Women In Business 2019

women business

2019

Special Publication of:

The Oakdale Leader The Escalon Times The Riverbank News Wednesday, August 28, 2019

in

2— Women In Business • Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Findlay Partners Hospitality With Hairstyling Success

By TERESA HAMMOND

It’s a description which not only well describes the feeling one gets in Barbara Findlay’s presence, but one which transcends the feeling of the shop she’s occupied close to two decades – comfort.

Now three decades in to her career as a hair stylist, Findlay shares her wisdom as well as her passion for her clients and the space she occupies at the 417 East F Street, Oakdale location of Heads Above The Rest.

“You want to feel like you’re in your own living room cutting someone’s hair and … that’s how it feels,” she said of the shop space and it’s no fuss interior. “You feel like you’re not working.

How ‘bout having a job that pays and you feel like you’re not working.”

And that is exactly how Findlay has felt for the past “thirty something” years of reporting for work and creating some style for her clients.

In speaking with the stylist it quickly becomes apparent that her words are far from just for show, they are both heartfelt and genuine and the days have indeed turned into years. When asked how long they’ve been in the current location, Findlay shares “like 16?” Only to quickly be corrected by her chair neighbor, fellow stylist and daughter Bonnie, who recalls an incident in the shop from her childhood which would rival the 16-year guestimate.

“I don’t regret a single day,” Findlay said, eyes twinkling. “I think it’s a great occupation, great

occupation and I’m glad my daughter enjoys it too because she gets to see the freedom of having your weekends and calling your hours.”

According to Findlay the shop had a few locations before finally calling its current space one door down from the H-B home. They’ve always hosted three chairs in the shop. One occupied by her, the other by fellow business partner Cris Bartholomew and a third which is now kept busy by her daughter Bonnie.

“We have people come in and out,” she said of past stylists starting their business or trying out a new space, “but it’s nice because it’s quaint in here. You know you don’t have to have high heels.”

Quite the contrary, in some cases.

“There’s been a lot of cow manure come in on the boots,” Findlay shared quite literally. “We just like to be casual here.

It just feels comfortable and casual.”

As Findlay speaks of the laid back atmosphere, she attributes it to many things. One key piece being there are no employees to manage in the space. Everyone maintains their own schedules, clients and workload.

“You work as much or as little as you want,” Findlay said. “It’s the kind of occupation that when you have somebody come in, you know when they leave they’re going to be happier than when they came in.”

And that, the owner noted, is exactly that type

True definition of service with a smile and sharing over three decades of passion for styling her clients’ hair, Barbara Findlay of Heads Above The Rest enjoys every day that she spends at the shop.

hairstyling Page 3

Photo By Teresa Hammond

Introducing the professional women of…

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Deanna Shirlock Senior Project Manager

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Heather Whitmer Junior Staff Accountant

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Women In Business • Wednesday, August 28, 2019 — 3

hairstyling Continued From Page 2

of response which has sustained the word of mouth business. Advertising has never been an issue for the local shop as clients tend to talk when they’re pleased with the

services.

The word of mouth and open ears have earned high praises for Findlay in her 30-plus years of business. The stylist shared the clients, the relationships and the connections are what she enjoys most about the career and the life it has provid-

ed her.

When speaking of her passion for the trade and those seeking a similar career path, Findlay is 100 percent supportive.

“If you think it’s something you want to do, at the price of college, this is not a cheap occupation to get into,” she said of cur-

rent trade school tuition.

“If it’s in your mind, hit it right out of school if you can or double do it and get started half in your senior year so you only have a few months when you get out of school. So it can start paying for itself. If you like it go for it. If you figure it’s not for

you at the end, at least get your license so you can fall back on it if you have to.”

Considered fortunate to not just love it from the start, but now to see her daughter share the passion and build relations as well, Findlay credits the community of Oak-

dale and the clients for her success.

“Always the clientele, it’s always going to be about them,” she shared.

“The people and the ones you remember. We have some great memorable people that kind of become your extended family.”

Learn How To Be More Assertive In The Workplace Gender equality in the professional arena has come a long way in the 21st century. But while great strides have been made over the last two decades, women still face challenges unique to females as they look to establish themselves professionally and advance their careers.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women

still earn roughly 80 percent of what men are paid in the same positions.

Professional women often must walk the thin line between being too nice or too aggressive, a pressure not often faced by men.

Assertiveness is an art for both genders, and women can take steps to be more assertive without giving the impression they’re ruffling feathers.

Be confident in your speech. It is easy to fall into ‘weaker language’ habits when advocating for an idea. If unsure about the reaction to a proposal, you might say, “I think this is a good idea” or “I believe this will impart change.”

More assertive language is to simply stand behind the point: “This is a good idea.” Confidence can go a long way.

Allow people to disagree. It is acceptable for others to disagree with you. This can lead to discussion and an opportunity to present evidence why something should be done in a certain way. It also enables you to point out the strong points in their argument. Listening to all ideas can sway people in your favor, even if they don’t necessarily

agree with all you believe in.

Be proactive and futureoriented. This is especially pertinent when asking for raises or promotions.

Explain to a boss how you respect yourself and that your work merits the right compensation. Point out clearly defined future goals and successes you’ve had that warrant consideration for higher

pay.

Don’t fear conflict.

Conflict doesn’t have to be confrontational, especially when respectable language is used and everyone is allowed to voice their opinions. Conflict can inspire great change.

And remember, while you need to have solid relationships with coworkers, they do not have to be your best friends.

4 — Women In Business • Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Pharmacy To Farmacy: Serving Up Fresh Food

By AUTUMN NEAL

Nestled in the middle of quaint Main Street in Escalon, there’s a business that’s gone through quite a few changes through the years.

The building at the corner of Main and Second first started out as a pharmacy, turned into a café, and now is the regular lunch spot for many working Escalonians and is nearing its one-year anniversary. Meet: the Food Farmacy.

Owner Tiffany Early started cooking food at an early age; she can recall making pancakes and scrambled eggs in first grade. Cooking, baking, and the works, it’s all something she’s always been naturally good at doing.

“I used to work here when it was Leonardo’s (café),” Early noted of the establishment. “When I used to work

here, people always used to say ‘Oh, I remember when this used to be the pharmacy’.”

The building’s latest change from a café to a popular lunch hub has been one of intertwining the old with the new. Whether it be something as big as the name or something as little as a menu option, Early has carefully crafted an atmosphere to bring a modern twist to something beloved by the town.

When Leonardo’s went up for sale, Early seized the opportunity to own her own place. Instead of naming it “Tiffany’s Bistro” like some of her supporters encouraged, she decided to dig back into the building’s roots and name it the Food Farmacy.

Because she shops for the produce every day and rarely freezes selections,

Early can really embrace the “farm fresh” feel of her eatery. While diners sometimes try to figure out if it’s a cafe, a bistro, a sandwich shop, or something else entirely, the quality of her food is never compromised.

“Some of the menu I kept the same because some of the choices were really popular,” she explained, recalling Leonardo’s food selection. “We added flatbreads and build your own burger, more salads, more sandwiches.”

They kept favorites so that customers who were apprehensive to try new tastes could relax with what they’re comfortable with.

However, Early noted that it’s been fun to watch as people who stuck with what they knew tried some more foods – notably, new additions – and have found new

Tiffany Early proudly presents her local business, which will mark its one-year anniversary in September. The Food Farmacy’s wooden decorations were built by Early’s step-father, promoting the “farm” aesthetic.

Photo By Autumn Neal

Farmacy Page 5

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farmacy

Continued From Page 4 favorites.

Food Farmacy itself looks like it’s straight from a Pinterest board, incorporating in some modern rustic vibes while still preserving the restaurant’s integrity.

With wood paneling, metal accents, some green flora, and glass mason jars, it maintains a simple, yet endearing ambiance.

“We just do lunch,” Early reported, with the Food Farmacy open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., for “the general lunch rush.”

A lot of local businesspeople come into the Food Farmacy for lunch, whether it be to spend some time in there or call ahead for an order. It’s also a popular spot for families to hit up on weekends, with their diverse and very affordable choices. Only the build-a-

burger exceeds $10, while the rest of the menu items hover at a lower price. Their club sandwich and chicken salad sandwich have proven to be some of their most popular choices.

As for making the transition from just working somewhere to owning her own eatery, Early is finding it has its ups and downs, and noted having a complicated relationship with time.

“There are so many things I want to do, but I’m not able to get to ... when the timing is right we’ll do it,” she expounded of future plans.

She and her employees have been interested in adding once a month dinners or maybe a brunch where mimosas are served.

However, it’s still early to implement something outside of the status quo as she starts to get her feet wet and really get established.

However, she’s also enjoying the more freeing aspect

of it.

“I’m a single parent and my daughter does competitive dance,” Early shared.

“So the best thing is I can leave whenever I want – I can go places.”

For now, Early is enjoying settling into routine and understanding how each season works throughout the year in relation to Food Farmacy. As she gathers customer’s grooves, locals’ preferred tastes, and starts to brainstorm, she can create a better schedule and improved dining options to better serve her community.

So today, Early owns her own business as she pursues her culinary passion and manages parenting on top of it all.

Those with lunch cravings can find Food Farmacy at 1764 Main Street in Escalon and can call (209) 831-7863 to order or ask about catering.

Did You Know?

According to estimates from the U.S. Department of Education, women have earned a disproportionate share of college degrees compared to men over the last 12 years. In 2018, women were on target to earn 141 college degrees at every level for every 100 degrees earned by men. That trend isn’t all that recent, as women have earned the major-

ity of degrees at every level of higher education for years and, in many cases, several decades.

For example, DOE statistics indicate that women have earned the majority of associate’s degrees every year since 1978 and the majority of bachelor’s degrees every year since 1982. That trend also is reflected in postgraduate degrees, as women have earned

the majority of master’s degrees every year since 1987. The female majority in regard to doctoral degrees earned is a relatively recent yet still impressive trend that dates back to 2007. Estimates suggest these trends will continue, as DOE forecasts suggest that, by 2027, women will earn 151 college degrees for every 100 degrees earned by men.

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6— Women In Business • Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Whorton Learning To Juggle Business, Sports Commitments

By DENNIS D. CRUZ

There are only 24 hours in a day. In those brief hours, Kendra Whorton manages to coach a high school volleyball team and manage a business. Whorton, 22, is the head coach for Oakdale High School’s junior

varsity volleyball team. As if that is not time consuming enough, Whorton serves as the manager at Pizza Plus in Riverbank.

“I try to balance both by working in the morning and going to Oakdale High School in the afternoon. It’s

Shown behind the counter is Pizza Plus manager Kendra Whorton, who helps run the family business in Riverbank.

Photo By Dennis D. Cruz

tough but I enjoy it greatly,” said Whorton.

She began working at Pizza Plus in 2013 at the age of 16. Her parents, Mike and Korie Whorton, own the pizza parlor and Kendra has been serving as manager for just over a year.

“I was promoted in August of 2018. Since then I have taken on many duties but I am blessed to be here,” she said.

The eatery features a wide variety of pizzas, sandwiches, wings, calzones, chicken strips, fries, a salad bar, beverages and more.

Whorton’s duties include, but are not limited to, creating schedules for the employees, placing orders and overseeing customer service.

“I would say that my favorite part of working at Pizza Plus is the interaction with the customers.

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Riverbank is a small town but amazing community,” she explained. “Over the years I’ve seen many of the returning customers and they have become really good friends of mine. It’s a great part of what I do.”

Pizza Plus has been owned by the Whorton family for eight years and many of the family members have worked there, from grandparents to cousins and other members of the extended family.

“I think that’s what makes us unique. The fact that it truly is family owned with generations of us working here.

I enjoy working with my family very much. We have great help here outside of my family as well.”

Whorton does have advice for young women out there trying to balance work and multi-tasking life

Kendra Whorton stands outside Pizza Plus in downtown Riverbank; the 22-year-old serves as manager of the local eatery.

Photo By Dennis D. Cruz

in general: “Keep working at it. Don’t get discouraged and always try and better yourself. Don’t settle and get in a slump.”

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Women In Business • Wednesday, August 28, 2019 — 7

Valley Pension Team Strives To Safeguard Retirement

By MARG JACKSON

Recently celebrating their 20th year in business, the ladies leading Valley Pension Services, Inc., couldn’t be happier to continue serving the Central Valley and beyond.

President Sonia Casares and CFO Diane J. Rovedatti are at the helm of the business, a firm they started some two decades ago with former partner Theresa Ehrler, who is now retired.

Both Casares and Rovedatti graduated from California State University, Stanislaus.

Casares said she first got involved in the business while in college, attending Modesto Junior College at that time and starting as an office helper, primarily doing filing, and ended up pursuing the pension business as a career.

“I stayed in the industry

the whole time,” she said.

A member of the National Institute for Pension Administrators, Casares also holds the designation of Accredited Pension Administrator and has more than 30 years of experience.

After the firm she initially worked for was sold, Casares said five of the female employees went to management collectively and asked for a 10 percent raise.

They were turned down.

“So three of us left and opened our own business,” she said of the formation of Valley Pension Services, VPS. “There have been ups and downs but we just celebrated our 20th year and we are counting our blessings.”

Open Monday through Thursday and located in the PMZ Building at 1200 Scenic Drive, Suite 101 in

Modesto, Casares said they have multiple clients based in the Modesto area, as well throughout the Central Valley, the Bay Area and even across the country.

“We do all forms of retirement plans,” Casares said, with VPS handling the paperwork for clients and staying in touch with the investment firms that help build those 401k plans and retirement portfolios.

“We also educate people,” she added, noting that many plans provide options for clients to have access to some of their cash prior to retirement, and the firm is there to advise them in that area.

Casares is also bilingual and is able to assist Spanish-speaking clients.

CFO Rovedatti, like Casares, has an Accredited Pension Administrator designation and is a member of

Oak Valley Community Bank Women in Business

Diane J. Rovedatti, left, and Sonia Casares are the CFO and President, respectively, of Valley Pension Services, Inc. which has been serving clients throughout the region for more than two decades.

Photo Contributed

the National Institute for Pension Administrators.

She also has been in the business for over 30 years.

“We get to work with and

help the business owners and the employees,” Casares summarized. “The best part is when we see our clients retire, with money in

their account, and they get to go enjoy that.”

For more information, contact VPS at 209-5727410.

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8— Women In Business • Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Mommy Money With Mary Kay

By TERESA HAMMOND

It all began with the desire to earn a little “mommy money” for Charlotte Metcalfe.

The stay at home mother of three shared it was a simple desire to earn a thousand dollars a month which gently took her down the path to Mary Kay Cosmetics.

“I had been a stay at home mom for 20 years.

At the time they were all teenagers,” Metcalfe said of her turning point six years ago. “I just got to this point where I wanted to do something, but I didn’t want to give up the freedom that I had.”

With a background in marketing, as well as a career which had been put aside when she became a mother, Metcalfe shared she hoped to find a job which would still al-

low her flexibility with her children’s active schedules.

“I never saw myself doing something like Mary Kay, but I was approached about it,” she shared, noting her $1,000 a month goal, while small, was still enough to help cover small things for her children. “I got some more information about it and suddenly I realized I loved their value system.”

Starting as a consultant, Metcalfe built her business a bit differently than the traditional way of hosting parties to increase her clientele. She preferred meeting with friends and prospects one on one to discuss their needs and wants. While it may be an unconventional approach to the company’s current business model, it proved right for

her.

Last year, the Mary Kay consultant was promoted to a position as a Sales Director. She currently has 50 women that report to her directly.

“I was supposed to really try and book parties, I didn’t do that,” she confided. “I just started calling my friends up one on one. I did a lot of one on one appointments.

That’s not really the Mary Kay way, but my whole success has been based on one on one appointments. That’s just my personality.”

As she did this she also came to realize she was regaining something she had lost as a stay at home mom, her identity and self-confidence.

“I was all about building my customer base and just servicing people,” she

said. “Helping them save time and money. Now I’m just trying to duplicate myself basically.”

Metcalf shared she had no idea when first joining how much the company worked on positive recognition for achievement.

In the first year, her thousand dollar goal was easily met. She is currently the only sales director in Oakdale.

“I was really surprised by learning to set goals and then the fun in achieving them,” Metcalfe added of settling into the Mary Kay business. “I was pleasantly surprised by how Mary Kay is so heavy on recognition.”

She also appreciates the care with which the products are created.

“There’s something for everybody, which is one mary kay Page 9

Mary Kay Sales Director Charlotte Metcalfe popping out from her goal car at a recent conference for the successful cosmetic company.

Photo Contributed

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The women of The Oakdale Leader, The Escalon Times and The Riverbank News work together to not only produce the three weekly newspapers, from advertising to circulation, legal notices to classifieds, and news to sports, but also contribute to other publications including the popular 209 Magazine. Shown, front row from left, Meghan Hilliker, Melody Wann, Marg Jackson, Teresa Hammond. Back row from left, Michelle Kendig, Autumn Neal, Virginia Still, Marissa Cabral, Lorraine Bernaldes.

Missing from photo is Corey Rogers.

Photo By Dennis D. Cruz

Women In Business • Wednesday, August 28, 2019 — 9

How To Approach Returning To Work After Maternity Leave

mary kay

Continued From Page 8 thing I love,” she said.

“What’s special about Mary Kay, they don’t manufacture something until they’ve really tested it out. Skin care is the root of it all. It’s really important to have good skin care.”

Most importantly for Metcalfe, now six years in and managing a staff of 50, it doesn’t feel like work. She shared her once dedicated work time of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. has grown to 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (roughly) four days a week, with a weekend thrown in every now and again.

“It’s nice and it’s my choice to do. I really enjoy what I do,” Metcalfe said.

And while the original financial goal was easily attained, it is those other benefits that have meant

Charlotte Metcalfe, based out of Oakdale, is a Sales Director for the Mary Kay Cosmetics Company. even more.

“The leadership skills I’ve gained, self-confidence and self-esteem,” Metcalfe noted among the benefits realized from her experience with Mary Kay. To contact Metcalfe for cosmetic advice or professional opportunity call (209) 840-4094 or e-mail charlottemetcalfe66@ gmail.com.

Working mothers are no longer an anomaly. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, seven in 10 women with children under the age of 18 years were in the American labor force in 2015, the most recent year for which statistics were available.

Though it might be considered the new normal for mothers with young children to work, that does not make it any easier for mothers to manage a career and being a mom.

That’s especially true for first-time mothers returning to work at the end of maternity leave.

Returning to work after maternity leave can produce mixed emotions.

Mothers who have thriving careers may be excited

to get back to work while simultaneously feeling sadness or even guilt at the prospect of leaving their infants at home with a spouse or nanny or at a daycare facility. Such mixed emotions are normal, and women should discuss their feelings with their spouses and loved ones if they are experiencing difficulty processing them.

How smoothly women transition to work after maternity leave may depend on how well they plan ahead. The following are some ways women can make returning to work after giving birth go smoothly.

Negotiate your return to work. The length of maternity leave depends on

a host of factors, including company policy. Paid maternity leave is not a requirement in the United States. In advance of giving birth, women can attempt to negotiate their post-maternity leave return to work.

If you had initially intended to take three months’ leave, speak with your boss about returning part-time after two months or request to work remotely one or two days per week upon your return. This gives you a chance to ease back into work and your child a chance to adjust to spending time with others. Many companies may be flexible with their maternity leave policies, but women will only know if they ask.

Devise a daily schedule before returning to work.

Mothers who plan to continue breastfeeding even after they return to work will have to carve out time each day to pump. Pumping can be time-consuming, and working mothers should speak with their bosses to explain their desire to pump during the workday. Employers cannot tell women they can’t pump during the workday, but many women unfairly feel pressured to spend as little time as possible pumping. Laying out a daily schedule that includes when you plan to pump during work hours and sharing it with your boss before you return to work may help reduce that pressure and, therefore, making the transition back to work easier.

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10— Women In Business • Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Escalon Dance Studio Making All The Right Moves

By MARG JACKSON

Andreane Shearer didn’t know her life path would bring her to Escalon … or to own a dance studio … but there are literally hundreds of people around the region that are glad it did.

The owner and head instructor at Powerhouse Dance Studio in Escalon, the local resident oversees the business that features weekly classes in a number of dance genres for all ages and abilities, offers Zumba fitness classes and yoga for adults, tumbling, competitive dance teams and more.

The Escalon dance studio was originally opened by Jaclyn Ortiz and started in a small location at 1515 First Street; it was purchased by Shearer a few years later, in 2011. As the business expanded and added more options, they outgrew the

1515 First facility and, in January 2013, moved to their current location at 1405 First Street.

Ballet, jazz, tap, tumbling, hip hop, lyrical, toddler classes, Mommy & Me and adult fitness are among the offerings. Also, Shearer said the first class is free, so for those who might be interested in giving a specific class a try, they can do the first one for free to see if it is something they want to pursue.

The building is also constantly being upgraded, with a different project every summer, noted Shearer, to improve the workout space, viewing areas and comfort for participants and observers.

“Every day, from morning to evening, we have classes,” Shearer shared of the hectic Monday through

Friday pace.

Powerhouse also works with some home schooled students, with the dance classes helping them meet their physical education requirements.

Gateway Academy, the home school charter program in Escalon, is among those that work with Powerhouse for the phys ed classes.

“For adults, we have yoga and Zumba classes in the morning and adult hip hop in the evening, the hip hop has become very popular with the men,” Shearer noted.

Along with the physical benefits, Shearer said dancing is a great form of self-expression and she is proud that the dance studio helps participants gain confidence in themselves.

“We do the Modesto Junior College showcase,

it’s the second weekend of May and this year we had about 200 students there,” she said. “We had both rec and comp students showcasing routines Friday night and Saturday night that weekend.”

Powerhouse currently has close to two dozen students in its competitive elite classes and from August through December, they work on routines and choreography, preparing for the January through May travel and competition schedule. The group travels for events in areas including Fresno, Stockton, Dublin, Los Angeles and more.

Tumbling classes for preschoolers are hosted each Thursday morning at the Grange Hall in Escalon.

“The owner there works with us,” Shearer said of

Teacher Reya May, left, and owner Andreane Shearer are among the friendly faces at Escalon’s Powerhouse Dance Studio, offering weekly classes for a variety of age levels as well as Zumba, tumbling and competitive dance.

Photo By Marg Jackson

having the tumbling and Mommy & Me classes at the Main Street hall.

As for the recreational

classes, Shearer said everyone can find something to enjoy. dance studio Page 11

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dance studio Continued From Page 10

“I’m a natural at tap and hip hop,” she said of what she likes the most.

In her early years, though, it was a different sport that occupied Shearer’s time.

“I grew up as an ice skater,” she explained. “In 1996, our family moved from Canada to California.”

She no longer had the easy access to ice so she took off the skates but continued the dance moves.

That led her to getting more involved in dancing and

Even the youngest dancers enjoy the movement and fluidity, practicing ballet here with teacher Amber Blankenship at Powerhouse Dance Studio on First Street in Escalon.

Photo By Marg Jackson

she pursued it in college, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Theater/ Dance in 2008.

“I taught at a few studios here and there, then I found Powerhouse,” Shearer said.

She worked with Ortiz and, in 2011, the pieces fell into place for Shearer to take the plunge and purchase the business.

“I never thought I was going to be here,” she admitted of being a female business owner in small town Escalon. “There was a huge learning curve but I’m really proud of the opportunities I’ve been able to provide.”

Shearer pointed to the staff she works with as being among the best and said they are truly like a family.

Along with Shearer, the staff includes competition choreographer Liz Hallack and dance instructors Reya May, Amber Blankenship, Bethany Edwards, Jakkie

Cerna and Paislie Taylor, along with tumbling instructor Tatiyana Lovins.

“I also just hired a new male instructor, Shean Bautista, so we will finally be offering a little break dancing,” Shearer explained.

“Most of my teachers live in the Modesto area, they’re really dedicated individuals and I’d say 70 percent of them are in college studying dance.”

Reya May serves as an allaround teacher, skilled in many genres, and will step in to take over the business while Shearer is on maternity leave, her second child due soon.

There are classes in the morning, roughly from 8:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday through Friday, followed by a break, then the afternoon and evening classes run from 2:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

“We have dancing toddlers for those ages 2 to 4, they dance their little

Participants watch themselves in the mirror as they go through the steps in a tap dancing class, led by teacher/ owner Andreane Shearer, front left, and teacher Reya May, front right.

Photo By Marg Jackson

hearts out,” Shearer added of getting kids started early.

More information about classes and fees is available by calling 209-456-3581 or 209-691-8113, or by visiting online at www.powerhousedancestudio.com.

Overall, through it’s a line of work that she never anticipated getting into, Shearer said now, she can’t

imagine her life without it.

“I have a great staff, I wouldn’t be able to do this without them,” she said.

“They put in a lot of off duty time, a lot of hours not counted for and their dedication goes beyond this building.

We have a love for each other, we respect each other, I feel very fortunate.”

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Our organization helps women and girls live their dreams through our Dream Programs and other scholastic programs. We also provide hands-on and monetary support to our community.

For more info, check our Oakdale Soroptimist Facebook page, E-mail sioakdale@soroptimist.net, or attend our Mixer from 5:00-7:00 pm, Thursday, Sept. 26, at the Oakdale Visitors Center, 7450 River Road, #6.

Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization working to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.

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12— Women In Business • Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Art Studio Offers Up Plenty Of ‘Stuff And Things’

BY VIRGINIA STILL

Open now for over six months in downtown Riverbank, tucked behind a

Owner Alise Frosceno with a very personal pencil sketch that is filled with emotion that has taken her some time to complete but a piece of art she said was very much worth it.

Photo By Virginia Still

few storefronts and featuring an alleyway entrance, Stuff and Things Art Studio has attained success.

Owner Alise Frosceno had a love for art in all forms and methods from a very young age and now she is delighted to share her passion with the public.

“We went from having one tiny little class and I think we had three students when we first started,” explained Frosceno. “Within a month of us opening we had a full class and I couldn’t accept anyone else and I was still playing around with my schedule and figuring it out to see what works.”

The Art Studio, which can be found at 3220 Santa Fe, Suite C in Riverbank, is open Wednesday through Saturday and business is booming with an adult sketching class that only

has two seats left and a children’s sketch class that has filled up so that she had to open another class on another day.

“I am getting ready to start a toddler program,” said Frosceno. “So every other Saturday we are going to have a toddler learning program where parents can bring their little ones in and do counting, the alphabet, colors, and everything to get them used to the little things.”

The name of the studio says it all because you can truly find “stuff and things” at Frosceno’s place. They do party rentals, private art sessions, one on one sessions, and a multitude of custom projects like paintings on sawblades and antique milk jugs. She has also done business logos and storyline posters for businesses.

Since 1892

In October there will be a new watercolor instructor teaching a class at the studio. “We offer our set classes,” said Frosceno. “It is art so no matter what it is, it is always going to change. And the interest levels change and the methods and mediums, all of it changes and so that is one thing I really like about it, is that it is an art studio. So automatically that should imply that it is flexible and always evolving.”

Among her many artistic talents, Frosceno also has dabbled in upholstery, crocheting blankets, and wood burning. But one of the most difficult pieces for her was a pencil sketch that she expressed was not her most detailed, intricate, overly dynamic or even the best piece she has ever done, but it has

Stuff and Things Art Studio has a variety of classes in a number of methods and forms.

Photo By Virginia Still

a great deal of emotion.

The piece is a drawing of the inside of the mind and the subconscious that has little boxes labeled motherhood, baby’s first moments, birthdays, holidays, marriage, the soldier’s creed is on the left, there is a soldier and a mother with her husband

and children as well as her sons and daughters handprint lightly added for a very personal touch.

“This is just my biggest struggle piece ever,” expressed Frosceno. “I don’t honestly know that I will ever have another piece that has as much emotion ‘stuff and things’ Page 13

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Women In Business • Wednesday, August 28, 2019 — 13

‘stuff and things’ Continued From Page 12

as this piece does. This piece represents the core of my soul. I never thought I would be able to finish it.

I would start crying and then finally I was able to do it.”

Frosceno served four years active duty in the Army and another year with the National Guard and now she spends her time with her family and sharing her artistic talents.

The conflict of being a mom and a soldier has been a difficult situation for Frosceno; with the traditional values and beliefs the struggle was very real.

Needing to express this and get it out she decided to use art to help her get through it and it has been a release for her.

Used as a tool for healing, Frosceno has not only seen this happen in her

life but for others that have suffered from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), anxiety, depression, autism and other types of conditions where art has been an escape and very therapeutic.

“I like helping people,” Frosceno noted. “I was a medic in the army. I have always loved helping people.

I am going to school full time and becoming a physician assistant. In the meantime so I can still help people, I do art.”

For more information on classes or rentals, call 209-850-6061 or visit Stuff and Things Art Studio on Facebook.

With some final thoughts, Frosceno expressed that “Everyone is an artist. If you have emotion you are an artist. You may not think that you can express that emotion through an art form but if you just give yourself the

Stuff and Things Art Studio can be rented for private parties or open art studio sessions; embrace your inner artist and give it a try.

Photo By Virginia Still

chance and trust in yourself, you can express that and you can show your

artistic side. It is such a heartwarming, heartfelt, release when you finally

get it out. Just give yourself a chance and give the studio a chance. You might

find something that you are interested in that you never knew was possible.”

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14— Women In Business • Wednesday, August 28, 2019

How To Hone Your Time Management Skills Ours is a busy society where everyone is moving from place to place quite rapidly, whether at school, home or work. As a result, many people may feel that there simply are not enough hours in the day to get it all done.

Quite often people delay certain tasks until the late hours of the night as a way to catch up. But that can be detrimental to health.

The National Institute of Health warns that lack of adequate sleep can affect mood, adversely affect relationships, increase anxiety, and possibly contribute to depression. Inadequate sleep is also associated with increased risk of high blood pressure, obesity and heart disease.

Rather than tapping into precious hours of shut-eye, women can learn how to

manage their time better so they complete more tasks during the day, leaving more time to relax and sleep at night. Effective time management begins with these strategies.

Set priorities. Begin by setting priorities. This involves making a list of all the tasks that need to be completed, and then putting them in order of most essential to least essential. Once you understand where to first devote your attention, address items on the list in order of their priority.

Develop goals. Goals do not have to be far-off ideas for the future. They can be easily reached today. Simple goals such as, ‘I want to remove all nonessential paperwork from my desk’ can be tackled quickly and without much effort. Goals

give a person something to work toward and are important ways to steer you in the right direction. Without goals, you may wander aimlessly. Accomplishing goals of all shapes and sizes gives a feeling of accomplishment.

Avoid distractions. Distractions can pull attention away from important tasks at hand. Distractions can be phone calls, text alerts, personal issues, people in the room, and many other things. Figure out how you work best and minimize distractions so that you can fully focus on your priorities.

Stop multitasking. Unfortunately, multitasking is not the key to getting more things done. In fact, it could actually be hurting performance. Research conducted at Stanford Uni-

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Write things down. Keeping information floating around your mind is ineffective and can lead to stress. Put things down on paper or make digital notes

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Physically cross items off your list as they are completed.

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Women In Business • Wednesday, August 28, 2019 — 15

College Majors That Can Lead To Higher Earnings Choosing a college major is an important decision that many students delay making until their sophomore or even junior years. Only after taking a few courses and uncovering one’s interests do some college students figure out what they want to do with their lives.

Each student is different, and while some may pursue a degree based on a particular passion, others may choose majors that can lead to high-paying jobs.

While men often lean toward majors like engineering and computer science that have traditionally been linked to high earnings, women have historically gravitated to lower-paying specialties like education and social sciences. But in re-

cent years a shift has occurred, and more women have begun to choose majors associated with higher post-graduate salaries.

Reports from the career guidance site Glassdoor analyzed how much male and female professionals with the same college degree earned and identified many instances in which women went on to earn more than men in the first five years of their career.

They’ve identified several majors where female college graduates can earn as much or more than their male counterparts and find successful careers.

Architecture Pharmaceutical sciences Information sciences Chemical engineering

Computer science Electrical engineering Mechanical engineering Computer engineering Business economics Civil engineering Sports management Despite these findings, the college resource College Factual and the U.S. Department of Education says that women remain likely to pursue education, design and applied arts, health services, and social work as career options.

Female students unsure of which major they want to pursue can take career assessments to help narrow down their options.

Working with mentors or engaging in internships also can present a firsthand idea of high-paying career paths.

In recent years a shift has occurred, and more women have begun to choose college majors associated with higher post-graduate salaries.

Come in and Meet the Women of

Back Row: Diana James, Jackie Bustos, Rene Moreno, Joanna Delgado Front Row: Sara Garcia, Karlie Reep, Lixia Lemus Not Pictured: Lupe Ordaz

1080 West F Street, Oakdale

Next to Subway & Sara’s Dry Cleaners

847-2226

Lixia Lemus - Is a Registered Technician and prides herself on accuracy and efficiency.

Diana James - Has been working at River Oak Pharmacy for 20 years. She is an expert at dealing with insurance challenges. She helps our Spanish speaking patients, and enjoys helping all our patients get their prescriptions filled accurately and quickly.

Rene Moreno - Is a Registered Technician, has been working for River Oak Pharmacy for 24 years, and is working in our compounding lab making custom prescriptions to meet our patients’ individual needs.

Sara Garcia - Is a Registered Technician, and has been working at River Oak Pharmacy for 20 years. She is an excellent patient-oriented technician.

She also helps our Spanish speaking patients.

Karlie Reep - Is a Registered Technician. She is excellent at meeting patient’s needs. She is now serving as a compounding technician.

Jackie Bustos - Is a bilingual patient service expert who works diligently to get your medications in your hand and out the door as quickly as possible.

Lupe Ordaz - Is a Registered Technician and our customer service expert.

Joanna Delgado - Is our newest staff member. She is a Registered Technician.

She is fluent in Spanish and English. She is fast and accurate when processing prescriptions.

16— Women In Business • Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Why shop at Kristine’s?

This is what our customers have to say!

Kristine's is a very welcoming boutique with top quality clothes and a great selection, including shoes & accessories! I love the personal service I get every time I stop in and shop!

JoAnne, Facebook review Love this place! Kristine is so helpful and carries great quality styles. Selection is great!

Squareup review Love everything about this store and the owner and the employees!

Missy Cut Sizes x-small-XL Plus Sizes 1X Pant Sizes 2-18

FDJ Love Denim and novelty jeans are in the store now. Stop in and see what’s new!

Elizabeth, Squareup review Great customer service, awesome clothes for women, I won't shop anywhere else! Clothes, accessories & footwear all at a #1 shop you'll walk out of there feeling as good as you look!

Julie, Facebook review I got some great pants and a top here that fit so well and look great…I encourage ladies to visit here.

Maggie, Google review “I was helped by Kristine, who is the owner and very, very style conscious.

She can help women of any size look her best. Thank you Kristine so very much.”

Sandra, Squareup review I love this place and Kristine is the best! She is always helpful and she changes up the product often. Love having this shop in our littleTown!

Squareup review

Love their clothes, they will order your size if available. Close to my house & Kristine is a sweetheart.

Vickie, Google review

Thank you to our great customers for your feedback. We appreciate you taking the time to tell us how we’re doing. With your help, we have a five star rating on the overall customer satisfaction.

We work hard to bring you the finest, easy to care for, and travel friendly fabrics and fashions from top designers.

We are so excited for you to see our fall collection.

Shop Kristine’s, we’ve got you covered from head to toe!

Thank you for your business and support.

Ask us about our Customer Loyalty Program

Oakdale Station Shopping Center - 1214 West F St, Suite A-1 - (209) 844-5018 OPEN: Monday – Saturday 10:00 am - 5:30 pm or later by appointment.