Crystal’s SPOT MAG
HEAR
FEATURE:
CRYSTAL’S CORNER EMPOWER
Crystal Clear
Hello Fabulous readers!!
I’m so excited to present the latest issue of Crystal’s Spot Mag~ Celebrating Women in Business. We’ve been able to interview and meet so many amazing people through this journey and I feel like with every passing issue we are hitting our stride more and more!
I am forever thankful for our amazing advertisers who make this magazine possible and have trusted in our vision to continue to be a medium to spotlight and acknowledge women around the world who are doing amazing things in their community and in business. So with this letter from the editor I want to say a very special thank you to one of our favorite community lenders who is able to do loans in multiple states: Ashley Zeller with Bank Midwest. If you have questions about buying a home, loan programs that fit your needs best or any financing questions she’s an expert! Ashley has been an advertiser since the beginning and has been an intricate reason we’ve been able to stay in the game for as long as
Thank you to the amazing women at Free State Dental! Thank you for embarking on advertising with us this year! It’s been wonderful to see your practice grow with 2 new dentist and now a second location! Wishing you all the best success moving forward!
Andy’s seasoning thank you for seeing the value in supporting a woman’s business magazine and supporting us by advertising with us in 2024 and continuing to support the vision of this magazine.
Hope you enjoy this issue where we have a special 4 page spread of Around town to celebrate the numerous events that have occurred summer 2024! From Lawrence Juneteenth festival the 3rd annual event, Elevate Lawrence hosted an all day mini retreat with 6 speakers, breakout groups, fashion show and more.
Thank you for your support and continuing to read and share Crystal’s Spot Mag Celebrating women in business.
Crystal Swearingern
AROUND
The 3rd Annual Lawrence Juneteenth event in Lawrence, KS had over 3100 in attendence. The community was able to support various vendors, community leaders, and more all while celebrating or community. Our CEO launched her first vendor table where she showcased “Crystal’s Famous Cobbler’s” a favorite of guest from the now closed Crystal’s Spot Cafe
Elevate Lawrence hosted an all day women empowerment retreat with break out sessions, yoga, captivating speakers, a fashion show and a great time was had by all celebrating and supporting each other!
With 50 attendees from various professional backgrounds guest left inspired and motivated!
Check out ElevateLawrence on Instagram to stay up to date on future events!
In this episode of Crystal’s Spot, host Crystal Swearingen sits down with marketing expert Shelly Niehaus to delve into the world of personal branding and strategic content creation. Shelly, who has helped numerous service-based businesses gain more clients through effective marketing strategies, shares her journey of entrepreneurship spanning two decades and three industries.
Shelly’s passion for marketing and helping others shines through as she discusses the importance of building a solid personal brand and creating aligned content that connects and converts. As a small business owner herself, she understands the challenges and fears that come with presenting yourself to the world. Her approach to marketing is refreshingly simple and fun, making it accessible for all business owners.
In this episode, Crystal and Shelly explore: Personal Branding: How to develop a brand that truly represents you and your business. Email List Building: Effective strategies to grow your audience and convert leads. Content Creation: Crafting compelling content tailored to your clients’ needs. Modern Marketing Strategies: Insights into current trends and how to leverage them Entrepreneurial Challenges Over 40: Unique hurdles/ how to overcome them with confidence. Faith in Business: The role of faith and hope in driving business success.
Shelly also introduces her dynamic coaching services, including an email list-building course and the Empowered Women’s Coaching Group, which offers personalized marketing reviews and weekly coaching calls.
Don’t miss this episode filled with actionable advice, inspiration, and the promise of collaboration. Tune in now and be inspired to elevate your brand and business!
Connect with Shelly Niehaus and access valuable business resources at shellyniehaus.ck.page/bizresources.
In this episode of Crystal’s Spot, host Crystal Swearingen engages in a profound conversation with Morgan Q. Anderson, EA, a seasoned tax expert with over 24 years of experience in representing clients before the IRS and state tax agencies. Morgan’s extensive expertise has led her to resolve thousands of personal and business tax debt issues, making her a trusted authority in the field.
Morgan’s dedication to her clients is evident as she shares her journey and insights into managing financial challenges and overcoming tax debt. Her book, “Tax Debt Rule #1... There’s ALWAYS a Solution!”, serves as a comprehensive guide for individuals and tax professionals navigating the tax debt collection process, offering practical steps towards resolution.
In this episode, Crystal and Morgan delve into:
Financial Challenges: Key strategies for managing and overcoming financial roadblocks. Business Partnerships: Insights on maintaining healthy and productive business relationships. Resilience in Business: How to stay strong and motivated when facing adversity. Tax Debt Solutions: Practical advice on resolving various tax debt issues, including income, payroll, and sales taxes.
Morgan’s experience and knowledge shine through as she offers invaluable advice for entrepreneurs, whether they are just starting out or are seasoned business owners facing financial difficulties. Her approach to solving tax debt problems is both practical and reassuring, making this episode a must-listen for anyone dealing with financial hurdles.
Don’t miss this episode packed with actionable strategies and inspiring stories from Morgan’s extensive career. Tune in now and equip yourself with the knowledge to navigate your financial challenges effectively.
To learn more about Morgan’s services and access valuable resources, visit Golden Lion Tax Solutions. Connect with her for newsletter and blog subscriptions, send questions about potential tax debt concerns, or request a one-on-one consultation with Morgan.
Stay tuned for more empowering stories and expert insights in the “Hear Her Story” segment of Crystal’s Spot Mag.
Greetings, dear readers! Welcome to our serene journey through the emotional forecast. Prepare to leave the darkness behind and step into the soothing em-
Behold the gentle radiance of the star, guiding you towards tranquility. This card signals the end of a challenging cycle, allowing you to break free from the chains of pain. Embrace the lessons you have learned and let your world bloom with fresh beginnings. Bid farewell to tough times and welcome the healing light of hope.
“The Queen of Pentacles”: Embrace the nurturing energy of the Queen of Pentacles as she brings stability and abundance to your journey. Find solace in the simple pleasures of life, grounding yourself in the beauty of nature and the comfort of home. Allow yourself to be nurtured and let the calming energy of the queen restore your spirit.
“The Emperor”: Find strength and stability in the presence of the Emperor. With his calm and authoritative demeanor, he guides you towards a sense of order and structure. Tap into your inner wisdom and let your decisions be guided by a tranquil mind. Embrace the calmness of the emperor and manifest your goals with grace and confidence.
“The Magician”: Step into the realm of enchantment with the Magician by your side. Harness the power of your thoughts and intentions, using them to create a sense of peace and harmony in your life. Allow the magic of the moment to unfold, trusting in your own abilities to manifest your desires. Embrace the serenity that comes from aligning with the flow of the universe.
"The Knight of Swords": Ride forth with a swift and focused mind, guided by the Knight of Swords. This card encourages you to face challenges with clarity and determination. Maintain a calm and composed demeanor as you navigate the twists and turns of life's journey. Let the knight's energy bring a sense of tranquility to your actions and decisions.
As we embark on this transformative journey, let us release the past and embrace our inner strength. May the calming energy of these cards guide us towards a future filled with serenity and abundance. Prepare to discover the magic within yourself as you walk the path of tranquility and light.
With sincere wishes of love and peace, Angie Campbell The Southern Psychic
AnaOno: Revolutionizing Lingerie for Breast Cancer Survivors
Dana Donofree, a breast cancer survivor and fashion design graduate from Savannah College of Art and Design, founded AnaOno in 2010 with a mission to create beautiful and comfortable lingerie for women who have undergone breast surgery. Her personal experience with breast cancer at a young age led her to recognize a significant gap in the market for stylish, well-fitting intimates designed for survivors.
AnaOno stands out as a pioneering “boob-inclusive” lingerie brand, catering to individuals with one breast, two breasts, no breasts, or new breasts. The company’s innovative approach to design and fit has earned recognition from major media outlets, including USA Today, The Today Show, and The New York Times. Vogue has praised AnaOno for modernizing bras, while Dana herself has been honored as an INC 100 Female Founder and named to the Forbes NEXT 1000 list.
What sets AnaOno apart is its commitment to changing the way the world perceives mastectomy and breast reconstruction. The brand’s proprietary fit and signature materials offer comfort and style without compromising on functionality. Dana’s decade of fashion industry experience, combined with her personal journey through cancer, has resulted in a product line that truly understands and addresses the needs of breast cancer survivors.
AnaOno’s collections go beyond traditional mastectomy bras, offering a range of options that celebrate diversity in body shapes and surgical outcomes. The brand’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that inclusion extends beyond size and skin tone, embracing all chest types and promoting body positivity.
For Dana, the most rewarding aspect of her work is the positive impact AnaOno has on people’s lives worldwide. She is dedicated to advocating for Stage IV Metastatic Research and spreading the message of body acceptance and empowerment. Her goal is to ensure that no one feels alone or unsupported in their post-surgery journey.
AnaOno’s success story is not just about creating adaptive clothing; it’s about transforming the patient experience. Dana’s vision extends to changing the emotional aspect of lingerie shopping for breast cancer survivors, aiming to replace tears of frustration with tears of joy in the dressing room.
As the first truly chest-inclusive brand in the market, AnaOno continues to innovate and expand its offerings, ensuring that all breast surgery outcomes are supported with comfort, style, and dignity. Through her work with AnaOno, Dana Donofree has not only filled a gap in the lingerie market but has also created a community of support and empowerment for breast cancer survivors around the world. https://www.anaono.com/
Shaily Hakimian, known as the “Social Media Sherpa,” is a first generation American with Persian and Moroccan roots. She started her journey in social media before it was even recognized as a career. As a 15-year-old, she managed a Myspace group for an online community that played virtual versions of reality shows like Big Brother and Survivor. This early experience laid the foundation for her future in social media management.
Hakimian graduated from Indiana University with a degree in elementary education. However, her path took an unexpected turn when applying for a job at a digital agency. The application asked if she had experience managing online communities, and she realized her Myspace group management qualified. This revelation led her to pursue social media work more seriously.
Shaily’s journey to starting her business began with an unexpected windfall. About a decade ago, she attended an event for a company undergoing rebranding in the phone industry. The company held a raffle or social media contest to attract attendees to their event at an upscale venue. Shaily decided to participate and ended up winning a $200 prepaid gift card. Although she had been considering getting a website for her business, the expense had seemed daunting. The contest win provided her with what she calls a “weirdo blessing,” allowing her to fund her first website for a year. Shaily considers this $200 prize her “first investor,” and she vividly remembers how nervous she felt about spending the money, even though it wasn’t technically her own. This experience proved invaluable, teaching her how to approach spending as a business owner - a mindset quite different from personal finance. Notably, Shaily didn’t rely on traditional forms of startup capital like grants or silent partners. Instead, this small but significant win of $200 became the seed money that enabled her to establish her initial online presence, marking the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey.
Hakimian’s transition into entrepreneurship was gradual. She began by offering social media services to businesses, initially focusing on management. However, she found her niche when clients started asking for training rather than full management services. This shift led to the creation of her business, Your Social Media Sherpa. Shaily’s main goal in starting to work for herself was to have time freedom and flexibility. It was important to her that she had the freedom to volunteer with charities she cared about and pursue fun hobbies without anyone telling her how or when to work. Hakimian also appreciated the flexibility to work at unconventional times if that suited her brain better (like working at 5 AM sometimes). Shaily prioritized having control over her time and schedule as a key motivator for working for herself rather than in a traditional employment setting.
Hakimian offers several key pieces of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs:
1. Test your offer early: She recommends following Noah Kagan’s advice to test if people are willing to pay for your service before fully launching.
2. Don’t focus on logos and branding immediately: Hakimian suggests concentrating on the core service first.
3. Be consistent: She emphasizes the importance of showing up regularly, even if it’s just with small actions.
4. Understand your value: Hakimian encourages entrepreneurs to recognize the full value of their expertise and charge accordingly.
5. Don’t overthink: She advises acting rather than getting stuck in the planning phase.
Through her work as the Social Media Sherpa, Shaily Hakimian continues to guide businesses and individuals through the complex landscape of social media, empowering them to build meaningful connections and achieve their goals.
Mastering Time Blocking: A Simple Guide to Managing Your Day
Hey there, busy lady! Have you ever looked at your week and felt overwhelmed by your never-ending to-do list? I know the feeling. As entrepreneurs, we have the freedom to work when we want, but that same freedom can become our biggest challenge if we’re not careful. That’s where time blocking comes in—a game-changer for managing your time effectively.
What is Time Blocking?
Time blocking is a time management method where you divide your day into specific blocks of time, each dedicated to a particular task or group of tasks. This method helps eliminate distractions and boosts productivity by allowing you to focus on one thing at a time.
How I Use Time Blocking
Let me share how I do it. I still love my
paper calendar, but I also use Google Calendar for its color-coding feature. Family time, which is my top priority, is marked in blue and is the first block I schedule every day. It’s my way of ensuring I never miss out on precious moments with my loved ones. Then, I block out time for my real estate work, which includes paperwork, managing agents, and serving my clients. Lead generation gets its own time block, and so does my magazine work, which involves scheduling and recording podcasts and editing them for various platforms.
I always keep some time open for creativity and unexpected tasks. Mondays and Fridays are my dedicated days for this, and I treat them as non-negotiable appointments with myself. It’s amazing how this little practice keeps me inspired and on top of my game.
5 Practical Tips for Effective Time Blocking
1. Prioritize Your Tasks: Start by listing all your tasks and ranking them by importance and urgency. Focus on high-priority tasks during your most productive hours. For me, that’s the morning.
2. Set Clear Goals for Each Block: Define specific objectives for each time block. Knowing what you aim to achieve helps maintain focus and ensures you complete tasks within the allotted time.
3. Limit Distractions: Create a distraction-free environment. Turn off notifications, close unnecessary tabs, and let those around you know when you’re in your dedicated work periods. This helps you stay on track.
4. Be Realistic with Time Allocation: Estimate how long tasks will take and allocate appropriate time blocks. Avoid overloading your schedule by allowing buffer time between tasks for unexpected delays or quick breaks.
5. Review and Adjust Regularly: At the end of each day or week, review your schedule to see what worked and what didn’t. Make adjustments based on your observations to continually improve your time management.
My Personal Experience with Time Blocking
Personally, I work most efficiently in the morning. That’s when I tackle tasks that require significant brainpower, like managing QuickBooks, paying bills, budget management, lead generation, and product fulfillment. Midday is perfect for recording podcasts because that’s when I’m energized and ready to engage with my guests. I also believe in the power of taking breaks.
In my office, I have a couch where I relax and recharge mid-afternoon after lunch. This little break helps me ensure that my family gets the best of me, not just what’s left of me. By implementing time blocking, you can transform your chaotic schedule into a well-organized plan, leading to increased productivity and a better work-life balance. Give it a try, and see how this simple technique can make a world of difference in your day!
Embracing Forgiveness: A Path to Inner Freedom
Continuing with the trajectory of learning from Allan Knight’s Zen Activation Program (ZAP), the second exercise deals with the emotional weight we often carry of past hurts and resentments. These emotional burdens can hold us back from reaching our full potential and living a life of true fulfillment. The next step is a powerful technique that can help us release these negative emotions and move forward with renewed energy and purpose.
The concept of forgiveness is not new, but its application as a tool for personal transformation is truly revolutionary. This approach, which I learned through Allan Knight’s nine-step process, emphasizes the importance of forgiving both others and ourselves.
The process begins with what Knight calls a “Power Healing Letter.” This exercise involves writing letters to individuals from our past or present towards whom we hold resentment, anger, or grudges. The letters are structured in three parts: acknowledging the relationship’s impact, expressing our feelings, and finally, extending forgiveness.
What makes this exercise particularly powerful is its focus on self-healing rather than confrontation. We’re not forgiving others for their sake, but for our own. By releasing these negative emotions, we free ourselves from the toxic effects of long-held resentments.
But the journey doesn’t end there. Perhaps the most challenging and transformative aspect of this process is learning to forgive ourselves. Many of us carry the heavy burden of self-criticism and regret. Through a similar letter-writing exercise, we learn to apologize to our inner child for past neglect or harsh treatment.
As I worked through this process myself, I was struck by the sense of relief and lightness that followed. It was as if I had been carrying a backpack of negativity and pain, whether or not I truly realized it, and suddenly, I was able to set it down. The weight of past hurts and self-recriminations began to lift, making room for more positive emotions and a renewed sense of possibility.
This practice of forgiveness serves as a form of emotional decluttering. Just as we might clear out our physical spaces to make room for new experiences and opportunities, forgiving others and ourselves clears our emotional space. It allows us to approach life with a fresh perspective, unburdened by the baggage of the past.
The beauty of this process lies in its simplicity and accessibility. It requires nothing more than a willingness to confront our feelings, a pen, and paper. Yet, its effects can be truly transformative, paving the way for personal growth and a more fulfilling life.
As we embark on our journeys of self-discovery and personal development, let us not underestimate the power of forgiveness. It is not merely a noble ideal but a practical tool for emotional healing and growth. By embracing forgiveness - both of others and ourselves - we open the door to a life of greater peace, joy, and authenticity.
Learn more about the Zen Activation Program and connect with Allan Knight at www.allanknight.com.
Anika Jackson is a senior communications and marketing professional with over 25 years of experience working with diverse brands and clients to build local and global interest and create meaningful, synergistic relationships between brands and consumers. Anika produces and hosts the Your Brand Amplified® podcast, a Listen Notes top 0.5% podcast. In addition, she is a graduate level professor at USC Annenberg and co-producer and co-host of the USC MediaSCape speaker series and podcast. Separately, she is VP of PR at Full Capacity Marketing and president of the ISF women’s expo and a board member for the International Soccer Festival. Ms. Jacksonis a bestselling Amazon author in the women’s anthology, Business on Purpose Vol. 2.
She is a member of the Intuit Small Business Council, serves on the advisory board for UC Santa Barbara’s Women in Leadership executive program, and contributes her knowledge and thought leadership for the benefit of multiple local, national, and global nonprofits. Most recently, Anika is pursuing her MBA at Villanova, specializing in AI/ ML and Marketing.
TIPS FROM A
TWIN MOM SOCIAL MEDIA
INFLUENCER
“NON-COOKIE CUTTER”
Hey there, amazing creators and aspiring influencers! I’m so excited to dive into one of the most talked-about topics in the social media world—growing your audience! With 14 years of experience as a Full-Time Content Creator, a thriving community of over 342,000 YouTube subscribers, and more than 44,600 Instagram followers, I’ve been around the block a few times and have seen it all! Today, I’m here to share some of the “real talk“ about growing an audience and, of course, some killer strategies to help you conquer them!
“The Real Deal” with Growing Your Social Media Audience Growing your audience on social media can sometimes feel like you’re climbing a never-ending mountain. I’ve been there! Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, the journey is filled with ups, downs, and plenty of learning curves. But don’t worry—I’m here to break it down for you and help you navigate those tricky terrain spots with some tried-and-true strategies!
Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Your Social Media Audience
1. How often should I post on TikTok and Instagram? Ah, the age-old question! Let’s get straight to the heart of it: TikTok: You should aim to post at least 1-3 times per day. Yep, you heard that right! TikTok thrives on fresh, frequent content, so the more you post, the more opportunities you have to be seen by new audiences. Just make sure you’re not sacrificing quality for quantity. Instagram: For Instagram, 3-5 times per week is a solid posting schedule. This includes a mix of feed posts, stories, and reels. Instagram’s algorithm loves consistency, so stick to your schedule and keep your content varied and engaging!
2. What types of content work best for growing an authentic audience? Let’s dive into what really gets the engagement and helps you grow: Authentic and Relatable Content: People aren’t looking for perfect Instagram feeds or flawless TikTok videos. (hence why I don’t consider myself your average cookie-cutter influencer… I like to show real and authentic content, because that is what’s going to resonate more with the average person.) They want real, relatable content. Share your personal experiences, behind-the-scenes moments, and genuine reactions. Your audience wants to connect with you, not a perfectly curated persona!
Engaging Stories and Reels: On Instagram, Stories and Reels are your best friends! Stories let you show off those daily snippets of your life, while Reels are perfect for reaching new followers with fun and creative videos. On TikTok, focus on trends, challenges, and creative storytelling to grab attention.
Interactive Content: Think polls, Q&As, and challenges. This type of content invites your audience to participate and engage with you, creating a sense of community and connection. Educational Content: People love to learn new things! Share tips, how-tos, and tutorials in your niche. For instance, I’ve shared everything from funny parenting moments and parenting hacks to delicious recipes and Holiday decorating, and it’s always a hit because it’s helpful and informative!
Tips for Overcoming Common Pain Points
Let’s address some common struggles you might face and how to overcome them:
1. Feeling Like You’re Not Growing Fast Enough
This is probably one of the biggest challenges! But here’s a little secret from me to you: Growth takes time. When I started, it wasn’t a straight path to success. But by staying consistent and focusing on creating great content, the growth came. Remember, slow and steady wins the race!
2. Balancing Quality and Quantity
It’s easy to get caught up in posting as much as possible, but don’t sacrifice quality for quantity. Instead, focus on creating content that you’re proud of and that you know your audience will love. Your authenticity will shine through, and that’s what will keep people coming back for more.
3. Dealing with Negative Comments and Criticism
Negative comments? Yep, they’re part of the game. But here’s how to handle them like a pro: Focus on the positive feedback from your supporters and use criticism constructively. Not everyone will love what you do, and that’s okay! Stay true to yourself and keep moving forward.
4. Finding Your Unique Voice
If you’re struggling to find what makes you stand out, remember this: Your unique voice is already inside you! Reflect on what you’re passionate about and what makes you different from others. Embrace your quirks, share your story, and let your personality shine!
How to Use Instagram and TikTok Algorithms to Your Advantage
Instagram Algorithm Tips: Engage Early and Often: Respond to comments quickly and en-
gage with your followers. Instagram’s algorithm rewards posts that get early interactions. Use Relevant Hashtags: Mix popular and niche hashtags to reach a broader audience. Consistency Matters: Stick to your posting schedule to keep your audience engaged and to show the algorithm that you’re an active user.
TikTok Algorithm Tips:Jump on Trends: Trends are huge on TikTok. Participate in trending challenges and use popular sounds to get noticed. Post at Peak Times: Share your content when your audience is most active. You can find this info in your TikTok analytics.
Encourage Engagement: Ask questions, create call-to-actions, and interact with your viewers’ comments to boost engagement.
My Secret Sauce for Social Media Success
So, what’s the secret to my social media success after 14 years of full-time content creation? It’s all about staying authentic and loving what you do! I have always been a true believer in being your most authentic self, regardless of what people have to say about it… And you should do the same!
I absolutely love making people laugh and putting smiles on peoples’ faces, and so part of what I do regularly on my social media is find those funny quirky laughable moments in parenthood to share with my audience amongst the other topics I cover on my pages. After all, there is always someone that is going to be able to relate to everything that you share!
And even though I’m not what most would consider your average cookie cutter social media influencer, I’ve had the pleasure of working with incredible brands like Walmart, Target, and Lysol, and what’s helped me maintain those partnerships is my genuine approach and commitment to sharing real, valuable content!
Your unique voice and authenticity are your biggest assets. Don’t be afraid to show who you really are—your quirks, your passions, and your personal journey are what will connect you with your audience. And trust me, that’s where the magic happens!
Get Out There and Shine!
Alright, friends, it’s time to get out there and start creating! Embrace the highs and lows of growing your social media presence, and remember that you have the power to create content that’s both fun and meaningful. Don’t let the challenges get you down—use them as fuel to keep pushing forward and sharing your amazing self with the world.
I hope these tips have inspired you and given you a boost to tackle your social media goals. Stay tuned for my next article in the next issue where I’ll dive into more awesome strategies and insights to help you on your journey!
Keep being fabulous and don’t forget to follow along for more fun and helpful tips. Let’s make this social media adventure amazing together!
Happy creating, and see you in the next issue!
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Want to keep up with all the latest tips and tricks? Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @ SocialiteSande and TikTok @SocialiteSande, and hit that subscribe button on YouTube @TheSocialiteLifeTV or @TheSocialiteLife for more fantastic content!
Crystal's Spot
P O D C A S T
a v a i l a b l e o n a l l s t r e a m i n g p l a t f o r m s !
Crystal Swearingen
Amanda Barclay
Stacie Hulshof
Moriah Miller
David White II
Bethany Harness
Anne Gallagher
Adrianna Swearingen
