Flourish Digital Magazine - November/December 2020 Issue

NOV/DEC 2020 ISSUE 4 VOLUME 1

COLOMBE ASSI

IN SPITE OF!

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OVATIONFRAGRANCE.COM

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' When I was a kid growing up in Mississippi, I loved SweeTarts. A sweet and sour candy that left a tangy taste in your mouth. We all got them for the holidays because there were eight of us kids, and you got a lot in the packs—at least it seemed that way. For me, even though I knew what I had in my hands, SweeTarts, I never knew what I would experience in my mouth first—if I would taste sweet or sour. If it landed in my mouth on the sour side, oh boy, it was going to give me a sensation of “lockjaw” and I would have to endure that until the sweetness broke through and overpowered the sour taste. My children loved SweeTarts too when they were kids. Do you remember?

2020 has reminded me of the sour side that gave me that lockjaw sensation—with covid-19, politics, the economy, the loss of so many lives and businesses, and massive uncertainty. But I know that there’s a sweet side in there too, somewhere—a side that will soon offer us a taste of sweet relief, as long as we don't give in to the sour side. What we have to remember is this: Sweet and sour both are in us, and also in the world; and because of this we get to choose what we will focus on.

Relief is a feeling of ease from grief or trouble. For this holiday and festive season, it is my constant prayer for all of us, globally, and especially at home in America, that we may start to experience some relief and contentment within ourselves and within our own homes. Some assurance that we will be safe and protected in our country—to be glad and proud that we are Americans, to be inspired by the knowledge that we are creative, powerful and empowering human beings, who have no race or religion given to us

by God. Relief is the ability to uplift ourselves and each other, to offer empathy, aid and assistance in a way that ensures a loving, collaborative reset for all of us. We all deserve some kind of reset after this year. Don't you think so? Relief is receiving, allowing and offering the support our families, friends and neighbors may need in order to experience a bright new twinkle in their eye that may lead to happiness, joy and the great bounce-back that only love and excellence can bring.

To me, this curated, created holiday issue of Flourish Digital Magazine will offer just that: the sweet side. And in my mind, with my spirit-of-play way of thinking and my glass-overflowing mentality, I genuinely believe that in the essence of who we are innately, we will prevail and experience the "sweet side" again soon.

Thank you and happy holidays to all of you, and to my family and friends and the entire Flourish Digital Magazine team—including Seane Shaw, Sadiyah Adams and Janis Hunt Johnson.

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C Ch hl l oo ee T Ta ay yl l oo rr B B rr oo w wn n

Editor-in-Chief chloe@flourishdigitalmagazine.com Instagram: @flourishdigitalmagazine @chloetaylorbrown

CONTENTS BEAUTY & FASHION A MODEL ENGINEER 18 Colombe Assi

21 STRIVING WITH EXCELLENCE Looking Ahead

22 MISS GEORGIA 59

60

Sarah Joyner by Michell Lynch SAVISH Health & Beauty

HOLIDAY SKIN SPARKLES Lyn Ross

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT

SHOWCASE

Her Color is Purple: Actor & Entertainer MARIA HOWELL 50

40

ETCH & MAR'KET Seane Shaw

42

THE ART OF GOOD FOOD: FUDART Sadiyah Adams

44

VEGAN HOLIDAY DISHES Lisa Washington

47 PIVOT FOR SUCCESS IN 2021 Teia Beggs

48

NADIA BILCHIK Entertainment News &Professional Presence DINNER & DIALOGUE Seane Shaw

74 HOLIDAY SPENDING TIPS Kim Scouller 76 YOU GET A HOUSE, OR TWO Patricia Boezio

JACINTA RENDER Broadcast Journalist

79 DREAMS TO LIFE Lavass Shaw

CHI GEORGE Actor & Producer

80 BETTER ANGELS IN BUSINESS Karen Gamba & Frank Carlisi

56 95 97

ARTICLES 6

HEY MAMAS! Elena Taylor Bager

8

WE, THE PEOPLE Chloé Taylor Brown

9

THE FRAGRANCE OF GRATITUDE Donnella Cranford

10

HEALING THE HOLIDAY HEART Nevaina Rhodes

12 16

AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE Janis Hunt Johnson THE JEWEL OF LOVE Dr. Jelunder Clark

28 LIVING LARGE Ron Hakala

34

GRADitude Laurie Marie Renfro

62 IN SPITE OF! 64

Paula G. Voice VICARIOUSLY THROUGH YOU Jade Cherell

BUSINESS & FINANCE 15 SWEET JOB SPOT Chantél Siegrid Thompson

ALIGNMENT

AMERICA'S GAME CHANGER 72

FEATURES

30 AUTHENTICITY AT WORK Chloé Taylor Brown 24 SHOGGY TOSH Paula G. Voice 67 CHEF PAULA PRINCE Chloé Taylor Brown 92 ANNE GITHUKU SHONGWE U N Women: South Africa Chloé Taylor Brown

WELLNESS

14 IT'S TIME TO HEAL 29 THE REBIRTH & RESURRECTION OF A NEW MAN - Kenyon Glover 55 CREATE YOUR 2021 MANTRA 58 GOD'S LOVE - Edwina Smithson

TO TRAVEL OR NOT 66 TAKING BREATH: CHINA

Malcolm Bugler

91 CHRISTMAS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Sadiyah Adams

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EAT CAKE...FIRST Lisa Washington's Recipes

FIRE-LUV

36

Music Production: Joshua Brown 57

RENEWED FOR THE HOLIDAYS

By Elena Taylor Bager Hey, Mamas!

I know we look forward to the holiday season, even though at times it can be overwhelming. As a mom, we’re thinking of the details, decorations, cooking, kids coming home, kids out of school, work, cleaning, gift-buying and giving as well as hosting and attending parties. So, we may be stressed out before the actual holiday gets here.

Whether you’re celebrating Diwali, Christmas, Hanukkah, Thanksgiving, or Kwanza—or just love these busy two months out of the year, realize first that your self-care is just as important.

This season, be intentional about loving yourself— your body, dreams, desires, and thoughts. It’s because we love that we may forget about ourselves at times, but motherhood is a lifestyle.

One that we cherish, but also one that we can’t be left out of. Take time to live and enjoy, allow the flow of life to help you accomplish dreams and goals, stop the car and dance, hang out with friends, explore, be silly, be idle, travel, stop and smell the Cinnabons, doughnuts and cupcakes. >

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GET A HOTEL FOR A DAY— ON SPECIAL, OF COURSE. There are so many innovative ways to incorporate self-care during the holiday season. A major way is to delegate. Yep! There, I said the D-word: delegate. From the tiniest of tasks to the grand ones, create a system for everyone to participate.

This will definitely give you a little more time to just enjoy everyday moments.

Get a hotel for a day, on special of course, and just chill. If you’re a single mom and can’t find childcare, begin your day with the end in mind and create an atmosphere at home that rivals the best of hotels (after the kids go to sleep, of course). What you’re really looking for is breathing space. While you’re in this space, visualize the life you’d like—including the holidays —and keep it in the forefront of your mind.

Although every other weekend is a term often used with co-parenting in single-parent households, it really works with married life as well. Take one weekend (for each of you, both dad and mom) out of the month, where you take off time to recoup and renew. If you’re a single parent without the every-other-weekend option like I was, again, that end-of-day atmosphere is a treat. But also realize you’re not alone, and it’s OK to ask for help.

So, as we descend upon the coolest time of the year, mixed with responsibilities, excitement and fun, don’t forget about you. And make sure you’re on the list of things to do!

Much love to you this holiday season. I.M. refreshed, renewed and I will repeat! < Elena Taylor Bager

CEO/Founder, The Innovative Mom LLC THEINNOVATIVEMOM.COM

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AUTHENTICITY, STARDUST, LIFE FORCE & YOU!

WE, THE

PEOPLE

I was thinking about people, and the idea that as human beings we are made of amazing remnants of stardust and extraordinary fragments of life-force particles that originated in cosmic explosions billions of years ago from stars.

WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN A SPECIAL SPIRITUAL POWER SINCE THE BEGINNING OF CREATION. Imagine this ubiquitous, pulsating energy continually floating around us today and flowing through each of us— connecting us to each other, and guiding us back to the ultimate universal creative power. Many refer to this energetic force as God, The Universe, Source or Spirit. According to Scripture we are all made from millions of tiny particles of mystical dust or dirt (Adam, the first man and ancestor), and formed by God Himself/Herself/All, in His/Her own image and likeness, and animated into physical life by God's own breath.

By Chloé Taylor Brown

Can you envision that? If there is any truth to this then don't we (human beings) have some God-like powers as well and the ability to create and design our own lives and impact the world positively? Some call this the Law of Attraction.

If we do have special spiritual powers then we’ve probably been called and commissioned by God to use this goodness and excellence— to be authentic, to discover our highest truth, to strive to do better and to do our share in contributing to the betterment of the world. With awareness of who we are and of our spiritual powers, and with concentration directed toward our objectives and goals—with conscious intent—we should be able to bring deeper meaning to our everyday existence. For these reasons the potential to change our self and our own life lies completely with us, because God has given us this power since the beginning of creation.

Since the coronavirus pandemic— and, let's admit it, even before the pandemic—so many of us worked meaningless jobs because we've been told we had to. Yet, we stress to pay the bills and barely get by.

We rely on alcohol and drugs, both prescription and recreational, to run away from the dull routine of our lives. As our stardust and life-force start to fade, we feel lethargic, confused, depressed, overly sensitive and even dispassionate about our very existence.

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Do not allow covid-19, politics, a dreadful job or anything else stop you from doing all you can to feel better.

I’ve been there: I know what it’s like to lose your energy, power and excellence; and I also know what it takes to readjust, realign, re-envision, reinvent and refocus, to start walking the path of enlightenment again. And I know how to help others do the same.

We start by being present, by being right here in the moment and by slowly letting go of what we cannot control, and shedding whatever isn’t in alignment with who we’re called to be.

Then, by going within, we hear, know, and choose what we authentically know, need, and desire now—based on who God has commissioned us to be, do, have and contribute. The next step is to sincerely and passionately concentrate on what we’ve chosen.

Concentration is the action of harnessing and bringing together positive life-force particles and intentionally directing them toward your vision, your goals of what you want to achieve, and your plan of how you’re going to achieve it.

But don't get stuck on the plan. Keep feeling energized about your dream.

This type of concentration is extremely powerful and helps us to focus at the highest creative and spiritual levels.

Creative visualization and intentional focus is where our visual images are clearly formed—where they become animated—and this practice sets in motion what has been imagined to manifest in the physical universe.

In other words, if we’re made of this mystical stardust, animated by God’s breath of life and with the magical lifeforce particles flowing and floating all around us, then when we combine a specific vision, dream or goal—with clear, intentional focused attention— then we should be able to accomplish almost anything. Right, God? <

The Fragrance of Gratitude, Joy & Peace

BY DONELLA CRANFORD WAGOHMIN.ORG

And, before you end your day, make a list of three things you are grateful for. As you generate gratitude, your heart is lifted, your mind and body are quickened, and your heart and soul center you in the aromatic flow of good that is present everywhere. Gratitude creates the floral scent of JOY and our spirits are lifted! When focusing on good things, the aroma of joyfulness ignites within, and that leads to the sweet-smell of PEACE. Peace is a state of heart-centered awareness that is always present with usâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;just waiting to be expressed.

Let your total being express it starting NOW. Gratitude frames my days throughout the entire year.

My gratitude expands to all things, so I let my thoughts of thanks radiate out to bless everything in my life. Then the joy that is always present is called into expression.

This has been a most challenging and unprecedented year for all, but there is good news as we move into the upcoming holiday season. Reimagining traditions and celebratory events while maintaining healthy practices and safe behaviors can easily add another layer of stress.

However, we must focus on and remember the miracleworking power within us. How do we move into a festive season during a pandemic, where so many have lost so much? How can we maintain harmony within our circumstances and with each other? It begins with the sweet fragrance of our thoughts, which consequently leads to our actions, which can bring forth an enthusiastic spirit.

Begin by celebrating the connectedness of gratefulness, joyfulness and peacefulness!

Jumpstart those scented positive thoughts in your mind right now, beginning with GRATITUDE. There is always an overabundance of things that we can be grateful to God for. Before you begin your day, identify three things you are grateful for. It can be as simple as being grateful that you woke up, that you have toothpaste to brush your teeth, or that you can smell the aroma of fresh-brewing coffee.

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I find joy in the beauty of holiday decorations, and in the fellowship of family and friends (even though it might be telephonically or through Zoom). And, I discover that my greatest joy is knowing and feeling the presence of God within me. That stimulates the peace that passes all understanding because I recognize and rejoice in Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presence in me and see it in everyone I meet. Thoughts of peace, words of peace, and peaceful actions fill my day. Peace shows me there are possibilities for good in every situation and every relationship. As I embody peace, stress and tension transform into productive energy. We are in charge of our thoughts; celebrate that miracle-working power and use it to produce the joy and peace that gratitude ignites.

As we move into the festive season, be intentional about spreading the fragrance of gratitude, joy and peace. This kind of action is contagious, and can inspire others.

Circulate the sweet aroma today! <

Healing the

holiday heart Sometimes grief comes in waves…washing over you slowly or crashing in suddenly. The overwhelm of the sadness can be unpredictable, especially with so many factors to consider. How recent was the loss? A year ago? Ten years ago?

What was the nature of the relationship? Was it a parent, a child, a sibling, a spouse or friend? How strong are the relationships that remain? Do you have a network of support? Has anyone in your support circle experienced a similar loss? There are so many layers and variables. Each one can be amplified during the holidays, which may give rise to the idea that suicides occur more frequently during the holiday season. This is a myth.

The Annenberg Public Policy Center has been tracking media reports on suicide since 2000 and found that suicide rates actually go down in the month of December. Yet, it is true that suicide is the tenth leading cause of death, and the holidays can be hard on the heart.

I want to offer you some practical tips that can not only heal your "holiday heart" but can improve your emotional heart health year-round.

1. Remember to Release

2. Write to Release

We can often put so much energy into trying not to think or talk about our loved ones that we rob ourselves of the healing power of memory. Give yourself permission to look at old photos, and to talk about funny or fond memories with other family members or friends. If tears come, let them flow without shame. End each trip down memory lane with thoughts and words of gratitude. Say, "I'm grateful for [loved one's name] because [name a priceless moment, life lesson, or attribute]."

Writing a letter to your deceased loved one is a common practice and great way to say all the things you regret not saying while they were alive. It can be very therapeutic and bring clarity to present thoughts, motivations and actions. You can even go a step further and attempt to write a response from your loved one. This proverbial exercise of "walking a mile in their shoes" gives an opportunity to understand, forgive, and create a narrative that better supports your own healing and ability to move forward. >

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The greatest healing for the heart is LOVE; do yourself a favor and find time to spend with family and friends.

Creating intentional shared space with those you love in a group is a wonderful way to give and receive the exceptional elixir called LOVE.

3. Bury...Burn...Barter In the Native American culture, there are many different ways to deal with death. Some tribes believe that burial is the only way to release the spirit from the body. They want to put the body in the ground as soon as possible; and they place items like knives or shawls in the casket as gifts for the journey. Some tribes burn the body and all the belongings of the dead, believing that anyone who owns it could be haunted by the deceased. The Chippewa tribes exchange belongings of the person for new items. The new items are wrapped and given to a family member deemed worthy.

I often say that death comes to ask a question of the living: Are you living for real?

In these times of covid-19, that question has much more punch. Now is the time to schedule a virtual get-together for your family or social circle. Write a gratitude list for the living loved ones in your life.

Send a handwritten letter to a few relatives. Bury the hatchet and forgive lingering offenses, before death says it's too late to do it in person.

Trust me, your healed heart will thank you for it. <

Creating your own ritual to bury, burn or barter with an article of clothing or a special belonging of your loved one may help you, too. These cultural practices offer the greatest insight there is. The vibe is always better with a tribe. Whatever you do to deal with your grief, don't do it alone. Perhaps this is why the suicide rates are lower in December, because this is a time when families—despite distance, despair, or dysfunction—tend to gather together.

Nevaina Rhodes is an author, actor and drama-therapy specialist, known as The Drama-free Drama Coach.

IAMNEVAINA.COM

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An Attitude of Gratitude

“I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: Therefore, choose life”—Deuteronomy 30:19

Expressing thanks isn’t just a platitude. Being grateful is really an attitude—a way of life that changes everything.

A gratitude attitude is all about counting our blessings.

Let’s make it a habit to be grateful.

Why not start this Thanksgiving? Sitting around the dinner table, people can say one thing that makes them happy. After that, make it your family’s routine to give thanks at suppertime—once a week on the weekend is a good place to start—and watch it grow from there.

Making Thanks a Habit

Even when it feels like there’s nothing to be glad about, there’s always something. If things are unusually bad, it may seem foolish to look for the silver lining. But even in the worst of times, there’s still something to be thankful for. >

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Gratitude itself has healing power. When our daughter was little, if she started to whine, if she fell down and scraped her knee, if she threw a tantrum, or if she couldn’t fall asleep, I’d tell her to stop complaining—and count her blessings instead: “Remember who you are. You are God’s child. Our Father-Mother God is right here, loving you, and making sure you’re all right, always. So begin your prayers with your blessings, and God will take care of the rest.” Once she got started, she’d keep going, and forget all about what had been bothering her.

As adults, we often forget that it’s just that easy. Overwhelmed with our problems, what we usually do instead when we hear or say something good is, “Yes, but….” And then we forget all about God. Kicking Satan’s “But….”!

But God never forgets about us. God—Love Itself, Life Itself, Goodness Itself—is always bigger and stronger than any problem. In fact, God, being infinite, is the only power there is. Evil—the devil, or Satan—isn’t an actual power at all. You can’t have more than Infinity.

Therefore, evil exists only in nowhereness.

In plain English, gratitude is good for you!

If you sometimes have difficulty expressing thanks, make it a habit to keep a Gratitude Notebook (I call mine my Good Things/Good Thinks Book). Use a yellow pad like Angelou if that helps. Every night, write down what you are thankful for. Or do it every morning.

Once gratitude becomes second nature, you’ll find yourself filling the page, even on the worst of days. And, if you ever feel like you can’t write a thing, you can flip to any page, and remember how many blessings you’ve counted before, and will again.

With thanks at the top of our thought, we’ll find ourselves turning to God much more often, even in—especially in—times of crisis. So an attitude of gratitude not only makes us healthier; the wellness is catching! And then we can’t help but share our good fortune with others.

And that’s the whole point.

From now on, when you sit down at the table and “say grace” before a meal, remember how powerful it is to be truly thankful.

Then every day will be Thanksgiving. <

God is here, wherever we are; all we have to do when we’re in trouble is to realign ourselves back to God. The devil is that naysaying voice that insists on despair, relentlessly trying to break us. But no matter the circumstances, we can switch back to the spiritual reality. We don’t have to give in to fear and doubt. No sliding into hell on our “buts”!

Whenever we stop cursing, and focus instead on blessing, we are kicking Satan’s “but”! So when you hear yourself starting to say “yes, but…” just stop—at “yes”! And watch the world change.

“For by grace are you saved through faith; it is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.”—Ephesians 2:8

By Grace Are We Saved When the Apostle Paul wrote “by grace are you saved,” in the original Greek, the word he used for grace is kharis, part of the word eukharista, which is the Greek word for gratitude. Accepting God’s grace is therefore expressing thanks!

The word saved means “preserved from danger or harm,” “protected” and “safe.” The origin of safe goes back to the Latin word salvus, meaning “healthy,” akin to solidus (“solid”) and to the Greek holos (“whole”). So Paul’s words convey the idea that gratitude is what makes us whole.

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Janis Hunt Johnson is the Copyeditor of Flourish Digital Magazine.

She is a lover of words—a professional writer, editor, interfaith advocate and spiritual activist. Portions of this article were adapted from her award-winning book, Five Smooth Stones: Our Power to Heal without Medicine through the Science of Prayer. Her upcoming book is tentatively titled Seven Words to Freedom, Eight Days a Week: The Healing Power of Living Prayer. Learn more here.

Written by Janis Hunt Johnson, author of Five Smooth Stones

Celebrated poet Maya Angelou tells about a time decades ago when she had returned to America leaving a child behind in Europe.

Frightened for her very sanity, she went to her voice teacher for solace. He told her to pick up a yellow pad and write down her blessings. He told her to start with the fact that she could hear him, that she could see the page, that she was capable of holding the pen.

“Before I reached the end of the page,” she recalls, “I was transformed.”

IT'S TIME TO HEAL IT'S YOUR LIFE TO LIVE ONE-ON-ONE EXPERT LIFE COACHING, POSITIVE PROCESSING, EXCELLENCE TRAINING AND SUSTAINABLE STEPS TO RENEW YOUR MIND, YOUR ENERGY AND YOUR WHOLE LIFE IN ORDER TO HEAL

GET DETAILS HERE

So many of us have been experiencing some situational anxiety, uncertainty, or depression. Now, we're ready to heal, to find contentment and to take control of our own life again. Here is a step-by-step scientific and spiritual way out, to take us back up to higher levels of energy, excellence, contentment, success, fun and joy.

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To create is to bring something into existence, that is, to bring your thoughts into reality. Creating your dream job is more than just applying for what's out there. Use your vision to create what you (and your clients) want.

With the current economic crisis brought upon us by covid-19, it may seem like opportunities have become stagnant with so many companies and schools transitioning online.

However, while some businesses are shutting their doors, others are thriving—and that means you can, too. All you need to do is consider what it is you want, while keeping in mind a famous tip by Pastor T.D. Jakes, who said, "People don't hire you because of your needs, they hire you because you are an answer to their needs!"

And let’s face it ladies, as women we are always thinking of other people's needs, so this should come naturally to us.

Consumers' needs are changing and with those changes come opportunity. So, whether your dream is to start your own business, work as an employee for someone else’s business, or contract your services for multiple businesses, right now we all need to think like entrepreneurs! Where can we fit in and how can we add value for others?

Your passion should take your breath away and give it right back,” says Sweet Job Spot contributor, April Grant.

Creating your dream job can be as easy as breathing when you use the acronym BREATHE!

Breathe BELIEVE: Believe in yourself. You can't create if you don't first believe that you can make it happen. Spend some time with yourself daily to remind yourself that you have what it takes.

RESEARCH: Research growth industries and new developments.

Covid-19 has brought at least five industries to the forefront including Education Technology, Manufacturing, Telehealth, Real Estate and Robotics. Which industry is now on your radar?

EVALUATE: Evaluate your skillset and experience. Now is the time to fill in any gaps through the abundant amounts of free training, webinars, YouTube videos and live Zoom meetings.

ASSESS: Assess the opportunities in front of you. What pays the best? What type of flow would this job offer you and your family members?

TARGET: Set your sights high. As Lewis Carroll famously said, "If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there."

HAWK: Sell yourself! Let that future employer or client know that you’re worth every penny!

Chantél Siegrid Thompson Director of Client Engagement, Sweet Job Spot SWEETJOBSPOT.COM

ENGAGE: You’ve done all the legwork, and now it's time to get to work. You’ve got this! <

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However, if you leave it unattended it is easily swept away with the waves of trouble in life, or buried by the weight of the sands of life. So, you forget it exists. It becomes out of sight, out of mind and sometimes you run out of time.

This precious jewel is a metaphor for relationships.

It is easy to live in a place with no color, just black and white with various shades of gray only. A place where you stop living and just start existing. It is a place where you become complacent with life and its routines. The merry-go-round goes up and down but does not seem to turn around. This could happen in one aspect of your life and then spread to many aspects of your life. This filter you have with no color sometimes can make you rigid, aloof and judgmental and not able to see others’ colors or where they are in life. This eventually affects you, your job, your family— especially marriages—and your other relationships. And it is simply no fun. Where is the love in this?

The key to remembering where this precious jewel exists is simply: Do not leave it. Take it with you, and guard it with your mind, heart, spirit and soul wherever you go. Do not let it go! It is precious! You should dust it off, shine it, and treasure it every day. Great relationships start with self-love, and true love is showing unconditional love every day in every way! Do not be afraid to get off the black-and-white merry-go-round so that you can go play in the colorful sands of forgiveness when it comes to life. You will see the world differently with a colorful filter. It will also be easier to find the jewel of love. God has already given us a gift of true love, a precious jewel called Jesus, celebrated during this holiday time. As the True Love of Christmas is Christ, may He bring us, love, peace and joy all around this world!

Happy Holidays to you and your family. <

If Love were a color, imagine what color it would be. In order for you to recognize this color, you must first have knowledge of what this color is inside of you. This is an analogy of Self-love. Preserve it and you will find a continuum of authentic happiness in your life, and you'll make others happy. Also, self-love is the forerunner to finding true love in a soulmate.

Now, imagine True Love as a beautiful colorful jewel you find on the shores of a beach. You see it as such a precious gift. You even put it in a special jewelry box for safekeeping.

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By Rev. Dr. Jelunder Clark Founder & Medical Director, Wellness Infinity Network (WIN)

â&#x20AC;&#x2022; Neil Gaiman, FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER | 17

Season of Mists

She is

COLOMBE ASSI IG: @IAMCOLOMBEASSI

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HIGH-FASHION & RUNWAY MODEL

We love the ease with which Colombe relaxes and holds her position in her gorgeous dark brown skin, and phenomenal mile-high afro hair, which is indeed, admired. Colombe is a modern melanated beauty who has created her signature look based on her authentic self as an Ivory Coast West African Woman.

We believe she has the face, personality and name that will be remembered and sought after for years to come as a high-fashion model. In addition, she is relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera and says she has a passion for modeling. > HOP MODELS & TALENT AGENCY @HOPMODELS RYAN MARSHALL, PHOTOGRAPHER @O_RAY

RYAN MARSHALL

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DYNEISHA FELDER, MAKEUP @MISSDYNEISHA

AN INDUSTRIAL & SYSTEMS ENGINEERING GRADUATE

RECCO CHAPPLE DESIGNER: @HOUSEOFCHAPPLE

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Looking ahead!

Striving for Excellence is

always in order. It is born out of authenticity. It is

better than good, and it is already within us.

It's time to unleash your

Excellence and Power for good.

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The Winner is...Sarah Joyner M I S S

G E O R G I A

2 0 1 9

I had the most beautiful conversation with Miss Georgia United States, 2019. She was poised, articulate and beautiful. You notice the outside beauty first, which almost immediately dissolves behind the words and sincerity that follow.

Our interview came right before her big move to a new city, a new life and a new fiancé. We chatted about her journey as Miss Georgia and current relevant topics.

What made you try out for the Miss Georgia United States Pageant?

I was involved in pageants at an early age but as I got older, I dove more into competitive sports (basketball). But when I didn’t receive a scholarship for college, I decided to stay in academics. But I still had a burning desire for something competitive— and a friend suggested pageants, so I started to compete again. And I loved it. It encouraged me to be active in my community, stay in shape, stay on top of current events and be more well-rounded in life.

What was the process like for Miss Georgia?

I'd tried out for several pageants before and I always placed in the top five, so when I went for Miss Georgia, I was getting close to my "retirement pageant age" at 25. I started thinking about living out my dreams, so I thought I would do things a little different this time. I went in with a certain mindset and asked myself: What is going to make me happy?

The answer was to do things on my own terms. I wanted to wear my hair the way I wanted to, my make-up the way I wanted to, and compete the way I wanted to. I didn’t even use a coach this time. I don’t knock coaches though because they have helped me a lot in the past. This was just something I wanted to do for myself.

How did it feel to win?

When they announced my name, I was genuinely shocked. I asked the predecessor who crowned me: What should I do? And she just said, "walk and wave."

I was waving like a crazy person. I reached my goal and competed for myself. It really was an out-of-body experience. I couldn’t stop smiling. I didn’t tell a lot of people that I was even competing. I didn’t do a press release or any of the usual advertising. My parents didn’t even come to the event because I didn’t want to make it a big deal! My mom was a great pageant mom in the past and was very supportive, so when I called her and told her she didn’t have to give me the "It's OK" speech because I won! She was elated.

Are you trying out for the Sports Illustrated Magazine Contest?

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I sent my submission video, and they just want me to stay active; about 15,000 applicants are competing.

For now they’re just honoring candidates in their specific categories. It’s so inspiring to see so many girls of all ages and body types following their dream and being empowered. In the midst of all this, I'm discovering the type of woman I want to be. >

Who inspires you?

My inspirations have changed but I always come back to my mom and dad. They own a family farm and they have given so much to me and my brother, supported our dreams and made a point to make sure we had all the resources we needed. I learned so much from them because they were always inspiring us and preparing us for life.

How are you an asset to your community?

I have a background in social work and community programs (program development) and I have developed my voice into what I call The Social Social Worker™ on Instagram. I just interviewed someone who works for the United Nations. I want to be able to explore and discuss crucial subjects such as mental health and mental identity and I want to make a difference. I want to be more socially aware and bring people to the forefront of community and continue to be a therapist for girls from five to thirteen years old, helping them build their foundation.

What are things you would like to see changed in America?

I’ve been in touch with my creative side lately (painting, sewing, music) and I would like to see America put more value into the school systems for those who are creative. I'm also passionate about how important it is for different cultures to tell their stories and show how we are all uniquely different and beautiful, and integrate that into a curriculum. Happiness for me now is finding what your dream is and following that.

Tell me about your move to Austin.

Yes, I'm moving to Austin to start life there. It’s a great city and I want to raise my platform there, and continue to work with young girls and lift them up to celebrate other cultures while still loving their own.

What does "inside beauty" mean to you?

It’s the most important thing. This year has been crappy but it’s also a time of reflection and I am still learning about myself. Having an internal conversation with yourself to reach your goals and tap into your authentic self is essential. Do you love the person you see in the mirror every day? Life impacts you in different ways but how you deal with the constant evolution—finding your inner peace—is necessary. Peace is beauty.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I have set some goals for myself. I'll be planning my wedding next year, so I'm excited about that but in five years, I want to be fluent in Spanish and I want to learn to play the piano.

I want to have purchased our first home, have my clinical social worker license, and have an acting credit on IMDb. My mantra is: "The train is moving and either you're gonna get on or get off!"

What do you think your biggest contribution to the world is?

Giving back to my community by making socially aware topics like mental health and social justice be in the forefront. It’s also important for me to help people be positive and encourage them to be their authentic self and be satisfied with their life choices. <

Inverviewer: Michelle Lynch, Michelle Lynch Style Fashion & Lifestyle Expert IG:@posheproductions www.posheproductions.com

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SHOGGY TOSH THE MEASURE OF A MAN AND HIS MISSION CONNECT WITH SHOGGY HERE

By Paula G. Voice Where do we begin? He’s a British Nigerian rapper.

A multi-award-winning publisher. He’s a producer, author, and television and radio personality.

Fashion, PR, media, music. He does it all! Most recently, he is the recipient of the 2020 Prayze Factor Award for the Best Radio Network of the Year. The list goes on. We can certainly measure his life based on these accomplishments.

However, the true measure of this man is through his testimony of how he lives his life—what impact he has and what legacy he will leave. This man has proven effective in demonstrating the power of a solid foundation that includes his strong faith as one of the pillars.

That faith has been the key to his incredible and life-changing journey.

Shoggy reflects on his life experiences, which include seasons of homelessness and hopelessness. In this transparent conversation, Shoggy candidly shares the four pillars upon which his life foundation has been established, thereby leading him to a fulfilling and successful career.

Rock solid pillars. His mission: To utilize his multimedia platforms as a reminder for all of us to appreciate God on a daily basis.

It is mid-morning in London. The weather forecast is scattered clouds, and the temperature is about 11° C (that’s 52° F for my fellow Americans). His children are at school. Shoggy invites us into his quiet time with his British accent that is seasoned with local sayings, humor, and customary references.

Here's an excerpt from our extensive conversation. >

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THE MANUAL Paula G: Greetings, Shoggy. It's a pleasure to be

We must remind people that even in the midst of

speaking to you from your home in London, England.

everything that we are dealing with worldwide, God

How are you?

gives us life—in our body and our abilities. We need to thrive and flourish.

Shoggy Tosh: I am well, I am really blessed for this opportunity. We are in interesting times. It’s an

Shoggy Tosh: There's that word—flourish—again!

interesting season but the grace of God is the same.

You know, God is the same yesterday, today, and

Paula G: What you shared reflects your mission to

forever. So whatever season we find ourselves in, it's so

remind us to appreciate God daily. There are so many

great to know that we have a God that doesn't change.

areas that you have touched—fashion, media, PR,

Can you imagine if our God changed as well, just as a

music, and you're an author. Who is Shoggy Tosh? Give

season changes, just as the weather changes—today's

us a bit of a background.

good, tomorrow is not good—you understand? So, we thank God that God is God. And when we have that

Shoggy Tosh : OK. Yeah, I'm a young dude. I see myself

God, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever, He

as a young dude.

keeps us. He looks after us.

Paula G: That's right!

And He's been looking after me. A very interesting thing to look at in the Bible is when the Israelites were

Shoggy Tosh: Even though I'm getting close to 50, the

in Egypt under the Pharaoh, there were hardships. But

thing is, I think it's so important to read the Scriptures.

because they still had God, they still flourished.

I always go to the Scriptures because that's my manual. If someone has an iPhone or if someone uses

And I mean the word "flourished"! That wasn't

a BMW, you always go to the manual to refer to what

intentional, but I do mean it. If you look at a good

the manual says, and if there's any issue or if there's

example, like Joseph, he was actually in the prison. But

any need for clarification, you go back and check the

the Bible says that because God was with him, he

manual. I can't force my manual on someone else, but

found favor even in the prison. He was taken out. He

my manual is the Bible.

was actually made the second in command in Egypt, and to the Pharaoh. So whatever season we are in,

So, I always like—I love—referring to it. But there's a

once we have God, and we have that interaction with

Scripture that says, "as a man thinketh, so he is," in the

Him, we'll shine through and bless God. You know,

Book of Proverbs [23:7] and it's so important to have

shining through in spite of what is going on in the

your mind set right. There might be problems around

world right now.

you. Earlier you quoted Jeremiah 29:11, "God knows the thoughts that He thinks towards us," and that's what

Paula G: Oh, my gosh, you are so absolutely right!

matters. It's more important than the thoughts, I think,

There are so many scenarios biblically that reflect

that I have toward myself.

survival! We often quote Jeremiah 29:11 but we don't reflect on Jeremiah 29: 1-10 and why verse 11 was said

So, when it comes to defining myself, I love to define

to the people. It was said to the people, because at

myself as God sees me. So that's the mentality I have.

that particular time they were in distress. They were

That in spite of whatever you are, you have to define

kept in captivity. But they were told to still thrive by

yourself as how God sees you. I may not be there yet,

building their lives—because God had plans for them.

I'm aspiring to be there, but you know, "as I think, that

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is how I will be."

>

Shoggy Tosh, cont.: So, it's very important for me to think that way. So that's why I said, I'm just a young guy. Basically, I'm just someone who is passionate about God. So, anything that I do comes from Him. All the gifts I have come from Him, and I have to be held accountable.

So, yeah, by God's grace, I'm a PR guru. I do media. I do radio. TV, I did as well. I'm a producer. I do music by God's special grace. I do fashion. You know, I have my own label that we’re working on, my fashion label and other things I do as well. We do TV, we have an online TV, and an online magazine.

Everything is just to focus—shift our focus back to God, that all these gifts came from God. We need to remember God; we need to appreciate Him in our day-to-day activities.

We need to know that we belong to God. All these gifts that He's given us, are to worship Him, to praise Him. So, a lot of times due to different endeavors that we go through, we forget these things. It could be problems, it could be sickness, it could be issues around us that cloud our judgment. So, my mission is to use all these gifts to remind people that God is good. God is good to you, God is good to me. And whatever His thoughts are towards you or me will come to pass. So basically, that's how I can describe myself.

THE MINDSET Shoggy goes on to share how his mindset is helping him to navigate this season of covid-19.

Shoggy Tosh : So when we say, oh, this is a pandemic because this is a virus, so this is a bacterial disease issue, when we dig deep, we see that it's happened before—if not even on a higher scale. Then we need to check, how did they cope back then? How did they survive? What did they do right? What did they do wrong? And there's no need to devise a new way. If you know, we always say here that if something does not break, you don't fix it. So, if it worked for them, we could just relate to that. We have a GPS navigator as well that we normally use—SATNAV we call it here. You're going somewhere. You haven't been there before. You don't know the place, but you put in the details and it just directs you, and you just follow it. So, if we just follow the knowledge as a navigator, we'll get to our destination. And that's why I love the Scriptures that you quoted. Again, I can't say it enough. >

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THE MENTORSHIP Paula G: It’s impactful when iron sharpens iron. Your journey reflects the fact that you are a faith-based man living on biblical principles. It's a reflection of solid mentorship. Share a bit about your mentor and his impact.

Shoggy Tosh: Mentorship saved me. I was born here in England, in Birmingham, and went back to Africa when I was six—in Nigeria, to be precise. Went through a whole heap of things.

But I bless God for what I went through, because that has made me, that has given me the experience that I operate in. It's enlarged my mindset. Impossible things are possible with God. When we go through what we go through, it's not because God hates us, He is just trying to make us stronger.

There were a lot of spiritual practices. I didn't really know God. I didn't have any knowledge, so I didn't even know where to run to. I was just open to all these attacks. I was very brilliant. It took me a while to learn the language because I could just speak our English from England. I had to learn the local language, learn my mother's tongue, which is Yoruba. And some of the English in Nigeria is obviously different to the English in England, so I had to adjust, and I had to fit in place.

But the main battle for me was a spiritual battle. I didn't understand why I had to go through them. I just wanted to live like a normal kid.

Now, growing up, I was a very bad kid, you know, probably due to all these things. I was in country and I couldn't speak to anyone. I just wanted attention. I ran away from my parents for like four or five days as a little kid. They’d be looking for me to find me. I would steal, take people's money. When we have a purpose, definitely there will be attacks. Later on, I started to understand why it was that I was attacked. But I thank God for the grace of God, because all through all these challenges, God was with me. Even though I didn't know, He was with me.

Paula G: Wasn’t it also a cultural mindset?

Shoggy Tosh: Yes, yes, yes, I would say that. I would say that, yeah—that was what was going around. That's what our parents said, that was what everyone said. But my mentor said, "no, your destiny is in media." And he said, "OK, as a man of God, I will give you a sign so that you will know, that what I'm telling you is from God." And he told me that when I got back to England, I was going to have an encounter to prove to me that, that is my destiny destination—my destiny.

I thank God that God actually led me to the person that God had to use to steer my life's steering wheel to my destination.

Mentorship is so important nowadays. A lot of people who want to do it by themselves, they think they know it all and they always come short, because this world is evil. This is a different generation. A lot of times we fall into so many pits around us. You look at the media—there are so many wolves and lions out there who have ulterior motives. But you're protected when you have a mentor or a teacher or someone that says, “Oh, no, don't do that. Don't take that deal. No, don't take it because you're going to sell your soul. You're going to be exposed to things that you are not supposed to be exposed to. “ Psalm 37, which King David wrote—and he wrote this at a point when he was really frustrated, when he felt like God was quiet to him—has taught me how to be. My mentor and teacher told me that when things are cloudy, just relax and meditate upon it. So I just read some of what King David wrote many, many, many years ago. He went through a lot of things at a very young age. He was frustrated. He didn't know the way through. And he was speaking to God, but he had the grace to pray to God and he had the grace to hear from God. Because when you speak to God, it's not a monologue. It's a dialogue.

He will speak to you. <

So, I did my primary school education, did my secondary school education, did my university education. I studied civil engineering. And then it was time for me to come back to England and further my education and, you know, my life. If it wasn't for my mentor, I'd probably be trying to become an engineer—when that wasn't my calling. And there's a lot of people out there who are doing another man's job as a whole, another man's profession, because they don't know.

I go back to my manual. Jesus said at one point that a good tree will give good fruit. A bad tree will give bad fruit, he said, and by their fruits, you will know them [Matthew 7:16–17]. So, if you're trying to look for a mentor, you're trying to look for someone who can guide you, just look at the fruits and the fruit will tell you if that is a good thing. I went to see my mentor some years ago and he told me, he said, “Shoggy, funny enough, you studied civil engineering, but that is not your destination. That's not your destiny. You are meant to be a media personality.” And funny enough, I just hated media. I thought media was like a cheap thing. And that was a mentality that I got when I was in Nigeria. Because you have this mentality that, oh, you got to be a doctor, you got to be an engineer, you got to be a professor and this and that. But when you're a media person or a journalist or whatever, that's just like a plan C, like if Plan A doesn't work and plan B doesn't work. That was a mentality I had because that was my mindset.

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I am Paula G Voice!

I am a sagacious independent lifestyle influencer. I am embracing my own journey and I am sharing a soliloquy of seasons on the journey. I am influencing dreamers to do the same by breathing life into their vision and ultimately living the reality of that vision!

It It is is never never too too late late to to embrace embrace your your journey, journey, live live your your dream, dream, and and flourish! flourish! Visit Visit Paula’s Paula’s blog blog at at www.paulagvoice.com www.paulagvoice.com for for additional additional soliloquies soliloquies of of the the journey journey

Whether you are a parent, teacher, youth pastor, or a coach, you have a major influence on the people around you. For the first 30 years of my adulthood, I admit guilt! I was guilty of trying to take care of my wife, kids, students, and others. I was guilty of how I prioritized my behavior. I believed I was doing the “noble” job by taking care of everyone and everything. I look around me and see so many others behaving just like me.

We believed that by taking care of everyone, we were providing others with things we did not have or did not know about as we grew up. It seemed to be the right thing to do.

The day I discovered that my belief about being a responsible adult, husband, and father was all wrong—that was a day I will never forget. I felt a vibration come over me as I let the “need” of being responsible and controlling others leave my body and enter the universe. My initial reaction was that this was a very selfish belief, and I was unsure how my new discovery would really make me feel.

To acquire confidence and strength to better help the ones you love and care for, you must make yourself the priority.

Take care of yourself first! This is not selfish. It is powerful.

Your behavior will impact those around you, encouraging them to emulate your behavior, thus making them stronger individuals.

The statement I would like to share with you rocked my world in a very positive way—and it has led to today and my “Living Large” movement. Here goes:

Living Large is a movement of positive intention.

Are you putting yourself first? If yes, then you are more valuable to those around you. You can love better! You can share better! You will feel better! Living Large will be you! <

“The stronger you can become, the more valuable you will be to the ones you love!”

We need more strong, accountable, and responsible individuals in this world. Family members, friends, business associates, etc. will all benefit from a strong, stable you—a you that has inner strength because you put yourself first and took care of you. Too many of us give our energy away to others. There is another saying I believe to be true: "You can only give others what you have!" Unless you love yourself, take care of yourself, and strengthen yourself first, you cannot provide others with those valuable emotions. You will want to teach by example, not words. People admire others who display confidence.

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By Ron Hakala #livinglarge Connect with Ron here.

"I HOPE TO USE MY VOICE AND PLATFORM TO HELP CHANGE THE WORLD. SOCIETY IS HURTING AND THE SUICIDE RATE IS GOING THROUGH THE ROOF RIGHT NOW. IT'S MY HOPE TO BE THAT VOICE OF ENCOURAGEMENT." â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Kenyon Glover

"Be faithful in being the person that God created you to be and be absolutely focused in utilizing the gifts that God blessed you to use."

Motivational Speaker, Author, Entrepreneur, Filmmaker and Actor Kenyon Glover was born in Monroe, Louisiana. A graduate from the University of Maine, Kenyon has been featured as an Actor/Producer on many different television shows and movies.

He now resides in Los Angeles, California.

His first book, titled

"Atlanta to Hollywood, Chasing A Dream",

was published back in 2014.

Kenyon's mission is to impact, inspire and motivate the world.

KENYONGLOVER.NET

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AUTHENTICITY AT WORK

DOES IT WORK? From being a successful international model in my first career as a young woman, to suffering a paradigm crash following the death of one of my children in my thirties, to finding it necessary and vital that I reinvent myself in my forties, to embracing my intuitive-spiritual side in my fifties, I'm now learning how to enjoy the ride, to keep trusting God and myself, to keep believing and knowing what I know for sure as I continue to follow the prompting of my inner self— which is where my power lies— within my unique, authentic self.

Today, I embrace all of my gifts and talents and continue to work on myself. My reinvention into an author, executive life coach and lifestyle strategist, business owner and now a magazine publisher—taking on the role of editor-in-chief—hasn’t been easy, but I have been passionate, determined and intentional about my transformation. I’ve experienced personally and have seen first-hand how inauthenticity can rob women of their energy and excellence in almost every area of their life that matters to them. Let’s face it: We spend most of our time at work and with colleagues, and we also know that good relationships and real teams make the dream work.

Therefore, authenticity at work can make all the difference in your personal and professional fulfillment. It doesn’t matter the industry, being real matters, especially today—in person and virtually. >

BY CHLOÉ TAYLOR BROWN

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PHOTO: SADIYAH ADAMS

"THIS ABOVE ALL: TO THINE OWN SELF BE TRUE." One woman could have everything going for herself; other people could think she is the savviest, smartest, funniest, most charismatic woman in the organization. However, that’s not worth a penny with a hole in it if it’s not in alignment with how this woman thinks about herself and the work she does, and how she feels about what she thinks and does.

For instance, if she feels out of integrity and inauthentic at work, and she's simply playing the “corporate game,” then she may not have discovered her real self; or she may be afraid to be authentic for fear of being scorned, rejected, alienated or even fired. Another woman could also have everything going for herself; other people think she is an amazing team player and corporate maverick headed to a C-suite position. She has many of the same qualities as the first professional we've mentioned.

So, what’s the difference? The second woman’s thoughts and feelings about herself, the work she does and what she wants to contribute and accomplish are congruent—that is, in alignment with her inner essence and her authenticity. She is having a good time. She faces situations and problems differently because she is in her lane; her light will not burn out. If it dims, she will have many options for personal and professional fulfillment to ignite her light bright again. Why? Because she is real, genuine, legitimate and true to her authentic self. She knows and values who she is and she is willing to take a risk on her excellence. She is authentic, even at work. > FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER | 31

YOUR UNIQUENESS IS WHAT GIVES YOU PERSONAL POWER

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN Executives and professionals have seen amazing results as a result of learning to envision themselves in all of their authentic glory.

What Is Authenticity?

Authenticity means being real and genuine. It means knowing yourself—your desires, talents and skills—and getting a clear image about how you want to express yourself personally and professionally (your lifestyle) and living it. Being authentic means you have embraced your uniqueness, from your body type, shape and size (body image), to your personality and the individuality of your special being-ness. Being authentic means that how you express yourself outwardly, verbally and non-verbally are all congruent with how you think and feel on the inside.

Being authentic and real at work can be tricky though. In a recent polling of employees on authenticity at work, 80 percent say it improves the workplace, 75 percent say they want coworkers to share more about their true selves. Only 10 percent said showing their true selves at work could be detrimental. However, in drawing from my experience as an executive coach and working with Fortune 50 to 500 women leaders, when these ladies know who they truly are authentically, and they start expressing themselves from this level of truthfulness with courage and empathy, their career goals and advancements begin to line up and connect with integrity—causing a ripple effect where others can also grow and expand.

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>

HOW TO BE MORE AUTHENTIC Start being more of your true self by embracing your uniqueness and appreciating your skills, talents, flaws, quirks and gifts. Take note of the traits and characteristics about yourself that you love, enjoy and consider assets to moving forward in your ideal career and lifestyle. Consider new ways to leverage your degrees and certifications, and make sure to pay attention to what others consistently compliment you on.

Be truthful about your personality, individuality and your natural style of self-expression. Finally, list your biggest dream(s) and goal(s), and your purpose if you’ve discovered it.

After considering all of the above, it is your responsibility to look at your organization objectively to see where you stand and to move forward accordingly.

Assess The Situation How often do you access your feelings about the culture of your organization, your current position, career track, where you fit in and where you really want to be—in a year, two years, or five years from now? Is this information congruent with what matters most to you? How wide is the gap between where you are now and having your goals realized?

Now, with this information in hand you can effectively increase your power and credibility at work by strategically choosing and combining the necessary traits and chosen characteristics of your personality. You will be able to sharpen and utilize your skills and develop your talents in a way that will help you trust your gut and be more real at work, which leads to interacting on a deeper more sustainable level and to building greater relationships.

In my personal excellence coaching practice we use the PEP System to evaluate where clients are currently in twelve important abilities of excellence and authenticity. With awareness and understanding of these abilities and how to use them at their highest levels, daily and naturally, clients and teams begin to grow and expand.

These are our 12 most important abilities. They are the ability to: Value Self, Perceive, Decide, Communicate, Build Rapport, Interact, Act, Produce, Have Certainty, Command, Expand and Accomplish.

According to a recent article by Stephen Joseph, author of Authentic: How to be Yourself and Why it Matters, “Our lives often turn on what seem to be the most trivial of occurrences: a chance meeting, or a single sentence that was or wasn’t said.

To navigate life successfully, so you make the best decisions for yourself at any given moment, you need to be authentic.”

But what about being your authentic self in the office?

While companies encourage authenticity, there are limits.

Unconscious bias can sometimes lie dormant until something triggers us. No matter what we say, we all have biases that we may not be aware of. However, an authentic way to release these biases is by seeking to understand others, their background, challenges, fears, goals and dreams. Start by asking simple but meaningful questions to co-workers and peers who may not look or sound like you.

Share something meaningful about yourself based on your authentic work persona. It's a well-known fact that when workers express more of their true selves at work, they tend to be happier and more enthusiastic about the job, benefiting productivity and the bottom line.

Cynthia Good of Little Pink Book believes that “lack of authenticity, and discouragement of it in today's workplace, keeps many women from being as enthusiastic and successful as they can be, not just as leaders but as humans.” She goes on to say, “It's complicated. Being authentic can keep a woman from getting the top job. And yet not being authentic can get her fired. Either way, if you're not yourself, I believe you will pay the price.”

SO TODAY'S QUESTIONS ARE: How do we take a closer look at our unconscious biases that we all have, and work on ourselves in these areas?

How can we leverage our own and others' authenticity and individuality to improve the corporate culture and bottom line?

How can we improve women’s individual lives as well as the world?

The goal is to be more aware of your genuine self in all areas of your life, and then allow your best self for those particular roles—work, community, home or play—to flow out naturally. You want to be seen and experienced by others at your higher levels of authenticity in order to attract the right people to you for the right reasons.

Take it from Oscar Wilde: "Be yourself. Everyone else is taken."

To find out how well you’re doing at being authentic and true to your real self, take The Personal Excellence Profile (see p. 14). <

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BY CHLOÉ TAYLOR BROWN

GRADitude This month, people across the world will gather around tables, and, in each other’s hearing, share the things they are most grateful for. In the aftermath of the 2020 U.S. Presidential election, Americans who turned out to vote with the majority, will, undoubtedly, bless the name of the person who will fill the nation’s highest office through 2024. Health and strength, sound mind, loving family and other things we more or less expect should be ours will also be on the lists. Some of us will find ourselves well into the typically excessive meal before recalling the things we meant to mention but forgot when the time came to take a turn at publicly expressing our gratitude. Oh well, there will always be next year.

That’s pretty much how it goes. As people who benefit supremely, based simply on our place in the time continuum,

most of us fall into the Thanksgiving season (not an intended pun and not a very good one) only passively grateful.

Very little, other than spiral-cut ham, green-bean casserole and great-auntie’s sweet potato pie is intentional. We feel behind schedule and rushed even before preparations begin. Missteps of badly behaved guests at dinners past are recalled and strings of gossipy phone calls begin. Some of us actually have to gird ourselves in prayer, therapy and coaching advice, affirmations, and even alcohol, drugs and the like in order to show up at all, let alone with a smile and on time.

These well-rehearsed postures and props turn us into zombies. Our true natures get buried and the rage of it all primes us for battle and pain. How can anyone be expected to riff on thankfulness under this kind of pressure? >

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER | 34

In preparation for the thanks-giving season...

I suggest we take on something radical.

Instead of a groundhog-day of a season, I offer the possibility of something new: GRADitude. Remember those insufferable last days of high school? If your experience was anything like mine, you were more than ready to just graduate already. Or, what about those last days of Boot Camp or that courtrequired anger management class?

Graduation day meant the chance to put the crazy behind and step forward into the powerful present and future. This is my hope for both you and me this holiday season. I am starting early in my GRADitude preparation. With the utmost caution and Atlanta’s favorite low-fare airline, I’m going on a first-time trip to New England. I will revel in the region’s fabled foliage and stuff myself with Maine lobster.

That is, commencement of the ability to experience real gratitude via ending behavioral practices that are rooted in an obligation-based school of thought. As obligation tends to preclude and strangle joy, gratitude—a complete manifest expression of joy—is not likely to bloom where obligation lords.

No matter what your 20 is, or whether you choose to share time with family, GRADitude can be yours this thanksgiving season. Simply reject the obligation part of your Thanksgiving—or any other— tradition. Next, freely and fully choose the improved form of the tradition—or don’t.

Love does not express itself in the form of obligation. Love requires unfettered choice. When we stand for our freedom from the falsities of obligation, we honor the God within and we are rewarded with consolation and reassurance. It is in such spaces that peace, joy and authentic gratitude abide. <

I will hold my daughter’s arm as she guides me into the Portland Museum of Art. I will drink black coffee in the Art District, talk with pleasant strangers and take the locals’ advice on which coastal town to head for next. I’ll wear sumptuous sweaters and tall boots that whisper, “Old girl, you’re still pretty damn sexy!” I’ll do all this because of my thirst for life and my impetus toward GRADitude.

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER | 35

Laurie Marie Renfro is a writer and spiritual seeker. She earned a Master's of Spiritual Psychology from Sofia University in Palo Alto, California, formerly the Institute for Transpersonal Psychology.

eat CAKE...First L I S A W A S H I N G T O N ' S H O L I D A Y S W E E T T R E A T S VANILLA CAKE WITH RASPBERRY WHITE CHOCOLATE GANACHE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING WITH SPRINKLES OF FLEUR DE SEL

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER | 36

CAKE ALERT!

BUTTERMILK VANILLA CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE GANACHE FROSTING, CHOCOLATE AND CARAMEL DRIZZLE WITH CHOPPED PECANS FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER | 37

LET'S BAKE Fig and Walnut Cake

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Let's Flourish Together Advertise, Promote, & Share Your Business, Product, Service & Story In The Next Edition Of Flourish Digital Magazine

SCAN TO JOIN THE JOURNEY

OUR ATTENTION IS ON THRIVING & FLOURISHING

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HUSBAND AND WIFE DUO

ETCH & MAR'KET A beautiful partnership that goes beyond the kitchen.

The passion behind the business A healther alternative to the foods you love.

Seane Shaw – How has your business been impacted during this pandemic? I know your business is event-driven.

IG: @etchandmarket Contact Us Here

Etch – That's been really the biggest struggle for us right now. But I will say, if you look at the glass half full, it has given us an opportunity to take a pause, and think about the brand, and what we can be doing differently—reshaping our offerings. Being that we can’t really visit our clients on site, we’ve had to be creative in extending our services. In doing so we’ve started hosting cooking classes and some drop-off services. We are fortunate in that this isn’t our nineto-five, so it really allows us to evaluate and try different things and not have a hindrance on us economically. This is really a passion turned hobby, turned into a small business, that we can operate on the weekends. The biggest impact to our business has been our inability to employ our temp staff, who count on opportunities like ours. We hope someday soon to be able to be there for them like they’ve been here for us. >

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER | 40

Doing what you love shows through your food!

Seane – I guess we should step back a bit and ask how you got started with cooking. I know the both of you have a passion for food.

Etch – I’ll tell my part of the story and I’ll let Mar tell her part of the story. It all started for me when I was a kid. My mom was a single parent. And one of my chores was actually to cook dinner four nights a week.

It was never anything too complicated. It was stuff like pork chops, fried chicken and spaghetti. In high school, I started something called "soul food Fridays." Pretty much I had classmates bring dishes to school for lunch.

Kind of like a potluck. It became a competition—and it really blew up. At that moment, I realized that I really had a love for food and enjoyed how it brought people together. It didn’t stop there. In college, I was that guy.

Being the social person that I am, every gathering had to have food! So I’m making hot wings, macaroni and cheese. Even though the menu wasn’t elaborate, folks always wanted to come to my parties because there was going to be good food! I also started doing baby showers. And once I did one baby shower, it was like, the baby shower circuit—and it took off from there. I had no business plan and no business model. It was really all just for fun—until about 2006, when a buddy of mine suggested that I start a business to build my brand and to write off some of the expenses. From there I started working a friend’s cookouts. That’s when I met Mar. I found out that she was a foodie and loved to cook as well. We complemented each other. She brought a different aspect that elevated the business. I will say that one thing that Mar has taught me about this business and about myself is to be confident in your product. And don't just give it away. I will admit, in the early years I would give food away and enjoyed just hooking folks up.

Mar – I come from a family of cooks as well. And coming from Louisiana you know there’s a lot of Creole and Cajun food: good ol' Southern cooking. I actually majored in food nutrition in college. So I had an interest in healthier versions—because with my family, there was nothing healthy about the way they were cooking. So I guess you could say, I make healthier alternatives that are still tasty. I also have a passion for design décor. I really enjoy the presentation and packaging, and shopping for all the platters and the dishes and how we're going to present our food. It's important to have good food, but it also has to look nice. That's what sets us apart, We try to be very modern, very clean, organic.

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER | 41

Seane – You mentioned earlier that you started doing cooking classes since since covid-19. Has this been your first foray into the virtual cooking class?

Etch – The cooking classes have always been an offering of ours—in person. It's one of the main tools we use for nonprofits. So if you have a nonprofit, and you need an auction item, we would donate a cooking class for 10. That really has been a very successful marketing tool during the pandemic. However, as we realized that people were still trying to get together, we ended up with a class of 28 people. I think it was in June. And we essentially shipped all the ingredients to everyone's homes, in partnership with one of the local grocery stores, and we facilitated the class over Zoom. It was great because we could see that everyone was participating and paying attention.

Seane – Do you have a favorite dish or dessert that you suggest to your clients—one that you guys just love to make?

Etch – We do have a favorite that we can make 100 ways, and that’s our salmon chips. It’s the most popular item to make in our cooking class. They are damn good!

Seane – With the holidays coming up, anything special planned around your business?

Etch – I don't know if this is a positive or negative, but the city of Houston has opened up 75 percent. And I think by Thanksgiving, even though there may be reasons not to get together, people will begin to get together as safely as they possibly can. And I do think it’s going to mean some interest in catering services. People may not be going to restaurants, but they probably will have small groups of families and friends. I honestly believe that there will be some drop-off services that people will leverage during the holidays. And we look forward to assisting them with making their holidays special. <

#PROUDLYSOUTHAFRICAN

FUDART: MEET NARDIA

Since then she has accumulated a solid body of experience holding executive and head chef positions in exclusive five-star hotel restaurants around South Africa. These include Phantom Forest Eco Reserve, Woodridge Country Estate, Greedy Buddha and the prestigious Upton Hall in Durban.

Nardia has worked as the Personal Chef to the Deputy Chief

FUDART IS CELEBRATING ITS 6TH BIRTHDAY, AND WE CANNOT BE PROUDER OF WHAT NARDIA AND HER TEAM HAVE ACHIEVED.

of Mission at the US Embassy, and even cooked for a gala

By Sadiyah Adams

has developed her own range of gourmet, bottled products

Nardia Adams , chef-patron behind the Fudart brand,

began her career at Mount Grace Country House and Spa in Magaliesburg, South Africa in 2001, after graduating from the Christina Martin School of Food and Wine in Durban, with a Professional Chef's Diploma. With stints at the prestigious Boca West Country Club in the USA and The Imperial Hotel Group

dinner for former American President George W. Bush, held at the US Ambassador’s residence in Pretoria.

She continues to extend herself to achieve new heights in her profession. She is a food and restaurant consultant, having opened a number of restaurants from scratch. She under the Fudart label. Committed to giving back to her profession, Nardia is regularly called on to judge at professional food competitions, as well as to lecture to upand-coming young chefs at local training institutions. Her most recent achievement is the purchase of a customized Fudart Food Truck, which is regularly featured at events and shows around Durban.

in London, she notched up solid international

Creativity and freedom to experiment are two of the

experience, before returning home to South Africa to

elements that Nardia loves—from compiling menus to

continue building her professional culinary career.

finally getting a dish onto a plate—using diverse flavors,

NOMADIC

colors, textures and cooking techniques.

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER | 42

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Testament to the fact that Nardia is highly regarded by her peers and the industry alike, she is on the National Board for the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and is a former member of the South African Chefs Association’s Senior Committee for KwaZuluNatal.

Nardia is proud of her team. "From gourmet burgers to fine dining, Fudart is an upmarket catering and food consulting company, run by an experienced and passionate team. Fudart

Nardia also makes her restaurant consulting services available— including menu design, stock control or staff training.

With covid-19 such a major factor in our lives, she has made adjustments and created new product offerings, including smaller platters for lockdown celebrations, food delivery, and even new food solutions for essential workers in the healthcare and constitution sectors.

What an inspiring journey.

serves up various styles of cuisine and function-related food

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P A S S I O N A T E

S I D E

B E L I E V E S

solutions—from street food, to casual platters, upmarket I

harvest tables or plated fine dining meals for exclusive private functions. We have a professional team that can set up and

W I L L

T H E

serve your meal at your chosen venue or discreetly deliver to

C O N T I N U E

P U N C H E S ,

C R E A T E

T O

R O L L

P E R S E V E R E

I N N O V A T I V E

Fudart strEATERY is an iconic and fun talking piece, sure to

A N D

S O L U T I O N S ”

—Nardia Adams

the kitchen door.

"Our big orange customised 1978 Bedford bus known as the

W I T H

Contact Nardia for all catering, events or consulting inquiries.

be a big hit at your next function."

hello@fudart.co.za

We seem to see her and her team everywhere—at international

0832528885

conferences and concerts at the Durban ICC, at local food markets and music concerts at Moses Mabhida Stadium, at the Durban Botanic Gardens, at Greyville Racecourse, and at the

@fudartbynardia

exhibitions at the Durban Exhibition Centre. But I like the fact that she does private house parties. Imagine inviting a few friends over and having the big orange bus driving up to your property and cooking up some deliciousness!

Sadiyah Adams

Digital Graphic Designer, Flourish Digital Magazine

IG: sadiyah_adams

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER | 43

Lisa Washington's

VEGAN HOLIDAY DISHES

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER | 44

Thanksgiving is almost here, and I am always asking myself, what will I do differently this year? How will I incorporate more plant-based items on my menu? I have found the best and easiest way to add more plant-based recipes into your menu, is to think about substituting something that is plant-based and then tweaking it a bit. For instance, instead of green beans and potatoes cooked with smoked meat, I use smoky sun-dried tomatoes. The tomatoes give a beautiful color to the dish and lend that delicious smokiness as well. You can find smoky sun-dried tomatoes at Kroger's.

One of my favorite dishes to make during the holidays is Beef Bourguignon, but I wondered, how could I do a take on that recipe using vegetables? Beef Bourguignon is a beef stew braised in red wine, often red Burgundy, and beef stockâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; typically flavored with carrots, onions, garlic, and a bouquet garni, and garnished with pearl onions, mushrooms, and bacon. Yes! It's a show stopper, but so is this plant-based inspiration, my Roasted Vegetables in Red Wine with toasted almonds.

This recipe is amazing, giving you the elegance, richness and flavor profile that Beef Bourguignon brings to your palette. This dish could easily be a main course for your vegan or vegetarian table.

ROASTED VEGETABLES IN RED WINE WITH TOASTED ALMONDS Ingredients:

Instructions:

1 medium butter squash, peeled and chopped into 1- to 2-inch pieces 1 pound brussels sprouts, peeled and halved 3 medium purple sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1- to 2-inch pieces

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

In a large cast iron skillet on medium-high heat, add the oil and chopped veggies and sea salt. Cook for about 10 minutes. Add the onions and garlic. Add the harissa and brown sugar. Stir and cook for another 5 minutes. Add the wine and vinegar.

Place the cast iron skillet in the oven and roast for 30â&#x20AC;&#x201C;35 minutes until the vegetables are brown and a fork can go through the vegetables easily.

2 tbsp. olive oil 1/4 cup chopped onions

Once cooked, add the vegetables in a beautiful bowl and top them with the nuts, cranberries and lemon zest.

2 garlic cloves, peeled and diced 1 tbsp. sea salt, or to taste 1 1/2 tbsp. harissa seasoning, adjust to your preference

For the toasted nuts: Just add nuts in a non-stick pan on medium heat and allow to toast until you can smell the nuts' aroma. Remove from heat, being careful not to burn them.

1 tbsp. brown sugar 1 1/2 cups red wine 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar Garnish: toasted nuts, cranberries and lemon zest

I love to pair this vinaigrette with my other two holiday recipes (see next page):

GROUND MUSTARD CHAMPAGNE VINAIGRETTE Ingredients:

Instructions:

1/3 cup Champagne vinegar

Add all of the ingredients except the olive oil to a mixing bowl and whisk together. Slowly add the olive oil, and whisk vigorously until the dressing is combined.

2 tsp. ground mustard 1 lemon, juiced 1 small shallot, finely diced 1 tsp. honey 1/4 tsp. salt

For my asparagus recipe (next page): Drizzle over the asparagus right before serving, or toss the asparagus in the dressing. Top with shaved parmesan (optional). >

1/4 tsp. pepper 1/2 cup olive oil FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER | FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER | 45

ASPARAGUS Instructions:

Ingredients:

Heat blanching water: Fill a medium saucepan halfway with lightly salted water. Bring to a boil.

Prep the asparagus: While the water is heating, prepare the asparagus.

Rinse them thoroughly; break off any tough, white bottoms and discard.

Cut the spears into 1- to 2-inch sections, slicing the asparagus at a slight diagonal.

Blanch the asparagus: Add the asparagus to the boiling water and

1 bushel of asparagus or more based on how many you are serving Salt and pepper to taste Parmesan (optional)

lower the heat slightly to maintain a simmer. Parboil the asparagus for exactly 2 minutes. Drain the hot water.

While the asparagus spears are still hot, toss them in a bowl with a generous amount of the Ground Mustard Champagne Vinaigrette (see previous page) or place the asparagus on a pretty platter and drizzle the vinaigrette over it. Shave parmesan over the top (optional).

Salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm or at room temperature.

OVEN BAKED BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH SMOKY SUN-DRIED TOMATOES AND HERBS Ingredients:

Instructions:

1 mini Dutch oven

On parchment paper, place the prepared brussels sprouts.

1 cup brussels sprouts, cleaned and peeled

Add 1 tbsp. of the olive oil on the sprouts and sprinkle with the fleur de sel or sea salt and the garlic herb seasoning. Toss gently.

1 1/2 tbsp. olive oil 1 tbsp. smoked sun-dried tomatoes, dried (not the ones that are in oil) 1 tbsp. garlic herb seasoning 1 tbsp. low-sodium vegetable broth or water pinch of fleur de sel or sea salt

Take the remaining oil and grease the Dutch oven.

Add the brussels sprouts, and nestle the smoked sun-dried tomatoes around the sprouts.

Add the low-sodium vegetable broth.

Cover the Dutch oven with the lid and place in the oven and bake for 20â&#x20AC;&#x201C;30 minutes, until the brussels sprouts are tender.

Remove from the oven with a kitchen-mitten and allow to cool on a cookie rack. Serve and enjoy.

Here's a little food for thought. The holidays can be very stressfulâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;especially during a pandemic, and now, with so much emotional unrest. Three things that help me during the holidays: 1. Remember what the holidays are truly about: connecting with our families and loved ones.

2. It is also about taking time to enjoy preparing foods that remind us of precious memories we created when we were growing up.

3. Don't do it all by yourself. This is a beautiful time to pull our children and grandchildren into the kitchen with us. Start creating some new memories. <

Lisa M. Washington, Flourish Digital Magazine lifestyle contributor, CEO of B'Tyli Wellness and Beauty Co. Author of Set The Table With Love.

IG: @lifewithlisawashington SETTHETABLEWITHLOVE.COM FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER | 46

Pivot for Success

Helping Clients Shift & Reset In Business for 2021 & Beyond TEIA BEGGS, MANAGING PARTNER ATLANTA – BALTIMORE – CHARLESTON – NYC – ORLANDO MKGPEO.COM – tel. 770-870-1716 FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER | 47

Meet

Nadia Bilchik Greater Impact communications Chloé – Nadia, when I see you out, it's with such a burst of energy, authenticity, inspiring spirit, beauty and charm. You know how to hold yourself beautifully in your feminine power and I really appreciate that. It's a wonderful example for every woman, whether she is a professional woman, she's running her own company, a mother, an artist or anyone. How did you start your career in broadcast journalism? And where did you start?

Nadia – So, interestingly enough, Chloé, I went to acting school. I was in about four or five feature films. But Chloé, what you don't know about me is that I died in all of them. I had my throat slit. I've been shot on the island of Kos in Greece by Gary Busey, who started my career in acting. The transition was interesting because I was being interviewed for a movie and as I sat there I thought, “You know what?

I'd rather be doing the interview than being interviewed.” That's how I got into television in South Africa in the late 1980s.

We didn't get television until I was eight or nine years old, and we had very limited amounts of it. I was in my 20s when I auditioned for MNet Television. I just decided I wanted to be the interviewer. I was so lucky because I interviewed in the beginning of December, and was on television by January, and my career was launched. So I had a remarkable, very fulfilling career in South Africa on television. So many stories, that in 1997 we moved to Atlanta. I started working for CNN and anchoring for the Sea Airport Network.

Chloé – Why did you leave a blossoming career in Johannesburg, South Africa to come to America? And why Atlanta?

Nadia – 1997 was an interesting time to be in South Africa. Nelson Mandela had been released from prison in 1990 and he became the president in 1994. South Africa is a rainbow nation but by ’97 crime was particularly bad there. We had applied for our American green cards. My husband thought it would be an opportunity to work with CNN as a broadcaster. I thought, "What if it's an adventure? And I can always come back." I've always been conflicted because there's something about leaving your home, and particularly South Africa, and the emergence of a new democracy in South Africa—to be part of that. Luckily, I've gotten to visit many times. But again I've been so lucky because we came to CNN in July ’97 and I started working at CNN a couple of months later.

Chloé – Were you working at CNN when you lived in South Africa?

Nadia – I was working for M-Net Television. When I came to the United States I began working for CNN, but also freelancing for MNET in South Africa—and I was interviewing people like Morgan Freeman, Tom Hanks and Richard Gere. And yes—I want Flourish Digital Magazine readers to know: He is that sexy.

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER | 48

Everybody goes through change, ups and downs. I've realized, things change. For me, it was leaving South Africa and moving. I am truly very grateful for an extraordinary career, my supportive husband, my now adult married daughters, who were little girls at the time, but it was wrenching. But change is an inevitable part of our lives.

When covid-19 hit—and I think this is true for everybody— for me, the initial period, the first couple of days, I almost felt triggered. All those memories of starting over again.

Chloé – Tell me about that.

Nadia – My life, probably like yours and many people's, was going along. In fact, I was in Fayetteville, Arkansas, made famous by Bill Clinton, doing a program for CocaCola on personal branding. And I was doing the program and I got onto the plane that evening—going, for goodness' sake, people, get a grip, don't let your sanity slip. >

NADIABILCHIK.COM

Nadia (cont.) – The world was just carrying on. Well, that was March 12th, and by the 13th, everything was postponed. It felt pretty scary initially. You have to ramp up and fight when you go through those periods of self-doubt. But it triggered some memories of starting again, and feelings of uncertainty. But, because I’ve gone through such uncertainty before, I was used to recovering quickly.

Chloé – How have you pivoted—or shifted—during coronavirus and the uncertainty?

Nadia – The first thing is—and I know you've probably all heard this before, but it is worth repeating—it's OK to fail. And we’ve got to be brave. And we hear that time and time again. But we don't have another choice. And now the ability to say, "I am going forward," and to do it with a sense of confidence, is absolutely critical. For me having to go from all in-person programs, to suddenly doing it online, the first thing I had to do was say, I am going to overcome any fear and anxiety about the technology. I had to adapt. Things were getting cancelled—and I had a moment of panic. That's where the internal dialogue takes place, and then action. I had to bring someone into my space who could help me shift. Then I can become virtually agile in order to conduct my seminars and see my notes online.

Ask yourself, "What is stopping me?" And it's so interesting, because I teach that day in and day out. What stops us so often is fear of rejection, failure, anxiety. And when you really address it and overcome that feeling, that sense of accomplishment is what gives us the confidence we need.

My first webinar was not flawless. Some of my video didn't play exactly as it should. But the people on it said it was wonderful, that I was authentic and handled it well. One person said, “You know, at this stage of your career, you should be more polished.” One person out of one hundred and thirty, which was so interesting because who did I listen to? I listened to the one person. But I continued.

And I'm so happy I did.

Chloé – I've learned that lesson, Nadia. We are not perfect. But excellence and being professional is always in order. And that is you— poised and polished, not perfect.

Nadia – Chloé, I learned that courage is a muscle. The more you try, the more you forgive yourself. If things go wrong, have a team and then don't pretend to be perfect. Before coronavirus, I managed to do a three-day program at Emory University at the Dalai Lama School on compassionate behavior therapy. It was an immersive program to have a more compassionate world. America needs to hear that. But where does compassion begin? Compassion for yourself. Forgiveness of yourself. And listening in a dialogue of compassion for one's self is equally as important as compassion for others. When I came to America from South Africa, I was very hard on myself. I didn't have the wisdom of looking at it, seeing perspective, being kind, being forgiving, understanding the trauma. Maya Angelou said, "You can't blame yourself for not knowing what you didn't know."

Chloé – What is your interpretation of everything that you—that we— are experiencing now?

Nadia – I interviewed Deepak Chopra recently. He has a beautiful new book on meditation. Deepak was saying, “You reacted to something that was your interpretation, and it wasn't the truth.” How often have we perceived something that was not truth?

Shakespeare said, “There's nothing good nor bad, but thinking makes it so.” Kat Collin and I wrote a book together titled, Small Changes, Big Impact. And one of my favorite phrases is, “In the absence of proper information, people come to their own conclusions.”

And that's what people appreciate. Because at the end of the day, there's a finite amount of universal truth and happiness—and it begins with yourself. And through all of these things, you have found a unique way of sharing and inspiring others, Chloé, through your magazine. And I thank you so much for this opportunity to share ideas.

Chloé – Thank you so much for sharing, Nadia.

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER | 49

<

HER COLOR IS PURPLE

Sitting down with Maria Howell to flourish with us for the holidays "feels like we've known each other, period," as Maria said. It truly was a beautiful experience, kind of like sitting down with one of the women in The Color Purple. In fact, it was this very film that launched Maria's acting career.

By Chloé Taylor Brown

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER | 50

Chloé – Maria, how does it make you feel when we, the people take you back to the beginning of your career, which was your role in The Color Purple?

Maria – It takes me back to a place that was very symbolic and very significant in my life. And I've never forgotten that feeling. Of course, it's matured into appreciation and more layers have been added, but it always gets right down to that root of what that meant at that point in my life. And it was the start. It was actually the start of my professional career. And people constantly bring it back up. And I'm so thankful and grateful for that because it could have been one of those movies that would be like here one minute, gone the next, but I'm grateful not just for the fact that it's had its staying power, but for the content, the whole movement of what it has inspired people to do.

I mean, people know not only the dialogue; they identify with different characters. They've begun dialogue, a conversation about things that happen in their own lives.

So, it's been more than just a movie to me. It's been a movement. And I'm very, very grateful to be a part of that movement. >

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WHEN YOU'RE IN A BAND YOU ARE A COLLABORATOR. Chloé – When The Color Purple first came out, I was working in Italy as a model. Someone sent me the book, which I could not put down, and of course, I could hardly wait to see the movie when I returned to America. Maria, you are this phenomenal, multifaceted woman with multiple talents, aspirations and dreams. It also seems that you have multiple businesses, ideas and concepts as well. You also have the ability to inspire people with your voice, in song and through your communication as an actor and a voiceover coach. How do you cross over to manage and flourish with your businesses as well? Is this challenging for you?

Maria – Of course, it is. And, yes and no. What's really interesting is I've always had all these ideas. I think with my maturity and experience in business or in life, I've learned better how to say, "This is not the time for that." It’s about compartmentalizing and managing and being a better time manager. And I understand that saying no doesn't always mean a bad thing. The answer “No” helps guide you in the direction you're supposed to go. So, I don't get so emotional about things like I used to. And I'm sure you can relate when it comes to modeling. If there's some type of show or project you wanted to work on, you get disappointed because your feelings were hurt. But, at this point in my life, I asked myself a question: "Maria, are you forcing it? Are you doing it because you want to do it? Or is it time to do it?" So, the maturity and wisdom really plays a large role in everything that I do now, especially when it comes to these businesses and collaborating. Whether I need to collaborate with somebody or whether I need to do it solo.

Chloé – Speaking of collaboration. Do you find yourself collaborating more in this phase of your career? Or is it the same as always?

Maria – I think it's always been collaboration because when you're in a band, you're collaborating, whether you call it that or not. I've always been a collaborator. It's always been a collective, a partnership, and it's been support and a community. That's the first thing that I did: sing. And my band members are like my family, and with them I learn things about myself, about them, and it elevates me in life.

So getting back to the collaborating question, yes, that's been a consistent thing. I'm the oldest of six kids. I've always been a collaborator.

Chloé – You say you started your career as a singer. How did you find your voice? Was it in your church choir or high school choir? Or did you just jump up one day and say, "Hey, I want to sing. I'm gonna start a band"? >

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Maria – All the above. I actually knew at six years old what I was going to be. The memory of it is just as clear today as it was back then when I looked in the mirror and had the conversation. I still consider it a conversation with God. I formally started singing with the church choir at age 13. And then I sang in the high school choir. I went to college and sang with the madrigal singers. And even though I wanted to do this for a living and I knew that I would, I actually studied pre-Med.

Maria, cont. – And though l love Biology, Zoology, Botany and all of that, the singing was what pulled me. My mom and dad would not let me join a band when I was in high school, and I was actually asked quite a few times; but they were like, "No, you get your college degree first; then you can do whatever you want to do." And I'm glad I listened.

I have a degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry, because coming from a small town, my mentality was that I didn't really have anyone to ask the questions of. And so I bumped my head quite a bit. My parents supported me, but I still needed to do something practical.

Maria – I am happy to have my degree from WinstonSalem State University.

Maria – No, Dr. Maya Angelou was a professor at Wake Forest, which was across town and not very far from Winston-Salem State University.

Chloé – And speaking of such a phenomenal woman, I saw you last September in Charlotte at the the Dr. Maya Angelou UNCF Luncheon, as you were the vocalist for the event. I was so excited to see you performing. How was it being back in Charlotte to perform?

Maria – I've been coming back and forth for years, even living in Los Angeles. They bring me back to do an annual concert, as well as the Maya Angelou Luncheon. That was my third year in a row doing that. And one year I was the speaker, and then going on to be the featured vocalist. But coming back to Charlotte has always been like home. I don't think in my heart I've ever left. Charlotte is where I

Chloé – I say going to college is a setup for your life, and not the end-all, be-all.

Chloé – Is that where Dr. Maya Angelou was a professor?

started my career. I said I started singing. But The Color Purple, the acting role as a singer is actually what started my singing career. I think there were five years between The Color Purple role and when I actually started acting again.

Chloé – I've realized that out of chaos—such as what has happened globally with covid-19—that we can still look for the possibilities of good. And we can find unexpected opportunities if we are present and keep our options open.

And I've just noticed as you're drinking your tea that your cup says "2020 Vision." We all had these big visions for 2020, and we've had to shift or pivot, or completely reset.

Have you found yourself resetting, shifting, and pivoting during this time? >

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LIKE PATTIE LABELLE, I'VE GOT A NEW ATTITUDE. Maria – Like Pattie LaBelle, I've got a new attitude. That really is the core of it for me: working on my attitude. And during this pandemic, I have realized how much "gunk" was there.

Chloé – What do you mean?

Maria – Just being so caught up in the routine of the fast lane and just grinding, going for it, working hard without dealing with your spirit. We say it in words, and we touch on it, and we think we're taking care of ourselves. But we're really not; a lot of us were not—not to the fullest extent. And I needed to take a step back, and the first month of the pandemic, I felt like I was on vacation. The second month I was thinking, "I need to get a job."

Because all of my work shut down, the entire industry. But fortunately, we had a livestream going. So that was great.

And then my voiceover work actually picked up once I learned a few tech things, which was a learning curve. But it was mostly my attitude of how I view things, how I saw things, how I felt about things. And I gained clarity.

Now, one of my main focuses—which I didn't think it would be my main focus—is voiceover work. I have been doing it all along, but it really has taken this surge of learning more about my voice and what I can do, and the opportunities as well to coach others. I've been coaching others who are interested in voiceover work as well, and including the realities of it, the tech business part of it.

So between that and just thinking of ways to do things, not just so much virtually, but filming, doing shorts, helping talk people through how to tell their stories. It's about storytelling. I think I'm a storyteller—through song, through voiceover, through acting. And so just getting better with that is what keeps me moving. It makes me go back and think about all the things in my life, and finding out if they are worth telling and sharing.

Chloé – Did you create your own strategies and techniques of how to teach and coach others? Or is it a technique that you've learned? Or have you combined all of your golden nuggets?

Maria – The latter. I have combined all of my nuggets, my experience. And I tell people all the time that I have acting coaches. When you want someone to help coach you, get someone who actually does it in real time. So, they can not only give you the history of it, but they can also tell you the things that pop up. Like, for example, right before you and I started this interview, I had this wonderful experience here: My agent reached out to me, and said we need an audition right away.

But you learn to adapt. And I think that's been one of my biggest strengths—that I've sharpened to become more adaptable. Those are the things that I coach. How to do that. And what does that look like? What does it feel like?

What does that mean? What can you do with it? In my coaching, I love to meet people where they are, because everybody is in a different place.

It's one thing to do a seminar that's great. But everybody's not going to grab everything and absorb everything the same way and at the same rate. So, in addition to that, I take people one on one. And let's talk about where you are in your life. What's your calling? What do you think about?

What matters to you? That's our starting point.

Chloé – We've talked about your Maria Howell Collection, which you're so graciously sipping your tea from right now.

How did this come about?

Maria – Yes, this is one of the items on my website. Well, it's really interesting. Over the years—when you're interviewed over and over—interviewers tend to pick up little clichés that you say. And without even realizing it, I had a lot of clichés and quotes—things from my personal experiences.

And so I started writing and I keep little notebooks all around. I'm always jotting things down. So I said to myself, "Why don't you put these things on these items? And that way you're doing part of your ministry, and putting that positivity into the world, and maybe people will be inspired!" I started thinking about all the things that matter to me, and I just wrote them down.

Chloé – When did you launch this business?

Maria – Just a couple of months ago, during this pandemic. I was not trying to come up with too many things that would overwhelm myself. >

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Maria, cont. – But this was something that was very meaningful, and brewing inside of me for for decades. I've always had this enterprise in my mind that has different components to it—whether that's acting, singing, doing voiceovers, or life coaching, in the sense of spiritual growth. I think that's been with me all my life, and now it's like, "Why not?" And then God has a way of bringing people into your sphere that kind of give you a nudge.

Chloé – When was the most recent message you got from God? And what was it? if that's not too personal.

Maria – Every day. Last night, in fact. I've got a friend who makes beautiful plates that you write affirmations on. You paint it and bake it in the oven. It's a family plate that creates conversations at the dinner table. God spoke to me last night. Saying, "Give this to your niece for her birthday." I'm all about family—having meaningful conversations and learning things, because how often do we not realize that our parents were children too?

Chloé – What kind of relationship did you have with your mom? And I know that your mother passed away from pancreatic cancer, and I'm so sorry about that. And it seems like you've turned that into something meaningful.

Maria – Yeah, and there's the purple color for PurpleStride, the walk to end pancreatic cancer, outside of The Color Purple. One of my sisters is the Charlotte Affiliate for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. She's the media chair.

And so she's rallied all of us together for the past four years to do the pancreatic walk. And yes, it's become very meaningful. The charities in my life mean something. And that one, of course, without question is very, very important to me. It was a very traumatic time. My mom and I were extremely close. I remember a time when I was a teenager, I couldn't even imagine life without my mom. I couldn't even tell my mom how much I loved her. I didn't know the words.

Chloé – Tell me about Aiden's Heart Foundation.

Maria – It's a beautiful charity that's all about transplantation.

A friend of mine is Ava Koffman. Ava had a heart transplant.

She came to hear me perform. That's how we got a chance to meet each other. Ava helps raise funds in Los Angeles.

People come in and are set up for transplantation—whether the heart, liver or whatever the transplant is. She raises funds to help between the gaps. So when people have to make doctor’s visits, child care, whatever that may be. We raise funds for that.

MARIA, HOW ABOUT A FABULOUS FESTIVE HOLIDAY CONCERT FOR FLOURISH DIGITAL MAGAZINE? Chloé – What do you have coming up with Keith David?

Maria – That actually happened already. It was two weeks ago. But there's a rebroadcast of it. Keith and I met over 20 years ago doing a TV show, Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, which was produced by George Lucas. So Jeffrey Wright was there as well. We had a great experience, and we've remained friends over the years, with little gaps of "Where are you?" and "How are you doing?" in between. In 2018, we did a film called Bewildered, which deals with Alzheimer's and early dementia, and Keith and I play husband and wife and we get to sing together.

So we talked, and I said, "Keith, one day I want to get you down to Charlotte, to perform with us," and that was it. OK, two years later, of course, there's a pandemic that entered the picture; but we postponed it until things were safer. So Keith did come, and he joined us at Middle C Jazz in Charlotte for five shows. It was just amazing—the storytelling and the talent. A lot of people don't know that Keith David sings. He's a phenomenal vocalist and storyteller, as well as an actor. And so with that, we're going to take those shows, put the best of the best together, edited, and have people be able to tune in on demand.

Chloé – How about Flourish Digital Magazine hosting a virtual festive holiday concert for you? <

Chloé – Did Ava herself have a heart transplant? And is she doing very well?

Maria – Yeah, she's doing great.

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MARIAHOWELL.COM

CREATE YOUR 2021 MANTRA. WRITE IT DOWN & LIVE IT!

LEARN HOW TO REFRAME YOUR PERSONAL NARRATIVE

BY CREATING A NEW LIFE STORY. YOUR PEN IS YOUR MAGIC WAND. WRITE THE REAL YOU. ENVISION THAT. BE THAT. FEEL THE JOY. LIVE LIFE OUT LOUD.

In the beginning of all creation is a thought, a sound, a word, or a phrase—which, when spoken silently or aloud, vibrates, pulsates, penetrates, and attracts that which is spoken.

Be intentional about your Get More words—who you are becoming, Info Here and what you are creating and ATTRACTING. FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER | 55

Dinner & Dialogue is affiliated with It's A Mouth Full food blog. It's a platform where we engage in up-close and personal conversations with some of this country’s most talented people in various areas of entertainment and business. It’s a unique dining experience where we often will partner with local restaurants to come up with unique ways to recognize charities. We hope that you not only find our content entertaining but that it sparks a dialogue within you that’s impactful and inspiring!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Host: Seane Shaw dinneranddialoguetv.com

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Listen Here Lease The Beats

MUSIC PRODUCTION

BY JB JUICE FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER | 57

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

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By Lyn Ross IDERMED.COM

The holidays are a time to indulge in delicious foods and splurge on yourself a little! That said, the festive season can also be a time of stressed skin, especially with the drier winter air. Don't let your skinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dewy youthful glow decline into a dehydrated flakey complexion. Here are our best tips to help you have the radiant flawless skin that you wish for. >

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When the level of humidity in the air drops, the skin experiences more transepidermal water loss. Drink eight to ten glasses of water a day to rid the body of toxins and moisturize your skin’s cells from the inside out for a hydrated radiant glow.

Use a hydrating daytime serum under your moisturizer. The Institut’ DERMed™ Anti-oxidant Peptide Lifting Serum with hyaluronic acid and anti-gravity peptides supplies serious topical cell hydration during the day. Limit intensive anti-aging serums such as Vital A Retinol to three nights per week to prevent the drying effects of the winter air.

Get your beauty essential for skin repair. Sleep! As the body’s largest organ, skin is usually where the first signs of aging appear. If you are not getting enough sleep your eyes may look puffy with dark circles. So, try to get in eight hours of sleep a night. If you have a hard time relaxing at night, try a cup of chamomile tea and a spritz of lavender essential oil on your pillowcase to help calm your mind.

Before you apply your a.m. and p.m. serums be sure to use a depuffing peptide eye cream. I know you’ll love the Institut’ DERMed Eye Cream Complex with breakthrough anti-aging eye ingredients Eyeliss, Haloxyl and Matrixyl. This luxury cosmetic product makes for a great stocking stuffer to keep your eyes energized and bright!

This holiday season opt for skin-beneficial berries instead of sugary cakes and cookies. Berries are chock-full of powerful antioxidants to help protect your complexion from environmental stressors and age-accelerating glycation that interferes with your cells' self-repair process. Alcohol in holiday drinks also produces free radicals, so keeping everything in moderation will help to prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, or dilated capillaries that lead to redness and sensitivity.

While upping your glam with holiday make-up will not necessarily be the cause of breakouts, neglecting to remove it before going to bed can clog your pores and turn your skin into a breeding ground for bacteria. Thoroughly cleansing your skin with an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) cleanser such as glycolic or lactic acid is one of the best ways to prevent acne and aging.

Exfoliate weekly. I always recommend a professional exfoliating Enzyme Peel with a Microdermabrasion on a monthly basis at the Spa. It is especially important to rejuvenate your skin in the winter months when there isn’t direct sunlight. But exfoliating once a month is not enough to keep pores clean, reduce the appearance of aging and keep your skin sparkling during the holidays. Using the Institut’ DERMed Micro Crystal Polish with diamond corundum crystals and jojoba beads at home ensures a smooth skin surface without damaging your skin.

The bottom line is: Whatever you do, don’t neglect your skin this holiday season. With just a few steps, you can instantly brighten and revitalize your face despite the cooler winter air and stressful hustle. I wish you all a joyous new skincare year! <

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Lyn's seven best tips to help you have the radiant, flawless skin that you wish for.

IN SPITE OF! THE HOLIDAYS ARE AMONG US. AND WE ARE GOING TO DECLARE THEM TO BE GLORIOUS AND JOY-FILLED! THE 2020 HOLIDAYS WILL BE JOYOUS! IN SPITE OF....

In the midst of life’s circumstances, we must seize the opportunity to find and manifest the joy that lies within. In spite of! In spite of racial unrest, pandemic persistence, politics, and otherwise sheer madness, we all have been impacted somehow, by the events of 2020. It has severely distracted, devastated and depressed us on a variety of levels. However, the fact that I’m writing this, and that you are reading it, indicates that we have come this far, by faith! We have come thus far by a wing and a prayer! One way or another, we have come this far! In spite of! So, let us celebrate this season. Let us celebrate, in spite of.

This season, some of us will experience our first Thanksgiving and/or our first Christmas without a loved one whom we have lost—either to the virus or to another ailment. We will experience the holidays without the traditional gathering with those individuals.

While we will miss the physical presence of a loved one, we can find peace in the fact that they are no longer in pain, no longer in distress. Sometimes, it comforts me to speak to that loved one: “Dear [say the person's name], I miss you so much, but I find comfort that you are no longer in pain. Your soul is at rest.”

We are in a season of finding new traditions and different ways to celebrate the holidays. Family gatherings may take place virtually. Some of us may be celebrating alone.

Now you may say, “OK, Paula, that sounds like all sunshine and roses—to celebrate, in spite of. But we are still in the middle of a pandemic. Lost jobs.

Lost homes. We are in a state of unrest, so what is there to be joyful about?” You are absolutely correct. I can’t argue the point because that would negate reality. We definitely are living in tragic times. However, that does not mean that we cannot wake up every single day, and fight to extract some joy from it! >

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SO, HOW CAN WE ENJOY A PANDEMIC HOLIDAY? MAY I SUGGEST THE FOLLOWING, WHICH IS NOT A COMPLETE LIST BY ANY MEANS—BUT I HOPE IT WILL GET YOUR CREATIVE WHEELS TURNING: 1.Plan a virtual family holiday celebration Assign various tasks to family members: Sing-along Historian Ice breakers Round robin of sharing family stories Family talent shows Family games

2.Decorate! Decorate! Decorate!

There are mornings I wake up, and I am just grateful that I woke up! Just grateful for waking up! Then I go on to think about what I can do with my day to express my gratitude for that day. A phrase has been coined, “we are all in this together.” We certainly are! So, we have to help each other to fight through anxiety, anger, and depression, so that we can find the joy in each day. Take a moment to sit down and list everything that you are thankful for. waking up opening your eyes normal activity of your limbs your right mind family and friends who are doing well circumstances that you have survived, and that you are coming through now

Create a festive atmosphere—even if you are the only one appreciating the beauty!

3.Plan a glorious meal with all of your favorites.

Dining alone? The sky's the limit!

4.Dress up!

Yes! Put on something festive! Dance! Go for a walk!

5.Watch a favorite classic movie.

Mine is always “The Sound of Music.”

I challenge you to keep going with this list of what you are thankful for.

List the blessings, celebrate the blessings, and embrace the holiday season—in spite of! <

6.If it is safe to travel, and you are comfortable doing so, plan ahead.

We took a trip to the beach a couple of months ago. The ocean is my therapy. And I needed a therapy session! We took all of our own cleaning supplies, bed linen, pots and pans, and sanitizers.

We spent the first couple of hours sanitizing the supposedly already sanitized space (you know, sometimes you just have to do it your way!) We social distanced the few times we went out, and prepared our own meals. We enjoyed our time!

Was it different? Absolutely! We adjusted, and found the joy!

We all have a journey. It's called life!

This is my journey: college student, military spouse, model, fitness professional, educator, media professional, media influencer!

I share just a few highlights of my journey and the lessons I have learned along the way.

Make no mistake! It has not been an easy journey! There have been triumphs and tragedies, but it has been quite a journey!

The journey that has brought me thus far... to this beautiful season in life!

Embrace your journey!

I Am Paula G Voice PAULAGVOICE.COM

I am a sagacious independent lifestyle influencer.

I am embracing my own journey and I am sharing a soliloquy of seasons on the journey.

I am influencing dreamers to do the same by breathing life into their vision and ultimately living the reality of that vision!

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It is never too late to embrace your journey, live your dream, and flourish!

Visit Paula’s blog at www.paulagvoice.com for additional soliloquies of the journey

VICARIOUSLY THROUGH YOU M Y

F A V O R I T E

C H R I S T M A S

I N

S A N

F R A N C I S C O

B Y

When my mom told me, I honestly didn't believe her at first. The words seemed to float out of her mouth in a dream-like state. The only way that I wrapped my head around it at first was to think she was joking or that I was dreaming. My mom told me we were going to San Francisco and Oakland! A whole week visiting family for Christmas! But also I would be able to be in the grand city of San Francisco for a week as a Christmas present! Sign me up! As a 17-yearold, I was super-stoked, for lack of a better word. I probably started packing immediately after learning of our trip.

I really do not remember the journey to San Francisco. The memory that sticks out in my mind the most is arriving at the San Francisco airport. I remember the excitement of traveling with the whole family again. My brothers and I were so very excited! I was 17, and my brothers were 14, and 4. I found myself acting more like them than the mature, sophisticated 17-year-old that I was.

After we all finally made it through the airport and spotted all of our luggage on the ramp, we went outside, to, uhm.... Wait. In my mind, I just knew that we were getting a rentalâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;or better yet, where was our driver? Much to my surprise, I saw a giant van honking and slowing down. The closer I looked...it...wasâ&#x20AC;Ś...my auntie! It wasn't what I was expecting, and I loved it even more. I hadn't seen her in so, so long.

And she was the perfect person to help kick off one of the best family vacations ever. > FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER | 64

J A D E

C H E R E L L

We ended up staying at Auntie’s house for a few days. We saw so many of our family. Everyone came over or stopped by and just wanted to lay their eyes on us (as we say in the South) because we all had not seen each other in years! A lot of the family hadn't even ever seen my youngest brother. He was a big boy and could walk and talk and get into trouble; this was his first big trip with the family and the enthusiasm that came from him was tangible in the cutest way possible. It was a trip that truly exposed my father’s softer side, too. He was the little brother again around all of his big sisters.

He even listened to Auntie’s rules in her house— because that was his big sister!

I finally saw my dad as a human person—not a superhero who was impervious to pain. I looked at my little brothers and thought, “It’s great to know that they will forever listen to what I say, like my dad with his big sister.” My mom was completely in her element as well. She is also a big sister—the oldest, in fact. Mom's interactions with my aunties made that even more evident to me. She blended into everything seamlessly. She belonged amongst them all, and that was so comforting to me.

Everything felt right, and calm, and downright Christmas-like! Little did I know the best was yet to come.

On Christmas Eve, we got an even bigger surprise.

My mom and dad gathered us and told us we were going to stay in the fanciest hotel in the whole Bay Area! My family loves a good chance to be as boujee as possible, so for me this was the zenith of happiness! We were going to the damn St. Regis!

Leaving the suburbs, and finally being able to be inside of this beating, moving, living metropolis was even more amazing than I could have planned for.

My parents then did something that can be rivaled as one of the best parenting moves of the century.

My Christmas present was absolutely astonishing: They gave me $500 and told me that I could walk around the city all by myself!

I legitimately thought it was a joke at first, because we were a strict Catholic family, and I literally had just had my first kiss the summer before. It was all just a rush of sheer growing-up vibes! And I was here for it! Until I was really walking around alone.

While I loved the vibrancy and energy of the city, I was still a nervous, awkward, unsure teenager in a completely unfamiliar setting, with thousands of strangers. But I vowed to get over those dumb baby feelings and explore.

I made it about two blocks from the hotel alone. I thought I was the biggest, badass, hottest version of myself.

I took pictures, bought some clothes (alone!), and really soaked in what it means to be an adult alone in the world. I started imagining myself being able to be anywhere, to be able to take care of myself. I knew that I would someday come back on my own to this magical bubble called San Francisco. That was honestly the best gift my parents could have given me. Even though I was only gone for a few hours, it had made an indelible impression on me.

Then I felt a strong urge to rush back to the hotel to tell my mom and dad and brothers what I had just thought about. I also decided to double down and tell them that I was going to move there one day.

When I really think about it, I still do the same thing. I love to travel and explore and go out on my own! Not only that, I love it even more when I can share my joy with my family. I love traveling and calling my parents and/or my brothers to express my joy, because I know they are the only ones who are really going to feel my level of excitement. Of course, my brothers were also excited, but they’re supposed to be. Right?

That was one of the best—if not the best— Christmas I’ve experienced. We were all in such a good head space, and life was going great! We bonded so much during that trip.

Being forced to hang out with family is part of the holidays. As a kid or teenager, you don’t really get the huge significance of family time. Family trips are even that much more important. I am, however, so incredibly grateful for that vacation and the time I was able to spend and the memories that come from time with my loved ones. I grew up, and also realized that I was a teenager about to leave my comfy zone. T’was a delicate balance, which my parents seemed to understand. I can only wish that experience upon everyone.

Me running back to tell my brothers how cool I felt, and to thank my parents for allowing me to take that adventure is the epitome of the holiday spirit, in my opinion. I wanted all of the freedom and wiggle room to do as I pleased. When I finally had the wiggle room, I could only wiggle so much before I felt the urge to wiggle back on home to be with the ones who mattered most.

Still to this day, no matter how far away I travel, I consistently call my entire family along the way!

I need them just as much as I need the adventure.

P.S. I ended up moving to San Francisco in 2010. <

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Taking Breath For The "New Season" Just over a year ago my wife and I were enjoying the final day of our 17-day tour of China in Shanghai, with an evening stroll along the Bund, taking in the night lights of this wonderfully alive and vibrant city. An incredible blend of ancient and modern, it is the veritable 21stcentury crown jewel of a country whose rich history stretches back many thousands of years. Our thoughts were of returning home to Rochester New York, full of promise for a world where almost anything is possible, inspired by the amazing changes the Chinese people have made to their country in a few short years.

I contrast this with the world today, where the global reach of a virus has taken many lives and brought the economies of countless countries almost to a halt. For many, the stress of lost loved ones, lost income, lost opportunities, and fear of the future have turned their lives upside down. Add to this the current political climate and social unrest, pitting people against each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;all fueled by some insatiable need to propagate bad news and ignore any good.

Just when the world appears to have gone completely mad and turned topsy-turvy, I recall the buoyant happiness and powerfully positive outlook of the Chinese people we met. The many who opened their homes for us and our tour companions, and treated us to amazing hospitality. Their generosity of spirit and heartfelt kindness bring the current situation into sharp relief and rekindle my faith in humankind.

In the words of Confucius:

"THE MORE MAN MEDITATES UPON GOOD THOUGHTS, THE BETTER WILL BE HIS WORLD AND THE WORLD AT LARGE." I wish you all the joy and happiness of the festive season. Live in peace with yourself, and let that be a shining example to family, friends, and everyone you interact with.

Written by Malcolm Buglerâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;engineer, entrepreneur, lifelong student and writer from the United Kingdom. He loves traveling with his wife, Liz. Connect with Malcolm on LinkedIn.

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The Caribbean Chef AN INTERVIEW WITH CHEF PAULA PRINCE

BY CHLOÉ TAYLOR BROWN

Paula Prince is an adventurous, colorful woman who loves to cook. She equally enjoys eating her own dishes and watching others consume what she comes up with as well. Paula officially packed up and left Atlanta, Georgia six years ago, to say, "Hello!" to Saint Croix, one of the US Virgin Islands, in the Caribbean. She left as Paula, a woman with a vision who decided to expand her horizons on a wing and a prayer.

She has weathered several storms, even hurricanes, and she is still standing strong, proud of herself.

One of Paula’s biggest supporters—and the inspiration for her becoming a chef—has been her 31-year-old son, Jordon Griffin. She says it was Jordon’s distaste for leftovers as a kid that forced her to become creative in the kitchen and to learn to turn boring leftovers into new meal creations.

Now, today, Paula is Chef Paula P., a sought-after Caribbean Chef with an inviting and engaging personality. She is self-determined and self-made— a woman who envisioned what she wanted for herself, and through thick and thin, she has hung in there and created something beautiful, fun, and tasty for herself and others. She is, indeed, a food lover who wants to travel the world eating other folks’ food and sharing her food with the world.

>

CONTACT CHEF PAULA P. HERE

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Chloé – Paula, tell us where you are now and how you got there.

Paula – Thank you, Chloé. This is a dream come true. And, I am right now in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. And I've been here for six fantastic years. I'm currently in my lab location, which was a home that my grandmother lived in that I have turned into my cooking lab and kitchen. I’m recreating and branding myself and really making a name for myself, which is another dream come true.

Chloé – You've shared with me the lifestyle change you were considering making. For our readers who want to reinvent themselves, such as yourself, would you share some of the things you did or what you went through, that may help others?

Paula – Before I moved, I was working from home in corporate America for a Fortune 500 company. I was making good money. But taking a fantasy vacation to come to St. Croix always eluded me. Something else would always come up. I always had an entrepreneurial spirit, but previously, I saw as failures all the businesses that I had gotten into that didn't work out. I didn't understand that there are lessons in each failure. As I failed, I just kept putting those things that I purchased to be in business aside and in the closet, because I didn't want to get rid of them.

You have to be open to finding out who you are. And that's when I met Chloé Taylor Brown. Even though I was advancing in levels that other people probably felt like, you're doing so well, just so great—I could never get to the level my mind was trying to reach. And this was my first greatest lesson at that time: I realized I had to love myself, ladies. Self-love is first and foremost.

Chloé – I love that you said that: First and foremost, love yourself, ladies. They say, put your own oxygen mask on first, because if you don't save yourself, you can't save anyone else.

Paula – Six years ago I watched your Facebook page, where you always talk about excellence and how great we are. And I was like, well, people say that, but I don't feel excellent.

How can I feel that? I wanted to feel strong and empowered without somebody having to tell me that I am great. I wanted to feel great.

Chloé – How did you come to feel excellent on your own?

Paula – I opened up to your PEP—the Personal Excellence Profile assessment [Ed. Note: see pp. 14 and 72]—and I felt like you were reading me like a book when you did my personal debrief.

It was confirmed that my creativity is great, my energy level, and how I deal with people, and how I accept things. And I thought I could survive on my creative, fun, personable side.

I thought I could live on those things, but everything else had to come together. All of my other abilities had to be high as well, in order for my life to work the way I wanted it to.

Chloé – Yes, it's called alignment. You found alignment, and then aligned that to the lifestyle you wanted to create. And thank you for acknowledging the magic of the Personal Excellence Profile assessment. You "got your PEP on," you elevated your energy, you set your intentions, you got in alignment and you moved to St. Croix. >

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Paula – I did get to St. Croix. My job let me go, and even though I had worked hard, and made good money, I didn't have anything to show for it. So I reached out to my family for support.

They asked, "When are you going to get it together?" Not that I had it all together, but I had just finished the PEP. I had gotten it together, I thought. And once I aligned myself, everything did start coming together. I didn't know how it was going to happen, but I trusted my purpose and I trusted God. My dad called me after the third day of my decision to move.

He said, "You know what? I'm going to give you a one-way ticket to anywhere you want to go. So you pick the place, but when you get there, you have to figure it out. You have to make it work. Don't call for help. You got to do this on your own."

I sold everything, including my car. And I sure loved everything in my house. But I only brought what fit in my suitcase and my carry-on; and I shipped all of my important papers and other personal things I needed. And before I left, I said, "Everything I want now is there; and I'm going to figure it out."

After being there for over two years, I thought I was doing really well. And then Hurricane Maria came. People live through these things, I was thinking. I know they're horrific, but they live and thrive through these things, so I'm going to stay; and my elderly aunt and uncle were here also. I said, “We'll get through this together.” It was probably the longest time that a hurricane has ever sat somewhere. It was two hours. When it finished, I realized it wasn't the hurricane that changed my life. It was the aftermath. It was living in darkness for over a hundred and fifty days. I mean literal darkness; and everyone left the island. I was literally alone for over a hundred and fifty days.

Chloé – How does a woman such as yourself live on an island that has been disrupted greatly by a massive hurricane, where everyone else is leaving, and you are in darkness, and there is no one to lean on? How do you do that?

Paula – You've got to really love yourself. And I found that love.

There was a short time we could run a generator, and you could only get twenty dollars’ worth of gas to fill up the generator, so we didn’t have it running all night. I had a gas stove, so I was able to cook, but I didn't have refrigeration. I changed my whole diet. If I did cook, I cooked and ate it right then because I couldn't store anything. And we ate all the vegetables and fruits that we had grown.

Chloé – When you say, "What we had grown," does that mean what was grown on your own property and in your garden?

Paula – Yes, my uncle was a gardener. He grew a lot of things in pots. So, we brought a lot of the potted plants into the house or in shelter. I had fifteen pineapple plants. I put them all in the storage unit. I was able to save all of my plants; they weren't damaged.

So, to answer your question: How did I survive? I changed my diet. I learned to go to bed when it got dark outside, and I went to sleep praying and meditating, trying to figure it out, and making myself proud. There were other family members who did leave, and I ended up taking care of their property while they were gone—protecting their property, making sure it was secured. I started creating jobs for myself, ways to bring in money. The banks were closed. I learned to live sparingly. I learned to barter. And so much more.

Chloé – Isn't it amazing how forced change, and change, period, can draw out the best in us? It seems like your excellence kicked in and revved up several levels.

Paula – It opened up a whole new way of life and business for me that I didn't know would get me to where I am right now.

To what I was envisioning for myself before I even left Atlanta six years ago.

I was able to find my own way. I was not dependent on other people because there was really nothing my family could do, you know, because there was no way for me to benefit from anything they could do. They did send me care packages. So that was always a joy to get a package and open it up. And I developed amazing friendships.

Chloé – What would you say is the top thing that you learned or experienced that let you know you were still on purpose?

Paula – Changing the way I eat. I didn't realize that I could change my diet, that I could live without eating meat. I'm not a vegan, but I was just able to change my diet and do a lot of things with a rotisserie chicken. I could do pasta with chicken, chicken salad, and chicken tacos. I could break it down, girl.

So, people were asking, "What am I going to eat? What are you eating? How do you still look healthy?" I told them I made my smoothies in the mornings—using my papayas and pineapples. I was actually able to help other people figure out how to cope during that time.

Chloé – Let's fast forward a little bit. At what point did you determine that now was your time to really "go big or go home"?

Paula – I didn't have a job. I had a job before the storm, but the building was destroyed and the owner left the island, and so I was just doing little odd jobs. And then the pandemic came. Now I'm asking myself, is this going to happen every three or five years? >

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Paula, cont. – So I'm already good with myself. But now that there is coronavirus, there is a whole new way of life. Nobody wants to hang out with you. The restaurants are closed.

Right? People are not used to having their children home.

People didn’t know what to cook, and there was nowhere to pick up anything. All those places were closed. So, people were hungry for something different and tasty. I decided to take advantage of this opportunity. I would make tasty foods for myself, video myself eating them, and then I would post them on my social media pages.

One friend said that my food was "like a party in your mouth," and of course, I would then post even more videos eating, and I was really enjoying it. And people on the island would say, "Well, the next time you make that, make me some too." I was like, OK, so then I would make them a plate and then they would go to the beach, and take a picture at the beach. They'd say, "This is Paula's food and it's so good," and then another person would say, "Hey, you didn't tell me you were cooking. You know, I'm hungry. I need some food.

How do we do this?" It got to the point where I had fifteen to twenty people I was cooking for, which is a lot.

I would call those people and only post after I made the meal —because I'm not a restaurant. Everything I use is for home use. It says right on the box, "not for commercial use."

So, I said, "Well, let me start doing these pop-ups." A pop-up is when you go to a restaurant to cook your food, and all the money you make is for you. You use their equipment and their pots and pans. They'll make the money on the drinks and whatever else they do.

It's not just tomatoes. It's cilantro, three types of onions, three types of bell peppers, and different types of chili peppers and sweet peppers. It has all those veggies in it. And the name is All By My Salsa. And it also says, "St. Croix local farmer, Paula Prince."

I came up with this name because I'm all by myself, and if I want something—success, or some salsa—I'll just go make it. I said, "I'm always by myself. I learn to love, and to be by myself. I love what I have in this jar. It is goodness, and I'm goodness." The liquid of the tomatoes, and a little bit of water, makes it so that the peppers and tomatoes and onions are able to marinate. So this liquid is called "pot liquor"—a marinade for your vegetables. When you eat all the vegetables, you're going to have that liquid goodness and spiciness—all the spices of the peppers and everything is going to be in that liquid. So my salsa—All By My Salsa—is basically brewing in its own juices.

When I educated myself through a program called Urban Farming 101, they gave us a plot at the Frederiksted Community Garden. I wanted to have a salsa garden. I wanted everything that I grew in my plot to go into my salsa.

I then purchased an aeroponic, a machine called a tower garden, where I will grow my own vegetables in this tower garden. Everything is organic and pesticide-free.

And if I don't have something I need, I'll go to the farmer's market and I'll get together with other farmers, and I'll get their tomatoes and their cilantro. Because I want it to be all goodness. Fresh salsa only lasts for seven days, right? >

Due to the restaurants still not prepared technically, you couldn't sit there. They were using plastics, and those items for take-out were costly, so I wasn't prepared to do that.

What I had done in Atlanta was make salsa, and I used to take it to my job. And people would buy that salsa. They loved it.

So, I started making salsa for myself. And with me posting while eating, it caught on.

Chloé – How did you start selling your salsa in St. Croix?

Paula – I don't have a problem making you some salsa, but when you start coming over every three days, I need to make some money on that. That's how it started. People just started bringing me their empty jars. Then I thought, "These jars don't have my name on them—didn't have my signature or anything. It was just my salsa. So, anybody could have put it in their jar. So I came up with a name for my salsa. I have branded myself, and I'm loving it.

Then I thought, if I could just focus on the salsa, that would be great. That also brought on some other ideas and opportunities that people have been throwing at me.

Branding is fun. The packaging consists of beautiful, bright colors, because it's not just any salsa, it's a veggie salsa.

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Chloé – I love that most of your restaurants are on the beach, which sounds so fun to me.

Paula – I am working on canning and distribution for All By My Salsa now. And then I'll be able to ship them out. Once you open it, you'll have seven to eight days to consume the salsa; and it will be able to sit on the shelf for 18 months before you open it. Let me explain why this is so awesome. You can add this to your cooking. When you're making collard greens, you can throw in two tablespoons of All My Salsa. When I make rice, I add some black beans to that rice, some corn, maybe some cilantro. And I throw in about a half a teaspoon of All By My Salsa and then you have a nice flavored rice. So, you can put it on food, you can cook it in food, and you can just have chips and salsa.

Chloé – Paula, since you have been in the intentional manifestation period of your life—and you're being intentional about your food, your cooking, and helping others, what are you seeing for yourself now? I have read that you want to travel the world to eat everybody's food, and to cook for people and see what they're doing, and see how they dance around when they try yours. So are you intentional about traveling any time soon? Or are you wanting to continue to stabilize in St. Croix?

Paula – I really want to hone and perfect my craft and become my own expert in my product. But what I've noticed is that the energy that has come from this has brought many amazing people into my life. I have been offered an opportunity to go on Shark Tank. I don't know what's going to happen; or, if it works, how they're going to repackage and change it. It's my baby, and I have some insecurities around that; but it could also bring wealth, security, and a legacy for my son and my grandchildren. I really am open to that.

Chloé – Go for it, Chef Paula P. This has been an amazing time, sharing with you. It's so encouraging to be part of your journey and to watch how it is unfolding. And to see your beautiful smile. Everything about you glows.

Paula – Thank you. And I just want to end this in my part by saying, Chloé Taylor Brown, I'm proud to be in this position right now with you; it is a blessing. And I knew when I got a hold of you, I was not going to let go. You inspired me, you encouraged me, and you're just awesome. I'm just going to say this one last time. Everybody take the PEP. I promise you: You won't be disappointed in yourself, and you will find out a lot about how to use the excellence already inside you. <

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A L I G N M E N T , B A L A N C E

&

H A R M O N Y : A M E R I C A ' S G A M E C H A N G E R

As a nation, if we’re ever going to reposition ourselves as healthy Americans who win consistently and significantly again, to be greatly admired by our own citizens and by the world, to even exceed where we once thought we were in decades past—then we must reimagine ourselves.

We must think of new, delicious, innovative ways to play the global game of life—at higher levels of consciousness, authenticity and excellence. In my opinion, an elevated way of pulling this off is by enriching

THE SITUATION

our personal awareness, integrity, and overall excellence levels across the board.

Our ability to hold a strong position, to hold on to our creative and competitive edge at a higher level globally, has been

WHERE DO WE START?

slipping through our fingers over the past decade(s); now the respect of our country is also hanging in the balance. As a result, we Americans have become self-righteous,

I believe we start by educating ourselves and our people, and

unenthusiastic, and uncertain about what we stand for and

by demonstrating how to apply what we learn through

what we are striving for collectively. Individually, many of us

repetition—until we reach mastery in our innate skills, talents,

don’t have a purpose or life goals, feeling as if it’s “survival of

and subjects of interest. These innovative methods, coaching

the fittest” because we don’t see a big picture. And since we

strategies and teachings must be for all Americans and all

don’t know what the big picture is for us, or what it looks or

ages—from birth until we expire—for rich, middle class and

feels like, we don’t have the energy, power, or strength to

poor; for urban, suburban and rural dwellers, individually and

sustain much above average, at best. We simply go through

collectively. And for sure, we know this by now: It’s accepting

life in a routine, run-of-the-mill, mediocre way, not living up to

it and doing something about it that will make the difference.

who we are and to our true potential as a nation.

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER | 72

>

ANALYSIS

THE SOLUTION AND GAME CHANGER

We don’t value ourselves as much as we did in previous

Transformation starts by implementing a more excellent

decades. We don’t know who we are or what we are made of

innovative, integrated, super-learning system. A learning

intellectually, scientifically or spiritually; and because of this,

system that incorporates a sustainable, transformational

we don’t see that there are formulas, methods, strategies,

method that combines all of the above elements. It is the

and processes to merge the wholeness of who we are to

PEP System. The Personal Excellence Profile Self-Awareness

create a more excellent, harmonious, prosperous way of living

& Assessment Tool is the game changer when it comes to

individually. Let's unveil the secrets to the masses, and

showing where an individual or team is currently showing up

collectively recreate ourselves and our nation.

in their personal levels of excellence in twelve abilities. The PEP is the transformational game changer for individuals,

Our value of self is extremely low—average at best right now.

families, teams and groups within corporations, organizations

Our ability to perceive is distorted and unstable; as a nation

and institutions. The Personal Excellence Profile helps people

our decision-making ability is straddling the fence at best,

to excel; bringing them out of where they are currently;

maybe destructive; not wanting to offend this one or that one

educating and demonstrating how to rise, how to be better

our decisions are costing us and hurting us significantly. The

or greater than; and to do it authentically, intentionally,

way we communicate with our self verbally and nonverbally is

passionately, and with grace and style. Why? Because we

limiting, and how we speak to each other goes from fake-

Americans have the capacity to regenerate the necessary

friendly, demeaning, to hostile—depending on the topic and

energy and power we need to accomplish what we intend to

who we’re speaking with or about at the moment.

accomplish, moving forward.

What happened to our ability to communicate, to listen with eloquence and excellence with each other and the world?

We are one America.

<

As a nation—within our states, corporations, institutions, communities, schools and families—we have become ineffective in building rapport in a way that inspires, empowers others, helps everyone to grow, and gets us to connect with each other and interact in an expansive, honorable, influential, truthful and creative spirit. Indeed, it is effectual interaction that gets families, communities and businesses to act confidently, and to become successful and masterful in the way we produce our goods and products, and how we serve others.

This high-level ability to produce with excellence will give us more certainty as a nation—to create more businesses and to bring lost jobs back home to America and to our communities again. This assurance will elevate our ability to birth new leaders who know how to lead and draw out the best in others in the way they command and lead across the board. With this elevated ability to command and lead, we will begin to expand once again—as individuals, families, communities, states, small businesses and large corporations. With our collective abilities to increase and elevate our personal levels of excellence, we

DISCOVER YOUR PEP HERE

will accomplish our highest ideals, because we will thrive, flourish and prosper.

BY CHLOÉ TAYLOR BROWN

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The holidays are a great time to celebrate

TIPS FOR

HOLIDAY SPENDING

BY KIM SCOULLER

and come together with family and friends.

Unfortunately, it’s also a time when people tend to spend more money than they should.

Last year, US households spent an average of $1,536 during the holiday season.1 Here are some tips on how to enjoy the holidays and show love and appreciation for loved ones without breaking the bank.

1 Fortunly.com. “Christmas Spending Statistics: Deck the Halls with Boughs of Money,” G. Dautovic, June 18, 2020.

Create Your Holiday Spending Plan

Once you know the number of dollars you can comfortably spend during the holidays, you should estimate how much should be for gifts and shipping,

Figure out how much money you can spend

how much for travel, how much for decorations and

this year for the holidays. This should not be

special gatherings, and how much for donations. As

how much available credit you have on your

the holidays progress, keep track of your spending

credit cards. This should be the amount of

to be sure you stay within your plan. Make

money you have in your bank accounts that is

adjustments as necessary by reallocating among

not needed to pay your living expenses, bills

your holiday expense categories. For example, if you

and other debts. If you feel that you don’t have

spend more on gifts than expected, look for ways to

enough, look for opportunities to save by not

reduce your travel expenses. Or, rather than a

spending money on something else.

catered holiday gathering, consider hosting a

Remember, spending during the holidays

potluck where everyone brings their favorite dish.

includes more than the gifts you buy. You

And, make your own decorations instead of buying

should also consider the costs for shipping

expensive ornaments and wreaths. This could be a

your gifts, holiday travel, decorations, parties,

fun family project that becomes a treasured family

and any charitable donations you plan to make.

tradition.

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER | 74

>

Make 3 Lists Who are your dearest family members, your

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

closest friends, your beloved partner? These are

have added shopping at crowded stores before,

the people who should be on List #1. Although

on, or after Thanksgiving to its list of higher-risk

you will likely spend the most money on gifts for

activities. The CDC has indicated that shopping

these loved ones, look for ways to reduce

online rather than in person presents a lower

expenses. With family members and friend

risk.2 While crowded shopping centers and

groups, propose a Secret Santa gift exchange

standing in long lines have become a holiday

with an expense cap. This is a kindness for your

ritual, this year is different. Staying safe and

budget and for the budgets of your loved ones

healthy and keeping your loved ones safe and

who may have lost their jobs or had their hours

healthy are much more important.

cut back because of the pandemic.

Next, you should consider those people you would like to show are important to you; people to whom you want to show your appreciation.

List #2 may consist of nieces and nephews, coworkers, teachers, mail carriers, and trash collectors. Gift cards are great gifts for the people on this list. Look online for discounts on gift cards in bulk. You might also consider the personal touch of homemade baked goods.

Start Planning for Next Year Once the holidays are behind you, review how you did. Did you stay within your spending plan? What would you like to do differently next year? Then, start planning for next year. Open an account where you put aside a set amount of money each month. Take the lessons you learned this year and apply them to next year’s plan.

<

List#3 should be those people you would like to remember or provide holiday wishes to, such as distant friends and relatives, or clients. Send the people on this list holiday cards with a personal

For a complimentary copy of the book “How Money Works:

message, letting them know you care about them

Stop Being a Sucker” by Steve Siebold and Tom Mathews,

or that you appreciate them.

please send an email to kim.scouller@wealthwave.com. You

It’s the thought that counts, not the amount of money you spend on someone. The gift of love, time or appreciation means more and lasts longer than anything you could possibly buy.

Shop Early and Safely It always seemed strange to see Christmas decorations in stores right after Halloween.

Now, it’s actually an effort to save lives. To avoid crowds, many large retailers have started their online holiday promotions early to encourage shoppers to shop sooner and online.2 Start looking for gifts now so you’re sure to have them by the holidays. If you wait too long, you may end up missing out on special deals, and you may have to pay a lot more in shipping costs.

2 CNBC, “As holidays approach, CDC puts shopping at crowded stores on Black Friday in high-risk category,” Melissa Repko, September 28, 2020.

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER | 75

can also visit https://wealthwave.com/kimscouller.

Patricia Boezio specializes in loans for first-time homebuyers, especially the Latino community in emerging markets. She is Senior Mortgage Loan Originator with Homestar. I met Patricia 15 years ago when she was an Atlanta Woman Magazine cover stylist. She and several other high-powered, influential businesswomen were gracing the cover.

Chloé – Patricia, when I met you, you were at the top of your professional game and career. When you started your business, was it always in the mortgage and loan industry?

Patricia – Yes, it was 1996, just after the Olympic Games when I started working and focusing on emerging markets, pretty much working with my community. That was my focus in that moment. And after that, I have been blessed to help more than 6,800 families to be homeowners.

We have to realize that they are the ones who are going to pay the mortgage for 30 years. And we want to be sure that they understand the process and how it's going to be in the future. We don't control the future, but it has been very refreshing to see that my clients are getting their houses. In fact, 30 percent of them now have four or five houses already.

It has been great because they started with me 20 years ago as first-time homeowners and they have been working to buy their second home, an investment home. They want to create assets for when they are older. Plus they have rental houses by following my advice, and I respect that.

Chloé – Are you now working with generations of the same family?

Patricia – It's interesting because now, with this pandemic situation, most of the banks are closed and they don't have an adviser who can really guide them step by step. Clients tell their family members, "Yes, Patricia helped me 10 or 20 years ago, and she can help you, too." Now the kids are reaching out to me. They're like, "We want a house, and how can we do this?"

We can help the second and third generation— because in 25 years, I feel the community has been growing and maturing, They have been learning how the laws of America work, and they are focused on doing the right thing, especially in the Latino community. They want to be sure they and their kids are doing the right thing.

Chloé – When you talk about your work, you speak affectionally about the community. Tell me about the community you're speaking of. >

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PATRICIA BOEZIO SPECIALIZES IN LOANS FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS, MAINLY IN THE LATINO COMMUNITY IN EMERGING MARKETS. Patricia – Chloé, you have known me for a long time.

And I have been honored to be Honorary Consul of Ecuador since the year 2000. And before that, I was very involved with some Mexican projects to organize certain programs for families, and then I become part of the Mexican community also, and became part of the Salvadorian community for other reasons. And then I became the Consul of my country of origin.

Patricia – They will. The new generation is so focused to not only be the leaders in a political way.

Again, they want to be professionals, doctors, lawyers, architects, engineers and nurses. They are so hungry, and they want to take every opportunity presented to them.

That's why, when I'm talking about the communities, all are Spanish speaking, in Georgia. This has been a great honor for me to serve, because first of all, they are very responsible and hard workers. Secondly, the generation that is coming, they are not necessarily hard workers. They are rather very focused on educating themselves. Most of them have an MBA, and most of them want be doctors, lawyers and professionals, This is why I think it’s so important to let them know that we are very proud of them, that they are becoming more educated; and this will help them to become the future leaders of our communities.

Patricia – Absolutely, Chloé. I am part of the Board of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Gabriel Vaca is the president right now and he has been really enthusiastic to promote our young generation to be entrepreneurs, because there is money there.

Chloé – When you say "future leaders," do you feel that the people of your community have aspirations to go into politics?

Chloé – Do you have mentees? Young people in your community asking you how to start their business?

Chloé – You have two amazing young adult children who are first-generation Americans. What have you shared with them about business?

Patricia – My son already has five houses. He's in the entertainment business and looking to be the owner of that company. He's also thinking of an MBA. He said, "I'm 33, so it might be too late." I said, "It's never too late." Even if you are 50 or 60, it's never too late to learn more. >

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.

Only we can stop ourselves

We have to let go of the fear

,

and uncertainty

.

and take risks

Patricia, cont. – My daughter is a publicist and consultant in New York City and also just launched a new business, Unidos World. This girl has been an entrepreneur since she was born! Unidos World's focus is to bring space and awareness to all these Latinos and artists all over Central and South America. And she just got an interview with WWM, one of the biggest fashion magazines in New York.

They know that we deserve the best, and they have to work hard for that.

Chloé – As a mom, you've done an amazing job.

Congratulations on that. What do you see for yourself for the holiday season?

Patricia – I have a special person in my life, and hopefully we can spend the end of the year together because he is the most important person right now whom I want to focus on and spend my life with, and hopefully the end of the year brings us together as a family. We need to stick to each other no matter what, and be strong, especially with the situation we are facing now. Plus, the most important thing that we are not doing is hugging.

Everybody needs a hug, Chloé, Hopefully, during the holidays we will be able to hug our family and friends. It’s something simple but necessary. I want to spend time with family and friends. If it's possible, if we have somebody that we know who is alone or needs something, bring your mask, wear it, and, please, open the doors, because we cannot spend the holidays by ourselves.

Chloé – Where did you grow up? As a girl and a teenager, did you have this type of compassion and this much passion?

Patricia – I grew up in Ecuador—in Guayaquil. My mother comes from a family with 13 brothers and sisters. It was a big family. I had a great childhood and I was happy. I later moved to a small city called Milagro. Since the age of four I lived with my aunt and uncle, who couldn't have children, My uncle was the judge of the city and because they were well known, I had to behave the best I could, because if not, there were going to be consequences.

My late husband always told me, "Patricia, you can be and do whatever you want. It is up to you." To be honest with you, Chloé, for me, to have next to you a man who is wise and who doesn't have any problems with you being your best is wonderful, especially when he's so proud of you. I believe you need a bigger man next to you. It was so special, what I had with him. And I really appreciate everything.

Chloé – What else would you like to share with Flourish Digital Magazine's readers, listeners and viewers?

Patricia – Well, this is a time for women. This is our time. We are gaining so much power that finally people are realizing that women have the capacity to do everything. My message will be, don't stop. And do what you want.

Only we can stop ourselves. We have to let go of the fear and uncertainty and take risks. You are taking a risk with this magazine, and I congratulate you because this is the moment that your girlfriends and your colleagues are going to cheer this extraordinary product, because now we have a window that we can use to showcase ourselves, with you behind it.

You are going to take us far as women, and open these windows and doors. And I'm so glad for that, Chloé. Thank you so very much.

Chloé – I commend you, Patricia, because not only are you soft, feminine, strong and powerful, you are empowering and inspiring—not only for those in your community, but for the whole community, for all of us. So I congratulate you on who you're being and what you've been contributing from your authenticity all these years. Thank you for an amazing conversation and interview. <

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TO CONTACT WITH PATRICIA AT IG: @FINANCIANDOSUFUTURO HOMESTAR CLICK HERE.

DREAMS TO LIFE

FROM CONCEPT TO CREATION

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770-374-5152

"BETTER ANGELS" THE

OF BUSINESS

HOW WE ADAPTED TO 2020 TO PREPARE FOR 2021

BY KAREN GAMBA AND FRANK CARLISI, CO-FOUNDERS OF THE EXV AGENCY EXV-AGENCY.COM IG: @EXV-AGENCY

As we reflect on a historic year that was filled with uncertainty, the ExV Agency is grateful that even when things got tough, we were always surrounded by a supportive community of incredible people that got us through the hard times.

Focusing on the holiday spirit of this edition of Flourish Digital Magazine, we decided to have conversations with several contacts in our network, from the for- and non-profit sectors, that have soldiered through this challenging year. We focused on central themes to discuss how they pivoted, found moments of joy, helped others, and continued to push through, despite the difficulties of 2020.

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>

SHIJUADE KADREE

ExV – Shijuade, you are the Chief Advocacy Officer for The Center, an LGBTQIA+ Community Center based in New York City. As part of your role, you oversee fundraising, grants and advocacy work.

As someone deeply involved in important non-profit work, how did covid-19 affect how you operate? And how did you and your team find positive ways to pivot to remain focused on sharing resources with the community, raising funds, and staying motivated and productive?

Shijuade – We have amazing dedicated and resourceful staff at The Center, who have been able to transition nearly all of the services to be remote. We’ve also offered increased personal days for staff, encouraged flexible work schedules, celebrated what moments of joy and grace we experience, and also hold each other in the darker moments of despair, frustration, or grief. What a gift to be held together by your chosen work family amidst an ongoing pandemic! >

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GROWING YOUR NETWORK ExV – What advice do you have for non-profits that would like to continue to raise funds with purpose during this challenging time?

Shijuade – Trust is ever critical these days. No matter the size of the contribution, most philanthropically minded individuals want to know that they can trust and rely upon the recipient organization to deliver on the outcomes that they have proposed. Current and potential donors want to know that when the tough get going, that you remain mission-centric, innovative, and driven to serve with integrity.

ExV – What innovative strategies have you used to grow your network, meet new donors/supporters and make new connections during the time of covid-19?

Shijuade – I believe one strategy that has been helpful is that we can connect with supporters from a larger geographic catchment area than in-person meetings would usually allow. Who would you connect with if commuting to the meeting wasn’t a barrier? There’s also some camaraderie in the shared experience many of us have from 2020, one that has removed the veneer that everyone and everything is alright.

That is powerful, and should be used as an entrée to a more authentic and engaging fundraising strategy.

ExV – Did you choose to focus on self-improvement this year?

Shijuade – Ha! Hardly. I am the parent of two children under five, and grateful to be lovingly partnered with someone who is also employed full-time. There are many moments of grace, but to add the pressure to “improve” would have been the straw that broke this woman’s back! I chose to keep my family unit strong, work, and periodically pause to reflect on how absolutely exhausting this year has been. Those challenges acknowledged, while it may seem counter-intuitive for someone who is already busy, this year has also been an opportunity to throw myself into areas of personal interest via my consultancy—such as leadership development and coaching, and strategic planning with a focus on equity engagement. I am energized by constantly learning and interacting with the world around me.

ExV – What was one of the positive lessons or takeaways that you would like to share about your career in 2020?

Shijuade – One of the many critical lessons 2020 has taught me is to really ground myself in what I want, and to be fearless in stepping forward to get it. The world is literally changing each day, and it doesn’t benefit me to have apprehension over the unknown holding me back from taking the next steps!

ExV – What holiday message of encouragement would you like to share with the Flourish Digital Magazine readers out there?

Shijuade – Without a doubt, 2020 has been an incredibly difficult year for many—personally, organizationally, and societally. But if history has taught us anything, it’s that we are forward-moving.

We have to hold on to that hope if we are actually going to get through this time—and more importantly, act on it. So as the year winds down and we prepare for 2021, remember, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” >

For more information on Shijuade Kadree, visit: www.compstratconsulting.com

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NINA MCCANN

ExV – Nina, you are the Director of Marketing for one of the nation’s leading providers of alternative dispute resolution services. How did covid-19 affect how you do business? And how did you and your team find positive ways to pivot to remain client-focused, motivated and productive?

Nina – Founded in 1992, NAM (National Arbitration and Mediation) has always been way ahead of the curve in its ability to integrate technology and case conferencing. We have been conducting hearings and conferences via videoconferencing for over 25 years. Marketing used this as an opportunity to educate—by way of informative and instructional videos, articles, social media updates and continuing educational programs—on how effective and easy-to-use the technology platforms are, e.g. Zoom, Webex by Cisco, Skype, etc. Since mid-March alone, NAM has successfully conducted thousands of hearings remotely without any technological or security issues. >

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HIGHLIGHT YOUR BUSINESS ExV – What advice do you have for companies that would like to grow their businesses with purpose through social impact?

ExV – What was one of the positive lessons or takeaways that you would like to share about your career in 2020?

Nina – Companies should research diversity or corporate responsibility programs. There are so many organizations out there that need our help. Growing partnerships with organizations that align with your company’s core values provide immense opportunity to highlight your business in new ways, while making a difference to those who need it most.

Nina – The relationships we foster throughout our business careers are vital, especially in a year like 2020. Your business network is both important and powerful. I lost a job in 2020 and gained one shortly thereafter, and it was truly due to business relationships I formed throughout the years.

ExV – What innovative strategies have you used to grow your network and make new connections during the time of covid-19?

Nina – Most of the business associations have pivoted to online networking events. Though online can never replace in-person networking, I would encourage professionals to try online networking events. They often offer the same round robin–style introductions as in-person events, and I find people seem more comfortable online, and go more into detail about their businesses. I have made many new connections these past few months this way..

ExV – Do you believe it’s important for executives across industries to find ways to give back—e.g., mentorship, volunteering, career counseling, etc.— especially during challenging times? If so, why?

Nina – As a Latina Marketing Director in legal services for over 10 years, there were not many professionals of a similar background to me that I could connect and engage with; therefore, I found it important to present at career panels or at colleges. I truly believe professionals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives foster an inclusive workplace to better serve clients.

ExV – Did you choose to focus on self-improvement this year?

ExV – What holiday message of encouragement would you like to share with the Flourish Digital Magazine readers out there?

Nina – I took an online graphic design course. With companies cutting costs, I thought I should be proactive and learn the latest skills and trends in creating social media graphics, presentations, flyers, and other visual content.

Nina – 2020 has been a year of learning for the business community. I see it as a positive, and I believe we will all go into the next year being more open-minded, open to change, and with stronger skill sets. >

For more information on Nina McCann, visit her profile on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninamccann-52b3101/

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RODNEY WASHINGTON

ExV â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Rodney, you are a Marketing Associate at Center Square Investment Management, a Global Investment Manager that focuses on actively managed real estate and infrastructure strategies. How did covid-19 affect how you do business? And how did you and your team find positive ways to pivot to remain client-focused, motivated and productive?

Rodney â&#x20AC;&#x201C; As with most firms, back in March, we quickly transitioned to a work-from-home environment, which was a smooth transition. As it relates to marketing, we quickly assessed our marketing strategy and made slight changes so that we would not appear tone deaf to what was going on in the world. In turn, we produced a series of webinars, and published thought leadership material focused on how covid-19 was impacting the real assets space.

These were all well received by clients. To keep morale going, virtual meetings are strongly encouraged within the firm, and many teams are having virtual social gatherings. >

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BE ADAPTABLE & MAKE CHANGES ExV – What advice do you have for companies that would like to grow their businesses with purpose through social impact?

ExV – Did you choose to focus on self-improvement this year? E.g., did you learn a new skill, or take on a new course of study?

Rodney – I believe that the senior leaders of the company should assess the company to see how integral social impact is to the company’s strategy, and to see what is motivating a company’s action on social impact.

Rodney – There were a lot of free programs floating around, and I took full advantage. I completed a Social Media Marketing Specialization program with Northwestern University, and I also completed the Fundamentals of Alternative Investments certificate program with the CAIA Association. I am also enrolled in a personal branding course with the University of Virginia, and a communication strategy course with the University of Toronto. I plan to wrap up the year with a Microsoft Excel refresher course.

ExV – What innovative strategies have you used to grow your network and make new connections during the time of covid-19?

Rodney – Covid-19 has introduced the world to virtual conferences and virtual webinars, which I took full advantage of! In my down time, I watch conference replays, and if a topic piques my interest, I connect with the presenter via LinkedIn and begin a dialogue from there. This approach has been helpful in growing my professional network.

ExV – How would you encourage young executives in your sector to find job opportunities at such a challenging time?

Rodney – I would highly suggest that they leverage their networks. Setting up a 15-minute chat to check in with former colleagues or old college friends can really go a long way. You never know who may be hiring.

ExV – What was one of the positive lessons or takeaways that you would like to share about your career in 2020?

Rodney – I would have to say that 2020 has taught me that we have to be adaptable, and make change work for our good. Pre-covid-19, I had not worked remotely for more than a day. Working remotely has shown me how I can be a bit more efficient as it relates to time management.

ExV – Do you believe it is important for executives across industries to find ways to give back—e.g., mentorship, volunteering, career counseling, etc.— especially during challenging times? If so, why?

Rodney – By giving back, senior leaders can improve the company’s image in the eyes of community members, which results in a better place to live and work for the company and for their employees as a whole.

ExV – What holiday message of encouragement would you like to share with the Flourish Digital Magazine readers out there?

For more information on Rodney Washington, visit his profile on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodn ey-washington-1945ab3/

Rodney – Our culture tells us that the holiday season is about buying stuff. This year, I encourage the readers of Flourish Digital Magazine to use the holiday season as a time to reflect on what is important and prepare for the year ahead. >

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DR. APRIL RIPLEY

ExV – April, you are an author, international speaker, ambassador, image consultant and lifestylist. How did covid-19 affect how you do business? And how did you and your team find positive ways to pivot to remain client-focused, motivated and productive?

April – Covid-19 catapulted us into an "other-worldly" paradigm: the virtual space. Initially, I was disappointed, as my travel plans went from being postponed to cancelled. In my work as a speaker, consultant, and UN Peace Ambassador, in-person connection helps to grow relationships, create networks, and build bridges, for a common goal: the betterment of humanity. So, I had to, in the words of Alvin Toffler, "learn, unlearn, and relearn." The core values of my work—honesty, respect, empathy, and consideration—remain at the center of my focus and message. What I had to adjust to was the means I used to convey this message. I’m grateful to have been able to continue my work in some capacity, though. >

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THE AGE OF COLLABORATION

ExV – What advice do you have for companies that would like to grow their businesses with purpose through social impact?

April – It is refreshing to see that many companies in recent years have implemented social corporate responsibility (SCR), not only into their corporate structures, but also into their cultures. I am reminded of an African proverb, "If you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together." These words emphasize the importance of business and community relationships. We are in the 4th Industrial Revolution, but this is also "the age of collaboration." Collaboration leverages the investment and strengths of the parties involved. I suggest that businesses sponsor, partner or form alliances with organizations that support their company values.

ExV – What innovative strategies have you used to grow your network and make new connections during the time of covid-19?

April – Fortunately, the growth of online platforms has afforded me the opportunity to network faster and with greater reach. My most recent innovation came with the planning of my new book release, Think. Innovate. Create. I had planned to travel to different cities and countries to promote the book, but I had to shift quickly to a virtual book launch, which was tricky, but at least it allowed people from around the world to attend. And as the demand for my company's training has increased, we are creating online training modules to meet the demand.

ExV – How would you encourage young professionals to find job opportunities at such a challenging time?

April – There are several online search engines and companies utilizing algorithms to match you to the perfect job—such as LinkedIn, Monster, and Eightfold. Many young people have also used their skills in technology to launch online learning platforms and e-commerce sites, and some have become "social influencers.” My advice is not to box yourself in to a concrete path for your skillset. Broaden your scope and consider employers off the typical track.

ExV – Did you choose to focus on self-improvement this year?

E.g., did you learn a new skill, or take on a new course of study, or start learning a new language?

April – This year, I decided to stretch myself and take an extended learning course that would be more challenging than the conference-based learning events I typically attend. I chose the course to broaden my context of the world and complement my work in diplomacy. The course examines how leadership and ethics, policy design, and data can shape our world.

ExV – What was one of the positive lessons or takeaways that you would like to share about your career in 2020?

April – Shift your energy from what you can't control to create what you want. It is important to insulate—but not isolate— yourself. Take an introspective look at who you are, what you believe, what you want to do, what you value, and who you are becoming. Take some time to relax and recalibrate: Walk outside, take a class, safely connect with family and friends, and take care of yourself. Align what you are doing with who you are and who you want to become. If something doesn’t work out as planned, it's OK. You can make adjustments.

ExV – Do you believe it’s important for executives across industries to find ways to give back—e.g., mentorship, volunteering, career counseling, etc.—especially during challenging times? If so, why?

April – Giving is exchange, which is the basis of life. Without exchange, life cannot flourish. We exchange energy for work, and work for compensation. We exchange time for what we value. As a result, what we value is nurtured. I say we should all "give forward"—to something in the future that we have not seen—with anticipation that it will have a positive impact.

Mentorship and volunteering are ways to give forward. Shirley Chisholm said, “Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth." So, giving one's time to help another is invaluable.

ExV – What holiday message of encouragement would you like to share with the Flourish Digital Magazine readers out there?

Click HERE to check out Dr. April Ripley’s new book, “Think. Innovate. Create.”

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April – During this holiday time amid crisis, disruption, discomfort, and even loss, I’d encourage everyone to find and nourish a spirit of gratitude. It may be difficult, but we can be grateful that we are here to meet this unprecedented moment. Remind yourself that you are resilient, resourceful, significant, and valuable—to your family, community, and the world. Your voice matters. Your life matters. And, in the words of Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." >

DANIEL EVANS

ExV â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Daniel, you are the CEO of Evans & Company, a boutique financial advisory, offering investment banking & wealth management services to single-family offices, investment companies, foundations, trust companies, and corporations. How did covid-19 affect how you do business? And how did you find positive ways to pivot to remain client-focused, motivated and productive?

Daniel â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A lot of our work is founder-centric planning, meaning that our clients are primarily founders & CEOs of companies at various stages. So we find that our advice and guidance is driven by how to help them make smarter financial decisions in any market condition, and through all cycles of the economy. We have been through many volatile markets, and we know how emotional it gets; so in a situation like a pandemic-driven market, we tend to be more proactive in our guidance. >

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ALL ABOUT CREATING STRUCTURE ExV – What advice do you have for companies that would like to grow their businesses with purpose through social impact?

Daniel – This can happen at multiple levels in an organization, and its implementation is too wide in scope to give a comprehensive answer. However, a good starting point is to establish the social impact you want to make in your mission statement; then begin the process of establishing culture within an organization around this mission, from the top down. This social cause is often personal for the founders themselves, and part of who they are and why they do what they do.

ExV – What innovative strategies have you used to grow your network and make new connections during the time of covid-19?

Daniel – I've taken my personal passion for photography and video and started to produce video content that would educate and inspire people to pursue their dreams. There are more businesses being founded now than at any time in the last 20 years. As a founder myself, my content is geared towards helping them gain that independence.

ExV – How would you encourage young executives in your sector to find job opportunities at such a challenging time?

Daniel – I remember being between jobs, and what helped me was to have structure. The worst feeling is going from a 9-to-5 routine to nothing. It might feel great to have that rest, but soon enough, the reality sets in that your routine is gone. Create structure. Don't be idle, or you'll lose yourself in your emotions.

Make room for meditation and exercise; eat the right foods, and research resume-writing. It is a skill!

ExV – Did you choose to focus on self-improvement this year? E.g., did you learn a new skill, or take on a new course of study, or start learning a new language?

Daniel – I started learning Hebrew. I'm a devout follower of Christ and I love Bible study—and Hebrew was what Jesus spoke, and it's the language of the Old Testament. It is changing everything about how I see the church and how I look at and practice certain Christian traditions. I'm not sure I would have ended up here if the pandemic didn't slow me down and take the business out of my schedule.

ExV – What was one of the positive lessons or takeaways that you would like to share about your career in 2020?

Daniel – We are a Black-owned wealth management firm, but the quality and breadth of my experience and advice is just as good if not better than any financial advisor, regardless of race. I also come from a family history of American entrepreneurship spanning over 100 years, something I learned after completing my family genealogy this year. And that's a revelation I will lean into as part of the Evans & Company culture.

ExV – Do you believe it’s important for executives across industries to find ways to give back—e.g., mentorship, volunteering, career counseling, etc.—especially during challenging times? If so, why?

Daniel – Yes, but it should be from the humility in their hearts to give back. It must be personal in order to be sustainable and potentially impactful for generations.

And it should be positive. When it's done with the right heart, anytime is a good time to give back.

ExV – What holiday message of encouragement would you like to share with the Flourish Digital Magazine readers out there?

Daniel – There are over 65 million people out of work, including business owners closing their businesses. It may feel like the end of the world, but it is also the beginning of a new chapter. Whatever you do, replace your 9-to-5 schedule with your own structured routine.

Idleness is your biggest enemy. Think of 3 or 4 things you're grateful for each morning. Live with purpose, have a to-do list, go for long walks, and don't dwell on the past. The greatest gift you have is the present! <

For more information on Daniel Evans, visit his profile on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan s-daniel/ FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER |90

CHRISTMAS IN SOUTH AFRICA

BY SADIYAH ADAMS

Christmas Day is celebrated in South Africa as in most countries around the globe. Many South African families uphold European traditions, even though we are in Africa.

These include displaying Christmas decorations and trees in houses and shopping centers, and exchanging gifts and cards. And, Father Christmas (Santa Claus) comes to visit.

One major difference is that in South Africa, there is no snow at Christmas time. So locals can only dream of a White Christmas. In exchange, the joy of the season is expressed by the countless varieties of cultivated and wild flowers blooming in their full glory. Christmas here is in the middle of summer. The sun is shining and everything is fully alive.

All that vitality comes to life through the festive mood of the people. The decorations, markets, carolers and Christmas dinner. Just like any other place in the world, the annual preparations for the celebration of Christmas begin way in advance. You will find schools empty. Shops and business institutions post notes on their doors saying they’re closed for the holidays. Some businesses even close for the whole month of December to help you get into the Christmas spirit.

Christmas Eve celebrations in larger centers include “Carols by Candlelight” and special screen and floor shows. Pine branches decorate many homes. Most families have a Christmas tree in a corner, complete with gifts for the children. For native Africans, Christmas Day is a day of good eating, with a lively exchange and enjoyment of gifts. Plum pudding, mince pies, vegetables, turkey, yellow rice, roast beef and other variations of festive dishes add an authentic touch to the celebration.

The festival is a carnival-like week of singing, dancing and feasting. English-speaking children hang up their stockings for Father Christmas to fill up with goodies.

Due to covid-19, unfortunately Christmas won’t be celebrated my many as extravagantly but we pray that everyone stays safe, and makes sure to give thanks for the little things.

In Afrikaans (one of the languages spoken in South Africa), Happy/Merry Christmas is Geseënde Kersfees. So, I say "Geseënde Kersfees" to all—and don`t forget to be good for the rest of the year! <

A Christmas lunch is a tradition for South African families, more so than dinner. Getaways over public holidays and during nationwide events are in high demand, so accommodations often book quickly for these periods, and often long in advance. While many spend Christmas in the comfort of their homes, for some it has become a family tradition to be outdoors at one of Durban’s popular picnic spots. The beaches also draw scores of visitors. Clear blue skies and a cool sea breeze are perfect conditions for a Christmas outing. Add in a braai (how South Africans say "barbecue"), and a special dish or two to make the day complete.

South Africa is a country with a great affinity for outdoor activities. It’s no surprise that thousands of people celebrate the holiday season with visits to Kruger National Park. In the cities and towns, carolers make their rounds on Christmas Eve. Church services hold services on Christmas morning.

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ANNE GITHUKU SHONGWE TAKING THE STEPS IN FRONT OF HER A conversation with— Anne Githuku Shongwe

by Chloé Taylor Brown

Anne Shongwe is the Representative for UN Women South Africa Multi-Country Office (SAMCO), which is responsible for women’s empowerment and gender equality in Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland and Namibia as well as South Africa, where the office is based. A key responsibility of her work is to develop women-owned businesses and the leadership capacity of women, both in the public and private sectors. Anne is also the founder of Afroes Games, a tech education social enterprise with multiple award-winning games. Afroes Games was founded in order to engage and equip African youth with life skills and to connect them to future work opportunities. Prior to her assignment at SAMCO, she spent 8 years as a globally recognized and pioneering social entrepreneur, digital innovator, and thought leader on technology for development.

Chloé – Anne, I know you as a powerful

and empowering woman with UN Women, and have since learned that you grew up wanting to be an actor. At what age did you know that you had that desire? I found that very fascinating.

Anne – I must have been ten. I was invited

to speak on a radio show with three or four other kids, and I just dominated the whole thing. After that I kept thinking, "I like being on the radio, and talking." And then I wanted to act, and I wanted to be a broadcast journalist.

Chloé – You are very well-rounded, athletic,

brilliant, fun, and beautiful—a leader who knows how to take charge and communicate in a way that attracts and draws people to you. From this power position it seems that you have many options professionally, especially as a phenomenal communicator. >

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The MBOKODO Conference Durban, South Africa

Anne

Anne – It was from a very young age that I was very

Anne – I think the most rewarding is to be able to

confident with being able to speak, and speak up.

Of course, I grew up with the same contradictions that everybody of our generation grew up with—where your parents are saying, "You're a woman, and you have a particular place in society."

actually see how something unfolds that I'm advocating for. I have an expression: "You start talking about something and you talk about it enough, and advocate for it enough, people start to internalize it and start repeating what you say, almost using your words." So I have found that this position with UN Women has given me the influence to inspire real action for gender equality. We started this advocacy four years ago.

Chloé – I first saw you on a grand stage on one of the

panels at the 2018 Mbokodo Awards in Durban, South Africa. There was something about your body language, your image—and more than any of the other phenomenal women on that particular panel, you drew me in. How were you able to be on that panel, while everyone else talked about all the glory, their excellence, and the excellence of what they were doing and accomplishing? But there you were, saying, "No. This is not how it is—or was—for me."

And so for me, being able to stand up and speak to a business, basically saying to them, it is not correct to think that you have the right to just run your business as if women don't matter. I inform them that it is actually a responsibility that they have to lead from in front when it comes to women. It is rewarding to see a real shift in the culture of an organization.

Anne – To be honest, Chloé, I don't even remember. I

Chloé – Your gifts are your abilities to vocalize, to speak,

just know that my voice is so important. And I really truly believe that God gave me my voice to inspire and influence others. Every single time that I have a chance, the opportunity to speak to people, I have to tell them what I truly feel and believe. To use that platform.

Because I know that there's an opportunity to change your life. I pray before I speak—always. And I say, "Lord, I pray that there is one person here, who I will make a difference for; so use my voice."

to draw people in, and to lead.

Chloé – You really inspired me that day. So I'm sure that

I was not the only one. What is the most phenomenal, rewarding experience that you've had being this amazing leader with UN Women?

Anne – It's also the fact that I carry a mandate, which is to

push for gender equality and women's empowerment, everywhere in the world, I am responsible for this in South Africa and in the countries around South Africa.

But the point is this: Even though our agenda is a global agenda—it's the same everywhere in the world—but it means that I have the right to take this issue into the corporate sector, to our country and to our world. To set a vision for a world that is equal, where women experience equality in terms of gender, in terms of race, and in terms of income. And so that's what we're striving for. >

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Chloé – Who opened the doors for all of the women who are highly successful after apartheid in South Africa, so that you could be who you are today?

Chloé – I think you have a plethora of options, Anne, and it's a matter of aligning your true heart's desires with your talents and gifts.

Anne – I've been involved with South Africa or associated with it since I was in my 20s. I am from Kenya. One of the things that struck me when I came here was the fact that women were so involved in the anti-apartheid movement.

We had Winnie Mandela and many other women leaders who played a very strong role, I do think that African women, given the opportunity in general, are strong and take on opportunities in a serious way.

Anne – Yes, it would be something that brings everything I love together, making sure that the advocacy for gender equality continues for Africa—because I am very passionate about Africa. I still have a dream that in my lifetime I'm going to see better leaders, young people doing more amazing things. My heart is in Africa, and this is really where I want to stay.

If you visit Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, just like you visited South Africa, you are going to find many strong African women who are really doing their own thing in amazing ways— whether it's in public service, or in business. South Africa has been courageous, and now has a cabinet with 50-percent women. That is courageous; it is very courageous. And the CEO of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange is a woman; the CFO is a woman. So you've got an environment where women can lead, and may do so. So, to answer your question, there's a combination of environmental issues and a history of struggle that women know that we can.

Chloé – What are your dreams and hopes for yourself outside of your professional career?

Anne – I'm in an interesting place now because I'm finding that right now, I'm asking myself a lot of questions about where I want to be, asking "What do I want to do with my life beyond here?" My daughter is acting. I'm almost living through her because she's doing what I—maybe if I had the choice—would like to consider..

I don't know if I would be acting or if it would have been broadcast journalism. I’ve lived such a rich life; maybe there's a way to start gathering these stories and using media somehow to depict them. So I'm sitting here at a time when I'm asking myself some questions, such as, "How do I use my voice? What I have contributed and learned with the United Nations to find a different platform for myself?" Yes, I do have a lot of questions that I'm asking right now.

Chloé – Tell me about yourself as a mother, a wife, a friend, a daughter, a sister—all of those things outside of work.

Anne – I wish you could actually interview them and ask them! I think I'm quite a doting mom. One of the things that I learned from my mother is that to be effective in parenting, you need to stay close to your children. When I asked my parents, who were very effective as parents, what was the biggest message of all, they said: "Stay close."

I think the most important thing for me is that my children know that they can pick up the phone, anywhere in the world, and I'll be there.

Chloé – What would you like to leave with our readers, especially women?

Anne – When I first started this job I didn't understand my power; but with time, I've learned that this power is empowering, and that we have to use this power to influence. Whatever the agenda, we must get things done.

And, Chloé, it's been quite amazing for me to understand power—my power, and how to use that power for the good of the world, Chloé – Yes, Anne, with my coaching clients I stress to them that unused power dissipates.

Anne – However, power misused and abused is devastating, and has negative impacts on people. So when you have positive power—power that can be used for good—you've got to use it. <

The nice thing about this is that I now know enough to know that there is no perfect planning, and that I can actually surrender to God's perfect plan for me. And like you, Chloé, with your magazine—you didn't plan it. You didn't expect to be where you are now. So I am hopeful, and that's what it's going to be for me, too.

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I ALWAYS LOVED BEING IN THE SPOTLIGHT.

JACINTA RENDER BROADCAST JOURNALIST

INTERVIEWED BY: CHLOÉ TAYLOR BROWN

CONNECT WITH JACINTA HERE

Jacinta Render is quite determined—a young woman who is turning her dream of being a broadcast journalist into her daily reality. I met Jacinta a few years ago with her mother, Jolene Render, at one of my women's PEP empowerment workshops. I have been inspired by her professional moves since then. I caught up with the busy millennial to find out what she has been up to since completing her master's degree in journalism from Georgetown University.

Chloé – Jacinta, where did this start, and how did you take the steps to get to where you are now?

schools that had both a Communications and a Fashion major, just in case I wanted to switch. And I did end up switching. I started at Clark Atlanta as a Fashion Merchandising major, but then worked at a retail department store and realized I was not impressed. So I switched to Communications my sophomore year. From there I was part of the broadcast club at Clark Atlanta, and a part of the television station as an anchor, and as a producer. And I got my first internship my junior year at a Hip Hop Atlanta radio station. During my senior year I interned at WSB-TV.

Jacinta – Ever since I was a little girl, I've always liked to be in the spotlight. Growing up, at family parties, one of my uncles was a videographer and a photographer. And my cousins and I would have talent shows, and my uncle would bring out his camcorder and record us singing and dancing. And whatever dream I have had since I was a little girl, my mother was making sure that I was going to be part of it. She realized that I really wasn't shy.

People don't tell you how competitive this industry really is. Once I graduated and got out into the real world trying to get an on-air job, it was super, super hard. I sent my demo out for a year, and could not catch a break with any stations. I got phone interviews and never heard back from the news directors. I got only one faceto-face interview, and after following up with the person, she said, "Hey, the position has been filled."

She started putting me in pageants when I was about 13. And, from there, I was answering questions on stage, not afraid to speak out. I remember in one of my high school pageants that I participated in—I didn't win, but one of the judges asked me if I had ever thought about going into news or broadcast communications. At the time, I wanted to be a fashion designer, but when it was time to apply for college—I went to an historical Black College, Clark Atlanta University—and I was looking at

I decided to take a job and further develop myself. I joined the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). I encourage anybody who wants to be a journalist to join groups that will support you. There's a National Association of Hispanic Journalists. There's a group for Asian journalists. There's groups for everyone, based on your career goals. >

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Chloé – How did joining professional organizations support you and your professional goals?

Jacinta – After joining NABJ, there was a job fair in Washington, D.C. Meredith Corporation was there.

Meredith owns quite a few stations, and they own a station in Atlanta, CBS 46. I was just like, "OK, at least I know about Meredith, so I'm going to go to their booth," because being at job fairs can be overwhelming. So I was just trying to figure out which companies were in Atlanta. I needed a company that I knew and could connect with easily, and Atlanta was the connection.

While at their booth, I found out about a digital producing job. I got it, and worked there for about a year.

And my mom had been hounding me about going to grad school. So, while working, I was applying to grad school.

I only applied to two schools because I did not want to take the GRE. NYU was always at the top of the list, but I don't like standardized tests. I've never been good at standardized testing, and for those of you who struggle with standardized tests, it's totally fine. There are schools with journalism programs that don't look at the GRE or require it. So, for that reason I applied to Columbia and Georgetown.

I only got waitlisted at Columbia, but I did get accepted into Georgetown. So I headed off to D.C. for two years and matriculated there, in the fall of 2017. And yeah, grad school was super challenging for sure.

Chloé – What I love about you is that you are intentional about who you want to become, and what you want to do, and you are intentional about your life game—what life game you want to play, creating your career.

With your background, Jacinta, you're able to go out, connect with people, and interview them about themselves, about current events—and you get the story.

You can even go on shows such as Entertainment Tonight, with your journalism degree and background, and look fabulous in the latest fashions, because you can still do fashion. Now that you're there—you’re a real journalist—what is it like?

Jacinta – Yes, OK, well, I am at a station in Tennessee, an NBC-affiliate in a smaller market. For those of you who want to be an on-air journalist, know that everyone's path is different. But starting out in a small market is usually the route. So, yes, that's where I am now. And every day is a hustle. There is no room to be shy. You have to ask people that you don't even know, depending on what you're reporting on, for interviews. I literally have to go out on the street and ask people for interviews. And right now, that's very challenging because we're in the midst of covid-19.

I'm constantly trying to make sure I'm sanitizing my equipment, wearing my mask. It's very challenging right now, but. I do like it. I'm learning a lot, actually, even though I've gone through the education process—I realize that I'm getting better and better at becoming the journalist that I want to be.

And so, I have more good days than bad days. This is definitely the industry for go-getters, people who have extremely tough skin, people who are willing to receive feedback not from your managers, but from the public—your viewers, who are watching every move you make. And you may think no one's watching. But, oh, yes, they are.

Chloé – What does your dad think of your career?

Jacinta – Dad says, "Whatever you decide to do, make sure you do it with integrity—and that it's something that you really, really want to do." When I moved here, Dad made sure everything was working right in the apartment. So I do have an amazing family, and I'm blessed to have that. My little brother and I actually encourage each other. He's in college now; he's a Communications major and a DJ. Chloé – What are you thinking of for your next move?

Jacinta – Well, you know, honestly, I do have a plan A and a plan B, and I would like to move onward to entertainment news. Hard news is cool; but that's what I really want to do: entertainment, fashion, reporting from the red carpets, asking the celebrities what they're wearing, and things like that. ENews, that's what I love to watch. They have a segment that they do every day called "The Daily Pop," where they talk about all of the juicy topics about celebrities, and the outfits that are trending right now, and where you can find, maybe a less-expensive version of what celebrities are wearing.

And, yes, it could happen. But I would probably need to move to L.A. or New York and see what happens.

Chloé – Congratulations on the manifestations of your plans. I have a very high level of confidence that you will continue to follow your heart, and that the path to self-actualize will unfold for you.

Jacinta – Thank you, Chloé. Thank you so much. It's been a long time coming. I've learned a lot about myself, but I think everything happens in God's timing. I'm more mature now. I know how to deal with certain things, communicate certain things the way that they should be communicated in the workplace. You know, they say millennials supposedly aren't too good at that!

Chloé – At the end of the day, remember, you are the star.

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In Conversation With

CHI GEORGE He's a television, film and stage actor who may be recognized for his performances on House of Cards, The Vanishing (starring Nicole Kidman), Copycat Killers, and Insecure.

Interviewed by: Chloé Taylor Brown

Chloé – Tell me, Chi, are you a University of Maryland Turf through and through, or is it just something you put on your back and social media at convenient times?

Chi – I am a Turf through and through. Some of my fellow Turfs don't like the fact that I am a North Carolina Tar Heels basketball fan, even though I went to the University of Maryland. And, of course, the Turfs and the Tar Heels are serious rivals. But when you are the loyal person that I am, I couldn't just switch sides once I started going to the University of Maryland.

I root for the Tar Heels in basketball, but I got a whole lot of love for the University of Maryland athletics and everything else they do. I majored in Communications and graduated in the fall of 2003, and I knew I wanted to get into entertainment and acting.

Chloé – My daughter also graduated from the University of Maryland. She was an All-American volleyball player while there. Chi, was acting always your dream?

Chi – Yes, it was something I was going to get to at some point. In college, I was way more interested in the production side of things—cameras, lighting, and sound. I wanted to direct and be a cinematographer as well. I didn't have all the film school assets at my disposal at Maryland, but I knew a lot of Howard University students, and got involved with their productions in their film program. I would wrangle cables, be a runner, a production assistant—whatever would get me on set. And I got a few opportunities to be a camera assistant that way.

I realized that the people with their own equipment were the ones getting more opportunities, so I invested my money in that, and it just kept rolling from there. I started my own entertainment company, and a production company—Circle Entertainment—and produced a lot of content through that.

Chloé – Are you still working through that company?

Chi – Yes, I am, and still producing. I have projects under Circle Entertainment. And I also do some of my acting projects under Circle Entertainment. >

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Chloé – Tell me, at the end of the day, what brings you more inner fulfillment of the two: production or acting?

Chi – I enjoy being in control—being the director, being the cameraman. I have way more control of the end product. I used to dread editing, but in the process of looking for reliable editors, well, you know how this goes. So, I enjoy the pre-production side of things a lot, and being in front of the camera. I want to do this for the rest of my life.

Chloé – After the film, the movie, or the TV show has been cut, pasted and put together, and everyone is there together at the screening—watching together for the first time as a whole thing—is it an adventure, where you are all anticipating what's about to unfold?

Chi – Yes. You've had the script for some time; you've done your part. You have an idea of how it's going to play out, but it's the artistic side of it that's expressed, that you don't quite know how it's going to unfold. So, yes. It's an adventure,

Those films are shot out of sequence. When you're watching, you're a fan, too, because you get to see all the other actors' work and yours combined, and how it all comes together.

Chloé – What's coming up for you?

Chi – I do. And it's been highlighted by a lot of the events that are occurring. People are finding it a lot more important to portray different perspectives. But we all know prior to what is happening now, there was very little representation of diverse African American men, and men of color in general. And, you know, brothers have been in the industry for quite some time fighting for representation: like Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, Lou Gosset Jr., and actors like that.

It's still a struggle to get that representation though. I read an article about Issa Rae, where she was talking about how a producer who was not African American was telling her what African Americans want to see on film—and turned down her show idea, initially. That's still an issue today.

Chloé – What do you think African Americans and people of color want to see, based on your experiences of being in the industry and being a fan of great television shows and movies?

Chi – We just want accurate depictions, and a variety of depictions of our lives. For a long time, we were limited to stereotypical roles—blaxploitation films, the drug dealer, the baby mama, the nanny. And you're seeing films now like Hidden Figures with Taraji P. Henson portraying this genius mathematician. And not just depictions of fictitious characters.

Instead, we are portraying real-life history, which is being brought to light now.

Chi – I am actually the lead in an upcoming film called A Mercenary, and that's supposed to be shooting whenever we can shoot again. It's an action film. I like to call it a Black Rambo. I play a soldier in the film—I get to star in a shoot-‘em -up film. I think whether you were dreaming of being an actor or not as a child, you always wanted to be in an action film. You know, run away from an explosion, take on the army by yourself, roll out of the fire, get a little dirty, Be Rambo or Black Panther—our iconic film. Respect to Chadwick Boseman for that; especially with me coming up on Marvel.

Black people want to see accurate depictions of our lives, the whole spectrum of what we have going on, and what we have to offer. And historically. Portray us accurately as well, like I mentioned, with Hidden Figures and in historical films like Marshall, and stories like that.

Chloé – Oh, do you love Marvel?

Chi – Short term, I want to just keep practicing and getting better, seeing improvement in my craft. I take classes consistently and I audition a lot. And regularly booking roles is also a short-term goal. My long-term goal is to participate in that process and further the advancements that we talked about, as far as representation and bringing those opportunities to everyone's doors. I want to be somebody others can look to, and to see the possibilities for themselves as well.

Chi – I have a Marvel T-shirt to tell you that. I love Black Panther, and I love how they were intentional about Chadwick's role, and how he portrayed it. I was hurt, taken aback, confused and more when everything happened with his passing. Absolutely nobody knew he was sick. It was a private struggle, and I think that was intentional.

I was a big fan. I love Get On Up. I just watched that shortly after he died, but I'd wanted to see it for a long time. And of course, I was incentivized to see it after his passing. I loved his performance in Black Panther, Thurgood Marshall, TwentyOne Bridges. I loved all of his work. Chadwick was a student at Howard University.

Chloé – Do you see more roles for Black men and men of color on the horizon?

Chloé – We have such a rich variety to choose from and also from which to create—from the tapestry of who we are as Black African American people, and people of color. Chi, what are your hopes and dreams—for the short term and also for the long term?

Chloé – I can see you drawing people into your ideas. One of the things, among many that I've gathered in this short conversation is that not only do you have the ideas, but you also have the wherewithal and the skills to be able to get the ideas out of your head and into your real life. I congratulate you for that. You are definitely a young man that I want to watch, cheer for, and pay attention to. Is there anything else that you'd like to share with the Flourish Digital Magazine readers?

Chi – I just finished a project called Sunday Morning. We shot my part this weekend. That's going to be going to film festivals very soon. And the film Mercenary, which I just told you about, AKA, Black Rambo—I need to stop calling it that, before I get in trouble. <

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

The season of change is upon us and it’s time to reset for a new year on the horizon. It’s a great time to reflect on all that has happened and on what is happening. We are all challenged with levels of uncertainty as the world contends with covid-19, not to mention the civil unrest that’s going on here in the US. We all have been impacted in some way or another—whether it be emotionally, financially or personally. Even in these unique times, we can’t waiver or give up. We have to sustain our hope and believe that a better day is coming! We must continue to lift each other up and support one another. With our collective voices and continued support of each other, we will thrive and continue to flourish. Here’s to a year like no other, and an outlook that is prosperous, healthy and happy!

Until next issue,

Seane Shaw Chief Creative Officer Flourish Digital Magazine

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We are turning the page and starting a new chapter in 2021 with appreciation & joy.

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