BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN MINISTRY AND BUSINESS LEADERS
FALL ISSUE 2021 VOL. 2
FAITH HOPE LIFE SUCCESS
BUILDING A LEGACY AND
HELPING WOMEN DO THE SAME!
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CONTRIBUTORS CEO/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DEBORAH FRANKLIN SENIOR EDITOR JC GARDNER
Featured Columnists
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Soul Focus - Health and Wellness: Latanya Henry-Smith, PhD
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Beauty and Fashion: Nichelle Johnson, Kolor Beauty
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Business Essentials: Maurice “Mo” Washington
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Culinary Tales: Cedreka Baggett
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A Drink From the Well Spiritual Corner: Debrayta Salley
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Travel & Tourism: Tracy Shorter
A Message from the Editor-in-chief
A Message Deborah Franklin
Fr Deb
Dear Beloved Reader, We have made it to issue No. 2. I know that seems a little odd to start a letter like this, but from issue No. 1 to now has been a challenging journey. Saying yes to what God has called you to will definitely challenge you in ways you never thought. I had to identify distractions that were coming from all directions. You know the ones that look good, but aren’t good for you or the ones that come back from your past and say “I’m different now, you can trust me.” Yeah, you’ve heard them all too. No, this is not a pity me issue, but a note to self and you, that even though the distractions come, call them what they are, get up, dust yourself off and get back to focusing on the mission at hand. All of us are destined for greatness and need to walk in it boldly. Stop looking at what others have and remember that this is an unfair gauge of what you're doing. You don’t know their back story and they don’t know yours. Keep pushing and remember that the road you're on is yours and any bumps, potholes or yield signs are for us to slow down, not stop. It's time to encourage and celebrate yourself. Rejoice in the small wins, because they lead to big ones. Just know I’m celebrating in advance and with you for the miraculous things that God is going to do for you in your life and business. In this issue we are going to meet Shonta Prince who has a powerful message. If she had listened to her negative self-talk, she would have never been a winner on 4
the Food Network. This issue is power packed with motivation and inspiration.
Yours in Christ,
School is Back Make Sure Stress Isn’t Part of Your Student’s Backpack By Dr. LaTanya Henry-Smith The excitement of schools opening for in-person classes across the country has unfortunately been over-shadowed by COVID related concerns. There is lingering uncertainty as COVID 19 cases are on the rise and schools alternate between in-person and remote learning. Uncertainty increases emotional distress and insecurity. Students may experience these emotions for several reasons, including fear of contracting COVID, worry about academic struggles, or anxiety over returning to remote learning. Creating a sense of calm and normalcy is key to ensuring that children are well adjusted and have a successful school year. The good news is that using the following suggestions will help your child thrive in what could otherwise be an unstable environment. Establishing clear expectations, appropriate consequences, and consistent routines are highly effective in developing stability. Inconsistency in these areas increases self-doubt. For example, ensure there is a designated school workstation outside the bedroom. Inform your child that the expectation is that schoolwork is to be done only at that designated workstation. Establish a routine that during school hours, students will be at the workstation. Simply put, your students will be at the workstation working when they are supposed to be -- no exceptions. Frequent and systematic reinforcement of established expectations and routines with consequences promote and maintain stability.
Latanya Henry-Smith, PhD Founder, Sapphire Emerald Solutions & Associates
Dr. Latanya Henry-Smith is a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology who provides psychoeducational assessments, counseling, and consultations in Texas public schools. Her passion is to bring healing to children and their families as they navigate through school and life.
One of the best ways to create wellbeing is to talk to and listen to your children openly and honestly. Engage in daily conversations about their day, opinions, and emotions. Answer questions, address concerns, and validate their feelings in an open, honest, age-appropriate way. In this age of information overload, limiting news about COVID and related issues will aid in decreasing emotional distress. Other useful exercises to develop and support a sense of wellbeing include introducing deep breathing, meditation, and spiritual practices. Lastly, remember acknowledging accomplishments and giving hugs, smiles, and verbal praise go a long way to ensuring your children’s security and happiness.
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Seasons of Beauty By Nichelle Johnson, Kolor Beauty night while you are sleeping and your skin goes through a restoring process. Every morning you wake up your skin has a brand new beginning. Clinic is a great brand for women who are looking for a total skin system, cleanser, serum eye crème and moisturizer that is simplistic and economically friendly. I enjoy the idea that Chanel does not offer SPF in her crèmes. The Le Lift is great for women who only want one crème for day and night. Back to beauty trends and color. Metallic and Matte is trending for the falls. Chanel has a dynamic eye shadow metallic package in a tube with a wand. Sultry smoke-brown nails is a “Thing” this fall, making a huge fashion statement. The looks are soft and bold at the same time.
Eyeshadow pallets are always my choice. They are easy and for the working woman, it makes sense. The pallets make it easy to transition from work to play any day of the week. They allow you to create many different looks. Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy pallets are absolutely gorgeous, rich in texture and tones with a mix of matte and metallic. Ladies! Ladies! it’s almost time to fall into Fall and there are plenty beauty options this fall to achieve that flawless look. It can sometimes be bittersweet transitioning your beauty look from summer to Fall, emotional and sometimes expensive. I have personally found that the key to making a smooth transition is learning how to combine one or two of your existing summer beauty favs with new colors and trends. Before we get into beauty trends let me say that perfect skin is and will always be near and dear to my heart and essential to achieving your color beauty goals. Before you spend a ton of money on color let’s do some skin care house rules. As you know transitioning from summer to fall and winter will require making adjustments to your skin care regimen, specifically because the skin endures aggressive assault during the summer months from the ozone layer and not to mention the irritation from wearing masks for almost two years during COVID-19. There are many skincare lines that offer the basics. My top three skincare brands are Estee Lauder, Clinic and Chanel. For years I have lived and breathed Estee’s Advanced Night Repair Serum for nighttime regiment. This serum is magical. It’s like new skin in a bottle. It restores the skin DNA skin cell pattern and works as a moisture magnet to bind your moisturizer to the skin so the complete healing experience occurs every
The biggest trend and transition this coming season and in the past year is that women are getting back to basics with soft beauty looks that are timeless, such as a flush of color on the lid that slightly exaggerates into the crease. No one does a single eye shadow collection like MAC. I recommend brown script; it’s a brick color that can be worn bold or soft. When applied softly, it’s just enough color to announce yourself into fall. It’s beautiful with a defined lash. The natural, well-defined lash is making its debut again and I love it. Again with MAC the lipstick choices are endless. This year, Lady Bug is my boo! I love it with a flush color or a splash of bronze on the eye lid or a wedge eyeshadow on the lid and one stroke of Lady Bug on the lip. It’s the “I know I’m cute and I don’t need a lot to show it” look for me that echoes your confidence as if you are your own personal billboard. Ladies, I know we have gotten use to shopping online during the pandemic, but when it comes to makeup you need a close-up interaction with your new look. Making a visit at the mall will give you a better idea on the true integrity of the colors and textures and in the end, it will save you time and money. See you in the Fall!
Nichelle has over 25 years of experience in the Makeup industry. She has worked with some of the top cosmetic lines such as MAC, Estee Lauder, Fashion Fair and Benefits Cosmetics. She is currently freelancing as an Estee Lauder Expert throughout the MD, DC, VA, & DE Corridor where she teaches women skin care and makeup daily routine techniques. 6
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This Time Next Year - Expect a Great Harvest! By Debrayta D. Salley Scripture References: Galatians 6:9 A farmer never begins sowing seed in the ground with the mindset that nothing will grow from it. The expectancy is that a great harvest will produce and arise from the fruit of his or her labor and that this labersome process will not be in vain. There are some things, however, that can interfere with a crop bringing forth its best harvest. There may be more, but I believe these are the most prevalent: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
The health of the ground in which the seeds are planted. The viability of the seeds. The timing in which the planting began. The amount of effort, attention and fertilization that’s given over the life of the crop. The condition of the environment and weather patterns.
using different seeds or changing the soil in which you’re planting? Is your environment conducive to your desired harvest? Gather your seeds, survey your land and begin writing the vision and making it plain and most of all, Pray and be in Expectation of a Great Harvest this time next year!
In farming, late September to early December is Harvest Time. This is the time when a farmer comes to know the fullness of what their crop (s) has/have produced. And prayerfully it’s everything they expected and then some. You know that Ephesians 3:20 kind of Harvest - Exceedingly and Abundantly above more than you could ever ask for or think of!
Lastly, meditate on and always remember Galatians 6:9 NIV: “Do not become weary in doing good. For at the proper time, we WILL reap a harvest if we DO NOT GIVE UP!” May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us — yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17 NIV
The same applies to us. We must ensure that our expectancy of the seeds that we sow in our Lives, Businesses, Ministries, Relationships etc. are sustainable! We must also work to ensure that the foundations are healthy, engagement is purposeful, intentional, nurturing and that we stay abreast of the temperature/conditions of each and make adjustments as needed along the way.
Debrayta (Dee) Salley aka Dee Life Mentor Coach is the Founder of Debrayta Salley Enterprises, LLC. Also known as, “The Life Coach Who Writes”, her mission is to “Empower Paths, Support Growth and Inspire Change” using Writing, Speaking, Inspirational products, Workshops and Events. Connect with Ms. Salley: Website: www.deelifmentor.com Social Media: DeeLifMntrCoach – FB, Twitter, and IG
So, while I’m sure you’re currently reaping the harvest of everything you’ve planted last season, NOW is the time to do an assessment: Has your crop yielded or exceeded the harvest you were expecting? If not, is it time to consider 8
Shonta Prince: Building a Legacy and Helping Women Do the Same! By Deborah Franklin I had a chance to catch up with business coach and Navy veteran Shonta Prince, who is a Personal Branding Strategist helping coaches build their personal brands, create high-ticket offers, and get paying clients. Shonta is the creator of the Expert Branding Academy where she helps her clients build profitable and influential personal brands. I’m also proud to call her my coach! DF: What was your life like before entering into the land of being an entrepreneur? I was on active duty in the US Navy as an Information Systems Technician (IT) and living on board ships and overseas. DF: What is your muse? I draw my inspiration from the Scriptures. I’m also inspired by my husband and our two children. DF: What does work-life balance look like to you? Work-life balance is about being fully present when I’m doing business and fully present with my family when I’m with them. I believe that resting from work is an important part of doing business and a powerful biblical principle. Rest, relaxation, and family time help me to be better at business. DF: What is your motivator as an entrepreneur?My biggest motivations as an entrepreneur are to build a legacy for my family and to help other women do the same. DF: Why did you become a business coach? I became a business coach because I wanted to show women how to package their gifts into a personal brand and create high-ticket coaching or mentorship offers so they can live purposeful lives while being profitable. DF: Not only are you a business coach, you can burn in the kitchen too! Why did you enter the contest on the Food Network? 9
I entered the Food Network competition because I have another business that I started with my husband. We started a spice company to sell our BBQ rub that started out as a recipe. The competition was all about grilling, so I thought it was a great opportunity to challenge myself and test my grilling skills. DF: Share with us the exciting outcome of the competition I competed against two amazing grillers and was losing in the first two rounds. In the last round, I grilled some salmon that I seasoned with my BBQ rub. The salmon was my winning dish! I won the competition and earned a backyard outdoor kitchen with an Italian style wood burning oven. DF: What other products have launched since the win and where can we find them? After the show, I launched my Brown Sugar Chipotle Rub, which is the same rub that I used on the show. You can find the rub and the winning salmon recipe at www.princessavoryspices.com. DF: How does your faith guide you in your business decisions? My faith in God through Christ guides me in being a business woman of integrity. That means doing business the right way and serving my clients with excellence. DF: Please share a word of inspiration to our readers. Believe God for what you want to see happen in your life, then apply faith and start doing the work. DF: What does 'Church Girl CEO' mean to you? When I first heard “Church Girl CEO” I was so excited! Church Girl CEO, to me, describes a virtuous businesswoman who runs her business fueled by her faith, but she’s also about her Father’s business. Church Girl CEOs are changing the world one person at a time and letting God’s light shine through them. How to Reach Shonta Prince: website: www.shontaprince.com email: info@shontaprince.com 10
Comfort Food By Cedreka Baggett Hey Parents, This is the time when it is the best time of our lives. Our kids are BACK IN SCHOOL! Are you excited? I am! Of course, we are still in the season where COVID-19 is still valid, so during the time the kids were at home was the best time to educate them about the do’s and don’ts of going back to school. It is normal for them to have back-to-school-anxieties, with having a whole school year at home. The anxiety comes from the uncertainty of what’s to come. This is where you come in; you have been there to prepare them for these days in our new normal; you have had many conversations and answered many questions. The best way for you to continue to calm their fears is by sitting at the dinner table every night, continuing to listen and answer questions. What calms them is not only you giving them reassurance but it is also through the food that you have prepared for them. Comfort Food. Comfort food is not always a high cholesterol, high sugar meal. Comfort food can also be a healthy wholesome meal, but most importantly to your children, it is a feeling. It is the love you show them every day. It is time you take to make the best meals for them.
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I want to make your life easier. There are many awesome meals to put together without a lot of ingredients. Just a lot of love and some flavor. Here are a few recipes that will not take a lot of time, but will make your kids feel nurtured, loved, safe, with a whole lot of comfort.
Directions: • • •
One-Pan Chicken Surprise • • • • • •
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4 Boneless Chicken Breast or Chicken Thighs 1 Large Sweet Potato, cubed. 1 Zucchini, sliced 3 Apples, sliced with skin (with skin?) Olive Oil Salt, to taste
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pepper, to taste garlic powder thyme paprika 1 Baking sheet
Preheat oven to 400 degrees, F. Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic, paprika and thyme on both sides On baking sheet, toss sweet potato, zucchini, and sliced apples, spread out on pan. Place Chicken Breast on top. Drizzle olive oil over chicken, fruit and veggies Bake for 30 minutes, then broil for 10 minutes so the top of the chicken gets golden brown and crispy. Enjoy
One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe:
• Preheat oven to 425°. In a large bowl, combine eggs, tomato juice, onion and salt. Add beef; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into six 4x2-1/2-in. loaves; place on a sheet pan or large shallow roasting pan. Combine ketchup, brown sugar, mustard and nutmeg; brush over loaves.
Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • •
6 Chicken Thighs Salt, to taste Pepper, to taste 1 tbsp Butter 3 cloves Garlic 1 tbsp Brown sugar ¼ cup Honey 1 tsp Thyme 1 tsp Oregano Add Vegetables or potatoes (optional)
• Combine potatoes with 2 tablespoons oil, 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper; toss to coat. Add to pan in a single layer. Bake 25 minutes. • Combine asparagus with remaining 1 tablespoon oil, 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper; toss to coat. Add to pan. Bake until a thermometer inserted into meat loaves reads 160° and vegetables are tender, 15-20 minutes. Let stand 5-10 minutes before serving.
Directions: • • • • •
Mommy Kitchen Tip: As busy moms, it is easier on you to prep the meats the night before you make them, so they are ready to pop in the oven.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees Season Chicken Thighs with salt/pepper Melt butter in a large skillet, add chicken and sear both sides until golden brown Set chicken aside, add chopped garlic, brown sugar, honey, thyme, oregano and stir Place chicken back in the pan and bake for 25 minutes. You can also add your favorite vegetables or potatoes.
As you can see, it does not take a lot to show your children some comfort, safety, and reassurance. You are being there in the moment is enough for them. The hot meal is a bonus.
Mini Meatloaf One-Pan Meal Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Cedreka Baggett is active in the armed forces as a chef in the Navy; she has many passions, but number one is cooking. Through her love for cooking, in 2019 she birthed Bagge’ whose mission is to bridge the gap between generations through cooking and creativity with originality and ingenuity.
2 large eggs, lightly beaten 1 cup tomato juice 1/4 cup finely chopped onion 1/2 teaspoon salt 1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean) 1/4 cup ketchup 3 tablespoons brown sugar 1 teaspoon mustard 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 pound fresh asparagus
Website: www.baggecollections.com Ecookbook: https://baggecollections.com/products/bagges-top-mom-picks-recipe-book Instagram: @bagge_llc/ Facebook: @BaggeLLC
Directions: 12
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Start Planning for an Abundant Harvest By Maurice “Mo” Washington Now that fall has arrived, what is your business harvesting? If your answer is not abundance it's okay, but we are gonna have to move with a sense of urgency for the last few months of 2021. You will be required to take immediate action and here's why. Blink once and it will be Halloween. Blink again and it will be Black Friday. By the time you take a deep breath and exhale, you will be breaking your New Year Resolutions.
First order of business. Take 5 minutes and decide these 2 things. What is the worst-case scenario for your business if nothing goes right? What will your business look like if you win?
Now that you have done that. Think about this. Which result is the most likely to manifest? My friend, the one that you believe in the most will be realized.
Why is that important to you right now? The federal government has allowed all of the free stimmy money to expire and earning business will be harder in 2022. Inflationary pressures have taken hold in the U.S. economy making it substantially more costly to buy, produce and sell goods and services. Interest rates will soon be rising making it more expensive to obtain credit to operate your business. The good news is that your business testimony is written primarily by you.
Top 3 tips to get quick wins: 1.
Have seductive offers bundled and ready to go by or before November 15th.
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Present the sweet deals to your audience and ask for the sale!
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Accelerate your results by doubling down on champs and abandon the chumps.
The quick wins that you accumulate now will fuel your momentum going into 2022. 14
There is no such thing as praying your way into profits. Keep the faith, do the work, thrive in the results, repeat.
Maurice “Mo” Washington is founder of Moqua Media Solutions in Atlanta, GA. Making messages that move people to take action is his forte. He helps clients tell their brand story with purposeful content that is clear, concise and consistent. If you are ready to take your brand from begger to boss, email him at mo@businessisforthebold.com
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FALL In Love with These Travel Destinations By Tracy Shorter We have now moved away from the hot temperatures of summer to the cool winds of fall. It just so happens the fall season is my favorite and it is an excellent and fun time to travel. It's the best time for football games and festivals, and the less humid temperatures make the experience even more enjoyable. Today I will share three (3) locations you should add to your list this year – the first two I have experienced up close and personal.
I love the mountains of Gatlinburg, having traveled multiple times here myself; it's a very beautiful and peaceful place. The drive up the mountain provides some of the best views of the Tennessee area and in Gatlinburg, the Scenic Overlook allows you the best views. My children in their youth loved the ride up the mountain to Ober Gatlinburg (www.obergatlinburg.com), where you have the opportunity for ice skating, skiing, bumper cars, and a variety of rides. If you take a trip into town, there are many quaint restaurants, wine and whiskey tasting, museums and the best little souvenir shops. If you want the thrills and great rides, Dollywood is just minutes away. Gatlinburg is packed with something for everyone in your family and provides lodging options for every price point.
Dallas, Texas
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Known as the state where everything is BIG, the temperatures in the summer make this state difficult to sometimes enjoy. But fall comes with great weather and lots of fun activities and big food. One thing to add to your list during your visit to Texas would the State Fair (www.bigtex.com) or Oktoberbest (www.frederickoktoberfest.org) held in Fredericksburg, Texas. The fair has miles of food, rides and entertainment and having the chance to see a rodeo is a true plus.
Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico and has lots of museums and restaurants. However, in October, this location hosts the world-famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (www.balloonfiesta.com), which is the largest week-long hot air balloon festival in the world. Taking a hot air balloon ride is on my bucket list, and I think others would enjoy the experience or even just seeing the balloons in the air. This festival hosts thousands of balloons in various shapes and sizes. There are opportunities to take sunrise and sunset flights and if you are adventurous, you can flight one yourself.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Note: Make sure you check for any COVID restrictions or requirements before you book your adventure. 16
To contact Shorter Route Travel Email: tracy@shorterroutetravel.met www.facebook.com/shorterroutetravel Join our private travel group on Facebook at Adventures with Shorter Route Travel 17
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