Best in Business Magazine December 2021 by bestinbusiness

THE MAGAZINE ENTREPRENEURS HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR! INNOVATE

DECEMBER 2021 | ISSUE 02

BEST IN BUSINESS

ENTREPRENEURS : EXPLODING INTO SUCCESS SMALL BUSINESSES THAT ARE MAKING A BIG BANG!

SUNCOAST HOSTS WELCOMING COMMITTEE! Modern-day "Welcome Wagon" making a splash in the Sunshine State!

EXCLUSIVE!

THE BUSINESS OF SAFETY: A GREAT OPTION FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP

DECEMBER 2021 | $7.99

SHEILA FARR | 03 | CELEBRATING NEW BUSINESSES WWW.GULFCOASTTRAINING.ORG

BEST IN BUSINESS

CONTENTS NOTES + PICKS + FEATURES + A LITTLE GOOD NEWS

03 EDITOR'S NOTE Editor Sheila Farr talks about the importance and excitement in - celebrating new businesses.

09 DR. ESEVERERE The Power of Passion in Business: Learn how to determine where your passion lies.

14 THE BUSINESS OF SAFETY Damsel Pro Margaret King talks about why she chose to join a safety company for her new business.

19 A LITTLE GOOD NEWS

EXCITING NEW BUSINESSES

Sharing good news and exciting events from around Mississippi and beyond!

20 EXCLUSIVE!

MISSISSIPPI HEROES:

CELEBRATING SUPERHEROES AMONG US

17 FEATURED AUTHOR: SHER GRAHAM Learning Curve is Key to Business Success!

MAKING A SPASH IN BUSINESS! Learn about how meeting the needs of a community turned into a full-time business for two friends!

11 NETWORK MARKETING DONE RIGHT! We've found the Best in Business for Network Marketing! It's time to JUMP IN!

We share our picks for the best new books for entrepreneurs!

1015 HOWARD AVENUE, SUITE C BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI 39530 TRAINTHEGULFCOAST@GMAIL.COM WWW.GULFCOASTTRAINING.ORG

DECEMBER 2021| ISSUE 02

21 BOOK PICKS

BEST IN BUSINESS

A NOTE FROM OUR EDITOR

Celebrating the Entrepreneurial Spirit! Thank you so much for all of the encouraging comments about the premiere issue of "Best in Business " Magazine. We are working hard to bring you great information you can use that will help you build on your knowledge and skills in business.

Sheila Farr, Best in Business Editor and Publisher

I am EXCITED about this issue, because this month, we're celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit! We are speaking with small business owners who have exploded onto the scene this year, and with others who have already experienced years of success. We're also sharing information about businesses that are unique and truly have a niche market. One thing is for certain, there is something for everyone in December's issue!

As we've said before, we are on a mission to help businesses serve better, plan better, operate better, and grow in ways in which they've never dreamed they could. We are here for YOU, so please feel free to "talk back" and let us know how we may best serve you! Entrepreneurs are a special breed; and this month we are celebrating them in full force!

Let's work together to be the BEST in business!

Sheila

03 DECEMBER 2021/ISSUE 02

Again, we hope that as you read our articles, you will be inspired to do better in your own business. We invite you to partner with us by sharing your input and insight. placing ads to grow your business, joining us as a contributing author, helping us watch for "good news" in your neighborhoods and communities, and by helping us make a positive impact on the lives of those whom we serve; the small businesses and entrepreneurs. We are on a mission to help businesses serve better, plan better, operate better, and grow in ways in which they've never dreamed they could. We are here for YOU, so please feel free to "talk back" and let us know how we may best serve you!

BEST IN BUSINESS

Rob's Cabinets & More

Making Dreams Come True Along the Mississippi Gulf Coast Since 2009

Rob Cavaco, Owner 10447 Lemoyne Boulevard D'Iberville, Mississippi 39540 (228) 326-4830

Whether you think you can or think you can't you're right!

~ Henry Ford ~

BEST IN BUSINESS

PAGE 6

COVER STORY

COVER STORY: Suncoast Hosts Welcoming Committee, LLC: “Paradise on a Platter” by Sheila Farr

What are the chances? Two women live an hour away from each other in the frigid cold but have never met. Ironically, they each decide to move to their idea of paradise, and they both have the same dream: SUNNY FLORIDA! Unknowingly, they both move to The Sunshine State and live just 5 minutes away from each other. The two women meet on a local pickleball court and share a mutual love of all things beachy. Each asks the other for recommendations about the best local places to eat, shop, and do business in their newfound paradise, and learn they have very similar interests and tastes. The friendship grows, and the two continue to talk about similar topics on a regular basis… and thus, an idea to help others moving into the area is developed and an amazing new business is born! Rebecca McConnell and Celeste Tobey both lived in Illinois but had never met before they moved to sunny Florida. Once they relocated, they were both part of a meetup group on Facebook for Venice, Florida locals. Celeste made a post on social media about getting a few people together to join her for pickleball, and Rebecca showed up! A few hours later, they were best buddies! Rebecca has lived in Venice for 3 years; Celeste has lived there just over a year. Moving to a new state with no family or friends and having to start over from scratch is no easy task, especially with kids. Having both moved from the Great White North, and not knowing a soul in the area, they had to completely recreate their networks. “When you move halfway across the country you don’t realize how many recommendations you need to continue and grow your lifestyle,” says Celeste, “from lawn care to dentists to seamstresses and restaurants, we’ve had to figure it all out and decided that we want to make life easier for our new neighbors.”

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BEST IN BUSINESS

COVER STORY

That’s when they realized having a welcoming committee that could help connect small local businesses with new residents would be extremely helpful and was something that was lacking in the town. Together they developed and launched Suncoast Hosts Welcoming Committee, where they collaborate with local businesses to serve “Paradise on a Platter” to the community. Celeste and Rebecca work with local businesses, realtors, and housing communities to welcome new residents into the area by providing them a welcome “swag bag” filled with samples of products, services, and coupons from local businesses. That way, newcomers to the area can more easily become familiar with all that their new community has to offer. It also provides opportunities for businesses to get directly in front of a whole new community of customers. “We found ourselves getting asked for recommendations on a regular basis,” says Rebecca, “so we decided to pitch some things to local companies about how they can increase their business by offering discounts on frequently sought-out services and products. Once Celeste and I got this in a digital format to share with our area businesses, they all came on board pretty quickly because they could really see the value in doing so.” Celeste and Rebecca have developed a business simply by meeting the needs of their community. “We are the local welcoming committee and now we look forward to meeting new residents and businesses alike,” says Celeste, “It makes things so much easier for people moving into our area, and our businesses here really like the convenience and options for marketing their products and services, so it’s a win-win all the way around.” To learn more about our Suncoast Hosts Welcoming Committee, Rebecca and Celeste, feel free to contact them on any of these platforms: Website: www.suncoasthosts.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suncoasthosts/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suncoasthosts/

When enjoying life leads to a brand-new business! Celeste and Rebecca's love of pickleball led the two friends to the start-up of Suncoast Hosts Welcoming Committee.

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BEST IN BUSINESS

ADVERTISING

“I’VE MISSED MORE THAN 9,000 SHOTS IN MY CAREER. I’VE LOST ALMOST 300 GAMES. 26 TIMES I’VE BEEN TRUSTED TO TAKE THE GAME WINNING SHOT AND MISSED. I’VE FAILED OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN IN MY LIFE AND THAT IS WHY I SUCCEED.”

–MICHAEL JORDAN, NBA LEGENDARY BASKETBALL MVP

BEST IN BUSINESS

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ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The Power of Passion in Business by Dr. Eseverere

DEAR ENTREPRENEUR, ARE YOU IN LOVE?

passion is one of the foundations of a small business. It gives the momentum to keep going

Are you in love with what you do?

when things get tough.

Do you derive joy from what you do? Is your line of business something you're

Passion is necessary for an entrepreneur to

passionate about?

succeed. Connecting your passion to your vision

Do you think you can make a living by doing

keeps you happy and fulfilled in the long run.

something that makes a difference to your life,

The famous quote goes that, "When you enjoy

community, and the world?

what you do, you will never work a day in your

Are you willing to pursue your passion in faith,

life."

hopeful that fortune and ROI (return on investment) will follow?

A story comes to mind of an acquaintance who spent almost 25 years working in a non-profit

Entrepreneurship is a very bold move! Moreso, the

management company. They specialized

road to entrepreneurship is a continuous growth

mainly in fundraising and marketing. She was

journey.

good at her job and often received lovely compliments from people. However, she

There will be many unexpected twists and turns,

shared that even though she was ok because

peaks and valleys, long hours, and exhaustion

her job paid the bills and it was a very

which can be scary at first and may even cause

comfortable career path, she didn't love what

panic and doubts along the way. Still, if you love

she was doing. She had no passion or drive for

what you do and have a strong passion for what

it. And will often envy the more enthusiastic

you are doing, it will help keep you going until

people who had a spring on their step every

you have things figured out.

time she watched them at their business, people who loved what they did and didn't

I have come to realize that going into business

mind rolling up their sleeves and enduring

needs some form of perseverance and resilience.

sleepless nights to create solutions.

One good motivation for achieving both is passion, because not having a strong passion for

She finally decided to leave and start her

what you do can often lead to frustration. Passion

venture in digital communications, something

is not the only thing needed when starting a

she loved. The last time we spoke, she was

small business; however, it's essential because

bubbling with excitement despite the many bumps she had faced along the way as a newbie in the business.

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BEST IN BUSINESS

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Are you having a hard time finding what you're

The power of passion in business has become a

passionate about at the beginning? Check out the

necessary piece in the life of an entrepreneur.

SWARF tips.

Besides having a deep passion for your business making you feel more accomplished daily,

Start - Start by biting the bullet. Use what you have in

Passion will give you the drive to propel

hand. If you don't start, you will never know.

forward.

Sometimes you may not hit it on the first attempt. You may need to try many other options.

A successful entrepreneur is a passionate entrepreneur.

What comes with ease - Identify those things that you do easily. This can also help you provide a solution tailored to people's needs. Ask for feedback -Asking others you trust when they have seen you light up the most can also guide you to find that thing you're passionate about. Dr. Eseverere is an author, speaker, Research your Hobbies: Sometimes, the compass may

multidimensional coaching expert, and

lead back to something you have enjoyed doing with

consultant. The CEO and founder of The 5-9

ease in the past or present.

CEO Brand and The CEO Empire, LLC, a multifaceted coaching and consulting

Find a Business Hero: Look around you and identify a

conglomerate centered around purposeful and

professional hero you admire and have loved what

passionate lifestyle and advising growing

they do. It might be an opportunity to take a closer

entrepreneurs looking to achieve success while

look at what they do or what it is about those

doing what they love.

businesses that made you like them. IG: @eseverere5to9ceo.com FB: @eseverere.59ceo Email: eseverere5to9ceo@gmail.com

"PASSION IS NECESSARY FOR AN ENTREPRENEUR TO SUCCEED." DR. ESEVERERE

BEST IN BUSINESS

PAGE 11

NETWORK MARKETING

Jump Into Network Marketing by Latoya Griggs

The holiday season is here. What a perfect time to

industry has definitely changed my mindset of

JUMP into the network marketing industry. There

corporate America and given me a sense of

are many opportunities available for you to earn

hope to finally live the life of my dreams.

extra income while focusing on your family, your dreams and your goals. For those of you that are

Think about the opportunity of having time

interested in an entrepreneurial lifestyle with the

freedom, creating an unlimited amount of

benefit of a low start up cost, the network

income, spending more quality time with

marketing industry could be the perfect avenue

family and the ability to enjoy products you

for you.

love at wholesale price. Who wouldn’t want to Jump into a company that is offering amazing

I know you may have heard scary stories about

benefits like that?

this particular business path. Do not be fooled, a lot of millionaires’ first business started in the

I have been in network marketing for 6 years.

network marketing industry. The skills learned

When I first started it was simply to make

and the money earned also allowed them to grow

$1,000 extra on the weekends in between

and develop BIGGER dreams for themselves. This

working my crazy Retail Store Manager job.

industry has definitely changed my mindset of

Little did I know how my short term / part time

corporate America and given me a sense of hope

investment would turn into doubling my

to finally live the life of my dreams. The holiday

annual salary in such a short time and allowing

season is here. What a perfect time to JUMP into

me to become a work from home mom

the network marketing industry. There are many

providing MORE for my family. When I jumped

opportunities available for you to earn extra

into Network Marketing…I NEVER looked back

income while focusing on your family, your

at a JOB again.

dreams and your goals. For those of you that are interested in an entrepreneurial lifestyle with the

When thinking of the possibilities, remember

benefit of a low start up cost, the network

one thing, opportunities are never missed, they

marketing industry could be the perfect avenue

are passed on to the person that is open and

for you.

ready for more.

I know you may have heard scary stories about

For those of you that decide the Network

this particular business path. Do not be fooled, a

Marketing industry is for you, here are a few key

lot of millionaires’ first business started in the

factors to help you decide if this is the perfect

network marketing industry. The skills learned

company for you:

and the money earned also allowed them to grow and develop BIGGER dreams for themselves. This

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BEST IN BUSINESS

NETWORK MARKETING

Know the company and what they stand for. I

guarantee. You want to make sure you can

suggest you carefully do your research of the

provide the best of the best to your clients

company to make sure you are aligned with their

with full confidence in your company’s brand.

core values and beliefs. You will become a brand

To narrow things down and keep it simple, ask

ambassador for this company so your own core

yourself these questions when opportunity

values and beliefs must be aligned with the

comes knocking on your door:

company’s.Find a company you believe in. A company that you are passionate about. You will

Is this something I am passionate about?

never be successful in any business, if you do not believe in the service or the product you provide.

Does it align with my core values?

Learn the compensation plan. Look to see if it is

Does it solve a problem for myself and others?

simple enough to follow. If you plan on earning top dollar in your company, you must understand

Will I share it with like-minded individuals?

how the money is divided out. This also prevents you from leaving money on the table. Check to

If you said yes to all of these things, I highly

see how simple the plan is to share with others

recommend you JUMP into that company and

without a lot of moving parts. The compensation

never look back.

plan should provide enough income for your likeness and any ground level distributor has the opportunity to come into the business earning profits immediately, with or without a team. Find out if your company provides proper training and marketing support. You will learn as

Latoya Griggs is a life enthusiast, inspirational speaker,

you go but it should not be rocket science to

transformational coach, and co-author of an Amazon

duplicate the Top Earners. The basic knowledge is to be a product of the product, then share that

bestseller book “Finally Free”. Living life with a zeal for seeing lives transformed through the freedom of health and wellness. Her sincere passion for vitality is at the

information with others. But you will also need a

center of all she does, as Latoya is reputed for her great

good foundation of learning how to share the

ability to aid women in their pursuit of wholeness,

basics and how to work their back office technical system.

through the power and execution of self-love. Latoya’s clients have experienced lives, once filled with exhaustion, irritability, and self-deprivation; evolve into a complete transformation of the soul. She is the owner of

Do you love the products or services? These items

the health and wellness company, Live Well With Latoya.

should be exclusive to your company only, high

You can connect with Latoya at:

quality, valuable and provide a buy-back

https://www.latoyacarr-griggs.com/

BEST IN BUSINESS

PAGE 14

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The Business of Safety: A Great Option for Entrepreneurship by Sheila Farr Damsel in Defense is a nationwide direct sales company based in Boise, Idaho, which sells personal self-defense products such as pepper spray and stun guns. Founded in 2011 by two strong-minded entrepreneurial women, Mindy Lin and Bethany Hughes, this one-of-akind network marketing company offers selfprotection devices that are sold primarily through hosted parties. I’m sure you’d agree: stun guns are a heckuva lot more entertaining than some other items sold through hosted parties, but you know what’s even more Another reason Margaret felt Damsel was a

shocking than being stunned?

great fit for her is, "They are a Christian based Damsel In Defense has an A+ rating from the

company. They give back part of our

Better Business Bureau – a rare feat for an MLM

proceeds to battered women and children, as

company.

well as helping to stop sex trafficking for children all over the world. Additionally,

Recently, I sat down with Independent Damsel

they teach women to say 'No'," says King, "as

Pro, Margaret King, to learn more about the

well as reminding women that it's OK to be a

business of safety and why she chose it!

survivor and fight back."

Margaret has been with Damsel since July of

Prior to joining Damsel, Margaret had many

2017.

rewarding jobs, including owning her own

She originally started offering their

products because she wanted to make a

business. "I was a retail merchandiser part-

difference in people's lives, and help them

time for Hallmark Cards, and I worked as a

protect themselves. Margaret is a 2A advocate

child welfare aid worker to help protect kids

but understands that not every female feels

and place them in loving family homes,"

comfortable carrying a firearm.

Margaret says. The business she owned was

So for her,

Damsel in Defense, and their full-line of

King's Balloon's & Helium, where she did

personal safety products, was a perfect fit!

parties for kids and supplied companies with balloons and helium, They also supplied bounce houses, water slides, and made balloon bouquets for holidays.

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BEST IN BUSINESS

Margaret says that while she's had many adventures in business throughout her life each very rewarding and educational - she really enjoys the business of safety and feels it is a great option for anyone looking to start a new business. Margaret declares, "It's a very rewarding company, with great family values and morals. It helps you overcome your own insecurities, as well as heals your heart every time you help someone protect themselves and their loved ones. The best investment in the world is in helping save a life. This has helped me get over some of my own life tragedies... I'm a survivor!" When asked what advice she would like to share with those considering a new business venture, she says, "Enjoy what you do, learn from your mistakes, and keep God with you. Margaret invites you connect with her by phone, email or at her company website. Margaret L. King (251) 425-7296 Email: styxriverdefenders20573@gmail.com Website: https://www.mydamselpro.net/mlking

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

BEST IN BUSINESS

PAGE 16

TALK BACK!

TALK BACK! Last month we asked you about creative ways you have used videos to market your business. Here's what you had to say...

"I've used videos of happy pets to promote my pet care business. Once potential customers see the love and fun I put into caring for their furry family members, it helps give them a sense of confidence and trust in me. I truly believe it helps when they can see the difference I make!" ~ Teresa B., Byron, GA~

"I'm a business coach, so for me, video is imperative! I want people to get to know me and trust me. The best way I've found is by sharing weekly videos. That way, my potential customers can see me, my characteristics, and get to know the real me. It might make some people change their minds, but I believe the people that are meant for me will find me better that way," ~ Cami T., Colorado Springs, CO ~

TALK BACK!

LET US HEAR FROM YOU! EMAIL US AT TRAINTHEGULFCOAST@GMAIL.COM TO SHARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU HAVE HAD AS AN ENTREPRENEUR. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR NAME, NAME OF YOUR BUSINESS, AND THE CITY/STATE IN WHICH YOU ARE LOCATED AND WE'LL SHARE YOUR COMMENTS IN OUR JANUARY ISSUE!

"Thank you, Best in Business, for bringing us current information that we can USE. Your flywheel marketing article was excellent!" ~ Christopher C., Buford, GA ~

BEST IN BUSINESS

PAGE 17

FEATURE

New Featured Contributor

LEARNING CURVE IS KEY TO BUSINESS SUCCESS

BY SHER GRAHAM

You started your business because you had the courage to take a risk to start the business-building process. Yet, there are moments when running a business may seem not what you envisioned it. And there are moments when your business is managing

you, not you managing your business. Welcome to the

choices I made that resulted in increased revenue, new service and product developments, client and consumer successes, creating a new level of confidence – despite the advice from others. Each time, there was also a learning curve.

life cycle of an entrepreneur. What are some of the learning curves that you as During your first five years, and sometimes longer, you will work more hours, be involved in more activities that may not lead to anywhere, think you are alone and the only one experiencing this thought, and feel as if you will never get anything done or move forward anywhere to see a profit.

a novice entrepreneur will experience? First, the gaps in your WRITTEN BUSINESS MODEL, not the one you have in your mind, will show themselves repeatedly, because you may have set expectations in your mind without really taking the time to understand and review what REALISTIC expectations should be. If you do not

Guess What? What you are experiencing is NORMAL!!! Each time you add a new product, fresh

have a written business plan, that is your first gap.

marketing strategy, new employee, innovative technology, or service, prepare to experience the learning curve in Planning 101. And remember millions of business owners around the world have been there before you, and millions will come after you.

Gap 1: Plan, Plan, Plan – Written Business Model! Take the time at the beginning of your business planning to write a business plan. Your first-year plan may be one page, but it will give you a roadmap to sustainability that equals success.

Expect to make mistakes, change direction in planning and tactical activities, create marketing materials or social media content that does not produce your anticipated results – learning each time what works and what not to do again. Expect to learn from your mistakes – repeatedly. Personally, I

The key to closing Gap 1 is to review your business model daily, weekly, and set timeframes for measurement evaluation. Flexibility to changing your business model tactics is the action to achieving realistic success with your Gap 1: Written Business Model.

have taken the journey of ‘265 ways of business choices’ (a take on Wendy’s old advertising campaign of ‘265 ways to eat a hamburger’!) during my 50 years of being an entrepreneur. And, yes, some choices I continued to make because I chose not to listen to my mentors or coaches. And, yes, some

Write a business plan!!!

PAGE 18

BEST IN BUSINESS

FEATURE

There will be learning curves in

What is the secret? Empowering you to

administrative organization and

manage your business and its growth

structure, creating profitable

success. My goal is for you to succeed

products/services, time management to

and to become successful in

obtain maximum goals/objective results,

product/services, financial profitability,

maintain a short-term and long-term

and set an example of how a successful

financial growth plan, technology and

business becomes sustainable and

software applications for your business,

successful from closing Gap 1: Written

marketing strategies that are cost-

Business Model.

effective and show return-oninvestment, internal business culture

Remember: “Everyone starts a business

utilizing personnel strengths and talents,

with passion, but not everyone starts it

and ability to create a business

with enough planning.”

management model that offers you as the CEO the ability to produce a sustainable life.

Sher Graham, CEO, Synergy Solutions Collab, Mobile, AL, is a business health communications strategist, coach, consultant, EVP of STUFF, international speaker and author, health advocate, and adventurer. Email her: synergytosoar@gmail.com. www.shergraham.com

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BEST IN BUSINESS

a little good news... SHARING GOOD NEWS AND EXCITING EVENTS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE!

Congratulations to author and publisher, Allison G. Daniels, on the upcoming release of "Empowered to Win, 3rd Edition! We'll be looking for her new book just after New Year's!

Watch for the release of "Cage Fight: Overcoming the Battle in Your Mind," on January 27, 2022. Best In Business Magazine Editor, Sheila Farr, is the visionary author of this project and it's guaranteed to be one you won't want to miss! Calling all entrepreneurs! The Boss Your Lane Conference is scheduled to begin February 2022, and the speaker call is now open. If you're interested in learning more, visit them at: www.speakatbosssummit.com

Congratulations to "Cage Fight" contributing author,

Cary-Ann Thomas on her recent promotion to Senior Master Sergeant

in the U.S. Air Force! Visionary author, Ashley Robertson, will be releasing her riveting anthology about the power of a positive mindset! Be on the lookout for "Mindshift Achievers," coming soon!

PAGE 20

BEST IN BUSINESS

NONPROFIT NEWS

EXCLUSIVE: NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

MISSISSIPPI HEROES: CELEBRATING EVERYDAY CAREGIVERS LIKE HEROES!

It takes a selfless person to take care of another.Mississippi Heroes has made it their mission to recognize, acknowledge, and celebrate professional and nonprofessional caregivers in Mississippi and beyond who choose to serve those in need on a daily, monthly, and annual basis. Situated along the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast, they are nonprofit organization who works hard to provide a guilt-free day of relaxation and fun that will allow caregivers to refresh, refocus, and rejuvenate their minds, bodies, and spirits so they can continue the invaluable service they provide to others. The results they hope to achieve are to have caregivers who receive opportunities to relieve stress, escape the routine, and receive appreciation for their selflessness. They work hard to make sure caregivers receive a little love and support to honor all they do each and every day.