Her Magazine February 2018

M A G A Z I N E February 2018

You are loved

Local woman leads drive to help disadvantaged youth

INSIDE: Man Panel | Raid Our Closet | Coach Chris | Turning 40 | Nutrition | NEW FEATURE: Date Night

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Her — February 2018

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Contact Her Mackenzie Tewksbury | Editor | 329-9585 Elizabeth Semple | Advertising | 329-9513 Jason Scott | Designer Email: tellher@reflector.com Her magazine is published by The Daily Reflector and Cooke Communications of North Carolina.

On the cover

Liz Liles, founder of Daughters of Worth, signs and seals an envelope as part of the Notes of Hope initiative.

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Meet Her

12

This is 40

22

Women's March

Meet Her

8 A brand new life

Girl Power

12 This is 40 22 March on Washington: One year later

Food

18 Nutrition

Inside 15 16 20 21 24 26

Puzzles Man Panel Raid Our Closet Coach Chris Her Date Night Style File

From the editor omen are powerful.

There isn’t a shadow of a doubt in my mind about that.

Across the globe, women do spectacular things. They are social activists.

They are engineers. They are scientists.

They are artists. They are politicians.

You name it, they’ve done it.

And right here in Pitt County, they do absolutely incredible things, as well.

That’s where the inspiration for this issue comes from. I was inspired by women in the community who stand up for themselves; who are confident, strong and powerful. I was inspired by women who have seen pain and heartache and transformed it into love for others.

Read about our cover woman Liz Liles, a Greenville resident who spends most of her day pouring love into teen girls hearts and giving them another chance at a life filled with love.

Also, it’s been a year since thousands of women marched for equality in Washington D.C., and we sat down with an East Carolina University professor and Greenville resident to talk about her experience at the march, where we’ve come since then and where we are going next.

Christina Ruotolo brings you “This is 40,” a reflection of her upcoming 40th birthday.

Also in this issue you’ll find some Valentine’s Day treats — raid our closet for your perfect night out. And we’re debuting a new feature: “Her Date Night.” It’s a creative idea for the perfect date, and this month’s feature is Wine and Design. And then check out the Man Panel for some sweet romance or an easy laugh.

Meet our team Mackenzie is the editor of Her and Mixer magazines and a loving mother to a rescue pup named Ficklen. She is also a band T-shirt collector, coffee shop conneisseur and die-hard Pirate fan.

Mackenzie Tewksbury Editor

Juliette Cooke Photographer

Rick Glosson Illustrator

Alan Skirnick Contributor

www.reflector.com/her

Molly is a recent RCC photo grad, Carolina Panthers fan and cat enthusiast. Her favorite thing to photograph is sports.

Molly Mathis Photographer

Rick Glosson is a graphic designer for Her Magazine and The Daily Reflector. He grew up in Fayetteville and has been in Greenville since he came to attend ECU. He adores his wife and is father to three amazing adult children. He loves reading, painting watercolors and having coffee with friends.

Alan Skirnick is an advertising executive, Mixer contributor, and content creator on YouTube. When he isn't marveling and swooning over his cat, he enjoys a good video game and overanalyzing TV shows and albums.

Robin Tant is the nutrition director for the Pitt County Health Department.

— editor

Jason Scott Layout

Juliette Cooke is a photographer for The Daily Reflector and Her and Mixer magazines. She is also a loving mother to her rescue lab, Molly.

Thanks for reading!

Mackenzie Tewksbury

Jason is the graphic designer for Her Magazine and Greenville: Life in the East and a proud dad. His dislikes are numerous but include jazz, cold coffee and anything Kardashian.

Robin Tant Contributor

Her — February 2018

Christina is an advertising account executive, Her Magazine contributor and Hot Dish writer for The Daily Reflector; a Barnes & Noble bookseller; and an adjunct writing instructor. When not working, Christina enjoys bubble baths, drinking wine, cooking, eating and getting lost in the wonChristina Ruotolo derful world of reading. Reach Contributor her at cruotolo@reflector.com.

Christy Jones, also known as Coach Chris, is a Greenville life and business coach. Contact her at coachchris4success@gmail.com or www. coachchriscompany.com.

Christy Jones Contributor

An organic gardener of 20 years, Kimberly is enthusiastic about nutrition and seeks to encourage healthy lifestyles through education. To ask her questions or get advice about horticultural projects, email her at growinginspiration.nc@ Kimberly Newsom gmail.com.

Contributor

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TOTAL ACCESS

Offer includes daily access to electronic edition. Offer valid to households without an active subscription. Mail subscriptions excluded. Payment for services must be applied prior to start of subscription. NC sales tax and fees apply. Any past due balance may be deducted prior to subscription starting. The Daily Reflector reserves the right to refuse service to any customer. Offer expires 2/15/18. Contact Customer Care at (252)329-9505 or customercare@nccooke.com.

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Her — February 2018

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Her — February 2018

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MEET

A brand new life Nonprofit breathes love, hope into young girls hearts

By Mackenzie Tewksbury mtewksbury@reflector.com

he traded in a life riddled with pain, heartbreak and negativity for a whole new world — one filled with love, passion and service to others.

That's Liz Liles' story, and with a cup of coffee in one hand, daily planner in the other, the Greenville resident decided to give her life to young girls who needed it most with the foundation of an organization called Daughters of Worth.

“Fifteen years ago, I began with a prayer that my life would count. I prayed a prayer that every single day my life would count for more than me and more than my community,” Liles said.

Daughters of Worth formed in 2015 after a meeting at a coffee shop with a group of women. It's a nonprofit with a distinct vision: empowering young women to be strong influences in their community. It started with only a few girls and monthly mentor meetings. Now, two years and

▲ Liles is surrounded by Notes of Hope as she spills her heart into a card for a girl who needs a boost of confidence.

Also pictured is a framed card decorat-

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ed by one of the girls Liles mentors.

This isn't an unfamiliar scene for Liles

— she often finds herself with chunky jewelry, Sharpie in hand, writing words of encouragement to young girls.

nearly 100 girls later, Liles digs into her heart — a seemingly bottomless pot of gratitude and service — and pours love into girls hearts in an effort to show them that despite all, they are treasured, worthy and special.

“One girl was homeless, one of girls was going to sleep at night with a knife under her pillow.

There were so many different stories. In those moments, you realize, you can't go in and fix their lives, you can't fix the schools, the bullying, the home atmosphere, but what if we can do something to counteract it?” Liles said.

Counteracting those hardships is no easy feat, and that is made certain by the hours of service Liles continuously devotes to the organization. A movement growing with each passing day, she pours her heart and soul into these girls through a three-pronged approach: mentoring, educating and empowering.

Liles and a group of women hold a monthly mentor session for the girls to voice what’s on their hearts — anything from friends, boys, music and art to theology — while also discussing character development and completing service www.reflector.com/her

projects. The organization is starting a fundraising project to create scholarship funds, an effort to educate and equip.

And finally, empowerment — giving the girls the power to be whatever they want to be in life.

“I think girl power for me is being confident in who you are. One of the things I teach the girls is we are all growing.

Whether you are 5 or 95, you have something to give this world. Girl power is not defining yourself by the past mistakes of failures, but rather learning from them and showing others that there is light and hope,” Liles said.

The nonprofit quickly began to grow, reaching more and more girls. Liles knew she had to do something to expand her umbrella of hope, but getting face-to-face with all of them was nearly impossible. Thus began the “Notes of Hope” initiative. What began in 2016 with 12 girls and one school now reaches 170 girls a month in 11 schools and a three-county wide footprint.

Daughters of Worth partnered with schools in Pitt County, Beaufort County and Martin County to identify young girls who needed just a bit of a confidence

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booster. Once a month, Liles and a support you, encourage you and do er to pain and heartache — and group of women take pen to paper life with you, as long as you want us perhaps that's why she has so much to produce quite literally, hand to,” Liles said. love to give. written notes of hope. On colorful, Liles also serves at the director of “I think it comes from a place of a whimsical cards that read “You The Blind Center in Beaufort County, lot of pain. It comes from knowing are loved,” “You were created for she's a fiance and a mother. In between what it's like to question if you are excellence” or “You are a gift to this rushing one child to practice and the valuable, if you are loved, if you are world,” the women worthy. It comes from spill a little piece a lot of deep wounds. of their heart onto “You can absorb Fifteen years ago, I began with a prayer that my or consume yourself the paper, in hopes to show a strugfrom the pain, or you life would count. I prayed a prayer that every gling young girl she single day my life would count for more than me can say here are all the is treasured. The pieces of my life that I and more than my community. notes are then hand can't fix, so what can delivered to each I do? I can take that girl at school, free of story, and I can take charge. other to school, she'll find the time to those pieces, and I can give them to Liles knows there is no one-size read or write — another one of her someone else.” fits-all solution to mend the broken passions.

Liles aims to give these young hearts, but hopes she can be the first “My life is crazy. It's wide open. My girls another vision of what life step in the direction of healing, love life is full. Right now in this moment, I could be like — an opportunity to and happiness. am the most joy filled and content that trade in a life filled with pain and “This is not a quick fix. It's a reI have ever been in my life.” heartbreak for a life full of love — lationship. We are here to love you, But, Liles said she is no strangjust like she once did.

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Her — February 2018

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Her — February 2018

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40 THIS IS

entertainment

I

By Christina Ruotolo

cruotolo@reflector.com

n just a few shorts weeks, I’ll be turning 40. I’m actually excited to start this new exciting chapter of my life. Looking back on the past 39 years, I laugh, cry, feel warmth and comfort and smile reliving all the beauty that resided in those years. When thinking of each decade, I automatically thought of the songs that were fixtures in each decade bringing more meaning to my growing storybook of life. Here is my ode to the past three decades in song.

Think about the songs, memories and things you learned that helped bring you to this day and embrace them.

TEENS Graduation by Vitamin C “As we go on We remember All the times we Had together And as our lives change Come whatever We will still be Friends Forever”

CHILDHOOD Seasons in the Sun by Terry Jacks “Together we've climbed hills and trees Learned of love and ABC's Skinned our hearts and skinned our knees…

We had joy, we had fun We had seasons in the sun But the hills that we climbed Were just seasons out of time”

Childhood is a magical time when fairies and unicorns are real and our life was guided by sunshine and stars. Growing up, we develop our personality and learn right from wrong. We fall, cry, get back up and keep going. We learn our ABCs, manners, laugh loud and sleep long. This is the time for memories to be made and built in our internal photo album. My childhood was idyllic. I grew up in a time before cell phones and the internet. I listened to Madonna on my Walkman and watched VHS tapes. I remember helping daddy grow prize-winning roses, teaching our gray parrot to say my name, climbing the oak tree in the front yard, roller skating around the dining room table, making sandcastles at the beach, climbing mountains, performing ballet and having epic snowball fights. The most important thing to remember about childhood is the magic. Hold onto the memories and let them wash over you as you live the rest of your life. Take lots of pictures so you can look back in the filled albums of your life and smile.

The first decade rocked and helped shape me for the next phase — being a teenager. www.reflector.com/her

The age between 10-19 years old can be an extremely difficult time for many teenagers, myself included. It’s the time we come into our own, grow our convictions and find our voice. We have to deal with our ever changing emotions as we move toward adulthood. We also have to attend the dreaded high school where we have to deal with a whole new set of issues. On top of paying attention and looking toward a future in college, you have to figure out what career path you want to take in life. You will also fall in love and then out of love again as quickly as your teenage emotions. The best part was making lifelong friends that will be there for you for years to come. Being a teenager for me was unique and eventful and I was glad when it was over. It was then that I felt like I was free more to pursue my dreams outside the fish bowl of high school. I hope you look back on your teenage years and smile, or cringe at how high your bangs were and know that the difficulty or happiness of it was all worth it.

20s Girls Just Want To Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper “I come home in the morning light My mother says when you gonna live your life right Oh mother dear we're not the fortunate ones And girls they wanna have fun Oh girls just want to have fun ‘

Thank goodness high school is over. Once you hit your 20s, it feels like a big dance party. Some go to college, others start their careers and continue to grow, learn and enjoy the beauty that is young adult-

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hood. I had to start paying my own bills, learning to manage money which is still a work in progress and I decided what I wanted to be when I grew up. College was amazing, and I learned more than just what I read in textbooks. I started waitressing and while toasting bread and pouring coffee, I learned the art of conversation, how to have compassion, grace and patience.

I also made mistakes, learned from them and when I was depressed or unhappy, I turned to my friends, turned up the music and danced away the bad with or without a margarita on hand. The most important thing that happened to me was I met my soulmate and I knew I would be with him forever, so this time will always be precious to me. The most important

There are times in your life when you are tested.

Life throws you curve balls, more like fireballs, and you have to make your way through the storm of it without getting hurt. My 30s were the most difficult times in my life, but at the same time, the most valuable. The hard lessons learned in life do not have to harden our souls, but soften our hearts. They stretch our thinking and our understanding. During my 30s my mom died, my father died 111 days later and I lost a few babies. All of this fire did not make me crumble, it strangely built me up and made me take more risks and fight more for my beliefs. During this time, I lost my faith in the good, but over time with healing and writing, I found my faith was renewed. It never left me, just like my parents. Death is not the end, it is the beginning of a new way of life and during my 30s, I realized this. I defended my masters thesis, and found a job I love. Just like Miley Cyrus says in her song, “Keep on moving, keep climbing, keep the faith baby.”

I CAN’T WAIT FOR 40. The song I choose for this next decade is Fight Song by Rachel Platen: “This is my fight song Take back my life song Prove I'm alright song My power's turned on Starting right now I'll be strong I'll play my fight song And I don't really care if nobody else believes 'Cause I've still got a lot of fight left in me”

things to do during this exploration and adaptation phase in life is to exercise regularly, eat healthy, floss daily, don’t spend money you don’t have and don’t sweat the small stuff. Once I graduated and moved my tassel, I was ready to take with me all I learned into my next chapter. What things do you remember most fondly about young adulthood? What does the memory album in your head look like?

30s The Climb by Miley Cyrus “There's always gonna be another mountain I'm always gonna wanna make it move Always gonna be an uphill battle Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose Ain't about how fast I get there Ain't about what's waiting on the other side It's the climb”

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I’m not going to let my 30s define me either. I’m going to embrace my wrinkles, new gray hairs and extra pounds that have made a new home on my hips. During these next 10 years, let’s love ourselves more, laugh more, sleep more, feel more and smile more. Take yoga, climb a mountain, eat cake, go to a foreign country, learn a new language, try a new food. Don’t hold onto the past, look at it, reminisce about it and move on.

I will tell each day and adventure as they come and know I am blessed to wake up every day.

I give thanks for the many blessings and life lessons I have endured. I have a plaque at my house that sums up the past 39 years that will take me through the next 39: “Sometimes, you have to jump and build your wings on the way down.” Now about those wings! Here's to my next 40!

Her — February 2018

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CLUES ACROSS 1. Methaqualone pill (slang) 5. Religious service 9. Woodland gods (Greek myth.)

11. “Where Is My Mind?” rockers 13. Deliberately contrary states of affairs 15. Inflection of the voice 16. “Great Expectations” character 17. Becomes a butterfly 19. Spoke 21. Tennis player Sharapova 22. Midway between northeast and east 23. Afrikaans 25. No instruction set computing 26. Pacific Standard Time 27. Relaxing places 29. Confiscates 31. Gladys Knight’s fellow performers 33. Witnesses 34. Taking place in a series 36. Satisfy 38. Freshwater fish of N. America 39. Laments 41. “Girls” creator Dunham 43. Indian title of respect 44. Cocoa plum 46. Network of nerve cells 48. Link together in a chain 52. Cool 70s crew “The __ Squad” 53. Persons engaging in energetic pursuits 54. Accumulation of glacial debris 56. Fastened 57. A cotton fabric with a satiny finish 58. Whiskey and bread are two 59. Scottish tax

CLUES DOWN 1. Rope used to lasso 2. Idyllic places 3. Field force unit 4. Guitar great Clapton 5. Slang for type of skirt 6. Figure skating jump 7. Innocent 8. Mathematical ratio 9. Slowly drinks 10. Line where edges meet 11. Offices of the pope 12. Dry or withered 14. “__ the Man” Musical 15. Difficult situations 18 Greek goddess of discord 20. Marked by smartness in dress and manners 24. Habitat 26. Annoy constantly 28. Full of life 30. Great energy 32. BBQ and soy are two 34. Virtuous 35. Not fatty 37. Foes 38. Merchandiser 40. Dishonest scheme 42. Repents 43. Protective crust 45. Native American people 47. Any place of bliss or delight 49. Bring up 50. Birds 51. Geological times 55. Consumed

Level: Advanced Puzzle solutions on page 19

man panel

By Christina Ruotolo cruotolo@reflector.com

Describe Valentine’s Day in three words.

I asked our trusty Her Magazine Man Panel to describe Valentine’s Day in three words without using the word love or romantic. Our man panel consisted of men ranging in age from 2767. Some answers are heartwarming, others hilarious and most painfully honest.

Terry Fredrick, 56

Christian Carraway, 31 Ben Whitaker, 45

Kevin Rust, 37

Dustin Miller, 36

James Mauser, 42

Gary Hamm, 40 16

Her — February 2018

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Anthony Thorne, 34

John Baltaro, 27

Stephen Burgess, 38

Darth Vader, Old

John Hinson, 47

Anthony Rinaldi, 64

Dr. Richard Baltaro, 67

David Gilbert, 35 www.reflector.com/her

Her — February 2018

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Be a Healthy

Valentine!

hile Valentine’s Day can be a time to tempt your loved ones with candies and chocolates, there are other ways to have a happy, healthy Valentine’s Day and keep it sweet.

February is also National Heart Month, so what a great time to start!

Spend time with your valentine by cooking a special, homemade meal together. This gives you a chance to experiment with new recipes and ingredients. You are also more likely to be aware of the amount of saturated fat and sodium you are using. When planning, keep these simple tips in mind. Select leaner cuts of meat and reduced fat options. Try fresh ingredi18

ents instead of prepared ones (such as lemon or garlic) or try new herbs and seasonings such as sage, rosemary or cumin. There are so many varieties and blends available. And, don’t forget your veggies! Mix it up and try something “new” with an “old” favorite.

For example, try grilled asparagus with lemon or green beans with a twist using scallions or radishes.

If you do have a sweet tooth, try fruits dipped in chocolate (such as strawberries or pineapple) or a fruit salad with light whipped cream. If you really want that sweet dessert, try sharing it with your valentine! You might find that you don’t feel as stuffed.

Her — February 2018

Keep it moving on Valentine’s Day! Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day five days a week as a general goal. Use this special day to take time to engage in other activities. Instead of going to the movies, take a walk through a nearby park or nature center. Or, use this time to take a day trip, stopping at unique places and attractions along the way!

It’s time to take care of Your Heart and…Your Valentine!

For more heart healthy tips, visit: www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/HealthyEating/HealthyDietGoals/Heart-Healthy-ValentinesDay-Tips_UCM_322023_Article.jsp#.

WjqSM02ov3g. www.reflector.com/her

Valentine’s Day Strawberry Parfait Makes 4 servings Adapted from: http://www.cooks.com/recipe/3y9ip74v/berry-parfait.html

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pints strawberries • 2 cups light whipped cream • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Directions:

• Chop 1 cup of berries.

• Combine 1 cup of the whipped cream, the chopped berries and extract.

• Spoon into four dessert glasses.

• Slice remaining strawberries; arrange around rims of glasses.

• Garnish with remaining whipped cream.

• Chill 1 hour.

Nutrition Information: Calories-128; Carbohydrates-19 grams; Total Fat-5 grams; Protein-2 grams; Sodium-28 mg

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Her — February 2018

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Raid our closet

style

COZY AND CHIC

These details are simple yet stylish; cozy but trendy. The red sweater makes for the ideal Valentine’s Day date — whether that’s a romantic night out or a comfy night in with your man. Either way you spend it, you are sure to impress.

The sweater and jeans combo can be dressed up or dialed down — up to you!

Pair the adorable floppy hat with the purse and boots to complete the look.

Any of these details stand out to you? If you assemble your own Valentine’s Day look using these trends, be sure to share your style and tag #HerRaidOurCloset on social media!

▲

WB floppy hat: $23.99

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Mudpie turtle neck sweater: $59.99

Blowfish Malibu boots: $39.99

Articles of Society jeans: $62.99

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Bag: $39.99

All available at Shimmer boutique in Winterville.

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Her — February 2018

www.reflector.com/her

“Just a big piece of skin” advice I was having a conversation with my 9 year old daughter, Christiana not too long ago and we were talking about the problem with racism. Honestly, there are times when I wish she knew nothing about these kinds of issues but unfortunately, the day in which we live now, there are still a lot of social ills that plague our community, society and world at large. It is hard not to have these kinds of conversations. Well, during this one conversation, she made a very profound statement that has resounded within me constantly. She said, “Mommy, it’s really silly to fight over color because we are all just a big piece of skin.” Such a simple yet amazing perspective.

My 9 year old identified the fact that racism is a product of luxury (as my Pastor Bishop Rosie O’neal of Koinonia Christian Center Church so often dewww.reflector.com/her

By Christy Jones Her Contributor

scribes). In other words, let something tragic happen and someone who you maybe thought was inferior because of the color of their skin reaches out to help save you, racism will silently go out of the door! Why? Because you will realize that ultimately, we are all just a big piece of skin.

It saddens me that my baby girl must grow up in a world where there is so much hatred spewing out of so many mouths all because of pigmentation in skin. It truly has become a big epidemic that ultimately can be solved if we all concluded that we are really all the same. In every culture, in every color, if we will come to the bottom line — we are all just a big piece of skin, the world would be a brighter place.

I want to challenge you this month to remember that love is what will cause

Her — February 2018

the scales to fall from our eyes. Love is what will cause us to see things for what they really are and how they really should be. Hatred and racism will never be able to give quality or quantity to life but love can cover a multitude of systemic inequality. It is love that makes the world go around, not all the other stuff that keeps us from developing deep relationships with each other.

So, the next time you are tempted to look at someone who is differently colored than you, remember the conversation between me and my 9 year old baby girl and repeat her words, “We are all just a big piece of skin!”

Until next time, have an incredible month and do something great!

Christy Jones, also known as "Coach Chris," is a Greenville life and business coach. Contact her at coachchris4success@gmail.com.

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WOMEN'S MARCH on WASHINGTON Thousands of women marched for equality

By Alan Skirnick askirnick@reflector.com

ast January, roughly 500,000 individuals raised their voices in unison in support — marching together in what would be called the Women’s March on Washington. Jan. 21 marked a march heard 'round the world — quite literally — as there were nearly 700 marches worldwide. Somewhere in the sea of pink hats, clever signs and “nasty women” marching together was Dr. Andrea Kitta, professor, folklorist and director of graduate studies at the department of English at East Carolina University. I had the honor and pleasure to sit down with Dr. Kitta, my former professor, and get her thoughts about the march and where we’ve gone since then.

How did you hear about the event?

“I know I definitely heard about it online. I heard that there was going to be a Women’s March on Washington 22

and I thought it was cool. [When it first happened] I just didn’t think that I would be going; I just figured it would be too crazy and hard to get to. I knew of some people that were going and it was this whole idea of, 'Oh maybe we’ll get a van and go' — and then it turned into three buses.”

What was the nail in the coffin of you going?

There were so many nails in the coffin. I wanted to do it because it was a really great idea to show support for women and women’s issues, and even issues outside of just specifically what we think of as women’s issue, like the environment. And also, the things that led up even prior to the march – I knew I was going to have to do something. I was doing stuff before, but now I had to actively, more public-

Her — February 2018

ly, do things. I had not gone to a lot of rallies before the Women’s March, but now I have gone to several since, like the March for Science in Raleigh.”

What do see as the ripple effects of the Women’s March on Washington?

“It was empowering for a lot of people, especially when everybody saw how many people were there and how many other marches sprung up in other locations.”

The Women’s March on Washington was one of many marches that happened. In truth, the event occured all over the world, on all seven continents — even in Antarctica. It is reported that 673 Marches took place worldwide.

“I think people saw that they could make a difference. Not just women, www.reflector.com/her

By Mobilus In Mobili (Women's March on Washington) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

but everybody. They were like, 'Hey wait a minute, it’s not just me that feels this way.'”

“One of the other things the march showed, if nothing else, is how incredibly organized women are.

All of the emails that went out and the warnings people were giving about what things could be like at the marches... . They took that information very seriously and they acted on it. This was a force of people that when they decided to do something, they do it very well.”

When you got to the event, what was your first reaction?

“The amount of support given to each other. I know that not everyone experienced that, but seeing that overwhelming support. I remember at one point we were standing at www.reflector.com/her

this area and this older woman tried to get up there. People grabbed her and pulled her up so she could get to where she wanted to be. From the support to the sharing, it made an impression, like 'Wow we can actually make a difference.'”

How do you feel one year later?

“I feel very good about the event.

I was hoping things to be a little bit different right now, but I know these things are slow.”

What's next?

“Right now, I think we’re working towards bringing consequences to sexual harassment. We’re bringing more diverse voices into our conversation, which I think is super important.

The event was more than just about women. It was also about transgender

Her — February 2018

rights, environmental rights, and even disability rights. I hope we march next to movements like Native Lives Matter, Black Lives Matter, Trans Lives Matter — other groups where they’re in these positions of not being heard, not being listened to – we get the voices of the unheard and march side by side."

Last question — On a personal level, what empowers you?

“This sounds cheesy, but my students. I look at them and I see this awesome diverse group of people.

I get a lot of inspiration from them.

The United States is a melting pot — we’re from all over the place and we care about that. Seeing them and how hard they are trying empowers me, and I think, 'Alright, I can do this a little more.'”

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date night

Meredith Powell, instructor at Wine and Design, demonstrates painting a leaf during a class on Dec. 29, 2017. (Molly Mathis/Her Magazine)

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Her — February 2018

www.reflector.com/her

Join the pARTy

By Mackenzie Tewksbury | Photos by Molly Mathis mtewksbury@reflector.com

Sick of the same old thing? Dinner and a movie is classic date night, but sometimes, it's fun to do something a little different! Here at Her, we've got you covered. Look here for a creative date night idea that will sure to have you and that special someone smiling and having fun whether it's a first date or 100th.

Art, wine and a good laugh.

That's exactly what's on the menu at Wine and Design Greenville — a BYOB group painting class.

“We call it a pARTy,” said Meredith Powell, a two-year artist at Wine and Design.

There is no painting experience necessary as Powell and other local artists walk guests through painting their own canvas in step-bystep instructions. All the guests have to do is show up with a beverage of their choosing and good attitude.

Powell said she tries to create a relaxed atmosphere, while cracking jokes — some land, some don't — playing music and creating small talk between each guest.

The art geek in her loves seeing what people paint and how each piece always somehow looks a bit different than the next one, but perhaps her favorite part of the class is the camaraderie between guests who might never have crossed paths before.

“I love when people come in as strangers www.reflector.com/her

Her — February 2018

and they leave best friends,” Powell said.

So, with a paintbrush in one hand, beer or wine in the other, guests start out on creating their own painting, sometimes a beach scene, a flower or a furry friend. Powell said she enjoys watching people step out of their comfort zone, as some come in nervous because they've never painted before. But, they always leave with a smile on their face and a freshly painted masterpiece of their own.

And whether guests really want to paint or really want to party, Powell loves it all the same.

“People get really into it. We have many different types of groups. Some are into the painting, then there are groups that just want to party,” Powell said. “I don't care which they prefer. It's fun either way.”

Wine and Design tends to bridal showers, birthday celebrations, bachelorette parties and more but Powell said she sees a fair amount of couples come in and try their hand at something new. Most of the men come in timid, but by the end, they're already asking when they can do it again.

“Guys always think it's a girly thing, they're kind of coming in just to make their girl happy. But they leave thinking, 'Oh wait, this is so fun.' They're prepared for next time. They come in with a whole cooler of beer. It's so funny,” Powell said.

Reservations can be made online and are around $35 per person. Wine and Design is located at 654 E Arlington Blvd. For more information, go to www.wineanddesign.com or call 252 321-1200.

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style file

Liz Liles Greenville

Date of birth: June 23, 1980 Hometown: Nashville, N.C. Job: Founder/director of Daughters of Worth and executive director of The Blind Center in Washington N.C. Family: Mom to Andrew (16), Joey (13), and Christopher (12) School:Graduated from Fayetteville State University, 2008 with a bachelor's degree in english language and literature with a psychology minor.

Organizations you belong to or volunteer with: Secretary of Kiwanis Club of Down East, serves with the Benjamin Underwood Foundation, serves on the Board of Pitt Resource Connection, Young Professionals Steering Committee for Beaufort County, Beaufort Area Nonprofit Roundtable, Healthy Eating and Active Living Collaborative, guest writer for Red Tent Living online magazine, Committee of 100 and serves on the board for Beaufort Area Transit System.

My personal style of dressing is: Leggings, long tunics, boots and chunky jewelry!

Favorite color to wear and why: Carolina Panthers blue! Definitely a Panthers fan but so love the color!

It’s serene and beautiful.

Key pieces in my wardrobe: Chunky jewelry Signature scent: Sun di Gioia by Giorgio Armani or Burberry weekend for women Favorite lipstick: Gingerbread by Mary Kay Flats or heels? Definitely heels Greatest compliment you could ever give me: To know that my life is making a difference for others.

My passion is: Inspiring and encouraging the girls of our communities to live out their dreams and to pursue their passions … to pour their lives out to serve others!

I am inspired by: Those who are willing to give voice to injustice … who are bold, sacrificial and courageous — living out their dreams to make a difference for the present and future of others.

One thing I’ve always wanted to do but never have: Publish a book.

My favorite book is: The Shack The best advice I’ve ever received is: “No one else can make you happy. You are responsible for your own joy.

Regardless of your circumstances, you must choose to be joyful and to enjoy your life.” - My grandmother, Elizabeth Sloan Heath Craft.

What really ticks me off: People who use their platform to push an agenda that moves people towards hate rather than using their platform to emphasize and live out love.

The skill I wish I had is: To be crafty. Did not get this gene but would love to be crafty!

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WINTERVILLE

3750 Sterling Pointe Dr. (beside New River Pottery)

252-756-5304 GREENVILLE MALL (near the food court)

252-756-1900 www.facebook.com/theshimmerboutique www.instagram.com/theshimmerboutique