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CELEBRATING WOMEN IN BUSINESS
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MAY/ JUNE 2020 MOTH E R’S DAY TRI B UTE MIN DFU LN E SS: TH E OTH E R U NS EEN TH RE AT POW E RFU L LAD I ES W ITH KARA 1
M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 0
IN THIS
Issue E M OT ION AL F ORE C AS T
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C RYS TAL ’S RE AL E S TAT E T IPS
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M OT HE R ’S DAY T RIBU T E
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M IN DF U L N E S S
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HE ALT HY L IV IN G
N AT ION AL F E AT U RE LOC AL S P OT L IGHT PR T IPS W IT H AN IK A
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Feature: Kara Duffy See the article on page 16 2
Contributors CO-FO UNDE R & EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: CRYSTAL SWEARINGEN
CREATIVE DIRECTORS: CRYSTAL SWEARINGEN ADRIANNA SWEARINGEN
BRIT TANY SWEARINGEN ANTHONY GONZALEZ ANIKA JACKSON ANGIE WILLIAMS AMANDA GREGORY WRI TE R S:
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Crystal Clear These have definitely been the longest 2 months most of us have ever experienced. I’ve been using this time getting clarity, researching, rediscovering my love of reading, and looking for new content to bring to you through either the podcast or future issues. I would love to hear what you have done over these past several weeks? Any new skills, passions, or adventures. Be sure to submit your thouhgts to me at crystalsavesthedeal@gmail.com to be considered for an interview in our July/August issue! I hope you all are staying healthy and well!! Happy Spring,
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Crystal Swearingen Crystal Swearingen, Co-Founder | Editorial Director
The Spot Mag
@the.spot.mag
crystalsavesthedeal@gmail.com
EMOTIONAL FORECAST
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Smells like spring! May is here and more beautiful than ever! We’re noticing this Spring like no other and because of this, we’ll see it put on a full floral show. The emotional energy going into May is anticipation. Having faith and resting those negative thoughts should have you now prepared for charged momentum. Instead of, “I’m not feeling motivated”, we now have the gusto to make full on progress and we’re excited to get started! Notice what you’re coming back to and if it feels the same. You’ve been asking for clarity? These past 2 months have given you plenty of time to be still and listen. Going forward, remember how you learned to be still and listen and continue to use that method going into June. We have some major changes coming this June but welcome it, go with the flow, allow ease into your new adventures. We’re all in a united space in this lifetime and the energy of June has exciting twists to our fears, past traumas and unfair treatment . You’ll start to feel impressed with your adjustability and realize the dreaded changes were easy, manageable and overall welcomed. I have this gift for moments like these and I’m here to remind you, you’re taken care of. You may not always have everything you want, but the universe is giving you every thing you need, always has and always will. Trust your path and you’ll see it unfold one step at a time. Your ability to create peace within your thoughts will directly affect the peace in your daily
routine. Remember to stop and smell the flowers. They are here as a colorful reminder how much beauty there is in this world. Enjoy the next couple of months of feeling the sunshine, happiness and the new togetherness. Blessings The Southern Psychic
CRYSTAL’S REAL ESTATE TIPS
Will the Housing Market Turn Around This Year?
Today, many people are asking themselves if they should buy or sell a home in 2020. Some have shifted their plans or put them on hold over the past couple of months, and understandably so. Everyone seems to be wondering if the market is going to change and when the economy will turn around. If you’re trying to figure out what’s going to happen and how to play your cards this year, you’re not alone. This spring in the 2020 NAR Flash Survey: Economic Pulse, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) has been tracking the behavior changes of homebuyers and sellers. In a reaction to their most recent survey, Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR, noted the beginnings of a turn in the market: “After a pause, home sellers are gearing up to list their properties with the reopening of the economy…Plenty of buyers also appear ready to take advantage of record-low mortgage rates and the stability that comes with these locked-in monthly payments into future years.” What does the survey indicate about sellers? Sellers are positioning themselves to make moves this year. More than 3 in 4 potential sellers are preparing to sell their homes once stay-at-home orders are lifted and they feel more confident, which means more homes will start to be available for interested buyers. Just this week, Zillow also reported an uptick in listings, which is great news for the health of the market: “The number of new for-sale listings overall has shown improvement, up 5.9% last week from the previous week. New listings of the most-expensive homes…are now seeing the big-
gest resurgence, up 8%. The uptick is likely a sign sellers are feeling more confident because of improving buyer demand, as newly pending sales have also jumped up during the same period.” What does the survey note about buyers? The recent pandemic has clearly impacted buyer preferences, showing: 5% of the respondents said buyers are shifting their focus from urban to suburban areas. 1 in 8 Realtors report changes in desired home features, with home offices, bigger yards, and more space for their families becoming increasingly important. Only 17% said buyers stopped looking due to concerns about their employment or loss of a job. As we’ve mentioned before, buyer demand is strong right now, and many are simply waiting for more inventory to become available so they can make a move, especially as the country begins to reopen. Bottom Line If you’re thinking about putting your house on the market, let’s connect today. There’s a good chance an eager buyer is looking for a home just like yours.
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CRYSTAL’S CHAMPIONS
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY
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Crystal’s Champions is dedicated to strong and inspirational women and organizations that are making a difference in the community. To nominate a Champion, email Crystal at Crystalsavesthedeal@gmail.com
MINDFULNESS
The OTHER UNSEEN THREAT Anthony Gonzalez, LCSW
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Don’t breathe. Wear a mask. Use gloves. Don’t use gloves. Don’t go outside. Go outside and exercise. Don’t touch anything. Stock up on everything. Stay connected. Don’t go anywhere. It is all so damn overwhelming. The challenge we are collectively facing to navigate the global pandemic has taken its unique toll on all of us. From hearing about a college classmate passing away to seeing a colleagues lose their jobs, this moment in history will be one of the most distinct markers of our lifetime. Please do your best not to minimize that for yourself. There have been thousands of articles published describing how to effectively cope with the stress of isolation or the uncertainty about how or when our lives will return to some normalcy. The one glaring omission I have consistently observed is that few
have stated that it is okay to be worried. It is okay to be angry. It is okay to sad or happy. It is okay to not be okay right now. While incredibly well meaning, the advice given to simply stay busy or make Zoom calls is only part of how to care for ourselves. When you recognize the fear that is present, do your best to let it guide your action. What is the emotion telling you? Maybe you are a small business owner who is watching everything they have worked so hard for slowly fade. Maybe you are genuinely worried because your child has an illness that makes them more vulnerable. Maybe you are more susceptible than most to the consequences of isolation. Or maybe suddenly becoming a homeschool teacher seizes your last emotional reserves. It is easy for many to say it will be okay. Not everyone has that ability, and that is where we must validate the fear and worry. I
have written in previous articles about the power of accepting uncertainty, and that remains a fundamental component of peace. The dialectically true other side is that we must also allow for the worry or anxiety that accompanies the unknown we are all living in. We must give ourselves enough space to express that worry out loud and hear that others are worried too, just as much as we tap into our resiliency and hope that we will survive this mess. Anxiety yearns for a sense of control, and we must try to allow for the experience of having little control right now. Don’t solely sit it for too long, and don’t ignore it either. No one has ever grown from emotions they have ignored. One other critical element of self-care during this time is exercise; in any form you are capable. The primary importance of this is that is will help boost your immune system. When we experience high levels of stress and anxiety, our brain floods our body with the stress hormones Cortisol and Adrenaline. Our subconscious survival instinct uses these chemicals to help motivate our actions to remain safe. However, when these hormones remain at elevated levels in our system the primary side effect is, you guessed, a suppressed immune system. When we exercise, most importantly during times of high stress, our brain flushes these stress hormones from our system and introduces endorphins and dopamine, which help to stabilize and elevate our mood, and improve our immune systems. If we cannot avoid the natural worry related to the unknown, we can be proactive with and mindful of our bodies’ needs. One other tip I can provide is practicing regular breathing exercises. I know, giving advice to “just breathe” is not meant to be condescending. It really does work! A practice of Box or Four-Square breathing can be unbelievably effective at calming the body during periods of high anxiety or panic. And, research has shown that regular meditative breathing helping to increase the gray matter of our brain, which is essential for mood and thought regulation. The basic steps are to breathe in for 4 counts, hold the breath in for 4 counts, breathe out for 4 counts and then hold the lungs empty for 4 counts. Try 5 cycles of this and see how you feel. Try to do more if you can or lower the count to 2 or 3 if you having any breathing struggles. It can help when your mind is ruminating and you can’t sleep, or maybe when you are feeling anxious at the grocery store or bank.
If you are feeling more overwhelmed with the immense amount of change we are all attempting to adjust to, it is okay to ask for help. There is no shame is feeling that this is all too much. Most therapists in your area have adopted tele-health platforms that allow counseling sessions to continue seamlessly. There are also services such as Talk Space and Better Help that allow you to text or talk with a therapist in your area if you need some support or guidance outside of a therapy session. I know everyone is doing the very best they can. And it is okay to not be okay right now. Staying in tune with our full emotional experience is the nourishment that will help each of grow through the pandemic. We are and will get through this together.
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Anthony Gonzalez, LCSW, QS ALERE Emotional Health LLC anthony@alereemotionalhealth.com
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Healthy Living Tips with Hilary Our country seems divided right now between those who aren’t very
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worried about the Covid-virus and those who are. I am grateful to fall into the camp of “not worried this virus would be much of a challenge for my immune system.” I am blessed with a robust immune system; however, that was not always the case. For most of my life, I would experience a respiratory sickness once or twice a year, often coinciding with allergy season or right around Christmas. As a child and adult, I had frequent ear infections, chronic rhinitis, migraine headaches, coughs, bronchitis, boils, muscle and joint aches…., and more. I took many antibiotics throughout childhood and adulthood. In 2002 my health had reached such a low point (one doctor thought I might have MS!) I sought out the help of a Naturopathic Physician, prior to filling all the prescriptions prescribed by conventional medicine. The N.D. (Naturopathic Physician) had me do the US Biotek Food antibody blood test. Turns out my immune system had gone haywire and my antibodies were reacting to almost every food I ate. I was “allergic” to so many foods! This leads one to ask “why?” There’s nothing wrong with eggs so why did my body think there was something wrong….why was my immune system sending out an army of antibodies to 40 different foods? Believe it or not...finding this out was one of the greatest gifts life offered to me because it led me down a path of learning, healing, vitality and true health…..and some really amazing businesses :) There’s so much I could say about why, but I will save that for another article. The purpose of this article is to share about specific supplements and life changes that have contributed to my strong resilient immune system, and to feeling healthy and vibrant.
I will share some of my favorite links for learning about nutrition and health, so that you can do your own research. It’s really not that complicated and positive results can come FAST!! This knowledge is empowering AND in my experience less expensive than conventional medicine routes, and with better results. I dream of a day when the AMA (American Medical Association)
teaches basic nutrition in medical school training (weird that I have to dream of this) and health visits incorporate testing and treatment for micronutrients, inflammation and detoxification…..I think this would be called disease prevention ;) I will begin with two supplements many do not know about. Cat’s Claw and Coseva’s Advanced TRS (toxin removal system). Both are fascinating and have improved my health significantly. Cat’s Claw: Nope it’s not actually a cat’s claw. Cat’s Claw is the root and bark of a vine that climbs tall trees in primarily Peru, Columbia, Ecuador and Panama with a downward hook that looks like a cat’s claw. One of the earliest references to Cat’s Claw (U. tomentosa) found in the English language was reported in 1892 by the famous botanist Millspaugh. Millspaugh heard numerous accounts of therapeutic benefits. Explorers claimed it cured benign and malignant cancers, arthritis, prostate problems and a multitude of immune related disorders. In the 1980’s reports of “miracle cures” by prominent politicians and movie stars in Mexico and Peru and other countries led to scientific interest in Cat’s Claw. As one study after another began to confirm the biological activity of Cat’s Claw manufacturers began to supply the public with dietary supplements containing the root or bark powder. In the 1970’s scientists and consumers tried repeatedly to encourage the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study it but since it was an unpatentable plant the drug industry and NIH had no interest in investing in a product that could be sold over the counter as a dietary supplement. Some research was carried out in the early 70’s by the National Cancer Institute at the prompting of President Richard Nixon. The Study ceased right before he left office. Researchers in Europe have done considerable research on the chemistry and therapeutic potential available for us today. Thanks European Researchers! https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236835025_Cat’s_ Claw_Uncaria_tomentosa Health Benefits include: Treating arthritis, May Fight Cancer, Repairs
DNA, Lowers High Blood Pressure, Boosts Immune System, Combats Herpes, Improves Digestive Problems like Leaky Gut and Crohn’s, may aid in HIV treatment. Links to some of the research here: https://draxe.com/nutrition/cats-claw/ I’ve been taking Cat’s Claw off and on for about two years. I take it daily during the cold/flu season or if I have a headache or any inflammation. I’ve turned MANY friends of all ages on to it. My neighbor’s lymphedema swelling and arthritic pain decreased so much she was mind blown (she’s an retired RN) she told all her friends about it in her swimming group. Another friend struggled with migraines and frequently took ibuprofen and she said the Cat’s Claw was an awesome replacement for the ibuprofen. I haven’t gotten sick in two years….started to once this past January and I popped 3 or 4 capsules (and some other supplements and some of my witchy soup;)) and I was fine the next day. I feel like Cat’s Claw REALLY healed my gut. Considering that gut issues are one of the
high negative charge and strong affinity for toxins as toxins are positively charged. TRS detoxes all heavy metals; aluminum, mercury, arsenic, fluoride, barium, strontium, uranium, lead, pesticides, herbicides, plastic residues, toxins from molds and yeasts, carcinogens from smoke, and haze and also an array of radioactive material in the body ( TRS Safe Detox Australia). Zeolites have been used in environmental remediation for years like water treatment, radioactive waste and so much more. Testimonials from those who have used Coseva’s TRS include: speech explosions in autistic children, more energy, less sickness, increased healing time, clearer mind, clearer eyes, brain fog lifting, hydrated skin and hair growth. The first few days I did the three sprays in the morning and the three sprays before bed I had strange body odor and my poo had an odd smell….pretty obvious I was detoxing something out of me. My hair and nails are growing faster and I haven’t had environmental allergies or gotten sick since I started! I’ve had allergies my
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reasons why so many of us are deficient in nutrients because we have malabsorption issues I think investing in a bottle of Cat’s Claw is well worth the 8.99 (Solaray Brand at Natural Grocers). I heart Cat’s Claw (need to get a t-shirt that says that :). Next up is Coseva’s Advanced TRS (toxin removal system). This stuff is fascinating! The ingredients in a little spray bottle of Coseva’s Advanced TRS are man made nano-zeolites and purified water. What?! I know let me try and explain. Natural zeolites form where volcanic rocks and ash layers react with alkaline groundwater. The zeolites in Coseva’s product are man made in a lab. Nano Zeolites are encased in water and act like toxin magnets. Zeolites have a
whole life during allergy season. Three bottles is $150 dollars and each bottle lasts about 3 weeks. I wish it wasn’t so expensive but I buy it when I can (I don’t have any right now) because lord knows we have toxins coming into us more than we should and I like to feel good. I had a choice between getting health insurance or using that 300 a month to buy good food and supplements and I chose to punt the health insurance. Judge me if you want but I am healthier than I’ve ever been and it was the right decision for me. If I get trampled by buffalo or hit by a bus I am fine with you letting me go onto the next chapter….really.
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POWERFUL IMMUNE SYSTEM MICRONUTRIENTS Think of your immune system like an army. If you want your army strong you give them the best food and weapons to easily challenge any invader. Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Iodine and Zinc are critical for an efficient and strong immune system. To learn more about why from a great teacher check out Dr. Berg on You Tube. He explains so anyone can understand the role of each nutrient and what they do….I think it is super fascinating. One of my favorite videos he has done is Identifying Nutritional Deficiencies through Nails, Skin and Hair. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tv7syAKcxw Vitamin D deficiency is a pandemic itself - 70-80% of people are deficient in vitamin D. If you are deficient you may have dental problems, inflammation (especially lower back), increased risk of autoimmune diseases, infections, cardiovascular problems, diabetes type 2, bone loss, neurological problems. Deficiency can increase your risk of over 300 illnesses including the flu and respiratory infections and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Lack of sun is one of the causes of vitamin D deficiency as well as sunscreen, breastfeeding, darker skin, pregnancy statins and cortisol medications. The flu typically hits in winter months for obvious reasons…. less sun. It’s challenging to get much vitamin D from diet. I purchase Now brand Ultra A and D3 100 caps for about 5.99 at Natural Grocers. I found that to be the least expensive and it had the Vitamin A I wanted….extra bonus!
Vitamin A - Deficiencies can lead to infections (sinus and others), acne, vision problems (night blindness), lack of lubrication in the eyes and mouth, flaky skin, white dots on skin. Often we are eating enough in our foods (butter, eggs, cheese, cod liver oil, liver are good sources) but the gut isn’t absorbing or converting into a useable form because of digestive issues or history of antibiotic use . Vegetable sources like Kale, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots have to be converted into retinol the useable form of A and it’s a pretty low conversion rate, especially if the gut is damaged (and most of us have some damage). The other cause of Vitamin A deficiency is a lack of bile maybe you don’t have a gallbladder or have a congested liver so you might have to take some bile supplements or it could be your stomach isn’t acid enough. I believe the Cat’s Claw helped heal my gut and decrease possible malabsorption issues I may have had allowing for better absorption of nutrients in food and supplements. Vitamin C - A subclinical vitamin C deficiency is very common. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and critical for your immune system to fight infection.When I was pregnant my gums started bleeding really bad when I flossed. I did some research (my dentist didn’t mention Vitamin C when I went in asking about it) and found out that low vitamin C levels (common during pregnancy) can result in bleeding gums. Other signs of low vitamin C levels are joint stiffness, fatigue, and wounds that won’t heal. Smoking, pregnancy, age, exercise overtraining and eating sugar blocks your ability to absorb vitamin C making you more susceptible to infections. There are A LOT of vitamin C’s to pick from and there’s also a lot of
opinion on what is the best form. Avoid supplemental Vitamin C made from Calcium Carbonate and Rose Hips, as research has shown that these forms have poor absorption rates. Acerola Cherry Vitamin C is a food based form with good absorption but more expensive than Ascorbic Acid form. I currently take Solaray’s Sinus Source. It has Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and Quercetin (an anti-inflammatory flavonoid https://draxe.com/nutrition/quercetin/ ) and enzymes to help break up mucus in the sinus cavity. I am always looking for the best deal with the greatest return. I get this at Natural Grocers 60 caps for 17.99 - it’s one of the more expensive supplements I buy but I think it’s a solid choice for me and anyone else who struggles with sinus stuff and post nasal drip who wants Vitamin C. For all you spice lovers….those hot peppers are a GREAT source of vitamin C! I want to write an article on how to incorporate hot peppers into most foods even for those who are spice adverse. Iodine Iodine deficiency is another pandemic. The World Health Organization reports at least 72% of the world’s population is deficient (weird they don’t talk about it and weird the AMA doesn’t teach about it). In one study of 5000 participants 96% were deficient in iodine!!! Iodine deficiency is preventable with iodine. Sadly, iodized salt has a form of iodine with poor absorption. Deficiency symptoms include: depression, difficulty losing weight, dry skin, headaches, lethargy, memory problems, menstrual problems, hyperlipidemia, recurrent infections, sensitivity to cold, cold hands and feet, brain fog, thinning hair, constipation, shortness of breath, impaired kidney function, muscle weakness and joint stiffness...whoa. Risk factors include: low dietary iodine, selenium deficiency, fluoridated and chlorinated water, pregnancy, tobacco smoke, eating a lot of goitrogen foods (cauliflower, broccoli, kale, cabbage, soy, brussels sprouts). https://draxe.com/nutrition/ iodine-deficiency/ I was first introduced to the idea of iodine by a dear friend who had an aggressive cancer return after beating it 5 years before. She went into the rabbit hole of nutritional research when her cancer returned and she told me to look into iodine. Natural Grocers had a great resource material on iodine I read and they helped me select the best supplement. Terry Naturals Tri Iodine is what I get. I take one EVERY other day to save monies. 90 capsules for $20.59. It’s another one that is kinda pricey but it lasts a few months if you take one a day. My friend died from the aggressive cancer and the treatment; she passed a baton to me to share with others before it’s too late. Zinc is one of the most important trace minerals for supporting the immune system. And super important for gonad’s FYI ;)! Signs of deficiencies: Inflammatory conditions, acne, poor hair and nail growth, white spots on your nails, high blood pressure, cold extremities, dwarfism, hearing loss, loss of taste/smell, slow wound healing, low testosterone, arthritis, stretch marks. Food sources include oysters, red meat and pumpkin seeds. Zinc Chelate has a 230% better absorption rate than zinc sulfate and 390% better absorption rate than zinc oxide. I take Solaray brand Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc 250 caps I got on sale at Natural Grocers for around $15.00 (so I was able to buy Jarrow Formulas K2 MK-7 which helps with the distribution of calcium and magnesium...I’d like to do a whole article on it). Phytates cereal, breads, pasta, spinach, almonds, chocolate block the absorption of Zinc. Gut damage effects absorption (that’s why I love Cat’s claw)
I would love to discuss all the different B vitamins but this is getting long and I think an entire article is due on each B vitamin. In the meantime, I highly recommend nutritional yeast for a good, easy and inexpensive source of B vitamins. Natural Grocers has the best price in the bulk section. Adding nutritional yeast to your popcorn or salads is yummy, easy and nutritious. Other things research has shown to directly impact our immune system health are breathwork, touch, laughter, chiropractic work (plethora of research showing how it positively affects immune function) , forgiveness, giving, receiving, getting out in nature, walking or laying barefoot on the earth, thinking loving thoughts towards yourself and others, sitting in silence (start with 2 min), yoga, exercise, dance, drawing, reading, smiling, holding hands, praying, herbs (awesome in salads dried or fresh...best prices on dried in bulk at Natural Grocers), local greens, veggies, sprouts, local meats,hemp seeds, coconut oil, having a cocktail with a friend or enjoying some great onion rings and especially being ok with wherever you are at. I did not include amounts of supplements. Honestly, at some point, you have to do research yourself, for yourself. If you help yourself you help everyone. Say YES to you...you are worth it. A lack of knowledge is a lack of power. Love you, Hilary
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Hilary Brown is a highly inspired individual that’s grounded in integrity, teamwork, creating sustainable, community-focused businesses, and enjoying life along the way! In 2005 Hilary founded, Local Burger, a first to the market sustainable fast food restaurant. She launched the national food based company, Hilary’s Eat Well in 2011. Currently, Hilary lives in Lawrence with her son Nello and is excited about growing OO Bakes Gluten free baked goods throughout the midwest....and beyond.
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NATIONAL FEATURE
Kara Duffy: Powerful Ladies Now is the perfect time to consider what you want to do with the rest of your life!! In all seriousness – is it time for you to carve a new creative path? Is there something you have been holding yourself back from accomplishing? In this issue, we speak to Kara Duffy about how to transform your career and your life. Kara is the founder of Powerful Ladies, creator, and host of the Powerful Ladies Podcast, and is a business coach and consultant. Before becoming a coach, she spent 20 years working in the footwear & apparel industry, helping large global brands (Quicksilver, Reebok, and Puma, to name a few) and local start-ups servicing the sport, fashion, action. After decades of being an entrepreneur, and repeatedly helping those with great ideas who didn’t know where to start or who saw business as complicated or overwhelming, she realized. She’s committed to showing people that any business is possible, that marketing itself can be smooth, and how to apply best practices from the largest and most successful companies to all enterprises.
What inspired you to become a coach?
I am out to prove that it doesn’t matter where you start from to be able to launch, have, or grow the business that’s waiting inside of you. My mission is to remove “I can’t” from people’s vocabulary and show how there is always away, and there are still more possibilities. My solutions aren’t “woo-woo,” but based upon practical tools, sharing my business perspective and revealing what is possible and available that most people don’t see. I grew up moving across the US with my family as we followed my dad’s corporate transfers. I consider Boston where I’m from and have also lived in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, California, Colorado, Ohio, growing up. As an adult, I moved from Boston to California to Boston to Nurnberg, Germany, to California. A lot of people have a fear of moving or change in general. Growing up this way has given me many advantages. Moving is no big deal. Meeting new people, introducing myself, making new friends, is no big deal. Figuring out how you fit in a new place and enjoying its discovery is no big deal. One of my biggest strengths in life and for
my clients is being able to create something from nothing. I’m sure the continued newness and recreating of what was home was a foundational element to that skill set.
How are you pivoting your business due to the pandemic? As a result of Covid-19, like everyone, I’ve moved all events online. In addition, I have added new events and courses to provide the tools and resources people need now. Including, a Crisis Budgeting Class, Free Business Q&A session every Monday, and additional classes to support both existing business owners and those in need of new income streams. Powerful Ladies also moved the launch of its Thrive Collective, an online community, from June 1st to April 1st - a huge undertaking and so essential to provide additional connection, tools, and support to the global Powerful Ladies community. I’ve partnered my coaching and consulting business with Powerful Ladies to offer more free or affordable programs.
How are you advising your clients’ businesses during this time? The conversation with all Business Coaching & Consulting clients has been about my 4 P’s of Pandemic: Pause, Prioritize, Prune, and Pivot. Businesses with a coach have an 80% increase in existing business the following year, and that is even more true with the changes in our world today. I’ve been working with clients to create new income streams, pivot existing products or services, expand to capitalize on digital marketing efforts, double down on what makes them unique, and to pull forward plans that customers of different businesses need now. The clients I work with are committed to succeeding financially and making a positive impact for their employees, customers and community. When your business is one with a foundation of service and a time of great service arises, it’s a natural, authentic and appreciated to lean in on bringing even more service and impact to your clients and customers.
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What advice would you offer new entrepreneurs? Business is still happening. People do have money to spend. In some areas, there is more demand. Other areas the market has shifted or the amount of money to spend has shrunk, and that’s where we all get to be creative. We all need to determine how we want to be of service and how we can help our clients. If you’re committed to making a difference for your dream clients, a real transformation, you should always be striving to meet your clients where they are. Now we get to rise to that occasion to a higher degree than ever. Now we as entrepreneurs get to demonstrate our commitment to impacting the lives of our clients, customers, and the world. And there are so many ways to make that impact.
to make your dream life happen. I’m committed to my clients creating their dream life. Reach Kara Duffy here: Consulting & Coaching; Founder, Powerful Ladies; hello@thepowerfulladies.comTop of Form
1. Reach out and say hello. 2. Ask how you can most help. 3. Share how you’re business is being impacted, too. 4. Offer new products or services. 5. Be flexible with your pricing if it applies. 6. Find the new people who are now looking for you and what you offer.
This is where we get to lean in on being creative, resourceful, and most importantly, demonstrate our humanity.” My favorite quote from a client is “Kara’s a fairy godmother with unicorn magic.” It’s perfectly ridiculous and speaks to what it’s like to finally see a plan and a way
Anika Jackson is a mother, community volunteer, philanthropist, and brand strategist. There has never been a time when she didn’t enjoy connecting, collaborating and creating meaningful relationships between businesses and communities, and strategically helping brands apply those concepts to meet their goals. A woman gifted with the ability to draw excitement to an event, brand or concept, creating winning solutions and developing strategic press and marketing initiatives that lift up key partnerships and collaborations is the fuel that excites her.
LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
What Networking Has Taught Me
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Written by Amanda Gregory, Founder of Lawrence Lady Boss Project Photo by Trina Baker
When I started Lawrence Lady Boss Project, a networking group, in early 2019, I pictured a group of boss women out there blazing their path in this world and supporting each other along the way. I envisioned gatherings full of banter, laughter and new memories. I hoped for new connections and an overall feeling of community, our community. What happened was something I could never have expected. Woman from all walks of life and all different career paths came together and started lifting each other up daily. Businesses supported other businesses, new friendships blossomed and bloomed and it was like a a rally cry broke out. “Empowered women, empower women.” For me, leading this rally cry has taught me a lot. It taught me to embrace the differences. Our community is unique when compared to the community I grew up in. Instead of the all American suburb just a few minutes down the road, Lawrence is full of all kinds. All kinds of dreams, all kinds of people, all kinds of beliefs. We build each other up and we encourage each other and when you embrace the differences, you learn, you expand and you grow, too. Networking a large group of women together has been full of so many personalities. Each one of them contributing in their own way to make this community special. It taught me to celebrate the small things. Each small step towards any large goal should be celebrated. All it takes is one person believing in your dreams, and you are off. I will always celebrate the first small step that led to the success of this project, a business owner said yes to hosting my first Networking Night Out. Had she not said yes, who knows what would have happened. Each small goal achieved since then has led to doors opened and new opportunities embarked on. It taught me to stop worrying about things out of my control. The details may not always come together as you expected, but if you put your best foot forward, the small things don’t matter at the end of the day. At my second event, I forgot napkins and cups. So we had snacks and drinks but no way to really go about enjoying them. A local business owner swooped in to save me that night and everything else rolled on as planned. These things happen and it is out of your control. It’s how you react that matters.
It taught me that not everyone is going to cry your rally cry with you. Networking is only possible with an amazing group of people willing to bend and adjust with you. Every now and again you will run across someone that doesn’t cheer on your dream like they should. Remember those people are not the people you need on your squad. Your network should support and celebrate with you, always. No excuses. Above all, I have learned just how important networking is. This pandemic is a large, scary, world of unknowns. Small business owners are left out to dry as they have to shut their doors and sit at home, waiting for the worst to pass. I have watched my community come together and do their part to lift these dreamers up. This network of lady bosses that was built to support each other, is doing just that. Supporting, reassuring and doing their darnedest to inspire each other to keep on going. One foot in front of the other. Everyone adjusts differently to the times that are upon us. Eventually though we will move on, we will get past it and we will find our new normal. Together with our network that supported us all along we will open the doors and welcome our people back in. These days will come and we will look back and remember how our network was there for us. Our people supported us and helped us through. As for Lawrence Lady Boss Project? I look forward to the day that this network is back together. We will plan another successful Networking Night Out and we will watch the hugs and the laughter be exchanged. This community is like no other, and I am proud to be a part of it.
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THE SPOT MAG CELEBRATING WOMEN IN BUSINESS
HALF PAGE: 8.75” w x 5.625”h $200 per issue FULL PAGE AD: 8.75”w x 11.25”h $400 per issue Call Crystal Directly at 785-550-3424 or email Crystalsavesthedeal@gmail.com
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PUBLIC RELATIONS & MARKETING TIPS
Meaningful Messaging with Anika Jackson In this issue, we are bringing you tips from Zhe Scott, aka “The SEO Queen.” Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is such a mystery to most of us - yet it is one of the essential tools you can use to ensure that your business appears in searches. In this unique time in history, most people are at home looking for the best resources they can find to make this athome life more pleasant. Thus as a business owner, it is more important than ever for businesses to have a mobile-friendly website that can be found in the following searches: social media, video, image, website, news, and shopping (if appropriate). Here, Zhe shares a list of 10 steps that you can take to improve your visibility and obtain free website traffic. As a business owner, with a new or existing website, you can take these ten steps to boost your website’s visibility and brand online right now.
10 SEO Tips to Get You Closer to or On Google Page 1 Know Your Target Keywords
It is crucial to identify the keywords that your prospect will use to find you online. You can find your target keywords by keeping a record of how people find your business online. You can do this using keyword tools such as The SEO Queen’s Keyword Suggestion Tool https://theseoqueen.net/ seo-tools/keywords-suggestion-tool/ or using a platform called Spyfu: https://www.spyfu.com#theseoqueen The best keywords are keywords that have low competition and high numbers of people searching for them. When I find a keyword with thousands of monthly searches and only a
few hundred or thousand websites aiming to rank for that word, I get very, very excited.
Proper Keyword Use for Meta Tags Once you have identified your best keywords, it is important to use the best keyword, aka the focus keyword in your Meta Tags. An SEO best practice is to use the target keyword for the page at the beginning of both the Meta Title and the Meta Description. You can visit this page on my website and use this tool for free to craft the perfect Meta Tags: https://theseoqueen.net/seo-tools/ meta-tag-generator
Proper Keyword Use in Content
It is important to use your target keyword in the content of your target keyword page. You don’t want to use it too much. You want to use it naturally. In fact, there are tools that can help you check that your content is unique and has your target keyword in it 3-5% of the time. This means if you have a website page with 300 words you want to use your target keyword phrase no more than 15 times if your target keyword is one word. If your keyword phrase is 3 words then you don’t want to use it more than 5 times. If you are not sure what your keyword density is, you can always refer to The SEO Queen’s Keyword Density Analyzer Tool. You can view and use it here: https://theseoqueen.net/seo-tools/keyword-density-checker
Google My Business Google has ~80% of the 2 Trillion searches that are happening on search engines annually. You need to claim your share of this free website traffic. A great way to do this is to make
sure that you claim or create your Google My Business entry. You can request your listing even if you do or do not have a brick and mortar building for your office. Please ensure that you completely fill out your profile and use images that have your company name in the file name and target keywords. Use your target keywords in your company descriptions. You can create your account and learn more by visiting: https:// www.google.com/intl/en/business/
Google Webmaster Tools Google Webmaster Tools is a very important place. This is where you communicate with Google, and Google communicates with you about your website’s status. You can submit your sitemap, test your robots.txt file, check for website errors, and more. Google Websmaster allows you to double check your website and ensure it is being indexed properly with google. You can learn more about the Google Webmaster Tools by visiting: https://www.google.com/webmasters/
Make sure that your URLS are clean and use your target Keywords
space, it is still essential to make sure that any third-party plugins or software that you are using are updated. If you are not sure if your website has malware on it you can scan it using this tool: https://theseoqueen.net/seo-tools/google-malware-checker
Link to Pages Properly Another way to boost the visibility of your website is by using every opportunity to link to internal pages as much as possible. Remember that you want to link to relevant pages as frequently as possible. This aids search engine spiders in determining what pages are important.
Get Easy Social Media and Backlink Wins
Sharing your entire website on both Pinterest and Facebook are additional ways to boost your website’s visibility. Pinterest is a great website that gives you both social signals and backlinks to your site. In conclusion, if you do these 10 steps, you will definitely see a boost in your website’s visibility and gain more free website traffic from people that are looking for you.
A great way to increase the SEO power of your website is to change your website’s URLs. If you have a website focused on services, incorporate your target keywords into the URL or slug. For example, if you sell makeup, specifically lipstick, it is good to name the page with your products: www.example. com/lipstick-color. This is a winning strategy when coupled with the right content and meta tags.
Each Page Needs 300-900 Words Google is in the business of selling traffic. This traffic only comes to Google because people trust Google with the right information. You need to create high quality, keyword-optimized, unique and helpful content, and in your brand’s authentic voice. The more value you deliver, the more your content is shared, the higher in search engine results you will go. If you need a way to count the words on your existing pages, please check out my word counting tool here: https:// theseoqueen.net/seo-tools/word-counter
Secure Your Website
T he worst thing to do is to optimize your website for high traffic and still not see results. One reason this happens is due to a compromised website. Securing your website from hackers is a reality that every website owner has to face. Have you updated all of the plugins that your site uses? Do you have any third-party applications that need updating? Are you using the latest version of your content management system for your website? If you are using a hosted solution like Wix or square
About Zhe Scott: Zhelinrentice L. Scott, The SEO Queen, is a creative, yet technical marketing & search engine optimization coach who achieves authentic success through building credible, visible, and profitable brands. She is the Chief Digital Strategist for the Seo Services company TSQ Marketing Inc. With an MIT degree in the science of information technology management, Zhe is a sought after digital marketing partner who procures tangible results for client companies. Wins on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are transparently tracked, monitored, and evaluated. Return on Investment is always considered when any digital marketing strategy is crafted. Zhe not only has her finger on the pulse of today’s ever-shifting tech scene, but also offers a credible track record. She has 20+ years of experience in business development and entrepreneurial experience. Reach her at zhe@theseoqueen.net
CRYSTAL’S CHAMPIONS
Shared Harvest Update Shared Harvest Pivots to myCOVIDMD® - Free drive through testing and telehealth for underserved communities In the last issue of this publication, we highlighted the work of Dr. Nana Afoh-Manin, her co-founders and team at Shared Harvest Fund and the Shared Harvest Foundation. Since COVID-19 reared its head, the three women doctors behind this amazing platform have pivoted to provide a response, called myCovidMD®; a joint initiative of the Shared Harvest Foundation nonprofit 501(c)3, Shared Harvest Fund social enterprise technology, and Emerge Telemedicine, powered by the My Own Doctor platform. myCovidMD® includes community-based testing, free telehealth services, and matching residents with critical Crisis Buddies amidst the escalating COVID-19 global pandemic. This community-based strategy reduces hospital volume, provider burnout and keeps hospitals and patients safer while allowing those who need to be tested to receive screening. 26
“When America gets a cold, uninsured people and communities of color get pneumonia, and given that black and brown communities have a higher than average number of uninsured, many communities are hit extra hard with Covid-19,” states Founder and CEO, Nana Afoh-Manin, M.D. “As an ER doctor and disaster medicine specialist caring for patients on the frontline, it didn’t take me long to realize that our health system would be tested and overwhelmed and that we needed a more unified community response.” The initiative includes Community Health Partners (CHPs), a volunteer task force created by Shared Harvest to offer a grassroots and virtual triaging system to reach people that are uninsured, underinsured and/or displaced from a medical home due to COVID-19 and city, county and statewide Shelter in Place. In exchange for volunteering, CHPs will be able to accumulate credits towards their student loans or deposit credits towards an Emergency Savings account. Recognizing the importance of the myCOVIDMD® initiative, philanthropist, humanitarian and funder Renee White Fraser, PhD and CEO of Fraser Communications, explained, “Social Responsibility has always been the driving force in my personal ethos and how I run my company, Fraser Communications. Upon learning of myCOVIDMD®, I immediate-
ly understood the immense public good that this service could provide to so many in our community and beyond.” Dr. Afoh-Manin mentioned that the organization is seeking funding to continue reaching communities in crisis. “We chose to create a national mobile app, offer free Covid-19 testing and free access to telehealth services that would address the whole patient (mental, physical and nutritional). Up until today, we have been able to manage on a shoestring budget with our devoted supporters and have been able to buy into a cohort of affordable testing kits to serve our constituents. Today, that has changed. Our testing kit price has gouged to $92 per kit with a 1500 kit minimum buy-in. We are now in the pool with academic institutions and larger foundations who have the resource capability to drive donations and testing in the direction they see fit. Academic researchers should not be benefiting from the health inequities with more research funding and resources whilst crowding out grassroot nonprofit organizations who are on the frontlines in this fight. This is an unprecedented time in our generation - standing for something means everything. The supply of testing should not be yielded to the demand for research. We should all help quell fears and anxiety by making tests accessible to everyone, particularly every resident living in an underserved community.”
To date, the drive through testing has been implemented in Culver City, California. To volunteer, donate, or find or request a testing site, go to covidmd.org for more information.
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700 massachusetts • lawrence kansas • (785) 331 4622
CRYSTAL SWEARINGEN 785-550-3424
NATALIA PRICE 785-312-2056
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JASMINE PLACE 785-766-8941
SARA SCHROCK 785-764-9966
