New Hampshire Women Magazine

COMPLIMENTARY

August/September 2020

NEW HAMPSHIRE

WOM E N MAGAZINE celebrating the women of New Hampshire

A Conversation with Marjorie Thorpe, Owner Coastal Design Magazine Pg. 14

THE HOME ISSUE

Inside: Renew MediSpa Dr. Lisa Vuich Newer Options for the “Non-Surgical Face Lift” NH Women Magazine / VOL 2 ISSUE 10 / 1

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New Hampshire Women Magazine’s print publication is published by Melissa DiOrio of Gracant Communications (melissa@nhwomenmagazine.com). The name ‘New Hampshire Women Magazine’ is registered as a trade name with the State of New Hampshire by SG Communications, LLC and is used herein with its permission. The term ‘New Hampshire Women’ is registered as a trademark with the State of New Hampshire by SG Communications, LLC and is used herein with its permission.

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CROWN POINT CABINETRY: CREATING CLASSIC WORDS: Crystal Ward Kent The kitchen is the heart of the home, and nothing sets a kitchen’s tone like quality cabinets. Crown Point Cabinetry in Claremont, New Hampshire has been helping homeowners, interior designers and builders create gorgeous custom kitchen cabinets and more for 40 years. Owner Brian Stowell is proud to carry on his family’s business, which was started by his father. “At one point, all seven of his children worked here as adults, but I was the only one who wanted to run the business one day,” he says.

“Today, a number of us are still involved, and we are pleased to offer some of the finest quality all-wood cabinetry for the kitchen, dining room, bath

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or other rooms—all available directly from us.”

Crown Point is unique in the cabinetry world because customers can buy direct (there are no dealers), and because of the exceptional product. “We build custom cabinets and that allows us to offer a lot of things that you cannot get with pre-built options,” explains Stowell. “We use only the finest materials and workmanship, offer period designs, and create cabinets and furnishings that not only look great, they suit your lifestyle. When people walk into a kitchen and see our cabinets, they literally go ‘Wow.’ That’s the difference that quality workmanship and design makes.”

Stowell notes that Crown Point’s cabinets are built like cabinets

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“Our cabinets echo the Shaker style. They aren’t clunky. They have a smooth look that works with anything. We also offer a wide range of woods, from cherry, maple and oak to reclaimed woods like antique oak and chestnut, and even old growth heart pine. In addition, you can choose from a wide variety of styles, from Traditional to Arts & Crafts, Victorian, and Early American.

According to Stowell, the number one trend in cabinets is what he calls “Transitional,” a hybrid blend of Traditional and a more modern look. “People are wanting a more classic look and less ornate styles. They want something timeless--not just a slab door.”

Even though Crown Point Cabinetry offer an incredible range of woods, Stowell says that 80 to 85 percent of the cabinets they sell are painted, and of those, 80 percent are some shade of white—and they offer 25 standard whites. “People love a painted white kitchen because it looks so clean and airy,” he says. “They bring in color with accessories, or by doing the upper cabinets in white but the lower in blue, for example. Or, we often see them doing the island in a color. The island is a great vehicle for bringing in something different or special. We’ll often see customers have the island done in a unique wood, like a reclaimed chestnut or the heart pine. It’s a way to indulge in an option that you might not pursue for the cabinets.”

New Options Recently, Crown Point began offering a new line called Crown Select, which has proven very popular. The Crown Select line offers all of the custom quality of Crown Point, but at a lower price point. “With Crown Select,

customers can choose from four woods and 20 colors, rather than unlimited colors and a broader range of woods, but they still get that amazing quality,” says Stowell. “They can also still choose a Crown Point island or range hood, if they wish.” Crown Select has clearly struck a chord with consumers—Stowell hoped for two million dollars in business from Crown Select the first year it was offered, and that goal was met; he aimed for four million for the second year and Crown Select is already on track for over six million with the year not yet up.

Amazing craftsmanship is clearly the big draw for Crown Point, but customer service is right up there. Visitors to the showroom quickly learn that Crown Point staff really listen to their ideas for a dream kitchen, and are able to assist them in planning a space that works for them. “We had one couple who both liked to cook and complained that they were always bumping into each other,” recalls Stowell. “We said, how about two islands? We measured and their kitchen could comfortably accommodate two, so problem solved. They had his and her cooking islands. Sometimes it just takes talking to an expert in the business to find an easy solution.”

Stowell is excited about the future of both Crown Select and Crown Point, and promises to continue to deliver on customer’s desires. “We just started offering walnut drawers and interiors after customers responded enthusiastically to an initial promotion. We try to stay on top of what people want. We also just invested in new equipment so we can stay ahead of our delivery goals. We are grateful for all of our success, and pleased that people still appreciate quality workmanship. This was something previous generations valued, and it’s good to see that hasn’t changed.”

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EDUCATION COLUMN How Schools Should Prepare To Start The School Year Strong This Fall

By Samantha Wingate, Director of Admissions and Advancement Investing In The Learning Environment

Families are facing a lot of uncertainty about what the new school year will look like. Despite unique challenges ahead, it’s every school’s responsibility to take bold steps in ensuring their community is ready.

Here’s how schools should be preparing to meet families and students where their needs lie—online or on campus.

Providing What Families Need Most Options Individualized education is the best path to student success. Providing blended learning options will be integral to finding the best balance for students this year.

To meet a new set of needs this fall, schools must be aware that operations will likely look different when resuming onsite education. To meet this challenge, schools must plan to make changes to day-to-day processes by: • • • • •

Thanks to modern technology, parents should be able to expect that schools can provide the same level of education for all students—whether they’re joining class remotely or in-person in the classroom.

Students have been through enough with the changes COVID-19 has brought; a quality education should be a priority among schools, regardless of how they choose to resume operations.

Limiting large gatherings to adhere to social distancing guidelines Altering lunch/class procedures to prioritize small groups and mitigate student exposure Adding partitions to class spaces and spacing desks 6 feet apart Continuing wellness checks, hand washing and mask requirements for staff & students Increasing cleaning procedures to focus on intense sanitation techniques

Educators should also be committed to making substantial changes to the learning environment, upgrading infrastructures to support healthy learning and provide bandwidth for quality remote instruction.

Technology like modern air filter systems can provide information on airflow throughout the facility, and video conferencing and remote education cameras in every room help students stay connected.

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By investing in technology that optimizes learning spaces, schools can ensure that students continue to progress without a “COVID-19 slide.”

Giving Students The Resources To Succeed Right now, things may be confusing for families worried about their student’s continued success this fall. There is much to consider to ensure students can thrive.

At World Academy, we’re optimistic about returning to full operations on campus thanks to a comprehensive reopening plan that offers parents the options for both on-site and at home and remote learning. If you have questions or would like to learn more about what the new school year can look like for your student, we’d love to chat!

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Written by Crystal Ward Kent

NHWM COVER WOMEN | Inspiring Women

MARJORIE THORPE: DESIGNING WOMAN Marjorie Thorpe has never hesitated to reinvent herself. The publisher of the new magazine Coastal Design, is now on her third career and eager to explore all that has to offer.

What is even more amazing is that Thorpe has no background in publishing or writing, or even home and garden. What she does have, is a passion for what she does, the desire to take on new challenges and the will to gain the expertise needed.

“I started my career in early childhood educational development,” recalls Thorpe, who hails from Wilbraham, Massachusetts. “I loved children and art, and this was a way to satisfy my creativity.

Later, when I started my family, I cut my hours to three

days a week, which allowed me to keep doing something I loved.”

In 1997, Thorpe’s husband started a technology company, and she switched her focus to assisting him two days a week. Eventually, that commitment became a daily one, but she still managed to get home by 3 o’clock to be there for her three children.

“I became an expert at time management,” she laughs.

“But being there for my kids was important to me.”

Thorpe soon knew the company inside and out,

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and wound up running the business for the next 20 years. She took classes, attended conferences and seminars and asked questions about anything she didn’t understand. The effort gave her invaluable insights into the business world that she has carried forward into her present endeavor. In 2016, she and her husband decided to sell the business, and Thorpe handled the merger and acquisition process.

She did it so well, that the company they sold to hired her to work on their mergers and acquisitions team. Thorpe enjoyed the work, but when it went to an international scale, and after awhile, the travel became too much. She left the firm and pondered her next move.

“I was too young to retire, but was also not looking for a traditional work commitment,” says Thorpe.

“I wanted flexible hours, and I wanted a career where I could do something creative. I also liked the idea of working with a team, and I knew that this time, I wanted a job that was more community-minded.

I enjoy working with people and doing my part to help the greater good.”

A friend brought up the idea of running a magazine, but at first, Thorpe dismissed it, since she had no background in that area. The friend

pointed out that Thorpe could build a team of writers, designers and photographers and noted that her business expertise would be essential in making the venture successful. Thorpe realized that a magazine really appealed to her, and decided to take a chance.

Print by Design Coastal Design was launched in January 2019, and Thorpe hasn’t looked back.

The beautifully designed full-color quarterly takes readers inside not only lovely homes but interesting homes with their own special stories. There are gardens galore, as well as useful tips on everything needed to create your own special space indoors or out. People fill Coastal Design’s pages as well, from amazing artists to professional gardeners, chefs, restaurant owners, crafts people, and those looking to preserve unique traditions— be it making cheese or preserving heirloom plants.

Readers can find useful information on everything from downsizing to choosing the right countertop to fascinating trip locations.

Coastal Design is also all about showcasing programs and organizations that strike a chord with the community, such as a school that uses growing plants to nurture

Continued on Next Page

children with special needs, and the Spotlight section which highlights an area nonprofit.

“There are those who say print is dead, but we are finding that is not the case,” explains Thorpe. “Reading a hard copy publication satisfies our senses in a way that reading online does not. It’s tactile and more relaxing; we tend to absorb more information. Even the younger generation enjoys magazines when it comes to taking time to unwind; they are perfect for the beach, on the plane or thumbing through before bed. They offer an experience. Magazines are also great because if you don’t have a lot of time, you can still enjoy a quick article now and then. There isn’t that commitment like embarking on a novel.

“I liked the idea of a home, garden and lifestyle publication because all three continue to trend big and I don’t see that changing,” she continues. “People will always care about their homes, whether they are looking to buy their first home, expand or downsize—homes will always be in the conversation and people will always want to put their own stamp on them. Gardens are the same way—even if

you don’t have a garden, most people enjoy seeing pictures of gardens and reading about them, and we offer tips for having plants in any type of space.

As for the lifestyle aspect, people are constantly looking for ways large and small to enrich their lives, and I don’t see that changing.”

Thorpe, who grew up in New England, and raised her family here, plans to keep Coastal Design’s focus New England-based. “There are plenty of stories to tell here,” she says. “And given the fact that several other magazines about the region are no longer viable, we know we have a niche to fill. Readers have been reaching out to me and hoping that we will step in and bring them the stories they want, and that’s exactly what we plan to do.”

While Thorpe is fascinated by all of the articles in her magazine, she gets most enthralled by those with a historical aspect. “I’m always intrigued by the story behind the story,” she says. “We had a home that had been renovated and we found out that it had been split in two—one half went to New Castle and the other to Kittery!

How did that happen?

Why? Those are the stories that get me excited. I also love our Spotlight section; to me, it’s a great way to give back to the community.

By profiling these nonprofits, we highlight the good being done, and also invite people to get involved and make a difference. It’s a way we can do our part.”

Evolving Like all new ventures, running Coastal Design has its challenges and benefits. “The challenge, as with any new business, is attracting revenue,” says Thorpe.

“Advertising dollars are limited for many firms and my job is to convince these

companies to come in with me.

Because some magazine have failed, it was an uphill battle at first, but now, people see that we are different, that we do what we say, and those that have committed have stayed. We are building a good repuation. On the plus side, I never tire of meeting so many different and interesting people. Every issue I discover more people doing incredible things and more stories to tell.”

For now, Thorpe plans to keep Coastal Design quarterly, but she continues to look for ways to differentiate from other publications.

She is constantly getting feedback, from readers of all ages. One idea she has taken to heart is looking for ways to connect the magazine to interactive experiences. “I’m exploring the idea of having more events throughout New England where readers and others can come and meet people from the pages of Coastal Design and engage in a learning experience. “Recently, we hosted a lecture featuring Tovah Martin, a horticulturist and contributor to Coastal Design.

People came in droves to attend her class, learn something and meet her.

It was entertaining, informative, and brought the pages of the magazine to life. I’d love to continue that with a range of experts, artists and interesting people.”

Thorpe never expected to be publishing a magazine, but is glad she took that leap of faith. “It’s the perfect job for me at the perfect time,” she says. “I can’t wait to see how Coastal Design evolves and grows. I’m excited about what comes next.”

Publisher’s Note: Since this story went to press, Coastal Design has suspended publication due to unforeseen impacts from the corona virus. The next issue of the magazine is appearing on the website, and it is hoped that the magazine may resume publication at a future date.

NH Women Magazine / VOL 2 ISSUE 10 / 11

Written by Dr. Lisa Vuich, Owner of Renew Medi Spa

MEDICAL SPA | SPECIAL SECTION

NEWER OPTIONS FOR THE “NON-SURGICAL FACE LIFT” Dr. Lisa Vuich is a graduate of Tufts University (1988) and Tufts University School of Medicine (1992). She opened Renew MediSpa in 2006 and has worked steadily since then to ensure that Renew MediSpa remains at the cutting edge of the latest advancements in nonsurgical aesthetics. She is a nationally recognized injector, a member of numerous aesthetic organizations, a Key Opinion Leader for several aesthetic companies, and a Master Clinical instructor for Specialty Med Training. She is board certified by the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine and regularly instructs physicians and other providers on injection technique, plateletrich plasma therapies and other aesthetic procedures through the Renew MediSpa Training Institute. for those who are starting to notice the return of sagging skin.

The downtime associated with a thread lift varies according to how much has been done (the number and type and placement of the threads) but in general consists mainly of mild to moderate swelling, temporary surface irregularities such as minor ripples or dimples, the potential for bruising, and tenderness to touch in the areas treated.

You might have not heard about it yet, but thread lifting is one of the latest non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures gaining increased attention in the medical spa community. This technique has been around for decades, but in the last five years has become more popular in the United States- especially since 2015 when actress Gwyneth Paltrow placed thread lifting in the media spotlight by covering the procedure for her online magazine, Goop. The technique of repositioning sagging facial tissue with threads was first introduced by Russian surgeon Marlen Sulamanidze in the late 1990s. Some of the earlier thread types which were permanent/ non-dissolving were withdrawn from the market early on due to complications such as breakage and migration. Subsequently, “absorbable” sutures were developed and are FDA cleared for use in the United States.

The Right Expectations A thread lift is not the equivalent of a surgical facelift. It is instead an option for those who are not interested in surgery or those who wish to avoid the risks and downtime associated with a surgical procedure. Thread lifting can also be used to delay a surgical facelift, or even five to seven years after a surgical facelift

Who can perform a thread lift?

In most states, thread lifting is performed only by physicians, surgeons, and sometimes nurse practitioners who have been trained in this technique. Although thread lifting is considered minimally invasive, an advanced level of knowledge of facial anatomy is essential to success with this technique. It is technically more difficult than dermal filler injection and should not be performed by those who have not had extensive training in facial anatomy and in the technique itself.

“cones” for the Silhouette sutures.

This design allows the threads to hold tissues in place once they are inserted into the fatty layer under your skin. Variations in barb design, thread length, and design of placement will all affect results and longevity so it is important to go to a highly experienced provider when considering this type of facial rejuvenation procedure.

Non-barbed/ non lifting threads are also available which are also termed “monofilament” or “smoothing” threads. These are much finer threads placed under the skin to stimulate collagen production in an area where fine lines have formed.

Areas Treated Barbed PDO threads and Silhouette Instalift sutures are often used to elevate facial tissue, particularly when adding more volume (such as dermal filler) is not desired. They can also be used for a non-surgical brow lift.

Types of LiftingThreads Threads available in the United States are “absorbable,” which means that over time they dissolve.

However, while present in the tissue they stimulate collagen formation, and that collagen will long outlast the thread material. The main absorbable thread used is made of Polydioxanone (PDO), which traditionally is a material used in the operating room as surgical suture.

Another popular thread type is the Silhouette InstaLift suture which is partially made of PLLA (Poly L Lactic Acid), a collagen stimulating material.

Threads used for lifting have surface irregularities, in the form of “barbs” for PDO threads or

Procedure Cost The cost of a thread lifting procedure will depend heavily on the number and type of threads used and the level of difficulty of the procedure. The general range is $975 to $4000 in our region.

Some opt to start with a limited procedure, such as brow or cheek lifting. Others will go for full

face and neck lifting as their initial procedure. A consultation with the physician is the best way to determine this as it will depend heavily on your facial anatomy/degree of laxity, the suture types planned, and your goals for the outcome. These variables will also affect when a “booster” session will be recommended. These threads do dissolve over time, and since we cannot halt the aging process, at some point you will be looking to add more threads.

Selecting a Provider As is always the case in medical aesthetics, it is important to ask some questions when selecting who will be performing your procedure.

How many years have they been performing threads, and how many cases do they do per week? You should be able to view before and after images of cases that provider has personally performed. Always have before images taken and after images at three months is a good time to assess your result as there will be additional collagen at that time which often results in further improvement beyond the initial/immediate lift.

The Renew MediSpa Training Institute in Derry, NH offers thread lift procedure training to physicians interested in adding this technique to their aesthetic practice. I offer individual and small group training or preceptorships in MINT PDO threads, Eurothreads eye threads (for tear trough deformity) and Silhouette Instalift sutures. For more information on Thread Lifts or Thread Lift training, call us at 603-894-0070 or email lisa@

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NH Women Magazine / VOL 2 ISSUE 10 / 13

Written by Crystal Ward Kent

NHWM 2019 COVER WOMEN | Inspiring Women

PAMELA HODGKINS: BUILDING HER DREAM

For years, women have pushed through glass ceilings to further their careers; Pamela Hodgkins has literally broken down walls to launch hers. Hodgkins is the owner of Brass & Pine of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, a home renovation and design firm.

Since launching her business just over two years ago, she and her team have transformed seven homes into beautiful, high-functioning spaces. Along the way, she has earned the respect of builders and craftsmen, proving that a young woman can be successful in the male-dominated building world.

“One thing that has helped me significantly is that my guys know I’m not afraid to do anything they do,” says Hodgkins. “I’ve been in there with them knocking down walls, installing tile, hanging sheetrock, painting, and running sawzalls. If we are on a tight deadline and I need to get hands-on to get the job done, I’m there.

I also treat everyone as respectfully as I can. I have

a great relationship with the guys I work with—they know I have their backs and they have mine.”

With her petite frame and stylish looks, Hodgkins doesn’t seem like a likely candidate for a job site, but her enthusiasm for renovating quickly comes across. “I am passionate about what I do,” she smiles. “I love design; I love creating. When I’m in project mode, my brain just goes crazy! I love seeing spaces transformed and the reaction from my clients when they walk in.”

While Hodgkins always had a creative bent, she did not start her professional life in the renovation world. “I’ve lived in a lot of different places—Boston, New York, North Carolina, to name a few,” she says. “I worked in fashion and then sales in the the technology industry. In technology, the money was lucrative, but there was no chance to be creative. I didn’t realize how much I missed

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an investor who would back that until I the renovation and resell the bought my property. She jumped in, even first home.” though she was still working Hodgkins full-time at her other job. “It bought a was crazy!” she says, looking two-family back. home in Kittery, Maine “The client wanted it complete with the and back on the market in 90 idea that she days, so I worked seven days a could live in week to finish the rennovation. I one half, and could see the renovation costs rent the other starting to go up, so I wound half for extra up doing the tile work myself income. Her to keep us on budget. I finished parents are the project in 75 days, pulling realtors, and my parents in to help with also die-hard finish work and painting. It’s a do-it-yourgood thing I work well under selfers with a pressure!” strong work That successful flip led to her ethic. This foundation inspired first client renovation project.

Hodgkins to undertake the The house needed significant home’s renovation herself. “My work and Hodgkins recognized dad helped a lot and showed a number of red flags that me how to do everything that would most likely impact time came up,” she says. “As I tackand budget. Her bid was higher led different projects, I’d post than the others, but because pictures on Instagram. I was she had meticulously pointed very honest in my approach, out possible problems, the client literally showing the good, the selected her team. “I think they bad, and the ugly of home respected my thoroughness renovation on a budget. I also and honesty,” she says. “I may explained to other women how overthink the process, but I’d they could do some of these rather quote higher and come things themselves. It was all just in under than the other way for fun—I had no idea it would around. I also tell my clients that change my life!”

I may quote a number of extras Before too long, Hodgkins had in terms of design, so that if we people reaching out to her run into problems, we can cut asking questions about where those extras and have the monshe got her design ideas or for ey to deal with any issues. That other how-to tips. A colleague approach can help people stay was impressed with what within their budget. she’d done and suggested Extras can often be added that they partner and start flipping houses. Six months back in down the road.” later, Hodgkins found a good Getting the job proved to be investment opportunity, and a mixed blessing, as the home-

stronger than I thought I was, which I had to be this insane first year.

There were times when I thought I was going to have a breakdown, but I pushed through and just kept focusing on the job at hand.

I know now that I can push through anything.”

Hodgkins admits that the road to respect in this business can be difficult.

“I’ve had

owners found out that they were pregnant and needed to accelerate the turn-around time. Once again, Hodgkins rose to the occasion, turning the house over to the homeowners one month ahead of schedule.

A Passionate Approach Despite the often intense schedule, Hodgkins says that there is nothing she would rather be doing. “I’m super motivated, like my parents,” she says. “I’m so grateful to them for all of the things that they have taught me, and for the ethics that they have instilled in me. I’ve learned to work hard, to help others, to be a good businessperson, all from them. They are my biggest support system and I admire them very much.

“Because of them, I was able to push myself and be

work for all of us. I know they’d be happy to partner with me on any projects that arise and I’m grateful for that.”

Hodgkins has been involved in every aspect of the business during the first couple of years, but hopes to add a full-time team member before too long so that she can effectively manage multiple projects at once. She has also shifted her business model to not just flipping houses, but offering client rennovation design. “The flipping model is not sustainable in this market,” she says. “In this business, you need to be smart and reshape your goals based on what your research indicates.

Changing direction and doing more direct work with clients is where the work is, and I enjoy working with people and hearing their hopes and dreams.”

2018 and 2019 were banner years for Hodgkins, with achievements beyond her wildest dreams. As she looks toward the future and beyond, she offers this

advice, “Believe in yourself like you have never believed in anything, Make short- and long-term goals and create a step by step action plan to achieve those goals. Be determined and tenacious.

These things will always get you to where you want to go. I believe that if you have a passion for something, you can’t fail. People love seeing others pursue their passions—it inspires them. Next thing you know, people are rooting for you, supporting you, endorsing you, and dreams catch fire. Life is short—go for it! You have nothing to lose!”

This story has been updated since its original printing in 2019.

situations where I put my expectations out there and people acted like I was crazy, but I stuck by what I believed was doable, and ultimately, we succeeded. Failure isn’t in my vocabulary.

If I feel like I’m failing, I would always find a way through or around. I guess you could say I’m very stubborn!” she laughs. “I like to feel that I can make the impossible possible.

However, over time, I’ve found a team that believes in me and respects me. They know that I’d bend over backwards for them, and that I’m always looking for NH Women Magazine / VOL 2 ISSUE 10 / 15

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Elliot at River’s Edge, 185 Queen City Avenue, Manchester, NH 03101 603-314-6450 | elliothospital.org 16 / VOL 2 ISSUE 10 / NEW HAMPSHIRE WOMEN MAGAZINE