Louisiana Women In Business Winter 2021 by MasterMind Publishing

WINTER 2021

RETHINKING

Goal Setting In 2021 & Beyond

KEEPING THE

Valentine’s Day SPARK ALL YEAR

6 Tips to “Sprinkle Sparks” & Keep the Fire Burning

Women & Finances 5 Tips to Secure Your Financial Future

Business Plan vs Business Strategy and Why You Need Both

Erin

Pedrami

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WELCOME

to the Winter 2021 issue of Louisiana Women in Business Magazine. We’re so glad you’re here!

PUBLISHER: Vilardo Media EDITORIAL EDITOR: Chrisha Rouse STAFF WRITERS: Tabitha Vilardo & Chrisha Rouse CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: KeAndrea Anderson, Amberleigh Carter, Breea Gross, Jessica Seghers, Laura Fuentes, Holly Culpepper, Darolyn Mahon, DeeDee Dupree CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Addie’s Photos Sarah Alleman Photography Hunter Thomas Photography Charming Luxe Photography ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR: Vicky Starkey GRAPHIC DESIGN Angela Blake, Tabitha Vilardo, Chrisha Rouse

Tabitha Vilardo • Chrisha Rouse

We made it through the 2nd issue, ladies! I’m excited to have you back and for you new readers to be with us as well. I hope everybody had very happy holidays and that you are as excited as I am about 2021! We’ve all set new goals and if you haven’t - it’s not too late. Set your goals! Set them high! Let us know if there is anything you need advice on or would like to learn from a fellow entrepreneur! It’s why we are all here! Hit us up on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, email, wherever you feel most inclined! Community over competition! May God’s blessings multiply for you all, TV

MARKETING Chief Marketing Officer: Cornerstone Marketing Agency of Louisiana PRODUCTION/DESIGN Angela Blake, Chrisha Rouse A publication of Louisiana Women in Business Magazine Founder: Tabitha Vilardo Co-founder: Chrisha Rouse Business Address: 301 Main St., Ste 2200 Baton Rouge, LA 70801 Contact us! info@lawomeninbusiness.com (225) 773-5402 Subscribe at: www.LaWomeninBusiness.com

Happy New Year! Whether you had a small gathering, enjoyed friends and family virtually, or had a big holiday get-together, I hope you all found ways to enjoy the holiday season. Many of us felt that 2020 would never end, but here we are! And while the calendar changed, the world around us hasn’t. Just remember - change is inevitable, growth is optional. Let’s choose to grow this year and embrace life with a renewed sense of purpose - intentionally choosing to be happy. Enjoy the small moments, laugh when you can, and BE KIND - to others and to yourself. Hope you enjoy the Winter issue! With love and light Chrisha Rouse

LOUISIANA WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Winter 2021

LOUISIANA WOMEN IN BUSINESS

WHAT’S INSIDE Keeping the Valentine’s Day Spark All Year 06 6 Tips to “Sprinkle Sparks” & Keep the Fire Burning

Rethinking Goal Setting 09 In 2021 & Beyond

Business Plan vs Business Strategy 11 Why You Should Have Both

Be That Person 13

Making Life Better One Person at a Time

Erin Pedrami 14

Woman of the Season

Angela Bertone 18 Spiritual Life Coach

Ashley Gibson 20

Heroines Don’t Always Wear Capes

Alyssa Carson 22

Reaching For the Stars

Women & Finances 25

5 Tip to Secure Your Financial Future

How Do You Cope 27 with Losing a Loved One

How to Pay Yourself 29 When You’re the Boss

Finding Success 30 in Balance

Self-Care 32 is Not Selfish

How to Maximize Your Workout 35 by Not Working Out at All

Local Connections 38

Personal Relationships Are Better!

Angela Bertone Angela is a licensed ordained minister, who travels across America and internationally, teaching and demonstrating revolutionary truths about the human body and how it relates to our spirituality.

Ashley Gibson Ashley talks about her time as a boxing champion and being a Baton Rouge police officer. She also shares why she decided to open a gym and about her free Summer program for kids.

Alyssa Carson A spotlight on a young woman doing big things! Alyssa is a Science communicator studying to become one of the first astronauts to land on Mars! You’ll hear about her new internship started in Dec. 2020 and much more.

On the Cover:

Woman Of The Season — Erin Pedrami Erin Pedrami is a Baton Rouge attorney with a “Million-Dollar side hustle!” Read how she made it happen and what advice she has for other business owners!

LOUISIANA WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Winter 2021

Keeping the

Valentine’ s Day Spark All Year 6 Tips to “Sprinkle Sparks” & Keep the Fire Burning

Winter 2021

If you’re in a relationship, you know that there are about three days of the year where you’re pretty much guaranteed to have a romantic night – your birthday, your anniversary, and Valentine’s Day. As women, we tend to look forward to those dates with more anticipation than a child waiting on Santa.

LOUISIANA WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Those are the dates that we KNOW we need to make sure we have our hair and make-up perfect, shave all the right places, and put on that favorite dress that accents all our “assets.” We might even buy special lingerie for the night. Why do most of us SAVE our romantic gestures for those special occasions like we’re rationing toilet paper in a pandemic? There’s no romance shortage and no rules that you’d be breaking, so let’s talk about how to keep the romance going all year long!

Hug for 20 Seconds Every Day

If you’re physically able to be with your partner, hug them. The simple act of embracing your partner for 20 seconds releases a bonding hormone called oxytocin, which can also decrease stress and anxiety. BONUS!

Compliment Them Every Day

You would think it should be easy to find ONE compliment each day, but who’s kidding? Some days we may not want to LOOK at them, much less compliment them! These are the most important days to do it. Think about all the reasons you love them and pick one. You could even make it a game – see who can come up with the “Cleverest Kudo.” In addition to the gratitude for the compliments, you’re sure to get a few good giggles in there, too!

Be Spontaneous

Do something random – to them or with them. Kiss them on the cheek when you walk by. Smack their butt while they’re tying a shoe. Grab them for a slow dance after dinner (whether there’s music or not), or maybe try that new sex-thing your friend told you about!

And Yes – Have Sex!

The more intimate you are, the easier it’ll be to keep those sparks alive!

Mindfully creating romantic moments is not something that most of us think about. However, being consistent with a few small things (and spontaneous with some others) can make a world of difference in a relationship. Sometimes those special days (and nights) are everything you dreamed of… and sometimes they’re not. If something happens and things don’t go as planned, it can be hard to recreate that spark. Just because the heat of the moment is gone doesn’t mean you have to stay cold.

So, this Valentine’s Day, consider gifts that will help promote romance long after you’ve eaten the chocolates and the flowers have died. Find a common interest and start a hobby together. You could find classes to take together (even online), grow a garden, maybe even a side hustle! Quality time and extra money? WIN-WIN!

Whatever you choose – just keep sprinkling those sparks, and enjoy your Valentine all year long!

If you sprinkle sparks all the time, you’ll always be warm. The trick to keeping the spark alive all year Chrisha Rouse, Owner of Pure Romance by Chrisha is to treat it like a fireplace. If you forget to fuel the www.PureRomancebyChrisha.com Follow on social media @PRbyChrisha fire, it dies.

17 years of experience in educating and empowering women Ladies’ Only parties & personal/couple consultations available.

Check out these ideas to sprinkle sparks around in your relationship!

Say “Thank You”

Let your partner know that you don’t take the small things for granted. Thank them for doing the menial tasks that have to be done anyway. If you don’t do this already, I highly recommend it. After 20 years together, my husband thanks me for dinner every time I cook. I thank him for taking out the trash. It may seem insignificant, but I’d miss it if it were gone. It’s a tiny part of who we are together.

Random Notes

This tip is so easy and can be so much fun! Leave a little note reminding them that you love them next to the coffee. Hide a “Nice butt” note in their back pocket. You could write some sexy suggestions on the bathroom mirror with a dry erase marker. The options are endless!

LOUISIANA WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Winter 2021

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GOAL SETTING Written by Laura Fuentes

Remember the excitement you felt by setting intentions or new goals for 2020? I know what you’re thinking, “2020 happened. I survived, but by March 20th, those intentions and goals got put on hold.” I hear you. I had those exact thoughts too. I spent many nights awake pondering how I was going to pull through the challenges that quarantine (and beyond) brought to my company, family, and my own goals. If 2020 has taught us anything, it is to be ready for literally anything and everything changing at once. Sure, we might have had a few meltdowns this past year and one too many treats or tacos, but many of us have learned how to be resilient and more adaptable.

You must set yourself up for success first.

As a result, we should be excited about the upcoming New Year. After all, we’ve been pushed to our limits, and we’re still fighting and adapting to the ever-changing environment around us.

The first step to achieving any goal should be reflecting on the things you need to have in your life to help you accomplish it. You must set yourself up for success first, and then tackle the goals.

As you’re reading this, know that you made it, and you still have so far to go. Why not use your newfound skills to accomplish your wildest dreams?

For some people, the thought of setting goals is one that’s nowhere on their radar. Emotionally, they are still trying to recover and get their life together from the hits they’ve taken in 2020. It’s ok to feel this way, just don’t get stuck there.

Here are 3 things to consider when setting goals for 2021 (and beyond):

I believe this new year is an opportunity to bring out the person we’ve always meant to become. So this year, instead of focusing on the traditional work/career/financial goals, I want to encourage you to focus on the personal goals you’ve set aside for so long.

• What changes have you implemented that you want to keep, and how can those changes support the things you want to accomplish?

Grab a pen and paper and write one thing you’ve discovered that brings you joy. How can that play a part in your personal goals? How will you measure it? How will you take action to make that part of your lifestyle? That, my friend, is what achieving real goals is all about.

• What skills could have helped you adapt quicker and propel you forward in 2020, and how can you learn or improve them to help you get to where you want to go? • What specifically do you need more of in your life to feel more supported and capable?

Achievements mean nothing if the journey wasn’t exciting, adventurous, and filled with new discoveries, don’t you think? If you’re on Instagram, I’d love to hear from you and the goals you’ve got planned for 2021. You can find me @LauraSFuentes.

LOUISIANA WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Winter 2021

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Winter 2021

LOUISIANA WOMEN IN BUSINESS

BUSINESS PLAN BUSINESS STRATEGY — VS —

AND WHY YOU NEED BOTH

When a person has a vision of becoming an entrepreneur and is ready to launch a new business, the first step is to develop a business plan to prioritize and present all the details of this new enterprise. The business plan must include general details, including its name, owners, central location, and objectives. It also needs to spell out details of how it will work. Such as: • A detailed breakdown of products and services • How your company will solve a problem for consumers • Target markets (your ideal clients or customers) • The price point for your goods or services • Financial Data and Projections • How it will differ from others in the industry This data defines the steps to follow to promote a successful venture. A business plan allows you to identify and restrict potential mistakes on paper, instead of trial and error. In the end, your business plan should help you decide if it’s worth it to open, maintain or expand the business.

Written by KeAndrea Anderson

Have FOCUS and DISCIPLINE, but be prepared to adapt your strategy as your market changes. Remember that a strategy to succeed can become a plan to fail if not revised periodically. Make a list of the next BIG steps in addition to what you’re currently doing. Many companies fail because they lose focus and are not prepared to adapt. Consider Kodak. While it was the first company to have access to digital camera technology, it lost tremendously by not planning and strategizing properly. Imagine a worst-case scenario - your sales are dwindling, projections are zero, investors are backing out - it’s the end of using your product or service. What is your next step? Have a game plan that includes potential ways to pivot or elevate your business to the next step even before you need to take that step. Stay ahead of what’s trending, be open to change, continue to learn, and lead by example. Reinvent if necessary!

A structured business plan is essential for a business to survive its first years, and a sound business strategy is needed to flourish long-term. Once a company implements its business plan, it can then use the business strategy to direct and define its goals. Good strategic planning considers the organization’s objectives in the medium and long-term and transforms its aspirations into action plans and numbers. How do you imagine your business in the next 3 or 5 years? What strategy and action plan are you implementing to achieve the defined goals/objectives? An analysis of the economic, competitive environment will define parameters for planning your business strategy. These defined assumptions establish some objectives, such as sales figures, share, billing and other necessary resources. The quality of your database is crucial. By enhancing your “market intelligence,” you can have the information needed to position yourself “one step ahead” of the competition. It is also essential to brainstorm possible negative scenarios and difficulties that your company could face. By doing this, you can construct contingency plans to minimize the impact on your business. It’s important to remember that Strategic Planning is only effective if it is well-executed. A company without strategic planning is like an airplane without a compass. It can never reach its destination without direction.

KeAndrea Anderson, also known as The Startup Strategist, is a global project manager helping entrepreneurs launch and scale healthcare businesses all over the US, owner of Cami Jolie, an aesthetic wellness spa in Louisiana, and a proud mother of 5.

LOUISIANA WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Winter 2021

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Winter 2021

LOUISIANA WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Be That Person I was about seventeen when I first heard about karma. I had done something stupid. I can’t even remember what it was, to be honest. But I do remember my friend’s voice when she said, “Karma’s gonna get ya!” In my teenage know-it-all voice, I asked, “What is that supposed to mean?” She responded, “If you do something bad, the universe will find a way to pay it back to you.” I thought about it for a while and wondered that if I do something good, will that come back, too? So I started giving random things I had in my mess of a car to the unfortunate people I would see on the side of the road. Sometimes it was food, sometimes a blanket or sunglasses. Something about doing this just made me feel really good. Recently, a friend told me about a trip to the grocery store. There was a lady in front of him in the checkout line. When she tried to pay for her groceries, her card was declined. My friend could tell that she was embarrassed and knew that she’d have to leave without her groceries.

He asked her not to worry about it and paid for her food. He was surprised by how great he felt after, knowing that he had helped someone. Imagine if we were all out here doing little small things for each other. If we could all just be the person you would wish were there if you were in the same situation. There would be a world full of positivity. The person on the receiving end is grateful that someone WOULD help, while the giver is grateful that they COULD. We are all living in trying times right now, and at the end of the day, we are only humans trying to make it through. I would like to challenge you to do one good deed a day, and it doesn’t have to cost a dime - even compliments can lift our spirits. So go out and put a smile on someone’s face! You really don’t know the difference it could make – for them AND for you! Written by: Jessica Seghers

LOUISIANA WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Winter 2021

Erin Pedrami

LOUISIANA WOMEN IN BUSINESS

You’re going to love our Woman of the Season! Erin Pedrami is a Baton Rouge attorney and owner of two local businesses - Pedrami Law Firm and Bayou South Mechanical Services, a residential HVAC company. I had the pleasure of taking Erin to lunch where she shared her story and how, with a little bit of good luck, fate, lots of late nights, and four children later, she runs two remarkably successful businesses.

A native of Washington, D.C., Erin has lived in Louisiana for the better part of 20 years since first moving to New Orleans in 1994 as a young single mother with no college degree. Erin was a stereotypical “teen mom,” and claims to still be a teen mom trapped in a 40-something year old’s body. The granddaughter of a Washington Redskins’ retail store owner (the store was named “House of Erin”), Erin is a die-hard New Orleans Saints fan and loves all-things Louisiana. She began her new-found adult life in New Orleans working as a waitress at Pat O’Brien’s (…lots of late nights…) and went on to work as a legal assistant for several New Orleans law firms while attending college classes at night and on weekends. Back then she had few skills, but one that law firms really needed – she could type. Fast. During Erin’s high school days, her mother owned a typing service, and after Erin learned how to type, she worked for her mother’s company earning $1.00 per page. She quickly learned that the faster she typed, the more money she could earn. Watching her mother run a typing service from the dining room of her family’s home was how Erin learned how to run a business. That was the extent of her business training; she often wondered if an MBA would offer more. Five years after moving to New Orleans, she earned her degree from Tulane University, and while she had her heart set on medical school, her law firm colleagues convinced her that law school was “easy” and encouraged her to apply to Loyola. She knew nothing about law school but rolled the dice and got accepted with her sights set on litigation upon graduation. As the world turned and the legal market downturned post-9/11, Erin applied to Georgetown Law Center’s tax LL.M. program to begin immediately following graduation from Loyola. She rolled the dice again and committed to moving back home if she was accepted.

In the summer of 2003 after sitting for the New York bar exam, she packed up her two sons and headed back to D.C. for another year of school. She describes the tax LL.M. program as something akin to learning a foreign language if you have only ever heard the English language. Without a background in finance, this was “the most challenging” and “thoroughly enriching” learning experience that, little did she know, would come with great future rewards. After six years of working in Washington (and the births of her third and fourth children), Erin returned “home” to Louisiana to accept a position as Director of Career Services at LSU Law Center where she worked for just over eight years. She shared that the most rewarding part of her job was witnessing the transformation of law students leaving as lawyers in very short 3-year cycles. “Many of my former students became my friends, and quite a few are working opposed to me now in the courtroom.” During her tenure at the Law Center, she opened an HVAC business, which she refers to as her “accidental million-dollar side hustle.”

THE “MILLION-DOLLAR SIDE HUSTLE” She knew nothing about heating and airconditioning but simply offered to help someone who was a 30+ year expert in the HVAC trade. With no money, and a drum of refrigerant that she and her friend found on the side of the road (that had fallen off someone’s truck), the HVAC business came alive.

LOUISIANA WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Winter 2021

She very quickly learned how to design a website and marketing materials, and through trial and error (and tears) figured out that for a business to turn a profit, it would need customers. Without a marketing budget or a roster of customers to cold call, she signed the business up to receive service calls from home warranty companies. This was the only way she knew to make the phone ring. Shortly after opening the business, Erin’s friend was unable to run it; he was her most valuable resource and he passed away. Erin was forced to make an “executive” decision whether to take it over and keep it running or to close it. She says the math was simple.

Her ultimate saving grace has been her second oldest son, Noah. “Noah spent six years working side-by-side on the job with our more experienced technicians, and now he is our lead.” At the outset, Erin’s biggest challenge was figuring out how to balance running a service business with her full-time day job. She prides herself on being slightly tech-savvy, so she created and implemented systems with the end-goal of the virtual HVAC company essentially running itself. “I can run the HVAC business and my law practice 100% from my cell phone, and during its first three years, the HVAC business easily grossed over $1M.”

If one a/c service call could net even a small profit, why would she close the business? A devout risk-taker, she rolled the dice again. She struggled over the years with hiring workers she could trust, as the HVAC trade is riddled with men battling drug and alcohol addiction. And she learned many hard lessons working with various home warranty companies that ultimately never paid what they owed. In her first year she lost $10,000 in labor and materials to a home warranty company that was notorious for scamming HVAC contractors.

“In any business, trial and error are the best teachers, but you can’t let one loss or error define you or your company.”

THE DREAM THAT CAME TO LIFE As she sat in her chair at LSU Law Center for almost a decade watching young lawyers spread their wings and begin to fly, she started dreaming about opening her own law practice. After learning so much about the “business of business” with her HVAC company, she knew she couldn’t just design a website and a business card and press go. The Louisiana bar exam was the first hurdle, which took her six years to pass from the first time she attempted the exam. “I always say that it was or wasn’t meant to be, and that timing is everything.” She continued to watch her students weather the storm and pass the exam, and they actually became her inspiration to take it again. The Louisiana bar license was her golden ticket.

“The day of my swearing in, I launched my website and ordered my business cards – I was ready to do this!” Less than a year after hear swearing in, she left LSU Law Center to run her law practice full time. She admits that she’s never looked back on her decision, and she is most grateful for all the support she has received from her family, her friends, and her colleagues at the Law Center.

“The hustle doesn’t begin until the 41st hour,” she says with pride. “You won’t find extra money if you’re punching a clock from nine to five.” 16

Winter 2021

LOUISIANA WOMEN IN BUSINESS

It’s impressive to meet a woman who has grown a family, put herself through school, and is running two successful businesses at 47-years old. She prides herself on helping people and serving communities in south Louisiana with affordable legal representation.

“My clients usually become my friends because I don’t just tell them that I care, I show it.” Her law practice focuses on criminal defense, family law, civil litigation, successions, estate planning, and business law. She doesn’t believe in selling legal services based on “wins,” but on her ability to be a good advocate for her clients when they are faced with complex legal issues. Erin is a force to be reckoned with, and that’s why she’s our Woman Of The Season! She says that though her story is not for the faint of heart, she’s grateful because it’s given her the life experience needed to get to where she is today. The HVAC business taught her how to run a law firm, and she still can’t believe it! The owner of an “accidental million-dollar side-hustle” and CEO of Pedrami Law Firm, where the company’s mantra is “We Are Your Voice.” Be on the lookout for more of Erin’s story and business strategies in her upcoming book, “The 41st Hour.” This woman is awesome and loves to share her secrets to business ownership! Until then, I’ll leave you with a piece of advice Erin shares with other female business owners:

“I tell them that you cannot view growth as a backstop; you have to view it as a continuum. Success is a lifestyle.”

LOUISIANA WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Winter 2021

Angela Bertone

18 18

Winter WOMEN IN BUSINESS Winter2021 2021 LOUISIANA LOUISIANA WOMEN IN BUSINESS

by Tabitha Vilardo

Angela Bertone is a woman with a passion and on a mission. “I want you to have your dreams come true. I want your belief to be transformed so that you can have what you desire.” Angela is a motivational speaker and a Spiritual Life Coach with a twist – she combines faith and spirituality with science. Some that have experienced her work refer to her as a “Spiritual Cardiologist,” and she says that she loves the term. It seems fitting because when she works with people, that’s where she is – in the heart, the spiritual heart that you can’t see. In her words, “I work where the heart and the brain connect.” When did she first find this interest? Angela recalls that even as a child, she seemed to sense that there was something wrong with the way that we view our emotions and remembers thinking that there had to be a reason for every emotion. She began her quest for answers at age 19. Her earliest studies included the Bible and Gray’s Anatomy (a must-have textbook for anyone interested in medicine or how the human body works). The information that she obtained through the study of both scripture and science revealed a correlation between emotions and the physical body, including disease and deformities. If it manifests in the body, it had an emotional correlation. However, she hadn’t figured out quite how to use this information to help people. In 1995, after having three bad experiences with the same mortgage company, she opened her own business, Peace of Mind Mortgage. She consulted with clients to teach them how not to be indebted for life. She was simultaneously a residential mortgage lender, mortgage broker, licensed insurance agent, and a stockbroker. During this time, Angela starting holding free retreats. Initially designed for women who had suffered the loss of a child, the response was so positive that they began to include weekend retreats to include other issues. They were free of charge, with no requests for donations – not even a basket or envelope in which to leave one. Regardless, after the events, attendees would feel compelled to donate to show their gratitude and help alleviate some of the costs – sometimes even leaving them on the counter. Still, she knew that she was being called for something bigger. In 2010, laws were changed that made it harder for the smaller mortgage companies to survive, and she ended up closing her business. She and her husband became insurance adjusters. Being a “storm-chaser,” she could maintain the same income while working only 4-5 months out of the year, allowing her the remaining months to follow her heart and do what she loves. In 2011, Angela became a published author with her first book and now has eight books to her credit. One of her children’s books was made into a television movie and shown on stations across the country. She is also an ordained minister, has had three television shows, and was a regular guest on two different radio shows. She was paying her dues but still couldn’t seem to make much headway in finding a way to turn her real passion – helping people become healed in their hearts. Then, in 2014, a family situation caused Angela to realize that traveling the country as an insurance adjuster was no longer an

option. She was needed at home. So she leaned on her faith. She reached out to God and asked, “ How do I do what you’ve called me to do? And how do I make money at it?” It was then that she was lead to the title of “Spiritual Life Coach.” The following year, at an event she was attending, Angela’s name was drawn to participate in an “emotional release” session with Dr. David Stewart. During the intense session, Angela had an unexpected breakthrough that changed her emotional belief system and an epiphany that would change her life. Decades of studying had taught her the science of how the limbic brain was connected to emotional beliefs and that those connections needed to be rewired to change those beliefs. But now she knew how to change the limbic brain ON PURPOSE. Using this knowledge, Angela can rewire the emotional calculations of a person’s life experiences and reframe how they feel about themselves. When asked to explain what is it that she does in her sessions, Angela replied, “I change the belief in their brain, in their emotion and heart from lies about themselves to the truth.” When working with a client, she uses their heart and memories to access the neurons that hold the inaccurate belief that is hindering them. Then she introduces new positive information while those neuron connections are open. By putting the “good” stuff in while the connections are open, the beliefs are changed - emotionally, not just logically. Though her methods may seem unorthodox to some, the results and her clients’ reactions are hard to ignore. Mental shifts aren’t the only things that have transpired following her sessions; she has also witnessed multiple physical healings, which is why her journey is far from over. In the future, Angela’s goal is to start a retreat center where she can offer 30-45 day long “Recovery Retreats” to help people reframe how they feel about themselves. She’d like to have counselors and medical staff on-hand at these retreats, as well, with the ability to include brain scans and mapping to be able to prove the before and after effects scientifically. If you find her work as intriguing as I do, Angela offers a variety of services that you can access on her website at AngelaBertone.com One service she provides is a workshop that you can do at home called “The Truth About Believing,” that many of her clients have found extremely beneficial. In addition, Angela also offers: • Spiritual Life Coaching • Gut Health and Nutritional Coaching • Brain Core You can find information on these, her books, podcasts and more at AngelaBertone.com

LOUISIANA WOMEN IN BUSINESS Winter 2021 WOMEN IN BUSINESS Winter 2021 18

LOUISIA 19

Ashley Gibson 20 20

Winter WOMEN IN BUSINESS Winter2021 2021 LOUISIANA LOUISIANA WOMEN IN BUSINESS

by Tabitha Vilardo

Born to be

a Fighter.

Called to

Protect & Serve. Leader by Nature. It sounds like the trailer for a superhero movie. While you won’t find Ashley Gibson in a comic book, you can find her fighting crime - as a Baton Rouge police officer. She’s been fighting in the literal sense for much longer, though. This owner and founder of Fighting Fit Fitness Club is a former USA Boxing Champion!

when she talked about being an officer. I asked her what she loves most about being a cop. She replied, “Being a part of the community and having the ability to help others.”

Ashley opened Fighting Fit Fitness Club in 2017, and she’s both a boxing coach and personal trainer at the Ashley began boxing when she was twelve at Neutral club. Her goal was to give her community an affordable, Corner gym with Coach James Joseph. She reminisced safe space to work out, learn self-defense or boxing, about her first fight in the ring. While it might have regardless of age or fitness level. been Ashley’s first match, her opponent was a bit more experienced - with this being her final fight as an Her commitment to the community didn’t stop there. amateur. Though Ashley lost that match, she didn’t lose She began a summer program for kids ages 8 - 14. She her drive. She continued fighting and started winning rallies local businesses into joining the effort by having - becoming a champion boxer on State, Regional and them sponsor the program. Their generosity allows her National levels and even taking the Bronze at the Junior to offer it free of charge. Olympics in 2004! Not only is it free for the kids, but between 8 am After Hurricane Katrina, Ashley put down her gloves and 2 pm, they can work out with the champion herself. enrolled at SELU to earn her Criminal Justice degree. In 2007, she moved to Baton Rouge and began an Ashley credits her desire to follow her dreams to the internship at the Baton Rouge Police Department. inspiration she received from childhood coaches and While training at the academy, Ashley was reminded of her parents’ loving support. I’m sure they’re very proud her love of athletics. She completed her Boxing Coach of her and they’re not alone. Certification and started training people as a parttime job. After graduating, Ashley immediately began We thank you for your service and dedication to your working for BRPD. I could hear the passion in her voice community - both at your gym and behind your badge. LOUISIANA WOMEN IN BUSINESS Winter Winter2021 2021 LOUISIANA WOMEN IN BUSINESS

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Winter WOMEN IN BUSINESS Winter2021 2021 LOUISIANA LOUISIANA WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Alyssa Carson Stars by Tabitha Vilardo

Reaching for the

Seeking to spotlight young Louisiana women with big dreams and big follow-through, I sat down with 19-year-old aspiring astronaut, Alyssa Carson. This Baton Rouge native has already built an impressive resume. After graduating from Baton Rouge International School, her plans to become an astronaut brought her to Florida Tech, where she’s majoring in AstroBiology. She speaks four languages, has visited 27 countries and is a licensed pilot. She’s also a Science Communicator having spoken on S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) at numerous conferences around the globe, including 4 TED Talks, and currently has contracts with Nike and Olay. Alyssa’s dream is to be one of the first astronauts to visit Mars - certainly an ambitious goal. Knowing what it takes to be selected by NASA, she started young and continues to do everything that she can to turn her already impressive resume into an irresistible one. It’s this big dream and follow-through mindset that makes her an inspirational example of young women from our great state that deserve the spotlight and our cheers!

What’s Next? I was so glad to be able to meet with Alyssa while she was home for the holidays and talk about what’s new in her world. On December 1st, 2020 Alyssa began an internship with Jacobs Space Exploration Group, NASA’s largest professional and technical service provider. During her internship, Alyssa hopes to inspire young people all around the world who are interested in S.T.E.M. to pursue their dreams. She also plans to educate each group on their nation’s space agencies, so they can take the steps needed to reach their goals and fill one of the tens of thousands of jobs available within these agencies. With Alyssa being an influencer and a captivating public speaker, I believe that Jacobs has made a great decision to have her be part of the team. She’s excited about the opportunity and feels like it’s a step in the right direction on the path to fulfilling her own dreams.

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Women&

Finances 5 TIPS TO SECURE YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE

For many years, women were known to sit on the sidelines and leave most of the financial planning and budgeting to their male counterparts. Unfortunately, this would leave them at a huge disadvantage if they happened to become widowed or divorced. Most would have little to no knowledge of what assets were available or how to access them. However, that trend is shifting. According to wealthtrack.com, women now control 51% of personal wealth, and as many as 96% have a primary or shared responsibility for family financial decisions. Even though women are playing a larger role, there’s still a gap in how men and women view and handle money. It’s time for that to change. Waiting until widowhood, divorce, or another life-changing event to educate yourself on your financial situation can exasperate an already stressful situation. Studies have revealed that after a divorce, a wife’s standard of living drops up to 27%, and many are left struggling to make ends meet. This decrease could be because women who become mothers can lose years of career development, and the cost of divorce can consume much of the cash and assets acquired during a marriage. Then consider retirement. A survey done by U.S. Bank shows that women tend to retire with a staggering 66% less than our male counterparts and are 80% more likely to be impoverished in retirement. Why is that? Women tend to hold 71% of their assets in cash and invest 40% less than men. Women are typically less

engaged with personal finance and start investing later in life, many waiting until age 35 or older. Ladies, the numbers show that we are mastering the art of making money. Still, the odds are high that we will be left with financial decisions and responsibilities beyond merely making money at some point in our lives. It’s time to educate ourselves and learn how to use our income to create wealth and change those statistics. What are some things that you can do to prepare? 1. Know where your money is and how it’s being spent. 2. Continue your education and career development, so you’re prepared if you find yourself in a situation as the sole provider. 3. Listen to financial podcasts and learn how to invest. 4. Contact a financial planner/ advisor you can trust. 5. Keep records of assets, insurance policies and accounts. Don’t let a lack of knowledge leave you a victim. Educating yourself on finances and investments can only benefit you and your family. It does take discipline and consistency, but waiting won’t make it easier. So let’s grow our confidence and start investing and planning like the bosses we are! Written by: Holly Culpepper

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Two Busy Blondes on THE GEAUX Showing Off Life in Louisiana

Monday • 8 PM Thursday • 7 PM Saturday • 8:30 PM Sunday • 9:30 PM

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107.3 98.1 HD3 Saturday • 11 AM Sunday • 11 AM

HOW DO YOU COPE

with the loss of a loved one? Written by DeeDee Dupree

While there are many types of losses that we experience throughout our lives, the loss of a loved one is the most difficult one to bear. Whether it be a miscarriage, losing a spouse, family member or dear friend, do yourself a favor and make time to grieve. Grief is an unwanted, unsettling, often demanding emotion. It needs your time and attention. It will surface in unexpected, often embarrassing situations simply because you were “too busy” to process it. You tell yourself that you can’t emotionally deal with it. That work is crazy, and you have deadlines, or the kids are pulling you in every direction, and you just can’t fall apart right now. You feel like you have to be strong and keep it together for everyone else. You immediately try to close off your feelings and begin to tend to those around you.

You must stop and take the time you need to grieve. There is no time table for grief, and each person handles it differently. But a common mistake is to ignore the process altogether. We submerge ourselves in work in an attempt to get through it. STOP! You need time to reflect and process the loss. Grief is not a weakness. It is an emotional and psychological necessity. Think of it like this: Take a long piece of string. Lay it flat on the table, extended end to end. This straight line is how we expect the process to be. Love, loss, mourn and move on. Now, take that string and make several figure eights, then wad it up. Now, look at it. It’s complicated and difficult. Grief is like that.

Consider the advice that we often give others. When we see a friend grieving, we try to say all the right things. “Get out of the house, go for a walk, don’t isolate, keep yourself busy.” Then there’s my favorite, “What can I do for you?” Let that soak in for a moment. We are so willing to comfort others yet neglect our own needs. Take the time you need. Selfcare is not indulgent. It’s imperative. The first instructions you receive on any flight are that if oxygen levels drop, to put your mask on before helping others. You can’t effectively help others or do your job if you don’t first tend to yourself. It’s a great metaphor. In life’s times of turbulence, make sure you’re emotionally nourished and providing yourself with the loving care you deserve. What do you do when it feels as if the pain won’t ease? “It’s been a year, and I’m still not okay.” Remember that grief is a journey. It’s not your final destination. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider consulting a grief counselor or joining a support group. Remember, it’s okay not to be okay every day. There’s also no shame in seeking help. You may need to talk about it. A counselor can give you tools to help you move forward and navigate your sadness. Just make sure not to fall back into the “I don’t have time to go to a counselor” mentality. It’s not about having time; it’s about making time. If your friend needed you to take her to a counselor, you’d find the time. If it matters, you will make time. You matter! After all, you are the only you there is. Be kind to yourself and go conquer the world.

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Whether you’re just starting your business or are already established, it’s essential to know how to pay yourself. To operate as a sole proprietor, you need to understand several different aspects: what it means to the IRS for tax purposes, what your business profits will be, what you need to operate the business, and if you’ll be paying employees. Let’s get started. According to the IRS, a sole proprietorship is an unincorporated business with one owner. If you are selfemployed and operating under your given name, you can be eligible for a sole proprietorship. If you operate using a DBA, there’s no legal distinction between you, the owner, and your business name. All business profits pass through you and are reported on your individual income tax forms. The year’s profits (or losses) are reported on IRS Schedule C and included with your tax return. You’ll need to pay state and federal income taxes on all profits in addition to a self-employment tax.

HOW TO PAY YOURSELF WHEN

You’re the Boss

As a sole proprietor, you pay yourself an “owner’s draw” rather than a salary because you cannot deduct your salary as an expense. Your pay is the profit your business makes at the end of the year minus expenses. Taking an owner’s draw from the profits means taking money from the business account and giving it to yourself either in cash or check.

You can do it once a week, once a month, or as needed. If you hire employees other than independent contractors, an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is required for reporting employment taxes. You can obtain an EIN through www.irs.gov. Operating your own business can be challenging but also rewarding. Stay organized and keep detailed, accurate records of your income and expenses. You should open a business checking account rather than using your personal checking account. As your business yields income, open a savings account to set aside at least 30% of your earnings for taxes later. Remember, just because there’s money in the bank doesn’t always mean it’s profit. If you use your home for business, you can deduct expenses such as rent, utilities, phone and internet. If you own the property, you can expense your real estate taxes and mortgage interest, as well. Other deductions can include start-up expenses, marketing your new business, travel, transportation, training costs, office equipment like computers and software as well as office supplies. Consult a tax professional, such as a CPA, to determine which tax deductions and credits are available and how they can apply to your small business. For more info, visit www.irs.gov/businesses/ small-businesses-self-employed. Says Holly Hingle, VP of Operations & Business Development at Click Here Digital, “2020 has given so many people the opportunity to start their own business. It’s been a year of change for many, where looking back, many people may not have otherwise taken the risk.” To register your business in Louisiana, visit the Secretary of State’s geauxBIZ site at www.geauxbiz.sos.la.gov online.

Written by: Darolyn Mahon Freelance Writer & Digital Marketing Consultant

LOUISIANA WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Winter 2021

FindinginSuccess Balance How many days have you woken up, looked at yourself in the mirror and decided that you deserved a day off? How many of those days did you actually take off? I’d bet if you’re a business owner, you immediately began to list all of the reasons that you can’t afford to take a day off. With the various tasks and responsibilities in your business, work and family, it’s way too easy to get caught up and sacrifice “less important” activities. We often feel like we don’t have time for the things we enjoy or bring us happiness. However, sacrificing these things adds unnecessary stress and puts you at a considerable disadvantage. According to the American Psychological Association, stress can cause many problems, including cardiovascular risks, fatigue and reduced concentration. This means that by not taking time off, you reduce your brain’s ability to create and make it harder to focus on the tasks at hand. There’s a reason why labor laws were created and are still in place! An overworked employee is an unproductive employee. That applies to you too. So take the time - go on that date, hang out with friends, or just relax in your bed with your favorite snacks and watch a movie. Your time off is just as beneficial as the time you spend budgeting and advertising. Remember, success isn’t measured by how much you sacrifice, but by how well you’re able to have a healthy balance in your life. 30

Winter 2021

Written by: Breea Gross

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Winter 2021

LOUISIANA WOMEN IN BUSINESS

When was the last time you did a mental self-check? How do you feel about yourself? We often find it hard to think about ourselves, especially to the point where we feel good about who we are! There’s no better time than now to start taking care of, thinking more about, and ultimately, feeling better about yourself. While happiness can seem difficult to grasp, it’s not a farfetched fantasy. A person who has everything can feel lost, while another can be perfectly happy and have nothing. It’s all a mindset, but this mindset is the gateway to empowering yourself and feeling good about YOU! Why not start making small decisions that will make you feel better today? Take a ride down mindset lane with me! YOU’RE IN CONTROL The most important thing to realize is that you alone are responsible for your happiness. It’s easy to think of our responsibilities to everyone and everything else before we think of ourselves. It’s just as easy to blame other people and outside circumstances for any unhappiness we feel. These mindsets simply take away the peace and inner healing we need. We have to take care of ourselves FIRST before we can properly take care of anyone or anything else. Self-care is not selfish; it’s essential! Simply put, the best way to even begin to help others is to feel good about and be happy with yourself. True happiness can only come from within you. It’s not possible to be truly happy if your mood depends on a third party. The reverse is also true: you are not responsible for other people’s happiness, either. It is something very personal that everyone has to find within themselves. Now that you know that you’re in control, what’s next? Without a doubt, the greatest challenge to feeling happy is achieving better self-esteem and confidence. How can you increase your sense of self-worth and be happy despite all the negative thoughts that can attack you daily? Reflect on Your Emotions It’s easy to live in a permanent reaction to your environment. It’s our default mindset. We receive bad news, and our emotional response is to feel sad, angry, stressed or fearful. However, when we receive good news, we feel joy. We are reacting to instead of reflecting on the things that happen. We identify the emotions and find a quick explanation for why we’re feeling them. CONTROL THE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS Take a moment to ask yourself WHY you’re feeling that emotion.

For example, “I’m stressed because the bus is late, and I’m going to be late for work again.” Now, separate the emotion from the outcome. Ask yourself if how you’re feeling will change the circumstances. You’ll realize that being stressed won’t get you to work earlier. The same principle applies to other people’s opinions of you. DON’T WORRY ABOUT WHAT OTHERS THINK We attach a great deal of emotion to what other people say and think about us. We sometimes even imagine what they may think and make assumptions about how they see us (and it is usually a negative image and likely incorrect). Who cares, girl? It takes so much energy to focus on others’ opinions, which only increases stress, self-doubt and unhappiness. When you recognize that it’s an emotional response that doesn’t benefit you, you can keep it from controlling your overall mood. REALIZE YOU ARE PHENOMENAL Really. You are. Learn to embrace yourself for who you are, as you are. No one is perfect (or everyone is, depending on how you look at it). Stop worrying about the things that you can’t change and focus your energy on improving the things you can. Don’t like your job? Grow your skills, search for a new job, start your own business. Is your relationship not going well? Seek counseling, go on date nights, limit outside distractions, have more one-on-one time with your loved one. Not happy with your body? Get a workout buddy, play your favorite music & walk, workout while cleaning, exercise more and eat healthier. Break the habit of complaining, something unfortunately very common in our reflections. If something doesn’t suit you, you only have two alternatives: learn to live with it or try to change it. The complaint is useless; it’s a provisional relief that does not solve your problems in the long term. The main idea, Ladies: your happiness depends only on you. Forget about excuses and outsiders. You are the one who has the power to change! The way to self-happiness, to a calmer sense of being, to less worry, is in learning to know yourself better, to accept yourself, and to improve yourself, ignoring what the rest of the world may think about you.

Now go, girl! Be the natural, phenomenal, incredible woman that you already know you are!

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Winter 2021

1 0 4 N . Hu m m e l l S t r e e t • D e n h a m S p r i n g s , L A 7 0 7 2 6 • b r i tt a ny @ ap a - i n s u r a n c e . c o m

Winter 2021

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HOW TO MAXIMIZE YOUR WORKOUT

... BY NOT WORKING OUT AT ALL! It’s not always beneficial to work out. Why? Exercise is a stressor. It depletes the body’s energy and breaks down its tissues. Doing this excessively or repeatedly to the body is not beneficial, nor is it healthy for an alreadystressed-out individual to undergo this type of added stress. The true success of a workout is found in how well the body can recover from the stress. The key is to either provide the body what it needs to replenish and repair what it lost during its physical exertion or not work out at all! What Happens During Exercise Sugar (glycogen) is stored in the muscles to get through periods of physical stress. During exercise, muscle tissue is broken down to release this sugar to use as fuel. If this happens every day, without rest days, the muscles start to atrophy (break down). This includes the heart muscle, which is why some athletes can have heart issues, regardless of their healthy lifestyle. Therefore, the importance of rest and recovery cannot be understated. So, here are some tips to maximize your results by working smarter, not harder. Food When the body goes to repair its tissues, it wants the most basic building blocks provided by clean, real foods that are full of nutrients, oxygen, and even light particles from the sun (photons) that are trapped in fruits and vegetables (hence, “photosynthesis”). Also, anything that has grown in the earth or that has been alive contains life and intelligence. Cilantro and parsley, for example, have special properties that bind heavy metals, and their light particles get rid of stagnate energy and transmute toxic emotions. All of which detoxifies the body, boosting weight loss & your mood! Breath & Water There are toxins stored in fat. During exercise, the body uses the fat as fuel, and the toxins get released. These toxins start circulating in the bloodstream and need to come out. One way to remove the toxins is by breathing longer on the exhale than on the inhale (10 seconds out, 5 seconds in) during rest periods. Also, clean water is the best vehicle to carry out these toxins. The skin is the largest detox organ in the body. If the toxins aren’t properly flushed out by breath & water, they can get trapped in the skin as acne or wrinkles, cause achiness, muscle soreness, or fat retention (causing the “plateau effect”). “Working In” & Rest Working out is not always the best choice for everyone’s body. Some bodies are at capacity for their stress load and would benefit more from “working in.” This refers to any movement that generates or takes in energy, such as light walking, beginner yoga, tai chi, qi gong, or simply breathing for a few minutes. These “working in” exercises can also be done on rest days. Rest days, and even rest periods for specific muscle groups, are essential to building muscle, burn fat, and recovery. Yes, sometimes, less is more!

Written by: Dr. Amberleigh Carter, DM, AMP, HHP Founder and owner of Kinection Holistic Health Amberleigh teaches her clients how to create health & connect back to themselves by nourishing the mind, body and soul. www.kinectionholistichealth.com

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LOUISIANA WOMEN IN BUSINESS

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LOCAL CONNECTIONS

MEGAN ADAMS — PURE ROMANCE www.PRPartiesByMeganAdams.com 3182404443 meganladams77@gmail.com • Evergreen, LA

BRITTANY BORNE KRCMA — PLUNDER DESIGN Plunderdesgin.com/brittanyb 225-241-4089 • Bellarosebling@yahoo.com • Denham Springs

PAT POPE — JUICE PLUS+ www.patriciapope.juiceplus.com 225-603-4331 • patdpope@bellsouth.net • Denham Springs

BRITTANY BORNE KRCMA — YOUNG LIVING OILS Beauty society.com/brittanyb 225-241-4089 • Bellarosebling@yahoo.com • Denham Springs

SAMANTHA “SAM” ALVAREZ — AVON www.youravon.com/SamAlvarez823 225-936-7976 • SamAlvarez823@gmail.com • Walker

ANGELA BARTONE — 4 LIFE http://4Life.com/abertone 985-320-4359 • angelapom@att.net • Ponchatoula

JACQUELINE DENNIS — COLOR STREET www.colorstreet.com/jackiesjazzymanis 225-247-4884 • jackiesjazzymanis@gmail.com • Walker

STEPHENIE BUSBY — FARMASI www.farmasius.com/stepheniebusby 225-235-7887 • stepheniebusby@gmail.com • Denham Springs

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DALE MAYEAUX

REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL

COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES BUYING | SELLING INVESTMENTS

TALK

! E M L CAL

LET’S

225.267.9802

710 SW Railroad Ave. • Hammond | itssold@kw.com | Email — commercial@ramproperties.net Each office independently owned and operated LOUISIANA WOMEN IN BUSINESS Winter 2021

Winter 2021

LOUISIANA WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Louisiana Women In Business Winter 2021

Articles inside

Louisiana Women In Business Magazine