Louisiana Women in Business Issue 04

SUMMER 2021

10 FREE WAYS To Market Your Business

Sex Appeal & Confidence:

We See It. We Want It How To Gain It For Yourself

Struggles Women Have With Boundaries and How To Reclaim Them

Ask Amberleigh!

How Do The Light Particles In Food Communicate With and Affect The Light Particles In Our Cells

Tabitha Starkey LOUISIANA WOMEN IN BUSINESS

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TREATMENTS — FOR FACE Injectables | Peels | Microdermabrasion Microneedling | PDO Threads | PRP Hair Removal | Laser & IPL Rejuvénation TREATMENTS — FOR BODY CoolSculpting | Mesotherapy Medical Weight Loss | PDO Threads Hair Rejuvénation Laser Rejuvénation | PRP TREATMENTS — FOR WELLNESS IV Nutrition Rejuvénation Sexual Rejuvénation for Men and Women Hormone Replacement 2

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LOUISIANA WOMEN IN BUSINESS

504.688.7546 701 Poydras St, Suite 106, New Orleans rejuvenemedspa.com | nolamedspa.com

WELCOME We are officially 1 year old!

That’s right! This is Issue #4 of

Editors: Tabitha Starkey Holly, Culpepper, Co-editor Ammberleigh Carter, Copy-editor

LA Women In Business Magazine.

FEATURE JOURNALISTS: Tabitha Starkey Holly Culpepper CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Chrisha Rouse, Laura Fuentes, Dr. Amberleigh Carter, Valerie Kemper Simons, Cheryl Jeane Becca Mayeux Misty Roussa Ronnekia Johnson Brittany V. Carter Christina Carter Katie Green CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Addie’s Photos LSU Athletics ADVERTISING:SALES TEAM: Tabitha Starkey Melissa Portier Addie Laughery Samantha Schenk Amanda Wilson GRAPHIC DESIGN Angela Blake, Whitney Andrus MARKETING CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER: Tabitha Starkey Cornerstone Marketing Agency of Louisiana PRODUCTION/DESIGN Angela Blake,Holly Culpepper A publication of Louisiana Women in Business Magazine Founder: Tabitha Vilardo Headquarters: 301 Main St., Ste 2200 Baton Rouge, LA 70801 info@lawomeninbusiness.com (225) 400-1962 Subscribe at: www.LaWomeninBusiness.com Connect with LA Women In Business!

Facebook and Instagram @lawomeninbusiness

Tabitha Starkey

I have been asked, “When are you going to be on the cover?” Honestly, I never thought that I would do it. We started this magazine to create a community for women to recognize, educate, inspire, and empower one another. I envisioned powerful and successful women that can teach us all things on the cover of each issue.

I have enjoyed meeting our featured CEOs and Influencers and talking to the owners that advertise with us. I can’t deny that this idea I had 13 months ago has grown into a community. A place where we get to know each other, find answers to questions that we all have, and a place to join up on our journey.

We reached over 10k readers online this week! Ladies, I’m excited! And I decided to step into joy and say out loud that I am a successful woman, and I have so much to share with all of you.

This year has flown by, and as I sit looking back over our first three issues, I have to say that I am so proud to be involved in this ADVENTURE! I am proud of myself too. Reading our articles has inspired me to celebrate! It’s July 2021 - I turned 38 this month, and the magazine has grown to the tender age of 1! I may be geeking out more than when I got to interview Lauren Daigle! I’m just saying.

Issue 04: We welcome Co-editor Holly Culpepper and Copy Editor Amberleigh Carter!

It’s time to celebrate! Celebrate the magazine. Celebrate my birthday. Our Woman Of The Season once said, “It’s a woman’s world! Let’s celebrate each other!” Let’s do it! I am so grateful to be in our tribe and for what we are doing in our businesses. Here is to year 2! I can’t wait to meet more of you and to see what’s to come.

Blessings,

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At Genesis Real Estate Services, we stand for honesty, fairness, loyalty, hard work, and a never quit attitude when it comes to serving our clients. We practice God first, family, and to continuously improve our knowledge, and professionalism to the highest standards.

We take pride in helping clients find their new beginnings, whether it is helping our clients purchase their first home, or assisting with selling their home. We strive, to make the home buying or selling process as smooth and enjoyable as possible. We consider it an honor to help our clients, and are hopeful not only to assist them in real estate, but remain friends for a lifetime.

2577 Florida Blvd SW | Denham Springs | 225.522.4010 | genesisrealestatela.com 4

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WHAT’S INSIDE Sex Appeal & Confidence 08 Tips for Pushing Forth When You’re Tired 10 Summer Hydration Methods 13 Putting Yourself First Makes You More Productive 14 Putting the Moves on Pain 15 Women In FInance 16 10 Free Ways to Market Your Company 17 Desi Allums of Asher Reed 35 Importance of Friendships 37 Ask Amberleigh 38 Finding Balance, Moms in Business 42 Struggles With Boundaries 46 How to Write A Mission Statement 50 8 Types of Friends 52 Play to Pay 58 Top Two Things to Know About Marketing 60 How to Stay Motivated During the Summer 66 Yoga Helps 72

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Coach Kim Mulkey

The new Head Coach for the Lady Tigers talks about her decision to come home to Louisiana and shares her thoughts on what it takes to succeed. .

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Shirani Rea

Owner of Peaches Records in New Orleans talks about love, music, and how helping the community is what it’s all about.

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Melissa Smith

Owner of Comfort Control Heating, Air & Refrigeration shares her story and tips on how to be a successful leader.

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Amber Ray

Owner of Genesis Real Estate Services talks about goal setting, hustling, and how her faith plays a major role in her success.

On the Cover:

Woman Of The Season — Tabitha Starkey An EXCLUSIVE interview with our Woman Of The Season – Owner of Cornerstone Marketing Agency Of Louisiana and Founder Of LA Women In Business Magazine talks about her businesses, enjoying the journey and what it takes to be successful.

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Becca is a caring financial representative who specializes in teaching her clients the risks, and benefits of building financial security.

PLANNING • INSURANCE • INVESTMENTS

BECCA MAYEUX Financial Representative 1 Smart Way, Suite 101 Baton Rouge, La 70810 C: 225.939.5671 F: 225.408.4598 becca.mayeux@nm.com

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What Makes Us Different?

Part 2: Not Your Mama’s B-12 Shot

Hello Readers!

At Rejuvené, we ran a Coolsculpting Campaign for Mother’s Day. I had expected a good response but was floored by the flood of requests that came through for Online Consultations! It was a GREAT experience to meet over 150 people in a month, all of whom were anxious to change their body shape and urgently wanted to learn more about what we could do for them.

Here’s the rub. Coolsculpting isn’t for weight loss. Coolsculpting is a top level solution that targets stubborn fat pockets that are genetically predetermined or that remain after you’ve done all you can with diet and exercise over an established period of time. Most of the consultations we held were for people who didn’t meet the qualifying perimeters.

Beyond just an energy boost, this weekly injection is a carefully compounded blend from our FDA-compliant 503b pharmacy. It not only enhances energy and burns fat but among other things, it improves and strengthens the immune system and supports muscle recovery!

To determine if our Lipo Mino weekly injection is for you, consider the following: -Do you live close enough that you can easily get to us weekly?

-Can you commit to a full month of injections before assessing if you feel a difference?

-Can you afford $25 an injection?

-Would it benefit you to Feel Better, Sleep Better & Think More Clearly?

Wanting to help, I found myself naturally shifting to a conversation that addressed weight management and weight loss. I found the majority of people I spoke with shared two common issues: *No Time *No Energy

Keeping in mind there can be any number of lifestyle or systemic factors that may contribute to a debilitating level of low energy, we recommend a comprehensive evaluation with a trusted medical professional at regular intervals.

Great news! Although we can’t wave a wand to create more time, we do have an avenue to address the energy challenge. I am so proud of the effort our Medical Director, Dr. Phillip L. Reed has put into meticulously researching, trialing and selecting an affordable, safe and effective weekly injection compound that does so much more than an old school B12 shot.

If you or someone you know struggles with low energy or weight gain, please call the number below to schedule a complementary 15 minute virtual or in-office consultation with Dr. Reed.

Introducing our Lipo Mino Shot! In a consult, we will go over the ingredient panel in detail!

Valerie Kemper Simons Client Care Coordinator for RejuvenéMedSpa.com info@rejuvenemedspa.com

504.688.SKIN (7546) 701 Poydras St, Suite 106, New Orleans rejuvenemedspa.com | nolamedspa.com

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Sex Appeal & Confidence: We See It. We Want It – How to Gain a Little for Yourself

by Chrisha Rouse There’s something so entrancing about a woman that can walk into a room and OWN it. Without saying a word, she can catch the attention of everyone in view.

We’ve all seen those women. Some of you may BE those women (and if you are, I tip my proverbial hat to you). However, the rest of us mere mortals watch these mysterious masters of female sex appeal and wonder, “How does she DO that? And how does she seem to not even TRY?” I’m going to let you in on a little secret that might just blow your mind – it’s probably her panties. Or, to use a more allencompassing term, her lingerie. I know.

Just the mention of the word lingerie and we immediately think sex. Rightfully so.

It does have an important role to play in the bedroom, and it’s probably not how you think. Intimate apparel is so much more than eye-candy for your partner and then landing on the floor. In my opinion, wearing lingerie is much less about what it does for your partner and all about what it does for YOU.

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your booty into “Hey, boo-tay.” Or maybe it’s that pair of sky-high stilettos that you only get the opportunity to rock on special occasions.

Whatever it is, the power that you feel when wearing that perfect outfit can’t be denied. There’s a shift in the way you walk, you stand taller, there’s a little je ne sais quoi that you don’t feel every day.

Unfortunately, it’s usually not convenient (or appropriate) to wear that magic dress daily and that would lessen the impact, anyway.

Here’s the exciting news: you can still get that feeling, that power, that confidence without wearing the soles off of your sexy shoes!

Imagine having a sexy secret that no one knows but you. Because no one can see what you’re wearing underneath your normal workday attire.

You can have on khakis and a polo and be rocking an entirely different vibe underneath!

New sexy matching panties and bra? Sure!

A satin & lace teddy that no one in the office would ever imagine you owning?

Of course!

Wanna feel EXTRA frisky? Try a little black leather number under a button up shirt. That takes the term “work-to-play” outfit to another level!

Lingerie in the bedroom should follow the same rules – wear what makes YOU feel sexy. Because confidence, my dear, is the SEXIEST thing a woman can wear!

Sound a little crazy? It shouldn’t.

So, go try it and see the difference for yourself.

Think about it. We all have that ONE outfit that makes us feel great – maybe it’s the little black dress that hugs all the right curves or that pair of jeans that turn

Remember, it’s about you - From the bedroom to the boardroom, lingerie can take you from feeling like “girl next door” to goddess!

LOUISIANA WOMEN WOMEN IN IN BUSINESS BUSINESS LOUISIANA

4250 Burbank Drive, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808 • (225) 490-6355 LOUISIANA WOMEN IN BUSINESS

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TIPS FOR PUSHING FORTH WHEN YOU ARE TIRED Written by Laura Fuentes

You’ve been hustling for what seems like an eternity. And suddenly, both your body and brain have hit a wall. It happens -whether you’re an entrepreneur, a student, a mom, or just a single person trying to live your best life.

Maybe you’ve reached a point where you roll your eyes every time a motivational quote appears on your Instagram feed. Those were great at first, but now, they feel like a joke.

And here you are. Looking for ways to push through, get your mojo back, and find your motivation -which isn’t gone, by the way.

Your energy is low; the motivation is still there.

Today, I want to share with you 3 ways you can gain control of your life -no matter where you are or how much you have going on – so you feel like you’re moving forward towards achieving what you want.

Eliminate distractions.

We often feel “unmotivated” simply because we are overwhelmed with how much is on our plate. Big or small, these items make us feel stressed and those feelings and emotions can easily take over the positivity and motivation we feel when we’re working towards our goals.

Something I find helpful is making a list of specific items that are triggering feelings. This isn’t a “to-do” list; it’s a list of the areas in our lives, both personal and professional, that are weighing us down and leaving us depleted of energy.

After I make a list, I then look at the items objectively and cross out the things that are outside of my control. The simple act of crossing them out is very freeing; for me, it detaches that item 10

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(symbolically) from internalizing the feeling. After that, I give myself permission to let it go.

Of course, the problem you just crossed out doesn’t go away; it will be there. You are acknowledging that it’s outside of your control and releasing yourself from the pressure of carrying its emotional weight.

Hopefully, as you release some of the items that you’ve let take up emotional space, take deep breaths, and center yourself. You’re on your way to removing what has been pushing down your motivation.

Sleep more.

Another reason we often feel unmotivated is that we’ve been pushing through a tough season in our lives without enough recovery. One great way to boost your energy when you’re tired is by prioritizing sleep.

If you want to get more done, you need to sleep more. Gone are the days where “pushing through” means pulling all-nighters. They’ll only leave you sleep-deprived, cranky, and foggy. This is the opposite of what you need to push through.

That’s right. Adding an extra 30 minutes on both sides of our sleep schedule by going to bed 30 minutes earlier and waking up 30 minutes later can help you recover from feeling tired from sleep deprivation.

Mind you, this won’t happen overnight. It will take several days of adding at a minimum of one to two hours of additional sleep for your body to recover. Additionally, it’s important you get quality sleep, not just lay in bed.

FINALLY — A FAMILY-FRIENDLY PLAN TO DITCH PROCESSED FOODS AND SUGAR!

FAMILY KICKSTART PROGRAM Everything you need to eat whole foods for 30 days

WHAT YOU GET: 3 Easy to follow, 50+ family-friendly recipes, for every meal 3 4 organized meal plans, one per week 3 Printable completed shopping lists, one per week 3 4 step-by-step meal prep guides, one per week 3 2 program levels, offering the flexibility families need to succeed 3 KickStart Program guide, step-by-step resources to help you get started 3 Program Bonuses like “easy swaps”, eating out guides, and more.

momables.com/family-kickstart-program LOUISIANA WOMEN IN BUSINESS

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I’m Alyssa, and I’m co-owner and Operations Coordinator for Undergrowth Coffee, located at 4332 Magazine Street in New Orleans, LA, and I’m a professional lover of the underdog.

Eat better.

A healthy and balanced diet is the best remedy to fight fatigue. Except, when we’re tired, feeling sluggish and unmotivated; we rarely gravitate towards grabbing a salad or a healthy meal.

Our food choices are less about how we feel at that particular moment and more about the choices we’ve made up to that moment. Running on an empty energy tank often leads to more coffee, more sugary or high-carb foods as the primary sources of fuel to get through the day. While these provide us with short-term energy, we find ourselves needing to refuel a few hours later.

This is sadly a vicious cycle you can find yourself easily trapped in; both with the excuse that you have little to no energy to plan your food and the lack of time.

The fact is that you do not have time to be caught in this cycle; and the easiest way to get yourself out of it is by pressing “pause” on everything you have going on and taking ten minutes to figure out what you can eat that can provide both lasting energy and fuel.

Pushing through tough times is less about having the motivation to get to the other side and more about preparing yourself to get through this season in your life. Trust me, it’s a season. And you have the power to choose how you let it impact your health and come out on the other side.

Download Laura’s Ultimate Guide to Balancing Life, Work, and Motherhood by visiting LauraFuentes.com/events.

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When you think of coffee, what comes to mind? Do you perhaps think of the earthy aromas that dance and dissipate across the tip of your nose before enjoying that first sip of your morning ritual? What about the friendly faces you see every morning, brightening your early commute to anywhere? Or do your thoughts rest on the origins of your coffee, like the generational hands that meticulously tend to the fincas and usher in the cup before you?

For myself, my partner Zack, and the team at Undergrowth Coffee, we set an intention to create a space where all of those thoughts are actively present when consuming our products.

In our plant-filled cafe, an intersection of locally-sourced and sustainable ingredients, respect for the artisans and farmers directly connected to each cup and an active community where everyone feels welcome and accepted are ever-present.

Particularly after watching the civil unrest in the wake of the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor in early 2020, we heightened our focus on creating an intimately safe space for everyone that passes through our doors. A place focused on sustainability and giving back to the virtue in the unrecognized among us, the ones responsible for making New Orleans the best city in the world.

When you purchase a cup at Undergrowth, you directly and positively impact the lives of real people: artists, coffee professionals, and makers who are sprouting in an ever-growing industry. From our original recipe syrups, inspired cold brews, and house-crafted milk alternatives, each flavor is a collaborative effort that culminates in dazzling your taste buds and connecting you to your community.

It might seem small, but this is why I wake up every morning, with a sustainably-sourced coffee in hand and mind set to “grow.”

(504) 766-7772 4332 Magazine Street • New Orleans, LA

The Better Summer

Hydration Methods Written by Katie Green

We’re all familiar with the idea that staying extra hydrated during the summer months is likely conducive to health, and often times, lifesaving, considering the smoldering Louisiana heat. Although, many methods of hydration only tout the use of water.

While water consumption is proven to hydrate the system, too much water use can produce harmful effects, just as too little can. Fortunately, additional, and often times more effective, nutritional options for selfhydrating exist.

According to Ray Peat, PhD in human physiology, the amount of water a person needs is extremely variable, depending on things such as metabolic rate, activity, and the temperature and humidity of the air. The cells in the body control hydration by the process that controls the cellular structure, metabolism, and movements. In other words, everybody is different, as is his or her water requirement. Claiming that 8 glasses of water a day, or any other arbitrary number, is the golden rule to optimal hydration, batters against physiological precedents.

In fact, drinking this much water/day, every day, can deplete electrolytes, which, in turn, can lead to dehydration.

Counterproductive, right?

So, what is more effective than drowning our insides with plain water?

Eating foods high in water content. Most foods contain a considerable amount of water; like fruit, for example, usually more

than 70% of their weight is water. Tropical fruits such as watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, oranges, and peaches, all contain considerably high water content that the body will recognize and use accordingly.

Adding electrolytes to your drinking water, by mixing a pinch (or 2) of unrefined salt to each glass you drink, can enhance the trace mineral content of the water and hydrate the system more efficiently by supporting the highly-conductive extracellular fluid. A healthy, functioning body requires a high level of daily mineral intake to remain healthy, especially during the summer, when we release minerals through sweat.

Drinking nutrient-dense, metabolicfriendly liquids, other than water, like coconut water, organic OJ, and/or bone broth, for example, can fuel the system by recruiting ATP, or rather, enhancing energy levels. When the body has enough fuel reserves, it is less likely to compensate in the form of dehydration.

Eating well-balanced meals that consist of a protein, carb (particularly fruit), and healthy fat, i.e., butter or coconut oil, and remaining consistent about it, is a wonderful way to keep nutrient and mineral consumption high, which will also negate the compensative state of dehydration.

At the end of the day, thirst is the best guide to the amount of fluid needed. As I always like to say—keep it simple. Afterall, too much of anything is never good, right?

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How Putting Yourself First Can Make You More Productive By: Brittany V. Carter

There’s never enough time in the day. I’ll never finish my “to-do” list today. Maybe if I throw the laundry in now and submit my deadline by 3pm, I can squeeze in a bath as soon as I finish work, before I start dinner. Does any of this sound familiar to you?

Our superwoman abilities to multitask have turned against us. Ladies, it’s time to start putting ourselves first! Time management is certainly important, but boundaries are everything. Imagine if you took back your power by putting yourself first and setting your boundaries, and then found that you magically had more time in the day to accomplish the important things and still enjoy your day. It is possible!

Putting yourself first and honoring your boundaries can start with the little things. Instead of feeling like you have to do it all, make your “to-do” list if you feel like you have to, but then only mark the very important things that have to be done that day. Take mindful breaks every so often, breathe deeply, and re-center yourself. Say no to things you do not have to do and start realizing that most things we think we “have” to do are actually obligations we impose on ourselves. Use the time you would have put into those obligations, into yourself instead. Those thoughts like, “That person will get mad at me if I say ‘no’”, or “I will let my loved ones down if I choose to stay home”, will probably still come flooding in. However, eventually, as your re-train yourself, your mind will adapt to your new boundaries and your reclaimed power and time for yourself, and the process will become more natural and enjoyable. You may find that you have to make uncomfortable decisions at first, but you will eventually strike a balance between yourself and your obligations, and you will have more time and energy for those things you have to do because you will have replenished yourself, first.

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As cliché as it may sound, you truly cannot give to others, if you do not give to yourself, first. Otherwise, you will burn out, possibly become ill, or you will at least feel like a hamster running endlessly on a wheel without actually accomplishing anything.

You need to be your optimal self before you can help anyone else.

Take back your time and your days for yourself. Enjoy your days while still being productive. Remember, taking time for yourself and your health in all forms is productivity!

You are an investment. Put yourself first. Then, you will be able to give to others from a place of wholeness, and your actions will be more fulfilling to all involved. Remember, putting yourself first does not have to be a painful process. It can start with baby steps, but those baby steps are powerful, and you will be proud of yourself and will notice subtle changes for the better. Live in the moment! Start establishing your boundaries and do something for yourself, first, as soon as you read this. You will thank yourself later.

LOUISIANA WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Putting the Moves on Pain...

Written by Cheryl Jeane, PT, DPT

D

id you know, your body remembers what your mind does not? As our bodies brace because of poor posture, major trauma, minor trauma, (physical or emotional), our fascia remembers and hardens.

Have you said, “I am so stressed, my shoulders (or head) are killing me!”? Our bodies respond to what is going on in our lives and remember how we feel responding accordingly. What is happening? How does this happen? A lot of this happens in our fascial system.

Fascia has 3 components – elastin, collagen and a ground substance.

The elastin and collagen components are what we are most familiar with and is what is worked on by most of the practitioners. We can also work on these things at home with a foam roller or traditional massage. This effects only 20% of the fascial system. The other 80% is the ground substance.

This is where the “magic” happens! The ground substance is crystalline in nature and should be fluid. With trauma, that fluid portion starts to harden on itself. As this fluid hardens, it can put up to 2000 pounds of pressure on the tissue around it. That pressure can cause immediate pain, or the pain can gradually come on. This does not show up on any imaging such as an MRI, x-ray, etc. When the fluid gets hardened the symptoms can show up away from where the problem is.

This happens because fascia is throughout our body connected like

a spider web. In fact, typically when a patient tells me where their pain is, I start looking somewhere else for the problem. As our fascia hardens, the memory of what happened, and the emotions around it, get stored in this area.

For example, someone who had a wreck, came to physical therapy and drove past the scene of the accident making them much tighter and more difficult to work on than when they came to treatment from a different direction. Another example is someone who was rear ended in the rain on the interstate. Every time she drove down the interstate in the rain, the pain in her hip would return! Our bodies remember what our minds may not.

Having the fascia worked on can help with emotional challenges you may be experiencing and help you to work through emotions. This can help with easing the pain.

How can you help this? One gentle thing you can do is stretch like you did when you were a child. You can also watch your dogs (or cats!) – they stretch every time they get up!) Stretch your arms overhead, then gently move in the direction your body wants to move.

Gentle Yoga can also help. This being said, you can also work with a counselor, see a physical/massage therapist trained with John Barnes Myofascial Release for bodywork, and/or do yoga (especially Yin) to help with managing both pain and emotions.

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WOMEN IN

FINANCE

As many young women prepare to start their college journeys in the fall, choosing a major can often be a daunting task. While historically seen as a male-dominated industry, finance can be a great option for those women who enjoy working through challenges and watching their innovative ideas make an impact. Whether choosing to work as a retail investment advisor, helping to make critical differences in their clients’ lifestyles and legacies, or in institutional asset management, there are a variety of career options in the fast-paced industry of finance that provide women with a rewarding career and an opportunity to do meaningful work. In addition, the industry is constantly evolving to meet the needs of a changing world, creating an exciting environment from which to learn, while also providing job security.

Women also have a lot to offer to the profession, itself.

By possessing unique qualities that differentiate them from their male counterparts, they are able to provide diversified views and skillsets to the investment industry.

It is often said that women take fewer risks than men and numerous studies have shown this to also be true when it comes to investing. Overall, women have been found to be more likely to stay the course—practicing patience and keeping a more long-term and goal-oriented view with their investments. Despite their conservatism, some studies found that women outperformed men over longer time horizons. A study from the University of CaliforniaBerkeley revealed that single women outperformed their male counterparts by 2.3% over a 7-year period. They 16

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pointed out the benefit of lower transaction costs, as women took a more disciplined approach by trading their positions 30% less often than men. Another study from Fidelity Investments in 2017 discovered that women not only saved more than men, their investments earned more annually, by 0.4 percent. While this appears to be a minor difference, it can have a significant impact when compounded over a long-time horizon. Women have also been found to perform more in-depth research on their investments and view investing more holistically, instead of focusing solely on performance.

Perhaps, most importantly, a career in finance provides the chance to make a meaningful impact through empowering other women to achieve financial independence. According to a recent Mckinsey study, only a quarter of affluent women are comfortable making investment and savingsrelated decisions on their own—15 percentage points lower than males. Yet, achieving financial independence is crucial for women, as they have longer average life expectancies than men, and those women living alone tend to show higher rates of poverty than men of similar age. Women were also found to place a high value on establishing a personal connection when seeking an investment professional—aligning well with the strengths most women have for being empathetic and good listeners.

By entering a career in finance, women have a unique opportunity to gain an enriching career, while also helping to enhance the industry by providing a diverse skillset and having the potential to empower others.

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10 free ways to market

10 FREE Ways to Market Your Company Marketing is a crucial aspect of business success. If people do not know about your service, they cannot buy it. Some kinds of marketing cost money, such as website hosting and email list management services. However, some of the most powerful and effective marketing tactics do not cost anything at all.

More than anything, good marketing is all about knowing your market. What does your market want or need? How do you entice them (with words, graphics, or video) to check out your business for those wants and needs? Once you know who your market is, what it wants, and where to find them, apply that knowledge to the following 10 free ways to market your business.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Every business should have a website, and while owning a website is not free, you can optimize your website for search engines without spending a dime. Search Engine Optimization is about including keywords and phrases that are common with people who use search engines to find things related to your business. Using keyword search tools can provide important insight into what your market is looking for, so that you can provide it. SEO also involves putting keywords in your webpage’s meta title and meta description to help search engines find and rank your website.

Social Media Consumers today want to interact with the companies they do business with. They also rely heavily on recommendations made by their friends, family, and others. Social media makes it easy for you to benefit from both trends. Through social media, you can share information and promotions, communicate and engage with your market, and benefit from the buzz your audience generates through shares. By being responsive to people who engage with you, you show that you care, and you can increase loyalty and improve your chance of referrals.

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Be a Guest Sharing your expertise through articles or interviews is one of the best ways to get in front of your market. You may land an opinion piece on someone else’s website, get interviewed on a podcast, or guest lecture for a webinar or online summit. Articles and interviews allow you to show off your expertise and credibility in a way that is more genuine (and more effective) than a traditional ad. Do not limit your guest appearances to online events. Print publications and TV shows often need experts and guests. Getting an interview, whether it’s on a podcast or a local news show, is all about submitting a media pitch that excites the editor, producer, or host.

Discussion Groups/Forums Like managing a robust social media presence, participating in online groups can be time-consuming, but when it is done well, you will reap many benefits. For one, it’s a free way to learn about the needs and trends of your market, which helps you better hone your product or service. Second, it provides a way to help others and share your expertise, which builds rapport and credibility. If you help someone through a difficult situation, they will want to learn more about you and the services you offer. However, success in discussion groups comes from being helpful, not from overtly promoting your business.

Press Releases/Publicity Like being a guest writer or interviewee, free publicity offers credibility that will increase market response more than traditional advertising. The trick is to submit a newsworthy PR idea relating to your business. A press release is not an ad, so you cannot just send an email about your business to a newsroom. Your PR pitch needs to contain a news hook, such as winning an award, reaching a milestone, or connecting your business with something going on in the world (like volunteering resources to a worthy cause). A great resource that media outlets use to find guests and experts is Help a Report Out (HARO). You can join for free and then respond to media queries.

Videos Visual content has a higher chance of gaining traction online, and, fortunately, it’s not hard or expensive to create a promotional video.

Sure, you could pay professionals to make a high-quality video for your business, but with extra effort, you can do the whole thing yourself. You can make a video using your computer’s webcam or a cell phone. Most computers and phones include free video editing software, and it’s free to upload videos to YouTube. The trick to successful videos for business marketing is to be helpful (i.e., tutorials) and/or entertaining.

Joint Ventures In a joint venture, you partner with someone in a similar industry, usually in a cross-promotion, although there are a variety of ways to form a joint venture. For example, you can work with a partner who promotes your business in exchange for you helping to promote their business, or in exchange for monetary compensation (like a percentage of the sales). The success comes in getting your product or service in front of another audience.

Affiliate Program Affiliate marketing is like joint ventures in that another business promotes your product or service in exchange for a commission, based on the sales facilitated. The difference is that a joint venture is usually a one-off event, and it usually involves a small number of partners. An affiliate program, on the other hand, is ongoing, and you can have as many partners as are willing to promote what you offer. Although you might need to invest in an affiliate software system, finding affiliates is, for the most part, free. You only pay them if they deliver results.

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Speak or Teach Having credibility is an important part of marketing, which is why it pops up a lot (like with being a podcast guest or making PR pitches).

Especially on the internet, people need to feel like they are working with honest, quality businesses. Speaking and teaching is another way to show off your expertise and build credibility. Sometimes you can get paid for it, as well. You can use a free service, such as Google Hangouts, to offer an online seminar or contact local groups about speaking to them. For example, many towns have adult education programs that could use some expertise from a local business owner.

You can also look for any civic groups in need of speakers.

Offer a Freebie People love a good deal, and deals do not get much better than freebies. Many entrepreneurs offer freebies with a subscription to their newsletter, but that is not the only way a free item can help.

You can offer a free sample or a free 15-minute coaching call. The idea is that once people have tested your product or service, they’ll want more—and they’ll be willing to pay the next time around.

Locations in New Orleans & Baton Rouge nolaboards.com • 504-256-0030

New Orleans Location Now Offering Private Dinners Cocktail Classes Wine Tastings Charcuterie Board Classes LOUISIANA WOMEN IN BUSINESS

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Tabitha Starkey

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LOUISIANA LOUISIANA WOMEN WOMEN IN IN BUSINESS BUSINESS

Here We Greaux!

Written by Holly Culpepper

Meeting Tabitha will inspire you. She is young, full of life, and can achieve anything when she sets her mind to it. She gets knocked down and stands right back up. Quitting is never an option. Do not dare tell her she can’t do it either.

While “experts” say that you’ll need 40k and a team of 10-15 to start a successful print magazine.

Tabitha Starkey started LA Women in business Magazine on July 1rst, 2020, with her older sister.

She envisioned a publication that would be full of valuable content that helps female business owners like herself.

“We all face the same issues at different times in our journey, and most of us are without a fellow entrepreneur to talk to about them.”

With that heart behind the publication, they got to work. The first issue was published online and printed in October that same year. Tabitha also owns Cornerstone Marketing Agency of Louisiana, located in Baton Rouge. She has referred to herself as a business growth strategist with a marketing team behind her. Cornerstone represents clients from Shreveport to New Orleans and has some heavy hitters trusting them to grow their digital footprint, create and run their ad Campaigns, amongst other things that raise brand awareness and client base. “I love helping people and watching their businesses grow,” she said that marketing has not always been her passion but helping people has. Tabitha was voted top female CEO in marketing by the Women of Distinction. She is one of the best marketers in Louisiana.

Tabitha has had her fair share of trials and tribulations regarding business and has rebuilt herself.

She owned a business at 30. However, being young without many mentors to guide her, she overspent and had to close the doors. Tabitha can relate to anyone in any situation. She has been humbled by her experiences and lessons from past mistakes, despite success now. She told me that she has made all the mistakes a business owner can make.

After that business closed, she said she was praying about starting another company because business ownership is in her heart. She heard clearly from the Lord “small business marketing.” And her response was, “Dad, I could smash that!”

With a 1rst place award in marketing in the state and a management job when she was in high school, marketing and management came naturally for Tabitha. She has placed first, set records, and won awards every year for the past twenty. Excelling is in her DNA. For everything that does not come naturally, she learns or hires someone that is best for that position. “Always learning is a key component of growth.” What are others? Half of them are not business-related. Having gratitude for what you have and a giving heart, being kind to clients and employees, and always following through on what you say is what I would tell any business owner the key concepts are.

Tabitha said that she cares about her clients’ businesses as if they were her own and does everything in her power to make sure that they get a return on investment with their marketing. So not only can she help a business grow with her marketing capabilities, but she also provides a free service with the magazine offering up valuable business, life, health, and mindset content. Tabitha will sit on the phone or in meetings for hours, helping people strategize their best options for growth. She has even held free classes showing people how to use social media to their advantage. Because, let’s face it, some of us are still lost when it comes to posting. She stays up to date on all the media trends to help her clients and always gives out free advice.

In addition to helping business owners, she is always ready and willing to assist in the community. She organizes fundraisers, donating her time, and donating money to just about any organization that approaches her. In addition to giving, she seeks out to give and has a passion for helping LOUISIANA WOMEN IN BUSINESS

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end child trafficking. Giving is at her very core values, even giving all the money in her wallet to someone on the street if she feels like they need it more than she does. She trusts that things will always be provided if she always has good intentions, and this belief has not let her down. “It is important for business owners to give back.” She says.

What business advice would you give to your readers?

Always have a plan. A business growth plan, a marketing plan, and a backup plan. Not in case of failure, but your backup plan for when something happens unexpectedly or when the market changes. She said she creates her clients’ marketing plans. Phases 1-4 each new quarter is the next phase. Planning and pushing through when all your plans fall apart are the genuine keys to success.

With Cornerstone celebrating four years in April and the magazine celebrating one year this month, Tabitha said she plans to continue running both businesses as far as she can see. She feels lucky that both go hand in hand, as far as the business owners are concerned.

“Helping business grow across Louisiana” is on the back of her business card.

Very fitting.

With all of that, we would like to Congratulate our own Tabitha Starkey on being Woman of the season and, in this writer’s opinion, the Woman of the year!

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Kim

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GET AFTER IT! Written by Holly Culpepper Louisiana welcomes back the “Hammond Honey” Kim Mulkey. The Tickfaw native was fondly nicknamed this during the athlete state of her career. Before the nickname, there was not much opportunity for females to play locally, so this advanced athlete played with the boys on their team. A female on the boy’s team was not well received. She made to sit out during a game because of her gender. She still cheered for her team on the sidelines. By the time she got to high school, she had focused on Basketball and led her team to National Championships all four years. Not only was she a supreme athlete, but she also had the intellect as well maintaining a 4.0 GPA and was the valedictorian of her class. She was proud that Basketball would take care of her college education. Ensuring her players get their degree is one of her goals for her team, as she stated in an interview with LSU sports.

During her college years, she excelled in sports and academics, receiving prestigious scholarships and winning Olympic gold in 1984. After the Olympics, she returned to college to work on her Master’s in business, achieving all she ever wanted to achieve, and was ready to hang up the tennis shoes. She planned to become a CEO of a Fortune 500 company and travel the world, as she told me during our interview. The University President saw something in her that she did not see in herself, and that was coaching. She was pulled out of class by campus police and reluctantly talked into being an assistant coach for Leon Barrymore. During this time at Louisiana Tech, she taught herself how to recruit players and deal with rejection. She told me after her first player rejected her, it took two days to get over it.

However, she did not let this get to her. She got over it and got back after it. Recruiting is much like sales; you must adjust or get left behind.

She remained the assistant coach until 1996 and was then the associate head coach until 2000. In 2000 she took the head coach position at Baylor. She took this

program from the ground to the top five during her tenure there.

Once again, fate intervened, and she is back in her home state as the head coach for LSU. The move to LSU, she says, is “good timing.” She has been led back to her home state at the right time. Her gut told her that this was the right move for her. She told me she relies on her gut quite often. Even when it comes to motivating her team, she relies on her gut. She believes gut feelings come from experience. She has many tactics to encourage, and it greatly depends on the player and the situation.

The tools she uses range from intense to soft, video to paper. She says to me, “nothing great in life is achieved without enthusiasm.” Any tactic she uses is executed with enthusiasm. “Give it everything you have,” she says.

We all have bad days, feel sorry for ourselves, and want to get lazy, but as leaders, we must push through, “to whom much is given much is expected.”

Leaders need to set the tone, and it will trickle down.

She contributes her success, motivation, and dedication to her personality. Some say she is “afraid of failing,” she says. She just does not like losing. She sees the possibility of failure as a motivating factor. She is not afraid of a challenge and welcomes them headon. Success comes from doing your homework, being prepared, and a willingness to keep going.

We are glad to have this record-setter in the P-MAC and cannot wait to see our Lady Tigers become National Champions under Coach Kim!

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ShiraniRae SPRING 2021

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Written by Holly Culpepper

T

he first time I met Ms. Shirani, I was mesmerized by her. I could not put my finger on why she was so friendly upon entering the store like she had known me for years. I thought about her a lot in the upcoming weeks. Then, I had the privilege of sitting down with her and talking about love, music, and fitness.

Peaches Records and Ms. Shirani have a rich history in New Orleans, not only in music but in philanthropy. She started Peaches records in 1975 and, at some point, had 6-7 locations. The primary location moved around several times until 2008 where it landed in the French Quarter.

She stayed there until 2016 when she moved the location uptown to what she felt was a better fit. The location was the old 1940s Woolworth that had a rich history of its own.

This location held one of the first sit-ins during the civil rights movement.

Shirani Rea is an icon in the music culture of New Orleans.

To her, music is life. She has had a hand in bringing up many young artists, including Cash Money and No Limit. She told me Lil’ Wayne must have been only 10 or 11 years old when he was in the record store trying to work and put tracks down. Her goals are simple: to make people’s dreams come true; whatever she can do to help, she is willing. Shirani has even helped a local candle maker make her dreams come true by selling her fabulous candles in her store, which prompted other stores in the area to sell them as well. She welcomes all artists to sell items in her store.

The Philanthropist: We talked about her charity foundation that helps the homeless. Mamma Peaches plays a crucial role in helping the area’s homeless community. She donates a sizeable percentage of the records store’s profit to them.

There is even a bucket in the store that collects for them as well. She tells me we are all walking down the same path no matter our financial status, and we end up in the same place.

It is essential to her to connect with people and to connect

people. Music is the perfect catalyst for this. She has often held release parties, fundraisers, and concerts at the record store. Since the lift of the mandates, the events have been coming back full force.

The Counselor: Music saves lives and is scientifically proven to heal the mind, body, and soul. Her recommendation is always when you are feeling down to drop a needle and listen to a record. “Why a record?” I asked. She tells me a couple of reasons, number one being the sound and number 2, “you have to listen to the whole thing.” Listening to the whole album gives you a better idea of what the artist is trying to portray. She says it also helps to think about why they laid it down that way. She also suggests getting to know your favorite artists to help you better understand their music.

The Businesswoman: I asked her what advice she had for women in business. She says to me, “whatever you do in life, you should do it from your heart.” Success comes from how much you care. At this moment, we established our connection, we both are rewarded by helping people.

Throughout our conversation, the same thing resonated give love. It does not matter what language you speak. We all understand the sounds. Her second piece of advice is if you have a dream, you should pursue it. Pursuing your dreams is particularly important. Otherwise, you are going to die wishing you had done what you wanted.

I enjoyed talking with her and look forward to going to as many of her events as I can. I will remember one of her quotes always. “Share the love, meditate on positivity and spin a record to change the world.”

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Melissa Smith

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Owner of one of Louisiana’s most successful HVAC and Refrigeration companies, Melissa Smith shares with fellow owners her secret to success and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to put your business into growth mode.

But first, a little background on the featured owner of Comfort Control Heating, Air and Refrigeration.

Melissa is a kind and driven business owner who grew up in Baton Rouge and started working at Burger King. Sounds like a lot like us, right? Down to earth, a bubbly personality, and a sweet spirit are things I found when I sat down with her. She talked about her husband Patrick, her high school sweetheart, and how they have been happily married for 31 years. She told me about their three daughters, Ashley, Andi, and Amber. They are grown and are all currently studying Nursing.

Melissa is a proud grandmother of four, and I think she could have talked about her crew for hours.

It was refreshing and inspiring. I was having an encounter with a woman that I feel is this part of a Women’s movement that will one day mark the time in women’s history when a woman decided they could have it all!

significant forces behind fast growth is word of mouth. “This is the south, and word of mouth travels fast.”

What are some of the things that you do to make sure your employees are happy? We offer a competitive pay rate w/ commission opportunity, health/dental/ vision insurance, and a 401k.

What is the secret to success? “Whether it is HVAC or Hamburgers, the answer is the same. It’s customer relations.”

Melissa suggests that all business owners read the book “7 habits of highly effective people.” by Steven Covey. She said it gave her the tools to practice three customer relations components successfully: active listening, compassion, and building relationships.

Melissa worked for a local HVAC company since 2011 and learned all aspects of the business. She said she had an entrepreneurial spirit for as long as she can remember. Melissa grew up watching her dad work as the VP Manager of the Capital City Glass locations. After losing a business partner in the company, she was working for, she found an opportunity to follow her passion. Go into business for herself and did just that.

What separates your company from the other local HVAC companies, as far as what you offer in the business. “It’s important for us to take care of all of our customers like family. What sets us apart from other HVAC companies is that we chose a niche, which I think many owners shy away from in fear of missing opportunities. We specialize in commercial work, as in bidding and installing HVAC systems and refrigeration. Our mantra explains a lot of what works. We fix it first! Our niche is commercial service and maintenance.”

Melissa opened her business in July 2020. I love that this is her first anniversary, and I wanted to know her tactics on growth and eager to hear any advice that she had to give as she now runs a tristatewide organization.

Many companies try to sell new systems because of the profit margin. We fix it first! By adding commercial refrigeration to my HVAC company, I was able to become a group that is local and works in Alabama and Mississippi.

I asked her what her favorite thing about being a business owner is. She answered, “My employees, their health and happiness.” I love that! One reason her company is so successful is that her employees are happy. She said that one of the reasons is she believes that it is so important is because the employees are the ones who meet the customers and are the face of the business. One of the most

It is incredible! One year with an added service, strong practices in employee and customer care, and focusing all marketing on a niche equaled up to growth that most companies in her field don’t see for a decade.

Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Business Owner.

Melissa Smith is a way maker! We are thankful for your time and wish you continued success!

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Artist: Bedonna Magid-Wakeman A prolific painter, she works in the kitchen of her Faubourg Marigny apartment during the day. On the weekends, she shows her paintings from the fence behind St. Louis Cathedral on Royal Street at Orleans Avenue in the French Quarter.

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www.bedonnasneworleansart.com Email: bwakeman5@cox.net SPRING 2021 LOUISIANA WOMEN IN BUSINESS

www.thepostbridalshowgonzales.com

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AmberRay Amber

LOUISIANAWOMEN WOMENIN INBUSINESS BUSINESS LOUISIANA

Written by Holly Culpepper

She’s On The Move!

Amber Ray started her real estate career to become more independent, provide for her family and help her community. She originally started with a large nationwide franchise company but felt there was more out there for her. Amber quickly worked her way into the top producing agents of the companies she worked with.

Amber never considered it a job but more of a calling.

She feels like God has led her to do this because she has seen the impossible become possible, and many miracles happen for her clients and her agents. Amber had a larger calling. She decided to open her own business, Genesis, in January 2020 and shift her focus from just helping clients to helping clients and agents.

up with past clients with small gifts, phone calls, and even visits! She always goes out of her way to make a personal connection. Most of her clients become friends and keep close contact with her.

Seeing her agents build long-term success next to her is one of her major ambitions. Amber wants to see all her agents develop their careers and grow as people and grow spiritually. Her business has taken off. Her hard work and dedication to her clients and agents show in her success.

She contributes her success to God and gives him the glory.

She is ready at a moment’s notice to go above and beyond to get the deal closed. Until recently, Amber has not spent much time on marketing and has relied on word of mouth to get clients. Her willingness to give without expecting anything in return is why she is so successful. Anyone who knows her wants to work with her and even send their friends and family to her. She loves seeing people get into their dream homes or sell their homes so people can move onto the next chapter of life with ease. She often follows

feels that God does not put more on your shoulders than you can bear, and HE gives her the strength to weather any problem or storm that comes. If a successful business, career, fame, or fortune came easy, everyone would be wealthy and successful. However, she adds she stays true to her values, morals, and beliefs at all costs and will not waiver for any amount of money. It is all about the hustle and staying true to yourself.

When Amber is not hustling to close a deal, she tries to balance spending time with her family. As a working mom, she admits it is hard to find this balance. Her family is very understanding and grateful for all the long hours worked during the week. She knows that her son respects her work ethic and hopes to leave a legacy behind him to have a great business to manage when he is ready. Owning your own business and making it grow is hard and trying. She

Her goals for herself are to learn to delegate some things and find more balance. Work smarter, not harder. We all have things we want to work on and improve. It is crucial to recognize that and set goals. Her advice to future and current entrepreneurs is to know it will be hard work, never give up and keep pushing forward!

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Asher Reed Clothing Helps ALL Women Feel Confident in Their Own Skin

Shop 24/7 in the privacy of your own home: AsherReed.com Facebook: facebook.com/groups/1838685536452383 Instagram: instagram.com/asherreedboutique/

Or visit one of our convenient locations: Asher Reed Boutique Inside Clayton House Marketplace 1600 N Collins Blvd Covington, LA 70433 34

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Asher Reed Boutique Inside Redoux Home Market 2983 U.S. Hwy 190 Mandeville, LA 70471

DESI ALLUMS dedicated to helping women feel unapologetically confident in their skin Ladies, let me introduce you to Desiree Allums, or as her friends call her, Desi. She has spent the last 15 years of her career dedicated to becoming a corporate trailblazer. She has won numerous awards for her servant leadership style and has taught others how to do the same. Yet, that is not what makes our newest inspiring Woman Entrepreneur magnetic.

Desi Allums owns Asher Reed Boutique located inside Clayton House MarketPlace in Covington and will soon be opening her second location, July 10th, inside Redoux Home Market in Mandeville (you can also find them online at www. asherreed.com.) Her mission statement reads, “Asher Reed will help ALL women feel unapologetically confident in their skin.” This statement is a direct reflection of her as she exudes confidence in her own life. We met up with her in Covington this week to find out more about what drives her and how she is taking over the Northshore with her ability to inspire other women to join the self-love train.

Q: Let’s talk more about your mission statement; Why is this important to you?

DA: As a woman who is headed into 39, life happens. We become preoccupied with being perfect in so many other places in our lives that we tend to lose ourselves to everything we are supposed to value. This was me two years ago. Working 80 Hours a week, running my multiple businesses, helping run my household, and the list goes on. Then one day I looked in the mirror, and I didn’t love who I saw. I didn’t feel good in my skin. So I made a huge lifestyle change and applied a lot of self-development that taught me how to shift my mindset and take the time to take care of myself first. This brought on a whole new definition of self-love that I never knew could exist. It’s hard being a woman in a world that judges you, and then you judge yourself even harder. I wanted to build a brand that represented that we all are equally imperfect and yet perfect in our skin, and we should glow with confidence in who we are because there is only one you.

Q: What makes your business unique?

DA: As a plus-size woman who has done her share of crying in the dressing room, it was important to me to carry all clothing sizes for the real woman, and we are currently making this our

number one priority. The struggle in clothes is hard. Size 0 runs into the same problem as a size 3X woman. “They don’t have my size.” So, our first business goal is to ensure our brand can be a place where ALL women know they can come and shop.

Q: What advice would you give other women who are contemplating opening their own business?

DA: Fear kills more dreams than failure ever will. Leap, my girl!

The worst that can happen is you fall and scrape your knee. You get back up, put a bandaid on it, and keep strutting in those Louboutin’s like the Queen you are.

Q: Who is Desi Allums?

DA: (Laughs) I hear my mom right now in my head saying, “Stay humble and don’t be braggy.” I think I have accomplished that; I always remember where my beginnings started, and I genuinely believe that is one of the reasons I am where I am today. I have preserved in life. With the odds stacked against me, I have risen out of the ashes. I am working on building the empire of my dreams. It is a legacy that is not just for my family and me but also for all women to know that it’s never too late to align your life with possibilities.

Q: Best Advice that changed your life?

DA: Be the 1% in everything you do. How you treat people, and how you show up for people. How you show up for yourself.

How you pursue your dreams. How you live your life.

JUST BE THE 1% 24/7 LOUISIANA WOMEN IN BUSINESS

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Two Busy Blondes on THE GEAUX Showing Off Life in Louisiana

South Louisiana television audiences can watch the Pelican Broadcasting & Sports TV Network in greater Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Acadian and New Orleanssurrounding areas!

YouTube.com Channel: The Rock It Right Entertainment 24/7 On TV: Thursdays 7p.m., Saturday 8:30p.m., Sunday 9:30p.m., & Monday 8p.m.

AT&T U-Verse KPBN Ch. 11, Cox Communications, Direct TV, DISH, Allen Cable, Roku, FireTV, Apple ITunes, Amazon, YouTube Live and Non-cable antenna. Replay of show continues for 2 weeks.

Baton Rouge, Franklin/Patterson, Acadiana Area Cox Channels 20HD and 1020HD

Betsy and Kay serve a heaping spoonful of their love and appreciation for Louisiana’s unique artists, cuisine, culture, and FUN on a local, state, and national level from a perspective “right” of center. With a humorous, fast paced rhythm, Betsy and Kay continue Monday 8 PM to reach out to•share the colorful, passionate, and creative people Louisiana is known for.

Thursday • 7 PM Rock It •Right Saturday 8:30 Radio PM is expanding our radio reach….

TO TELEVISION, Sunday • 9:30 PM YouTube & Digital Platforms!

Greater New Orleans, Hammond & Northshore Area Cox Channels 116HD and 1116HD Gramercy/Lutcher AreaCox - 117HD and 1117HD Amelia,107.3 Morgan City, Berwick,98.1 Siracusaville, HD3 Stephensville, Belle River, Pierre Part, Bayou L’ourse, Saturday • 11 Grand Coteau, Arnaudville, Port AM Barre, Krotz Springs, Sunset, CranstonAllen Cable Channel 772

Sunday • 11 AM

Starting August 2021: Central LA/Ferriday/Natchez & Southwest Mississippi 5 nights per week For NON-CABLE/antenna or Dish & Direct TV audiences the station airs live on KPBN VHF Channel 11 and Pelican HD DTV 14.2.

On RADIO: June 2021 Central LA/Ferriday/Natchez & Southwest Mississippi Saturday & Sunday 7a.m.TheGator107.1FM Classic Country TheRiver104.7FM Classic Rock Since April 2014 Greater Baton Rouge Area Radio & Podcast - Saturday & Sunday 11a.m.

WBRP TALK107.3FM and 98.1HD3 TALK1073.com, Facebook, TALK1073 App

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When Joe Cocker sang, “I get by with a little help from my friends”, he was onto something. True friendship is one of the most amazing gifts to give or receive. Friendship is what you make of it. I have friends with whom I share common interests, and all we do are those activities, and I have friends whom I consider to be my soulmates and my family.

So, why is friendship so important? In a nutshell, we are not meant to walk this earth alone. As women, we know that we are not perfect, although, seemingly, we always try to be. We need our friends to boost us up and remind us that we are wonderful and can conquer the world. Also, we must do the same for our friends. Another fun fact is that we are all different. Sometimes, friends offer a different perspective on a problem you are facing and help you find a solution. Sometimes, they will even do something for you that you hate, like shopping, because they love it! Yes, I know that I am crazy for disliking shopping.

The Importance of

Friendships By: Becca Mayeux

Much like when looking for qualities in a partner, close friends should balance you out. They can be the yin to your yang. They might also understand things in a different way than your partner. They can also provide you with a safe space to share your emotions, and comfort you in a way that your partner may not. Or, they might come over with wine and have a dance party with you, because it cheers you up.

For me, my inner circle is my family. I am closer to some of my friends than my own family. I also have a ton of friends that are super nice, fun to be around, and all we do is play. Friendships come in different shapes and sizes, but they are so important to our well-being and overall happiness!

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Ask Amberleigh Written by: Dr. Amberleigh Carter, DM, AMP, HHP Doctor of Metaphysics Alternative Medical Practitioner Holistic Health Practitioner Founder & Owner of Kinection Holistic Health, LLC

Q: How do the light particles in food communicate with and affect the light particles in our cells? How do we find out which foods will help me?

Mango vs. blueberries.

A: These are great questions because, most of the time, we tend to view food from a myopic standpoint. But, food is so much more than calories and nutrients, just as our bodies are so much more than flesh and organs.

Everything is made up of light, and there are certain foods that allow more light to be exchanged with your body, than other foods. In other words, foods that are real, high-quality, and easily digestible are typically the ones that will give you more light, more nutrients, and more energy. Which, I will get to all of that. However, it really boils down to the principle of resonance (i.e., an energetic match), which is different for every single body and can change at any single moment, particularly depending on our thoughts, beliefs, and emotions. This gives us a lot of freedom, but, sometimes, having this freedom can be confusing, especially when there are so many experts out there with conflicting information.

This can make it difficult to know which foods are best for you and how food really works in the body. So, let’s get started.

First and foremost, it may be unusual to view foods according to the amount of light particles in them. Most of the time, food has been reduced to calories or strictly for its physical contents of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals, nutrients, antioxidants, water, and the basic elements of carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and so forth. But, at its subatomic core, food is made up of light particles. Yes, it is true that plant foods, like fruits 38

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and vegetables, have gone through photosynthesis (i.e., the process of converting sunlight particles, or photons, into fuel), so they have captured particles of light. But, regardless of photosynthesis, all food and all of existence is made of light particles, including your human body.

At the foundation of the physical world, according to physics and metaphysics, there is a hierarchy of parts that starts at the physical level and gets down to the level of energy or fuel that runs, creates, and generates the physical body and physical objects. There is your body, your body parts, your organs, your tissues, your cells, your atoms, and then, going deeper, your protons, neutrons, electrons, and photons. Photons are the most quantum (smallest) and elementary constituent of the physical world. It is the fundamental building block of creation. A photon is made up of light and light is made up of information. You can think about this through color. The spectrum of color does not exist unless there is light reflecting hues and interfacing with your eyes and brain to interpret that information. Shape does the same thing. The shape of an object signals to the brain information about what type of energy it is holding.

For instance, the angle of a snake’s head, indicates the level of poison that snake contains (the more angular, the more poisonous). The shape of foods gives similar information by exchanging light particles (that carry information for its uses) with the observer. Every sense

of the body perceives information in the physical world that you take in, both subliminally and consciously, that feeds the body information to know how to react to its environment properly.

Food, in particular, that has been grown from the earth is packed with life-giving information for your body. The color and shape of the food can even indicate which body part it can help nourish, like strawberries helping the heart, papaya helping the ovaries, and bananas helping…well, you get it. This is because these types of food have the ability to exchange much more light with your cells because they are made up of the same light and information as your own body. Basically, these foods that are naturally occurring in nature, speak the same, organic language as the physical body. Therefore, it is much easier for your cells to extract energy from these foods, than from processed ones…because they are in resonance. There is nothing in nature that resembles an Oreo, so it is up to your body to figure it out, which makes the process more taxing on the nervous and digestive systems because it is out of resonance with the body. This does not mean to leave your Oreos out in the sun to capture more light. That’s, unfortunately, not how it works.

However, that said, there is good news! This is where resonance can override all of what we think we know about food. You could have amazing memories of growing up, eating Oreos with your

friends at fun slumber parties, which could elicit positive thoughts and emotions, setting off a cascade effect of the proper biochemistry to easily digest the Oreo…and even gain benefit from it! That’s right. Having zero judgment of a food, gives you the ability to override any “negative” effect in the body. This means that it will be able to process through and out of your body quite easily, if there is no mental resistance around it. None. But, with all of the programming in the western culture that has happened around food, this might be a bit of a challenge for most people to let go of their judgments entirely. However, it is possible. This is why people can be breatharians (where they only breathe air and do not eat food, ever) and be totally fine or be on a Subway sandwich diet and get positive results. It depends on your resonance, which is largely dictated by your thoughts, emotions, and belief system. So, if you want the cookie…eat the cookie! And enjoy the hell out of eating that cookie. Because, if you eat the cookie and judge yourself the whole time, thinking you will be fatter in the morning and feeling guilt and shame the entire time, then your cells will have a higher chance of responding to the resistance created in the body and shut down your cells, making the cell membranes impermeable, which makes it very difficult to absorb nutrients and release toxins out of your body. And judge yourself every time you eat anything, for years on end; that can build up quite a toxic environment, even if you have the “perfect” (cough, restrictive, cough) diet.

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This is because food, just like everything else in the world, is made up of light and information. And the light and information in food, resonates with the light and information that is inside of your body. And the light and information inside of your body is mainly dictated by your thoughts, beliefs, and emotions…which controls your biochemistry and the way that you can exchange light and information with food, your environment, and other human beings. However, food can also help to change and support your thoughts, beliefs, and emotions. The light and information inside of the foods can influence how you feel and, consequently, change your resonance. And your outside world can also change the resonance you have, which affects how you process the food. It’s really a bottom-up and top-down situation, which gives you freedom!

Freedom, however, can bring confusion, so here are 5 tips to help you know which foods can exchange more light and information with your body: Eat real food. This is food that has been grown from the earth or has roamed the earth at some point. This is a standard for knowing what to eat because it is what the human body has survived on for thousands of years before the industrialization of food and converting food into food-like products. So, your chances are higher for being able to recognize and assimilate these foods properly in the body, since it is already within the natural resonance of the human body.

Eat quality food. This is food that has not been adulterated by humans. The fewer the pesticides and chemicals, the better chance your body has of absorbing the nutrients and calming the nervous system, which is important for hormone and fat regulation. Look for organic or go to your local farmer’s market, where pesticides are drastically reduced in growing their crops.

Forget everything you think you know about food and drop your judgments and resistance to it. Food is your friend. It is here to help you live, heal, and survive. You are working with waves of light and information…so, tune into foods that grab your attention and make you curious. Never tried Rhubarb, but interested in the way it looks?

Try it. Your body might know what it needs more than you think. When we get locked in our heads, 40

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we shut down the body’s ability to flow with the information we are getting.

Your resonance is important, and you’re in charge of it, so, be mindful of the things you use as numbing agents. When do you tend to go for that bottle of wine? When you’re feeling lonely in your house at night? That’s very different from having a glass of wine at dinner with your girlfriends. Your body will physically process it differently because you are in a different emotional state, which changes the biochemistry in your body in that moment, which also changes the way your body will take in the light and information from the wine. The more “negative” your emotional state, the more your body is triggered to produce toxic chemicals and can make the chemistry of your food toxic. If there is a toxin in the body, fat is produced in order to protect the visceral organs from being poisoned. So, if your thoughts are “clean” and your emotions are stable while eating, you can change the way your body produces or burns fat, affecting your body shape and overall health.

Cook for yourself. This is not only beneficial for having cleaner food and ingredients, but the physical process of cooking food for yourself is, in a way, romantic. It’s nourishing. It connects you to your most fundamental needs. It’s a way to take care of yourself and love yourself. It also makes you say yes to yourself. Cooking for yourself, especially with music that uplifts your emotions and mood, can be a game-changer for your health and wellbeing.

So, knowing what foods are best for you is only part of it. Cleaning up your thoughts and emotions, and dropping any restrictive beliefs and judgments about food, will give you more clarity on what foods to eat and will also open you up to being able to eat more foods with fewer (if any) negative reactions or side effects. Additionally, this will change your resonance of which foods you’re attracted to, in the first place. The cleaner your internal environment, the more attracted you will be to “cleaner” foods. However, even if you’re attracted to a brownie or wine, the processing of those things will also be cleaner.

All in all, some of it is playing and guess work, until you get better at practicing what works well for your body in the moment. And the moment

will change. And the food you’re attracted to will change. Because it is all a reflection of where you’re vibrating and what type of energy is running through your body, which, again, is influenced by your thoughts, beliefs, and emotions. This is how light particles in food communicate with and affect the light particles in our cells.

Try it for yourself! Experience will always give you the best clarity, regardless of what any expert or trusted individual out there will tell you. For instance, although there are studies that claim there is no difference between organic and conventional fruits and vegetables, some people have no allergic reactions when they eat organic versus conventionally-grown produce. They may be allergic to the pesticides or processing of that food, and not to the food, itself. This can expand your horizons with your health and lifestyle. So, find what works for you. You are always in the driver’s seat, and you always have the power. And by you choosing it for yourself and experiencing it for yourself, that will build conviction in you for a new belief that will then change and create a new reaction in your body.

So, play with it. You may be surprised at which foods resonate with you and light you up!

For more information or if you need help in this or other health and lifestyle areas, you can book a private session with me at amberleighcarter.com.

You can also listen to my podcast or watch my YouTube channel, “Ask Amberleigh”. To have your own health question answered in the next magazine issue, email askamberleigh@ lawomeninbusiness.com.

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Finding Balance

Moms in Business Are you unsure of how structured or flexible to be over the summer with your family’s schedule and routine? You may be asking yourself things like, “How much time should I allow my kids to do whatever they want?”, “How closely should I stick to a routine?”, or “Are my kids better off with less structure over the summer?”. Now that school is out, a change in our routine and schedule is thrust upon us, and it can be difficult to decide what activities to engage in that will be most nourishing, how closely to stick to a schedule, and how to maintain a balanced lifestyle that brings us happiness and fulfillment.

We don’t have to fumble through the summertime or struggle to find balance. We can use this time to create exactly what we want.

There are some key components we can include in our routine that help us to continue to be the great moms that we are, while running a business and being able to experience a gratifying and supportive daily routine for the mind, body, and spirit.

In the broad sense, having a basic routine in place that is flexible is best if we want to provide our kids with a sense of freedom and adventure, while also helping them maintain a sense of safety, expectation, familiarity, and structure.

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each day for a balanced and enjoyable summer break with the kids: Designate some time for physical activity, which can be anything from running around outside, to gymnastics in the living room.

Designate some play time, or idle time, where everyone can unwind, daydream, doodle, and lose track of time, not trying to accomplish anything. This is where your self-care comes in.

Decide what small activities rejuvenate you that you can begin to incorporate into your schedule or routine. These activities can take anywhere from 3-20 minutes. You do not need to clear your schedule or take a two-week vacation to feel rejuvenated. In fact, it is best to keep the activities short. The key is to have the activities be brief, but frequent and consistent, about twice a day. Examples may be to stretch, journal, color, walk, take a bath, or cook.

Designate relaxation time together, where you and your kids are actively engaging in practices to relax the body and mind, such as playing a meditation video or guided meditation, doing some calming visualization, or tensing and relaxing different parts of the body. This teaches children how to self-regulate and de-escalate, as relaxation is a skill we can learn and improve with regular practice.

Designate work time, dedicating time to your business. Work time is when the family can be productive or contribute in a meaningful way, whether it is through school work or being in charge of a special task in the home that fosters helpfulness and leadership.

Creating a daily routine that balances movement, play, mindfulness, and work can set families up for success, allowing kids to be more well-adjusted, responsible, and cooperative.

Christina Carter, M.A., parenting coach and holistic practitioner www.intuitparentingandwellness.com intuitparenting@gmail.com @christinacarter_parentingcoach

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Struggles Women Have with Boundaries and How to Reclaim Them By: Misty Roussa

Women are natural caregivers. We go in so many different directions on any given day. By the time we settle into bed at night, we start to wonder if we did a good job and if there was something else that we could have done. Between trying to please our families and trying to juggle all of the things that are constantly being thrown at us, we are sometimes barely treading water.

But we rarely speak up for ourselves. We just take on more. We constantly wonder if there is more that we can do, even when we feel like we cannot take on one more thing.

“I don’t want to make anyone upset.”

“I don’t want to miss out on anything fun.”

“What if they think I am tough to work with?”

“I need to appear as if I have it all together.”

“I don’t want to let my family down.”

Speaking up feels almost unnatural to a lot of women.

We are scared of failing our families and scared of failing our friendships. There is a level of perfectionism that we put on ourselves that prevents us from listening to our own needs. The fear of rejection, or fear of not being accepted, keeps many from setting boundaries with our family members or those from our social circles.

Continued on next page

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Setting Healthy Boundaries Boundaries are necessary for our mental health. They are not a form of giving up, nor are they something that exists to make the other person upset. Boundaries help protect our emotional needs, our self-esteem, and help us to obtain goals that we might have for ourselves. In contrast to what we believe, setting boundaries can make our relationships with others better.

important part of parenting. Children will always try to push their boundaries and see exactly what they can get away with. On the flip side, as parents, we want to fix everything and prevent our children from feeling pain. Setting boundaries with our children lets them know where we stand and what our expectations are of them.

But how do we set healthy boundaries? Can it be done without making us feel like we are just throwing in the towel?

Communicating is key to establishing boundaries.

Writing expectations out, talking about them, and setting yourself as an example of the behavior that you expect, is a clear way of setting boundaries within your home.

AT HOME

AT WORK

Establishing boundaries with your family can sound like you are putting distance between yourself and those whom you love the most. However, establishing boundaries and teaching boundaries to kids is an extremely

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Burnout is real, and by always constantly taking on more at work and not setting boundaries, we are essentially setting ourselves up for failure at our workplace. Boundary setting with our boss, coworkers, and clients can keep us less resentful of our job

and show others that you require respect. Taking on an additional project, when our workload is already at full capacity, is counterproductive, yet we do it anyway because we assume by taking on more, we are showing our loyalty to our job. A lot of the time, we refuse to set any work limitations out of fear of being reprimanded or even fired. Setting healthy boundaries is not a way of defiance, but a way to show that you value yourself and that your workplace should value your time.

For instance, your issue might be that work leaves you little-to-no time to do the things that you enjoy doing.

Having a conversation about when it is ok and when it is not ok to contact you outside of the workplace, or when you are not available for overtime, can show that you know your worth as an employee.

WITH FRIENDS

Our friendships are our internal support systems.

Friends are who we turn to when we need to vent, share

excitement with, and stand beside us during life’s biggest challenges. But like work and home, our friendships should also have boundaries. Boundary setting is necessary for both our own emotional well-being, as well as our friends’. If your friend is only available when she needs you, but fails to offer the same support when you need her, be honest with how you are feeling. It is okay if you let them know how you feel and what you expect out of your friendship. All of us want mutually beneficial, healthy friendships. Setting boundaries in friendships leaves little guesswork on how you would like to be treated as a friend. If we are feeling as if our friendships are leaving us drained, communicating could save our friendships and put us in a much better place.

Boundaries allow us to take some of our power back.

Oftentimes we lose our own identity when caring for others, and we put ourselves last. Setting boundaries is a healthy way to speak up for ourselves and putting ourselves first again.

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How to Write a Mission Statement A mission statement articulates a company’s purpose. It announces to the world at large why your company exists. Every business should have a mission statement as a way of unifying the organization.

You can think of a mission statement as a combination of what your business or nonprofit does and how and why it does it, expressed in a way that encapsulates the values that are important to you. It can be a challenge to clearly and concisely bring these ideas together, though. Here is a simple guide—along with some examples— for writing your own company mission statement.

Describe What Your Company Does: There’s no need to be fancy here. Just say it simply for the moment. What service does your business provide? Get down to the bare basics and do not add any filler. You will elaborate on this purpose in the next steps.

My company’s purpose is to: 4 Build custom homes.

4 Provide educational services.

4 Grow market vegetables.

4 Design phone apps 4 Provide financial advice.

4 Sell women’s clothing.

4 Provide pet sitting services.

Describe How Your Company Does What It Does: This is the tricky part, because we are not looking for a detailed description of your 50

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business’s physical operations here. Instead, we are looking for a description of how your business generally operates. This usually means incorporating one or more of your core values into your description.

So, take a moment to list the core values that are important to express in your business.

Here are some sample values that you may want to use when you write a mission statement:

Remember, these are not finished yet.

There is one step to go before your mission statement is complete. Add, “Why Your Company Does What It Does.” This is the part of your mission statement that describes your spark—the passion behind your business. Why does your business do what it does? For some people, it helps to think back on why they started their business in the first place.

4 Provide high product quality.

4 Provide superior customer service.

4 Protect the quality of the environment.

4 Ensure equal access to resources.

4 Encourage innovation/creativity.

4 Practice sustainable development.

Mission Statement Examples: This is what our three mission statement examples might look like when you add “why” to them:

It might be helpful to focus on your business’s core competencies when you are considering which values are worthy of including in your mission statement. Zero in on one (or two at the most) to add to your description of what your company does.

Mission Statement Examples: Here is what the first three examples from step one might look like when you add values to them: My company’s purpose is to: 4 Sell shoes of the highest quality.

4 Provide educational services that allow all children to experience learning success.

4 Grow market vegetables using organic, sustainable farming practices.

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My company’s purpose is to: 4 Sell shoes of the highest quality so every customer can find a pair of shoes they actually love to wear.

4 Provide educational services that allow all children to experience learning success and become life-long learners and contributing members of our community.

4 Grow market vegetables using organic sustainable farming practices to give people safe and healthy food choices.

When you are finished, have another look at your mission statement and see if it captures what you want to say or if there is a better way of phrasing it. Be sure to change the phrase, “My company’s purpose”, to the name of your company.

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8 Types of Friends You Need In Life Written by Ronnekia Johnson

How do you know if you have the right people in your life? Is there a list of requirements? Is it a feeling that you just “know”? Do you ever feel like you’re missing out on having certain types of friends, and, alternatively, do you ever wonder if you really need some people in your life?

One of the Oxford definitions of friendship is: A state of mutual trust and support between allied nations.

While, obviously, I know that we as human beings are not countries, I still love this definition of friendship. A state of mutual trust and support. It does not go into detail. It does not list requirements or ultimatums. It’s simple: I trust and support you, and vice versa. In this world full of demands and expectations, your friendships should give you the support and empowerment you need to help make it through this life, with as little stress and as much joy as possible.

It’s no secret that different people provide us with different things in life. Just like they say we should not depend on our partners to give us every single thing we need in life; we should not expect our friends to be able to either. Even still, you will probably notice that some of your friends are a combination of many of these things, which is an even greater blessing!

Here are the eight types of friends you need to survive in this life:

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1. The Soul Mate

“What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies.”

– Aristotle It is hard to be comfortable with someone who does not share the same ideologies with you or the same interests. Being friends with your soulmate will prove that friendship is nothing but sharing. Your soulmate shares the same life goals as you and the same sentiments about important things. They make you feel a sense of calmness whenever you are around them because they will always be able to understand the depths of you.

2. The Pillow Confidant

“A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.” - Walter Winchell Life is tough, and there is no question about that. We all encounter challenges in life and not everyone is willing to hear all your stories about it. Some will find it exhausting, but a friend who is willing to be your pillow confidant will stick with you, even when you cry your eyes out in front of them. This type of friend will always be there for you to hear your rants and even cry with you. They will always understand that you need someone to be with you, even though you push people away when you are not okay. They will always remind you that it’s never wrong to not be fine about how life is treating you. They will always be there to patiently listen.

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3. The Fun Buddy

“Friendship is precious, not only in the shade but in the sunshine of life.

Thanks to a benevolent arrangement, the greater part of life is sunshine.”

- Thomas Jefferson After a tiresome day at work or after receiving good news, you will need someone who is willing to uplift your spirit or join you in victory.

A buddy who is always up for fun and positivity will never fail to light your life up. He or she will remind you that you deserve to unburden your chest with heavy things and remind you to let loose and have fun! These are the friends who encourage you to take that spontaneous weekend trip to the beach or invite you on an ice cream date when it’s a little too hot outside. The Fun Buddy is there to remind you to live a little and not take life so seriously.

4. The Loyal Comrade

“Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.”

- Oprah Winfrey Through the hard times in life, you will need, not just a listener, but a friend who will stick by your side no matter what happens. This loyal person will stay true and real to you, as a commitment to your friendship. They will help you feel worthy at your lowest of lows. They will never feel jealous about your achievements in life, rather, they

will join you in your venture to success and growth. You will see this person as your constant and as essentially faithful to you.

5. The Wise Pal

“The language of friendship is not words but meanings.”

- Henry David Thoreau We must acknowledge that we are not always right. We still have so many things to learn and unlearn. Life is a journey, which is filled with learnings that produce meaningful encounters. That said, we need someone who will guide us and impart, not just knowledge, but also wisdom to us. A wise friend will help you to make constructive criticisms about yourself for you to develop and continuously grow and will help you to make careful decisions that will create a big impact in your life. A wise person is made, not born. Therefore, this type of pal is full of experience and has a wide perspective of things that will help you evaluate and go on confidently in life.

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“The only way to have a friend is to be one.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson 6. The Neighboring Partner

“Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.” - Albert Camus A lot of times, we may not always need a defender or a hero, but just a mere presence of someone. That presence brings a kind of tranquility that no other person can give you. The one where you don’t have to do, be, or say anything at all, you can just exist. That comfortable silence, that calming presence will make you feel secure. This person can give you and share with you the peace he or she carries, and that makes this friend a reliable one in both good and hard times. Hand in hand, you will walk together with a sense of comfort.

7. The Honest Confidant

“Being honest may not get you a lot of friends, but it’ll always get you the right ones.” - John Lennon Sometimes we just need someone to tell us how it is. A (mostly) objective person who doesn’t have an emotional investment in our problems. An honest person whose motive is not to harshly break you down, but provide you with reasoning that you don’t always want to come to terms with. Sometimes, we are just a little too much of something, and this friend is there to offer alternate perspectives and help keep you grounded in reality. You will notice their love for you by being reasonable and truthful. Get an honest friend and be confident that they will help remind you to have at least one toe on the ground, as you reach for your goals.

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8. The Opposite Ally

“Different roads sometimes lead to the same castle.”

- George R.R. Martin One of the most important things in life is balance. You can never have the full potential of power and success in life without balance.

Therefore, you will need someone who will give you a different view of things, so that you can learn to respect and welcome the different types of people with which you are sure to come in contact, whether in your business or in life. An opposite version of yourself will help you see things in a different perspective, which will ultimately help you have an open mind. An open mind is a healthy mind because this means that you are breaking through the self-imposed barriers and that you are striving to learn and appreciate the wonders of this life.

You and your opposite ally may not always agree, but they will never fight with you or belittle you. This person will help expose you to the diversity and the beauty and uniqueness that the world offers.

Now that you know eight types of friends that you need in life, can you recognize some of these friends in your life? Is there any one from the list that you have that you should reach out to and rekindle, or that you don’t have just yet? Remember, too, you don’t have to force these friendships either! Just like with business, and everything else in life, sometimes you have to pave the way for great things and people to come into your life. Start within yourself; start by being the friend that you need. If you want someone and are looking for a friend who possesses the qualities mentioned here, then it’s safe to assume the same goes for others. Don’t forget that friendship is a state of mutual trust and support; people count on you to possess these same friendship qualities too!

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PLAY TO PAY: The Importance of Finding Time to Play for Entrepreneurs

O

ne thing that every entrepreneur needs to have within them is creativity. Typically, and especially just starting out, entrepreneurs are a “one-man band”, needing to do their own marketing, finances, branding, website, and networking, on top of offering their specific craft to the world.

They tend to do the majority of the work that they can, until they are able to hire an expert to help them. Wearing many hats, never turning it off, and working overtime because their life is their work, can cause burnout. And burnout means a lack of energy and a lack of creativity.

Play is a great way to get this energy and creativity back. This is because play requires vulnerability, and vulnerability boosts creativity. Because you must be vulnerable to be creative. This is because creativity is a practice of being messy and wild, giving you permission to color outside of the lines. It’s going beyond what’s considered normal or mundane to reach for something that is not yet in existence. And this skillset comes in handy when trying to problem solve.

Problem-solving skills also spill over into the ability to network and connect dots that are not usually able to be connected when in a stressful state. In truth, it is very difficult to see solutions clearly, or even come up with any potential solution, when overthinking it or when under stress. Staring at the problem will never give you the solution. But, playing will!

It can sound scary to an entrepreneur to have to now prioritize and carve out time for play, on top of their never-ending to-do lists. Play can also be the most foreign concept to goal-driven, overachieving, workaholic entrepreneurs, even making the

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Written by: Dr. Amberleigh Carter, DM, AMP, HHP Doctor of Metaphysics Alternative Medical Practitioner Holistic Health Practitioner Owner & Founder of Kinection Holistic Health, LLC

most avid entrepreneur nauseous when thinking about playing, because…what’s the point? But, play does not have to look like board games and playing tag outside with friends. It can be a few minutes of doing something creative, with no expectations or purpose. I know, I know. Gasp. That’s blasphemy to an entrepreneur. But, here is a mind-trick for you.

What if the point of play is to get paid? If play is seen as a vital skillset in making you a better entrepreneur and getting you paid, then, technically, there is a purpose. Phew! Play, unfortunately in our culture, has not been valued, so it’s seen as a waste of time when we could be making progress on a task that really needs to get done. But, play is JUST AS IMPORTANT as work. So, what is play?

Play is a state of being, while doing a task. That’s it! Not so scary, right? After all, we are called human beings, not human doings. Even ten minutes of being can create an exponential amount of energy to push you forward in your actions. In fact, you will find that after a break, you will be re-energized and see what you need to do more clearly, and get it done quickly… much faster than if you had spent those last ten minutes focused on the task at hand.

So, go color, dance, kayak, breathe, play cards. Even go do the dishes while listening to music. Get outside for some fresh air and sunshine. Turn off your brain. All of these things bring value to you as an entrepreneur. And, that’s the point.

For more information on the importance of play as an entrepreneur, you can check out my “Ask Amberleigh” YouTube video, “Play to Pay”. To book a private session, you can go to amberleighcarter.com.

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The Big 2

The Top 2 Things You Need to Know About Marketing 60

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1

Who you are trying to reach.

THIS IS YOUR “TARGET MARKET.” Your target market is the ideal customer for what you are offering. In your marketing plan, you describe, in detail, the demographics, traits, and trends of your ideal buyer, in defining your target market. Understanding these people will help you create marketing materials that attract them to your business, so you need to research who these people are and what makes them buy your services.

The more details you include as you determine who is in your target market, the more targeted your marketing plan will be.

Conduct market research to learn about your market, including its size, location, socioeconomic status, and other details you need to know, in relation to promoting your business. Other information you should gather includes: Who makes up your target audience?

· · · ·

4 Where you can find them.

4 What they value as important.

4 What they are worried about.

4 What they need right now.

Create a sketch of the person or business that makes up

your ideal customer. This exercise helps you identify specifics about that customer so you can personalize your marketing messaging.

2

How you will reach them.

THIS IS YOUR “PROMOTIONAL” PLAN. As a key element of the marketing mix, your promotional plan covers your Unique Sales Position, how your service will be sold, how you will let your target market know about your offer, and customer service plans.

When it comes to reaching out to your market, you should combine a variety of marketing activities, such as: · · · · · · · ·

4 Advertising 4 Packaging 4 Public relations 4 Direct sales 4 Internet marketing 4 Sales promotions 4 Marketing materials 4 Other publicity efforts

Do not overdo it initially on promotional tasks.

Select three to five specific activities that will best reach your target market and will help you execute your marketing strategy.

For example, if one of your goals is to provide five free initial consultations within three months, your promotional plan may include focusing on targeted leads through a cold calling campaign, a social media outreach plan, and a direct mail campaign. You can get some ideas on specific activities by browsing lists of 101 business marketing ideas, but remember to keep your target market in mind when developing your marketing activities.

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Robyn’s motto is: We create a new life every day, why not create a life that rocks?!

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How To Stay Motivated During The Summer Summer! Finally!

Written by Ronnekia Johnson Many of us are excited when summer comes, mainly because of the fun it brings due to school vacation for students and warm weather for all. As what Ralph Emerson said, this time enables us to “live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink in the wild air.” We fantasize all year about longer daylight, vacations, camping, BBQs, swimming, and all the little joys of summer, and even use it as motivation to get through our long and hard days. Quality time, a slower pace, and much needed rest are what we look forward to in these magical months between May and August.

These great things about summer can excite us, but also demotivate us in certain ways, at the same time. For example, we can find ourselves spending all day in the pool due to the warm weather. Or maybe we use the warm weather activities as an excuse to spend less time doing essential tasks at work or letting our exercise routine slip. And, of course, there are many little things that we do because everybody seems to be doing it on social media and we don’t want to miss out.

That is not to say that rest and recuperation is not needed. We 100% need breaks to survive as humans and I actually encourage you to take some time for yourself to relax this summer! But just like with everything else that we can overdo or overindulge in, moderation is key. Compromising on the things that we normally do or need to take care of, because of the changes in our surroundings during the summer, can lead to hardto-change habits, possible behavior problems in children, or even lost income or assets. This article will give some tips on how to stay motivated in all important aspects during summer.

But let us, first, define demotivation. Losing motivation is simply when we no longer know our purpose in the things that we do. We could feel that we are not in control of some things, just like the weather or season, and that, somehow, affects our thought processes. Losing motivation could also be an effect of being overwhelmed about the changes and demands of our fast-changing world. So, let’s hop on the tips on how to stay motivated during summer! Here are the things that will help us to stay motivated in the 3 big areas of our lives: 1. Work It is true that one’s mood can depend on the weather or season at the time. During summer, the warm atmosphere could make us sleepy or lazy. And sometimes being lazy at work is inevitable. In Dr. David Schwartz’s book, “The Magic of Thinking Big’’, he mentioned that we must make our minds work for us and not against us. Think about being productive, then you will become productive. Believe that you can, first, then the “how” to do things will follow. When we believe that we can achieve a goal in life, our mind will automatically think of ways in which to make it happen. Be diligent about continuing to set aside time to work on the things you have to do and don’t forget to reward yourself for getting things done. The amount of time we dedicate to our tasks is something we have complete control over, and this debunks the idea of losing motivation due to lack of control of your physiology. Once the inner drive is discovered, it can then be nurtured.

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2. Home and Family Your home can definitely be abuzz during the summer months, especially if you have children. With kids being out of school, you are forced to plan their entire days: from feeding, to keeping them occupied and entertained, while also still having to nurture them and make sure they are doing the right things. The extra responsibilities at home can be a huge factor in tanking your motivation. It’s important to remember to take breaks from the home things that stress you or overwhelm you.

Enroll your kids in a summer camp or alternate hosting sleepovers with some family friends, so you each can get a short break. You can even find ways to involve your kids in your tasks that you have to do! Want to get a workout in? Throw on a YouTube workout video in the living room and do it with the whole family. Need to write a blog or balance the finances?

Make it an interactive activity and let your kid man the calculator or help you with ideas. But, also, don’t forget those little bits of self care you can do when the kids (and even that hubby of yours!) go to sleep, such as a nice bubble bath or a glass of wine, that will help recharge you and fill that motivation tank back up.

3. Self This may be the last in this list, but it’s definitely not the least of all. In fact, this is the most important thing we should focus on because we, ourselves, are the ones who determine if we can stay motivated or not.

That said, we must take care of ourselves. During summer, we must stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and wear comfortable clothes. In a deeper sense, we must develop an attitude of doing things aligned with the type of person we want to become. And this does not have to be seasonal.

For example, maybe one of the things you strive for is to have a clean house. All of us can probably agree that a huge amount of motivation is needed in order to accomplish all of the tasks at home, especially when things are already messy. Being motivated to have a clean house does not equate to actually having cleaning habits. Habits are what create those reliable rewarding outcomes in life. The majority of our motivation can be created internally, through the consistency of our habits. That is why going through the process with patience and diligence, instead of putting your head down and trying to power through, generally makes us most successful. Start setting realistic goals and strive to make small, but consistent, steps to get there.

Ultimately, staying motivated is up to us. Anyone can tell us to stay motivated, but it will always be ourselves who will push us to decide to actually get in the headspace to get things done. The outcomes in our lives are the product of our habits. Motivation is not something that you draw out of yourself in the hardest time, and you vanish after accomplishing one goal. Motivation is the energy to push forward and keep on improving until we become the type of person we aspire to be, until being motivated is a part of our identity.

Enjoy the summer time! Allow yourself the luxuries that this energetic time brings into our lives. As Gary Shteyngart said, “We know summer is the height of being alive.” Be as alive as ever. Be alive and be motivated.

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Yoga Helps Written by Holly Culpepper

It does not matter your age or capabilities. Everyone can do some form or variation of yoga. There are many different styles to choose from, from hard and sweaty to mild and gentle. Yoga is also low impact.

Just adding a few poses to your daily routine can help your health in many unexpected ways! When starting a yoga practice, start small with 10-15 minutes and gradually increase.

Yoga is a Sanskrit word for union, the union of the mind and body. Yoga is called a practice because the work will never end. You continue to work on your body and your mind during yoga practice.

Yoga also utilizes breathing techniques. These techniques help you stay focused, reduce stress, and relax the nervous system. One of the techniques is belly breathing. To practice belly breathing, inflate the abdomen as you inhale and empty the abdomen as you exhale.

Yoga is thousands of years old and has a ton of benefits, and improves the following.

4 Strength 4 Flexibility 4 Arthritis symptoms 4 Heart health 4 Stress 4 Sleep 4 Energy 4 Moods 4 Bone density 4 Metal decline 4 Depression 4 Posture 4 Endurance

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Most yoga classes end with some meditation. You can do breathing exercises in corps pose with your eyes closed.

During this time, the teacher will walk you through the steps to calm your mind and relax your body. They will also help you become more in tune with your body and mind. Sometimes warm or cool compresses are applied with essential oils (like we do in the gym) to increase relaxation. Incense and sage burning are also commonplace.

Meditation is what makes some of the above-listed benefits possible. Calming the mind and relaxing the body is the most natural medicine.

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Looking Back to ...

Tamica Lee

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Jonah Monet

Debbie Traylor

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Year of Celebrating Great Women!

Erin Perdromi

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LOUISIAN

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.

Angela Bertone

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by Tabitha Vilardo

A Fighter.

Called to

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.

Leader by

Protect & Serve.

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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.”

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 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.

Ashley began boxing when she was twelve at Neutral Corner gym with Coach James Joseph. She reminisced about her first fight in the ring. While it might have been Ashley’s first match, her opponent was a bit more experienced - with this being her final fight as an amateur. Though Ashley lost that match, she didn’t lose her drive. She continued fighting and started winning - becoming a champion boxer on State, Regional and National levels and even taking the Bronze at the Junior Olympics in 2004!

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

LOUISIANA LOUISIANAWOMEN WOMENININBUSINESS BUSINESS

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.”

See big 19-

Ashley opened Fighting Fit Fitness Club in 2017, and she’s both a boxing coach and personal trainer at the club. Her goal was to give her community an affordable, safe space to work out, learn self-defense or boxing, regardless of age or fitness level.

This imp Rou astr ma has also S.T.E at n 4 TE Ola

Her commitment to the community didn’t stop there.

She began a summer program for kids ages 8 - 14. She rallies local businesses into joining the effort by having them sponsor the program. Their generosity allows her to offer it free of charge.

Alyssa Carson

After Hurricane Katrina, Ashley put down her gloves and enrolled at SELU to earn her Criminal Justice degree.

In 2007, she moved to Baton Rouge and began an internship at the Baton Rouge Police Department.

While training at the academy, Ashley was reminded of her love of athletics. She completed her Boxing Coach Certification and started training people as a parttime job. After graduating, Ashley immediately began working for BRPD. I could hear the passion in her voice

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

by Tabithaon Vilardo You can find information these, her books, podcasts and more at AngelaBertone.com

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by T

Nature.

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.

Ashley Gibson

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

A

Born to be

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.”

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Not only is it free for the kids, but between 8 am 2 pm, they can work out with the champion herself.

Aly visi it ta and her It’s ma

Ashley credits her desire to follow her dreams to the inspiration she received from childhood coaches and her parents’ loving support. I’m sure they’re very proud of her and they’re not alone.

We thank you for your service and dedication to your community - both at your gym and behind your badge.

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LaurenDaigle Louisiana’s Spring Woman Of The Season!

Looking Ahead to ...

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Page 24: Dr. Kay Solar Feature Photo

Dr.

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Inspirational Young Woman:

Lily Hewitt Lily Hewitt decides to serve her country instead of going pro this year!

Lily Hewitt, from Baton Rouge, has spent the last few years of her high school soccer career playing in Spain and was signed with FC Malagacity Femenino. When 2020 began, she was weighing the options of England and Spain for her first year in professional soccer.

After Covid broke out and the world seemed to shut down, Lily says that her perspective changed.

Six years ago, Lily was attending Baton Rouge International School and began playing soccer. She says she wasn’t gifted with a natural skillset but enjoyed playing, so she took the initiative to practice every day and spend all of her extra time on the soccer field.

Reagan

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It paid off, and Lily was standing 17 years old, looking into the beginning of a career in The National Women’s Soccer League. With the travel restrictions put into place in March 2020, Lily found herself out of school and living in Spain. We talked about the experiences she had with her classmates and friends that she had made there. “We all ate, breathed, and slept soccer. It was a fantastic experience, but my desire to become a doctor was growing stronger every day.”

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Lily returned home to Baton Rouge at the end of last year and spent time with her family. At the beginning of 2021, she enrolled at Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and will attend full-time during the fall semester. She will play soccer as a pre-med student at the oldest state-supported military college in The United States. After graduation, Lily will serve in the United States Air Force and serve her country before attending medical school.

Even though she has accomplished so much, a changed perspective and a new outlook on life will lead her to become a more extraordinary role model and a leader among women. We’re proud to shine a spotlight on this inspirational young woman, Lily Hewitt!

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We’ll be rooting you for you, Kangaroo!

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We Gr AHere Lifetime Meeting Tabitha will inspire you. She is young, full of life, and can achieve anything when she sets her mind to it. She gets knocked down and stands right back up. Quitting is never an option. Do not dare tell her she can’t do it either.

While “experts” say that you’ll need 40k and a team of 10-15 to start a successful print magazine.

Tabitha Starkey started LA Women in business Magazine on July 1rst, 2020, with her older sister.

She envisioned a publication that would be full of valuable content that helps female business owners like herself.

of Celebrating Local

Women!

“We all face the same issues at different times in our journey, and most of us are without a fellow entrepreneur to talk to about them.”

With that heart behind the publication, they got to work. The first issue was published online and printed in October that same year. Tabitha also owns Cornerstone Marketing Agency of Louisiana, located in Baton Rouge. She has referred to herself as a business growth strategist with a marketing team behind her. Cornerstone represents clients from Shreveport to New Orleans and has some heavy hitters trusting them to grow their digital footprint, create and run their ad Campaigns, amongst other things that raise brand awareness and client base. “I love helping people and watching their businesses grow,” she said that marketing has not always been her passion but helping people has. Tabitha was voted top female CEO in marketing by the Women of Distinction. She is one of the best marketers in Louisiana.

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Tabitha has had her fair share of trials and tribulations regarding business and has rebuilt herself.

She owned a business at 30. However, being young without many mentors to guide her, she overspent and had to close the doors. Tabitha can relate to anyone in any situation. She has been humbled by her experiences and lessons from past mistakes, despite success now. She told me that she has made all the mistakes a business owner can make.

Starkey

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Kim

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Mulkey

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During her college years, she excelled in sports and academics, receiving prestigious scholarships and winning Olympic gold in 1984. After the Olympics, she returned to college to work on her Master’s in business, achieving all she ever wanted to achieve, and was ready to hang up the tennis shoes. She planned to become a CEO of a Fortune 500 company and travel the world, as she told me during our interview. The University President saw something in her that she did not see in herself, and that was coaching. She was pulled out of class by campus police and reluctantly talked into being an assistant coach for Leon Barrymore. During this time at Louisiana Tech, she taught herself how to recruit players and deal with rejection. She told me after her first player rejected her, it took two days to get over it.

However, she did not let this get to her. She got over it and got back after it. Recruiting is much like sales; you must adjust or get left behind.

he first time I met Ms. Shirani, I was mesmerized by her. I could not put my finger on why she was so friendly upon entering the store like she had known me for years. I thought about her a lot in the upcoming weeks. Then, I had the privilege of sitting down with her and talking about love, music, and fitness.

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Peaches Records and Ms. Shirani have a rich history in New Orleans, not only in music but in philanthropy. She started Peaches records in 1975 and, at some point, had 6-7 locations. The primary location moved around several times until 2008 where it landed in the French Quarter.

She stayed there until 2016 when she moved the location uptown to what she felt was a better fit. The location was the old 1940s Woolworth that had a rich history of its own.

This location held one of the first sit-ins during the civil rights movement.

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The Philanthropist: We talked about her charity foundation that helps the homeless. Mamma Peaches plays a crucial role in helping the area’s homeless community. She donates a sizeable percentage of the records store’s profit to them.

There is even a bucket in the store that collects for them as well. She tells me we are all walking down the same path no matter our financial status, and we end up in the same place.

It is essential to her to connect with people and to connect

Leaders need to set the tone, and it will trickle down.

She contributes her success, motivation, and dedication to her personality. Some say she is “afraid of failing,” she says. She just does not like losing. She sees the possibility of failure as a motivating factor. She is not afraid of a challenge and welcomes them headon. Success comes from doing your homework, being prepared, and a willingness to keep going.

We are glad to have this record-setter in the P-MAC and cannot wait to see our Lady Tigers become National Champions under Coach Kim!

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Shirani Rea is an icon in the music culture of New Orleans.

To her, music is life. She has had a hand in bringing up many young artists, including Cash Money and No Limit. She told me Lil’ Wayne must have been only 10 or 11 years old when he was in the record store trying to work and put tracks down. Her goals are simple: to make people’s dreams come true; whatever she can do to help, she is willing. Shirani has even helped a local candle maker make her dreams come true by selling her fabulous candles in her store, which prompted other stores in the area to sell them as well. She welcomes all artists to sell items in her store.

program from the ground to the top five during her tenure there.

Once again, fate intervened, and she is back in her home state as the head coach for LSU. The move to LSU, she says, is “good timing.” She has been led back to her home state at the right time. Her gut told her that this was the right move for her. She told me she relies on her gut quite often. Even when it comes to motivating her team, she relies on her gut. She believes gut feelings come from experience. She has many tactics to encourage, and it greatly depends on the player and the situation.

The tools she uses range from intense to soft, video to paper. She says to me, “nothing great in life is achieved without enthusiasm.” Any tactic she uses is executed with enthusiasm. “Give it everything you have,” she says.

We all have bad days, feel sorry for ourselves, and want to get lazy, but as leaders, we must push through, “to whom much is given much is expected.”

ShiraniRae

She remained the assistant coach until 1996 and was then the associate head coach until 2000. In 2000 she took the head coach position at Baylor. She took this

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GET AFTER IT! Louisiana welcomes back the “Hammond Honey” Kim Mulkey. The Tickfaw native was fondly nicknamed this during the athlete state of her career. Before the nickname, there was not much opportunity for females to play locally, so this advanced athlete played with the boys on their team. A female on the boy’s team was not well received. She made to sit out during a game because of her gender. She still cheered for her team on the sidelines. By the time she got to high school, she had focused on Basketball and led her team to National Championships all four years. Not only was she a supreme athlete, but she also had the intellect as well maintaining a 4.0 GPA and was the valedictorian of her class. She was proud that Basketball would take care of her college education. Ensuring her players get their degree is one of her goals for her team, as she stated in an interview with LSU sports.

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people. Music is the perfect catalyst for this. She has often held release parties, fundraisers, and concerts at the record store. Since the lift of the mandates, the events have been coming back full force.

The Counselor: Music saves lives and is scientifically proven to heal the mind, body, and soul. Her recommendation is always when you are feeling down to drop a needle and listen to a record. “Why a record?” I asked. She tells me a couple of reasons, number one being the sound and number 2, “you have to listen to the whole thing.” Listening to the whole album gives you a better idea of what the artist is trying to portray. She says it also helps to think about why they laid it down that way. She also suggests getting to know your favorite artists to help you better understand their music.

The Businesswoman: I asked her what advice she had for women in business. She says to me, “whatever you do in life, you should do it from your heart.” Success comes from how much you care. At this moment, we established our connection, we both are rewarded by helping people.

Throughout our conversation, the same thing resonated give love. It does not matter what language you speak. We all understand the sounds. Her second piece of advice is if you have a dream, you should pursue it. Pursuing your dreams is particularly important. Otherwise, you are going to die wishing you had done what you wanted.

I enjoyed talking with her and look forward to going to as many of her events as I can. I will remember one of her quotes always. “Share the love, meditate on positivity and spin a record to change the world.”

Melissa Smith

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Sheri Summers has owned her daiquiri shop, Sheri’s Daiquiris, since 2015.

That is six years!! Sheri is a full-time RN and is currently practicing in addition to working at her bar. She loves her wide range of customers from old to young. She enjoys providing a smoke-free environment where people can play pool and listen to live music.

Complete with a drive-through and covered patio, people flock from all over to get her famous White Russian.

She gives back to the community that gives to her by helping families in need. Her tips for fellow businesswomen are to create a safe space for your employees.

Empower, motivate, and teach them leadership skills. Teach loyalty, be loyal is her motto. She includes that even though it is a bar, it’s still a business.

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