W
May 2015
omen • Crafts • Fashion • Food • Health • Home • Life
Inside: • Money Management Tips • Toni Hogan • Body Sculpting • Dating after 50 Toni Hogan Jewelry Designer WOMEN MAY 2015
1
Enjoy This Edition
O
n Easter Sunday our Sunday School teacher, Carter Tucker, was reading from Luke about the death and resurrection of Jesus. He proposed the question, “Why do you think it was the Women who went to take care of Jesus’ body?” He went on to say, “You know, I don’t know what we would do without all the women in our church. They take care of so much: they teach, sing in the choir, take care of Vacation Bible School, take on leadership roles on many committees for our church. And that is just the tip of the iceberg of what they do.” As a woman, I sat back and agreed. Women then and now probably don’t get all the credit they deserve for all they do.
In Hart County, we have many fabulous women who are professionals, and many who volunteer endless hours. The title I like best is Mother. Inside this May edition of our WOMENS’ magazine, we have a great story about Toni Hogan who retired here and reinvented herself in a new career. She has followed a passion of making jewelry with pearls and leather. How much more southern can you get, women and pearls. Also there is a questionnaire on page 15 entitled “How well do you know your mother?” I sent this to my two sons and they had me pegged pretty good. It is amazing how much they really pick up on and know. We think they are not paying attention, but they are. I hope
you have fun with it. On page 13 we did an opinion poll about “What is your favorite thing your mother does for you?” We had some really good answers, but my favorite was from Troy Pickard. He said his mom made sweet tea. It just goes to show, those little things make a big difference. Troy, one of my favorite things my mother did is also in the food category. My mother made the best candied sweet potatoes. If you know of someone you think we should feature in our next edition, please let us know. We are always looking for great stories and our readers know them best. Peggy Vickery General Manager
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WOMEN is produced and developed by The Hartwell Sun 706-376-8025 Fax 706-376-3016 mhynds@thehartwellsun.com www.thehartwellsun.com Robert Rider, Publisher Mark Hynds, Editor Lauren Peeples, Staff Writer David Butler, Staff Writer Advertising Sales: Christine Blomberg Carole Byrum Ryan Shaffer Peggy Vickery, General Manager Design: Vickie Baskins Rachel Grosse
W
omen
Health
10 Body Sculpting
Life
5 Money management tips for young women
6 Toni Hogan
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2015 MAY WOMEN
inside
May 2015
13 Opinion Poll: What is your favorite thing your mother does for you?
14 Dating After 50: take chances, explore new relationships
15 Questionnaire: How well do you know your mother?
Cover: Toni Hogan, Jewelry Designer. Photo by Lauren Peeples
B arbara B rooks
• Long Term Care
Vol. 4, No. 1
Money management tips
$
for young women
Investing is something many young people have a tendency to overlook. Years ago, few young women gave much thought to how to invest their earnings, as many planned to stop working upon having children. But many young women now continue to work even after they start families, and that has led many to take more active roles in managing their money. Investing can be hard for anyone to grasp, whether they’re male, female, young, or old. The following are a few tips young women looking to grow their finances should consider as they begin their careers and start building their financial futures. • Start saving for retirement. Young women working their first jobs may not be thinking about retirement, but it’s still beneficial to take advantage of employer-sponsored retirement programs as soon as they are eligible. If no such program exists, start contributing to a retirement account you set up on your own. If you start saving for retirement right away, you won’t miss the money you are depositing into your retirement accounts. But delaying
retirement savings can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on how long you wait to open an account. When investing for retirement, take an active role, monitoring how certain investments are performing and making changes when necessary. Many people, especially young people, choose 401(k) investments and then stop monitoring them. The more attention you pay to your retirement investments, the more control you can take over your financial future. • Look into local real estate.
Real estate is often a wise investment, and successful young women need not wait until they walk down the aisle to get their feet wet in the real estate market. Research home costs in your area, including single-family homes and condominiums. If you can afford to do so, consider purchasing a home rather than renting an apartment. If you have enough money saved up for a down payment, your monthly mortgage payment may not be much different than your monthly rent, especially if you are willing to take in a room-
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mate to cover your costs. • Use credit wisely. Many young people, regardless of gender, find themselves facing large amounts of consumer credit debt. Young women can avoid such a fate by only using their credit cards when they know they can afford to pay off the balance immediately. It’s important that young women start building their credit histories, but building a bad credit history is more detrimental than having a limited credit history. Resist the urge to engage in retail therapy unless you can pay for items in cash. Using credit wisely now will make you more attractive to lenders down the road, and that can save you thousands of dollars in interest on substantial purchases like homes and automobiles. • Pay down debts. One of the best ways to achieve financial freedom is to pay down existing debts. Focus first on eliminating high-interest debt, such as credit card balances, and then move on to fixed-rate or low-interest debt, such as student loans. The sooner you eliminate debt, the more financial flexibility you will have.
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WOMEN MAY 2015
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Toni Hogan
“It is never too
late to be what you want to be.” By Lauren Peeples Staff writer
That is the motto that Hart County resident Toni Hogan credits for her success in starting a business that has brought her overwhelming fulfillment. At age 54, Hogan became an entrepreneur starting Coastal Design and Creations by Toni Hogan, her own jewelry making business. Now 57, Hogan is selling her jewelry 6
2015 MAY WOMEN
throughout the United States from her Lake Hartwell home. “Starting my business has given me so much more confidence in myself. If I can start and grow a business at 54, I can do anything,” said Hogan. “There is no task too big that I will not attempt.” Hogan attended Athens Technical College. For 20 years, Hogan worked as a nurse in Atlanta in areas of orthopedics, cardiology and
the emergency room. Her current business is not the first endeavor she has embarked on. In the late 1980s, Hogan operated an arts and crafts store for three years. “I eventually had to go back to nursing for financial reasons, but I have always had a love for this,” said Hogan. The idea for Coastal Design
and Creations was born in 2012 when she and her husband, John, were visiting shops at a Florida beach. “I saw this pearl and leather necklace at one of the most popular boutiques there. I wanted it so much, but it was $350. Wanting that necklace, but not wanting to pay that much is what got me going,”
recalls Hogan. “I thought a lot of other women probably want the same things, but can’t afford it either. When I returned home, I thought, I can make that and offer affordable prices to other women.” That is when Hogan began to research jewelry making. Her first creation was similar to the one she had admired at that beachside boutique. Today, she markets that piece for $48. “Starting a business is all about trial and error. Seek advice from others and network. People are willing to help you if you ask,” said Hogan. She began shopping for deals on pearls, beads and leather. “I googled tutorials on how to hand knot leather, make closures, whatever I could find. There was a lot of trial and error, but it came so naturally to me. I even had my husband drilling pearls before I found
the right ones to use,” laughs Hogan. The same year, Hogan officially opened for business. She describes her jewelry style as beach inspired and blended into southwestern and southern charm. “My main line is freshwater pearls and leather. I have branched out into a boho look, lots of turquoise, semiprecious gemstones, beads, charms, arrowheads and now have a new equestrian look,” describes Hogan. “I think the uniqueness of my creations is that not a lot of people are making the kind of creations I do. I will some-
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times only make three of one particular piece so that it is special. Women do not like to meet themselves coming down the road. We like to feel
special and wear something no one else has. I choose only the best pearls, beads, leather and charms. I’m picky.” Hogan admits she is a shy person which made the initial marketing of her jewelry a challenge. “It was hard for me to walk in a store and ask if they’d like to carry my line, but I decided to walk in Foothills Outfitters in Hartwell and talk to owner Jahree Koenig. Without hesitation, she placed a large order and still carries it today. That move gave me the confidence to approach other stores,” recalls Hogan. “Soon after, I was in Chatuea Élan Winery, then Winnie J’s Boutique in LavoContinued to page 8
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Continued from page 7 nia. I now have a lot of pieces at The Pink Angel Boutique in Sandy Springs and Stylette in Hartwell.” Hogan sells at the Mistletoe Market each year, the Antique Boat Festival and two shows a year in Panama City Beach, Fla., as well as on Facebook and Instagram with a large following throughout the U.S. “The thing I enjoy the most
my faithful customers,” said Hogan. “This business has enabled me to meet so many people who I probably wouldn’t have otherwise. Someone will tell me they saw someone wearing a necklace and they immediately knew it was my creation. It humbles me because all I’m doing is what I love.” Typically, Hogan works a seven-day work week. She awakes at 5 a.m. each morning and is in her shop by 6 a.m. “Each piece is different. It can take several hours on some of the leather and pearl pieces, to 20 minutes on a stringed bracelet. I work very hard at what I do and take it serious, although to me, it’s very rewarding and
is when someone purchases a piece I’ve made and how it makes them feel. It warms my heart for someone to say, ‘I just love what I bought and your prices are so reasonable.’ I have regular customers that come to my house and they call it a ‘Toni Fix’. I just love it. I am very thankful for
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pleasurable,” said Hogan. “I visit my stores on a regular basis, keep inventory fresh and turned over. I am usually in the bead warehouses every week looking for the newest and most unusual findings. My vendors I deal with know me well and what I like.” Hogan said she comes from a creative family. Her grandmother was a master at beading and repurposing dolls, handbags, ornaments and clothes. Her aunt is a juried artist in Arizona and works with Indian and southwest flair. “My mom was a jewelry lover and never went anywhere without her baubles. She was so proud of my starting this company and was able to see a little of the success before passing away from Alzheimer’s in 2013. My mom and I were always ‘jewelry junkies’ together,” said Hogan. “My dad has been a great supporter as well. He advocates for me everywhere he goes and is always sharing pictures of my work with everyone. He comes to the shows I participate in and helps out a lot. My dad always said, ‘If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life’. This has proven to be true for me.” Hogan and her husband John, who
she credits as her biggest supporter, are natives of Atlanta. The couple moved to Hart County in 2004. They wanted to live on the lake and closer to her parents who
lived in Greenville, S.C. “We didn’t know a soul here, but feel as though we’ve known everyone forever. We’ve made such great friends in the community and in church. We truly can’t imagine living anywhere else,” said Hogan. Faith is a very important aspect of Hogan’s life. She attends Mount Olivet Baptist Church. “My faith-based pieces are important to me. I once had a lady ask me, ‘Didn’t I think crosses had gone out of style?’ I said no, I don’t think crosses ever go out of style,” said Hogan. A firm believer of pay-it-forward, Hogan hosts monthly giveaways of her jewelry on her Facebook and Instagram pages. For other women who are hesitate about taking the leap into establishing their own business, Hogan encourages them to believe in themselves. “Get rid of any doubts. That’s what held me back. Let it all go and start knocking on doors,” said Hogan. “If there is something you have a passion for, then go for it. If you have a love for it, then chances are someone else will, too.”
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Body Sculpting Bell Family YMCA body sculpting instructor Patty Norman
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Continued from page 11 15 with my older brother and have continued ever since,” said Norman. “It has given me superior muscle shape and tone, flexibility, balance, metabolic increase, strength, cardio conditioning and self-esteem. It makes me feel good in mind, body and spirit.” Following seven years in the class, Jenny Delson said the exercise has increased her energy level. “I enjoy the community spirit of a class setting and we have an awesome teacher in Patty,” said Delson. Judy Crowding has been taking the class for more than eight years. “I do it just to stay in shape. I walk every day, but this exercise improves my upper body strength,” said Crowding, 75. “Age really doesn’t matter in this class.” Depending on the season, work and school schedules,
six to 10 participants attend an average class. Participants range in age from 20 to 75. Since she started teaching the class, Norman said she has received positive feedback on gained strength, balance, endurance and weight loss. “I would encourage others to participate to simply take control of your health, build stronger muscles, increase your metabolism which helps in turn for weight loss,” said Norman. “This type of workout burns far more than cardio only workouts. With body sculpting, you receive a cardio and fat burning workout. We have not only built stronger bodies, but mind, soul and friendships.” Classes are held from 1-2 p.m., Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Bell Family YMCA located at 281 Opal Street Extension in Hartwell. For more information, call 706-856-9622.
The Hartwell Sun asked a few of its readers.....
What is your favorite thing your mother does for you?
“She makes sweet tea and she is always there for us, my sisters, Keeley Pickard and Kimberly Evans.” Troy Pickard, son of Wendy Pickard
“She always takes me to my softball games and I love her fried chicken.” Jasmine Vilchiz, daughter of Cynthia Vilchiz
“She cooks for me.”
“I love her cooking.”
Corbin Robertson, son of Erica Robertson
Raven Rowe, daughter of Gwyneth Rowe
“She takes good care of me. She gives me tender, love and care.”
“Her cooking, she took good care of me with lots of love and many blessings.”
Brenda Xoxocotla, daughter of Felix Xoxocotla
Garey Burton, son of Jo Neill Burton
Ladies Golf Join the Hartwell Ladies Golf Association! Sam C Grizzle
W e w e l co m e a l l The last Tuesday of l a dy go l f e rs the month we play a re ga rdl e ss o f 9 hole lauderdale a ge o r a bil ity . followed by lunch.
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WOMEN MAY 2015
13
Dating after
50:
take chances, explore new relationships
Sweaty palms, heart palpitations and nervousness are common first date symptoms. Many people can remember the feelings of excitement and fear they felt the first time they went out on a date as a teenager. But those who find themselves back in the dating pool as mature adults quickly learn that dating jitters still may be present even after all this time. Recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau finds that those over the age of 50 are now divorcing at double the rate of younger people. Loss of a spouse is another reason the over 50 crowd may once again be dabbling in dating. Recent reports say that 40 percent of online daters today are over the age of 50. Successfully navigating the waters of matchmaking sites or oldfashioned meet-and-greets means reacquainting oneself with a few handy tips. • Don’t open up with your extended history. Older daters have more life experiences and potentially a greater number of past relationships. Recognize that you both may bring former spouses and even children to the table, but
don’t feel the need to delve into all of your adventures (or misadventures) on the first date. Early dates are not for setting the entire course of your relationship. They’re for getting acquainted and seeing if this is a relationship you want to continue. Getting too personal right off the bat can sabotage a relationship before it starts. • Take it slow. There’s no need to rush anything along. Biological clocks or perceived societal notions no longer may be causing pressing relationship deadlines. Take the first
date and any other subsequent dates at a pace that’s mutually agreed upon. It may take months to years before all of your truths come out, but for now focus on having fun until you’re both ready to share. more • Look for the positives. Before you decide a person is not for you, make a note of all of his or her positive attributes. What do you like most about him or her? Initial negativity or doubts may stem from your fear of rejection. Be open to others who may not fit your type.
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• Don’t get discouraged. The person you first meet may not be the right fit. Don’t let this turn you off of dating. The right person may be the next one around the corner. • Meet in public places. Many dates begin with online conversations with the intention to meet for a physical date later on. Always keep safety in mind when setting a rendezvous with someone you don’t know well. Choose a public meeting spot, such as a busy restaurant. Ask a friend to check in on you via phone call. Consider a double-date if you’re weary. Take your own car and meet at the date location rather than being picked up at home. • Wait for intimacy. It may take a while before you feel comfortable getting intimate with someone new. This person should respect your feelings and not pressure you into a physical relationship until you are both ready. Also, give the other person time to grow comfortable with intimacy. Dating after 50 means taking chances, going slow and exploring new relationship possibilities that make you feel comfortable.
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How well do you know your mother? Find out by taking this quiz. See how much you know about your mother, from her habits to her interests to her likes and dislikes.
1. 2. 3. 4.
What does your mom do first thing in the morning? Last thing at night? What is your mom’s favorite color? What color are your mom’s eyes? Her hair? What does your mom do for a living? Where has she worked, and what was her most favorite job? 5. Does your mom support any causes? Which is the most near and dear to her heart? 6. What does your mom like to do for fun? 7. What is your mom’s favorite book? TV show? Movie? 8. What kind of music does your mom like? Who is her favorite artist? 9. What is your mom’s favorite flower? Food? Saying? 10. What are you planning for your mom this Mother’s Day?
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