Women of Color Bridging Gaps in The Workplace

W N W N

COMFORTING RECIPES TO WARM YOU

Hair Salon

Gurus

Travel Tips CEO,

Spring Interior Designs

Melva LaJoy Legrand

Gold Perfume Luxury collection

Premium GOLD PERFUME

Fashion & Designs

Women Who Rock with Success Media

GLOBAL FASHION DESIGNER GWEN BELOTI

I'm Gwen, the founder and designer of my namesake brand, Gwen Beloti. I’m so happy you are here. I absolutely love designing beautiful gold jewelry for you. The best part of what I do is watching you look and feel amazing in your jewelry, and not just on an occasion but every day.

https://gwenbeloti.com

BEAUTY Salon

HAIR AND MAKEUP ARTIST

CHRISTINE FLACH

Christina Flach is a celebrity hair and makeup artist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. After starting her career in 1995, she founded her own makeup line, Pretty Girl Makeup, and has acquired many notable clientele. She has worked with many major television networks, celebrities, designers, department stores, magazines, and big name brands. She is an expert at creating looks that allow her clients natural beauty to shine through by making every client feel like the best version of themselves on the inside and the outside. In addition to her career as a makeup artist, Christina is a philanthropist, a beauty expert on NBC’s CA Live, and a guest on a variety of podcasts. Christina is represented by Ford Artists NYC, LA, & Miami and is available for travel worldwide. https://www.christinaflach.com

Terra Harvell is a mom, entrepreneur, celebrity hair stylist, and absolute powerhouse. She is the owner and creative force behind luxury hair extension brand Harper Ellis Hair Co. as well as a salon owner and podcast host to the We’re Just Hairdressers podcast! When she’s not traveling the world with her team, she’s at home playing with her son Fletcher and spending time with her husband Josh!

https://terraharvell.com

EMMA JUSTINE COLOR & EXTENSION LOUNGE

Aime Migarova

3 TIPS

For Solo Travellers

Talk to locals and other travellers you meet along the way You'll learn a lot and have great memories! 1 3 2

Plan

It's important to have a rough outline of what you want to cover while you travel This will help keep your budget and schedule in check.

Socialize Explore

Don't be afraid to roam and take in the full experience! Sometimes, just walking around you'll discover great local spots

Delicious Pasta

INSTRUCTIONS

Recipe

INGREDIENTS

1 pound bucatini pasta

6 tablespoons salted butter

2-3 cloves garlic, minced or grated

1 1/2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper

1/2 cup pecorino cheese, freshly grated

1 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Just before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain.

2. Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and pepper and cook 1-2 minutes, until the butter is browning and the garlic is golden and fragrant.

RatatouilleSheetPanDinner

Let's Eat!

INGREDIENTS

1 (20 oz) package of Mild Italian Sausages

½ Onion, thinly sliced

1 small Zucchini

1 Small Yellow Squash

1 Small Eggplant

1 Pint of Grape Tomatoes

4 Garlic Cloves

½ cup Olive Oil

1 tsp Salt

1 tbsp Fresh Basil

1 tbsp Fresh Thyme

RECIPES OF THE DAY

cake recipes

INGREDIENTS

3 cups white sugar

1 ½ cups butter, softened

5 eggs

3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted

2 tablespoons lemon extract

1 cup lemon-lime carbonated beverage

HOW TO MADE IT ?

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) Generously grease a fluted tube pan

Beat white sugar and butter together in a bowl using an electric mixer until creamy and smooth; add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing well after each addition

Beat confectioners' sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together in a bowl using an electric mixer on medium until glaze is smooth

Berry meringue

LIGHT AND AIRY SUMMER DESSERT

Ingredients:

2 cups of awesome

1/2 tsp of fun

3 tbsp color

1 cup of kindness

salt and pepper to taste

Procedure: 1. 2. 3.

Mix awesome and fun together. Add a dash of color.

Flavor everything with kindness!

Notes: Enjoyed best when shared.

EasyHomemade Dumplings

Ingredients:

2 cups flour

1 1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon baking powder

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 cup warm water broth

chopped chives or parsley

Steps:

Combine flour, salt, and baking powder.

Add oil and water and mix until smooth. Add a bit more water until dumplings are soft and not at all dry.

Bring broth to a boil and add

dumplings by the spoonful. Reduce heat and cook dumplings for 4-5 minutes. (Do in batches if you are using a small pan.)

Serve dumplings in broth garnished with

chopped parsley or chives as desired.

AVOCADO TOAST

INGREDIENTS

-1avocadopeeledandseeded

-2tablespoonschoppedcilantro

-juiceof1/2lime

-1/2teaspoonredpepperflakes optional

-salt&peppertotaste

-2sliceswholegrainbreadorbread ofchoice

-2eggsfried,scrambled,orpoached, optional

INSTRUCTIONS

-Toast2slicesofwholegrainina toasteruntilgoldenandcrispy.

-Inasmallbowlcombineandmashthe avocado,cilantro,lime,andsalt+ peppertotaste.Spreadhalfofthe mixtureoneachsliceoftoastedbread. Topwithfried,scrambled,orpoached eggifdesired.

TIME: 1:30h

4 people

Arabic Desserts

RECIPE:

INGREDIENTS:

Walnuts

Puff pastry 2 sheets

1l oil

Honey

Pistachios

We fold each sheet of puff pastry to form the sweets, melt the butter. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees... We take it out when it is golden and pour the honey. Before serving, run a knife around the pie to loosen the sides. Slice it up and enjoy!

COOLING LEMONADE

Prep Time:

Cook Time:

Servings:

Ingredients:

2 cups of awesome

1/2 tsp of fun

3 tbsp color

1 cup of kindness

salt and pepper to taste

PU

PUMPKIN LATTE

Prep Time: 10min

Cook Time: 3 min

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

pumpkin puree, coffee, milk, Start by heating the milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, pumpkin pie spices, and vanilla extract on the stove.

Then mix the pumpkin spice milk with the strong coffee. Divide it between two mugs and add whipped cream.

TOP HOT DRINKS RECIPES

GYM FITNESS STRONG BUILD UP YOUR STRENGTH

Our CoverFeature

Melva LaJoy Legrand

Hello!

My name is Melva LaJoy Legrand, proud owner of LaJoy Plans, a DC-based award-winning events management firm. I was named after my late father Melvin Clay Jones. I am a proud self-made entrepreneur, trauma survivor, public speaker, event expert, and servant of causes that I believe make the better. I am living for (and with) the joy that I ought for. I have the honor of doing life with my ed husband Emmanuel Legrand.

Melva LaJoy Legrand

WHAT WAS YOUR PASSION FOR HOSTING EVENTS?

LOOKING BACK, I THINK MY PASSION INITIALLY STARTED WITH MY MOTHER JOYCE JONES WHO WAS INVOLVED WITH THE LATE C. DELORES TUCKER IN BUILDING THE NATIONAL POLITICAL CONGRESS OF BLACK WOMEN. ON OCCASION, THEY WOULD HOST AN ANNUAL LUNCHEON AND I ALWAYS THOUGHT THERE WAS POWER (NOT JUST POLITICAL POWER) BUT PERSONAL POWER WHEN PEOPLE GATHER. I FEEL THAT POWER WHEN I ATTEND AN EXCEPTIONAL CONFERENCE, AWE-INSPIRING CONCERT, AND OF COURSE WEDDINGS. I TRULY BELIEVE THAT HOSTING IS ONE OF THE MOST COMPELLING WAYS TO EXPRESS OUR HUMANITY

SHARE WITH US ABOUT LAJOY PLANS.

LAJOY PLANS WAS RE-LAUNCHED IN 2019 AFTER I SETTLED INTO MY NEW REALITY AS A RECENTLY SINGLE WOMAN WHO WAS TRYING TO GRAPPLE WITH MY FATHER’S SIGNIFICANT HEALTH DECLINE AFTER 6 STROKES AND 5 BRAIN BLEEDS. AS MANY KNOW THE NAME LAJOY PLANS, WHICH IS MY ACTUAL MIDDLE NAME REPRESENTS THAT I WAS THE LOVE AND JOY OF MY PARENT’S LIFE. FOR ME, LAJOY PLANS HAS BEEN THE LOVE AND JOY OF MY PROFESSIONAL LIFE. AT LAJOY, GET TO DO SOME AMAZING THINGS BUT WHAT FIRES ME UP IS WHOM WE ARE DOING IT FOR: WE WORK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE FIGHTING FOR EQUITY IN SO MANY AREAS AND WHEN THERE IS A GOOD FIT, WE ARE SIDE BY SIDE WITH COUPLES FOR THEIR LIFE EVENTS LIKE MARRIAGE OR ANNIVERSARIES. THIS BUSINESS HAS EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATIONS AND I DIDN’T REALIZE THAT THE RELAUNCH WOULD MEAN A PERSONAL RENAISSANCE FOR ME, SO I AM JUST LEANING INTO EVERY OPPORTUNITY THAT COMES OUR WAY.

MELVA

How has LaJoy Plans been rewarding to you, your staff, and your clients?

It is true that I get a lot of joy from my clients because I know them, know their personal stories, and understand why they engage in the work that they do but you know what? I am so lucky to have an extraordinary team that functions like a beloved family. Two of my team members including my first manager of events were mentees, all of us are diverse, and yet, when we are together, we move as one cohesive unit. We are together after the work is over ( I remember one time I told people they could leave after working about 16 hours and all of us stayed until the job was done, laughing with tears of joy). I see the great reward in each of my team members and I feel lucky that I am a part of their story and that they are such a fulfilling part of mine.

We have all dealt with a tedious client. Drawing from your experience, describe the best way to deal with aggressive clients. Actually, I have a virtual masterclass coming out about this topic for Women’s History Month but my short answer is I believe the best way to handle people who are challenging us is to extend empathy. The reality is that the person who is severely unpleasant, has unrealistic expectations, or is just flat-out nasty definitely has other stuff going on that has nothing to do with the work. Additionally, I think it's important that while doing that you are clear about what you will and will not tolerate and center the conversation around the work. Most importantly, don’t ever let someone ’ s smallness take you out of your character.

LaJoy Plans

How do you measure your success for each event?

n this season in my career, I see the success of my events very clearly in a person ’ s eyes. I have watched people cry over the events we have designed or laughed at because they were so tickled, sometimes there are no words to measure the success but you just know when you ’ ve hit the mark. Now in terms of stats, I think it speaks volumes that at LaJoy Plans our client renewal rate is currently over 80%.

What would be some short-term goals and long-term goals for LaJoy Plans?

The short-term vision is to continue to deliver on our promise of managing joyinfused excellent events for our existing clients. In the future, I expect LaJoy Plans to have an expanded presence in other markets. Furthermore, since Covid, I have begun coaching and speaking work which I see growing in the years ahead. Yet, while we will expand in these ways, I do not envision us becoming a firm that does hundreds of events largely because I value quality over quantity and my team’s mental health and family work/life balance is always a priority.

What are some categories in which you plan for events?

The easiest way to understand our work is that we provide four core services: comprehensive events management, which is what we provide for most of our clients which includes conferences, galas, and receptions Second, virtual events management has not gone away since Covid Third, creative direction and production: many people do not know that we write, direct, and a video, partner produce commercials, and lastly our beloved social events including weddings, anniversaries, and other life occasions.

As an African American woman, what volumes does this speak for your platform?

You know I tend to think that platforms that showcase black women and particularly brownskinned, self-made black women are critical not necessarily for me but for my younger self who didn’t think she belonged and couldn’t manage my life as it is now as a possibility. The more we are on stages, places, and in spaces where we weren’t previously, the more the message is clear “That we have always belonged” and I love being a small part of that message.

What would you say to other African American entrepreneurs for success?

This weekend I turned down working with someone, someone wonderful and excellent because I didn’t see myself represented in the work. In sending the email to let them know why I couldn’t move forward, I said simply “I have to trust my instincts.” There are a lot of great books, coaches, and resources that will help anyone build a business but don’t ever think your instincts aren’t essential – let your inner knowing be your guide. I have not steered myself wrong when I was fully tapped into my truth

Share how the readers can connect with you. I want readers to be in the community and fellowship with me in two ways: First, Instagram on @belajoyful, and secondly, please look out on the LaJoy Plans YouTube channel as I will be releasing a free masterclass for Women’s History Month.

KIMCROWDER

Global Workplace Inclusion + Equity Fire-Starter and Strategist Inclusive Branding + Communications Activator Equity in Entertainment + Media Champion

Kim is an expert at communicating and connecting in powerful and engaging ways Her deep knowledge of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism (DEIA) is informed by years of executive-level DEIA practice and consulting in advocacy and implementation. Kim's compelling content, presentations, and consulting approach are powered by more than 16 years of work in marketing, journalism, communications, and DEIA for Fortune 500 and other large corporations

During keynotes, Kim uses her background as a trained powerhouse vocalist to educate, bring healing, lift spirits, and inspire. Her authenticity and ability to be vulnerable invite others to do the same. She has been invited to speak and be interviewed about her expertise by Hubspot, Linking Indy Women, Hive Indy, Indy Maven, Monster com, The American Library Association, and The Public Library Association, among others.

As a boutique studio, Kim and her team work across industries serving U.S. and international markets, from retailers to insurers to governmental agencies and the social sector. From Adobe to Good Catch Foods to Target, the American Library Association, ReceiptBank, HarperCollins Publishers, and on, Kim and her team provide leaders and companies actionable tools to move initiatives forward long term.

Kim’s mission is to provide transformative, customized solutions, cultivate equitable workplaces, and harness the power of diverse input to foster innovation, inclusion, and forward-thinking within organizations and industries overall. She has been featured for her expertise by The New York Times, twice by Forbes, and on Hubspot’s podcast, The Growth Show She is also a member of the MIT Technology Review Global Panel

Kim has traveled extensively, including having lived in Korea as a child. She grew up in the U.S.'s most diverse city in the country, Houston, TX, and sang with Beyoncé as a youth. When she is not heading up Kim Crowder Consulting LLC, you can find her singing professionally, traveling, Latin dancing, working out, listening to audiobooks and podcasts, or trying something new.

Kirstyn J. Allen is an accomplished marketer and sales professional with over 10 years of diverse experience in the corporate environment. By day, she runs the Kay Allen Agency, a marketing firm that serves organizations that need dedicated support to reach their revenue goals. Outside of being a marketing nerd, she is a wife, mom, and servant to her local community.

MOVIE NIGHT

WITH FILMMAKER

Shelley Jarrett

Shelley Jarret

Canadian filmmaker, Shelley Jarrett once again explores her passion for bringing to the forefront social injustices in her newest documentary, “What We Deserve” co-produced/ written by Andrew Terry Pasieka. The emotional and raw documentary will have a screening, on February 18, at the Burlington Library at 2 pm and a public release, on February 19th on Eventive.

“What We Deserve” looks at the over 400 troubled years of the British monarchy as it relates to colonialism and the slave trade, with calls for necessary restorative justice and reparation. The filmmaker, magazine publisher, woman ’ s advocate & award-winning podcaster uses her platforms to bring attention to social justice around the world. “What We Deserve” follows Jarrett’s awardwinning documentary W’AT ABOUT US. The film earned the Canadian Jury award at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival.

“What We Deserve” is a true testament to Jarrett’s passion for fearlessly bringing social injustices to the forefront. The documentary details how over 10 million Africans were stolen from their homes and forcefully transported to the Caribbean as enslaved chattel and property of Europeans. The transatlantic slave trade is the largest forced migration in human history and has no parallel in terms of man ’ s inhumanity to man.“What We Deserve” puts the atrocities on full display. Shelley Jarrett is a respected member of the arts & business community and was named to the 2022 list of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women. She sits on the Board of the Art Gallery of Mississauga and is part of the Public Relations Committee and the RPA Women Entrepreneur Award Committee. The community involved Jarrett also sits on the advisory board of the Canadian Centre for Women Empowerment in Ottawa.