Lake Norman Woman Magazine July 2020

MOM-PRENEUR RULES THAT ROCK! pg. 34

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO YOUR

pg. 40

namaste LAKE

STYLE! pg. 30

featuring Leyda Martinez of GrifямБn Insurance

the

heat is on!

LAKE

NORMAN

V O L U M E

X I I I

,

FIND US ON

WOMAN

N U M B E R

X I I

womenpower “ W H AT D O E S O N E W E A R TO A C H A N T I N G ? ” is what my friend

Sandra asked the night before we left for a three-day wellness retreat. A question I certainly never imagined I’d be entertaining. Business research was the reason for our visit to the retreat center, and admittedly, I was a bit skeptical about the plant-based diet, the meditation, the mindfulness, and the chanting coming my way.

It’s not that I don’t believe in the benefits of meditation or mindfulness. I do.

It’s just that my darn mind keeps getting in my way. I spend most of my time meditating and being mindful thinking about what I could be doing if I weren’t meditating and being mindful, like cleaning out my refrigerator or scheduling that dental appointment I’ve been putting off. Or I think about whether I should get chips or fries to go with the burgers we’re having for dinner. Or, I think about how since meditation is so good for me, I should indulge in a piece of cheesecake and a glass of wine as a reward once I’m done. Or, I’ll think about whether or not I’m in the moment. Or if this IS the moment. Or if I’ve missed the moment.

Our lives have been turned upside down this year—first with a pandemic and then with the social unrest following George Floyd’s horrific and unjust death.

There seems to be so many more questions than answers in our society, with no clear path leading to the best way to rebuild our nation. For me, the combination of the lack of environmental stimuli from staying indoors and the anxiety I’m having over our future has been leading in the direction of a straightjacket. If you’re feeling the same, go easy on yourself. Some apprehension is understandable right now because the heat is truly on—a heat that has nothing to do with it being July in North Carolina. We’ve got a lot of work to do to figure out how we’re going to get our justice system, businesses, our schools, our finances, our nation’s economy, and perhaps most importantly, our peace of mind back on track.

That’s a lot of heat and a lot to meditate on. So when I received information on a yogic writing class, I didn’t roll my eyes and guffaw as I did just a few short months ago, especially since all the contemplating and brainstorming has given me a really bad case of writer’s block.

I’ve committed to let go of my cynicism and give this class a go. I don’t know if I’ll solve the world’s problems with yogic writing…I rather doubt it. I don’t even know if I’ll solve my own problems or even my writer’s block. But maybe I’ll find something in myself that is strong enough to accept, endure, and perhaps even grow in the middle of this chaos. Perhaps, at the very least, I can learn to live more in the moment.

LAKE NORMAN WOMAN Unless, of course, it’s a particularly CALLS FOR unpleasant moment. In that case, heat or no heat, I might just eat a piece of cheesecake and have a glass of wine. w

CHANGE IN HONOR OF GEORGE FLOYD & OTHERS WHO HAVE LOST THEIR LIVES TO NEEDLESS VIOLENCE & POLICE BRUTALITY

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DANA JORDAN PUBLISHER

DANA JORDAN

KIM CROSS

JULY CONTRIBUTORS:

Cyndy Etler; Jennifer Fischer; Kathy McLeod; Michelle Love; Vanessa Richardson; Emily Thomas; Robin Whitlock CONTACT US:

704.895.6168

PO BOX 1000 | CORNELI US, NC | 28031

W W W. L A K E N O R M A N W O M A N . C O M AD SUBMISSIONS:

ADS@LAKENORMANWOMAN.COM Lake Norman Woman reserves the right to deny any advertisement or listing that does not meet Lake Norman Woman standards. Submissions are welcome but unsolicited materials are not guaranteed to be returned.

Lake Norman Woman assumes no responsibility for information, products, services, or statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. An advertised special printed in this publication is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

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CELEBRATING THE

july

SUCCESS

OF

WOMEN

contents 2020

32

pg

PHOTO: TONI LOVEJOY

8 Wacky Holidays Celebrated In July

features 8

16 shelly QUINN

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JULY 2020

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L A K E NORMAN

WOMAN TO WATCH: Anna Marie Falzo

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COFFEE TALK: Shelly Quinn

24

COVER STORY: The American Dream

ON THE COVER: LEYDA MARTINEZ OF GRIFFIN INSURANCE

34

THE MOM-PRENEUR: Morgan Brawley

P H OTO G R A P H Y: CHELSEA BREN

40

SUCCESS STORY Q&A: Michelle Hoverson

PHOTO: MEREDITH KAVANAUGH

34 morgan

BRAWLEY

30

PHOTO: TONI LOVEJOY

pg

40

michelle

namaste LAKE

STYLE!

HOVERSON

10

pg

Bravely Facing The Unknown

business 10

Bravely Facing The Unknown

recipe 38

self 12

TIPS, TRICKS, & HACKS: Summer Fun Edition

20

COVID-19: A Reminder To Prepare For The Future

30

Namaste Lake Style!

32

8 THINGS: 8 Wacky Holidays Celebrated In July

44

MIND, BODY, SPIRIT: The Purifying Cycle Of The Sun

family 36

TEENS ALOUD: Quarantine Takeaways With Teens

home 18

The “New Normal” In Home Office Space

Summer Pineapple Frozen Drink

8 anna marie FALZO

PHOTO: MOJO STUDIOS

in every issue 28

WOMEN ON THE MOVE

42

WORDS MATTER

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self

FEATU R E

woman to watch on HER FAMILY LEGACY: I grew up in a family that owned a small Italian restaurant in northern New Jersey. From a young age I was taught that I should do things well or not at all, and that hard work and determination were key to success. I carried those lessons with me when I went to work in the family business, which my late husband and I eventually purchased and operated until he passed in 2009. on NEW BEGINNINGS: When he passed, I assessed my situation and decided to make a change. Although I loved the food business, a few frustrating things about it (the sound of exhaust fans and smelling like a kitchen when I got home, to name a couple) outweighed the satisfaction I got from seeing first-timers become regulars and regulars become fixtures. So I made sure to think about what I wanted and didn’t want in my new life.

I decided I wanted one customer at a time. I wanted to know when they are coming. I didn’t want phones ringing off the hook. I wanted to smell good when I went home. And I wanted to live in North Carolina, where I always wanted to retire. on WHY YOUR 50s ROCK: Cooking in front of a hot oven was hard on my already-oily skin, so cleansing and relaxing facials have been part of my self-care routine since my early 20s. Because of my experience caring for my own skin, I decided to turn my personal TLC treatments into a new career. So at age 50 I took a leap of faith and got my esthetics license, after which I got a job at New Jersey’s top-rated day spa. It was there that I truly learned the art and science of skincare of all types, and developed and honed my own special techniques.

Today at Skin Dot Calm, I take pride in providing the personal services I have a passion for in an environment designed to provide clients that special “me time,” free from the everyday stresses of life. And I get to smell good when I go home to my new man.

Anna Marie Falzo SKIN DOT CALM Huntersville

on A QUESTION WE ALL SHOULD BE LUCKY ENOUGH TO ASK OURSELVES: Did I make

ANNA MARIE

falzo

LKNW RECOGNIZES A WOMAN DOING EXCEPTIONAL WORK IN THE L A K E N O R M A N C O M M U N I T Y, A L E A D E R W H O I S PAV I N G T H E W AY T O C H A N G I N G O U R AT T I T U D E S A N D I N S P I R I N G C O N F I D E N C E I N T H E F U T U R E .

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WRITER DANA JORDAN

someone feel relaxed, cared for, or special by doing my job today? My answer is always “Yes.” That’s why I love my job. I had a client say to me once, “I hope this is what heaven feels like!” and it’s my heart’s desire for all my clients to feel that way. I believe that anyone can have their dream job, you just have to be prepared for your feet to be moving from the time they hit the floor until the time you go to bed, believe in yourself, and don’t forget to pray. w Anna Marie Falzo is the owner and esthetician at Skin Dot Calm Skincare Spa located at 16623 Birkdale Commons Parkway in Huntersville. For more information, visit www.skindotcalmskincarespa.com.

PHOTOGRAPHER PERSONAL BRAND IMAGES BY MOJO STUDIOS

Serving the Lake Norman Community With Trusted, Gentle Dentistry New Patients & Families Welcome!

FREE Cleanings!

For insured patients. Call for details

Open 7am−7pm & on Saturdays for Your Convenience!

Healthy Gums Improve Your Resistance to Disease!

175 Cross Center Road Denver, NC 28037

704-951-8300

Easy Online Booking Available!

WatersideDentalCare.com

Dr. Tsui & Dr. Gliwa

BRAVE A LY AVE L

business

FACING THE

UNKNOWN AS NORTH CAROLINA CONTINUES TO LIGHT UP OPEN SIGNS,

businesses face the daunting challenge of operating in a largely undefined “new normal.”

In its essence, risk management is the method designed to help businesses gather and analyze data in order to make informed decisions about the future. Considering the unique set of challenges facing new and existing businesses over the coming weeks and months, we at Cygnal Consulting, LLC identified a set of risks for businesses to consider.

The shutdown forced many businesses into a telecommuting situation. Employees and business owners have discovered some of the opportunities and pitfalls of working from home. If your business plans to continue or expand its tele-business there are opportunities and threats to consider.

Telecommuting doesn’t have to come at the cost of customer service and productivity. There is an opportunity to slim your business profile and reduce your overhead by asking employees to telecommute.

Environmentally conscious companies may find their employees - and consumer base - are proud to support limited car emissions.

Flexible work schedules may appeal to many employees for various reasons including child care while schools and day care remain limited.

Include employees when setting and tracking productivity goals and monitor them closely.

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If you do have employees working from home be sure to consider all aspects of your cyber security risk. Employees may be working with sensitive business information and / or customer information. Home networks and personal computers are rarely as secure as business networks, software and hardware. Consider providing employees with business laptops, VPNs, and other resources that are configured, updated, and monitored by your business or third party IT cyber security provider.

Employees may be cautious of their new work environment.

Owners and managers should be aware of what they can and cannot ask of employees. Keep in mind employees with underlying health conditions may require certain latitude when returning to work – or be allowed to continue working from home. At a minimum follow CDC guidelines for disinfecting surfaces and ask employees to contribute and execute their ideas for rendering their workplace safe.

Be patient with employee concerns.

You may be comfortable with the extra(ordinary) measures you put into place, but employees may need to be reassured. A daily meeting to repeat the measures you’ve taken and listen to other ideas is always preferable to potential legal action.

Consumers and clients may be equally cautious.

While disinfectants go a long way they are not always immediately evident. Make sure disinfecting efforts are ongoing, visible, and part of broader mitigation that includes social distancing, partitioning, and/or contamination tracing.

Finally, businesses should be mindful that new safety measures should not mean unnecessary inconveniences for consumers. While implementing new measures, consider their unintended consequences to the consumer experience and develop ways to ease that experience.

We are all adjusting to the strains of the New Normal. Help your clientele enjoy their experience despite the changes. If you are asking consumers to wait outside before entering your establishment and a customer gets to the checkout line and realizes they left their wallet in their car, ensure associates consider escorting them out and back inside rather than making them wait in line to re-enter. Perhaps an employee plays guitar and can provide a musical interlude as customers wait. Ask employees to consider the inconveniences created and explore ways to enhance the customer experience. w

Likely you have conducted virtual meetings and may have found that not everyone has equal capabilities or network strength and not all platforms are equally robust. Providing a single platform for employees to use may eliminate some but not all issues. Consider what capabilities your meetings will require. Do you need to easily allow all attendees to share their screens or present a slide deck? Some platforms are more flexible than others.

Again be cyber-cautious of which platforms you use, especially free platforms that may have security issues. © Pojoslaw Dreamstime.com

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Ms. Richardson is a former military officer and owns Cygnal Consulting, LLC, a consulting firm focused on providing clients with processes, tools, and leadership for Project, Enterprise, and Emergency Risk Management. She is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY. The statements here do not represent advice or risk assessment.

WRITER VANESSA RICHARDSON

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self

We know how busy life can get—kids, work, family, friends … sometimes just getting dinner on the table is a Herculean feat! So in an effort to save our readers some time, effort, and money here are a few tips, tricks, and hacks that might come in handy in your busy world!

Grill fish

on slices of lemons. Place a layer of sliced lemons on the grill’s grate then simply lay the fish on the bed of lemons. This will really bake in some amazing citrus flavor and prevent your fish from getting burned or sticking to the grill.

Break out the ice trays trays.

Freeze berries, fruit chunks, mint leaves, or other herbs in ice tray … it makes drinks as pretty as they are refreshing!

TIPS,

tricks,

& HACKS Extend the life

of your fresh vegetables and fruits. With a sink full of water, add a 1/4 cup of food grade hydrogen peroxide and soak your produce in it for 20 minutes. After they’ve soaked, rinse and dry. The peroxide removes any chemicals and preserves freshness. Similarly, if you want to keep your salad fresh for longer, you can mix two tablespoons of food grade peroxide with one cup of water and spritz it over your salad.

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SUMMER FUN EDITION

Use a muffin tin

for condiments, ice cream toppings, fruits, nuts, etc.

Use newspaper

to clean patio doors and windows. Not only does it work really well, the paper and ink acts as a light abrasive to give you really clean windows, and it saves on paper towels. Combine 2 cups water, 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon liquid soap. w

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make a

connection w W I T H LKN

’s

ONLINE

PHYSICIAN DIRECTORY

COM ING SOO N! W W W. L A K E N O R M A N W O M A N . C O M

FEATU R E

coffee talk

: k l a t e e f cof A sit-down chat with SHELLY QUINN, Branch Manager of Silverton Mortgage in Huntersville

Our first cup

Irish coffee, please

“Originally from Rochester, New York, I lived in San Antonio and Atlanta before relocating in 1999 to Lake Norman. I began my career as a Mortgage Loan Originator. For the past 10 years, I’ve been a branch manager and am a certified Construction-Permanent Specialist, assisting home buyers, builders, and realtors with financing new construction, renovations, and teardowns. I have always been known for my strong commitment to customer satisfaction and my knowledge about the various mortgage products available in today’s market.”

“When it comes to travel, one place comes to mind … Ireland, Ireland, Ireland! I have been twice now and love it there. The beauty and the friendliness and the music and the pubs … it is so relaxing and fun.

With travel somewhat on hold, we will enjoy seeing the “I enjoy the simple things … states instead of the world for now … this summer we flowers, my golden retriever, plan to visit Florida, Folly Beach, and Nantucket.” someone else’s smile, the blue sky, bright sun, and a full moon.”

When you need extra cream and sugar

“Well, life is certainly interesting these days. Social distancing is the total opposite of how I normally function. I love to socialize with friends, neighbors, coworkers, clients, and especially family. This is hard for me and I know it is hard for many … just the new normal they say, but it feels anything but normal. Although, we are truly blessed and I remind myself of that daily.

My husband, Sean, and I have been married for over 36 years and we have two amazing kids.

Our son and daughter (Brian, 33, and Colleen, 32) have moved back to Charlotte, and Brian had his first child in June making us first-time grandparents. Brian opened Town Brewing Company in Uptown and he is the head brewer there. Colleen moved here from Portland, Oregon, to be general manager of the East Coast for Craft Brewers Alliance.”

License to chill

“My job is not a 9-5—more like 24/7 so I have to juggle things carefully – sometimes just turning off the electronics is the best way to stay focused on the moment and to be fully present.

I enjoy the simple things … flowers, my golden retriever, someone else’s smile, the blue sky, bright sun, and a full moon.

I love floating in the pool on a hot summer day, enjoying a good glass of wine, and relishing in the love of my family!

My kitchen is my coffee shop

“With all the time at home lately, we have been trying some new recipes and turning to old favorites as well.

I am also in two book clubs and we have been zoom meeting for our discussions. Like most, I have organized and cleaned everything in the house, and of course there’s the binge-watching of Netflix.

We have started a social distance neighborhood circle that meets with our own chairs and coolers, and we have some wild games of charades!”

Shelly Quinn is the Branch Manager of Silverton Mortgage located at 9525 Birkdale Crossing Drive, Suite 203, in Huntersville.

You may reach Shelly at 704.609.1339 or shelly.quinn@silvertonmortgage.com.

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WRITER LESLIE OGLE

PHOTOGRAPHER TONI LOVEJOY

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home

TECHNOLOGY AND STORAGE

Think about what you physically need in your home office to effectively do your job remotely. What type of technology do you use—a laptop? A desktop? Dual monitors? A printer? And what about physical storage--how much accessible storage do you need for paper files? What about books or manuals? Are there any other technology or storage needs unique to your job? All of these considerations will help determine the type, size, and layout of furniture you need to accommodate how you work.

SEATING

Don’t underestimate the importance of seating—not just for your desk, but also for reading or to accommodate other family members who may use the space as well. How many and what type of chairs do you need? Do you want swivel and tilt on your desk chair? How about adjustable height and lumbar support?

Ergonomic considerations are a key factor in selecting your desk chair in particular.

The “New Normal” In Home Office Space Some questions to ask as you create or recreate your home office I T ’ S H A R D TO B E L I E V E T H AT 2 0 2 0 I S H A L F WAY OV E R

(and I’m not sure that’s all bad!). For most of us, this has been a time of unprecedented change and uncertainty. Terms like “social distancing” and “stay at home” have become an accepted part of our vocabulary. Working remotely, which used to be considered a benefit, is the new norm for those with jobs that make working from home possible. Having a space where you can productively and comfortably work from home has become a necessity for many. And this trend is expected to continue.

The aesthetics of a dedicated workspace in your home have always been an important and more obvious consideration in home office design. Now there is more of an emphasis on creating a space that is also highly functional. Both form and function matter. Whether you are converting a whole room into an office or carving out a work space within an existing room, the considerations for designing and furnishing the spaces are similar.

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LIGHTING

Take into account the room or space where your office will be located as you determine both furniture layout and lighting needs. How much natural light is there? Do you get morning or afternoon sun? How will this impact the placement of your desk and computer? What type of overhead lighting exists? Can you afford to take up desk space with a lamp? If not, can you incorporate a floor lamp or lamps on a bookshelf? While lighting is a consideration in every room of your home, it is especially important in the design of your home office.

HOW IT LOOKS

Chances are you will be spending the majority of your time in this space on most days. So how it looks will not only affect your productivity and creativity, but also your overall mood. Pay attention to the colors, textures, and finishes you incorporate. Create a space that makes you feel good and is a place you want to be ... a place where you can truly do your best work. w L K N e x p e rt

Kathy McLeod is the owner and principal designer of RES Interiors, serving the Charlotte and Lake Norman area. As a member of the Interior Design Society, Kathy has expertise in both new construction and renovation for residential clients. For more information, visit www.resinteriors.com or call 704.500.9198.

WRITER KATHY MCLEOD PHOTOGRAPHER DUSTIN PECK

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self Instead of getting caught in the fear shared through the news headlines, it is an opportunity to assess your personal preparedness. This pandemic can be a reminder about how important it is to plan properly for our futures.

COVID-19:

a reminder to prepare for the future T H E C U R R E N T CO R O N AV I R U S PA N D E M I C

has disrupted businesses and families, bringing many services to a standstill.

For millions of people across the United States, this isn’t only a healthcare crisis – it’s also a financial issue.

6 T I P S F O R F IN AN C IAL P R E PAR E DN E S S F O R T H E FUT URE

You can’t predict what the future holds but being proactive can help you mitigate the potential impact of economic difficulties, personal sickness, or anything else that might disrupt your financial wellbeing. Here are a few tips to help you get started: S AV E F O R A R AIN Y DAY: Our grandparents were wise when telling us to

1 “save for a rainy day.” If you have an unexpected loss of income, an emergency

savings account can keep food on the table and a roof overhead. Every family should have at least 6 to 10 months of cash reserves.

PAY O F F DE B T: Consumer debt can be a heavy burden, especially when

2 your income is reduced.The best way to manage your cash flow is by avoiding

unnecessary debt. Look for ways you can pay down the balances as soon as possible, which will reduce your financial stress if hard times hit in the future.

P R OT E CT YO U R R E T I R E M E N T: You’ve worked hard to enjoy a

3 comfortable retirement, but your wealth can be lost without the right

protection strategies. We are seeing big market fluctuations right now, leaving many people worried about their retirement investments. If you are near or in retirement, then it is essential to talk to a financial advisor about options for protecting your money.

STAT E P LAN N IN G: Regardless of your age, proper estate planning 4 Edocuments are essential. Even if you are young and healthy, you never know

when an illness or injury could occur that results in incapacitation or even death.

These estate planning documents give your designee the power to make both financial and medical decisions on your behalf.

I N E S S P LAN : If you are a business owner, do you have a plan in place 5 BthatU Scan keep things running in the situation that your employees need to work

from home? During uncertain times, businesses need to be ready to adjust systems and processes to accommodate the changing needs of the community.

ST R AT E GIE S : As your financial portfolio changes over time, it is critical 6 TAX that you manage your tax burden by working with a financial expert. Proper

planning can keep more money in your pocket by minimizing the taxes that need to be paid for upcoming filings.

Whether it is a worldwide pandemic or personal difficulty, too many people get caught off guard and experience economic hardship. Right now is the time to act … make sure that your family is prepared in case something like this happens again. w L K N e x p e rt

Robin Whitlock, EA AIF® is co-owner of Infinite Wealth Advisors, LLC, a retirement planning firm. She is currently matriculating at Villanova University-Charles Widger School of Law to obtain her master’s degree in taxation. She has lived and worked in the LKN area for over 27 years. Infinite Wealth Advisors serves the financial planning and retirement income planning needs of clients in only those states where its affiliates or representatives are properly insurance licensed and/or registered as an investment advisor representative, if applicable. Infinite Wealth Advisors is not an Investment Advisory firm. Investment Advisory Services are provided by NAMCOA®, Naples Asset Management Company, a federally registerd investment advisor.

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WRITER ROBIN WHITLOCK

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WRITER LESLIE OGLE PHOTOGRAPHER CHELSEA BREN

American the

Dream

Life, Liberty, Pursuit of Happiness …

Add gratitude, hard work, and ample opportunity and you have Leyda Martinez’s definition.

Growing up in Cartagena, Colombia, Leyda moved to America in 1998 and to Lake Norman in 2005 from New Jersey—at which time she went to work for Griffin Insurance as their Hispanic Market Specialist. “We came down here to visit some friends and just fell in love with the area and the community,” Leyda recalls.

“When I came to America,” Leyda continues, “it was not with the idea of obtaining fame and fortune, but with the firm belief that in a country like this anything is possible if you work hard and don’t take anything or anyone for granted. That is the philosophy I raised my children on.”

Leyda has two sons: Andres, a 25-year-old Air Force Officer currently stationed in Guam, and Nicolas who is 19 years old and attending Appalachian State University perusing a degree in criminal justice; he also participates in the Army ROTC program.

With a background in customer service, Leyda also studied finance when she went to college in Cartagena. She later attended Kean University in New Jersey where she took accounting for two years. It prepared her well for what lay in store.

“My time with Griffin Insurance has allowed me to grow personally and professionally in ways that words cannot sufficiently describe,” Leyda gratefully acknowledges. “I have learned to live every day with a profound sense of gratitude for everything that comes my way – good or not so good. I have learned not to take anything for granted and realize just how important it is to be there for our customers during these uncertain times … knowing that you can provide a sense of security as well as compassion goes a long way, simply by listening

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to their stories and constantly reminding them we are here to help.”

Leyda is no stranger to hard work and pushing through life’s challenges. From a campus in Cartagena to serving the insurance needs of North Carolinians at her office in Denver, her journey is an inspiring one. “Overcoming obstacles and taking them as a learning opportunity, and subsequently a growing opportunity, has shaped the way I conduct myself as a professional and as a mother,” Leyda says. “My best advice for other women in business is to have

a clear idea of who you are, what you want to achieve, and give your best each and every day to attain your goals … and never give up!”

To unwind and relax, Leyda loves to cook and gleans a lot from watching her favorite cooking shows. She also loves to decorate and spruce things up around the house, and on a nice day you may find her on her deck immersed in a good

book. Regardless, Leyda finds much joy in life’s simple pleasures. “I am happy to just binge-watch Netflix and have a family barbecue,” Leyda grins. “I am so thankful for all the blessings in my life.

For those aforementioned not-sogood things that inevitably catch all of us off guard at times, Leyda has an encouraging and uplifting attitude: “I do not believe in bad days. There are

Life is a learning process and that it is only with an open mind and a deep sense of respect for everyone and everything that we become better listeners and therefore learn how to better serve the people around us.” certainly bad moments, but I do not let them dictate how the rest of the day will go. Taking deep breaths has always helped me during times of stress, allowing me to relax and visualize solutions rather than continue to dwell on the problem at hand.”

Her husband along with her two sons have always motivated and pushed Leyda to be the best version of herself—and her family back home in Colombia has always been an enormous support system as well.

“Even though we cannot see each other as often as we would like,” she says, “I always feel their love and guidance everywhere I go.”

One of Leyda’s favorite quotes she turns to often is by Rumi, which reads: “Sell your cleverness and buy bewilderment. Cleverness is mere opinion. Bewilderment brings intuitive knowledge.”

“It reminds me,” Leyda shares, “that life is a learning process and that it is only with an open mind and a deep sense of respect for everyone and everything that we become better listeners and therefore learn how to better serve the people around us. I believe in the good of humanity and I believe in hard work and gratitude and that with the proper perspective and work ethic you can achieve anything you want … I believe in the American Dream because I am living the American Dream.” w

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women

move

ON THE

MICHELLE BOYKIN is

pleased to announce the grand opening of Goodbye Bodyfat, Lean Life Enthusiasts Spa at 15905 Brookway Drive, Suite 4103, in Huntersville. Goodbye Bodyfat offers men and women non-invasive, painless, zero downtime fat loss and skin tightening procedures to get back in shape.

STARR MILLER, the

president and principal of StarrMiller Interior Design, announces The Interior Design Society of Charlotte 2020 Charity Designer Showhouses that could not be open due to COVID-19 are now available for purchase On Demand for only $10 with proceeds benefiting four charities. Check out these amazing Showhouses at https://vimeo.com/ondemand/idscltshow.

Davidson author JANINE YORDY recently published “Feelings Bouquet” which Amazon describes as “a rollicking, rhyming picture book that affords children an opportunity to evaluate feelings in a safe and fun way.” With great reviews by teachers nationwide, Janine is looking forward to her next book, “Jellyfish Wishes and Poems of Fishes,” which will be available in January.

connect WITH US!

Whether you are a woman on the move, looking for events, new businesses in the area, or are willing to contribute your opinion, follow us on Facebook or e-mail leslie@lakenormanwoman.com.

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HILARY PORTA, CEO

and Founder of H Porta Coaching, is teaming up with The Acupuncture Center for Balance and Healing in Davidson to offer office hours for PSYCH-K® and mindset coaching as well as wellness workshops. Visit www.acucenterbh.com for details and updates.

KRISTY H. LOPEZ, CPA, is

now a tax partner at the growing Mooresville firm Larry Powers CPA, PLLC, in Mooresville. Kristy has 19 years of tax experience in public accounting as well as six years of accounting experience in private enterprise.

TAMMI MURPHY,

owner of Blarney Stone Marketing, recently opened her online boutique Elizabeth Leigh.

The boutique sells jewelry and accessories, as well as home and body products that are all handmade from artists and designers from all over the world. The boutique’s mission is to help support artists, designers, and other small businesses.

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self

e t s a m a nLAKE TA K E A H I S T O R Y T O U R

STYLE! FUN THINGS TO DO AROUND THE LAKE THIS SUMMER FOR STAYCATION!

The early history of the Lake Norman region is characterized by flourishing, tight-knit farming communities. In fact, historical records indicate that the first settlement in the area was as early as the 1740s, a decade before settlement in Charlotte. And today, the area boasts the greatest number of early homesites such as Latta Plantation and Cedar Grove. Numerous other historical sites and structures can be found throughout Lake Norman. Check out the CharlotteMecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission’s Driving Tour (Route V) for a day-long excursion in which you can take them all in.

EXPLORE NASCAR COUNTRY

When you’re in Lake Norman, you’re in NASCAR country!

You’ll find numerous places to get your fill of NASCAR history from the Memory Lane Motorsports and Historical Automotive Museum in Mooresville to the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Center City Charlotte. For an up-close view of what goes on in a race shop, you can visit a number of driver headquarters, such as JR Motorsports, Kasey Kahne Racing, Kyle Busch, and MTJ Motorsports. And, of course, you don’t want to miss the iconic Charlotte Motor Speedway, where you can feel the ground shake from the roar of the engines and see the spray of champagne as the winner celebrates crossing the checkered flag.

TA K E A W I N E A N D C R A F T B E E R T O U R

North Carolina is the home of America’s first grape, and our state is the only place in the world where every major type of grape is grown. So it makes sense that some of the best wineries in the nation can be found in the Tarheel State. In fact, there are several wineries in and around the Lake Norman area. You can also find a number of craft breweries in the area for your beerloving friends. With all the possibilities, you can spend the entire day hopping from place to place and enjoy all of the incredible wine and brewery destinations surrounding the lake.

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W AT E R S P O R T S

As the largest lake in North Carolina, Lake Norman is a watersports paradise.

Explore the 520 miles of shoreline via motorized watersports such as jet skiing or experience the lake on your own power in a kayak or on a paddleboard.

You can even try paddle board yoga.

Don’t worry if boat ownership isn’t for you--there are numerous rental facilities throughout the Lake Norman area. w

SPONSORED BY

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PET

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DO YOUBella HAVE THE Bodie Blaze CUTEST PET EVER?

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VOTING BEGINS JULY 16TH! Buddha

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SEL F

8 things JULY 4TH:

© Varnavaphoto | Dreamstime.com

International Cherry Pit Spitting Day

JULY 27:

JULY 3:

Take Your Houseplants for a Walk Day

Eat Beans Day

8WACKY

JULY 17:

World Emoji Day

Teddy Bear Picnic Day

© Mykola Kravchenko | Dreamstime.com

HOLIDAYS celebrated in July

JULY 10TH:

JULY 14TH:

JULY

JULY 6TH:

International Kissing Day 32

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8TH:

Body g in Paint y Da

National Nude Day

[

THE

-PRENEUR E N T R E P R E N E U R I A L S P I R I T — you don’t have to be Lori Greiner to have the dream, the drive, the grit, the want-to! Female entrepreneurs are making lasting contributions to the business landscape and have become an essential part of the U.S. economic health. But what does it take to be a successful entrepreneur AND run a family?

This month we hear from LKNW Mom-preneur, Morgan Brawley, owner of Kindred Equestrian.

[

MOM-PRENEUR RULE #1:

stay true to your vision

[

“It can be easy to get caught up in what your clients want or what you think they want, but if you start changing your vision because of it you are doing yourself and them a disservice. It can be hard, especially as women, to separate ourselves from our business and not take things personally. Your business is your dream and your vision but it is its own entity so treat it as such. When dealing with adversity or doubt, you have a choice to make—fear or faith—and you can only choose one because they cannot occupy the same space simultaneously.”

[

“Learning about leadership, never stop learning entrepreneurship, and mentoring others is an ever-evolving process. You have to consistently set goals and assess your course. You have to be open to the ebb and flow personally and accept it for what it is in your business. I see a lot of businesses experience burnout because they stop learning and growing. Be open to the process and the growth … it will aid you in many areas of life.”

MOM-PRENEUR RULE #2:

[ [ MOMPRENEUR RULE #3:

“I want to create a life that fits within my family values for my daughter, Lillian. As a single mom, I prioritize sometimes family time by owning a business where I get to set the schedule. you just I relieve stress by having “Me” need to time. Usually, that means being with dance the horses or running my dogs in it out! agility. Sometimes it means red wine and doughnuts … but maybe not together! Some days a spa treatment is in order; some days quiet meditation is in order … but every day some dancing is in order—every night before bed Lillian and I have a dance party!”

[ Morgan Brawley is the owner of Kindred Equestrian, a full-service therapeutic equine facility located in Mooresville. You can reach Morgan at 704.930.0430 or at www.KindredEquestrian.com.

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MOM-PRENEUR RULE #4:

fulfill your dreams but make sure your dreams fulfill you

[

“Maya Angelou said: ‘My mission in life is not merely to survive but to thrive and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style.’ My dad always told me growing up that the habits you form while you are young will be the ones you have as an adult. This is so true! My strong suits are my compassion and discipline, and my advice for other women who want to be a business owner is to put your big girl pants on and just do it! Life is too short not to follow your dreams.” w

WRITER EMILY THOMAS

PHOTOGRAPHER MEREDITH KAVANAUGH PHOTOGRAPHY

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F AMI L Y

teens teensaloud! aloud!

YOUR TEEN, TRANSLATED

spent an hour getting ready. When I came downstairs, my dad said I looked like I was going on a first date.” (Side note: is there a smidge of marital advice buried in this tidbit? Hmmm.)

Another teen has parlayed enforced virtual schooling into proving to his parents that online school is the best fit for him.

with teens

So yeah. For teens, there’s the good and the bad in this pandemic sequestration.

Not going to school? YAY! Not seeing friends? NOOOOO! Sleeping late? SWEET! Trying to learn math without a teacher? YIIIIKES!

This new reality is giving kids a lot to consider about what works, and what doesn’t, with the brickand-mortar high school experience. As one of my teen life coach clients put it, “I hated going to school…until I couldn’t go to school. Now I can’t wait to go back.”

L K N e x p e rt

For a lot of the teenagers I work with, it’s the social aspects of school that they miss the most. Adolescents are wired to prioritize peer relationships. They “need” time with friends the way you and I “need” coffee and Cabernet.

Cyndy Etler is a boardcertified teen life coach and award-winning young adult memoir author. Her work has been featured on CNN, NPR, CBS’ The Doctors, Huffpost, Today’s Parent, and other international media.

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For other kids, schoolwork is a hurdle to get done and over with, so they can focus on their real interests,

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like doing art or going to a job to make money. For those in touch with their passions and future vision, the flexibility afforded by online schooling is opening their eyes to new possibilities.

And wouldn’t you know it, because Gen Z is so Gen Z—balancing bleak realities with fervent optimism—these kids are finding the silver lining in this dark Corona cloud.

“My parents let me see my boyfriend this week for the first time in two months,” one of my teen coaching kids told me. “I usually hang out with him five days a week; it’s sweatpants and a ponytails. But before I saw him the other day, I

“I’ve been trying for years to get my mom to let me do online school,” he said, “but she thought I would just sit and watch YouTube. Now she sees me getting up early and getting all my work done, because I want my afternoons free. I’m proving to her I can do more than she thinks.”

This bit begs not a side note, but a headline: TEENS CAN PROVE OUR LOW EXPECTATIONS WRONG. As the kids hash out lessons learned, and how they want life to change post-pandemic, let us adults do the same around our perspective on teens. Here are a few ideas to get us rolling: Telling kids they can’t hang out with certain friends? BOOOO! Asking kids what they seek in an ideal friend? YAY! Suggesting a kid choose the classes or college that we think is best? YIIIIKES! Helping a kid envision an ideal future and figure out the classes or college that will get them there?

SWEET!

Try it. Ask a Q, sit back and listen to the answer, and have your mind blown by your teen. Boom! w WRITER CYNDY ETLER

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recipe

summer pineapple frozen drink 2 cups frozen pineapple chunks 8 oz frozen whipped topping (buy extra in case you need for thickening and for topping) 6 oz pineapple juice 6 oz coconut milk (optional) Maraschino cherries for top (optional) Shot of rum (optional) Blend all ingredients in strong blender or food processor until smooth.

If mixture is too runny, add ¼ cup ice and a bit more whipped cream and continue blending until desired consistency.

Serve with chunk pineapple, whipped cream, and a cherry on top—for a festive look, dip rim of glass in pineapple juice and sugar or serve in hollowed-out pineapples.

DIRECTIONS FOR SERVING IN PINEAPPLES:

1 Cut off the top of the pineapple.

2 Run a knife in a circle around the inside of the pineapple about a half-inch

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away from the skin; cut all the way around the pineapple.

3 Then cut the in-

side core—the part you want to remove—

across twice, making four pieces.

4 Next, use a large spoon to scoop out the inside.

q a & self

FEATU R E

MIC

success story

with

HELLE HOVERSO

N

EDITOR’S NOTE:

In September, Lake Norman Woman will be adding a quarterly column titled “Mentoring Moments With Michelle.” Written

by Michelle Hoverson, Cornelius resident and author of Mentoring Moments with Myself: Letters to My Younger Self about Life, Faith, Love and Leadership, the column will offer wisdom on a wide array of topics relevant to women today. But first, read our interview with Michelle to learn more about her own journey and why she was compelled to write to her younger self self.

What is Above & Beyond?

What is your role there?

While still at Grace Covenant, I worked on developing a way to help those who had a heart’s desire to serve on a short-term missions trip but faced financial obstacles. We also sought to motivate people to serve locally. Above & Beyond was the marriage of those two desires.

The response to the program grew to the point that I transitioned from my position at Grace Covenant to executive director of Above & Beyond.

We call our program “Serve Local, Go Global” and have helped 1,260 shortterm missionaries earn funding to share the message of Christ to people in 87 nations and regions of the U.S.

Tell us a little about your career path and how you landed in Cornelius.

During a 5th grade trip to Washington, D.C., I knew I wanted to live there. The White House captured me. Fortunately, after serving on a presidential campaign I was able to realize my childhood dream. After my White House Press Office role, I served in different corporate communication positions, then a major pivot happened. God called me into ministry, just as He had both my grandfathers. I served in a church in Falls Church, which led to my accepting a pastoral position at Grace Covenant where I enjoyed serving for 17 years.

What inspired you to write Mentoring Moments with Myself?

As a guest speaker on Jonathan and his faith risk during a series on unsung heroes at Grace Covenant, I concluded the message by sharing a letter I had written to my younger self about risk. A friend posted the reading of the letter on Facebook, and I was amazed at the encouragement from family, friends, and acquaintances to write more letters.

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Why, in particular, were you compelled to “reach out” to your younger self in your letters?

We live life forward, but we gain perspective and wisdom by looking backwards. Given the season of life I’m in, I thought sharing what I’ve learned through my missteps and victories might encourage others. Younger women have many life-defining decisions to make. In “The Choice Is Yours,” I urge them to choose to discover who God has created them to be rather than allowing the world to define who they should be; to choose to be a prototype instead of a stereotype in the face of pressure to conform; and to pursue the dreams that are sure to be deposited into their hearts.

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Which is your favorite letter?

Why? “It Will Take Courage” and “Who to Marry” are two of my favorites. So many women know what to do, but don’t exercise the courage to act on their convictions. Like spinning in a dryer, they don’t know how to stop the cycle their lack of courage created.

In “Who to Marry,” I share the cost of not being honest about my motive for marrying the first time. Because our marriage choice is one of the biggest decisions we make, I encourage women to be honest about whether their self-doubt and need for validation are causing them to give their heart away for flawed reasons. w

WRITER DANA JORDAN

PHOTOGRAPHER TONI LOVEJOY

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S D R O W matter

Words are magic.

"

Women have a unique power in being able to look at the world’s problems and discover solutions that transform lives and make the world a better place.”

They actually change our brain chemistry! As wordsmiths here at LKNW, we are especially fond of words that will resonate with our readers, in hopes they will help guide

– D R . AYA N N A H O W A R D

“On my own I will just create, and if it works, it works, and if it doesn’t I’ ll create something else.

I don’t have any limitations on what I think I could do or be”.

–OPRAH

& inspire you.

“Bring your whole self to work. I don’t believe we have a professional self Monday through Friday and a real self the rest of the time. It is all professional and it is all personal!”

–SHERYL SANDBERG

“SUCCESS ISN’T ABOUT HOW MUCH money YOU MAKE …

IT’S ABOUT THE difference YOU MAKE IN PEOPLE’S LIVES.” –MICHELLE OBAMA © Nisarg Lakhmani | Dreamstime.com

If you push through that feeling of being scared, that feeling of taking risk, really amazing things can happen.

– M A R I S S A M AY E R

Summer

Robinson Tabor 704-502-2352 LakeNormanSummer@aol.com

www.SummerTabor.com

Lovely home in wooded cul-de-sac in the Treetops at Cowans Ford! Over 4,200 sqft, 6 bedrooms and 4 full baths. Formal dining and living room, as well as a great room and HUGE bonus room. Gourmet kitchen with large butlers pantry. Master and guest bedroom on the main level. Deck off the back overlooks the private backyard complete with fire pit and small creek at the bottom. Conveniently located right off of Hwy 73, in between Denver and Huntersville at Cowans Ford.

20

YEARS EXPERIENCE

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7787 Sand Trap Lane, Stanley $525,000

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Lot 5 Juniper Lane, Denver $65,000 Treed lot in the quiet Lakewood subdivision. This lot is .68 of an acre. Buy now and build later. This lot would be great for a crawl space or a slab. The middle of the lot has a great, flat building pad. This neighborhood has upscale homes with many of them being on the water. The homes are spaced out well and all unique. Community has a gated boat storage area. Public boat launch is located at the end of the street on Burton. Survey on file.

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B E T T E R M E … B E T T E R YO U … B E T T E R W O R L D

MIND body spirit By mixing the ingredients of attitude and action, we can change the flavor of our own lives. Learn to nurture your body and soul to lead a more balanced life.

the purifying cycle of the sun: A MEDITATION FOR MANIFESTING AND RELEASING There is hope with every sunrise and a finiteness with each sunset.

Albert Einstein said, “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”

The lessons we find in nature open the door to a world of meaning and significance. They help us to make sense of our lives. Consider the sun, for instance. In the following meditation, the rising and setting sun serves as an analogy. The sunrise signifies a time to begin anew and an opportunity to greet the day with hope about what is to come. The sunset ushers in a time to bid farewell.

If you make this meditative exercise a daily practice, you will appreciate the energizing and cleansing effect it has on your soul!

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H E R E ’ S H O W T O D O T H E M E D I TAT I O N : 1 In the morning, welcome the day with an open heart. Spend a few moments in silence as you connect with the gentle flow of your breath.

2 Begin to paint a picture in your mind: After dawn, a golden sun bursts through the skyline from beyond the horizon. It beckons us to welcome the day with anticipation. Capture this anticipation in your mind as you breathe in the possibilities that lie ahead and visualize the opportunities that are waiting to be uncovered.

3 What do you intend to manifest today? Allow your mind to dwell here.

Settle on the thought that resonates, and say your intention out loud. Your intention functions as your guiding light in the same way the sun guides us until it sets.

4 Throughout the day, if thoughts of resistance or distractions cloud your view, calmly breathe them out. Envision releasing them into the ground. Re-energize yourself by turning your focus back to your intention just as we draw energy from the light of the sun.

5 Embrace the approaching evening as a time of release. Allow the sun to set on past hurts, disappointments, or habits. Give yourself permission to detach from whatever is getting in the way of achieving the full manifestation of your desires.

6 Before you drift off to sleep, breathe out a final goodbye. Let go of anything else you need not carry into the light of the new morning. This prepares you to enter a state of deep rest and awaken ready to start fresh the next day. End with a prayer of gratitude. w

Jennifer Fischer empowers women to fully embrace their unique gifts and become active participants in their lives. For the past six years, she has been coaching women to achieve their greatest levels of success. Jennifer and her husband, Andy, offer coaching and consulting services through their company Maximize and Thrive, LLC. To connect with them, please visit www.MaximizeandThrive.com.

WRITER JENNIFER FISCHER

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