Grand Traverse
WOMAN
MARCH/APRIL '20 • CAREER ISSUE
Career
ISSUE
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Grand Traverse Woman
WOMAN2WOMAN
Grand Traverse
WOMAN
PUBLISHERS KANDACE CHAPPLE & KERRY WINKLER
northern michigan’s magazine for women
Volume 17, No. 4 MARCH/APRIL 2020
EARLY CAREER
Grand Traverse Woman P.O. Box 22 Interlochen, MI 49643 231.276.5105 www.grandtraversewoman.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/grandtraversewoman
HORROR STORIES
PUBLISHERS Kandace Chapple Kerry Winkler
IT’S OUR CAREER ISSUE! Here are a couple of stories from our career paths for your enjoyment (at our expense).
EDITOR Kandace Chapple, kandace@grandtraversewoman.com
Kandace’s career horror story involves a toilet. She took a job as a legal secretary, despite barely being a secretary, let alone a “legal” one. Her boss assured her that he would train her, but, instead, he ended up having to dilute her responsibilities until pretty much her only job was to open the doors in the morning and turn off the lights at night. In a bid to give her some substance, he gave her a set of keys—a prized possession that came as a jingling reminder of how little she did. It was just a matter of time until she quit, or he fired her. But no one had the nerve to make the first move. Until that Friday. At 8 a.m. she opened the office, turned on the lights as well as the computers and settled in to get (no) work done. She would be alone most of the day as her boss came in late on Fridays. Then, a quandary: She had to use the bathroom. Please, no, not at work! But her boss wasn’t in yet, and Kandace had no choice. So, she proceeded to clog the toilet.
SHE BOLTED At 20 years old, there was nothing more embarrassing at this point in her life. What to do? Run. From the job she barely had and rarely did. Kandace called her boss to say that she was sick and heading home. Then she lay awake all weekend thinking about him finding that toilet. On Monday, she did what any rational adult would do. She called and quit. He readily accepted. “Can you drop the keys off, though?” he asked. She’d forgotten she still had the keys! What could she do? She couldn’t bear to see him again, ever. Instead, she avoided his calls for two months before finally deciding to mail the keys. A good $3 spent to bid goodbye to a sorry stage in her career. Until. Kandace was walking to a lunch meeting for her new job (which she was somewhat good at, she’d like to add), when her co-worker stopped her outside of Petertyl Drugstore. “Kandy,” she said, grabbing her arm, “let me introduce you to my neighbor!” And there he stood. The man whose toilet she had destroyed. He did the right thing: He pretended like he’d never met her.
KERRY’S MISHAP And then there was the case of Kerry being clueless to cultural norms. She was 20 years old (20 was a rough year for us) and working as an administrative assistant at a local engineering firm. The company had big clients flying in from overseas, but in a series of crossed wires, her boss realized there was nobody scheduled to pick them up from the airport.
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NORTHERN ART PHOTOGRAPHY
KANDACE’S FIASCO
All eyes turned to Kerry and her cleaned-up Pontiac 6000LE (bought recently as a hand-me-down from Dad). It was going to have to make the trip. Her heart started to race at the idea. It was an important job. Not to mention 28 cents per mile. It would be her first-ever expense report. She was playing in the big leagues! She hustled out the door, zipping along in her “new” car and pulled in with a flourish at the airport. She loaded up the men, oblivious to their discomfort. Was it that she was young? Or that she was a female picking up random men from the airport? Was it that she said: “Yes, Sir.” “No, Sir.” and slammed their doors, taking charge? She didn’t care, she was on a mission.
SCOOTCH! After they were loaded up, she took a final assessment. Ah, she noticed her “shotgun” rider’s legs were very cramped. She reached underneath the legs of the man, flipped the seat lever and sharply instructed, “Scootch!” In one motion, she crossed cultural, as well as etiquette, barriers worldwide. The car became even more silent. The men had been acting like she was an odd one. But now, proof. She looked into her shotgun rider’s eyes. He looked away, uncertain. Then, she doubled-down and insisted. He scootched back. As she shifted her new-old car into drive, it sank in. She’d just been under the client’s legs. The same client, her boss told her, who had a reserved culture and to be very formal with. Her cheeks flamed red, her accelerator punched down and her shame was delivered along with the men to the office. As she (now meek) followed them into the office, the shotgun rider turned around and asked her out for dinner that night. Oh, the shame, the misconception, the plight of being naïve! There you have it, a couple of doozies from our slightly spotted past. We hope you enjoy our Career Issue!
ACCOUNT DIRECTOR Kerry Winkler, kerry@grandtraversewoman.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Deb Dent, deb@grandtraversewoman.com Sherry Galbraith, sherry@grandtraversewoman.com Lori Maki, lori@grandtraversewoman.com Laura Miller, laura@grandtraversewoman.com COPY EDITOR Christine Kurtz ASST. EDITOR Eva Nienhouse DESIGNER Bethany Gulde, bethany@grandtraversewoman.com COVER PHOTO Bailey Judson shares her career story on page 14. Photo by Beth Price, Beth Price Photography www.bethpricephotography.com PHOTOGRAPHERS Sarah Brown, Sarah Brown Photography www.sarahbrown-photography.com Beth Price, Beth Price Photography www.bethpricephotography.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Beth Barbaglia Karen Belanger Anne Bonney Hilary Dodge Heather DuFour Samantha Fall Andrea Holczman Bailey Judson Nancy Kiogima Anissa Klaft Amanda Malinao Jessica Novack Jamie Schichtel Nikki Kay Schneider Jamie Staley Tammy Stoerkel ADVERTISING Kerry Winkler at 231.276.5105 or kerry@grandtraversewoman.com Visit www.grandtraversewoman.com for rates. SUBSCRIPTIONS Cost: $20 (for 6 issues) Subscriptions may be purchased online at www.grandtraversewoman.com or mail a check to: Grand Traverse Woman P.O. Box 22, Interlochen, MI 49643 SUBMISSIONS See www.grandtraversewoman.com for guidelines. MISSION STATEMENT Grand Traverse Woman is a bimonthly magazine dedicated to the interests of women in the five-county region. Our mission is to provide women with a publication that is educational and inspirational. We strive to maintain a positive, well-balanced and genuine forum for women's issues. © Copyright 2020 Grand Traverse Woman LLC All rights reserved.
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Grand Traverse Woman
Going to college as a mom
— at 42! BY ANISSA KLAFT
THE FIRST week of January 2016, I pulled into the University Center parking lot for class. Maybe it was all the talk about resolutions and starting a new year, new you. Maybe it was the soft voice that had been niggling me for years. Maybe it was just a personal challenge. Whatever my reason, I knew this was something I had to do. I needed this course, NMC’s Intro to Teaching, to be admitted to a CMU Cohort in the fall and later, to become an educator. So, for the next four years, I continued to arrive, learn and grow—it was never too late to have the career of my dreams.
MAKING TIME At 42 years old, if I had been single and in the throes of a mid-life crisis, this may have been a piece of cake. But I was married with three active daughters, one in high school and two in elementary school. There were marching band practices, football games, concerts, piano lessons, soccer and basketball and play practices, chaperoning… plus my two part-time jobs. I was a substitute teacher and worked at Floor Covering Brokers in between. This was going to be hard to pull off. Four years seemed like 40 sometimes. Writing papers and studying for exams wasn’t easy to do after spending my evenings helping the girls with their homework. Trying to study at the soccer fields while waiting for practice to wrap wasn’t ideal. Figuring out how to use technology so I was able to read, study or write on the fly was a feat. But, these things had to be done. They were the only way I could make time. I apologized often when we had cereal or sandwiches for dinner. I didn’t like myself when I couldn’t make a concert or game. I had to lean on others for all the moments I couldn’t be there. I can’t tell you I wasn’t tired or crankier than normal. But I can tell you now, four years later, it was absolutely worth it.
SUPPORT My high schooler is now in her third year of college, also pursuing an education degree. My youngest are now in middle school and doing well in school. They both know how important it is to develop good study habits, ones modeled by their older sister and mom. In the background, my husband has continued to provide for all our needs, a constant, without getting the recognition he deserves. Without the help of my husband, parents and sisters, I simply couldn’t have done this. Without the help of my cohort classmates that became
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friends and lifelines, I wouldn’t have. Without the help of my employers, coworkers, teachers and “soccer mom” friends, I wouldn’t have. It took me asking for more help than I was used to and talking myself through the mom guilt (lots of it) that allowed me to tackle this dream. I’ve had so much support from other moms telling me what a wonderful example I’m setting for my girls. I have had co-workers tell me they wished they had followed through when they considered going back to school. My classmates, most who were much younger than I am, encouraged me and accepted me as their equal, celebrating all the successes along the way.
MOM AND STUDENT This voyage didn’t happen without tears, frustration and guilt. There were many late nights, early mornings and weekends spent studying. My stolen moments were spent with a laptop and textbook. I was always relieved when one semester ended so I could get back to being an available mom. On the flip side, though, I thrived in class. I loved the content. I adored my classmates. I inhaled the conversations and lectures. I couldn’t learn enough. I had found my passion and was surrounded by others with the same passion. I was on a path that would make a difference in children’s lives. I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be. I looked forward to class, whether it was Nature Studies, Math for Elementary Teachers or Teaching Students in an Inclusive Setting. There were instructors that made teaching look easy and did it with such grace and integrity. There were also instructors that made me reflect and realize that I wanted to do things differently in my own classroom one day. The essays, projects, group work, tests, musical instruments, clay sculptures, nature hikes, online classes… I wouldn’t change a thing.
PROUD Looking at it now, having graduated and passed my State exams, I am incredibly proud of pulling this off. It was absolutely worth the missed soccer games, late nights and cereal dinners (but don’t tell my girls!). It wasn’t easy, and I couldn’t have done it alone. At the young age of 46, I am a summa cum laude graduate and certified State of Michigan teacher, just recently hired by Kalkaska Middle School. I have the highest hopes of making a difference in children's lives. Find your passion and don’t let fear hold you back. You are NOT too old to start a new career. There is ALWAYS time you can carve out to make dreams happen. Anissa Klaft lives in Williamsburg with her family and now teaches 7th grade at Kalkaska Public Schools. She enjoys any activity with her children, whether athletic or academic, and often finds herself coaching. In the summer, Anissa and her family love spending time at their cottage on Torch Lake. There, you’ll find her with a book in her hand, curled up in a hammock.
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Grand Traverse Woman
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Grand Traverse Woman
It was as if I’d blinked. Five years went by. Then ten. I got married and had two amazing baby boys. More years passed, and I climbed the ladder at work, learning and growing, but still feeling like I was missing something. That I was meant to do something else. Then, the tide changed.
OVER
Never Too
Late
BY HILARY DODGE
“It’s too late.” “I’m too old.” “I should have done it years ago.” FOR YEARS,
I let these thoughts be my soundtrack. It wasn’t until my 40th birthday, in July 2019, that I realized the soundtrack was taking up a lot of volume. I was a single mom of two busy boys, and between working full time and spending four nights a week at the ballpark, I couldn’t seem to dig deep enough to realize my own dreams. I couldn’t believe that I could do it. Despite my fears, I decided to turn my doubt song off, dig deep and dive in. I’m so glad—and proud—that I did!
YEARS GONE BY I was an ambitious student; when I graduated with my associate’s degree in radiology from Ferris State University, I had planned to keep going. However, before my college diploma had even come in the mail, I was offered a job at the hospital where I’d done my internship. I was thrilled to take the position and settle in to my career.
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My marriage ended in 2009, and I found myself learning to navigate the waters of being a single mom. It was the hardest decision my husband and I had ever made, but ultimately for the best. I was—and still am —lucky to have the support of friends and family. I leaned on them a lot, and still do (though they may argue that I don't lean enough!) At first, I was determined to keep moving, be strong, and show my boys that things were going to be ok. I remember looking at them one afternoon and saying, "Hey. We got this. There is NOTHING that momma cannot do!" Then, two months after my divorce was final, I was told my position at work had been eliminated. I was in disbelief; this position was my baby. I had learned and accomplished so much with my team at work. We were doing amazing things! Then, just like that, I wasn't a part of them anymore. It took a little time, but I found the strength to channel my inner Dory and “keep swimming”. I didn’t have a choice; I had two children who depended on me. I found a new position that was challenging and was on a team with people I learned from and loved working with. I was adjusting and life was good, but not even six months later, that position was no longer mine. Just like that, I was a single, unemployed mom again. I cried—a lot. I leaned on my friends and family—HARD this time. In a lot of ways, this was harder than my divorce. It was hard to understand how I lost two jobs so quickly after a steady career. I sat in my car outside of government office buildings, praying hard and hoping I would never again have any reason to go back inside to ask for help. It was humbling.
MOVING FORWARD
I let myself have moments of sadness and anger, but I also embraced my time with my boys. We played on the beach almost every day for a month. The boys and I spent time at my parents’ lake house, and my dad even took some time off of work to spend days
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playing in the sand with us. We had ice cream more times than I could count and watched the sunset every night. My new situation forced me to make decisions I'd been playing with in my mind for a long time; I had to focus on the window that was open now that the door was closed. I spent a lot of time figuring out my next steps and made a plan: find a new job, finish my bachelor's degree, then get a master’s degree in Physician's Assistant studies. I was going to be a healthcare provider.
BACK TO SCHOOL They say hindsight is always 20/20. I know I should have done this sooner instead of waiting until my hand was forced. I found a new job in direct patient care which helped me realize my dreams were no longer a want. Now, finishing school and being a PA is a need for me. It is another way I can show my boys I CAN do anything. In January 2020, I applied and was accepted to Siena Heights University, where I will complete my Bachelor of Science degree in Radiology by May 2021. At 40, I am headed back to school while working full time and co-parenting a 6- and 8-year-old. I realize now that the things I’ve told myself for years are not actually true. The soundtrack was wrong. I am not too old; it’s not too late. Even if it takes me longer than I expect, it will be worth it. Make your plan; live your dream. It’s not too late. Hilary Dodge is a Traverse City resident enrolled at Siena Heights University with plans for a Master’s Degree in Physician’s Assistant studies. She works full time and is a co-parent to her 6- and 8-year-old boys. Follow her story on Instagram at @hilde0729.
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Grand Traverse Woman
Grand Traverse WOMAN
See Jane Lose
EE
2020
FRESH Start
PHOTOS BY SARAH BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO APPLIED. WE'D LIKE TO INTRODUCE YOU TO THE 2020 JANES. MAKEOVER
See Jane Los Nancy Kiogima, 65 e
THESE THREE WOMEN WILL SPEND THE NEXT 10 WEEKS MAKING MAJOR CHANGES! LET THE FUN BEGIN!
Occupation: Family Health Educator with Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa/Chippewa Indians Height: 5'6” Weight: 189 Health Goal: I want more endurance, better balance and to be a better dancer! I also want to be stronger and more fit so that I can take walks, ride my bike, and just feel better all around. I don’t feel old and I don’t want to look old, either. I would like to retire as the healthiest me. What makes you most proud? I’m proud of raising eight children, my 42-year marriage to my husband, my ability and desire to help others, volunteering and, of course, dancing! What motivates you? My kids, my 13 grandkids and dancing with my husband. I’d love to improve as a dancer. What are your hobbies? Dancing, home decorating, people watching, quality rides with my husband, road trips and planning family events. Why do you want to live a healthier lifestyle? I want to retire healthy and enjoy my retirement years. I have lost a lot of endurance and gained a bit of weight over the last 20 years. It’s really taken a toll on dancing. I want to be the dancer I once was… or at least close to it! What activity are you most excited to back into? I’d love to dance without having to leave the dance floor halfway through a dance because I’m so out of breath. What gets you most excited about your future? Retirement! And dance showcases.
Karen Belanger PERSONAL TRAINER I’m excited to work with Nancy— she’s very motivated and already doing excellent work! Nancy’s biggest strengths are her outgoing personality and positive disposition. She’s helped so many people achieve their goals of becoming better dancers as a dance instructor, and she’s also helped young moms become better parents through her professional career. Now, it’s Nancy’s turn to accomplish her own goals with a little help from others. Nancy’s training routine focuses on strength, endurance and flexibility. We train twice a week, and I give her homework either to go to a group exercise class or to complete her own workout two or three more times throughout the week. My goal is to help Nancy lose weight while also increasing her strength and flexibility—it can be a tricky balance. I also want to ensure that I’m helping her make lifestyle changes that she can maintain forever, not just during this challenge.
Top Tip: Rest!
For those trying to make a fresh start and live a healthier lifestyle, I recommend getting plenty of sleep. If you’re exhausted and always reaching for the coffee, you’re not at 100 percent. Rest works better than caffeine and is a much more sustainable energy source in the long term!
Grand Traverse
WOMAN 10
March/April '20
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Heather DuFour
Jamie Schichtel, 40
PERSONAL TRAINER
Occupation: Practice Administrator, Thirlby Clinic, PLC Height: 5'5” Weight: 211 Health Goal: I'd like to learn to process stress more effectively so that I don't eat my emotions. I'd also like to run a 5K at some point this spring or summer. What are you most proud of? I am most proud of being married to my husband Brad for 18 years. We have three beautiful children together, Brayden, 16, Gavin, 12, and Jessica, 9, whom I’m very proud of, too. I am also very proud of my career. What motivates you? I am a goal-oriented person, so if I get a goal in mind that I'm passionate about, I will work hard to attain it. What are your hobbies? My family and I love to boat and camp in the summer. We also love family vacations. When it’s just me, I enjoy walking with my Golden Retriever, Ava. What activity are you most excited to get back in to? I want to get back into running again. My longest distance was a 10K. I've also really enjoyed the group step class at the Y and look forward to trying some of the other great classes. What gets you most excited about your future? There is so much to look forward to! I'm trying to live in the moment—my kids are growing up and the time feels so fleeting. I'm looking forward to feeling good in my own skin. I remember how it felt to be 50 lbs. lighter; I was confident. I'm also excited to be healthy so that my family, and I can be active together and create fun memories.
Jamie Staley PERSONAL TRAINER It’s an honor to work with Amanda. We meet twice a week and focus primarily on resistance training and getting her heart rate up through cardio exercises. We work all major muscle groups for a total body workout each session. Three to four times a week Amanda works out on her own, doing a blend of cardio and resistance training. My goals for her are to use our time together to teach skills and build habits that will last far beyond this challenge. Together we identify small changes she can make, and I help her implement those changes. Amanda is a complete joy to train. She has so many strengths! She has the best attitude and always has a smile on her face, even when she’s doing something difficult. Amanda pushes herself and is extremely motivated to make the most of this challenge. If I give her the option to make an exercise easier, she rarely takes it! She is always willing to try new exercises and machines, which keeps our sessions fun and interesting. When I am planning our workouts, I always know she will be up for the challenge. That is my favorite part of working with her!
Top Tip: Start Small!
My one tip for someone trying to live a healthier lifestyle is to start small. Motivation is often found by completing one small thing successfully and taking your journey one step at a time. Change takes time—don't underestimate the power of your first small step!
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It has been wonderful helping Jamie rediscover her inner strength. While our workouts consist of a combination of cardio and strength training, our goals are more focused on what habits we can form to improve longevity and create a sustainable lifestyle. Jamie is an ambitious woman who cares deeply for her family. Allowing this love and care to include herself, too, is going to allow Jamie to reach her goals. Jamie’s sessions have consisted of balance and strength training. For the weeks that we only meet once, Jamie receives homework, which is typically to fit in some quality cardio in her target heart rate zone. I’m always available so she never feels alone or stuck. Every three weeks, we meet twice a week to amp up her training and continue to progress. I love working with Jamie. She’s really putting the work in and it's already starting to pay off.
Top Tip: Keep Going!
If you are looking to adopt a healthier lifestyle, remember that it’s okay to have bad days. Just continue to put one foot in front of the other, no matter what size the step. Even if you take a tiny step each day, you'll still be much farther ahead than if you hadn't started at all. It's never too late to take that first step!
Amanda Malinao, 38 Occupation: Office Manager Height: 5'6” Weight: 314 Health Goal: I have had too many moments at amusement parks when I couldn’t ride with my kids, whether the nylon belt didn’t fit me or the operators said my weight was too much. The embarrassment alone was enough to make me shut down any other activity where my weight could be a deciding factor again. My husband and I would love to take the kids to Disney or Universal Studios, but I want it to be a family experience. I want to join them on all the rides! I would also like to try my first 5K. What are you most proud of? I am proud of my family and for becoming a first-time homeowner. What are your hobbies? Hiking. Anything outdoors! What is your motivation? I want to enjoy things with my children and to be here for them and see them grow up. What activity are you most excited to try? My family likes to go ice skating, and for years I’ve sat on the sidelines and watched. The last time we went, I finally joined in for a short amount of time. I know I will be able to enjoy longer stints at the rink as my health improves. I can’t wait to skate and be more active with my family. What gets you most excited about your future? Things we will enjoy as a family that we haven’t been able to try yet.
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Grand Traverse Woman
2020
FRESH Start
Grand Traverse WOMAN
MONDAY, APRIL 13TH
Speakers Beth Barbaglia & Courtney Kane
Hagerty Conference Center 11am-1pm verse d TraA N GranO M
See ane J ose L
W
EE
Creating a life you love starts with figuring out how you want your life to feel every day. It starts with understanding what’s most important to you—gaining clarity on how you want to show up and what you want to chase. Getting a fresh start begins with a getting a fresh feel!
Plus the
JANE REVEAL!
2020
R
OVE
E MAK
See ane J ose L
Join Beth Barbaglia and Courtney Kane in this hands-on luncheon as you navigate an exercise to identify what values are most important to you and how to start applying them in your life. You’ll walk out of this luncheon with more clarity and even an activity to try with others to bring clarity to your relationships as well. Beth has been a marketing professional for 7 years, most recently with the YMCA, and has worked closely with GTWoman to facilitate the See Jane Lose partnership with the Y. Courtney has been a child care professional for 10 years and is currently working with child care providers as a Quality Improvement Specialist for Great Start to Quality. Both served as directors at the YMCA for 5+ years and continue to be heavily involved in community volunteering and service. Visit lifewithbethandcourt.com for more on our speakers. Visit www.grandtraversewoman.com for tickets to join us at lunch!
Bonus! THE 2020 JANE REVEAL
We will hear from our 3 JANES on their health journey for the last 10 weeks and see their final makeovers. We will hear from them, their trainers, and our Jane sponsors on what it takes to make a FRESH START! Go Nancy, Amanda and Jamie!
One financial advisor PMS 116C
WOMAN
BLACK
Member SIPC
Financial Advisor Name Financial Advisor
Street Address City/Town
www.edwardjones.com
MKT-2245C-A © 2017 EDWARD D. JONES & CO., L.P. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Grand Traverse
Claudia Rodriguez, Financial Advisor Jamie Keillor, Financial Advisor
NETWORKING | VENDOR BOOTHS | PLATED LUNCH LUNCH TICKETS: $35/EACH OR 2 FOR $60 VENDOR BOOTHS: $185 (INCLUDES 2 LUNCH TIX)
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March/April '20
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Grand Traverse Woman
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Grand Traverse Woman
IN APRIL 2015, my dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 stomach cancer. On that day, the whole trajectory of my life changed. My dad had always been my best friend, and the thought of something taking him away was unbearable. He was still here at the time, but I couldn’t help grieving his pain. Our traditions took on a whole new meaning. Our breakfasts together, extra special. He’d always been my favorite teacher for the things that mattered most, like life, connection and love. I could listen to him for hours. And then, after he was gone, he taught me something I didn’t expect—through a bucket list that wasn’t even mine.
My Dad’s Bucket List
&
THE TRAIL I graduated from Albion College in May 2015, a month after my dad’s diagnosis, and moved back home to Traverse City to help my mom take care of him. In August of 2016, when my dad was in remission, he and I took a trip to see his sister and her family in Connecticut. While we were there, we met up with his college roommate, Rick, who invited us to join him for a short trek on a “day hike” section of the Appalachian Trail. When we made it back to the car about two hours later, my dad proclaimed that when he kicked cancer, he would come back. He’d join Rick, and together they’d hike the entire Connecticut section, about 52 miles, of the Appalachian Trail.
Finding My Way
A PROMISE Fast forward to July 2017. As we knew my dad was nearing the end of his life, I proudly proclaimed, just as he had the year before, that I would hike the Connecticut section of the trail for him. He smiled, with that twinkle in his eye that anyone who knew him can’t picture him without. On July 24, 2017, my dad left us for a better place. I felt broken, holding only an aching emptiness and that stupid proclamation. I could not turn back though, I decided, and my amazing cousins said they would hike with me, by my side. We set our adventure for a date in 2018 and I returned to my relatively new life in East Lansing, where I worked at the Capitol.
BY BAILEY JUDSON
UNFULFILLED There I was. My job was great but working in politics wasn’t my dream. My roommate was awesome, and she had a dog (perfect!), but still, I didn’t feel fulfilled. I was caught in a broken cycle. I was unhappy. I was spending time and money driving to Traverse City every weekend, but everyone was telling me that I “shouldn’t move back home,” that “my dad wanted me to spread my wings.” So, I stayed.
DAD’S HIKE August 2018 came, and with much less preparation than advisable, I traveled to Connecticut. I’d read about how it was the “easy section of the trail,” and falsely remembered the flat section along the river that we’d hiked two years prior. My cousins and I looked at the map as we got out of the car, discovering then that this was not exactly the hike we had imagined. We found a trailhead sign close to the border of Massachusetts and sprinkled some of my dad’s ashes. If I was doing this trip, he was coming along for the ride. And then, we set off. Up Bear Mountain. Yep, a “mountain.” This had been the part of the Appalachian Trial I’d forgotten about… the MOUNTAIN part. This trip was going to be full of ups and downs. And let me tell you: If Connecticut was “easy,” I don’t even want to think about what a “hard” state looks like. Over the next five days, we hiked five to six miles a day, adjusting from the 10 to 11 we had planned. At night, we came home to swim in Woodridge Lake, eat dinner and hope the blisters weren’t too big.
BETH PRICE PHOTOGRAPHY
FOR ME
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Physically, it was extremely hard. I was not in hiking shape, and there were times I thought I might not finish. But emotionally, it was even harder. I still had not really processed my dad’s death. I had bottled up my emotions to seem strong, living the life people told me my dad would have wanted for me. I went through every emotion on the trail. I cried because my dad was gone, and because my feet hurt. I got so angry because he was taken too young, and because I got stung by yellow jackets. In the end, we hiked about 36 miles in total, a bit short of the 52-mile section. I was exhausted not only from the hike, but also from being so emotionally vulnerable. I realized then, bruised inside and out, that I was not the one who had wanted to take that trip. This was not my bucket list item—it was my dad’s. Although he was gone and I will always honor
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Grand Traverse Woman him, I could not live my life doing things because I thought he would want me to. Regardless of my grief, love or loss, I couldn’t live someone else’s bucket list. As I sprinkled my dad’s ashes at the end of the trail, I knew my life was starting over. I had to live my life for me.
A NEW START When I made it back to Michigan, I committed to change. To live for myself, I had to follow my heart. I had to do something I loved in the place I loved. And in doing that, I’d be honoring my dad in the best way I ever could. I moved to Traverse City and landed my dream position at The Festival Foundation, somewhere I can be myself and make a difference. The Festival Foundation heads four huge events yearly, The National Cherry Festival perhaps its most renowned and beloved. On paper, my job is marketing these events, but I know that it’s more than that—it’s helping make memories.
A LESSON IN MEMORIES In the office, we like to say that we are preserving your traditions. It’s something you don’t tend to think about until someone is gone: how important traditions are. There are several traditions I miss and memories I long to relive, but I found that I love making these traditions and memories for others too. This career has shown me the importance of making memories of all kinds. Don’t let time pass you by or let excuses be your default reply. There’s never too much work for a trip to the park or to indulge in ice cream Friday! This life is for yourself, but memories are for others, too. Don’t forget the importance of that—those you share them with definitely won’t. I have to thank my support system, people who always there to help and love me along the way. Thank you, Cole, for always pushing me to take that extra step and for making me break-in my boots. Thank you, mom and Allie for listening to me cry on the phone when my feet hurt. And to Aunt Polly, Uncle Joe, Mark and Courtney, Patrick and Elaina, thank you for being on that journey with me. Thank you for hiking with me, pushing me, cooking dinner and for always checking that stupid map. I love you.
Bailey Judson lives in Traverse City and works for the Festival Foundation. She is passionate about helping people work through their grief. If you would like to talk about grief or the Appalachian Trail, you can reach her at bailey.judson@gmail.com.
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BROADWAY
MUSICAL THEATER
INTENSIVES August 10-15 | Ages 9-20 Spend an energetic week exploring musical theater with Broadway professionals.
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March Special Purchase One Entree at Regular Price and Receive Second Entree of Equal or lesser value
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Present GTWoman Coupon Before Ordering Two Drink Minimum • Limit One Coupon per Visit • Excludes Carryout Orders Not valid with any other offers Expires 3/31/20
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Present GTWoman Coupon Before Ordering Two Drink Minimum • Limit One Coupon per Visit • Excludes Carryout Orders Not valid with any other offers Expires 4/30/20
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Grand Traverse Woman
STAYING FINANCIALLY FIT BY TAMMY STOERKEL
WHO taught you about money and how to earn it, save it and spend it? Maybe it was your parents or your grandparents, or maybe you were lucky enough to have taken a personal finance class in high school. In my case, it was my parents who modeled good money management habits for me. I was expected to work and save money because I was required to pay for half of the purchase price of my first car and contribute toward my college tuition. My dad wanted me to “have some skin in the game!” He figured I would take better care of my car and continue to show up for class if MY money was involved—and he was right. Later, after I landed my first “big girl” job, a mentor encouraged me to start contributing to my company 401k as soon as I was eligible. I’m grateful for that advice as I learned how the power of compound interest grows even a small amount of money substantially over time. (Google Einstein and compound interest.) Fast forward to today where as a financial advisor, I help my clients make their own financially smart decisions—when to save, where to invest and how to pay down debt. I encourage them to think about their future selves and how they envision that person and their circumstances. Working as a financial advisor allows me, again and again, to experience my greatest professional joy: the personal connections I make while helping people identify, clarify and reach their goals. Learning the basics of money at a young age can set us up for success for the rest of our lives. When we know how to save, we tend to think before we spend; we may even have the very first dollar we ever earned (like my sister). But when we don’t think first, we may overspend or worse yet, spend money we don’t have. Likewise, turning a “magic age” in our 60’s doesn’t automatically mean we have earned the right to retire.
TAMMY AND HER DOG, DUNE.
I’m thrilled when a young person reaches out for advice, eager to learn about their financial health. A good plan is the key to making fewer mistakes! Here are my top three tips for staying financially fit: • Understand where your money goes—and how you can maximize savings. • If you are not already contributing to a company or personal retirement plan, start now and invest the maximum allowable as soon as you are able. (Remember compound interest, above?) • Read Brian’s book (see below). My mentor and friend, Brian Ursu, recently published a book titled Now What? A Practical Guide to Figuring Out Your Financial Future. His informative insight helps readers build a solid financial foundation. It’s also a great resource for those new to the workforce and for individuals who may be recently single due to a death or divorce. When it comes to our financial health, it’s important to not only “know money,” but to also know ourselves. Find what works for you, be it sitting down with a super-saver grandparent, reading and research or meeting with a financial professional. You deserve to be in the best financial shape of your life! Tammy Stoerkel is an associate wealth advisor with Intentional Wealth Advisors, LLC in Traverse City. She loves and appreciates where she lives and grew up, and tries to explore our beautiful area as often as possible. She is married with two children and has a Goldendoodle. She enjoys boating with her family, cooking, and sharing our beautiful area with friends and family. As an active community member, she is on the board of directors for the Traverse City chapter of Impact 100 and of mAIDens of Michigan.
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Grand Traverse Woman
Year-round family fun ? Yes, please!
The Right Medication Prepared Just For You! We’re here for you when you need help stopping: Irregular menstrual cycles
NOW MEMBERS & FAMILIES CAN ENJOY:
Excessive sweating during night
• Our new Fitness Center
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Dryness, itching and pain during sexual intercourse
• Children’s Activities & Social Events • Our new Aquatics Center
Frequent urinary tract infections Mood swings Fatigue Weight gain due to uneven fat distribution
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{ Stuffiness not included. }
Your Comfort Is Our Concern
It’s the perfect time to open a Golf or Social Membership for you and your family.
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1050 Silver Drive, Traverse City pinerest.org/traversecity 231.947.2255
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Cara Green, Sales & Design Leader
The women of Image360 give a glimpse into what makes it such a great place to work... What I love most about the work environment at Image360 is that it allows individuals to blossom in areas that they are personally interested in, playing on their strengths and allowing them to pursue their passions. — Julia Boss, Marketing Manager It is so energizing to meet with a client who is full of ideas about their project, and I enjoy helping them refine their ideas into polished designs. It is rewarding to see all the pieces come together for a final product that I can be proud to have been a part of! — Stefanie Johnson, Design and Print Team Lead
My passion from a young age for creativity and design led me to obtaining my degree in Interior Design from Adrian College. The skills and drive these experiences provided were the perfect combination in developing my career at Kiss Carpet Design Center. Being in a position to devote quality time to building relationships with our clients by guiding them from inception to completion through our innovative design process allows me to create beautiful, personalized plans that are tailored to our clients specific needs and style. I absolutely love meeting with a client whether it be to design their dream custom tile shower or pick out the plush, luxurious carpet for their bedroom. The diversity in available colors, textures, trends, and our wonderful clients keep each and every day feeling fresh and exciting. 231.587.9450 • cara@kisscarpet.com www.kisscarpet.com Mancelona - Traverse City - Harbor Springs
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The most rewarding part of my job is the feedback from happy clients. I enjoy crafting designs that take a brand’s image to the next level. From brainstorming sessions, sit down meetings, design concepts reviews, to completed projects — the creative process is fun and inspiring. — Brooke Blaida, Design and Brand Development The part I enjoy most about working at Image360 is being part of a close team and contributing to making a client’s vision come to life. — Keaton Mikowski, Print Specialist The most rewarding aspect of my role is the day-to-day interactions with our amazing team members. Everyone on the team has unique talents and backgrounds which helps us to bring unique and creative projects to life. — Amy Kohlmann, Owner Image 360 facilitates a unique environment for collaboration and creativity, drawing from each individual’s strengths to come up with new ideas and solutions. I love that I am challenged daily and given constant opportunities to expand my skill set. — Rachael Peterson, Design and Production
1702 Barlow St., Traverse City 231.933.7446 www.image360tc.com info@image360tc.com
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Nikole McGregor - Owner/Designer Hi! I’m Nikole, owner of Chic Design Company. I am passionate about creating the perfect space for you. Whether it’s furniture placement, décor selection, paint, or applying that “perfect” wallpaper, my team is here to assist. I love mixing styles; like modern and classic, or industrial and glam chic; and I also love creating the perfect combinations of color, patterns, and texture. Our number one goal is to create a beautiful room that reflects both the style and interest you desire. For the past three years we have been helping clients fall in love with their homes all over again. Are you thinking about updating your home? Our flexible design services assist those interested in DIY projects to those who desire full service, from inception to completion. Did you know we offer a complimentary 30 minute discovery call to help jumpstart your project? Let’s chat! Chic Design Company 231.620.0201 www.chicdesigncompany.com ChicHomeTC@gmail.com
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Grand Traverse Woman GTWOMAN CAREER PROFILE
Crystal Turner, Wellness Consultant and Fitness Professional Strong women have played a pivotal role in Crystal Turner’s wellness journey. She was introduced to natural healing and yoga as a young child by her mother and grandmother, and was later encouraged by her daughter to reconnect with her mat to combat a knee injury, migraines, stress, and to resume a more positive body image. Re-discovering yoga became a true source of energy, light, balance, and healing as she continues to passionately practice, working from the inside out. Crystal is now the owner of Karasi Fitness and Healing Arts located in downtown Traverse City, MI. It is here where she truly taps into her passions of natural health, overall wellness and fitness. Crystal earned her 200-E-RYT, 500-RYT yoga certifications, and is a registered member of the Yoga Alliance Association. She is a certified Reiki Master and currently teaches various yoga styles. She holds Barre, TRX Suspension, TRX Group TRX Yoga, and Connection Coalition Yoga certifications, and is also an
Aerial Fitness Professional. She has also studied Oncology Yoga with Dr. Laura Kupperman. Her teaching style is nurturing, energetic, intuitive, motivating, and athletic with a focus on overall flexibility, balance and core strength. This well-rounded approach effectively connects mind, body and spirit, empowering students to move positively, and fluidly on and off of the mat. Crystal’s grounded and rich talents have granted her guest teaching spots, including locally with Earthworks Harvest Festival. She has facilitated team-building yoga programs for local businesses and utilizes the Karasi Fitness space for community outreach as well. Off the mat, Crystal further serves our community as Wellness Department Manager for Oryana Community Co-op, one of the largest co-op wellness departments in the country. She was profiled in Taste of Life magazine, and invited to be a featured guest at the Laura Crawford
104 South Union Street, Suite #204 Traverse City, MI 49685 karasifitnessandhealingarts.com
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booth at Expo West, speaking with wellness departments from across the country at one of the largest buying Expo’s in California. Crystal has pioneered more of a presence of Lifestyle and Houseware products in co-ops around the country. She has handled online and local competition with poise finding creative strategies to compassionately compete in an increasingly competitive retail environment. Crystal continues to innovate the buying experience for customers as she researches each and every product that resides on the wellness shelves. Her depth of experience and knowledge in the area of natural health, its products and trends have made her an asset to the wellness community. Please feel free to visit Crystal for a class at Karasi Fitness and Healing Arts, or at the Oryana Community Co-op Wellness Department to build fitness of mind, body and spirit from the inside out.
260 East Tenth Street Traverse City, MI 49684 crystalt@oryana.coop
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Grand Traverse Woman
Monday, March 16th 9:00am-11:30am • Kirkbride Hall 2-hour Workshop, coffee, water & snacks
‘JOIN US FOR EDUCATION & CONNECTION!’ - GTWOMAN PUBLISHERS KANDACE CHAPPLE & KERRY WINKLER -
Are you a Dwight or Michael? Join us for a workshop on personalities and your office! Have you ever interacted with someone and just could not understand the way they communicate, their work style, their decision making or their needs? It’s likely that they have a very different personality style than you, and understanding the 4 personality styles arms you with knowledge for better relationships and a lot less angst in your life! In this fun, interactive and informative workshop, Leadership Facilitator Anne Bonney will illustrate those 4 personality styles so you can have a better understanding of the people you work with, live with and interact with on a daily basis. Don’t miss it. This knowledge will make your life better! AFTER THIS SEMINAR, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO: • Identify the 4 personality styles. • Explain what personality styles you embody and how that connects to your strengths and weaknesses. • Understand the styles that are very different from your own, how that can cause conflict, and how you can avoid that conflict. • Appreciate the differences in personalities and how they can strengthen a team or relationship.
OUR SPEAKER: Anne Bonney is a fun, energetic speaker, author, podcaster and workshop facilitator. After 20 years in highly successful leadership positions, Anne founded Different Shoe Enterprises and now uses her experience, education, and expertise to ignite her audience’s courage to embrace discomfort; in change, in communication and in becoming influential with others. She shares fun and relevant stories, time-tested knowledge and immediately applicable strategies.
Grand Traverse
WOMAN
Register online today at www.grandtraversewoman.com • Tickets $59/each or 2/$49 each. www.grandtraversewoman.com
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Grand Traverse Woman GTWOMAN CAREER PROFILE NORTHERN ART PHOTOGRAPHY
GTWOMAN CAREER PROFILE
Kandace Chapple and Kerry Winkler, Publishers and Entrepreneurs
Sarah Brown – Professional Photographer and Empowered Bombshell Hello gorgeous! I am a Certified Professional Boudoir Photographer. I create images of women that empower, ignite strength and a new appreciation for your reflection in the mirror. My team and I will pamper you for a day starting with professional hair and make-up styling then create beautiful images for you to enjoy every day after. These images will serve to remind you of how awesome and beautiful you are. Women come in all shapes and sizes and ALL are welcome. Whether you are curvy, athletic, thin or somewhere in between you are beautiful right now, today. We all deserve to feel good about ourselves and this experience is the ultimate act of Self Love.
Hello! We are Kandace Chapple and Kerry Winkler, twin sisters and publishers of Grand Traverse Woman Magazine. It’s been 17 years, and we hope our huge amount of hair makes us look like we haven’t aged a bit. Is it working? But our real secret to 16 years is all the laughs and love we’ve shared with all the women who make GTWoman what it is – real, smart, sassy, funny, new and warm. We hope you’ll consider becoming a part of GTWoman’s network – from advertising and articles in the magazine to attending our monthly women’s events where it’s all about building personal (and fun!) relationships. Our number one rule for success? Bringing together and getting to know women who are wonderful!
Grand Traverse
kandace@grandtraversewoman.com kerry@grandtraversewoman.com www.grandtraversewoman.com
WOMAN
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I have created a movement to bring women together. Empowering and inspire each other. Interested in being a part of this awesomeness? We would love to have you! We have a fun group on Facebook for women only. You can find it on Facebook by searching “Empowered Bombshells by Sarah Brown Photography.” We share images, we have giveaways, share stories, triumphs and laughs with each other. We can’t wait to “meet” you.
Change the way YOU see YOU!
Current Special: $99 session fee (normally $299) PLUS $100 off any collection of your choice.
Heather Leigh, Lite 96.3 At Work Host, 10am-3pm It’s hard to believe it’s been 23 years since I first “opened the mic” and did a newscast. It’s true, 23 years on the Northern Michigan air waves and I wouldn’t change a thing. Sure, I have an accounting degree that may bring me more money, but with this gig I get something priceless - to make people smile every day. Whether it’s just a good weather forecast or a crazy story about my 8-year-old Ella, I’d like to think I help people get through their day with “Feel Good Music” and a little bit of entertainment as well. To some, I’m maybe even considered a “friend” which is very flattering. Music has always been the way I’ve expressed my feelings and being able to play something that touches someone else is the best feeling I could get at work!
sarah@sarahbrown-photography.com www.sarahbrown-photography.com 231.883.7481 22
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Heather.Leigh@lite96.com www.Lite96.com
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SARAH BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY
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Sherry Galbraith, Account Executive
Lori Maki, Account Executive
Building relationships based on trust, hard work and a mutually relentless drive to succeed is what I love the most about being an Account Executive with GT Woman Magazine. I invite you to join the GTWoman events and pages (web and paper) and build your business among those who will build you up!
Laura M. Miller, Account Executive As the newest account executive for Grand Traverse Woman, I have enjoyed getting to know the multitudes of strong female leaders in our 5 county region. Highlighting women’s strengths, celebrating their successes and promoting their businesses is what I thrive on. Let me help you reach your marketing goals and join numerous other women in our community.
Grand Traverse
Grand Traverse
Grand Traverse
Grand Traverse
231.276.5105 deb@grandtraversewoman.com
231.276.5105
231.276.5105 laura@grandtraversewoman.com
231.276.5105 lori@grandtraversewoman.com
Deb Dent, Account Executive Hi, there! My name is Deb, and I have enjoyed being an Account Executive with Grand Traverse Woman Magazine for 14 years now! I am passionate about helping clients build a successful brand for their business by tailor designing an advertising campaign to aid in reaching the world’s most powerful consumers . . . WOMEN! I would love the opportunity to work up an advertising package specifically for you!
WOMAN
WOMAN
sherry@grandtraversewoman.com
Kathy McFarren-Smith, Owner Alpha Mail, Inc. Alpha Mail, Inc. is a local business in our 21st year. I love what I do and the people I meet. At times it seems as though the “job” is secondary to the wonderful people I have come in contact with. In my professional life, I have created landscaping for multimillion-dollar homes, as well as managed a 1.2-million-square-foot mall in SW Florida. I have worked with a top-selling Realtor in Traverse City and was a Closing Officer at a local title company. I have also been a bartender in the small town of Kingsley. I have enjoyed every one of my professional experiences and all have taught me skills that I use every day at AMi. Alpha Mail, Inc. provides mailing services from inception to fulfillment. Services include: ideas for a mailing campaign; design; database prep and maintenance; printing and mailing.
Pushing the Envelope Since 1999
www.grandtraversewoman.com
WOMAN
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ALPHA MAIL INC
WOMAN
As an account executive, I help area businesses reach Northern Michigan’s female market with niche advertising in GTWoman Magazine. We work together to develop the client’s relationship with their target audience by using print & digital advertising, social media and networking at local GTWoman events. Contact me to learn how we can grow your business!
kathy@alphamailinc.com www.alphamailinc.com 231.263.4620
Anne Bonney, Speaker Change is hard, and when it comes to necessary changes in your business, resistance often comes hard and fast from your team. As a lifelong purveyor of change, Anne Bonney is uniquely suited to help you minimize resistance and maximize ownership and success in change. Anne has led teams through many organizational transitions from new computer systems, office moves, policy and procedural changes, and personnel and product shifts. She has studied leadership and change management through the renowned John Maxwell Team. She has led fun and energetic keynotes and interactive workshops for audiences from 5-1900 people both nationally and internationally. She is the author of Get Over It!, her book about embracing the discomfort of change. She would love to help you build trust and morale through your organizational transition. Call Anne today and take advantage of the local discount or as she calls it, the “I get to sleep in my own bed!” discount. anne@annebonney.com www.AnneBonney.com • 443.253.2634
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Cares
$1000 Monthly Donation to Local Non-Profits BUILDING A BETTER COMMUNITY BECAUSE WE CARE At Precision, we actively support the non-profit organizations and events that make such a difference in our community. Every month, we donate $1,000 to a local charity or cause, based on nominations we receive from customers and people throughout our area.
Show you care and we will too... NOMINATE A CHARITY OR CAUSE TODAY! lebratin
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Go to www.PrecisionTC.com and click on “Nominate”
Years of Service
FREE AIR-CONDITIONING ESTIMATES | FREE FURNACE ESTIMATES 24 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE | ANNUAL A/C TUNE-UPS Every month, the Precision team carefully reviews the submissions we receive to select a recipient. Follow us on Facebook to view the winners.
24 Hour Service - Call 231.947.0100 • www.PrecisionTC.com 24
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Grand Traverse Woman
Destroy acne, not your skin Common Acne Misconceptions "Acne is just a teenage disease." "There is only one type or cause of acne." "Because a treatment worked on one person, it will work for you."
Sound familiar? It is important to be evaluated by a skin specialist with knowledge of the pathology of acne. Treatment should be based on the patient's type of acne and overall skin condition.
Clean. Cleanse. Control. Finding the perfect cleanser for acne-prone skin is easier than ever with these blemish-banishing formulas! Backed by powerful ingredients like Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide to deeply cleanse, control oil production, and clear pores, these daily essentials deliver targeted, powerful results.
Call to sc e ule your appointment for clear skin to ay!
GREAT LAKES PLASTIC SURGERY & SKIN CENTER www.grandtraversewoman.com
F. Matthew Smith, MD, FACS Emily Hedley, PA-C, MSM 231.935.0180 - glpsc.com March/April '20 25
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Permanent makeuP
FOR A LIFESTYLE THAT TAKES NO TIME AT ALL
Grace Blackmer, Owner After 14 years of training, it was time to move forward. With 20+ years of dance behind me, martial arts was the next logical step. ATA (American Taekwondo Association) is a worldwide organization that is dedicated to improving the student’s physical abilities as well as encouraging emotional growth. I have been studying Songahm Taekwondo since 2005, and after achieving multiple state and national championship titles, 3 levels of judging certifications, my Instructor certification and my 4th degree black belt; I knew 2020 was the year. I am now the proud new owner of ATA Martial Arts of Traverse City. I am honored to be a woman in a profession where strength is exemplified, where I can now give back not only to my husband and 4 children (who also train), but the members of this community who make this area so grand. I am grateful to have the opportunity to share my passion for martial arts with kids, teens, adults, and families. Check our new Facebook page at Facebook.com/ATATCMI. 1127 Centre St, Traverse City, MI 49686 231.933.4744 traverseata.com
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Cheers to 25 Years! Thank you to our wonderful community for 25 years of hair, friendship and great times. We are humbled and honored to be a part of your lives. We are grateful for the loving friendships we have built over the years with our clients and for our fantastic team here at the salon. The Pure Essence experience is one that turns strangers into friends and brings out the best in all of us. We are a community that cares for one another and seeks to see each other thrive. Love, wisdom, encouragement and hugs are doled out in the plenty and our driving ambition is that every soul leaves here happier and more beautiful inside and out. We love and thank you for this 25 year journey. Cheers to many more.
www.pureessencesalon.com
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Microblading, Lip Liner ($50 additional for full lip)
TC Studio
231-715-1069 • www.tcstudio8.com
231.944.5372 www.tcstudio8.com www.integrativeskincare.org
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Vicki Biddinger and Heidi Hallett, Owners
pureessencesalon
Dawn Pater, Serial Entrepreneur Dawn Pater has over 25 years in the spa industry and is the owner of both TC Studio and TC Studio 2. The studios specialize in brows, lashes, microblading, micro-needling and semi-permanent eyeliner. She also owns Integrative Skincare L3C which is set up as a donation-based dayspa, offering skincare $250 Special for all permanent makeup! and for everyone with safe procedures Eyeliner ($50 additional for bottom), products!
430 E Front Street Traverse City, MI 231.935.1808
Beatriz (Bea) Cruz, Beauty Guide When I came across LimeLife with it’s vegan, paraben and animal cruelty-free products, I had to share the exciting news. I love seeing what the skincare and makeup line has done to bring back self confidence, by noticeably reducing wrinkles, scars, blemishes, etc... You can be next! (Se habla español.)
Paige Maurer, Certified Interior Designer Paige Maurer is an award winning and nationally recognized certified interior designer, specialized in kitchen and bath design. Born and raised in Northern Michigan, Paige’s style exemplifies the “Up North Lifestyle” you crave. She is passionate about creating clean, unique and timeless designs while capturing the essence of the space.
231.350.6167 PaigeLeeInteriors.com paige@paigeleeinteriors.com
GTWOMAN CAREER PROFILE
Jude Worden, WEB Design and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Since 1989, my number one priority has been to see my clients succeed. I pride myself on being well-equipped to make recommendations that will enhance your bottom line and keep your business ahead of your competition. I’m local and I’m here for you.
INDEPENDENT BEAUTY GUIDE
b4cruzmoreno@gmail.com www.limelifebyalcone.com 231.633.2719
231.835.2015 jworden@std-op-sys.com
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Grand Traverse Woman GTWOMAN CAREER PROFILE
Laura Pearson-Moore, Owner Our team has been serving Traverse City and its surrounding areas since 2016. We are a fully licensed and insured cleaning service specializing in commercial, residential, post-construction and vacation rental properties. Because we believe it’s the “little things” that make life worthwhile, we only use green cleaning products. Call today for your quote.
231.645.0141 • Find us on Facebook laura@laurascleaningservice.net
GTWOMAN CAREER PROFILE
Ann Pettyjohn, General Manager A native of Traverse City, Ann has over 13 years of experience in the hospitality industry in Northern Michigan. She is excited to be rejoining the wine industry on Old Mission Peninsula serving Hawthorne Vineyards award-winning wines and teaching guests about this remarkable grape-growing region.
info@hawthornevineyards.com hawthornevineyards.com
GTWOMAN CAREER PROFILE
GTWOMAN CAREER PROFILE
Viola McClutchy, Personal Trainer Personal training has consistently been one of the most significant and enjoyable aspects of my life for the past 14 years. My goal for each and every client is to positively impact all aspects of their lives. I focus on cardiovascular conditioning, resistance training and flexibility. At the same time, mental well being is of equal importance. In my years of experience, I’ve worked with a wide range of individuals, who have strived to better their lives through physical activity, this includes training a former contestant on “The Biggest Loser” reality show. I truly love working with any person or group of people, whether at their home or through live online training. I provide a comfortable environment for my clients to make the most of every session. If you strive to not only look, but feel the best you ever have, I’m confident that I will help you achieve those goals! Personal Training | Group Fitness | Spin Instructor | TRX Certified Health & Wellness Practitioner | Therapeutic Acupressure 201.294.1893 | viola7447@aol.com
GTWOMAN CAREER PROFILE
Misha Neidorfler, Owner
Tammy J. Stoerkel, Associate Wealth Advisor
“Not all who wander are lost,” is one of my favorite sayings, and it perfectly describes my life as an entrepreneur. Starting a business from scratch and growing it into a lasting brand has caused me to “wander” as I try new things, learn new skills, and put myself in new situations—all for the benefit and growth of my business. Since Morsels began in 2007, I have learned to be a barista, baker, graphic designer, HR director, marketer, promoter, e-commerce director… in other words, a Small Business Owner! I realized that I love change and being in charge of my own business gives me plenty of opportunity to change roles, ideas, and focus. I am proud of the community-based and online, quality product and service, friendly, inviting, delicious small business that I own! I look forward to whatever “wandering” opportunities come next!
Working in the financial services industry for over 28 years I have had the privilege of working with clients of all ages and backgrounds. My focus for my clients is to have a clear vision of their financial future and help them create a financial plan they can follow and one that can be adjusted as needed. I believe it is never too early to plan for your future self as you envision it. • Securities Registrations; 65, 63, 6 and 7, held through LPL Financial • Life and Variable Contracts, licensed in Michigan • Bachelor of Business Administration from Davenport University 1998
misha@morselsbakery.com morselsbakery.com
www.grandtraversewoman.com
4110 Copper Ridge Drive, Suite 235 Traverse City, MI 49684 • 231.933.0846 www.intentionaladvice.com Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC www.finra.org www.sipc.org
March/April '20 27
Grand Traverse Woman GTWOMAN CAREER PROFILE
Agnes Jury, Co-founder of Local Barter Market Agnes is a local attorney who moved to Traverse City with her family in 2015. She quickly discovered that many people in the area have more than one way to earn a living. But due to the high cost of living and a tourist based economy a lot of people still can’t thrive. What’s the solution? To help supplement the local economy, Agnes will soon be launching a website that offers a local barter market. The website is a platform where people or businesses can post the skills and services they have to offer, others interested can contract with them, and credit is given for services performed. You can then use those credits to contract with anyone else on the market. The website keeps track of the credits exchanged. To learn more visit www.localbartermarket.com or their Facebook page Local Barter Market.
facebook.com/Local Barter Market www.LocalBarterMarket.com
GTWOMAN CAREER PROFILE
At Northwood Animal Hospital we consider our pets as family members. The health and well-being of animals is at the heart of what we do. An important and rewarding part of our profession is giving a voice to the ones who cannot tell us what is wrong. Our staff of caring and educated professionals use their experience and knowledge to treat every patient that comes through the door. We are supporters of lifelong learning and love the fact that no two days are alike. Taking every opportunity to educate and inform pet parents about important health issues is part of our everyday routine. Through our passion for pets, our purpose is to strengthen the human-animal bond. As a team, we strive to enrich the lives of those who bring so much joy to ours. Jennifer Klabunde, DVM, CVCP and Hannah Vanos, DVM,MPH 7966 US Highway 31, Grawn, MI 49637 231.276.6361 info@northwoodpet.com www.northwoodpet.com
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GTWOMAN CAREER PROFILE
Kate Angove, Event and Sales Manager I have spent almost all my professional career in the hospitality industry. Event management and planning is where I belong and is truly a passion. I love meeting prospective brides, grooms, event planners and community members and working with them to create not only well-executed events but unforgettable experiences for all attendees. I was excited to join the team here at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons and in Kirkbride Hall last August. I feel lucky to be part of the community here and to plan events in a space that has so much history. The cathedral-like ceilings and stained-glass windows are just a few characteristics that make Kirkbride Hall the perfect canvas for any occasion. Kirkbride Hall can accommodate seated receptions for up to 160 guests or theater style gatherings up to 300 guests. Please contact me to arrange for a visit to the venue or to discuss your event in more detail. kate@kirkbridehall.com • 231.941.1961 www.kirkbridehall.com
GTWOMAN CAREER PROFILE
Kimberlee Mccardel, Integrated Marketing Specialist Marketing chick that gets it done! When you first meet Kimberlee McCardel, you will be laughing within minutes. Her dry, northern sense of humor puts you at ease immediately. But don’t be fooled. Kimberlee will put her 23+ years of marketing/ promotional experience to work for you with laser focus. She’s not happy until your business gets the results that you are working for. As an integrated marketing specialist, Kimberlee will share her and her team’s expertise of excellent creative, outstanding exposure on top radio stations in the market, and digital products to deliver success. She’s ready to treat you to a cup of coffee. Are you ready to grow your business?
MacDonald Garber Broadcasting kimberlee.mccardel@106khq.com 231.883.5426
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Grand Traverse Woman GTWOMAN CAREER PROFILE
GTWOMAN CAREER PROFILE
Join Traverse Catholic FCU Local Since 1950
We offer our members the following: 30,000 Surcharge-Free ATMs Share Savings and Draft Checking Vehicle and Recreational Loans Mortgages / Home Equity Loans Complete Business Services Student Loans Amanda Molski, MSN RN CPHQ, Associate Director Quality and Clinical Effectiveness Amanda Molski has joined the AAANM team bringing over 10 years of healthcare experience with a focus in quality improvement. Her role aims to improve health outcomes, efficiency, and quality of care across community-based programs in the ten-county region AAANM serves. She is currently pursuing her DNP degree from the University of Kansas.
Kerri Collier, Owner and Cremation Director True passion and empathy for people and pets is an essential part of why I do what I do. While the passing of a cherished pet is one of the most difficult situations pet owners face, my personal goal is that each family we serve would feel our commitment to bringing them peace, comfort, and healing through our services.
molskia@aaanm.org 231.947.8920 • www.aaanm.org
Kerri@GLPetMemorial.com www.GLPetMemorial.com
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231.947.4274 March/April '20 29
Grand Traverse Woman
My
junkin’ journey
BY NIKKI KAY SCHNEIDER
“JUNKIN” for me started at a young age in
MORE
PHOTO BY SUZY ANDERSON
Growing up, I had always felt the need to create. Staging knick-knacks in my bedroom, writing poems, making cards; I loved it. As I entered high school in the fall of 1978, I couldn’t wait for interior decorating class. Despite my passion, though, I ended the semester with a “D.” For discouraged, I guess. After graduating from high school, I worked for various companies: mailroom, secretary, office manager. I made decent money, and I was “successful.” But still, I was not inspired. There was always something missing.
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PHOTO BY LORI WILSON
south suburban Chicago, where I grew up. My dad and I would drive around in his old pick-up truck, and he’d pull over and root through what I considered garbage, looking for something he could fix and re-sell. Embarrassed, I’d slink down in my seat. My dad was a junker when junkin’ wasn’t cool. Maybe I’ve just changed, or maybe junkin’ really is cool now. Regardless, I’ve become a junker, too. During those years, I found magic outside of my cubicle. I met very special people who opened a whole new world for me. I discovered a love for sailing, camping, hiking, cooking, gardening, antiquing, art fairs and traveling. Fires were lit, seeds planted. In 1991, I met my now-husband of 25 years, Mark, in the middle of Lake Michigan on a boat. We shared a mutual love for Michigan. In 2004, we bought 40 acres in Bear Lake. It was our own personal campground and the site of our future dream home.
POLE BARN JUNKIN’ We built a giant pole barn in 2005, and that’s when my dad’s junkin’ bug really bit me. I finally had a place to store my finds. I began collecting farm antiques, architectural salvage, industrial and vintage pieces. I really enjoyed repurposing. By then, Mark had also caught the junkin’ bug. In 2009, corporate America let me go. I was free to start a new chapter but of what, I wasn’t sure. I volunteered and took temporary work. Mark and I loved our time in Bear Lake, and we rescued our first dog, the second love of my life, Max. In 2012, my mom’s health started declining. I had no real job at the time, and with no children of my own, doctor’s appointments and hospital visits became my focus. During the next few years, I went back and forth often between Bear Lake and Chicago. In 2014, Mark and I started working with an architect to design our dream home, but the
plans never came together. Something didn’t feel right.
DREAM COTTAGE In November 2016, our dream house found us. A sweet, little, old cottage on Bear Lake. My mom passed away in the spring of 2017. She never got to see the cottage, but I believe she was able to leave this earth knowing that I had found my true home. Not long after, I joined a wonderful group of artists and fellow junkers at Redeemed Home Decor in Manistee. The artistic environment and positive feedback unleashed my pent-up creative energy and gave it a place to flow. Plus, customers bought my pieces! I began to wonder: Could I make a business of my junkin’?
THE SPACE For years, my friend Bonnie had owned Yellow Dog Café, which sat in a historic building on Onekama’s charming Main Street. The storefront adjacent to her café had been someone’s storage unit. Interested, I made plans to meet the landlord to see about renting the space. My junkin’ venture tugged at me. On the day of meeting the landlord, I was particularly stressed out, in tears over something with my dad. “Is this really a good time to start a new business?” my husband asked. “Yes, NOW is the right time!” I blubbered back.
NIKKI AND MAX AT THEIR DREAM COTTAGE.
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Grand Traverse Woman PATINA I loved all the friends I’d made at Redeemed, and I’d found a kindred spirit in my friend, Karen. Together, we opened the doors of Patina Designs in May 2019. All my passions quickly converged. The treasures I’d been collecting for my dream house now filled my dream store. We welcomed dogs inside for treats. We planted a garden for friends to gather and enjoy delicious café fare. My friend Connie often greets me before “work” with fresh cut flowers from her garden. She also leads our frequent garden workshops. Little and big kids alike enjoy popcorn and lemonade at our old-timey sidewalk events. I meet interesting people who inspire me and whom I have the privilege to inspire. We ended our first season with pet photos with Santa, all donations going to the local animal shelter. Patina reopens May 1 for the season, and I can’t wait to see what the upcoming year brings through the front door.
JUNKIN’ IS COOL Junkin,’ I say proudly now, has filled my heart and soul, and my path feels clear at age 55. I am forever grateful to the countless people who supported me on my journey and who continue to guide and inspire me every day. Especially Dad, who was junkin’ before it was cool. Nikki lives mostly in Bear Lake with her husband, Mark, and their “dog of all dogs,” Max. Patina Designs is located at 4850 N. Main St., Onekama. Find them on Facebook and Instagram. Karen Kolb is Nikki’s “partner in crime and design.” Nikki can be reached at nikki@yachtwatermark.com.
WE DELIVER! 1217 E. FRONT ST. ~ 231.929.2999 1294 W. SOUTH AIRPORT RD. ~ 231.935.9355
“SOMEDAY” IS TODAY. NOW IS THE TIME TO START.
gtbayymca.org www.grandtraversewoman.com
March/April '20 31
Grand Traverse Woman
elevate your empathy BY ANNE BONNEY
Businesses that institute empathetic management styles outperform their rivals. You may have heard of Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, and Netflix. These four giants have some of the highest scores on Harvard Business Review’s 2016 Empathy Index, and they are indisputably the leaders in their industries. When people feel understood, they’re more connected to a leader or an organization, and they are more likely to give their all because they truly feel like they’re part of something. The company’s success essentially becomes their success. That intrinsic motivation is very strong! These are human characteristics, not just employee characteristics, so this stuff works outside of your job, too!
IT AIN’T EASY Empathy can be tough, and it requires a lot of emotional intelligence, or EQ. It doesn’t come automatically, because our caveman brain reacts emotionally, blocking immediate rational thought. But the personal and professional gains that result from increasing our empathy are immeasurably positive, so follow these steps and give it a try.
STEP 1: Choose your target
IN A WORLD full of messages like “Do YOU” and “Stand up for yourself,” empathy sometimes gets lost. What is “empathy,” anyway? Dictionary.com defines empathy as “the ability to understand the feelings of another.” I think what we often forget is that it doesn’t say “to agree with someone” or “to condone their behavior” or “to not hold someone accountable for how their behavior impacts the world around them.” Empathy is merely the ability to understand where someone is coming from, and it allows you to approach a challenging situation in a way that will make it much more likely to get resolved—or at least make it less agonizing.
SHE PUT HERSELF IN THE BULLY’S SHOES A perfect example of empathy was recently shared by Chris, one of the guests on my podcast, Igniting Courage with Anne Bonney. When Chris was 7, she saw the neighborhood bully beating up on a helpless kindergartener. Believing this was unacceptable, Chris grabbed the bully, beat him up and walked the little girl home. Later that day, she saw the bully being teased and shoved around by his older brothers. Suddenly, she realized that this young man overpowered little kids because he felt powerless at home against his older siblings. She also realized that the older brothers might overpower the younger kid because their parents did the same thing to them at home. She certainly didn’t condone his behavior, but she said that had she known his situation, she may have handled the situation differently. This is a simple schoolyard example of the budding of empathy, but it applies to our adult environments, too.
EMPATHY IN THE WORKPLACE Applying empathy at work makes the workplace more than just a pleasant place to be. It has been found that embracing empathy as an individual and as an organization boosts productivity. When companies focus on fostering an empathetic work culture, employees are more productive and satisfied, and retention rates are higher than those in organizations with a more antiquated “shut up and do your job” approach.
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Who is that co-worker, neighbor, boss or family member who drives you nuts? Maybe it’s their opinions, the way they communicate, their actions, life choices, or the way they do their hair. Make a conscious effort to gain an understanding of where their behavior might be coming from. Put yourself in their shoes, like Chris did with the schoolyard bully.
STEP 2: Consider the other options When someone’s behavior, statement, opinion or decision gets your goat, ask yourself, “Why would a rational, intelligent, mature adult do/ think that?” It may be completely different than something you would do, so you have to look beyond your own norms and really try to come up with alternatives other than “they’re an idiot,” “they’re doing it to bug me,” or any of the other myriad of stories we tell ourselves when we feel negatively about a person.
STEP 3: Be curious and ask questions At a previous position I held, the accountant, Susan, was an introvert. She was fabulous at her job, but her social skills left you with less than a warm and fuzzy feeling. She was downright prickly. I couldn’t relate to her, I hated talking to her, and I often thought, “Why can’t she just be friendly, for crying out loud?” One day, I realized that I had never talked to Susan about anything other than work. I didn’t know anything about her. So when I saw a picture of an adorable puppy on her desk, I asked about the picture. Susan’s face brightened as she told me about Precious, her 3-month-old Cockerdoodle pup.
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Grand Traverse Woman She told me that she’d been depressed ever since her husband had died the previous year, and that the past month had been the happiest she’d been in a long time. She then apologized for sometimes seeming angry, smiled at the photo in the frame and said, “I have a reason to smile now.” I was glad I asked because suddenly her prickly demeanor had a completely different meaning. You won’t always get such a satisfying understanding, but be curious, ask people about themselves (in a non-invasive, non-creepy way!), and you’ll be amazed with what you learn! It’s especially hard with those people you don’t relate to, but you may ultimately realize that you’re actually more alike than different, and empathy will be easier.
STEP 4: Listen to understand, not just to respond As intelligent problem solvers, we often listen to respond. Assuming we know what someone is going to say, we move on to the task of figuring out what we’re going to say next. As a result, we often miss out because instead of focusing on the speaker, we’re focusing on ourselves and sharing our brilliance! Don’t worry, you’ll get your chance. The key to building empathy is looking for someone else’s value, so put your response on hold and truly listen to understand.
STEP 5: Be OK with differences Diversity in today’s world doesn’t just mean differences in race, gender or age. It also means variations in educational background, culture of origin, where you grew up, experiential differences, personality style, religion, etc. We are different in so many ways and for so many different reasons. You don’t have to agree or even understand to be able to say “OK, that’s your truth. I can accept that.” Don’t expect people to think and act like you. When faced with a difference, be curious rather than afraid. It’s our differences that make the human experience so much richer.
GTWoman
WORKSHOP SERIES FOCUSING ON WOMEN’S EDUCATION
Build your empathy with us on March 16th in the final installment of the GTWoman Leadership Seminar Series: Personality Styles! The event is 9-11:30 a.m. at Kirkbride Hall. Visit www.grandtraversewoman.com for tickets.
Anne Bonney is a change expert, leadership trainer, professional speaker and author who resides in Traverse City. After a 20-year career in leadership and education roles ranging from Boston to Tucson, she left corporate to share her energetic, fun approach to positive leadership with audiences. Visit her at www.annebonney.com.
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March/April '20 33
Grand Traverse Woman
The
Road Less Traveled BY JESSICA NOVACK
IN THE
United States, more than 7.5 million people work in the construction industry. Only 10 percent of them are women. It’s hard to grasp the full significance of that second statistic until you’re standing on a construction job site as a woman. It was certainly not something I ever considered when I was thinking about what I wanted to do for a living. Frankly, I never envisioned myself working in the skilled trades at all. My parents were a part of that world: my dad worked in plumbing and mechanical, and my mom did construction cleaning. But I saw a different path for myself, which is why I enrolled at Northwestern Michigan College in 2008 to pursue a degree in accounting. I did end up getting my associate’s degree in accounting, but something funny happened along the way: I found my passion somewhere else, in the exact place I never would have thought to look for it.
THE STARTING POINT Windemuller Electric and I were a strange match. When I applied with the company in 2011, I did it on a whim, because I needed a job to help me pay the bills. Windemuller didn’t have any job openings, especially for someone with zero construction industry experience and no intention of pursuing a long-term degree in the field. They hired me anyway. When I started with Windemuller, I was an assistant, and then later a receptionist; not exactly what you’d picture when you hear the phrase “woman in
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March/April '20
construction.” But the more time I spent with the company, the more the work intrigued me. I loved looking at design drawings and learning about the inner workings of different projects. I loved the atmosphere of the company: being in a place where we were really, truly building something new every day.
THE FORK IN THE ROAD When I finished my accounting degree, I decided to stay: the world of bookkeeping and tax advising would always be out there waiting for me if I wanted to go back to it. Why not see where this newer, stranger path led me? Looking back now, I’m so happy that I stood at that fork in the road and took the path less traveled. I can’t imagine a day as an accountant being quite as thrilling as the day that Windemuller promoted me from receptionist to electric designer, and I certainly can’t fathom anything as pinch-meI-must-be-dreaming amazing as working my way up to a project management role. That latter accomplishment is something that I am especially proud of, because I am the first female project manager in Windemuller’s history.
was worth $1.6 million, and the whole thing was on my shoulders. I felt like I wanted to throw up. I also knew that there were people on that worksite who didn’t think I belonged there. Just about everyone else on the job was a man. Most of them were older than me; a few of them were twice my age. When I showed up to that project site on day one, I could tell they were thinking, “Who the heck are you?” “What are you doing here?” “Did I miss the memo about Bring Your Daughter to Work Day?” I felt like a lot of people were expecting me to fail. This was a big project, and everyone was staring at me and sizing me up, wondering if I had what it took to weather this huge make-or-break
NAVIGATING THE BUMPS It hasn’t been a road without bumps or challenges. The first time I stepped onto a job site that I was responsible for running, I was more scared than I’ve ever been of anything in my life. The client was a multibillion-dollar entity, the contract
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Things are a little different when I walk onto a job site now. That first project ended with a happy customer and a happy general contractor, and my colleagues saw that I had what it took to do this work and do it well. Now, I feel more confident in myself when I’m dealing with customers, or directing Windemuller’s crews, or communicating with the other contractors on a job. I still don’t see many women out there, but that trend is slowly changing. And I still do encounter some men who are clearly against the idea of women in the trades, but they are becoming fewer and further between.
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PAVING THE WAY FOR OTHERS Encountering people like that–the ones who look at you and think you are intruding in their world–can be hard. For the most part, though, it’s just made me prouder to be the thing that I never thought I would be: a woman in the skilled trades. I’m proud to be an advocate for women and girls entering this field, and an example of what they can accomplish if they work hard and don’t let themselves be discouraged by all the voices saying “You can’t do this.” I’m a firm believer in the idea that when you get to the top of the mountain, you turn around and help the person behind you. So to the women and girls thinking about the skilled trades as a career path, I say this: Don’t let anyone intimidate you. Be confident that you can do the same things men can do. You bring a different mindset, a different perspective, and a different set of skills to the table, and all of those things are valuable. You may be taking the road less traveled today, but if your experience is anything like mine, you’ll wake up tomorrow knowing that no other road could ever have felt so much like home. Jessica Novack is a project manager at Windemuller in Traverse City. She can be reached at jnovack@windemuller.us.
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March/April '20 35
Grand Traverse Woman Well, my dad was right. Louise was gentle, patient, sweet and instantly bonded with my children. She went home with us that day, and with a new name, too. My oldest child’s favorite movie is A Dog’s Journey, so of course, we had to change Louise’s name to Bailey, to match the dog from the movie. We also had to research Bailey’s journey.
SAVED The Director of the GLHS informed me that Bailey was a stray in Texas, a state with an overwhelming population of stray dogs. Several nonprofit organizations work to arrange transportation for dogs from Texas to other states for a greater chance of adoption. NoKill Rural Texas, one such organization, rescued Bailey. Thanks to NoKill Rural Texas, Bailey was saved from euthanasia and transported from volunteer to volunteer, state to state, until she reached Michigan… until she reached us. In addition to believing in signs and dreams, we are also strong believers in paying it forward. Numerous people worked together to rescue Bailey and transport her to safety, so Bailey needed to pay it forward, too. With a full time job and three kids, I wasn’t sure how we were going to make time for volunteering. Well, another Facebook post led me to Bailey’s next step in her journey: Volunteering with Hospice of Michigan.
A VOLUNTEER PUP
Good dog! BY ANDREA HOLCZMAN
IN THE SPRING of 2017, my son Parker nonchalantly informed me that we were supposed to have a black dog. He had a dream about one, apparently, and we needed to find it. My son was 3. I didn't think much of it at first, but Parker persisted, the dream repeating night after night. If it was meant to be, it would be, I thought. Turns out, it was.
THE BLACK DOG My family and I strongly believe in signs, and I myself have followed a few dreams over the years. Inspired by my son’s premonitions, I began looking online at adoptable dogs. My husband, though, was adamant: We did not need another dog. I have a terrible habit of not listening to my husband. On June 19, 2017, I come across a Facebook post on the Great Lakes Humane Society’s page, about a black dog with caramel eyes. Louise. I was drawn to her immediately, sharing her picture with my parents, strategically not sharing it with my husband. Sorry, honey. I had to meet this black dog.
MEETING LOUISE When I arrived at GLHS, I was surprised to see my parents there, too, walking Louise around. My dad walked her up to my son. “Here is your black dog!” he announced. I was horrified. Why was he telling my 3-year-old that this was his dog?! What if she wasn’t good with kids, or wasn’t a good fit? Parker was going to be so upset if we didn’t leave with this dog! Why do parents have to meddle?!
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For me, small talk with strangers is uncomfortable. So, the idea of volunteering to visit strangers felt daunting. But this was Bailey’s journey, and I didn’t have a choice. I was just her assistant. I reached out to Hospice of Michigan and started the process of applications, fingerprinting, background checks, tests, vaccines, training, and more. The volunteer coordinators for HOM, Kathy L. and Kathy S., were extremely patient with my schedule and worked with me to complete all the necessary tasks prior to volunteering. Several months after initially reaching out to HOM, I finally finished all the perquisites. Bailey and I were ready for our first volunteer opportunity.
FIRST DAY Bailey was scheduled to meet with three residents. We met up with Kathy S., and she went over our itinerary: Who we’d visit, what to expect and how to document our visit afterwards. Kathy was bubbly and easily sociable. I am not. Doubt crept in. Was I going to be able to do this type of volunteer work? Bailey seemed to sense my nervousness and clung to my side, my own personal emotional support pup. Again, I reminded myself that this wasn’t about me. My job was to assist Bailey in her work. The facility was much warmer and homier than I had anticipated. Each residents’ room resembled a small apartment, decorated with personal items, knickknacks, family pictures and recliners with throw blankets. We slowly made our way to each scheduled visit, with many stops for pets from people we met along the way. Gradually, my anxiousness eased. Small talk is easy when you have a dog with you, I learned. “What is her name? What breed is she? Where did you get her?” Bailey sat patiently with each person who approached her, allowing them to love on her. Some residents preferred to
Andrea is a wife, mother and has been a full time emergency telecommunicator for the past 12 years. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, camping, painting and rock hunting with her family. If you are interested in volunteering for Hospice of Michigan, with or without a pet, or just want more information, visit www.hom.org.
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Grand Traverse Woman just look at her, and some, well let’s just say, were “cat people.” Overall, I could not be prouder of how Bailey handled herself, and I’m proud of myself for pushing past my own reservations about volunteering. Bailey and I plan to volunteer with HOM once or twice a month.
BAILEY’S PURPOSE Bailey started her journey as a stray, then as long-term resident at a high-kill shelter. She was rescued by volunteers and traveled across the country via a network of helpers and landed at a Northern Michigan shelter. Thanks to a toddler’s dreams and a Facebook post, she ended up with us. Now, she is a hospice volunteer. That’s one amazing journey, if you ask me. My husband was slightly annoyed at first when I brought home another dog. But, he has since conceded that I was right. Bailey was destined to be with us, even if she does steal his shirts and snuggle with them. He doesn’t mind too much.
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Grand Traverse Woman
The Art of
designing Your Life BY BETH BARBAGLIA
YOU have the power to design the life you want… and the first step is identifying what it is you actually want. MAYBE this sounds familiar to you: “I know I’m meant to do more; I just don’t know what.” Or perhaps this sounds more familiar: “I did everything I was supposed to, but life doesn’t feel as fulfilling as I thought it would.” If you can relate to either of those statements, it’s time to learn how to break that cycle and start chasing something that really excites you.
WHAT YOU’RE “SUPPOSED” TO DO For most of our lives, we’ve had a map of what we’re supposed to accomplish, but once we get past the traditional pursuits, it can feel like we’re in the middle of nowhere wondering where we go from here. When I was in college, I did what I was supposed to: I worked hard as both a student and an athlete, and I built rapport with my professors and fellow students. Upon graduation, I was honored with a university award at the undergraduate level, and a year later, I was honored as the MBA Student of the Year and asked to be the commencement speaker at the graduation ceremony. I was, and still am, extremely grateful to have been recognized for my hard work, but I can distinctly remember as I was accepting each of the awards that I still didn’t feel accomplished. I didn’t feel proud. I didn’t feel excited. I felt…obedient. I did what I was supposed to and got gold stars for doing so. But I didn’t want to feel obedient in my life; I wanted to feel invigorated and free.
IDENTIFY WHAT YOU WANT TO FEEL IN YOUR LIFE Which leads me to the first step in creating your new life map: Identify what it is YOU want, not what’s expected of you. Ask yourself not just what you want in terms of accomplishment, but how do you want your life to feel? Here are some examples of how you may want your life to feel: • I want to feel peaceful. • I want to feel excited by my work. • I want the freedom to go where I want and do what I want. In my case, while I was achieving what I was “supposed” to academically, I also began shooting videography for a rock band I loved, started a production company with friends, pitched and shot our first music video, and got a gig at a local music venue interviewing artists who were in town touring. To every parent’s collective dismay, THAT was when I truly felt alive and like I was accomplishing what I wanted. Going on the road with a rock band, while nowhere near as upstanding
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an endeavor as winning university awards, gave me the feeling I wanted to have in my life; it was addicting and gave me unprecedented energy. Eventually, I started to focus on how I wanted my life to feel in order to identify if what I’m chasing is going to move me closer to my life feeling ideal for ME. So, are you chasing a dream that gives you butterflies? That gives you a hit of dopamine every time you think about it? That gets you closer to a life that you feel was designed exactly for you? Without identifying what you want your life to feel like, you can end up chasing goals that ultimately feel unfulfilling when you accomplish them.
HOW TO FIND YOUR REAL DREAM If you’re having trouble identifying what it is that you want to chase, try this: grab a piece of paper and draw two columns. In the first column, list what you’re naturally good at, and in the second column, list what you enjoy doing—the things that give you the feeling that you want
from your life (e.g., peace, freedom, etc.). Make both lists and then, like a matching game, begin cross-referencing each list to see if you have overlapping skills or talents in both columns.
IDENTIFY WHAT’S STOPPING YOU Once you’ve figured out what you DO want to pursue, you need to determine what’s stopping you or getting in the way. For instance, if you want your life to feel peaceful and you have wonderful relationships and passion projects that fulfill you, but you have a career in the stock exchange…well…one of these things is not like the other. If you want peace in your life, but your career is a huge barrier to achieving that, it may be time to reconsider your career options. You have incredible potential waiting to be tapped. Your life is yours to design, so put pen to paper and begin drawing up your plan. The world needs you.
Beth has been a marketing professional for 7+ years with a background as a coach in sports, education and health. What started as her own personal growth journey in these areas has become a passion in helping others build a life they love. She can be reached at info@lifewithbethandcourt.com.
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BETHA BETHANY DESIGN BETHANY GULDE 231.645.1072 www.bethanydesigntc.com bethany.gulde@gmail.com
May/June 2020
Motherhood Issue with Special Sections on Adoption, Parenting & Female Health The Mom Market is enormous and diverse! Use GTWoman as your vehicle to get in front of that audience. Ad deadline: April 13th To learn more about our upcoming issue call or text 231.276.5105 or email sales@grandtraversewoman.com www.grandtraversewoman.com www.grandtraversewoman.com
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March/April '20 39
Grand Traverse Woman incessantly called about her wedding that weekend, and I had to put on a happy face and answer. As the doctors confirmed our loss with additional tests and an ultrasound, I reassigned our staff members and arranged for equipment transfers for the wedding. I was on autopilot, doing what I had to do to stay afloat. I had been actively culling responsibilities from my life, trying not to overcommit so I could focus on building our family and keep our household sane. However, my miscarriage made me feel like I hadn’t done enough.
HEAVY I carried the chaos of the preceding months like a weight growing heavier and heavier with each passing day. My mother had suffered a stroke, which resulted in severe aphasia, so I traveled to prepare her home and arrange for caregivers. Our son had to see specialists for a heart defect. Workwise, I was assembling and leading a class action litigation against a township for our short-term rental business. On top of it all, I was the primary provider for our family while my husband established his own business. As I managed Timeless Media Productions and a vacation rental business, I was also working with a coproducer on pitching a television series to networks. I was beyond overwhelmed, and my stress levels had ramped up my autoimmune diseases and their side effects. With my added depression, I just wanted to sleep.
SICK PUPS
Gains & Losses HOW A HARD YEAR CHANGED ME BY SAMANTHA E. FALL
IN 2018 my family experienced multiple deaths, hardships and endings; seemingly one after the other. My business, Timeless Media Productions, would be celebrating its 10-year anniversary the following year, but I wasn’t sure we’d make it. It was a year of all loss and no gains. Even though it was a painful year, I tried to focus on the bigger picture. Perhaps by enduring these experiences, we were finding a more appropriate path or becoming stronger, wiser, or more compassionate. Still, the throes of each hardship took its toll, and I wanted to surrender.
LOSS After a long road of trying, my husband and I were expecting our second child, a baby we’d been desperate for. We were so excited, and our son was thrilled. Our dream of growing our family, however, was cut short. The day before we planned to release our announcement photos, I called our midwife regarding some alarming symptoms I’d been experiencing. She informed me that I was likely having a miscarriage. “I’m so sorry, Samantha,” she said. “I pray Jesus holds your heart in his hands through this difficult time.” I screamed, cried and slid down the wall, holding my belly in despair. But even then, work never stopped. I remember while I was at the hospital, that a bride
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The next month, I had to put down our first beloved bulldog, Jack the Mack, after a long battle with MRSA and sepsis. Shortly after, our other amazing bulldog, Annebelle, had to be put down, as she was dying from intestinal lymphoma. I gained freedom from the months of compounding pills, dog incontinence diapers, tonic clonic seizures, hand feeding, and washing linens daily, but I felt as if I had lost two children. I was heartbroken. To add more stress, our son, Cameron, was navigating his “terrible 2s.” With no family in the area, it was just my husband and I tackling the hurdles and raising our child. Life was winning and I was tapped out.
JUST KEEP SWIMMING One day, I sat on the couch with our beautiful son as he watched Finding Nemo. As Dory sang her refrain, “Just keep swimming, just keep swimming,” it oddly felt like the Divine was speaking to me. I had been asking for affirmations, and now, here it was. Simple. Profound. I cried, and then, prompted by Dory’s sage advice, I decided to consolidate to the extreme. With all those losses, I did gain something. I learned to say “no” to many requests and to delegate work. I started scheduling family weekends and set boundaries with people who took more than they gave. I went to counseling so I could unload my stress, and I began to build a support system in our lives. I looked at our son’s tantrums through new eyes and found patience and peace. I found the blessing in our miscarriage that made me feel so lucky to have our son; what a miracle it was that he was alive and healthy. We honored the legacy of our dogs by choosing to love again
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and brought home another bulldog in need. And, we just celebrated our 10-year anniversary for Timeless with a charity shoot for the Cherryland Humane Society.
THE BEAUTY OF SIMPLE Today, our family is still standing strong; business is great and we’re embracing simplicity as our philosophy. Knowing that stress creates disease, we have established a healthier work-life balance to ensure our long-term health and happiness. Whenever our confidence is shaken, we trust that there is always a divine plan and find solace in that knowledge. During dark periods, I don’t dare ask, “What else?” or “Why me?” Instead, I focus on what I do have, what I am grateful for and the hope of what the future holds. I keep my head up and remind myself of how much worse things could be. Life’s ups and downs have enabled me to see beauty in the simple things. The older I become, the more I am aware that life is fleeting, so I had better savor it and prioritize. Samantha Fall is a published author and owner of Timeless Media Productions. She resides in Traverse City. Visit www.TimelessMediaProductions.com to learn more.
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Grand Traverse Woman
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trouble (in the) hood 1914
Grand Traverse Woman
BY KERRY WINKLER
THE COLLEGE
FRESHMAN RETIREE ting at the kitchen table—working from my home ‘office’… and asked me what I was doing at home. Me, his mother. The one who stocks the fridge and pays the mortgage. The one who lets the dog out at 3 a.m. to puke and feeds the cats at 3:01 a.m. The one who has worked from home for 17 years. He doesn’t seem to understand: He’s the interloper, not his mother.
A NEW ROUTINE During Max’s senior year in high school, I fretted about him going away to college. Tucked in my back pocket was the reassurance that I’d still have a few years of NMC to have him home with me. Well, no one told me that it would rival the stories of retirees everywhere. The retirees who disrupt long-standing routines, who putter, who spend too much time in too little space. The retirees who are back home during the day, after years of being at work. It turns out this, too, can describe a college freshman living at home. Add in that I work from home and this new routine is taking time to get used to. Max’s schedule is irregular; he comes and goes to work, to school, out at night. And there’s no curfew. The irony is that I actually want a curfew… for when he is allowed to come home. It’s been a challenge for me to get used to him being at home during my working hours.
MORNINGS OF A DIFFERENT NATURE I’m a morning person with lots of energy to chat when the sun is up. Him, not so much. But never has it been more obvious than seven days per week of him not responding to my morning chatter. Max just tells me I talk too loudly, talk too much… At first, I thought it would be nice to have a morning companion. But now the chatter is part of my plan to drive him out into the world and give me back my office space! Each morning, I offer breakfast to him and his sister. Each morning, it’s a “not hungry” comment from Max. Then, no matter what time of the day he rolls in, he will skulk around my computer, and ask “What’s for lunch?” It’s 10 a.m.! I just offered breakfast and it’s hours until lunchtime in the real world.
AFTERNOON NAPS When he was 3 years old, I’d live for naptimes to get work done. It was a golden day if I could get a morning and an afternoon nap out of him. So much work was accomplished! But now, the sight of him snoozing on the couch at 2 p.m. makes me twitch. There are dishes to be done, a dog to be walked, floors to be swept. But, oh, the freedom he must feel to just shut it out for an hour, no obligations in the immediate future. And ohso-close to danger with his mother sitting there, working away, seething, planning to get a voodoo doll in his likeness. Granted, he might have worked a midnight shift the night before. Or was it that he stayed up until 1 a.m. watching “The Office”?
NEVER-ENDING EVENINGS Max, Brook and I usually settle in to watch some favorite TV shows. But now there’s pressure. Max has no set bedtime anymore, so he’s gunning for staying up late and watching his favorite shows. Like a retiree, he can wing it, making up for his sleep at other times of the day. So, there we sit. Brook and I obstinately on one couch and him on the other, ready to switch the channel the moment we yawn. Of course, he outlasts us. We have to get up at 5:45 a.m.! We head to bed, and I hear the hum of the TV in the living room until well-past midnight. I fight the urge to yell, “It is BEDTIME!”
OVER THE HUMP We are now almost through his freshman/retiree year. He’s learned to make his own lunch at random times of the day, and to mumble a few polite words to me each morning to keep me happy. I’ve learned to turn a blind eye at the 2 p.m. naps, reminding myself I didn’t work a midnight shift and he can, in fact, walk the dog after the nap. I’ve even been known to generously make him a PB&J sandwich at 7 a.m., so it’s ready when he rolls back in at 10 a.m. My work schedule still is a bit off with the disruptions, but I know I’ll be writing about an empty nest soon enough. I’ll take the “retiree” years as they come and make the best of them!
Kerry Winkler is the account director and publisher of Grand Traverse Woman Magazine. She lives with her 2 teenagers, 3 cats and 1 pup in Interlochen. She can be reached at kerry@grandtraversewoman.com.
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NORTHERN ART PHOTOGRAPHY
MAX ARRIVED HOME the other day, threw a disgruntled look at me sit-
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THE
momma 1715
HILLS
MY SON, Nelson, 15, loves to snowmobile. I usually ride with him once or twice a season on a family outing. We take a nice ride to a lunch at Geno’s, with a stop by Grass Lake to admire the river. A perfectly pleasant outing complete with rest stops, food breaks and photo opps. However. What about a ride, just me and Nelson, on a whim, after school with a few hours of daylight left knocking? The invite was unexpected and… wonderful. “Yes, yes,” I told him, “I would love to go!” But, just me and him? On machines? In the middle of nowhere? Inside, a little worry came along. If something happened, Tim wouldn’t be there to fish us out. When I really stopped to think about it, I realized I had never actually been the adult in charge on a ride. To make matters worse, I would be driving Tim’s sled—with turbo. Not a problem, I assured myself. I had driven sleds since I was 5. I had another 40 years of experience in now, less doing any actual repairs. I got my snow gear on. Over time, my collection of flashy flame-designed snow gear had gone out of style. For this ride, I opted for Tim’s neon green helmet and my pink ski jacket from 1997. I also pulled on my heated socks (THE BEST $100 I HAVE EVER SPENT) and sled-riding bravado. Nelson said he was going to show me “The Hills.” It was a plot of land where my son disappeared for hours at a time and returned with stories that made me break out in a sweat. Off we went, down the side of the road. Around driveways and up awkward snowbanks and over brown snow—snirt. I had ridden this road many times before, so what made today different?
THE TURBO Every bump I hit turned the machine into a wild beast. The throttle was hard to handle with my fashionable (poor-choice) fluffy mittens. I had little to no control of the turbo.
BY KANDACE CHAPPLE WWW.KANDACECHAPPLE.COM
Nelson looked back several times to make sure I hadn’t fallen off the back of my own sled. It was my first inkling that I wasn’t actually the adult in charge at all. Next, we reached a two-track and hung a left. Nelson motored away from me in a nanosecond, thinking I was right behind him. I moved along at a steady 25 mph—and I was pushing hard. Alone with the machine, I tried to bond with it, to become one with it. This caused me to slow down further, making me question which way the tracks went at every fork, slowly eroding my confidence and sense of direction. My feet, however, stayed warm. Finally, I came upon Nelson. Sitting, looking over his shoulder—and off like a shot the minute he saw I was alive.
THE DITCH We cut down the side of a gravel road next. He directed me to a broken-in flat trail where I could travel along without too much of a (thumb) wrestling match. He, on the other hand, disappeared in a poof of snow and went down the opposite ditch wide-open. It was a beautiful thing to watch a man and his machine, unleashed from math homework, enjoying God’s green (white) earth. As his mother, though, I disapproved. “Slow down!” I shouted, making a motion like I was going to kill him myself. He didn’t slow down. I was… mad? No, I didn’t have time to be mad. He was almost out of sight, and I had no idea where the hills were, nor where I was. He was solely and firmly in charge at this point.
THE HILLS A few miles later, we arrived. The Hills, as I had feared, were endless peaks of snow-covered hills. Perfect for record-high jumps and ER visits. I sat and watched him ride, but if I was going to bond, I knew I had to do it: I offered to get pics, even as I wondered if I should be grounding him. I got some killer shots, much to my dismay.
THE DEAL BREAKER On the way home, Nelson took a shortcut. We veered through the field to the base of a steep uphill climb that would pop us up on a dirt road in the trees. I stopped. At the bottom. I shook my head, crossed my arms and sat. Down Nelson walked. I got off the turbo; he got on. He drove it up; I climbed the (steep, treacherous, death-defying) hill on foot. “I forgot that steep hill was there for you,” he said, acknowledging my one condition of this ride. “No problem,” I said, getting back on my sled and revving it. “Let’s git it!” I was trying to save face, just a couple bros out on their sleds, me in my pink jacket. Nelson didn’t reply. Instead, he walked back to his sled, turned and gave me a “thumbs-up.” But. It was a question. He was asking if I was ready to go. I had become the child, and he, the parent. I didn't know how to feel. Maybe... delighted? I gave him a “thumbs-up” back, laughing inside my helmet. I decided I had done something right to raise a kiddo who would take his mom out on a ride... and bail her out, without a word, when she chickened out on her turbo! Kandace Chapple is the editor and co-publisher of Grand Traverse Woman. Her essays have been published in Writer’s Digest, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Literary Mama, Motherwell and more. She loves to mountain bike, hike with her dog (Cookie!), her husband and two sons. Visit her at www.kandacechapple.com.
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Grand Traverse Woman
March/April '20 45
Grand Traverse Woman
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2020 GIRLS WEEKEND
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