwest and Central Virginia and beyond. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse ad space for any advertisement or editorial content the staff deems inappropriate for our readers. The concept and design of Bella Magazine, as well as the design, advertisements, art, photos and editorial content is property of Beck Media Group LLC and may not be copied or reprinted without written permission from the publisher. ©2016 Beck Media Group LLC All Rights Reserved. PRINTED IN THE USA w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

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pages 6-19 in h0nor SPECIAL JUNE FEATURE

of our birthday

We celebrate our 10th birthday by introducing you to 10 remarkable women making our region a better place.

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spend less this summer

A few affordable vacation tips that will help you recharge without breaking the bank.

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fashion forecast

Step into a fabulous new look for summer!

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save this buy that

A few of the most common money mistakes people make and how you can avoid them.

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mind.body.soul.

Your guide to laser hair removal from the professionals at Centra.

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giving back

How Children’s Trust is changing young lives in the Roanoke Valley.

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summer happenings

Over 150 years of wedding history at the History Museum of Western Virginia.

find us:

lovelybella.com

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Celebrating Bella Magazine’s 10th year with 10 extraordinary local women

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For our 10th birthday (our first issue premiered June 2006!), we profiled 10 local women who, against odds or in the face of uncertainty, raised the bar, achieved success, and continue to inspire those around them every day. We celebrate these women and their accomplishments because they encourage us to put one foot in front of the other, even when our strength is running low. They are a reminder that failure does not mean you will never meet your goals. Failure means you are one step closer to success.

We will begin with Pearl Fu, Roanoke’s Ambassador of Goodwill and the founder of Roanoke’s premiere multicultural year-round program, Local Colors. Her strength and compassion remind us to open our hearts and our ears to the stories of those around us—because every day is a chance to learn something new.

Pearl Fu

GOODWILL AMBASSADOR Outside of Roanoke, where is your favorite place to be?

Photo by Hayleigh Worgan

I have to be careful, because I have three daughters who are in different parts, and I love being with them. We all get together for Christmas in Boston. That’s where the oldest one lives. We call her number one daughter.

Some people think it’s because I like number one most, but that’s not the reason. It’s by age. Number one, Penny, was born first.

She works for New England Biolab. They recruited her from MIT.

My number two daughter, Wendy, majored in art and filming. She’s won awards ever since she was little. Her building was right across from the Twin Towers on 9/11.

Afterwards she decided she wanted to do something to help our country. Today, she works for the government.

Number three, Colette, is an artist. After college, she had no idea what she wanted to be. I took her to my hometown in China to show her our heritage and she fell in love with it. She went there to teach English and every free moment she had she went to the villages to study her heritage. We are a Chinese minority, which is different from regular Chinese.

There are 55 types of Chinese minorities, and each one has their own clothing, culture, and music. Colette travelled by herself and took pictures of the minorities in the mountainside.

Art galleries in Roanoke exhibited her art, and from there she went on to get her masters degree and travel around the world. Today, she is a world-renowned artist.

All three of my children are very easy-going, hardworking, bright and intelligent.

People have said, “Don’t brag about your family.” I am proud to tell people about them.

They are very kind. They care about people, and are very compassionate.

What is the most important thing you have learned while working with multiple ethnicities in our valley?

I had never heard of Roanoke before we came here (in the 1980s). There was another family that worked with my husband that came before us and said that Roanoke was very unfriendly. They told us we would not be welcomed. When I heard that, I’m not one to sit there and wait. If they don’t come to me, I’ll go to them. I made Chinese bread and knocked on the doors of my neighbors. I introduced myself and they were really friendly. You really need to give people an opportunity. Don’t just block yourself.

You learn so much from each culture and there seems to be a fear of people that are different from you. There is a tendency to stay away from them. I notice people seem to gravitate towards others that are from their culture. There is so much to learn from each one’s background and culture, and if you learn from that then you can respect and understand the behavior of people. The more we approach people that are different and get to know them, the less we fear them.

People don’t realize that the American way of looking at things is so different from other countries. In China, many of our customs are opposite from America. If you didn’t know that, you would wonder why people behave the way they do. Once you learn that you can wipe that out and the world will be a much more friendly place.

For example, in China, our lucky color is red, and so our wedding gowns are red. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

The unlucky color is white. If you give a gift to a Chinese person, and your wrap it up in white, they would be so upset. It’s like you are wishing them bad luck.

Tell us about one person who has inspired you over the years.

Of all the countries that I wanted to go to, the most important one was America. It goes back to my grandfather. He always thought that America and China should be working together. He was the governor of Yunnan, and a very popular leader. At that time, if you said something like that, you could be executed. But deep down inside they knew what he said was true so he couldn’t be harmed. However, his position was taken away from him.

When President Nixon opened the door, my grandfather was reinstated as a hero in Chinese history. I feel like I am following in his legacy to not be afraid to say what you believe in. Money or power do not impress me, but people that care about others are so important.

It is Pearl’s sincere desire to help immigrants, new citizens, visitors, and ethnic nationals to acclimate themselves to their communities. If you or someone you know could benefit from her knowledge of that process, do not hesitate to reach out. She can also point you in the right direction if you are looking for more information on the many different cultures represented throughout Roanoke.

So, stop her if you see her out in town, or email her at pearlfu3@ gmail.com with questions. Also, visit www.localcolors.org for more information on upcoming events like Taste of Culture, where participants can experience the music, culture, and food from different countries.

This month, Pearl’s complete interview will be available on our website, www.lovelybella.com. june 2016

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Gina Bonomo, owner of Wool Workshop, is a large part of a movement that is redefining the knitting community. Sewing, knitting, and crocheting are regaining popularity, and the influx of younger customers in the market is challenging the concept that these hobbies are exclusive to older generations. Her attention to detail, passion for creativity, and use of social media to promote and sell her products have made Wool Workshop the place to go for unique and trend-setting yarn and patterns.

However, what keeps the customers coming back is not only the quality of the product they are getting, but the welcoming learning environment that the store offers.

Why do you think knitting is increasing in popularity now?

Photo courtesy Wool Workshop

Sewing, knitting, and crocheting, and many other handiwork things got lost when women went to work. Leisure time went away, and in terms of the garment industry it became cheaper to buy a finished garment than it was to make one yourself like our mothers and grandmothers did.

We are so tech-driven now, and I think that is making us begin to move towards things that make us feel human again and less like machines.

Knitting allows people to get back some of the things they have lost. It is about regaining some leisure time and things that have meaning.

How do you choose the yarn you offer to your customers?

Gina Bonomo

BADASS YARN DIVA What made you want to start a boutique yarn store?

I owned a shoe store called Sole Mate for over ten years. It was humming along really nicely, and it was very established. Then my best friend was diagnosed with lung cancer in Richmond. I felt like it was a good time to spend more time with him. I tried to look at the big picture of what was important. I wanted to open something there, so I decided to sell my shop to my manager. I also signed a noncompete agreement that said I could not sell any clothing, shoes, or accessories in the New River Valley or Roanoke area.

I was preparing to move up there and start a whole new business venture, and he died. I did not want to put down roots there if he wasn’t there anymore, so I had to rethink what I was going to do.

I had always been knitting things for people and enjoyed that creative side. This was at the same time that the scarf-craze was happening. Knitting was becoming mainstream. So I decided to open a knitting shop, and it was exactly what I needed. It was healing my soul from the loss of my friend and the business I didn’t have anymore.

Let’s talk about the name “Wool Workshop.”

Workshop implies a creative space. I don’t like to view this yarn shop as a brick and mortar retail location, but instead as sort of a think-tank, fashion-driven, garment-driven space. It fits with my fashion background and what I have been doing my whole life. I know when I first opened, people didn’t see the connection, but I still feel like I’m in the fashion industry. We are creating garments with sticks and string. I don’t feel like that is a stretch at all. In fact, it is more creative and fashion-driven than what I was in before. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

Anything local is very appealing. We get something in from a local farmer, and people know the cotton was grown, picked, dyed, and processed in Virginia.

Customers love that, because it makes us feel like we are looking out for each other.

I also stay on top of the trends just like clothing stores. There are things people want to knit with and things they don’t want to use. We pay attention to the Pantone colors of the year, and we also offer a lot of products from popular Indie dyers.

When you aren’t knitting or helping others work on their projects, how do you spend your time?

I like to read and spend time with my kids and my husband. I run five miles every day, and I have for the last thirty years. That’s really important to me.

I like to keep moving—it makes me a more interesting person to get out of my little circle and see other shops. I am an entrepreneur first and foremost. Of all the other things I do, like designing, my main thing is I have an entrepreneurial spirit and I’m a retailer.

I’m having the time of my life really. I could do other things that would make more money, but I just want to be fulfilled, live an authentic life, and be happy.

For more information on Wool Workshop, visit www.skeincocaine.com. Follow @ skeincocaine on Instagram for special yarn auctions every Thursday and Friday! Finally, don’t miss Stephen West—the biggest name in knitwear design and knitting. He is coming to Roanoke and Wool Workshop on June 11-12. june 2016

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Betty Branch

ART THROUGH THE GENERATIONS

Photo by Bonny Branch

Betty Branch is a world-renowned artist whose travels throughout the years have expanded and reinforced her knowledge of art history and techniques.

Her studio here in Roanoke is a magical place where thirty years of artwork, much of it focused on the female form, creates an environment of self-reflection and personal growth. Five of her eight children are also artists and showcase their creativity within the space. The family shares an affinity for exploring the complexity of femininity through different mediums.

Betty and two of her daughters, Bonny and Katey, shared their thoughts with us on this process.

Isabel, part of the Taubman Museum of Art’s permanent collection, is elegant, a muse, and her expression reflects that she may be captivated by something unseen. What was your inspiration when you created her?

Betty: “She was the first female figure that I have done that was something other than straight realism. Isabel is an impressionistic sculpture that represents my impressionistic realism.

What I had in mind with the pose was an introspection. I wanted the piece to be a meditative piece, but it also had to do with the centering of the self in the female.”

What have you been able to share with your daughters as an artist?

Betty: “I would say that I’m pretty convinced that all of the girls saw my delight in the art. There was never any question that I was exercising a great love and freedom in doing it. I was part of that period that was on the edge of feminism. I was not espousing feminism per say at the time, but I still very strongly needed to exert for myself the power that I felt was due to women. My daughters have come along and fully exercised that without any need to worry about any repercussions.”

A Friend for Life, outside of the South County Library, captures the moment that literature opens the realm of possibilities for children to pursue their interests. What was that moment for you as a child?

Betty: “I am an only child, and we moved around a lot. I was in 15 different schools growing up. Reading was my main source of entertainment. That was the thing that was very important to me. Early on, I was fortunate to have access to nursery rhymes and fairy tales. That, I am quite certain, is a very solid foundation upon which much, if not all, of my work is based. The sense of possibilities of mythology, all of that is very empowering. That is what fairy tales are all about—empowerment or the lack of it.”

“I have painted and drawn for as long as I can remember. It never occurred to me that it could be a career until all of my children were in school and I was without that major focus of child-bearing and raising them. There was a sudden void in my life and the art was there. It really burgeoned.”

For more information on Betty Branch, her family, and her art (which is exhibited all over the world), visit www.bettybranch.com. page 10

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As your children began to develop their own artistic interests, how did you encourage their development?

Betty: “Obviously, they have a gift that is undeniable. They saw what art meant to me. I took them to classes with me way before I was making sculpture art as a career. I would take anything that I could get myself into—weaving, paper-making, or pottery. It was pottery that led me to sculpture because I had not experienced real clay before that time. My pots sprouted faces and arms. It was through that experience of piling all the kids that were at home in the back of the station wagon, and driving to whatever little art festival there was to spend the day that they saw other artists with the things they had brought.

Those were really special good times. I think it’s just in them. Every one of the eight could have been artists had their lives taken just a slightly different turn.”

Bonny: “When I was nine, Mom and I traveled to Greece for the summer and I was given an old brownie camera. I fell in love with the old door knockers on Crete and used my camera to record the variety of brass hands adorning the ancient wooden doors. I didn’t know I had a passion for photography until I returned from a once-in-a-lifetime trip to New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, and Thailand.

The images I captured thrilled me because I could show exactly what I saw with others and I used those images in my first art exhibit.”

Much of your family’s work focuses on the feminine form—both young and old. What about that resonates with your family?

Katey: “ I am blessed by powerful women, like my mother, who have forged the way through a time dominated by men, to create a way for those who have followed to have less barriers when they step out in the world to follow what has heart and meaning with more vulnerability.”

Betty: “It’s very meaningful to us. Katey teaches a course in self-realization and she’s done large-scale canvas paintings of women that are used at that conference. All of them are very conscious of the necessity for there to be a legitimate equality in the exercise of power. It’s not that anyone wants to flip it over and say that women should rule the world, but if half of the rulers were women, then we would probably have a different result.”

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Monique Ingram

DEFENDER OF WOMEN’S HEALTHCARE If you have ever met Monique Ingram, you know that she truly changes the lives she touches for the better.

She is involved in many aspects of our community including her role as a health educator for Roanoke’s Planned Parenthood Health Services.

What inspired you to get involved with Planned Parenthood?

As an adolescent, I found out that my grandmother had breast cancer and I didn’t know what that meant until she was leaving us. After she died, I knew I wanted to have a career where I could teach people, particularly women, about their bodies and how to help themselves.

I thought the only way I could do something with women’s reproductive health was to be a doctor or an OBGYN. I started talking to people at Roanoke College, particularly Dr. Deneen Evans. We discussed how to craft my academic career to achieve my goals. There was a need in our area for women of color, and for women in general, to know their choices and how to find their voice when it came to reproductive healthcare.

My mom helped encourage me to fill that void. She is a strong woman, a minster. We started out in a small community where she was told she couldn’t be a preacher. She found a church home where they embraced women in ministry. I recognized that same fire in me too, and I started to create my own path. I looked into an internship at Planned Parenthood, and there I was mentored by Dina Hackley-Hunt. I used to watch her and think, “Man, I want to be just like her.” Some of my students say that about me now, and it’s crazy because I can’t believe I’ve come full circle.

I am so thankful for all of the wonderful women in my life. They’ve invited me to climb on their shoulders and see the endless possibilities of the world. They knew I would have a limited vantage point from my place on the ground. I love them so much for encouraging me to dream bigger, be better, and pay it forward.

What is your wish for every woman?

I wish that every woman could have the time and the space to find her voice—to figure out how loud she wants it to be and when or if she wants to use it. That is my wish for every person.

It’s a difficult thing to try to figure out who you are and it takes time, effort, and some tears. You have to flesh out what you’re scared of, what you’re willing to stand for, and how you’re willing to grow. Growth is a huge part of finding your voice and figuring out who you are. One of my favorite quotes is, “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional. Choose wisely.”

What’s next for you?

Photo by Jeff Hofmann

This summer, I will travel to Uganda to work with women and children who are HIV positive and hopefully shadow some educators in and around Kampala. I want to listen and learn how certain educators in other parts of the world approach sex education, particularly in areas where it is difficult to be comprehensive about it.

In July, I will be going to Cyprus to work with high school students from around the United States on a service learning trip. Then, I will head back to Roanoke and start graduate school to get my Master of Public Health degree.

I am also hoping to help schedule “Are You An Askable Parent?” workshops through Planned Parenthood for parents and adults that work with young people and teenagers. Ultimately, our goal is to get parents to a place where they feel more comfortable having those conversations no matter what is going on with their teens or how they identify.

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Visit our website during the month of June for Monique’s full interview! If you are interested in learning more about the programs that Planned Parenthood offers our community, go to june 2016 | bella magazine | page 11 www.plannedparenthood.org

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Janet Scheid

DYNAMIC COMMUNITY LEADER

Janet Scheid is one of the most inspirational women we know. Since her retirement five years ago, she has given much of her time and energy back to our community as a volunteer with several organizations and as a Vinton Town Council member. She is passionate about helping the town of Vinton grow and flourish as a place for both residents and visitors.

How did you become involved with the Vinton Town Council?

One of the council members, Wes Nance, had to leave council last July. He moved to Bedford, where he is the Deputy Commonwealth Attorney. His term will expire at the end of June, so council decided to appoint someone to fill his unexpired term. They sent out an advertisement, took applications, interviewed people, and selected me. Last month, I was re-elected by the Town of Vinton to continue serving on the council.

When I started, there were those who said, “You’re retired. You don’t need this.”

However, I’ve always believed that if you want to see something change, you have to be willing to work and make that change. My mother always said, “If you’re going to whine then do something about it.” There isn’t a lot that needs to be changed, but there are some things and it is an opportunity for me to step up to the plate and make those changes happen that I think are important. Vinton is a wonderful small town with a great small town feel to it. In order to keep Vinton a place to live and raise a family, I think we need to invigorate the downtown area. That is starting to happen with some redevelopment projects in town that are going to bring people to live here. I think it will lead to the demand for more shops and restaurants.

You grew up in Washington, D.C. How did that influence who you are today?

Well, even back then, the first restaurants I can remember visiting were Chinese restaurants. This was in the early 1960s. There is a proliferation of them now, but back then there were very few. I was exposed to a lot of food from different cultures—French food, German food. I was also exposed to a lot of different ethnicities. My dad worked for the government and he was also a student getting his master’s degree. He had a whole network of foreign students that had come to DC to go to school, and he would have them all over to the house for the 4th of July. I think my exposure to so many different cultures just gave me a view of the world that maybe is bigger.

What organizations are you currently involved with and how did you get started volunteering with them?

I’ve served on the board for Susan G. Komen for the last five years—two of which were as president. I also served on the board of the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy for 18 years. Currently, I am the secretary of the Virginia Museum of Natural History. Public service has always been important to me. My dad was proud of the fact that he was a government employee. He instilled in me that giving back is important. It’s one of the reasons that I retired as early as I did. I wanted to spend more time doing volunteer work.

Years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Today, I am proud to say that I am a 20-year-survivor. It is an important part of my life, and there is no doubt that it changed my perspective when it happened. I had a great job, but I was ready to start paying it forward and doing all of these things I wanted to do with various organizations. The thing is, I know I get more out of it than w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

Photo courtesy Janet Scheid

What have you learned since you joined the town council, and what are you most passionate about as a member?

I give. I’ve met wonderful people. It definitely keeps me busy.

What advice would you give to women who seek to be more involved in their community?

There is a lot to do. Now that I’ve been doing it for five years, it is amazing to me how much there is to do. I can’t imagine how some of these organizations will keep going without a dedicated core of volunteers to help do things. My advice is to jump in with both feet. Meet people, ask questions, and go to events. For me, Susan G. Komen came naturally and the land conservancy did too because I had an environmental background. You have to find what you are passionate about. Maybe it’s animals, church, or maybe it’s children. There are just so many opportunities out there for volunteering.

What’s next for you?

I am excited to continue serving on town council, and I have another year and a half or so on the Komen board.

I’m going to be figuring out what’s next for me over the next couple of years. Some things are going to start to end, and I’d like to branch off into some new areas. I haven’t figured out where that’s going to be. I know I’ll be busy. It’s not in my nature to sit. However, I am learning to say no. It’s an art I haven’t mastered before—but I’m getting there.

Janet has a wonderful story, and we would love for you to read her interview in its entirety. You can do so on our website, www. lovelybella.com, later this month. june 2016

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Krisha Chachra

UNIFYING THE COMMUNITY

What makes you passionate about investing your time, energy, and education in Blacksburg?

Blacksburg is my hometown, and I think that no matter how far you travel and how much you explore, it is always important to remember where you came from. I was very interested in community service and running for office, and there was no better place than my hometown to pursue both. The people here helped me become who I am, travel far, and experience different things. I knew I would enjoy being able to give that back to the community.

What obstacles did you encounter as Blacksburg’s Vice Mayor?

How did you overcome them?

I felt like I had to prove myself because I was younger than everyone that has ever held the position. I wanted to make sure people knew I was the real deal and that I had a vision for Blacksburg that was shared by many people in the community. I listened a lot and asked a lot of questions so I could represent my community in a very authentic manner. When I first got elected, some people were skeptical and had the wrong impression about what I stood for, but I just stayed focused and worked hard to build relationships. At the end of the day, the criticism faded and I was re-elected as Vice Mayor.

Making connections with local businesses is very important to you.

Can you tell us more about why it is one of your main objectives?

The small business sector of the economy is Blacksburg’s future in terms of job providers and bringing the type of creative employees and professionals that we want to be the future leaders of Blacksburg. It is very important that we support small businesses so they can be successful and hire people who want to live, work, and build a life here. This will allow for a more creative and diverse economy for years to come.

Photo courtesy Krisha Chachra

In local government, it is important to have strong women who represent the community and advocate for diverse interests. That’s why we love Krisha Chachra. Krisha is currently serving her second term on Blacksburg’s Town Council. In 2013, she became the first Indian-American and first under 40 professional to serve as Blacksburg’s Vice Mayor. She continues to be heavily involved in the community through her duties as a council member and by serving on several committees. She also published a book of essays about her experiences while growing up in Blacksburg entitled, Homecoming Journals: Dreaming big in a small town. When she isn’t attending to her professional commitments, Krisha enjoys spending time with her husband, Derek, and their 11-month-old daughter, Mina.

offended by people who didn’t know where I came from or who I was. When people are brave enough to ask, it is important to answer with respect.

My life is richer for that experience, because I can connect with people from different backgrounds since I have enough respect to take interest in them. I think we need more people to show more interest about other cultures respectfully. The easiest way to do that is just by asking people questions about their origins. We have such a diverse community and we could really learn from each other if we just talked to each other more instead of assuming that we know people’s experiences.

Visit www.lovelybella.com for Krisha’s full interview and go to www.blacksburg.gov for more information on her background and accomplishments!

What advice do you have for young professional women who are looking for additional ways to give back to their communities and better ways to manage their time?

All of us are busy. Everyone is doing things that are important to their families, communities, and career paths. Saying you’re busy is not a good excuse for not doing things that you are passionate about or not being involved in your community in a meaningful way.

Being organized, present, and having a sense of visualization helps me get through my day. In addition to that, I think it is important for women to know they don’t have to take on everything to be successful. It is better to do one or two things really well than to spread yourself too thin and do many things for the sake of being involved. You’re not going to be your best that way.

What is one thing that people may not know about your background?

My family was one of the first Indian-American families to come to Blacksburg and make this town our home. There were only a handful of Indians when we first came, but now it is very diverse. Back then, a lot of people didn’t know too much about where we came from. When I would tell people my family was from India, they would ask me what tribe!

Back then I definitely stood out in my classroom, but I always took it as an opportunity to exchange ideas, learn about other cultures, and teach people about mine. I was never page 14

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Photo courtesy Jordan Kantor

Jordan Kantor, a permanent cosmetic artist at Skin Care Consulting Inc. in Roanoke, is a recent graduate of Painting and Printmaking at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). She completed her bachelor’s degree in just two and a half years, and began to pursue a career that complements her artistic background and education. Although she may not follow the path that many expected of her, Jordan is using her talent to touch the lives of women in Roanoke while staying true to the creative muse within.

After graduating from VCU, what led you to pursue a career as a permanent cosmetic artist in Roanoke?

Jordan Kantor

COSMETIC ARTIST TRANSFORMING LIVES

I definitely started to feel that I wanted to begin pursuing this career during my freshman year at VCU. My mom was a huge an influence, as she began Skin Care Consulting in 2004, but I began to notice similarities in my experiences with art and permanent cosmetics. For example, I gave a lot of attention to detail and was drawn to hyper realistic and trompe l’oeil art. Once I began researching the industry and came across eyebrows, camouflaged scars, areolae, and more I realized that with such precision, one could not tell the difference. I fell in love.

I felt that this career was a way for me to impact someone’s life using my knack for detail.

How do you incorporate some of the skills you acquired throughout your education in this process?

Towards the end of my career at VCU, I had an independent study with Sarah Faris, a professor who heads the Scientific and Preparatory Medical Illustration track within the Department of Communication Arts. It was very helpful to study the anatomical structure of the face and skin through illustrative note taking, a skill Sarah taught me involving the combination of both drawings and text.

Sarah was one of the few VCU professors that encouraged me to continue pursuing this career. Over the course of my education, there were those who could not see the connection between fine art and permanent cosmetics.

Sarah could see this relationship and served as a positive source I could turn to for advice. Her work as an illustrator for medical journals such as Dermatologic Surgery served as confirmation that I had chosen the right mentor.

My work with Sarah served as one of the most empowering moments in my career at VCU. I wish to extend this feeling of empowerment to my clients by giving them a sense of confidence in themselves, obtainable through this artistic procedure.

My experience with color theory proved to be extremely helpful when choosing pigment colors. There are a few differences in color theory for permanent cosmetics. When you are painting onto a white canvas with a bright red paint, it will show up bright red. However, if I implanted a bright red pigment into the skin it has to shine through the layers of the skin, mixing with cool undertones making the end result different than what would seem intuitive.

What is next for you professionally and what other projects are you working on in your spare time?

I will complete eyeliner training before June with Will Anthony, a worldrenowned permanent cosmetic artist. My mom and I are going for 3D areola training in August with Vicky Martin, an artist/trainer from UK who creates the most realistic looking nipples we have seen! I am a member of the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals, which is dedicated to promoting permanent makeup safety, excellence, and professional standards by providing education, certification, and industry guidelines.

In my spare time I like to create greeting cards for clients to pick up to send to friends and family, or to display around their home. I still am painting on the side, and we are considering having an art gallery set up at Skin Care Consulting to showcase my art somewhere in the future.

If you are interested in learning more about Jordan, or the many skin care and cosmetic services available at Skin Care Consulting, go to www.skincareconsultinginc.com. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

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Joey Coakley Beck ZEALOUS ENTREPRENEUR

What was your inspiration when you started Bella?

Why a women’s magazine?

I saw a need for it. Ten years ago there was nothing for women in our area. At the time, none of the publications were focused on us. I was ready to branch out and do my own thing, and it was perfect timing. I tried it and kept my fingers crossed!

There have been challenges. For example, as a woman in this industry, it is very rare to be respected by men in the same profession. Bella’s success proves that their opinions have been much less relevant than their egos have led them to believe.

At the end of the day, it is worth it to know that we are putting out something that is applicable to local women in a sea of national (and even some local) publications that do not speak to them and continues ten YEARS later!

Over the years, you’ve made some subtle (some not so subtle) changes to the publication, including its size. Why are those changes important to the growth of the magazine and our relationship with readers?

I don’t want our look or our voice to get stale. Bella has always been a step ahead of everyone else, and I want to maintain fresh content and a new look as often as it makes sense. It is important to change and grow with our readers.

What have you learned from the stressful moments and publications that have failed?

It always works out in the end. I am a firm believer in karma, and what you put out there comes back to you. The stressful moments pass as long as you keep your head up and do what you do best.

Other magazines that have come around and failed did it to themselves.

You have to genuinely care about this community, what you are putting out there for readers, and the product you are creating. You have to be honest and respectful

Photo by Hayleigh Worgan

Throughout this issue, we are celebrating our official birthday month and our 10th year of doing what we love—creating a publication that inspires and encourages women in Central and Southwest Virginia. When our publisher, Joey Coakley Beck, started the magazine, she did so because she knew the women in this community needed an outlet that would cover the topics we are (and should be) discussing with our friends. For us, celebrating our 10th birthday is not only about recognizing that success, but also continuing to meet that need for years to come.

of others. This isn’t an industry that is about making money, it is about bringing people together and making them stronger as a community.

This year we have made a point to cover at least one local maker in each issue. Can you talk a little bit about why it is important to you to help introduce these small businesses to the community?

There are so many hidden gems and wonderful women in our area that otherwise go unnoticed and I think they all contribute to how wonderful this region is.

The newspaper and other magazines continually highlight the same handful of people or businesses and there are so many more out there that go unrecognized. We are trying to recognize those people that get overlooked so often.

If you could encourage every woman reading this to do one thing, what would it be?

No matter what it is, to do something that makes you happy—that is truly something just for you. For example, I recently took up knitting. I truly enjoy it and it 100% me time. I don’t think women take enough time to do things that are just for them and only for them. They try to please others in the workplace or at home and they forget about themselves. So my advice is to do something, at least daily, that makes yourself happy.

Linda Webb

ART COMMUNITY POWERHOUSE Linda Webb is more than the Executive Director of Opera Roanoke.

She is a powerhouse for the art community, encouraging support for multiple organizations in our area. From Opera Roanoke’s performances to the exhibits at the Taubman Museum (and everything in between), she is one of many who reiterates that sustaining the arts is not just about raising money. It is about making sure people realize how special they are to Roanoke.

How did your interest in the art community begin?

Photo by Lillian Orlinsky

I grew up loving literature, music, and theatre. It spoke to my soul and I had a little bit of talent in those areas. When I was in college, I studied playwriting with Pulitzer Prizewinning Paula Vogel. After I graduated, I began working in the business side of publishing in New York, but I kept my hand in the theatre world. After ten years in New York, I moved to Roanoke to get married and made the switch to nonprofit fundraising.

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As LeeRay Costa wraps up her spring semester as a professor at Hollins University, she looks eagerly towards summer and the fourth year of Girls Rock Roanoke—a volunteer-run, community-based organization that she began in 2012. It is a place where girls and gender non-conforming youth form bands, write their own songs, and perform at a final showcase.

They also participate in workshops on topics like women’s music history, body confidence, and stage performance. This incredible experience is changing lives right here in the Roanoke Valley.

LeeRay Costa

HELPING GIRLS ROCK

What made you want to bring Girls Rock to Roanoke?

Photo by Siobhan Cline

Our family knew about the Girls Rock concept for a long time. We watched the documentary when our daughter, Tallulah, was young. When she became old enough to attend camp, we found one in Durham, North Carolina. We planned our summer vacation around camp so she could have that experience. She played keyboard for several years, but at camp she discovered the drums. Through working with the band, she found she had a real skill for it. At the end of each day she couldn’t wait to tell us everything she had learned.

Her excitement was inspiring, and I started talking to the organizers of the Durham camp because I wanted youth in Roanoke to have these opportunities and experiences.

How does Girls Rock Roanoke help empower its participants?

Some people think of us mainly as a music camp, but music and creativity are mediums for developing other skill sets. For example, campers learn risk-taking, because in one week campers learn an instrument, write an original song, work with a people they may not know, and then perform their creations live on stage. We live in a culture that tries to mold girls into a certain way of being. They are expected to be cute and silent. This crushes their potential in many ways. We want to create fertile ground for their potential to grow.

Has the camp opened doors for you to explore your own interest in music?

Yes. A few volunteers, including myself, attended Women’s Rock Retreat through a Girls Rock camp in North Carolina because we thought, “If we are going to ask the girls to do this, we need to put ourselves out there and see what it’s like.” I played bass and sang for the first time. At the end of the three-day camp, we played at the Pinhook. There I was, in my 40s, up on stage singing a punk rock song called, “Hormone Whiplash.” It was scary but very empowering at the same time.

I began volunteering at Mill Mountain Theatre. I was excited about what they were doing there, and when their development person left, Jere Hodgin asked me to take the spot. I found that much of what I had done in New York in ad sales was transferrable. My experience had made me fearless when it came to calling on high level people.

What led you to Opera Roanoke?

I took some time off when I had a baby. I was still on boards even though I wasn’t actually working. The first board I was asked to be on was for Opera Roanoke. They asked me to contribute the fundraising knowledge I had as a volunteer. It was a way that I could keep my hand in that world even though it wasn’t full time.

Soon after, I began working at United Way. I always tried to include friends from the art world in various things that we did.

I stepped out of the working world for a while when my mother was ill. When I began looking for a job again, the president of Opera Roanoke’s board asked me to be the Executive Director and I accepted the offer. I know just enough to be dangerous, but I know more about opera than I did a year and half ago. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

How do you balance Girls Rock Roanoke and your work as a professor?

One important factor is the support of my partner, Andy Matzner. Not only does he happily claim the label of feminist, but he truly walks the talk in sharing all the responsibilities of being in a partnership and raising Tallulah. He was the first person to encourage my dream of bringing Girls Rock to Roanoke, and he has been there every step of the way.

Furthermore, Girls Rock is a team effort.

It would be irresponsible for me to take credit for the tremendous labor and deep love that many others have contributed to Girls Rock camp over the years. Our program director, Lucy Coronado, our volunteers, and our Board work year-round to make camp a success. Together with our campers, they inspire me to make Girls Rock a priority.

If you would like more information, visit www.girlsrockroanoke.org

What can audiences expect from Opera Roanoke in the upcoming season?

First, it’s important that even those who don’t think they like opera come out and give it a try. If you come to an opera once, you might just be hooked. Our unofficial slogan is, “Opera Roanoke, we don’t care what you wear.” It’s fun to dress up, but not everyone does. Be comfortable, come in your jeans.

This fall, we are going to do South Pacific. It’s sad, it’s happy, and the music is unbelievable. In the spring of 2017, we will be doing Susanna by American composer Carlisle Floyd. Both of these shows have to do with prejudice and overcoming it or not overcoming it. It’s very timely when you think about all the unhappy stuff that is going on in our country right now. However, it is going to speak to your heart and your brain on a different level than when you read or see the news.

That is why I say, and I’m not kidding, opera can save the world.

For more information Opera Roanoke’s upcoming season, visit www.operaroanoke.org june 2016

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vacation

season is here

Great ideas for affordable fun in the sun!

Written by Lynn Phelps

June is the perfect month to find things to do that are fun and build lasting memories. From destination vacations to staycations, most places have an abundance of summertime activities. But there are a few key things to keep in mind while planning your vacation.

The most important is affordability. Make sure that you are not putting your vacation on credit. When we put fun things on credit, the debt cancels out the fun. Try to plan ahead and save.

There are plenty of low cost options out there. Here are a few of my favorites: • Camping is a great vacation option! Fortunately, it is also possible to set up your camp to accommodate for age and/or disabilities. There are several campgrounds in our area that offer electricity and are perfect for campers or tents.

However, a few days with nature and unplugged from electronics can be completely rejuvenating. Dress up your campground with string lights, tapestries, and/or rugs. It is completely possible to transform the outdoor setting into a quiet, welcoming and warm space for your family and friends.

• Sharing a destination rental with other families is also a fantastic way to share

costs and split chores. Designate one night of your stay for each family to cook dinner for everyone. If there are multiple families with children, each couple can take turns babysitting, giving other parents a night out alone.

• The often forgotten about staycation is one that you can take a few times a year.

This gives you an opportunity to be a tourist in your own area. Often, we are so caught up on life that we fail to stop and see what’s around us. Get to know your town, or just unplug, rent movies, buy a good book, and rest.

• If you choose to explore your hometown, check in with the visitor’s center first!

There are so many different types of tours and workshops that will teach you new skills or introduce you to artists and local businesses. Often, these activities are accompanied by a small fee, but what you receive is more than worth what you pay. For example, you can schedule a private food tour for a group of your friends and family through Tour Roanoke that highlights some of the best local restaurants in our area. For more information, go to www.roanokefoodtours.com.

Whatever you decide to do this summer, don’t forget to take your camera! Some of the best moments happen when you least expect it.

Lynn Phelps is a photographer, author, health and business coach in Southwest Virginia. You can see her work at www.lynnphelps.com. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

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fashion around the world Special guest writer, Italian shoe designer Maurizio Celin, shares his insight on summer fashion trends!

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Ciao Bella!

It’s finally June and the weather in Europe is perfetto. The roads are full of locals and tourists on holiday, moving about city streets and creating an inspiring cultural atmosphere.

As a shoe designer, I’m always traveling and scouring these streets and those all across the world to bring women everywhere the most modern styles each season.

The sun, my suitcase, and even the wishful look on my little dog Tito’s face, are calling me to holiday in Greece. I’ll be off in a minuto, shedding my blazer and oxfords for a comfortable t-shirt personalized by a distressed rip, and sandals found at a local Grecian mercato. I have the grand plan of lazing about, buying from the local fish market, and experiencing the Mediterranean culture, giving me design inspiration for a collision of styles.

Fashion is made new by the blending of traditional styles and contemporary ideas. Nothing is new and everything is new.

Highlighted this season, a nod to the ‘70s stormed the runway with flare. Boho chic styles and the iconic wild west are updated with a mix of earthy textiles and a sport infusion to modernize the timeless trend. Footwear styles build on classic shapes with contemporary elements for the ultimate showpieces, like Off The Beaten Track’s (OTBT) Nomadic (pictured in top photo). This ancient gladiator sandal is revived with a sport influence, spliced onto a lightweight wedge and bound by ghillie ties.

So what to wear this season and on your much-coveted summer holiday: Go carefree, live in the sun and break out your bohemian wardrobe. Think lightweight denim, breezy linen dresses and Navajo-inspired jewelry. Buy local pieces that curate a reminiscent, and thus modern and eclectic, closet. Wear styles in a non-traditional way. Mix trends and evolve classic concepts with an avant-garde flare. Release your contemporary Grecian goddess and let your personality show.

Until fall my lovelies, arrivederci

Maurizio

Maurizio Celin is a master craftsman, designing fashion footwear for Consolidated Shoe Company (ConsolidatedShoe.com), based in Lynchburg. With over 30 years’ experience, Maurizio’s visions come to life each season in CSC’s collections. (Styles pictured courtesy of Consolidated Shoes)

Article courtesy of

The 4 Most Common Money Mistakes People Make Financial freedom starts with a strong foundation of knowledge. Here are the four most common money mistakes people make and how you can avoid them with a few tips.

Mistake 1: Spending Outside Your Means

One of the most common financial pitfalls is spending outside your means. Especially once you open a line of credit, there is always a temptation to make a purchase you really can’t afford. To avoid this, pay off your credit card at the end of each month. Set up a savings account where you can automatically allocate a portion of your paycheck each month. This way, you plan for large purchases ahead of time.

Mistake 2: Not Saving For Retirement

Many Americans believe not saving enough for retirement is one of the most dangerous money mistakes. It’s easy to put it off, believing you’ll have plenty of time to save when you are older or making more money.

The reality is, life expectancy is increasing and Social Security is not enough to comfortably support many individuals’ lifestyles. Open a savings account or an IRA, for example, today to ensure you have enough tomorrow.

Mistake 3: Not Checking Your Credit Score

Out of sight, out of mind should not be your mentality about credit scores. Your credit score impacts things like your mortgage interest rate, your ability to open credit cards, insurance costs and auto loans, to name a few. Credit scores are one of the best predictors for whether someone will default on their loans or bills, so set a foundation for success by keeping track of your score.

Want more financial freedom tips?

Visit: www.SaveThisBuyThat.com Mistake 4: Paying Bills Late Join Member One here each month for more money-saving tips, giveaways and all things awesome! Be sure to follow @SaveThisBuyThat on Twitter and check out our board “Save This Buy That” on Bella’s award-winning Pinterest page. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

Paying bills late can result in increased interest rates or defaulted accounts. Not only does this affect your credit score, it can add undue stress when trying to get a handle on your finances. Set up a budget and map out your fixed expenses each month (including rent, car payments, electricity, etc.). Immediately subtract that amount from your paycheck each month to determine how much you can spend on variable expenses such as food, clothes, and entertainment. This allows you to plan with care so you never have to pay late. june 2016

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smoother skin

Send unwanted hair away for good Written by Lisa Turille Article courtesy of

Summer is here! Time to get out the sundresses and bikinis, enjoy the warmer temperatures, and show off your beautiful skin.

This is the perfect time to evaluate and remove unwanted hair, a common annoyance for many women. Traditionally, only three options existed for hair removal: tedious plucking, shaving (who has ever really gotten as smooth as a baby’s bottom?), or painful waxing (seriously… ouch!). Technological advances ushered in a new option: laser hair reduction, one of the top five fastest growing, non-invasive cosmetic procedures in the country.

Laser hair reduction is a safe and effective way to eliminate unwanted hair from the face, leg, arm, underarm, bikini line, or other areas. The science and technology behind laser hair reduction is interesting. The laser targets stem cells that create hair in the follicle. The laser makes energy pulses, which pass through the skin and are attracted to the hair follicle pigment.

The laser uses intense cold air to protect the skin and the laser energy heats the hair follicle to prevent further growth. Individuals see the best results with eight to 10 laser treatments every six weeks. After completing the treatment regiment, ninety percent never see hair growth on the targeted areas.

The benefits of laser hair reduction include:

• • • • Lisa Turille is a licensed aesthetician with Centra Medical Group Healthy Skin Center in Lynchburg. The Healthy Skin Center offers a full line of skin care products and services, including chemical peels, facials, laser hair reduction, microdermabrasion, waxing, manicures and pedicures. For more information or to make an appointment, call 434.200.4247 or visit CentraMedicalGroup/PlasticSurgery w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

Speed. The laser covers a quarter-sized area every second. For instance, an upper lip treatment takes less than a minute.

Safety. Licensed aestheticians perform laser hair reduction.

Precision. The laser selectively targets dark coarse hairs while leaving the skin healthy.

Finality. In most cases, laser hair reduction eliminates unwanted hair after eight to 10 treatments.

Laser hair reduction is safe and easy. Here are some tips to consider before having the procedure:

• • •

Research the service provider. Make sure you are visiting a center you trust with a licensed aesthetician. The laser should only be operated by a trained professional.

Prepare your skin. Limit waxing, plucking or electrolysis and avoid sun exposure six weeks before treatments begin. (Shaving is ok.)

Care for your skin. After having laser hair reduction, keep the skin cool, avoid the gym for a day and use aloe for redness or sensitivity.

Don’t let unwanted hair keep you from showing a little skin—make a plan to be free from that annoyance before summer slips away! june 2016

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Written by Gwendolyn Miller

giving back

Children’s Trust nurtures the next generation

For the past 37 years, Children’s Trust has been working to prevent the trauma of child abuse in the Roanoke Valley. Children’s Trust is an umbrella for a continuum of programs including Children First Prevention (elementary education program), The Children’s Advocacy Centers, and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).

Court Appointed Special Advocates are appointed by the courts to become the voices for child victims of abuse and neglect. The Children First Prevention education program reaches elementary school children with the “Speak Up, Be Safe” program and also adults with the Stewards of Children program. “Speak Up, Be Safe” is a research-based program that helps children and teens understand what abuse, neglect, and bullying look like and how they can help break the cycle. Children’s Advocacy Centers provide forensic interview services, crisis intervention, and support services to child victims of abuse and their non-offending caregivers.

About a year ago, The Conflict Resolution Center joined Children’s Trust. They provide mediation for a variety of organizations, institutions, individuals, and families in which conflicts and disputes exist.

The program helps to facilitate resolutions so that disputes do not end up in the court system.

Thanks to the hard work of retired juvenile court judge, Philip Trompeter, who first heard about the Court Appointed Special Advocate program at a judge’s conference in 1986, the Roanoke Valley CASA program became the first in the Commonwealth. He has been CASA’s biggest cheerleader and continues to support the program even in retirement. The Roanoke Valley has 48 active CASA volunteers and a spring training class is currently underway with 12 potential volunteers to be sworn in around early June.

CASA volunteer advocates are available for assignment by judges in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. These advocates conduct investigations involving fact-finding interviews that help recommend a plan of action to the juvenile court judge regarding services that would best benefit the child and family.

The Children’s Advocacy Center’s (CAC) goal under the Children’s Trust umbrella is to help reduce the trauma a child may endure during the investigation and prosecution of child abuse. The program hopes to increase positive emotional closing so that the children and families involved may go on to lead positive and healthy lives. Multidisciplinary teams have been developed in the cities of Salem and Roanoke and the County of Roanoke to improve the coordination and communication among personnel involved in child abuse cases. Individuals from the CAC are part of these multidisciplinary teams and help facilitate regular meetings during child abuse investigations. These meetings provide a forum where the team members can share information related to the investigation.

The CAC program also has a St. Francis facility dog to help children in the process. Elvis, a beautiful black lab is present in the interview room with children to help reduce their stress and anxiety while they share their stories. The staff also say that he helps reduce his co-workers’ stress level too!

The largest need that the programs under the Children’s Gwendolyn Miller is a breast cancer survivor, Trust have are community volunteers. If you are interested in photographer, and volunteer in Lynchburg, Va. learning more about how you can volunteer with one of the proShe loves to travel, but is also passionate about grams or in making a donation, visit www.roact.org. giving back to her local community.

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happily ever after

The History Museum of Western Virginia showcases its collection of wedding memories spanning over 150 years

Laura Burks Logan wore her pattern grandmother’s dress at her marriage to Joseph Logan III.

Laura Burks Logan’s grandmother, Laura Oglesby, married Martin Burks in 1908.

Martha Stone wore this satin dress and jacket with mink cuffs at her 1931 wedding to Leonard Muse.

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Happily Ever After, an exhibit showcasing a collection of wedding attire, photographs, and registry items dating back to 1818, will open on June 3 at the History Museum of Western Virginia in Roanoke’s Center in the Square.

Ashley Webb, museum curator, has sorted through the museum’s permanent collection to find treasures that took couples to the altar and off to their honeymoons up through the 1970s. Included in the exhibit are a black silk taffeta wedding gown from 1824, and a men’s tailcoat from 1916 with black and white pinstriped pants. Also on display will be “going away” dresses and even “first night” wear such as a black see-through negligee complete with interior corsetry from 1890. Wedding registry type items (china and silver) have been included along with wedding invitations, garters, and cake toppers.

Guests will also have a chance to view wedding photographs, including some from contemporary brides so the exhibit can serve as inspiration for upcoming weddings in addition to being a nostalgic reminder of special moments from the past.

An opening reception will take place from 6-8 pm on June 3. Tickets are $8 for non-members and free for members of the museum. The exhibit will run through October 16, 2016.

If you plan on attending the opening reception, please RSVP to info@vahistorymuseum.org or call 540342-5777. Go to www.vahistorymuseum.org for more information.

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