August 2014

august 2014

RWm exclusive

Ivanka Trump’s Journey Collection

Artistry in Eyewear

one hip chic Making Her Mark

making dreams come true

Alicia Thompson

Mary Therese Friel

f o r a l l t h e t h i n g s t h at yo u a r e . . . r o c h e s t e r w o m a n

I

rochesterWomanMag.com :: august 2014

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w w w. r o c h e s t e r w o m a n m a g . c o m

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August 8

ETC 7 PLATTER CHATTER: The Black Olive

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FASHION FORWARD:The Rochester Fashion Runway 10 SPECIAL FEATURE: Ivanka Trump’s Journey 16 QUEEN OF ARTS: Artisan Direct, LTD

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FAB FINDS: A Ballet Series

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HEALTHY WOMAN: Biting Into Summer

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SPECIAL FEATURE: Artistix Clothing

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FOR A GOOD CAUSE: Fashion Takes Center Stage 28

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COVER STORY: Making Dreams Come True

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FITNESS: Fashion & Health

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SPECIAL FEATURE: Making Motivation Fashionable 40 MENOPAUSE MINUTE 44 LEADING WOMAN: Artistry in Eyewear

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RW INSPIRES 49

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS 52 LOCAL BUSINESS MATTERS 56

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RWM FASHION SELFIES 54

Looking for a few good artists.

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We will develop a personalized plan of e-marketing, print marketing, art show representation, website design, gallery representation and national magazine advertising – to help your art stand out in the crowd.

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www.artisandirectltd.net

OUR TEAM...

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHERS One Hip Chic realized that long ago and opened her eyewear boutique with the idea of providing styles that can’t be found anywhere else. Read her story on page [47].

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” --Coco Chanel Rochester has always been a “fashionable” city. Almost three decades ago we had not one, but three large family owned department stores — Sibley’s, McCurdy’s and B. Foreman Co. These were the stores responsible for bringing us the latest fashion trends. Back then a day of shopping meant that you headed downtown to marvel at the beautiful store window displays, shop the many floors of fashions and grab a bite to eat at the lunch counter.

Those days are only a memory now, the stores we loved have all since been swallowed up by larger chains and eventually disappeared from the landscape, but our love of fashion has still remained. Our cover woman has been a fixture in the fashion industry for nearly three decades. Once a pageant queen and model herself, Mary Therese Friel has been helping other’s modeling dreams come true by training and coaching young models for nearly 20 years. Her models don runways from Rochester to New York City and beyond all under the watchful eye of Mary Therese and her husband.

Read her fascinating story on page [32].

Fashion isn’t just about what we wear on our backs or our feet. For many of us who are forced to wear glasses in order to function in everyday life, choosing the right eye glass frames says a lot about who we are. Tamara Asmuth, owner of

This month our RWM Inspires are all making their mark on the local fashion scene. Jill Bates, owner of Jill Bates Fashion & Design has spent years in Rochester as a fashion consultant and started creating and selling energy scarves as an offshoot of her business. With her 60th birthday fast approaching, she trained for and entered her first triathalon and has just launched a new business Crystal Clear Consulting. Maryn Holcomb is a young, up and coming fashion designer who has found her niche in the fashion industry by helping friends “re-fashion” older items in their closets. She and a business partner have recently launched a new website called Lifestyled.com. After exploring different career paths including one in the fashion industry, Kate Cosden discovered her passion was welding and metal working. Now a certified welder, she uses that skill to create her own jewelry designs which she terms “sculptured wearables”.

Read all of these truly inspiring stores starting on page [49].

We hope you enjoy this year’s fashion issue. Don’t miss our huge Fashion Show in conjunction with Macy’s at Eastview Mall on Thursday, August 14th from 5-8PM. Bring your friends and enjoy music, food sampling and incredible fall fashions from Macy’s. We’ll see you there!

Sincerely

Publishers Kelly Breuer Barbara McSpadden Editor-in-Chief

Barbara McSpadden

associate editor Margaret Madigan

Creative DIRECTOR Kelly Breuer

Photography

Julia Rabkin Stephen Reardon Brandon Vick

Contributing Writers Lauren Boudreau Ashley Cooper Colleen Flaherty Joan E. Lincoln Melissa Greco Lopes Margaret Madigan Amari D. Pollard James Woods, MD

for advertising information:

Please contact sales@rochesterwomanmag.com or call 585.727.9120

Advertise with us...

Unlike any other publication in the Rochester area, our feature articles address major topics that interest local women.

Each issue includes articles on health, fashion, fitness, finance, home matters, dining, lifestyle and personal perspectives, as well as a spotlight on local Rochester women.

Kelly & Barb

The print magazines are distributed locally in over 350 locations and will be in your inbox electronically by the first week of every month. The publication is available free of charge.

ON OUR COVER...

Mary Therese Friel shot on location at the EquiCenter in Mendon. Hair and make-up provided by Salon Bella Vita in Pittsford with photography by Stephen Reardon Photography.

Contact our home office 585.287.5362 PO Box 90798 I Rochester, NY 14609 info@rochesterwomanmag.com Download our media kit at www.rochesterwomanmag.com The magazine is published 12 times a year by Rochester Woman Magazine, llc. 1115 E. Main Street, Box 60, Rochester NY 14609.

Copyright © 2014 Rochester Woman Magazine, llc.

No part of this magazine may be reproduced or republished without the consent of the publishers.

Rochester Woman Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts, photos or artwork.

All such submissions become the property of Rochester Woman Magazine, llc. and will not be returned.

etc

MOVIES

Expendables 3 – 8/15 In The Expendables 3, Barney, Christmas and the rest of the team comes face-toface with Conrad Stonebanks, who years ago co-founded The Expendables with Barney. Stonebanks became a ruthless arms trader and someone who Barney was forced to kill… or so he thought.

Stonebanks, who eluded death once before, now is making it his mission to end The Expendables.

OUT & ABOUT Alleyfest - Aug.31 Anderson Alley Artists will host Alleyfest, an afternoon of art, music and theater on Sunday, August 31st. The event, from 12 to 5pm, in the alley at 250 North Goodman Street is free and open to all.

Our diverse artists will demonstrate their crafts.

Hot and cold wax painting, hand built ceramic sculpture, a variety of painting and drawing mediums, printmaking, fiber, fabrics, letterpress and much more will be shown throughout the afternoon.

On our main stage, internationally recognized local artist Robert Marx will paint live and discuss his work; Eastman professor and former lead percussionist for the RPO, John Beck, will hold a percussion workshop and play his instruments; Peter Connors from BOA Editions will read his poetic verses; and local group Geri Actors will present theatrical storytelling.

Refreshments will be available on site from Good Luck Restaurant and more.

Visit www.andersonalleyartists.com/events/ for the performance schedule as the event approaches.

Contact Steve Circh at 281-2059 with any questions.

When the Game Stands Tall – 8/27 The movies tells the journey of legendary football coach Bob Ladouceur (Jim Caviezel), who took the De La Salle High School Spartans from obscurity to a 151-game winning streak that shattered all records for any American sport.

Sin City: A Dame to Kill For – 8/22 In Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, Dwight is hunted down by the only woman he ever loved, Ava Lord, and then watches his life go straight to hell. Chronologically, this story takes place prior to “The Big Fat Kill” (featured in the film Frank Miller’s Sin City) and explains how Dwight came to have a dramatically different face.

November Man – 8/27 An ex-CIA operative (Pierce Brosnan) is brought back in on a very personal mission and finds himself pitted against his former pupil in a deadly game involving high level CIA officials and the Russian president-elect.

ARTrageous Affair 2014 – How do YOU Redefine Pink? - Sept. 27 The Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester invites you to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month early at their annual Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Gala on September 27 at the Rochester Plaza Hotel (pink tie optional). The evening begins with a pink champagne toast as guests arrive at the Ballroom to bid on original artwork donated by many of the area’s talented artists, plus gift certificates and baskets, sports packages, and other items offered in the live and silent auctions.

Guests will also enjoy an elegant dinner followed by dancing to music by Gap Mangione.

You can help by donating a piece of artwork, gift card or other auction item; sponsoring and/or attending the gala; advertising in the program book; or volunteering your time to help out at the event. Donating artists will be invited to attend a special preview party a few weeks before the gala where all of the donated artwork will be displayed.

Every dollar raised at this event stays in our local community to benefit the lives of those touched by breast cancer.

For more information, please call 473-8177, email cindy@bccr.org or visit www.bccr.org.

the

Black Olive

in the ‘Cuse

::platter ::platter

chatter chatter

::SHIFT+CONTROL

BY LAUREN BOUDREAU I PHOTOS BY RICK NEEDLE It’s hard to believe that just six years ago, Black Olive, located at 204 W. Fayette St., was merely an idea. It’s a restaurant that has become such an integral part of the city of Syracuse, that community members actually helped renovate Black Olive’s new location.

From painting murals on the wall, to reupholstering, Black Olive’s customers have become more like family helping a relative move in to a new place than actual paying customers.

And, of course, the restaurant gave back by “adopting” these customers into their “family” by giving them jobs.

“That shows you right there how much community support we have,” says Scott Chambers, floor manager of Black Olive.

Now seating 151 people, the restaurant has a mix of traditional Greek cuisine aromas and modern chic decor.

Still maintaining its part-nightclub status, the space is divided into a large bar and dance floor area where prizewinning cocktails are made, and a family-style dining room through French doors that is reminiscent of royalty.

“Some people come looking for us each week and they know who’s working and who to look for,” Chambers says. “A lot of people get requested now, ‘I want this server,’ or ‘I want this bartender.’”

They haven’t only grown in size, but their wine list has grown as well. Among their most popular wines are Simi Chardonnay, Mount Beck, and Chateau. However, if you are looking for a way to drink and give back, they have a list of four wines where proceeds benefit three non-profits: breast cancer awareness, Ventana Wildlife Society, and Operation Homefront, which provides assistance to military families.

Because of their success, the Black Olive has taken the chance to give back in other ways, too. Chambers and bartender Danny Espinoza, who has won multiple prizes for his martinis, founded Pink Tutus for a Cure, a fundraiser that helps fight breast cancer. Renee Salvia, the other prizewinning bartender for her margaritas, “kicked cancer’s butt,” according to Chambers. Not only her, but the Olive’s owner Basilios Koumanidis’ mother is also a survivor. Chambers said

If the ambiance and the charismatic nature of the staff aren’t enough to entice you, there’s always the food. Specializing in Greek cuisine, Black Olive’s head chef David Duffy not only makes the delectable dishes listed on the menu, but will cater to any specific request a diner has. Duffy has free reign to create whatever dish he feels will be popular.

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But don’t be fooled. It is still the same Black Olive you know and love.

they had to do something since Espinoza “lost a couple people in the last two years to breast cancer and our DJ has also lost a couple people.” If you’re wondering where the tutus come in, it’s when they raise a certain amount of money and both Chambers and Espinoza bartend in pink tutus.

“Say you came in here and you had one of his specials but it’s not that special that night, he could do that for you,” Chambers says. “A customer could just say, ‘Dave make me something,’ and Dave will create something tailored to that customer.” It is not uncommon for a dish that was made for one specific person to snowball into a new most-requested dish.

Among their most popular dishes are the Mount Olympus, which is a Delmonico steak, pork chop and a chicken breast and the Makedoniko, which is shrimp scallops and sausage in a spicy tomato sauce, both of which are dishes meant to be shared by two people.

While all this may sound good, Chambers says making a reservation is wise because the restaurant is very popular.

To experience the Black Olive, visit them at 204 W. Fayette St., Syracuse, NY or call at 315-399-5599, or find them on Facebook.

forward ::Fashion

The impa

R

Rochester Fashion By joan e. lincoln I photos by julia rabkin Rochester’s Fashion Runway has been an amazing walk for me. When I first arrived in Rochester in 1980 I worked for The Limited, Inc., as a part-time sales associate. I was involved in numerous mall fashion presentations. I would select, coordinate and “dress” the local beauties that were assigned to our store to “walk” the runway. They were these amazingly tall, glamourous and professional women. In 1984 I became the Marketing and Event Coordinator for Eastview Mall and I was now overseeing the selections for the entire Mall Fashion Show for each season. I remember how a particular group of models were the most sought after and if you were able to book them for your event you knew your show would be extraordinary!

B.Forman and Co., Sibleys, and McCurdy’s were the Mall Anchor Department stores and if you were modeling for any of their specialty fashion show events you knew you had made it in the Rochester fashion modeling market. These select models were always on the runways of those stores, they were busy! It was about 1985 when I received a call from the Creative Fashion Director and was asked to model in the B.Formans “VOGUE” Show. I was ecstatic! After all, I was usually the one in the back room sweating bullets to make sure the show ran smoothly! I agreed, got measured and fitted and locked in the date. The other exciting news that I received shortly after committing to such a glamourous modeling assignment was that I was expecting my first child 51/2 months after that show date! So I watched my diet and sucked in my belly to wear those size 8 model-perfect outfits that I was expected to wear, and kept my fingers crossed that no one would notice the baby bump on the runway!

It was an exciting time in Rochester for the fashion industry during the 1980’s and 1990’s. Rochester had an incredible reputation and long history as a fashion mecca long before then with the likes of Hickey Freeman. The Hickey Freeman Co. was the most notably distinguished of the once booming men’s clothing industry based in Rochester, New York at the start of the 20th century. Going back a bit further in the creation of Rochester’s involvement in fashion, from the mid 1800’s through the turn of the century, Rochester, NY was one of the leading shoe manufacturing towns in the US. Edgar P.

::SHIFT+CONTROL

act of the

y a w n u R Reed was a prominent manufacturer and designer of women’s shoes. In 1906, he moved his factory, E.P. Reed & Co., into 250 N. Goodman St. from its former location on St. Paul St. It’s said that tiny shoe nails still fall from the ceilings of the remaining studios.

By the end of the 80’s, the landscape of the Rochester fashion market began to change and with it modeling, both fashion and commercial, began to struggle. The large independently owned department stores were selling to larger out of the area conglomerates and those companies were hiring out-of-town talent. The local modeling agencies had their work cut out for them, Rochester had talent but the local fashion industry opportunities were fewer and fewer. Rochester women were still eager and thirsty for fashion.

After an incredible career with Wilmorite, Inc., having the opportunity to manage both Eastview and Marketplace Malls as the Special Event Director, I settled into a 22 year career in a small high-end fashion boutique environment and was involved in developing, coordinating, commentating and even modeling in numerous fashion show events. Rochester got their fashion back on. We made sure of it!

Fast-forward to present day. Rochester’s fashion runway is buzzing again. With the ever popular Fashion Week of Rochester in its 5th Year, numerous Rochester Woman Magazine sponsored fashion shows, Upcycled Fashions ~ Greentopia “From the Ground Up”, Panache was recently featured in the “Toast to Hope” American Cancer Society Event and we look forward to our involvement in The Annual Realtors Fashion Show. Rochester is full of fashion bloggers and fashion stylists. We want to look good and feel good, and the local charities are grateful for our addiction to fashion!

Rochester, NY continues to be a fashion Mecca. “Fashion Avenue” Monroe Avenue is alive and well and fashionable!

Joan Lincoln owns Panache Vintage and Finer Consignment in Brighton Commons. Her Fashion Forward segment can also be heard every Thursday morning during Wake Up With Tony on WARM 101.3 exploring all of the latest fashion trends and styles.

rochesterWomanMag.com :: august 2014

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Model: Julia J.

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Melissa Ann Luiso Â

The Mrs New York America Pageant is held to give honor and tribute to the incredible married women across our state. The pageant is scheduled for Sunday, October 26th from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the RIT Inn and Conference Center.

Our winner will compete at the acclaimed Mrs. America Pageant competition!

Tickets: $25 adults, $15 children 12 and under Tickets will be sold at the door (doors open at 1:00 p.m.)

For information please contact: Diane Hardgrove, Executive Director

WWW.MRSNYAMERICA.COM

feature ::Special

Exclu

RWM

A First Look at Journey, ivanka Trump’s New Fine Jewelry Collection Inspired by Ivanka Trump’s passion for travel, architecture and design, her series of fine jewelry collections is called the Journey. Each collection within the Journey is directly influenced by Ivanka’s favorite locations around the globe. The voyage begins with Metropolis – meaning “mother city”; a line of 18kt yellow gold and diamond jewelry, inspired by 1920’s art deco architecture, in Ivanka’s favorite city, New York.

More About Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry

Ivanka Trump launched her fine jewelry collection in 2007 by combining her innate understanding of modern luxury with a vision of heirloom-chic jewelry inspired by the best classic styles of all times.

The effortless glamour and modern elegance of each piece has resulted in a “refined yet unpretentiously chic” jewelry collection that has achieved unique positioning with its heirloom-chic aesthetic. The collection had captured the attention of stylish women of all ages who appreciate the brand’s ability to youthfully reinvent important, legacy jewelry. In a short time Ivanka Trump’s jewels have secured their place in the luxury market, and have become popular among red-carpet fixtures and style icons such as Oprah Winfrey, Demi Moore, Blake Lively, Emmy Rossum, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Hurley, Leighton Meester, Fergie and Natalie Portman.

For more information visit www.ivankatrumpcollection.com. The Ivanka Trump collection can be found locally at Cornell’s Jewelers.

empire The Empire Collection, was influenced by architectural silhouettes and iconic skyscrapers the pieces evoke the strength and style that today’s modern woman embodies.

“New York City served as the primary source of inspiration for our newest collection, Empire. The pieces are bold, striking silhouettes infused with a youthful vibrancy that is a great reflection of some of my favorite New York City people and places.” said Trump.

The art deco details of the collection are reminiscent of romantic architecture prevalent during the art deco era and seen in Manhattan’s quintessential skyline. The pieces are alluring and bold, like the city itself and the women who wear them.

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august 2014 :: rochesterWomanMag.com

Cosmopolitan shapes were combined to make stylized cube designs, much like the art deco designs seen on some of New York’s most iconic structures. The Empire collection is set in 18kt gold and incorporates colored stones such as prasiolite and amethyst. This 24 piece collection starts at $3,100 and is highlighted with breathtaking diamonds.

usive Metropolis Using a satin 18kt gold finish and diamonds of the highest quality, the geometric style for this collection has a classic, sophisticated elegance that can be seen on runways across the world. Each piece is designed with an ‘IT’ motif, signifying the Greek key – a popular architectural design during the art deco period. The collection consists of twenty-seven pieces starting at $1,400.

“It was important to me that Metropolis was the first collection in the Journey series.

I was born and raised in New York City, and the culture and atmosphere of this city have always been a major source of creative inspiration,” said Founder and CEO, Ivanka Trump. “The Journey was designed for the self-purchasing, stylish woman, and the Metropolis collection allows her to transition seamlessly from the boardroom to a dinner date with her husband or girlfriends.”

The roaring 1920’s was a time of rapid expansion and re-birth for the United States.

During this period New York City’s art deco influence was seen not only through culture and the arts, but also through the architecture of Gotham’s skyline, making it one of the most recognizable metropolitan cities in the world. The Metropolis collection takes inspiration from the iconic 40 Wall Street building. One of Ivanka’s favorite architectural structures, this world-renowned landmark is the epitome of the art deco influence in New York City and is one of the tallest buildings in downtown Manhattan.

patras Patras, the second collection in the Journey series was inspired by Ivanka Trump’s passion for travel. The Patras collection, named after the city of the same name in western Greece, is a reinvention of the artistic design of the art deco era from the 1920’s – 1960’s that was greatly influenced by Greek culture and history. The result is a jewelry line of white gold and blue gemstone pieces reminiscent of the crystal blue waters of the Gulf of Patras.

“Patras is the first complete color collection I have launched in fine jewelry,” said Trump. “I have a fondness for reinventing important, legacy designs and updating them with modern twists. This year I was greatly inspired by classic Greek key shapes from the deco time period. This collection takes that classic style and uses it to create a balanced, chic line of jewelry.”

The collection is comprised of nineteen aquamarine, blue sapphire and rainbow moonstone pieces starting at $2,000.

::queen of

arts

advertorial

Artisan Direct, Ltd. Marketing Strategies for Creative People & Organizations Artisan Direct, Ltd. – www.artisandirectltd.net, an upstate New York Company was founded on the belief that there has to be a smarter and more effective way of introducing an artist’s work to an art buying public that would potentially purchase the artist’s work or effectuate the purchase of the work as an art gallery might do.

Three years in development, Artisan Direct has built a proprietary database of over 350,000 legitimate art resources who are interested in purchasing art. That database contains twenty one categories of purchasers including galleries, private collectors of art, corporate buyers of art, designers, attendees of national art shows, art publishers, etc.

Those categories assist the Company in appropriately matching an artist with its best resource. Employing the philosophy that a marketer of art has to aggressively introduce an artist’s work to potential purchasers as opposed to sitting back and letting a purchaser find an artist’s work on an artist’s online gallery has proven very successful for the Company and its artists. More than a third of the Company’s artists, now numbering more than 600 have connected with a resource worldwide.

From that original premise, the Company has developed and is employing additional services and products that can help an artist market their work, including– e-commerce representation programs, the ability to exhibit and participate in national art shows and fairs, as well as advertise in a number of art publications including the highly acclaimed Artist Showcase Magazine.

The Company also promotes its artists through national co-op advertising campaigns, a national, juried Art Competition, and the printing of artist catalogues, posters and postcards. The Company plans on introducing this year a free Artist Directory, print on demand services, a specific mechanism to sell historically significant art, development of artist videos and presentations as a marketing tool as well as other cutting edge programs.

It is the Company’s mission to help place an artist in their best position to be successful and the Company believes that by working with Artisan Direct will dramatically help in that endeavor.

Having spoken with

hundreds of galleries and art buyers have confirmed that the Artisan Direct method of marketing and selling an artist’s work makes great business sense. n

Patricia Peters

Patricia Peters is a self taught artist who has mastered the disciplines of sculpture and painting through experimentation and innovation. She worked as a fine art instructor in New Jersey for many years. She enjoyed encouraging her students to explore, grow and develop their art. She moved to South Florida in 2001 where she immediately became an important member of the arts community in the Palm Beaches Patricia is the recipient of many awards and prizes and her work is in several important collections. Currently she devotes her time exclusively in three dimensional design using clay and bronze as her favorite mediums.

Throughout her work, there is a recurring concern for the power inherent in all women. She believes that all women are beautiful and should be celebrated! Consequently, her sculptures honor the female form for all of its irregularities and perfections.

In her latest bronze collection entitled Joyous Women, Patricia expresses energy and movement flawlessly. Transformation and fluidity engage the viewer from all angles. Another important theme in Ms. Peters work is the quest for family and friendship. In Family Circle, curvilinear lines embrace and entwine the figures and give rise to the feeling of warmth, intimacy and love of family.

Patricia Peter’s clay and bronze sculptures are currently on view in several galleries across South Florida. She is the founding member of the Clay, Glass, Metal & Stone Gallery in historic downtown Lake Worth. She actively works with organizations that showcase area artists.

She now introduces her work back to her northern roots in New York City.

>>

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august 2014 :: rochesterWomanMag.com

The Hamptons

Just as music creates a physical response – so does color. My work is about the use of color and light as well as the translation of music.

Sometimes there is a direct connection between the music I’m listening to and the painting. It can be an integration of the highs and lows of the music into various colors, it can be the speed of the marks, or just an overall image. I listen to a variety of musical styles from Native American flute music, to classical, to classic rock.

I am relentless in using various media to create the finished piece. My process of layering color, clear medium and glazes, creates a feeling of depth. I enjoy vibrant color and believe it usually has a positive impact on viewers. Red is the longest wavelength that our eyes can translate and it seems to be a passionate color, very attractive to viewers. Blues are more calming, lavender – meditative, green has a feeling of nature, and so on.

In addition to color and light, my work is influenced by nature and the beauty of the Southwest and in particular Santa Fe.

PatriciaPetersStudio.com • PattyPetersArt@gmail.com Studio 561-499-0967 Joyous Women Collection, Limited Edition Bronze ARTISAN DIRECT, LTD.

<< Artisan Direct at Red Dot NY A sampling of print collateral and catalogs produced through the Artisan Direct printing program

Aleta Pippin

Gisela Pferdekamper

[ 50 ]

info@artisandirectltd.net

Latin Buzz, Acrylic on canvas, 30 x 30 x 3 inches

www.artisandirectltd.net

[ 51 ]

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finds ::fab

A Ballet Series

Photography by Julia Rabkin Clothing by Katrina Elliott, and Joanna Armes from SOJO Designs 20

Make-Up provided by Claire Kenna, Elizabeth Rhodes, Katie Sharun, and Yasmein M Abdullawith hair designed by Krista Inzinga, Kate Kubacki, Yasmein M Abdulla and Rachel Robah.

august 2014 :: rochesterWomanMag.com

woman

::healthy

The Chikungunya Virus is:

is biting into summer

By Marie Caiola We all enjoy hanging out with friends on a warm summer evening on the deck or by the lake right? Everyone’s laughing and having a good time until those uninvited guests show up. No, I’m not talking about your crazy neighbor in the loud Hawaiian shirt and even louder madras shorts. I mean those little annoying pests that start buzzing around your ears and make you start slapping yourself in the head like a lunatic. That’s right….mosquito season is here.

Experts say that conditions are ripe this year for a bumper crop of these flying blood suckers. Not only are they annoying, but their bites can bring more than just itching and irritation. Mosquitoes can also carry viruses which can be spread to humans. We’re all very familiar with the West Nile Virus, but this year a new virus has turned up that is raising some concerns it’s called the chikungunya virus.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the most common symptoms of chikungunya are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling or a rash.

Symptoms usually subside within a week but joint pain may linger for months. The good news is,the virus is not believed to be fatal. There is no vaccine to prevent nor medicine to treat the chikungunya Virus. The best prevention is to avoid getting bit altogether.

So far this year over 30 states including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands have reported chikungunya infections. Only two cases in the continental US were acquired locally the rest were contracted outside the country, according to the CDC. If you do become infected with the virus, it remains in your blood stream for a week afterward. It is even more important to avoid being bitten during this time as it will allow the virus to spread even further.

So how do you keep from getting bit? Other than barricading yourself in the house for the summer, experts say the best prevention is to use a good quality mosquito repellant containing DEET. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) offers the following Mosquitoes: Fact or Fiction?

Guide to help you avoid getting bitten.

Scented and citronella candles will protect me from mosquitoes:

FICTION.

Some types of candles will reduce mosquito populations in the immediate vicinity but will not prevent mosquitoes from biting. Accordingly, when spending time outdoors, it is important to always use an effective insect repellent.

All insect sprays are the same: FICTION. The CDC recommends using an insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin or IR3535, and notes that “some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection.” To ensure safe and effective use, always use products in accordance with label directions.

Water in birdbaths, containers and toys should be emptied regularly:

FACT.

Mosquitoes need only a half inch of standing water to reproduce. After a rainfall, it is always a good idea to empty water that has collected in flower pots, recycling bins, children’s toys, etc. Water in birdbaths should be changed two to three times per week to keep the water from becoming a stagnant breeding ground.

Mosquitoes are more attracted to women than men: FACT. Research has shown that mosquitoes appear to bite women more frequently than men due to their different hormonal make-up. Interestingly, women with blonde hair are often more frequent targets for mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes only bite at dawn and dusk: FICTION. Most mosquitoes are generally more active at dawn and dusk, but they can bite at any time of day. Certain kinds of mosquitoes, especially Asian tiger mosquitoes, are notorious for biting throughout the day.

Only female mosquitoes bite humans and animals: FACT Female mosquitoes need protein for their eggs and need the blood to reproduce. Since males don’t produce eggs they will avoid you altogether and stick to flowers instead. rochesterWomanMag.com :: august 2014

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rochesterWomanMag.com :: august 2014

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cause::for a good

n o i h s Fa

Takes Center Stage For Charity photo courtesy of brandon vick Empowering women while helping a good cause is the order of the day when the Women’s Council of Realtors Annual Fashion Show takes the stage on September 12 at the Harro East Ballroom.

Now in its 18th year, the show features fashions from different local boutiques every year. This year’s featured styles will be presented by Panache Vintage and Finer Consignment, B. Younique and Arlene Sutherland.

“Panache Vintage & Finer Consignment and www.joanlincoln.com Makeup Team have been grateful for our involvement in previous WCR Fashion Events. The audience of support for this Fashion Charity Event has also been extraordinary.” said Joan Lincoln, owner of Panache.

The event is a formal evening of fun and entertainment including a live music by Hall Pass 80’s, cocktail hour, basket raffle, a three-course dinner, live auction and of course, local fashions.

The purpose of the event is to help raise money for four local charities. Different charities are chosen each year as beneficiaries. This year’s recipients will be: Pluta Cancer Center Foundation whose mission is to continue to support the Pluta Cancer Center its patients and teams by providing funds necessary to relieve the financial burdens that many cancer patients and their families face, expand and enhance the complementary integrative oncology services as well as invest in the professional development of the caregivers who are on the front lines of patient care.

Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester who provide support to those touched by a diagnosis of breast cancer and make access to information and care a priority through education and advocacy. Also to empower women and men to participate fully in decisions related to breast cancer.

Isaiah House, a home for the dying provides residence for those with irreversible illness who have been determined to be within the last three months of their lives. Their commitment flows from a belief in the dignity and value of every person, some of whom are homeless, mentally ill or living with addiction.

Hospitality and comfort care are rendered in cooperation with a certified home health agency and a resident’s physician.

Crossroads House, a comfort care home serving the residents of Genesee and Wyoming Counties who have been medically determined to be in their last stages of life. The staff and volunteers are committed to provide personalized care attending to the physical, emotional, spiritual and social needs of the residents and their families while affirming a dignified quality of life in a caring, home-like environment.

Tickets can be purchased at Parkleigh, Panache Vintage and Finer Consignment or online at www.wcrroc.com. Discount tickets are still available through August 15th.

For more information on this event contact May Jane Mahon, (585) 218-6817 or visit them on Facebook /ROCWCRFashionShow.

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making

::cover

story

Dreams

come true

By Margaret Madigan Photos by Stephen Reardon Wow. From the minute you walk in the door of Mary Therese Friel, LLC Modeling Agency and are greeted by Mary Therese herself, you feel the energy. Not just her vibrant energy that portrays a woman on the go, a tireless woman with work to do but also a positive energy that’s infectious and makes you feel like anything is possible. And that’s what Mary Therese believes, “Dreams can come true.”

A native of Pittsford, NY, Friel was approached by a neighbor at 11 years old who said, “You should be modeling.” The neighbor, who worked at Kodak spoke to her Father and suggested he take her to Kodak to see about doing some modeling. In those days Kodak used models frequently for advertising, brochures, catalogs, promotions, etc. She then became a “Kodak Girl.” Her parents gave her permission to model as long as her wages went toward funding her college education.

“I won’t put up with attitude.

Beauty and poise is a gift, and it is to be used for good.”

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After high school she started her college career at St. John Fisher, where she eventually earned a degree in communications. Friel recalls walking down the hall of a campus building one day and saw a sign that read, “You Can Be Miss Universe” and she recalls with a chuckle, sarcastically thinking, “Oh good that’s great, thanks.”

Mary Therese was an accomplished equestrian and was aiming for the Olympics, pageants weren’t previously a part of the plan. “Horses get in your blood”, she says, but decided to take down the number anyway. When she called, she was told that the first step would be participating in the Miss New York pageant. She signed up to be a part of the Upstate contingent, and each girl entered was given a title. Unfortunately “Miss Rochester”, “Miss Pittsford” and any other word relating to the vicinity was taken so she was given the title of “Miss Barge”. Yes, “Miss Barge.”

She remembers being very disappointed at her title but her father, who was ever the optimist, told her to look on the bright side as it was the only title with just one syllable. Dolores and William Friel were always a source of inspiration and optimism for Mary Therese and her sister Candy. Friel believes that the positivity instilled in her is what enabled her to have a successful pageant career and now modeling agency.

Mary Therese Friel, LLC first opened its doors in 1987. It began as a small modeling agency, pageant consultancy and a selfdevelopment coaching facility for teenage girls. As it still is today, the focus was on the development of the whole person. She runs the business with her husband of twenty years, Kent Friel.

Back to Miss Barge… After deciding on a lark to compete in the Miss New York Pageant and carpooling down to the Catskills with ten other Upstate NY competitors just looking for a fun adventure, Friel won the title of Miss New York 1978. She was honored and tickled to death. Then after the pageant one of her handlers said, “Now onto Miss USA!” to which she answered, “Wait, what?”

Friel asked what that meant and was told she would be going to Biloxi, Mississippi to compete in the Miss USA pageant against winners from the rest of the United States. She soon started to realize

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story ::cover

â&#x20AC;&#x153;He is the love of my life, my business partner, my best friend, my soul mate, my everything.â&#x20AC;?

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Friel was crowned Miss USA 1979. Soon a whirlwind of press junkets, appearances, parties, speaking engagements, and receptions would overtake her life. A whole new world was opened up to her, one of celebrities, dignitaries, and powerful businessmen and never having to wait behind a velvet rope again. She mingled with and became friends with the likes of Julio Iglesias, Cher, Elton John, Kris Kristofferson and Mohammad Ali. The parties were all very exciting but she really enjoyed the community service work. And it was an autographed picture from Mohammad Ali that was a turning point and remains a pillar in the core of her values… the inscription read, “Service to others is the rent we pay for our room in the hereafter.”

Words she still lives by.

As Miss USA, Friel continued on to the Miss Universe pageant held in Perth, Australia to compete against contestants from 74 other countries. She was a semi-finalist and ended up placing sixth. That was a wonderful memory and an amazing experience for her.

When her reign as Miss USA ended, Friel continued her modeling career. She modeled off and on over the years since her “Kodak Girl” days, in between pageants, so it seemed like a logical continuation. She lived in New York City and frequently travelled the world with her modeling career – London, Paris, Milan, and Tokyo. However the need

Friel became a school teacher in Center City, a particularly rough area of Philadelphia. She loved her job there but after three years the funding dried up. Now what? She loved being near her parents but it still didn’t feel like home. Where was home? Her heart always came back to Rochester.

So in 1986 she packed up her belongings, moved to Mendon, bought a horse farm, and opened up a clothing boutique in Pittsford.

story

After Friel arrived at the Miss USA pageant facilities, they showed a video of all the fabulous cash and prizes and opportunities that the crown would bring - cash, fur coat, piano, car, jewelry. That’s when she finally got the competitive bug. “Up until that point I had just been riding the wave and having a ball, now I wanted it, but still realized if I didn’t get it, no big deal, some other nice girl would,”, she recalls. However, being a religious woman, she decided to put it in God’s hands at that point and after that an odd thing happened, she felt at peace and calm. The night before the pageant she had a dream that she won and remembers feeling so disappointed when she woke up and realized it was just a dream. Little did she know that night her dream would come true.

to serve others was always lingering in her heart. So was the need to find “home”. Her parents had since left Rochester to go back to their roots in Philadelphia, so always being very close to her family, she decided to move there.

::cover

winners from the rest of the United States. She soon started to realize she had become a part of something that was much bigger than she had anticipated. But she was still just enjoying the ride. “I had a let’s see where this takes me attitude”, she said and went off to Florida to do some minor preparation. In that era there was not a focus on being super skinny or super fit, having just a soft, slightly curvy body was perfectly lovely. So basically “not getting fat” was the goal. Oh how times have changed.

Again something wasn’t quite right. Her store was doing well and she enjoyed working in fashion but stated she does not have the personality to stay put in a store all day. However, as things usually go for Friel her future just naturally unfolded in front of her. As she was minding her store, parents would ask for coaching tips for their girls participating in pageants and aspiring models would ask for her secrets of breaking into the business. It soon became apparent that was what she was supposed to do, use her talents to help others realize their dreams.

In 1987 Mary Therese Friel, llc Modeling Agency was born and she has never looked back. The company has grown into a full-service modeling agency with a complete training program. The company represents men, women, teens, children, and seniors and has built a long and impressive list of clients and credits. The company offers placement in the areas of print, television, radio, film, videos, industrials, theater, runway, testing, promotions, fundraisers, trade shows and special events.

In her role as pageant coach, Friel has had eighteen winners in eighteen years. Most recently she coached Candace Kuykendall, a student at St. John Fisher and Rochester native, to become the current Miss New York. Most importantly she will only coach girls who are interested in becoming a better person as a whole. “I won’t put up with attitude.

Beauty and poise is a gift, and it is to be used for good”, says Friel.

Friel’s husband Kent joined the business as a full partner in 1995. In 1998 the company began experiencing dramatic growth, including expanded bookings and higher visibility. She attributes that to an excellent reputation and a strong work ethic, and credits her husband for taking the company from local to national and international levels.

However she still maintains that they are just a “Mom and Pop shop.”

“He is the love of my life, my business partner, my best friend, my soul mate, my everything”, Friel says of her husband.

Business is booming and the company is expanding yet again. They have just moved from operating out of their in-home office and studio into a new facility at 20-102 Assembly Drive in Mendon. It’s a beautiful multilevel facility with multiple spaces for studios, offices and classrooms.

Mary Therese and Kent believe this space will be better equipped to handle their over 300 worldwide clients. “We’re never retiring, we enjoy it too much”, a sentiment shared by both Mary Therese and Kent.

For more information on the Mary Therese Friel, LLC Modeling Agency visit www.mtfmodels.com.

rochesterWomanMag.com :: august 2014

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::fitness 36

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&

fashion

health ::fitness

Lifestyles to Embrace Colleen Flaherty i photo by julia rabkin Being fashionable is a lifestyle choice. The clothes and accessories, they make you feel confident, sexy, and luxurious. You choose pieces based on the emotions they evoke. Those platform stilettos that help you stand straighter, taller to walk with dominating purpose. Off the shoulder blouses that highlight your gorgeous collar bones and the sparkling necklace make you feel like a Goddess.

What about beneath the clothes? Past the fabulous lingerie or bustier. Bare skin, the body you were born with. How do you feel wearing your birthday jumpsuit? Are you happily dressing yourself or covering up? According to The World of Psychology, roughly 80% of American women are unhappy with their bodies.

You are not alone

As women, we tend to socialize but not talk about the real deep, nitty gritty details of how we’re feeling (unless it’s your besties and wine is involved). And when we do, other’s suggestions on how to feel better usually don’t stick because we’re too caught up inside our own heads.

There’s a story you’re telling yourself about your body. True or false (usually false), it’s there because something happened in your past to put it there. The question is, are you ready to face the script, the lies, the stories you tell yourself to heal? Because until you get vulnerable, admit the wrongs, crack the shell, you can’t let light in to heal.

Your thoughts turn to actions

If you feel good about your body, you’ll continue to choose things to make you feel good. If you don’t, you won’t. What you think turns into things. Visualize it, create it. It’s how the Universe (God, Goddess’, Mother Nature) works. I suggest starting with a meditation that you repeat to yourself first thing in the morning and as the last thing before you fall asleep. Keep it simple and impactful. It has to have meaning for you. Mine is, “I am safe, loved, powerful. I am a magnet for miracles.”

Attach a healthy habit to a habit

Changing or adding a habit or routine takes conscious effort but not as long as you think if you start small. Choose what you’d like to change. Let’s say you want to start eating protein packed eggs for breakfast. Protein jumpstarts your metabolism, fuels your muscles, helps you feel satisfied. Your morning routine consists of: waking up - brushing teeth - starting coffee maker - getting dressed. Attach your new egg habit to starting coffee maker. You’ll consciously have to remember to make eggs after turning on the coffee but after a couple days, you’ll get the egg carton out without even realizing what you’re doing! Boom, new healthy habit formed!

Get movin’ sister!

We’re in a day and age when the amount of physical activity you can do is limitless! Between TV trainers to a variety of specialty gyms in Rochester, you can choose to fill your week with different activities that keep you on your toes, your body guessing (which is important to avoid plateauing) and having fun! Exercise has become a drag for a lot of people. Our society is focused on ‘sick care’ instead of true, preventative ‘health care’. Don’t just exercise because your doctor told you you’re on the brink of diabetes or without more physical activity you’re at risk for prescription medication.

Our country is the wealthiest in terms of availability of fresh foods and personal trainers that push us to do our best yet we DO NOT take advantage of it. We CHOOSE sickness, disease, unhappiness, body image issues. Why?! Your reason to exercise should come from a place of body love, fun, energy, zest. You could also have reasons like, “playing with my kids” or “avoiding back injury in my very physical job” or “I sit all day and don’t want to feel like a slob”. Your body is the only thing guaranteed to you. It’s your temple to explore the world, feel, smell, taste, do. Whats an unhappy life worth to you?

What’s a happy life worth to you? Which would you rather live?

Change is easy

Remember when I said thoughts become things. Well change isn’t hard, it’s easy. Tell yourself that over and over. We all need help.

We all hire professionals. If you have major stuff you need to work on, go see an art therapist, psychologist. Body limitations? See a physical therapist. Have no idea how to eat for a healthy body? Hire a nutrition expert. Need more meditation and zen time? Do it. Go to a meditation class. And finally, can’t get the hang of exercise? Hire a personal trainer to show you the ropes of a gym or fun exercises that fit your needs. You guessed it, all these professionals cost money, more money than going to a chain facility with 200 locations in the U.S. Guess what? It’s worth every penny because what you’re paying for is the happy, healthy life you want to have — one that’s pain free, strong, confident, nourished, balanced, active.

What you pay to have a fashionable and healthy lifestyle is invaluable.

Feeling good with the appearance is second to feeling good on the inside. You radiate brighter, love deeper. And in the end, your experiences and feelings are what make for a fabulous life.

Colleen Flaherty owns Baby Bump Academy and Athlete Academy. She knows that life is an ever changing journey in which one must embrace to successfully surf the waves towards happiness! rochesterWomanMag.com :: august 2014

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feature ::special

making motivation

fashionable

By Margaret Madigan | Photos by Julia Rabkin

It started out with a Valentine’s Day gift. Danielle Scheib’s Valentine gift from her husband was shipped to her office, it was a t-shirt that read, “Shut Up and Squat”… and she loved it! Being a work out enthusiast, she thought it was very cute and she wanted more shirts that had similar fitness motivational sayings but couldn’t find any. So she had a great idea, “What if we made our own?”

She texted her husband her idea and he loved it. So in February of this year, Roc Fit Life was born. Danielle and her husband bought a 4x1 screen printing machine and an exposure unit and put them in their basement and taught themselves how to use it. They started brainstorming slogans for the t-shirts. Why t-shirts with motivational slogans? “Because I feel like a badass when I wear a cool t-shirt, and I like helping others feel like a badass too.”

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They put up a website where t-shirts are available to order and they do everything from start to finish – screen printing, packaging orders, and shipping orders. They offer both men’s and women’s fashions. Orders have started coming in from all over the United States. “The first far away order we got was from Texas, and I got so excited! Then we got one from Arizona, then California, I thought ‘we’re spreading west!’”

Danielle already had the entrepreneurial spirit before the workout gear.

She had tried to start up a business selling gourmet cupcakes but found many obstacles in dealing with New York State and its regulations with the making and sale of food. When the t-shirt arrived, she thought maybe she could replace the cupcakes with t-shirts in her new creative endeavor.

The business has mostly been run on word-of-mouth so far. Danielle works out at L.A. Fitness in Greece and wears her own shirts. She said

women are always coming up and asking her, “Oh my God, that is such a cute shirt!

Where did you get it?” Her husband has similar experiences while wearing their shirts except the men don’t say Oh My God and replace the word “cute” with “cool.” Danielle’s Mother has also gotten in on the act and wears Roc Fit Life shirts out and about to spread the word.

She has also used some social media for marketing purposes. Roc Fit Life has a Facebook page with over 5,400 fans and customers have been sending in pictures of themselves in their RFL gear on “Flex Fridays”. Users of social media have started trends for certain days such as “Selfie Sunday” where people post pictures of themselves that they took themselves and “Throwback Thursday” where users post pictures of themselves or others from several years ago. “Flex Fridays” is what you may think, pictures of people working out, flexing, or in workout gear. So RFL has made sure to post pictures on Flex Friday of people in their t-shirts. Consider them testimonials.

Scheib grew up in Hamlin, the youngest of three girls. She now lives in Gates with her husband William. They love living in Rochester because they are surrounded by each of their families. In addition to her business she still works full-time as an Office Manager at Syntec.

Danielle has designs on expanding the business. She would eventually like to acquire a separate space other than their basement where they could have production in the back and a retail store up front, “Where people can come in and we can interact.” Business is growing every day and Scheib feels their goal is within reach sooner rather than later.

Products are flying off the shelves and some of their best sellers include: “Wake Up, Kick Ass, Repeat” and “Live, Love, Lift”. Danielle’s favorites include: “No Glutes, No Glory” and “Never Settle.”

“Lots of goodies coming. Goodies, goodies, goodies!” says Scheib. Ladies rejoice, yoga pants are in the works! Also for the men they have some sweatshirts and headbands being designed. Roc Fit Life is planning to have a kid’s line and more shorts and sweatpants available soon. To see all the fun and motivational gear that Roc Fit Life has available, visit www.rocfitlife.com.

“

Because I feel like a badass when I wear a cool t-shirt, and I like helping others feel like a badass too.

”

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minute ::menopause

Moods

&

Menopause

By James Woods, MD

There is definitely a hormonal component to our moods. This should not surprise any woman who is entering or is in menopause. The menopause transition is characterized by an initial fluctuation of estradiol production by the ovaries, evidenced by irregular menstrual cycles, but followed by a sustained estradiol decline resulting in the end of menses.

Why is estrogen important? Estrogen acts on blood vessels and neurons in many areas of the brain, but especially in the pre-frontal cortex, the center that mediates the highest level of cognitive function in primates, including humans. By stimulating the production of nitric oxide, a vasodilator, estradiol maintains blood flow to the brain. Estrogen inhibits the enzymes, monoamine oxidase and catechol-o-methyl transferase, that normally degrade and, therefore, reduce levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, our most important mood-altering proteins. By this enzyme-blocking action, estradiol helps to maintain a higher level of these hormones to boost and maintain our mood. Estrogen also protects our neurons from damage by oxidative free radicals and ischemic injury while helping to repair damaged nerves and stimulating growth factors to promote growth of dendritic spines (neuronal branches important for brain flexibility). This allows improved communications between neurons, which facilitates our performing complex learning tasks.

What happens as the brain experiences estrogen withdrawal? From animal studies, the cognitive performance of young animals is not affected, presumably reflecting flexibility (plasticity) of the youthful brain. Older animals, in contrast, demonstrate loss in performance and, on autopsy, demonstrate a dramatic decrease of dendritic spines. These findings correlate with human imaging studies demonstrating decreased blood flow to the brain and actual brain shrinkage. Many women report new onset or worsening anxiety and depression at perimenopause that likely can be related to both these brain neuronal changes and life stresses.

Short-term memory also can be affected by both.

Many women consider estrogen supplementation in perimenopause, not just for hot flashes and sleep disorders but also to feel better. Most current animal and human studies now are focusing on the role of estrogen replacement beginning in the perimenopausal period. Why? Initiated at this time of dramatic hormonal change in which estradiol is rapidly withdrawing and key inflammatory proteins are increasing, the benefits of estradiol protection for bone, brain, skin, and heart are more likely than if initiated late in menopause when inflammation-induced damage already has occurred.

The Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS), one arm of the WHI, confirmed that hormone supplementation started some years after menopause did not protect against early dementia or cognitive decline. However, many believe that this study chose the wrong hormone preparations (premarin made of over 12 estrogens but very little estradiol and medroxyprogesterone, a synthetic chemical version of progesterone) and the wrong age group of women (mean age of 62 years). Had they used pure estradiol with micronized progesterone, and had they studied perimenopausal women, the results would likely have been different.

Bottom Line: Many perimenopausal women report a greater sense of well-being and mood on hormone replacement therapy.

James Woods MD is a practicing gynecologist and a regular contributor to Rochester Woman Magazine. For questions regarding this menopause minute or other menopausal issues you would like to see addressed in future editions, please call him at (585) 2717800 or email him at James_woods@urmc. rochester.edu .

Many women consider estrogen supplementation in perimenopause, not just for hot flashes and sleep disorders but also to feel better

Henry Hess, MD, PhD

Jim Woods, MD

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::leading

woman

A

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Artistry

in eyewear

By Ashley Cooper | Photos by Stephen Reardon

Upon setting foot in the artistry that is Park Avenue’s, “OneHipChic Optical,” one might surmise that he or she has mistakenly entered a posh portal into one of the most in-vogue galleries known to the cultural district. A sleek and modern interior, coupled with the warm and inviting presence of the “hip chick” herself, owner Tamra Asmuth, the opticsbased boutique is truly a “feast for the eyes” (no pun intended). “Eyewear is art,” firmly maintains Asmuth. “It’s a work of art.”

Patrons who frequent “OneHipChic Optical” are not only in pursuit of a unique set of luxury eyewear, but are additionally pining for an especial consumer’s experience. Asmuth states that her altruistic, person-centered approach to customer service is a critical component to her business M.O. “The most important thing in my life is meaningful relationships,” shares Asmuth. “…I might be talking [to a customer] for a half hour. I just want to know about them-where they’re going in life and how I can help them get there, how I can help them look the role.”

Suffice it to say, Asmuth’s entrepreneurial venture is successful as she has been staunchly supported by the Rochester community since opening shop seventeen years ago.

A true-blue fashionista in the most respectable sense, Asmuth grew up far removed from the industry. She hails from Holley where she spent her formative years, most surprisingly, on a farm. While she retains the fostered love for nature and all things wild in adulthood, Asmuth knew her interests would carry her to faraway places. And indeed they would as Asmuth continues to frequent high-profile eyewear shows in Milan, Paris, Amsterdam and the like-scoping the work of cutting-edge designers, excited to expose the Flower City to new finds.

After graduating from high-school (in a diminutive, but close-knit class of 80), Asmuth entered undergraduate study at Genesee Community College in the realm of computer programming. Upon landing a job at a local optical shop, Asmuth discovered a latent passion for the field.

“I love it because while it’s definitely about fashion, it’s also medical,” says Asmuth, who is both a licensed optician and state-level examiner for the Ophthalmic Dispensing Board Exam. “You can’t ever know everything about this profession!”

While working under others in the field, Asmuth grew dissatisfied with the run-of-the-mill nature of many consumer styles in the area. Taking note of the customers’ chic sense of individuality, Asmuth noted an untapped market in the realm of designer frames sold around the world. According to her web-based bio, Asmuth understood that Rochester wasn’t necessarily the conservative, “vanilla” city that so many pegged it to be.

“I knew so many people that were going to Aspen or Italy to buy their glasses; they weren’t satisfied with anything in town,” shares Asmuth.

After expressing her concerns for the market at a dinner, her colleagues suggested she open a shop of her own that would appeal to eyewear consumers in search of something more. Thus, Asmuth made it her New Year’s resolution to compose an extensive, well-researched business proposal, to better understand her market and to conceptualize her customer service approach.

“I wanted to sell frames that no one else sold in Rochester,” recalls Asmuth. “For the designers of the frames, it’s their life’s art.” Perceiving eyewear as art is “OneHipChic’s” most celebrated feature. Asmuth travels the world to find the frames that will best suit her Rochester patrons back

home, who are most likely creative, perpetually-inspired individuals like herself. In addition, the designers of Asmuth’s hand-selected frames are devoted to eyewear exclusively. Among Asmuth’s favorite designers and companies are Andrea Geer, Anne et Valentin, Theo and Bevel.

While the interior of OneHipChic is a refreshing sight to behold, Asmuth purposely showcases her frames in drawers rather than on rotating displays or in hum-drum stacks on the wall. Each drawer pays homage in a whimsical fashion to Asmuth’s beloved designers. She has even worked with local artists in order to create the perfect exhibition for the frames which are all artistic masterpieces in and of themselves.

In nearly two decades of business, Asmuth never ceases to be amazed by the diversity of her clients—and the staggering distances they sometimes travel to work with her!

“I’m very surprised-not to mention flattered and honored-by the customers who live far away and make their purchases here. Some of them once lived in Rochester. Others have family here or have just traveled through and discovered the shop. Manhattan, Hawaii, Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Canada, Washington, D.C. and Washington state, California, North Carolina—these are just a few of the places that some of my customers live in,” shares Asmuth. “Again, it means so much to me that they continue to get their glasses here when their home base is so far away.”

After spending some time with Asmuth, I am certainly not surprised that consumers travel great lengths to experience her customer service. Not only does “OneHipChic” house some of the most beautiful and unique eyewear in the world, but it boasts a friendly and accessible owner who is eager and ready to know each customer’s background and to match them with the most ideal frames to reflect their personality.

“Eyewear is a great accessory,” Asmuth maintains. “Different glasses can tell a whole story. It’s an impression. When I go to shopping for frames in Paris [or] Milan, I really am thinking about my customer and the story they want to tell about themselves through their eyewear…everyone has a different story that they want to tell the world about themselves.”

“The secret of joy in work is contained in one word-excellence. To know how to do something well is to enjoy it.”

–Pearl S. Buck

Inspire

rochester women

Maryn Holcomb Co-Owner, LivesStyled.com

By Margaret Madigan | Photo by Stephen Reardon

We all have items in our closet that we haven’t worn in years, right?

Don’t you wish you could trade those clothes in for new ones? Well, that’s the dilemma that Maryn Holcomb decided to do something about. Holcomb has been taking friends shopping in their own closets, taking pieces they no longer wear and “re-fashion” them into new items. She helps women recycle their own clothing.

Now Holcomb is taking that talent to the internet. She has joined forces with photographer Hannah Betts to create a new website and blog featuring all areas of style from clothing to furniture to jewelry to house wares. The website is called Lives*Styled and will go live on August 1st.

Betts and Holcomb met at The Yards, a collaborative art space located in the Public Market. They became fast friends and decided to do some collaboration outside of The Yards. Holcomb enjoys all forms of style and views clothing as an art form. She admired Betts’ work and loved how she viewed the world through her lens. “We help each other grow”, says Holcomb. That’s how they decided to create a lifestyle website.

Besides the new website, she is launching her own Re-Fashioned clothing line. The line features pieces of clothing made into new items. “It’s not for the masses”, Holcomb says. She says her fashions are all about people finding their individual style. She wants women to be able to show their personality, but really enjoys when a woman will allow herself to go out of her comfort zone and try new styles while still remaining true to her personality.

Holcomb was born in San Diego and moved here with her family when her father Grant Holcomb was named Director of the Memorial Art Gallery in 1985, who happened to just announce his retirement this week. One of five children, her father introduced her to the world of art and she became hooked at a young age. She also believes that being an equestrian in her younger years is what sparked her interest in fashion as she loved all the different colors and textures of the riding clothes.

While Holcomb loves art, she loves the collaboration with and support of other artists just as much. Her new website is all about collaborating with other artists, designers, and stylists in various disciplines. She says, “We are excited to see how it will unfold and so grateful to get to work with so many wonderfully talented and supportive artists.”

Holcomb is also heavily involved in Fashion Week of Rochester.

She believes that Rochester has some great designers and boutiques and is proud to help showcase the great style of Rochester. Holcomb along with her father, Grant are coordinating the Wednesday night show. The event aims to connect boutiques, photographers, and models in an effort to build a strong fashion network in Rochester.

Lives*Styled is essentially a blog format that is very involved. ”It will show our latest projects, as well as ones we are currently working on. There will be videos as well showing what our days are (continued on page 52)

rochesterWomanMag.com :: july 2014

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inspire :rw

“I had to be better than the guys are all the time.”

Kate Cosden

Senior Welding Instructor, Arc & Flame Center

By Ashley Cooper | Photo by Stephen Reardon

“Security is mostly a superstition; it does not exist in nature. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” - Helen Keller Kate Cosden dons multiple hats lately, and quite frankly, wouldn’t want it any other way. Though there seems to be a dichotomy in her choice of professions, according to Cosden, straddling the sculptural process of welding and the delicate intricacy of fine craft aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive. In fact, she thrives upon opportunities to dive into complex projects as she can surely be counted on to approach them with a creative, artistic mien.

Upon graduating from high school, Cosden entertained notions of entering the medical field. Consequently, she enrolled in the pre-med program at Bryn Mawr, a Seven Sister College located in Philadelphia.

When it became evident that the program did not jive with the Baltimore native’s personal ambitions, Cosden transferred to Rochester to attend the Rochester Institute of Technology. After much indecision regarding her major, she opted to try her hand in the fashion realm, pursuing a design internship in London for six months.

“I am an explorer; I sort of chronically say, ‘yes,’” shares Cosden. “…I think that makes my decision-making even harder…everything is fun! I want to do all these things.”

While her overseas experience had merit, Cosden ultimately determined that the fashion industry was not in the cards for her. She resumed in her undergraduate studies-this time, Cosden’s insatiable curiosity led her down a rather unexpected pathway. “I sort of fell into the metal and jewelry department,” she continues. “As soon as I held the hammer in my hand, I took to it immediately; I spent countless hours in the studio. There was this finality about it. I don’t know if it was because metal was different or if it was my intuition. I understood the material, how to play nice with it. Every material has its own language and I understood this one. It just resonated, like every artist has their medium.”

Exceling in the art form of welding, Cosden found herself in a role unexplored, yet second-nature: teaching.

As a senior welding instructor for the Rochester Arc and Flame Center, Cosden teaches a variety of courses for several area colleges, including RIT and SUNY Brockport. After acting as a teacher’s assistant for a local welding supply company, Cosden took the company’s owner up on an offer to help run her own class. In the eight years that the owner had extended this offer, no one had seized the opportunity until Kate Cosden entered the scene. The offer turned into a full-time position as Cosden currently leads a 20-week “welding boot camp” intensive.

When probed what the experience of working in a male-dominated field is like, Cosden describes the initial transition as “culture shock.”

“It was a short transition but it was painful,” recalls Cosden. “I had to be better than the guys are all the time; I had to sort of out-perform them to prove that I’m worth it.” (continued on page 52)

inspire

::rw

“Even though I wouldn’t finish fast, I’d finish, and that’s the goal.”

Jill Bates

Owner, Jill Bates Fashion Design

By Melissa Greco Lopes | Photo by Stephen Reardon

With her 60th birthday on the horizon this November, local entrepreneur Jill Bates had one thing on her mind, and it wasn’t aging. She saw the number as a chance to reinvent her life—both personally and professionally.

As owner of Jill Bates Fashion & Design, she has coached many a bride on how to look their best on their big day. But this July, she laced up a new pair of sneakers and zipped up a wet suit to compete in her first triathlon, Tri in the Buff. Bates set the goal as a challenge to herself and to inspire others her age to adopt a healthier lifestyle. “Baby boomers are aging and we hate it,” she jokes. “I started training for the triathlon to prove to myself that my body was still physically able to be pushed, and to show others they can do the same.”

While she’s been an avid runner for the past nine years, she turned to another local entrepreneur, Colleen Flaherty of Baby Bump Academy, to prepare for the three-part event, which included a .75k swim, 20k Bike, and 5k Run. And she relied on local yoga instructors, chiropractors, and massage therapists to take care of her body as she trained.

Bates says participating in the triathlon was time consuming—she trained for over an hour, five days a week-but found it to be good for her mind, as well as her body. As she prepared for the race, which was July 5 at Evangola State Park in Buffalo, N.Y., Bates kept one thought top of mind. “I had to remind myself that I was doing it for me, and even though I wouldn’t finish fast, I’d finish, and that’s the goal.”

The hard work paid off as Bates did more than just finish the triathlon, in fact, the novice competitor placed first in her age group. She says completing the course was mentally and physically demanding, and she’s already applying lessons from her experience to her other new life challenge, the launch of her second business, Crystal Clear Consulting.

The consulting venture, which serves as a resource for entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses, was born out of her fashion and design company. The seamstress noticed that as she pinned hemlines, fitted gowns, and created accessories, she ended up doling out as much business advice as she did fashion advice. Years of experience in the fashion industry building her reputation and finding new ways to expand her business through the sale of energy scarves had made her an expert on the topic.

“I’ve met a lot of women who have their eyes on starting their own businesses, and I loved sharing information on what worked for me,” Bates explains. “So, I met with a few folks, and created Crystal Clear Consulting as a way to do it formally.”

The business officially launched in fall 2013, and to date Bates has worked with a variety of clients, including an acupuncturist and boutique baker. She says the parallels between training for a triathlon and launching a business couldn’t be closer. “I was really (continued on page 52)

rochesterWomanMag.com :: august 2014

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maryn holcomb

kate cosden

jill bates

like. Food and cooking is also a part of what we both love to do...always styled of course because we all love pretty things”, explains Holcomb. She adds, “The people in our lives are so important to us...they inspire us all the time and most of them will become staple ‘characters’ in the blog.”

Cosden is well acquainted with most of the welders in the area at this point. She has earned their respect and praise and is now dedicating her knowledge and expertise to the field in a different light. She is a level 2 certified welding inspector, ensuring that towers, piping, even aerospace are in compliance with code and basically, maintaining structural safety in the area.

“So, you’re welcome,” Cosden states in humor.

inspired by the entrepreneurial side of fitness,” Bates explains, pointing to the array of products and apparel on the market specific to tri-athletes.

“It really made me think about the creativity and ingenuity that can exist in a given activity.”

(cont)

::rw

inspire

(cont)

The inaugural appearance of the website will feature The Penthouse at One East Avenue and its design. The venue boasts a creative style which utilizes several art pieces to create its unique character. The lobby is beautifully renovated and features an Albert Paly installation. Some of the people they are collaborating with on their current project are: John Grieco – Object Maker, Louelle Design Studio, Scratch Bakery, Gallina Development, Door number 3, Stella’s Bridal Boutique and EvenOdd. Be sure to visit www.livesstyled.com after August 1st to see photos of the space.

After meeting Cosden over a cuppa at Boulder Coffee Co., it’s obvious as to why her students take to her so well. Cheery, unpretentious and fun, Cosden is easy to talk to; a master of translating complicated concepts into relatable ideas and engaging conversation topics. We asked Cosden’s students to describe her in a few words to which they replied: “Passionate, fun, creative and we know [she] would move mountains for us.”

Recently, Cosden was chosen as “Teacher of the Year” by the American Welding Society Chapter.

(cont)

Bates also believes a businesswoman, like an athlete, is nothing without a network of support.

Just as she worked with a team of trainers to physically prepare for the race, she sees value in uniting with other women in business. As a co-founder of networking nonprofit Women of Focus, and member of the Rochester Women’s Network and Women TIES (Together Inspiring Entrepreneurial Success), she has joined special interest groups to connect with like-minded women. “You’ve got to be active,” she says. “You have to network, hand out your business cards, create meaningful relationships, and get your name out there.”

To her, growing a business, like taking on a physical challenge, becomes easier when you mix focus with imagination. “Get clear and get creative,” she says. “That’s my pattern for success.”

When not instructing or inspecting, Cosden is happy to be creating. She heads her own welding and jewelry business where she constructs everything from “sculptural wearables” to furniture.

EVENTS CALENDAR

august 2014 Women’s Mandela Series

6-27

Where: Hope In Art Studios When: Various times, check website for more info Website: http://hopeinartstudio.com/

Fall Fashion & Hair Show

Organization: Rochester Woman Magazine When: 5:30pm-:8:30pm Where: Macy’s Eastview Mall Website: www.rochesterwomanmag.com

Arts at The Garden

Organization: Sonnenberg Gardens When: 10am – 5pm Where: Sonnenberg Gardens Website: http://www.artsatthegardens.org/

rwm Ladies’ Night

Organization: Rochester Woman Magazine When: 5:30pm-8:30pm Where: Clothes Mentor Henrietta Website:www.RochesterWomanMag.com

14 16-17 21

september

AWSDA Training & Education Summit

4-7

Organization: The Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester Where: Brook-Lea Country Club Website: http://bccr.org/teed-off-at-breast-cancer/ Organization: AWSDA When: Various Times Where: Rochester Personal Defense, 300 Buell Rd. Website: www.AWSDA.org

The Perfect Finger Lakes Getaw

Wine Tour Getaway Treat Yourself!

Experience the Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail and stay at The Inn on the Lake!

The package includes transportation to four wineries with behind-the-scenes experiences, overnight accommodations and breakfast for two the following morning.

Call 1-800-228-2801 for details.

Package available the month of September.

The Inn on the Lake 770 South Main Street Canandaigua, NY 14424 585-394-7800 - 1-800-228-2801 - www.theinnonthelake.com

::rwm fashion

selfies

Shopping with social media

BY AMARI D. POLLARD Knowing how to relax in this incredibly fast-paced world should be considered a special talent, an art form, even. With busy schedules and things constantly thrown at you, it can be hard to turn your attention away from it all. Like most, there are a select few things in this world that can put me completely at ease. Shopping happens to be one of them.

One of the best stress relievers is taking a couple of hours to browse around a store, with only yourself and the clothes to focus on.

Although it can be nice to shop by yourself, with no one to dictate the stores you go in or latch on to your hip as you search through racks of clothing. It can also be a lonely and difficult excursion because your thoughts are your only company.

Everyone loves to feel validated. We all want to feel like we make the right decisions, and shopping is no exception. It can be hard shopping by yourself when there are no friends or family members to tell you their feelings on an outfit selection. Sometimes you need someone to remind you that you can’t walk properly in heels so you shouldn’t spend money on them.

Recently I ventured out to Bounce, a boutique owned by Amanda Gold and located in Armory Square, to find a cute summer outfit. While I was there I live tweeted and used Instagram to share the dresses I was trying on. I was aiming to see if I could capture live interaction with my followers and get some opinions as a fun experiment.

Almost every dress I tried on that day I posted on Twitter and Instagram, asking people to comment or “like” the post to help me decide which one I should buy. While there was not anyone physically there with me to express their thoughts, sharing my outfits on social media made it feel as if I had hundreds of fashion consultants at my service, and made the whole experience less lonely.

Originally, I didn’t think people’s opinions on social media would influence my final decision that much, but as the comments and “likes” started coming in, I noticed myself falling more in love with the dresses that got the most interaction. Luckily, they were the ones I initially loved.

Along with taking my interaction on social media into consideration, I also turned to the workers at Bounce to see what they had to say. I entrusted Rachel Beneway and Alexa Harris, the Bounce workers on staff, with this duty. (I actually went to high school with one of them!)

We all agreed I had a tough decision to make because every dress was beautiful in its own right, but ultimately, their thoughts matched up with those on social media.

After trying on about 14 dresses (That’s a lot, I know!), I finally narrowed it down to three choices: a floor length white Boho-chic dress, a sophisticated navy blue teacup cocktail dress and a romantic black and red floral dress. I put each of them side by side and asked my followers to weigh in one last time.

Combing the comments and “likes” — the Boho-chic dress got 12 votes; the navy blue dress got 20 votes, and the floral dress got 14 votes. In all honesty, it was no competition. The navy blue dress would have won with or without the votes!

So, next time you’re shopping by yourself try turning to social media. It is a powerful and entertaining shopping tool!

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august 2014 :: rochesterWomanMag.com

“Keep all special thoughts and memories for lifetimes to come. Share these keepsakes with others to inspire hope and build from the past, which can bridge to the future.”-Mattie Stepanek Alicia Thompson’s altruistic tendencies, assorted interests (and heightened sense of adventure) have prompted her to claim some interesting and diverse career choices in her young life. After nearly a decade of working for multiple non-profits and traveling abroad, Thompson feels that now, at 30, she has finally arrived. The owner of dual, but complementary businesses, Smallprint Rochester and Silver Pet Prints Rochester, is content in her new role as entrepreneur as she is fulfilling her passion to help others in a way she had never imagined.

::local business

matters

By Ashley Cooper

“I have never been the type of person who says, ‘I’m going to do this job forever,’” shares Thompson.

“I have always been interested in very different things, and I love it. But I always knew I wanted to help people. I never knew what I would do, but I knew I would do something very good.”

Thompson, a graduate of East Ridge High School, attended Monroe Community College for two years, attaining an Associate’s degree in Business Administration before transferring to State University of New York at Buffalo. In 2005, Thompson achieved a Bachelor of Science in Communication before tackling her first unique role in game production for the Rochester Americans.

Ever attracted to non-profit organizations, Thompson seized the unique opportunity to join the American Heart Association as an event planner. She coordinated the Rochester Heart Walk-a large scale event that prompted her transfer to the New York City chapter of AHA. “It was amazing; it had always been one of my dreams to move down there,” says Thompson of her pilgrimage down state. “I was there for about a year. I love the city.

Though it wasn’t for me per se, it was one of the best experiences. When I first moved there, I made a giant list of everything I wanted to do while I lived there and I was able to do all of them.”

“I left for New York City in 2008 and came back in 2009. By 2010, the recession had hit. I had this burning desire to help people. I had always wanted to go to a developing country,” she shares.

And off she went! For over a year, Thompson worked abroad for Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages. In Vietnam, she tutored one-on-one in addition to teaching English for two major hotel chains and in various language centers. It was there she would meet her husband Mike-an Ireland native who had also been traveling through in search of adventure.

By sheer kismet, Thompson was introduced to the concept of “Smallprint.” Upon hearing the success of a friend who owned an Australian-based franchise of the company, Thompson was immediately intrigued. When she learned it would award her the opportunity to make a difference in an unconventional, yet meaningful fashion, Thompson was all in. She and her husband, who currently reside in Brighton, now find themselves the owners of Small Print Rochester and Silver Pet Prints Rochester as of last fall….and they couldn’t be happier with their decision.

Alicia Thompson describes the business as a “great way to capture a moment.”

Thompson crafts each piece by hand. She imprints fingerprints (or even paw prints) directly into silver and onto varying pieces of jewelry including bracelets, charms, earrings, pendants, necklaces, key chains, cuff links and the like. The finished product is a remarkable, one-of-a-kind keepsake for families to forever cherish. Most clients Thompson meets via home appointment, but prospective buyers can also host home printing parties or consult with her directly at local events, shops and venues.

Fingerprinting is not all Thompson can capture via this special technique. She can also turn a child’s artwork, a loved one’s hand-written letter, a whimsical caricature, an adult’s thumbprint or a baby’s footprint into an exceptional, wearable piece of art.

making her

mark

Giving back is a key aspect of Thompson’s approach to her business. Thompson has partnered with CURE Childhood Cancer, Lollypop Farm, Daystar, the P.I.C.U. at Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong and Mended Little Hearts of Rochester. Fifteen percent of each sale is donated back to one of the afore-mentioned charities. Thompson has already helped many local families in crisis cope through a trying time.

“It’s hard,” says Thompson. “I try to focus on the fact that if I can provide any comfort for the worst thing any parent or child can go through, it’s what I am meant to do.”

To peruse Thompson’s beautiful creations, be sure to find both Smallprint Rochester and Silver Pet Prints Rochester on Facebook. For a list of upcoming events at which Thompson will be appearing, visit http://smallprint.com/aliciathompson-venues. For specific questions, you can reach Thompson directly at Alicia.Thompson@smallprint.com.

35 YEARS OF TURNING THE ORDINARY INTO THE EXTRAORDINARY!

R O C H E S T E R ’ S P R E M I E R C AT E R I N G & E V E N T S O L U T I O N S E X P E R T.

C A L L U S T O D AY F O R Y O U R F R E E C O N S U LTAT I O N .

5 8 5 / 7 0 5 . 7 8 0 7 • J U L I A K C AT E R S . C O M

E AT W E L L • L I V E W E L L • B E W E L L