Phenomenal Woman Magazine

SAIDAH FARRELL

OWNER & FOUNDER, MARSHMALLOW OF THE MONTH CLUB

FromtheEditor: Shelley M. Shockley

WELCOMING A SPRING RENEWAL

Tiny buds appear on the tree limbs in my front yard signaling the beginning of the growth season, yet snow continues to fall in spurts confusing the daffodils lining my flower bed. Spring will come. I'm sure the longer days and increasing amounts of sunlight will bring the renewal we are all seeking.

During this season of renewal, my focus is on myself Winter took a lot out of me this year The lack of sunlight and shorter days impacted my psyche like never before. I trudged through, but my confidence waned, my energy was depleted, and the joys of the season scampered away

As the seasons change again, I have a renewed commitment to completing tasks associated with a fledgling business idea. I'm determined to remove the clutter that is causing distractions and create inviting spaces to welcome creativity.

The open road calls to me - both on two wheels and four, I'm reading to add adventure to my life and enjoy this season of my life. Too often, I find I'm focusing on what needs to be done and not on what I want to do - that has to change. I will not shirk my responsibilities, but I'm going to focus on renewing that childlike spirit we all have hidden beneath the layers. I invite you to join me in renewing your focus and adding the desires of your heart to that list.

In my last column, I asked you how you would show up for yourself in this new year, and committed to completing my Vision Board as a way of showing up for myself. I must confess I didn't complete that task, but I remain focused on prioritizing the items I have outlined for that board, and prayerfully, before the end of the second quarter of this year, I will have a board to guide me through the balance of the year

IÑyou have a business idea or an existing business you want to revitalize, this edition offers great insight.

Gloria M. Ware, founder and CEO of GTB Advisors, LLC and Get the Bag offers advice on boosting your

business funding with customer traction. As you renew your plan to begin a business or grow your business, ask yourself if you have the tools in place to produce growth. Also, understand that growth is measured in more than sales, and read Ware's column to gain insight.

Our cover story is a sweet treat exhibiting the importance of taking a chance on yourself and shifting when necessary. Saidah Farrell was a mother of two living in Georgia when she took a gamble on herself and moved to Cleveland, Ohio. She came with a job and a plan, but as often happens, those plans were upended. Showing self-confidence, she sought out a career in an industry outside of her skillset and excelled. It was necessary to shift and pivot along her journey, but she always focused on her goal - building a sustainable and profitable business. With each obstacle in her path, she renewed her belief in herself, so take a few minutes to read her story, and hopefully, you will find something that resonates with you.

The life of an entrepreneur is not meant for everyone, so if you are seeking a change in employment or career, Marsha Eastwood's column offers helpful information on navigating the job search in the digital world.

Not only does she offer information on a few job sites, but she also provides sound advice on renewing your confidence if you have been out of the workforce for some years. This advice is particularly helpful for women because we often diminish the skills we use to run households and offer support to our community. Maintaining a functioning and sustainable household usually takes the skills of a program manager or a good financial manager. Serving as the Girl Scout Troop leader demonstrates organizing, planning, and communicating with multiple audiences. In her column, Eastwood provides more examples of renewing confidence in the life skills you have learned and earned.

I pray something in this edition inspires you and propels you forward. As always, I look forward to meeting you in this space soon!

WOMAN WWOMAN Wphenomenal

WELCOMING A SPRING RENEWAL

THE WAY HOME: HOME BUYING WORKSHOP HOW TO SURVIVE THE QUIET DESPERATION OF A JOB SEARCH

DolllarBank

Gaining Ground: Boost Your Business Funding Success with Customer Traction

Gloria M. Ware

Uniting Against Human Trafficking: Together, We Can End It

Kimberly Graves

COVER

SAIDAH FARRELL

Making life decisions can be tricky, and more often than not the advice given is, “Follow your heart.” Following her heart, Saidah Farrell left southwest Georgia with her two daughters to build a life in Cleveland. She says of her relocation, “I moved for love and stayed for the food.” The latter half of that statement, “stayed for the food,” is loaded with irony when you hear her story

In an eastside Coffee Shop on an unseasonably warm March afternoon, Saidah shared her resilient and educational journey with PhenomenalWoman

By: Marsha Walker Eastwood, BS.Ed, MSHSVC PWM Contributing Writer

How To Survive the Quiet Desperation of a Job Search

“When misfortune has thrown us a curveball, and the tentacles of desperation are freezing our mind, foreshadowing a hustle-bustle of confusion, we must inflame the power of our imagination. Let us take a walk on the path of groundbreaking change, take daring initiatives, and create a scheme of inventive intentions, gradually paving the way to a new setting, assessing each stage thoughtfully. ("Check and mate")” ― Erik Pevernagie

Mr Pevernagie's quote almost perfectly describes the quiet desperation of looking for a job. The search for suitable employment can be one of the most insanely frustrating and daunting tasks one can engage in. Whether it is caused by a fiscal emergency, i.e., unexpected loss of a job, the death of the primary wage earner, a new medical issue, the need for additional income to provide for self and/or a family or the need to address the stress and depression associated with total dissatisfactionwith a current employment situation.

After a brief period of careful introspection and reconciling yourself with the fact that this must happen, the first step is creating or updating a resume. This single document is necessary to give potential employers a look at your skill set, experience, and suitability for any position you may apply for You do not have to write your life story or list more than the last fifteen years, but you do need to fill in any gaps in employment.

According to the Harvard Business Review, Employers often look for applicants who can illustrate their critical thinking skills and tell stories that prove their capacity to get things done. You can highlight these skills whether or not they are tied to a long-term, 9-to-5 job To them, your abilities are not limited to the tasks you perform in a role. If presented correctly, you can highlight your experience as a combination of those tasks and initiatives you have participated in and learned from outside of your primary “job.”

Your goal is to reframe your experiences in a way that will help employers draw a connection between the role they are trying to fill and the skills you can offer Here is where you need to step outside the box and think about what you did during the gaps. If you were a stay-at-home mom, did you create social media content or host a podcast on how to manage being a new mom and a domestic engineer at the same time without going crazy? Were you a cause organizer or fundraiser? Were you a project manager for re-decorating your home? This would involve creating a budget, overseeing the purchase of materials, and supervision.

The next step is to create a list of what can and cannot be done in terms of location- in-office or work from home, rate of pay, and benefits. Are you looking for a career path or just supplementing income for the long term Next, consider your availability - full-time or part-time, weekdays only, weekends and/or holidays, mornings, afternoons, nights, or a combination of all.

The answers to these questions will provide some sense of direction – think Google Maps. You are starting where you are in your headspace, and your destination is to find suitable gainful employment in an area(s) that you feel comfortable and confident in, and how many 'stops' (job search engines) you are willing to make.

Step two is research. This is where the real work begins. Which job search engine(s) best serve your needs? Do you need a site that provides valuable insight not only on open positions but also on company structure and history? Do you need to know about the hiring process, type of management structure, such as whether certain positions are micromanaged, where managers closely monitor and control the work of their employees? Or micromanaged, where once the training period is over, team members are given autonomy because they are trusted to complete their work in the way that works best for them while maintaining best practices that make the company a desired place to work and do business with.

You know yourself better than anyone else. As tedious and time-consuming as a job search is, there are ways to be more productive than others. My top four suggestions for search engines are Indeed, Rat Race Rebellion, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn. Each one has a unique methodology to provide various avenues of employment.

For the most part, Indeed is ranked number one in job search engines, and it is one I highly recommend. The job listings are all-inclusive and provide a variety of selection choices, such as date posted from the last 14 days to the previous 24 hours. If you have been on the site previously, it will include new job listings from your last visit. Indeed has listings for anyone from a new to the workplace job seeker, experienced to no experience, no diploma to advanced degrees, companies encouraging people to apply, including second chance positions, companies urgently hiring, reviews, pay, and a relative soup to nuts opportunity for your search. Indeed also offers a variety of assessments that many employers will often request after an application is submitted. You also have the chance to save jobs you may be interested in but need more informationabout.

My second favorite job search engine is Rat Race Rebellion. Here job seekers can subscribe to their daily newsletter. According to available information about the website, “Christine Durst and Michael Haaren, also known as Chris and Mike, founded Rat Race Rebellion (RRR) in 2006 and launched the website in 2007. It is a popular website that helps people find legitimate ways to make money online or from home. Durst and Haaren have been leaders in the virtual work and work-from-home

movement since 1999 and designed the first virtual career programs for the US State Department and the Armed Forces.”

From Fortune 500 companies seeking full-time complements to their operations to companies providing seasonal work opportunities to a variety of work-fromhome and side-job listings, this website has a little something for job seekers who feel as if they are at their wit's end. Whether you are a stay-at-home mom or a displaced degreed professional, Rat Race Rebellion provides a viable option for gaining employment.

Glassdoor is what I refer to as a check-a-company-out type of job search engine because many job seekers looking for the skinny on companies they have applied to stumble onto Glassdoor as a verification site. According to Gitnux, a website that provides market research, statistics, and business insights, “Glassdoor has published data on more than 9 millionjobs.'

Glassdoor is a job site and platform that provides insights into various fields, including salary trends, company reviews, and job satisfaction ratings. It also offers employer branding solutions, and current and former employees can review companies. In addition to annual revenue, the list and pictures of the corporate all-stars –CEO, COO, etc.- give you insight into the company. Because the reviews are crowdsourced, they include the good, the bad, and the dissatisfied. On many occasions, a company spokesperson will respond to a negative comment, which means they are monitoring responses. It is estimated that 48% of job seekers use Glassdoor as a search tool.

If you search job search engines, you will find LinkedIn among them. Many job experts believe networking is the best way to find suitable employment. According to available information from the company, “Reid Hoffman and other former PayPal and Socialnet.com executives founded LinkedIn in 2002, and the site launched in May 2003. The platform aims to help professionals connect, network, and find new opportunities. LinkedIn's features include profiles with work experience, education, skills, and photos, as well as ways for users to interact with each other by liking posts, congratulating others on updates, and direct messaging.”

While that may have been true at one time, college students, small business owners, artists, members of the

clergy, and politicians have all joined the ranks of LinkedIn, which is all about levels of connectivity LinkedIn has a format for resume information and is used to rank your chances of getting a job you applied for through their service; however, LinkedIn is not for every job seeker because of its algorithms.

Four job search stops later, and you now know how to look, what to look for, and where to look. Your journey has seen disappointment, setbacks, frustration, and outrage. But you have gained invaluable insight into what employers are looking for and how well-prepared you are; that is the light at the end of the job tunnel. <

JumpStart Inc.Announces Major Expansion of Entrepreneurial Support Services to HealthTech and Software Startups in Ohio

JumpStart, a leading venture development organization providing capital, services and connections to help entrepreneurs grow, announces new accelerators that will enhance its support for technology startups across the state.

New federal funding, tailored programming and an expanded network of subject matter experts build on JumpStart's current offerings and leverage the organization's established capabilities. For 20 years, JumpStart has been connecting promising startups to critical resources, including business and product development services, leading industry partners and VC investment networks.

With an enhanced focus on helping early-stage (pre-seed and seed stage) startups prepare for VC investment, JumpStart's tech startup services deliver tailored support to health tech and software startups through accelerator programs, one-on-one advising and access to the Preferred Partner Program that subsidizes critical business services including product development, clinical/regulatory, legal, finance and marketing.

HealthTech Accelerator Fuels Innovative Startups withTargetedSupport

JumpStart is launching two new accelerators, servicing software and health tech startups as part of its optimized startup services. The organization is currently accepting applications for the first cohort of the Trailblazer HealthTech Accelerator, a free 3-month intensive program helping healthcare innovators prepare for startup capital and commercialization by providing one-on-one advising, access to experts and up to $125K in nondilutive funding for critical services.

“Ohio's proximity to renowned hospital systems and research institutions helps position our state as a hub for healthcare innovation and commercialization,” said Kaleigh Gallagher, VP of Tech Services and Network Management at JumpStart. “We continue to develop new strategies to help early-stage healthcare startups access the expertise, funding, and technical services they need to scale right here in Ohio ”

Explicitly customized for health tech startups, the accelerator provides a deep dive into regulatory, clinical, reimbursement and commercialization strategies to demonstrate commercial value and prepare for VC investment. The accelerator is designed for pre-seed and seed-stage companies in Ohio or willing to relocate.

$2M EDA Grant Elevates Programmatic Support ThroughHigh-ImpactAcceleratorsandServices

The new services are partially funded through a pivotal $2M grant JumpStart recently received from the US Economic Development Administration (EDA) under the “Build to Scale” program. This funding supports the Scaling Ohio HealthTech Innovation Offerings (Scaling OHIO) program and leverages JumpStart's 20-year legacy in entrepreneurship to drive healthcare innovation and commercializationthroughout the state.

In addition to fueling JumpStart's new accelerators, the funding will support one-on-one advising and other initiatives. The $2M EDA grant requires a match, leveraging up to $4M in funding and has already been partially matched through partnerships with Case Western Reserve University, UH Ventures and others.

3 TRICKS TO FIND THE RIGHT HOME

For those beginning the process of home buying, there are many factors to consider. Keep these ideas in mind as you conduct your search –whether it's online or at a series of open houses.

Consider Future Needs

Because life is always evolving, it's important to move into a home that has enough space for your family's anticipated changes. While features and space are always prime considerations, don't forget to, look into the area schools, day care options, parks and other kid-friendly amenities if you plan to grow your family in your next home.

Look for Flexible Spaces

Seek homes that offer rooms with multiple functions. For example, an office area may be suitable for a small child's room, or a sunroom may be converted to a laundry area down the road. Unfinished basements are also blank canvases that can be customized to meet your family's wants and needs.

Get to Know the Area

The purchase of a home goes well beyond the property line. Be sure to examine the neighborhood in which the house is situated. From the condition of the neighbors' houses to highway access and the proximity of necessities like grocery stores and gas stations, be sure to take every factor into account to help ensure you're selecting the right location.

Find more tips to aid you in your home search at eLivingtoday.com.

By Gloria M. Ware, CEO and Chief Rainmaker, Get The Bag LLC

In the fast-paced world of business, one word often stands at the forefront of a funder's mind when considering investing in or lending to your venture: traction. Traction, a term that signifies the progress of a company, is typically measured by sales growth and the ability to capture market interest. Yet, beyond the raw numbers, traction embodies the tangible evidence that your business model is not just viable but promising.

Understanding Traction

Traction goes beyond mere sales figures; it's about demonstrating the potential for significant revenue generation. For example, Rihanna's Fenty Savage tapped into the underserved market of inclusive lingerie, showcasing the profound impact of addressing unmet needs. Entrepreneurs can show traction through various means:

● Market Needs: Identifying an underserved market, much like Fenty Savage did, can illustrate potential for growth.

● Customer Interest: Survey data, website analytics, social media engagement, and preorder campaigns can demonstrate market demand.

● Financial Performance: Showing consistent sales growth through financial statements or tax returns validates your business's earning potential.

● Community and Influence: A strong team, advisory board, or notable customers can bolster your business's credibility

The Importance of Diversification

Relying on just a few key clients or a single customer poses significant risks. For instance, businesses depending on TikTok for visibility now face potential income disruptions due to its potential ban in the U.S. Similarly, revenue can be threatened if a major

GAINING GROUND: BOOST YOUR BUSINESS FUNDING SUCCESS WITH CUSTOMER TRACTION

customer relocates its operations overseas. To mitigate such risks, it's crucial to diversify your customer base and sales channels, ensuring a more stable revenue stream and avoiding the pitfalls of dependency on a single source.

Strategies for Sales Growth

Achieving sales growth requires a deep understanding of your customers and continuous engagement. Here are some strategies to consider:

● Know Your Customer: Tailor your marketing to address the specific problems your customers face.

● Continuous Engagement: Use surveys, social media, and customer service interactions to stay informed about changing needs and preferences.

● Referrals: Leverage satisfied customers to gain new ones, tapping into their networks.

● Distribution Channels: Explore alternative avenues to reach your customers, such as strategic partners, curated marketplaces, or international markets.

● Marketing Channels: Don't rely solely on one platform. Experiment with new channels like podcasts, email marketing, trade shows or billboards to find new growth avenues.

● Record-Keeping: Maintain detailed records of sales, distribution, and marketing efforts to identify trends and strategies that work.

In conclusion, demonstrating customer traction is crucial for securing funding and support for your business. By showing a clear path to significant revenue generation, diversifying your customer base, and continuously adapting your strategies for engagement and growth, you can attract investors, donors, and advisors who are eager to be part of your journey to success. This comprehensive approach not only positions your business for immediate growth but also sets the stage for long-term sustainability and impact.

Recommended Reads

1. "Traction" by Gabriel Weinberg and Justin Mares, though not mentioned in detail here, is a valuable resource for entrepreneurs looking to explore traction channels further It emphasizes the importance of experimenting with various strategies to find what best suits your business.

2. "Sell Your Way to Success" by Meshell Baker - Baker, a celebrated sales strategist and motivational speaker, offers a guide to building confidence, creating value, and developing the sales strategies that lead to success.

3. "Success is in Your Sphere: Leverage the Power of Relationships to Achieve Your Business Goals" by Zvi Band - Band provides a practical guide to capitalizing on the power of relationships for business success, a crucial aspect of sales and marketing. Though not a woman or BIPOC author, his strategies for building lasting business relationships are universally applicable.

4. "Marketing Multiplied: A Real-World Guide to Channel Marketing for Beginners, Practitioners, and Executives" by Mike Moore and Peter Thomas - This book covers channel marketing, an essential aspect of sales strategy.

5. "Influencer: Building Your Personal Brand in the Age of Social Media" by Brittany Hennessy - Hennessy offers insights into the influencer marketing world, providing strategies for individuals and brands looking to build a significant presence on social media, an increasingly vital component of modern marketing and sales strategies.

6. "Contagious: How to Build Word of Mouth in the Digital Age" by Jonah Berger: Berger explores why certain things go viral and how businesses can craft content and messages that spread. For strategies on leveraging social influence and word of mouth, this book is invaluable.

Gloria M. Ware, Your Capital Co-Pilot

Gloria Ware is the founder and CEO of GTB Advisors, LLC and Get The Bag. Over the last two decades, Gloria's work has been instrumental in developing inclusive funding programs, financial products, and advisory services for small businesses, entrepreneurship centers, NGOs, public sector entities, workforce support organizations, and philanthropic organizations.

ARE YOU A BLACK WOMAN ENTREPRENEUR SEEKING TO

■ Grow your business to $1Million+.

■ Transition from side-hustler to CEO.

■ Be inspired by and learn from a community of BOSSES.

■ Easily access info about small business grants, funding and business opportunities.

■ Gain insider tips and information about business funding options.

■ Succeed in business AND be inspired to practice self-care.

■ Discover Black women-owned and socially responsible brands.

■ Meet authentic champions of Black womenowned businesses who want you to succeed.

■ Have fun!

LOOK NO FURTHER, VISIT US @ www.getthebag.biz /or/ info@getthebag.biz

How to Prepare Your Body for Daylight Saving Time

Millions of Americans got extra sunlight in the evenings when daylight saving time (DST) – observed by every state except Arizona and Hawaii – began on the second Sunday in March and clocks got set ahead by one hour at 2 a.m.

While the extra daylight is a welcome change for most, failing to prepare for DST can have consequences. In fact, research from the Sleep Foundation has found a lack of sleep caused by the time change can affect thinking, decisionmaking and productivity. The change can alter your circadian rhythm, the body's internal clock that helps control sleep and other biological processes, which may cause mood fluctuations, and the transition has been associated with short-term risk of heart attack, stroke and traffic accidents.

However, making small adjustments ahead of DST can help reduce its impact on your sleep and minimize negative effects. Consider these tips to help navigate the time change.

Reset Your Internal Clock

As you get ready to “spring forward,” gradually adjust your sleep schedule throughout the week leading up to the time change, which can help prevent unnecessary shock to your system. The American Academy of Sleep recommends going to bed 15-20 minutes earlier each day than normal, and other daily activities like mealtimes and exercise can also be moved up slightly to help acclimate to the change. Awakening earlier and getting extra light exposure in the morning can also help adjust your circadian rhythm.

Upgrade Your Sleep Environment

Creating a bedroom environment that is conducive to sleep can help ensure you get a good night's rest, which is especially important leading up to the time change when you effectively lose an hour of sleep Start optimizing your sleep space comfort by choosing a supportive mattress and comfortable bedding then block out unwanted light with blackout curtains and dampen unwanted noises using a fan or soothing white noise machine.

To help regulate temperature, set the thermostat to 60-70 F – a cooler thermostat setting helps maintain a lower core temperature – then adjust if too hot or too cold by adding or removing blankets or changing your pajamas. Lavender essential oils, or another fragrance like peppermint or heliotropin, can also help improve relaxation and sleep quality.

Avoid Screens Before Bed

In the days leading up to DST, experts recommend turning off electronics, including televisions, computers, smartphones and tablets, at least 1 hour before bedtime as the blue light from screens can suppress production of melatonin, the substance that signals the body it's time for bed. If necessary, cut back on screentime in smaller increments leading up to the time change or swap evening screen usage for other activities like crossword puzzles, meditation or reading a book.

Phase Out Caffeine in the Evenings

While avoiding caffeine later in the day can help you fall asleep easier at night, experts suggest limiting and slowly reducing your caffeine intake in the days prior to DST. Choosing half-caffeinated coffee, mixing regular and decaf or cutting out 1-2 caffeinated drinks during the week can help sleep patterns ahead of the change. However, be wary that giving up caffeine “cold turkey” can sometimes lead to headaches.

Find more tips for healthy living all year at eLivingtoday.com.

Uniting Against Human Trafficking: Together, We Can End It

ByKimberleyGraves Board Member, Not For Sale: One Step At A Time

Human trafficking, a heinous crime that deprives millions of their freedom and dignity, persists as a global epidemic. In the heart of Ohio, the fight against this modern-day slavery is being waged by dedicated individuals and organizations like Not For Sale: One Step At A Time. Co-founded in 2018 by Kathie Gray, Jami Luzecky, and Heather Scott, this nonprofit is on a mission to educate, advocate, and empower communities to combat human trafficking.

Ohio, with its central location, major highways, and diverse economy, unfortunately, serves as a hotspot for human trafficking. Statistics reveal a grim reality: the state ranks fifth in the nation for human trafficking cases. Yet, behind these daunting numbers lies a story of resilienceand determination.

Kathie Gray's journey into the fight against human trafficking began six years ago when her church partnered with A21, an international anti-trafficking organization, to host the first Walk For Freedom. Witnessing the harrowing experiences of survivors and understanding the staggering statistics propelled Gray into action. Motivated by her faith and a sense of moral obligation, she cofounded Not For Sale: One Step At A Time to make a differencein her communityand beyond.

“When I first heard those stats and listened to survivors share their stories, it hit me – these stats aren't just numbers. These are real people, real lives torn apart,” President and Co-Founder of Not For Sale, One Step At A Time Kathie Gray said. “I couldn't ignore it. It was like a fire ignited in me, urging me to do something. And hearing those survivors, seeing their strength in the face of unimaginable horrors, it shook me to my core. I felt God was tapping me on the shoulder, saying, 'you need to step up.' So, here I am, ready to make a difference, to do my part in this fight. We're not just talking about helping out; we're talking about answering a call, about standing up for what's right. And together, right here in our northeast Ohio communities, we can be that change, that light in the darkness. So, let's roll up our sleeves and rewrite this story, one act of compassion at a time.”

Collaboration lies at the heart of Not For Sale's approach. Gray and her team work closely with local authorities, community partners, agencies, schools, universities, and

concerned individuals to disrupt the demand for trafficking. Through fundraising, event planning, marketing, and advocacy efforts, they strive to raise awareness, provide resources, and ultimately prevent human trafficking.

“Human trafficking is not just a crime — it's a violation of human dignity,” Gray said. “Every soul entangled in its grip represents a beacon of hope dimmed by manipulation, coercion, and exploitation. Our collective vigilance must be unwavering, for in the fight against human trafficking, silence is complicity, and action is our solemn duty”

One of the organization's key initiatives is the annual Community Freedom Summit and one-mile Freedom Walk, held at Walsh University every September. This event serves as a platform for education, advocacy, and empowerment. Featuring speakers like Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Tamia Woods, of the Do it for James Foundation, who shared her son's sextortion-related suicide testimony, the summit aims to build awareness and mobilizeaction against trafficking.

Not For Sale also engages directly with schools, businesses, community events, and churches, offering educational presentations and speaking engagements. By equipping individuals with the knowledge to recognize the signs of trafficking and providing guidance on how to respond, they empower communities to protect vulnerable individualsand support survivors.

“In every school we've visited, students have so many questions about Human Trafficking and they hunger for information,” Gray said.“They want to learn how to keep themselves safe! They don't always know the signs that they are being trafficked or understand the grooming process.”

As Kathie Gray aptly states, "It takes a village." Every contribution, whether big or small, plays a vital role in the fight against human trafficking. Not For Sale: One Step At A Time exemplifies the power of collective action and the unwavering commitment to freedom and justice.

“In the face of adversity, hope remains. Together, we can end human trafficking,one step at a time,” Gray said.

A Run for Freedom, half marathon, will step off on April 27 at 10 a.m. at Jackson North Park in Massillon. The next Community Freedom Summit and Freedom Walk will take place on September 28, 2024, beginning at 10 a.m. at Walsh Universityin North Canton.

For more information about Not For Sale: One Step At A Time, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and how you can get involved, please visit their website or contact them directly to schedule a speaking engagement or learn about donation opportunities at notforsaleohio.com. g

PHOTOS: Tia McKnight The Blush Gallery

SAIDAH FARRELL,

FROM CULINARYNOVICETO QUEEN OF GOURMETMARSHMALLOWS

BY SHELLEY SHOCKLEY PWM MANAGING EDITOR

Making life decisions can be tricky, and more often than not the advice given is, “Follow your heart.” Following her heart, Saidah Farrell left southwest Georgia with her two daughters to build a life in Cleveland. She says of her relocation, “I moved for love and stayed for the food.” The latter half of that statement, “stayed for the food,” is loaded with irony when you hear her story

In an eastside Coffee Shop on an unseasonably warm March afternoon, Saidah shared her resilient and educational journey with PhenomenalWoman.

Farrell, a self-described Army brat, is accustomed to moving around, so when her parents retired to Georgia and it was time for her daughters to go to school, she followed them to the Peach State. The experience was not what she expected, explaining, “It was like living in 1955. You either worked at the hospital or Walmart. There weren't many options, and my children were starting to experience some racism because it wasn't as diverse in 2009 as it is now ”

Armed with one compelling reason to consider Cleveland, she began researching the area and fell in love with Shaker Heights, prompting decision to move to the Buckeye State. To make the move, Farrell needed a job, which she found in a home-based position for Sprint's Blackberry technical support unit. With a job and plan, she took a week off to make the cross-country move and settle into her new home.

Within a year of moving to Shaker and acclimating herself to the area, Farrell lost her job and was faced with a big decision. Shocked but not deterred, she questioned, “Are we going to find another job or go to school?” After reviewing the Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) course catalog for potential career opportunities, she found the answer She has an affinity for photography, so initially, she considered that but had concerns about launching a career where toting camera equipment and two children would be required. Once photography was eliminated, Farrell enrolled in Tri-C's Culinary Arts program, but there was one catch - she didn't know how to cook.

LearningtheTrade

In explaining her choice and her lack of experience, she said, “I was not a cook. My kids ate pizza and salmon with barbeque sauce that was cooked until it was dead twice. I didn't cook like my grandmother cooked.”

Growing up, she said the food was already prepared, and her grandmother didn't invite them into the kitchen, so she never learned to cook. Despite being a novice, Farrell wanted something hands-on that she could finish. She explained, “All of the jobs I had ever done, nothing was ever finished, whether I was working as a receptionist or executive assistant. Nothing was a finished product. I would do something for a VP, but I never got to see where it ended up.”

With the decision made, Farrell started her studies and received her “Baptism by Fire,” working in the Tri-C Hospitality Management Center and Pura Vida Restaurant as a student intern. Pura Vida opened in 2011 and Farrell, a new culinary student, was chosen to serve as a student intern in the restaurant. The connection of the two spaces offered culinary students the opportunity for classroom

I love coaching other entrepreneurs. I love sharing this information because I can't believe I got this for free. We can all eat and watch other people grow and be successful, too. “ “

and on-the-job training. Some days, she questioned what she had gotten herself into, but the experience was priceless. She said, “It was a great rush.” The rush came from spending time in a working restaurant and gaining valuable experience from master chefs in food preparation and running a working kitchen.

Having decided to specialize in pastry to be a Pastry Chef, her primary role at the restaurant was to hone her skills. The students were given recipes to prepare, and when they encountered problems with technique, they relied on their classroom instructors.

Interestingly, one of the techniques challenging Farrell was marshmallows. She recalled, “We had this bar called the BKM Bar, and it was a base of graham crackers, and marshmallows, and then chocolate on top But the method for making these marshmallows with egg whites, I couldn't figure it out at all.” Continuing she said, “It would end up with glass shards in it all the time, I'd be throwing it away. The sugar is so hot that when the sugar hits the egg whites, it turns into sugar glass.”

Continued on next page ...

She entered Pura Vida as a novice and worked her way up to Pastry Cook, and during this time, the sweet taste of entrepreneurship surfaced. She praised her Executive Chef Scott Coffman, “He was an amazing chef and he gave me the opportunity to learn more than just pastry If I wanted to learn the salads, I could go make salads during the lunch rush.” The trust he placed in her offered insight into the restaurant business, or she said, “Being on the line.” Chef Scott would later move her onto the line, and in the morning, she would prepare pastry, and during the lunch rush, she would work on the line. The experience, she said, “Gave me an appreciation of working in the restaurant. I love the rush and the excitement of it.”

Another form of marshmallow would pique her entrepreneurial spirit. She said, “One day while working at Pura Vida I made Whoopie Pies. They weren't on the menu, I just decided I wanted to make them. They were sold with lunch and someone came in and placed an order for about 30 of them. I think they may have sold for $3, so I'm thinking I make $11 an hour. I probably made those in an hour and they sold them for $90. Hmm, can I do that for myself? So that's when I kind of decided I wanted to work for myself What would it look like for me to make these creations, bake them, and sell them myself?”

She said she now understands the $90 represented more than her $11 an hour, but the other costs - ingredients, electricity, rent, etc. That knowledge would come when she ventured out on her own.

After completing her studies, Farrell worked in a few restaurants and bakeries before making plans for her own business. Working in independent restaurants offered more learning experiences, but ultimately, she realized she wanted to work for herself After her initial challenge with marshmallows, an opportunity to work as a vendor would be the impetus for her to begin testing different marshmallow recipes.

As she worked on developing a business plan, Farrell connected with the Economic & Community Development Institute (ECDI), which hosted a food incubator, the Cleveland Culinary Launch Kitchen. During a meeting with Stephanie Sheldon, the owner of Cleveland Flea at that time, she offered the participants an opportunity to vend at Cleveland Flea for National S'mores Day Sheldon asked if anyone made marshmallows and S'mores, and Farrell remembered thinking, “I can't make marshmallows, but I decided I'm going to figure out these marshmallows. I found a different recipe, and I was able to start making those marshmallows. That's where it started.”

To create a unique treat that would not mimic the evening treat, she remembered her Dad enjoying as a youngster, she tested teas and beers for flavors. As part of her offerings at Cleveland Flea, she used Great Lakes Brewery beers and sold the marshmallows for one dollar. Farrell has also created cocktail marshmallows, but the key to all of her products is that they are made without artificial flavoring. Her marshmallows are also made with kosher products, meaning they do not contain pork gelatin.

TheJourneytoMarshmallowOfTheMonthClub

Finding success vending at Cleveland Flea, North Union Farmer's Market and other outlets while participating in incubators led Farrell to try her hand at a brick-and-mortar location. She sums the experience up, “In 2015, I got the funding to open my own bakery and all the lessons I learned in hindsight.”

The lessons were hard. She said, “I opened and closed within like six months. I didn't have marketing dollars. I didn't know about all the unexpected costs that would come.” These lessons included not understanding the cost of running her convection oven - $700 monthly in electric bills, and the costs of installing a grease trap Ultimately, she said, “As much as you go to school, these are the things they don't teach you. These are a lot of life lessons learned.” She says, in hindsight, the biggest misstep with the bakery is “I didn't sell marshmallows, which is what I was known for.”

Embarrassed and ready to hide from the world, she got a job at Panera Bread before receiving an opportunity to teach. This latest opportunity was a full-circle moment because she said, “If someone asked me what I wanted to do when I was ten years old, I would have said an educator, but I didn't finish school. I attended Syracuse University for a year and tried community college, but nothing worked until Tri-C.”

Her Associate's degree from Tri-C opened the door for a Chef Instructor position with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD). As an instructor at Jane Addams, she incorporated entrepreneurship into the curriculum. The joy of teaching young people is apparent as she recalls the Lemonade Days they held, where the students created unique lemonade recipes. As she instructed the students on developing business plans and focus groups and guided them through selling their products on the school food truck, her desire to have her own business again increased.

As the kids were working on their business plan, she was working on her own business plan, looking to develop a side hustle for the summer. After the experience with the bakery, she didn't want another brick-and-mortar location so she started selling S'more Kits on Etsy. This new venture was a launchpad to her current business model thanks to a customer

Farrell was introduced to the world of Subscription Boxes when someone ordered 60 kits to include in a subscription box. Through communicating with this client, Farrell stumbled on what she says was “the perfect business model.” Utilizing this business model, she explained, “Every month, I knew how many people were going to order from me, and I wouldn't have any extra product.” As a vendor, she said she would always have extra marshmallows.

Timing is a key component of business, and her timing couldn't have been better. She launched the Marshmallow of the Month subscription program In August 2019, and in March 2020, the pandemic hit. While teaching at home, she had extra time on her hands because the online model for teaching was new and wrought with problems so she continued to research and work on her business. Adding to her success, the marketplace she used for her subscription box was amplifying black-owned businesses as part of Black Lives Matter. This commitment to minority businesses saw an increase in subscriptions from 75 to 250 over night.

This surge in business was enough to replace her salary, and in July 2020 she left CMSD to launch Marshmallow of

the Month Club. A key to Farrell's success is she hasn't rested on the laurels of her initial success with the subscription box business model. Instead of being content, she began enrolling in programs to learn how to be a successful entrepreneur.

She said, “The last two years have been a lot of business coaching and mentoring. I started with JumpStart's Impact Program in 2022. That helped me hone my messaging and understanding of the business, my target market, my pitch and my value proposition.” Participants in the program pitched their businesses at the Browns Stadium and Farrell won the $10,000 prize along with some additional funding as part of the Impact Program. This windfall provided the opportunity to invest in branding and pay off debt. She was also able to increase her profit margin bypurchasing her ingredients in bulk.

An added bonus of the competition included the Cleveland Browns purchasing more than 200 holiday gift boxes. The gift boxes elevated her from solopreneur to employer when she hired her daughters and three other interns to process the orders.

Farrell also participated in the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women program, which its website describes as “Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women is a $10B investment strategy designed to narrow opportunity gaps facing Black women across education, healthcare, housing, and more. In just two years since launch, Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women has deployed over $2.1B in investment capital and over $23M in philanthropic grants to 137 organizations that are positively impacting the lives of Black women.”

This program, she said was a continuation of what she learned from JumpStart, “We were blessed with a Business Advisor that sat with us and asked what your goals are for the next 3, 6, months? Then we would work through those goals and develop an action plan of what we were going to do over the next 3-6 months.” While in the One Million Black Women program, she applied to Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, which is a program to “help entrepreneurs create jobs and economic opportunity by providing access to education, capital and support services.”

Farrell has successfully won competitions, including Cleveland's Chain Reaction, but in a few cases, the reward was being in the room and receiving advice or other tangible prizes. The National Black Pitch Competition is an example of not winning the prize but coming away with membership in the WBENC (Women's Business Enterprise Council). This membership designates her as a certified women's business. Continued on next page

Possibly one of the most impactful experiences came through WOCSTAR, a fund devoted to helping black women gain access to capital to leverage their businesses. As part of their program, Farrell received coaching on her pitch from co-founder Gayle Jennings. She said of the experience, “She went through that pitch page by page with me and coached me on how to stand, how to speak, and the right words to use. It changed the way I presented my presentation. That one-on-one was priceless, and through that, I just received a grant to work with a videographer to create some social media content.”

Farrell compares the Goldman Sachs programs to a mini-MBA, and the education has proven invaluable as she continues to navigate the changes in the market. She recalls receiving a message from her client praising the product and noting that her family had to decide each month who could have S'mores. When she asked why they had to choose, Farrell learned they were a family of four, and the box only produced about three S'mores. Armed with this new information, she pivoted and created new sizesto accommodate the varying needs of families.

During the pandemic, the number of subscriptions increased to about 388 a month, but the numbers began to dwindle when the world opened back up Farrell started talking to her audience to understand the drop in subscriptions, and she said, “It was recession and inflation. So, I began to appeal to the gift giver This was good, but they didn't need six, nine, or twelve months. They only wanted one.” Understanding her changing audience, she realized Crate Joy, the subscription box site, would not be enough to sustain her, and it was time to build a website.

Reconfiguring her offerings, Farrell focused on the responses she received from her audience. There were requests for the unique blend of Cocoa, which led to selling Cocoa singles, but that wasn't enough. She said, “They were asking how do I get more of the Cocoa, and that's where the pivot began. Now I have the subscription box, the S'more Survival Kit (my first offering in 2013), and now we're focusing on branching out Joy Craft Cocoa.” Offering her products in the Meijer Fairfax Market adds to her continued growth. With her first retailer, she has purchased complete branding for her products.

While building her business, Farrell also raised two daughters who are now 25 and 21, as a single mom. When asked how she managed, she said, “Overcompensating. At Christmas whatever gadget they wanted, I got. I did my best not to miss a recital or anything, and even if I was coming in my dirty uniform, I was showing up for them.” She says it was tiring, but when she was vending, her daughters were right there with her. She recalls a time they were vending and she had to take her youngest daughter to the restroom only to return to find everything sold out. Her oldest daughter had become the “face” of the business.

Today, her daughter lives in Chicago and comes in from time to time to help with events like the Christmas Connection. While it was challenging, she sees the benefits in the women they have become. She said, “My kids have a really good work ethic, and I appreciate that.” Her youngest daughter is completing her collegiate career at Ohio University.

When she's not reworking her business, she said she does some self-care but rarely goes out. She said, “My hobbies are integrated into the business, so I feel like I'm always in the business.” She took some time to celebrate her 50th birthday. “I decided I wanted to spend it by myself because I knew what I wanted to do, and I didn't want anyone complaining or whining about what I wanted to do, so I went to Niagra Falls and made it a whole journey and I also ended up in Toronto ”

What she enjoys, she said, is, “Coaching other entrepreneurs. I love sharing this information because I can't believe I got this for free. We can all eat and watch other people grow and be successful, too. I love photography, all the photos on my website and Instagram, I took.”

The love that brought her to Cleveland is going strong, so it's not just the food that kept her in the Buckeye State. <

Gone Viral

'MINICLOVER' IS A TOP TRENDING GRASS ALTERNATIVE FOR YARDS ACROSS AMERICA

(Joan Casanova) If you're looking to renovate your yard, there's a sustainable, drought-tolerant alternative to highmaintenance, water-guzzling grass that also reduces your environmental footprint.

“Clover lawns” went viral on social media last fall and became the most searched home improvement trend on Google in 2023. If you search #cloverlawns on Tik Tok, viewed more than 150 million times, you'll be bombarded with photos and videos of fluffy, lush, green, gorgeous lawns grown with Miniclover seeds.

“Miniclover (Trifolium repens) is about 1/3-1/2 the size of white Dutch clover, only grows 4-6 inches and produces a thick, carpet-like look that blends well with turf,” said Troy Hake, president and owner of Outsidepride.com, offering drought-tolerant grasses, clovers, wildflower seeds and more. “It's less expensive than grass seed and a natural solution for self-sustaining, low-maintenance lawns that look beautiful and help eliminate the need for fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides and weekly mowing. We sold out of it for the past two years, even with a two-fold increase in production. You can't go wrong with it.”

Wondering why grass gets a bad rap? The truth is climate change is looming and has further altered the natural pattern of droughts, making them more frequent, longer and more severe. Grass lawns, however, are not sustainable; they're the most maintenance-intense part of yards, requiring regular fertilization, mowing and heavy irrigation to look good. Nationwide, landscape irrigation is estimated at almost 1/3 of all residential water use, totaling

nearly 9 billion gallons per day. Plus, gas-powered lawn and gardening equipment release more than 30 million tons of carbon emissions, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Emissions Inventory

In some regions, there's continuous, strict regulations on watering lawns or bans on the use of drinking water for irrigating grass. As concerns about climate change and water scarcity intensify, some homeowners are looking for landscaping solutions that minimize water usage and reduce environmental impact. A standout in this regard, Miniclover requires significantly less water than traditional grass to thrive. It's drought-tolerant and has longer, deeper roots than grass, reaching into the soil for needed moisture, requiring minimal watering, staying greener longer and showing more resiliency during periods of drought or water restrictions.

It takes nitrogen from the air, “fixing” it in the soil and eliminating the need for fertilizer or nitrogen plant food because it does the work for you, keeping grass green and growing while adding natural nitrogen to surrounding soil.

Some homeowners are already tearing up grass and completely replacing it with Miniclover; others are overseeding existing grass, reaping the many benefits of clover while maintaining a lawn-like look without committing to a complete lawn replacement. Both options are more sustainable and environmentally friendly than grass lawns.

With hectic lifestyles the norm, many homeowners want landscaping solutions that require minimal upkeep. While grass lawns require constant mowing, watering and fertilizing, perhaps it's time to grow something other than traditional turf. Miniclover's slow growth habits mean less time behind the mower while its dense growth pattern, evenly dispersed via stolons (stems that grow horizontally along the ground), crowds out weeds and controls erosion.

No need for herbicides; they'll kill it. Grubs won't eat it and bugs won't lay eggs in it. It stands up to compacted soil, plus it's immune to “dog patches.” It fills in bare spots fast and tolerates wet conditions. Mow as little as you like – the more it's cut, the smaller the leaf size – or simply let it grow close to the ground, like grass. It blooms only once in summer with small, delicate flowers, which provide bees with nectar or, if preferred, mowing prevents blooming. It withstands foot traffic, making it ideal for pathways and play areas and its tolerance for shade makes it suitable for areas with limited sunlight.

For homeowners looking to reclaim weekends and minimize time and effort spent on lawn care, Miniclover seems like a dream. It lives up to its hype, offering the winning combination of environmental sustainability, very low maintenance, drought tolerance, aesthetic appeal and cost efficiency that benefits not only homeowners' properties, but planet Earth as well.

For more drought-tolerant options, visit Outsidepride.com.

7 SMART HOME SOLUTIONS THAT ENHANCE CONVENIENCE AND SECURITY

GARAGEDOOR

Leave behind that nagging feeling that you forgot to shut the garage door when you're a block away from home. Smart garage door openers that connect to an app on your phone mean you can always check on the status of your door to ensure it's closed when it should be. It provides the added benefit of keeping track of who's coming or going while allowing you to remotely open the door for friends, family, neighbors and others who may need access when you're away.

FRONTDOOR

Devices that allow you to stay connected to your home from virtually anywhere are all the rage. If you're looking to seamlessly integrate innovative solutions into your home for added convenience, security and peace of mind, you'll need smart tech with the right features.

The experts at Masonite, a global industry leader in interior and exterior doors and door systems, share these seven smart home solutions.

Take your front door to the next level with a highperformance model incorporated with top tech like the Masonite M-Pwr Smart Door, the first residential front door to fully connect to your home's electrical system and wireless internet network. Homeowners can create a customized welcome-home experience with the door's motion-activated LED welcome lights and a smart lock that recognizes your arrival and automatically unlocks. Whether at home or away, homeowners can use the door's smartphone app to program the lighting, confirm if the door is open or closed with a door state sensor or monitor the entryway with a built-in video doorbell.

Plus, the integrated connection to the home's power means there's no need to charge or replace device batteries, providing peace of mind that you're always connected and protected. Available at The Home Depot, homeowners can select from a range of designs, colors and glass styles all made with the Masonite Performance Door System. The system is designed to protect your home from the elements and provide superior weather resistance, energy efficiency and comfort with premium fiberglass construction, a rot-resistant frame and a 4-Point Performance Seal so there's no need to sacrifice style for enhanced performance.

MIRROR

Hectic mornings may never completely be a thing of the past, but you can smooth out the start to your day with a smart mirror that displays important information like weather, news updates and your schedule Many interactive displays allow you to check notifications and play music for a sleek, stylish addition to the bathroom that helps you stay on track and on time.

REFRIGERATOR

Smart refrigerators are often inherently newer models, meaning they're typically more energy efficient to save

money on electric bills. With built-in features like cameras and sensors that aid in keeping track of grocery lists, they can help reduce food waste by reminding you to consume perishables before they spoil. Some models even include an interactive display that lets you watch recipe videos so you can test your skills with a virtual assistant.

OVEN

Wi-Fi connectivity is the key feature of smart ovens, improving the cooking experience with increased control. By using an app on your smartphone, you can remotely preheat the oven and set timers. You can even cook like a pro with models that allow you to import recipes for automatic temperature control.

DISHWASHER

Similar to smart appliances like refrigerators and ovens, smart dishwashers bring added convenience to your day along with improved function and efficiency. Connection to Wi-Fi and remote accessibility via smartphone app allow you to start wash cycles and check cycle status while away, receive notificationswhen detergent is low and more.

WASHERANDDRYER

If laundry feels like a chore, you can make it less of a hassle with smart washers and dryers that connect to your home Wi-Fi network. These smart appliances allow you to remotely start and stop washing and drying cycles from your smartphone and can send notifications when cycles are finished. Built-in diagnostics send alerts to your phone when there's a malfunction or it's time for required maintenance. Plus, they can help you maximize energy efficiency by automatically starting a cycle during off-peak hours.

Visit Masonite.com/MPWR-Smart-Doors to find more innovative solutions.

Whether your favorite springtime meals take

you to the patio or have you throwing open the windows to let fresh air in, enjoying the sunshine and warmth with sweet and savory dishes is a perfect way to celebrate the season. Better yet – bring loved ones together with recipes that are as easy to make as they are delicious for refreshing taste without the hassle.

The uplifting aroma and flavor of Envy Apples offer an invitation to savor small moments around the table, especially when used in simple favorites like muffins, sandwiches, pizza or pies for delicious dishes all day long. Celebrating spring can start with this ultimate apple experience, allowing you to introduce loved ones to new ways to rethink weekly staples.

Wake up with breakfast or brunch on the patio, highlighted by Apple and Date Muffins you can prepare fresh or bake ahead of time then reheat for an easy, breezy morning. Spring often means outdoor activities which require a recharge at lunch like these Apple, Bacon and Brie Cheese Toasties featuring the perfect pairing of sweet with savory

Wind down the day with Stilton Cheese Pizza, an ultimate family favorite and shareable solution. Finally, cap off the excitement of warming weather and time outdoors with a slice of Classic Apple Lattice Tart served with a scoop of ice cream or custard.

These recipes and more start with the craveable texture and crunch of Envy Apples – a leading apple variety – that provide balanced sweetness with flesh that remains whiter longer, even after cutting, so your favorite meals look as delicious as they taste.

Visit EnvyApple.com to find more patio-perfect recipe inspiration.

Classic Apple Lattice Tart

Servings: 8-10

2-3 sheets puff pastry dough

5 Envy Apples

2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 egg

1 tablespoon milk

1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar

ice cream, custard or cream, for serving (optional)

Preheat oven to 365 F.

Use two sheets semi-thawed pastry to line fluted tart pan approximately 10 inches, pressing and trimming neatly to fit; chill 15 minutes.

Peel, core and thinly slice apples into large bowl; sprinkle with sugar, lemon zest and cornstarch then toss well to evenly coat.

Arrange apple slices in pastry-lined tart pan, laying flat.

Beat egg with milk. Brush egg wash around pastry rim.

Cut 1/2-inch strips from remaining pastry sheet and make lattice pattern over apples, crimping edges once lattice is completed.

Brush tart with egg wash and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

Bake 35-40 minutes, or until pastry is golden. Allow to cool at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with ice cream, custard or cream, if desired.

AppleandDateMuffins

Servings:12

2 EnvyApples

1 tablespoonmaplesyrup

1 cupflour

1 cupbranflakes

3/4 cupbrownsugar

1/2 cupchoppeddates

1/2 teaspoonpumpkinpiespice

2 teaspoonsbakingpowder

1 cupbutter,melted

1 egg,beaten

3/4 cupmilk

butterorpowderedsugar,for serving(optional)

Preheatovento375Fandlinemuffin panwithcupcakepapers.

Peelandcoreapplesanddicefinely; tosswithmaplesyrup.

Inlargebowl,combineflour,bran flakes,brownsugar,dates,pumpkinpie spiceandbakingpowder;mixwell.

Inseparatebowl,whiskmeltedbutter, eggandmilk.

Addhalfmaple-applemixturetodry ingredients.

Pourwetingredientsintodryandfold togetheruntilmixed.Spoonevenlyinto muffintincupcakepapers.Add1 teaspoonremainingmaple-apple mixturetotopofeachmuffin.

Bake20-25minutesuntilmuffinmixis setandappletoppingisgolden.Allow muffinstocool5minutesbefore removingfromtin.

Servewithbutterordustwithpowdered sugar,ifdesired.

BOOSTNUTRITION WITHATROPICALTREAT

(FamilyFeatures)Asmooth,fruitysmoothie providesadeliciouswaytostartyourmorning strong,addmuch-neededafternoonenergyorcap offasuccessfuldayasabetter-for-youdessert.The nexttimeyoucraveatastytreat,turntothis TropicalBobaSmoothieforalittlesipofparadise.

Thickerthantraditionalbobatea,thistropicalinspiredsolutionfeaturesacreamyblendof pineapple,mango,strawberriesandcoconutserved overshinyblackbobapearls.Withasplashofmilk anddollopofplainGreekyogurt,italsoboaststhe benefitsofdairythatarefundamentaltogood nutrition.

Infact,abalanceddietincludesavarietyoffoods–likedairy–togetessentialnutrientsandis importanttomaintainhealthygutandimmune functionandoptimizeoverallwellness.

VisitMilkMeansMore.orgtofindmorenutritious recipeideas.

TROPICALBOBASMOOTHIE

RecipebyMarciaStanley,MS,RDN,culinary dietitian,onbehalfofMilkMeansMore

Totaltime:10minutes

Servings:1

1 pack(2.12ounces)instantbrownsugar boba

11/2 cupsfrozenmixedpineapple,mangoand strawberries

1/2 cupmilk(wholeor2%)

1/4 cupplainGreekyogurt(5%,2%orfat free)

1 tablespoonhoney

1/4 teaspooncoconutextractorvanilla

Preparebobaaccordingtopackagedirections. Inblender,combinefruit,milk,yogurt,honeyand coconutextract.Coverandblenduntilnearly smooth.

Placebobain14-16-ounceglass.Pourfruitmixture overtop.Serve.

FRI APR 26 musicboxcle.com

Venue:Supper Club

Showtime:8:00 pm

Doors open:6:00 pm

$12Advance, $18 Day of Show, General Admission,Table Reservations Required

NEXT TIMEYOU VISIT,

CHOCOLATE CHIPSEASTAR

Also known as the “knobbly sea star” and the “horned sea star” these sea stars are found in the Indo-Pacific fromAustralia to Japan.

DWARF SEAHORSE

Dwarf seahorses are one of the smallest species of seahorses.These seahorses reach a maximum of 2 inches when fully grown. Look very closely for them in the Coastal Boardwalk Gallery

CHINESE HI-FIN BANDED SHARK

Named for their large curved dorsal fin.They are not sharks they are a type of sucker.Also called Chinese Sucker

KEEPYOUR EYES OPEN FOR THESE SPECIES. SOMEARE EXCELLENTAT BLENDING IN, SO IT MAYTAKEAWHILE TO SPOT THEM.

SPOTTED GARDEN EELS

When startled, spotted garden eels seek shelter in their burrows in the sand.These eels can be found in large colonies of hundreds of individuals.

SOUTHERN REDBELLYDACE

Found in NorthAmerica in the Great Lakes, Mississippi River, Tennessee River, Kansas River andArkansas River drainage basins.

LAMARCK'SANGELFISH

Commonly found in coral and rocky reefs or near steep slopes and drop-offs, these fish usually stay in small groups of three to seven.