Sass Magazine Summer 2019

SUMMER 2019

MAGAZINE

THE

GLOBAL

ISSUE INTERNATIONAL

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Celebra ting 7 years o f tour 2012-2019 s

STUDIOS

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CONTENTS

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Look for our WEB EXCLUSIVE icon to view additional articles on SassMagazine.com.

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FEATURES 18 Woman to Watch Jo Butler 26 Preserving Culture in a Modern World 32 Making Changes on a Global Scale 38

Fashion Fashion on the Go

44

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18 DEPARTMENTS 8 Business Spotlight Taste Frederick Food Tours

49 Travel Welcome Home

11 Girl’s Guide to International Travel

53 Wellness Travel-Friendly Workout Tools

14 Girl’s Guide to an Epic Staycation 22 Inspire/Empower Lydia Seiders 44 Beauty Mindful Beauty 47 Hair Mean Green Salon Machine

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56 Business Spotlight Sass Studios 60 Recipe Tapas Inspired

O N T H E C O V E R : Jo Butler is the founder of the Ethiopian Children’s Appeal, a trilingual philanthropist, a mother and adoptive grandmother. Read about Jo’s amazing Woman to Watch story on page 18.

Cover Photo by Caitlin Taylor, Coral Dove Photography.

CATEGORY HEADER MAGAZINE

125 E. Patrick St., Ste. 3 Frederick, MD 21701 www.sassmagazine.com

GOING

Summer 2019 | Vol. 4, Issue 4

Chrissy Moore, Copy Editor copyeditor@sassmagazine.com Brittany Carpenter, Fashion Editor fashion@sassmagazine.com Alicia Schwartzbeck, Accounting accounting@sassmagazine.com Tim & Donna Moore, Distribution info@sassmagazine.com Ashley Bailey, Admin Coordinator ashley@sassmagazine.com CREATIVE TEAM Cecelia Lee www.sasscreativestudios.com CONTRIBUTORS Tammy Brandenburg, Brittany Carpenter, Rebecca Carrera, Kim Dow, Athelda Ensley, Lauri Gross, Charissa Hipp, Tiffany Jansen, Sarah Kurtanich, Rachel Lytle, Ashley Waters, Jen Zeltwanger PHOTOGRAPHERS Brad Barnwell, Leigh Anne Brader, Tamara Dean, Sarah Kurtanich, Jessica Patterson, Caitlin Taylor ADVERTISING Kim Dow advertising@sassmagazine.com April Izer april@sassmagazine.com ADDITIONAL SASS CREW Tina Fraley PRINTING Sheridan Press Sass Magazine is a free quarterly publication in the western Maryland region that is also available for a paid subscription.

Customer inquiries should be directed to Sass Studios, LLC. All contents of this publication are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or in part for any reason without prior consent of the publisher.

Advertising Information: advertising@sassmagazine.com We thank our advertisers for their support!

It’s my favorite time of the year — SUMMER TIME! I love summer for the hot weather, cookouts, beach days, and most of all — travel and vacations! I was 13 years old when I first traveled internationally. My family took a summer trip to Greece and Italy. It was an amazing and eye-opening experience for a little girl who had never flown on an airplane or left the East Coast of the US. And it was a trip that I vowed to take again.

Fast forward twenty years and I did it! When my husband and I took a summer vacation to Greece and the Greek Isles, it was an experience of a lifetime! And since then, we’ve tried to travel internationally at least once a year. I recommend international travel to everyone — it changes your perspective, showing you how big this earth really is, yet how closely we are all still connected. I love exploring the sites, sounds, foods, and cultures of other countries. Plus, I love hearing so many different languages — not just the dialect of the country I’m visiting, but also the languages of all the other travelers who are visiting as well. Oh, and did I mention the food? Well, it’s totally worth mentioning again! There is no better way immerse yourself in another culture than to share in the local cuisine!

This issue is titled The Global Issue. We wanted to explore ways we can make an impact on a global scale, even while staying local. Check out some of our spotlighted women who are making a difference in countries such as Ethiopia, Ghana, Bangledesh, Somalia, Liberia, India and Thailand (pg 18, 22, 32). Read on to discover how different cultures are being embraced and preserved in today’s modern world (pg 26). You’ll also learn some interesting and surprising ways you can help protect our earth through sustainable and eco-friendly practices in the beauty and hair industries (pg 44, 47). And, of course, we’re hoping to inspire you to travel internationally and explore exciting new destinations (pg 11, 49, 53).

Remember, there are even more resources on SassMagazine.com. Just look for the “web exclusive” icon throughout this issue for highlighted online articles. Plus, sign up for our digital newsletter for additional articles, features, events, and special offers!

Last, but certainly not least, be sure to pay attention to our advertisers and partners throughout these pages. Bonus: you can find several discounts and promotions just for Sass readers! Sass is a free resource made possible by the support of businesses and organizations you’ll find throughout these pages. I ask that you visit their shops, attend their events, use their services, and thank them for making Sass Magazine possible.

Thanks for picking up this issue of Sass Magazine! We hope to see you at one of our upcoming events (pg 2, 21)! Happy Summer!

WEB EXCLUSIVE

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Saturday August 3

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CARROLL CREEK LINEAR PARK Festival entrances at Market & East Streets

VIP Admission | $50

General Admission | $35

Service fees not included.

Experience the best wine that Maryland has to offer. Hosted in partnership with the Maryland Wineries Association, join us as we showcase Maryland wine in the heart of Downtown Frederick. The festival will feature live entertainment and regional food offerings. Held rain or shine.

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Taste Frede Food Tours ADVERTISEMENT

Business

Spotlight:

Sarah Kurtanich’s first food tour experience was in Greenwich Village in January 2012.

By the end of the tour, she turned to her boyfriend (now husband) and said, “Frederick needs one of these!” Six months later, after taking a three day course from Food Tour Pros in Chicago, Kurtanich launched “Taste Frederick Food Tours.” For seven years the mission of her food tour has remained the same: to spotlight downtown Frederick businesses in a fun (and tasty!) way, and infuse participants with an excitement to return to Frederick’s diverse food scene.

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erick

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How did you decide on your business name? I wanted people to understand what we do right away. “Taste Frederick” is what we aim to achieve with the tours. Our primary focus is on the food, but we give “tastes” of downtown history, culture, and architecture, too.

What makes your business stand out? Taste Frederick’s goal is to infuse our customers with the excitement and confidence to take advantage of the wide range of food and cultural options downtown Frederick has to offer. Part of my driving force is wanting to participate in and contribute to the downtown business community in my own way. We pay for everything we taste. It’s important to me that these tours bring attention to the businesses we feature.

How do you decide which businesses to feature on your tours? I started with an ideal route around Market Street. From there we wanted to showcase a variety of food options. We haven’t had a lot of changes with our tasting partners — we like to offer a consistent product and love the businesses we work with. Check out the Taste Frederick website to view the tour’s seven stops.

Can you describe your customers?

Who would enjoy your business? It’s usually a 50/50 mix of people either from this area or from out of town. The tours are geared towards adults, as we do some drink tasting along the way. It’s perfect if you have guests visiting — they can do the tour with or without you. It’s also great as a non-traditional bachelor or bachelorette party, or if you have a small business and want to treat your employees. It’s a cool, different way to team build or mark a celebration.

It also makes a really fun gift — you can pick a date or we can do a gift certificate. But really anyone who loves food should take the tour!

How does the environment in Frederick impact your business?

I’m not sure this type of business would have been possible twenty to thirty years ago. I’ve lived here for 20 years and didn’t appreciate what was here until after I graduated from college. The national attention Frederick began to receive while Bryan Voltaggio was on top chef was amazing and I think the businesses and organizations like the Downtown Frederick Partnership and Visit Frederick have done a remarkable job of keeping that momentum and attention going. This is my small way of doing what I can to support this environment.

What is the best part about what you do? Most Challenging? The most challenging part for me is the idea that I’ve started a business. I want to provide the most support possible to the businesses and the people that have helped Taste Frederick get to where it is today. I started this business when I was 24. I will be 32 this year. It’s really starting to dawn on me how much of an impact I can have — it’s exciting, but it’s also a challenge!

The best part is that I get to meet all the people who take the tours. I get to gush about Frederick and introduce people to all of the wonderful things it offers. I help them love where they live, or if they’re visiting, I give them a reason to come back or tell their friends.

Where do you see your business in the next year? In the next five years? I really want to add a few more tours on the roster, and give people unique ways to explore different parts of downtown Frederick. I also want to create partnerships with other businesses who are offering experiences in Frederick.

What matters most to you in your business? It’s fulfilling. I feel like I’m making a difference in some small way. I don’t want to work on something that doesn’t have meaning to me.

CeleFrederick Taste Tours bratinFood g7 y(301) ear658-7520 s of tou r www.tastefrederickfoodtours.com 2012-2019 s

info@tastefrederickfoodtours.com

Find Taste Frederick memorable, fun on Facebook and Instagram at @TasteFrederick! Offering tours on most weekends from April & delicious experiences through November. Private tours available during weekends and for groups For & teams weekdays. more information, turn to page 3!

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SUMMER 19

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MAGAZINE

GIRL’S GUIDE

travel 5 Helpful Tips to Tailor Your First International Travel Experience

By Athelda R. Ensley

There is a fair amount of planning involved when you travel internationally. This is true for business trips or sightseeing. Depending on your vacation objectives it is important to take control of the planning process right away. You can do this by finding creative ways to tailor the entire experience for your wants and needs, making the trip extra exciting. According to World Atlas, the U.S. is among the top four countries with citizens traveling internationally each year!

There are no limitations to what part of the world one can visit, personalizing and designing a unique travel experience will make your first hop across the pond more memorable. Before you even board a plane towards a destination, set guidelines.

Making decisions in advance ensures you get the most out of your trip. Travelers have more fun when the itinerary details are worked out ahead of time.

1. Set Your Budget It is possible to plan an international trip on a budget and still have loads of fun. Before setting an arbitrary budget, conduct some research. The places you choose to visit will impact your expenses, which is why setting a budget is so important.

When doing your research, consider the type of experience that best fits your budget — economy, mid-range or luxury.

This may be the difference between a European vacation of $1,200 or $2,500. Be sure the length of your trip accommodates things like hotels, food, and excursions. This will help you to not overspend. “Budget Your Trip” is a fantastic app resource to use when planning. It even allows you to focus on individual countries.

2. Choose a Destination Most seasoned travelers know where they want to go.

But choosing a destination may be overwhelming fo a first

time international traveler. Again, first consider your budget and then do some research. Some travelers pick a region to visit, while others are drawn to a special event.

If the Mediterranean region is on your list, Italy and Greece are two popular destinations. It is possible to find budget-friendly things to do throughout these countries — check out the waterways of Venice, climb Mount Olympus to visit the site of the first Olympic games or hit the Greek isles for some amazing beaches! Other folks travel the globe seeking exciting events and one of a kind experiences. For instance, you may opt for Paris over London in order to experience events such as Lollapalloza or the annual Grape Festival.

As you plan your trip, tailor your travel arrangements to meet your vacation expectations. Maximize your schedule to include activities that will make your trip special. The internet offers blogs like Speed of Life and popular podcast resources for helpful travel inspiration.

3. Prepare Your Travel Documents Americans traveling internationally can utilize the U.S. State Department website to prepare. One of the most important steps involves having relevant travel documents ready-togo. Get your passport — NOW! Having your passport well in advance of the trip’s date will bring you peace of mind. It is SUMMER 19 11

CATEGORY GIRL’S GUIDE HEADER also recommended that your passport be valid for six months to a year after your return date. Taking care of renewals is a necessary step to a great trip — you do not want to get stuck outside of the country due to a passport nearing its expiration!

Some countries, like Australia, require that you have a visa. If this is the case, fill out your application in a timely manner and pay associated fees to avoid hindrances later.

4. Plan Your Own Trip or Seek an Advisor International travel can be thrilling when you plan the details yourself. Taking responsibility for everything from airfare to transportation allows you more control than a guided tour.

Frommers.com provides tourists with great affordable airline information. Veteran travelers regularly use online tools for booking hotels, attractions and dining.

Other travelers feel working with a travel agency, travel advisor or industry concierge is a better option. Companies, such as TAD Travel Services in Foothills Ranch, CA or Antietam Travel Service in Frederick, provide expertise while conveniently planning global travel adventures for clients. (For more information about travel advisors, check out page 49!)

Regardless of who plans your trip, you should always learn

about country currencies and conversion rates. This allows you to better manage your money throughout your trip.

5. Tour Any City Leaving for your destination with an organized itinerary doesn’t remove spontaneity. With limited time and short-term schedules it is important to find easy ways to see a destination. Major cities like Copenhagen, St. Petersburg and Sydney have Big Bus Tours. These are wonderful options to tour any city in one or two days. With the purchase of a ticket, you have the chance to hop-on and hop-off these buses at your leisure.

Many of these buses have radio stations dedicated to different languages allowing tourists to better experience the history, architecture and culture of the city. Smaller cities sometimes offer complimentary shuttles for travelers, especially cruise passengers. As you see the world, look for exploration options that save you time and money. The sights and sounds of each area will add to your experience and create lasting memories of your first international vacation. Bon Voyage!

Athelda R. Ensley

WEB EXCLUSIVE l articles Lots more trave on s rie ra ne iti and com sassmagazine.

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P H O T O G R A P H Y: N E E D P H O T O G R A P H E R

Athelda Ensley is a professional travel writer, web content developer and marketing consultant with a commitment to see the world. Having journeyed to Rome, Venice, Naples, Mykonos and various parts of Europe in the pursuit of writing and the love of jazz, she experiences life alongside her husband as it comes. As a business owner, published author, contributor and former educator, Athelda looks for creativity. She resides in Maryland after stints in NC, AL, GA and TX and writes for Collages LLC, MCPD and manages Speed of Life.

BEHIND EVERY BUSINESS IS A STORY Monica Pearce started Tenth Ward Distilling Company with a goal of producing high-quality spirits influenced by local ingredients. And when demand increased, she knew it was time to grow.

With a business loan from Frederick County Bank, Tenth Ward was able to renovate and open a new location on Patrick Street, giving them the space and equipment to more than triple their production capacity. What could you do?

When you’re ready to take the next step for your business, we’re ready to help. Come say hello!

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c i p E STAY

GIRL’S GUIDE

GIRLS GUIDE TO AN

By Kim Dow

14 SASS MAGAZINE | SASSMAGAZINE.COM

GIRL’S GUIDE

YCATION

Stuck at home while everyone else is posting photos of their epic travel adventures?

No worries! Give yourself a vacation without leaving your town (or even your house)!

We’ve put together our favorite ways to win the staycation game.

1. Shut Down

5. Create Your Vacation Soundtrack

Power down those devices. Yep, that means your cell, your ipad, your laptop—hell, if you still have a landline phone, turn the ringtone off (or at least down). Try not to be distracted by social media, text messages, emails or phone calls. Put an away message on your work email. Shut. It. Down.

Set the mood for your time in the sun with a personalized playlist. For a fun beach party vibe add some calypso, soca and reggae music. Visualize the beach and unwind with a Spotify soundtrack featuring crashing waves. Like the peaceful call of birds in the morning? Well, find a soundtrack or better yet crack your window open in the morning! Choose sounds that put you in vacation mode and play them throughout the day.

2. Sit Outside Like, all day! Find some shade to sit under, or lounge in the sun on your back porch or deck. Make sure to wear sunscreen! Enjoy the outdoors, listen to the birds, the city noises, the wind in the leaves, your cat purring or your dog snoring and get some much need vitamin D.

3. Read for Fun Pick up a fun summer romance or mystery. Or, grab a few different magazines that strike your fancy. This means no business or self-help books — just read for pure entertainment.

4. Sleep In Yep, you heard us…sleep late, go to bed early, and/or take a nap in the middle of the day. Don’t worry about what time it is — listen to yourself and your body and rest.

6. Make or Sip a New Drink Learn how to make a new cocktail, or buy a new wine or summer seasonal craft beer at the liquor store. Have a drink or a sip whenever you want one. Hey, girl, you’re on vacation… it’s 5:00 somewhere. Try Eric Kozlik’s easy summer manhattan recipe (page 17) while enjoying happy hour on the patio.

7. Take a Spa Day Take a relaxing bath by candle light or add aromatherapy oils to the water. Give yourself a pedicure, or have your partner give you one. Make a natural face mask or sugar scrub (try our easy lavender sugar scrub on page 17). Give yourself a spa day in your own home, or visit a local spa and treat yourself.

SUMMER 19 15

GIRL’S GUIDE

Become a tourist in your own hometown. Walk around your local city with fresh eyes — no agenda, just explore!

8. Go Glamping in Your Own Backyard 12. Find a Local Swimming Hole We’re not talking your basic camping essentials here. Go all out!

Put the tent up, blow up an air mattress, cut some fresh flowers, string up some pretty white lights — have fun with it! And if you forgot something, you just need to run back inside to get it!

9. Become a Hometown Tourist Walk around your hometown with fresh eyes. Try a new restaurant (or visit one you’ve been meaning to get to), shop at local boutiques, grab ice cream at a local dairy, visit some of the historical or local landmarks around you. Say hi to people you pass on the street. Whistle while you walk. No agenda, just explore!

While your staycation might not get you close to a beach, there are probably lots of other watering holes you can easily find! Look up local lakes and state parks. Go fishing on the edge of a local river or stream (if permitted). Or, get a guest pass at a local community pool. Just because you’re staying home doesn’t mean you have to miss out on sun and surf!

13. Eat by Candlelight Set up a fancy dinner and eat by candlelight. Or, better yet, pick up a few backyard torches and set them around your deck, patio or picnic table. Add a vase of hand picked flowers to the table and dine al fresco!

10. Go Out to Eat or Get Delivery

14. Take Lots of Photos

One of the fun things about vacation is trying new foods.

Go out to eat every night! Or, bring home a different cuisine you’ve been meaning to try. Get some crabs and have a crab feast, order several dishes and have an Indian food buffet, go to a taco bar and bring home different fixin’s to try. Or, go out!

Make reservations at the fanciest restaurant, or go to a local bar and sit on their outside patio. Enjoy yourself!

We always take fun family photos or selfies when we’re vacationing, but why not do the same when staying home. Find a cool new spot in your backyard and take a few shots. Or, go to your local town and pose at a few landmarks. Take photos of all the epic things you’re doing while staying home — your glamping set up, your candlelit dinner, your newest cocktail concoction, or your spa day. Have fun with it!

11. Get Your House Cleaned

15. Treat Yourself!

One of my favorite things about vacation is not having to do any cleaning or everyday household chores. Well, if you’re saving money by staying home, then splurge a little and hire someone to clean the house for you. Trust us on this — it’ll be one of the best gifts you’ve given yourself. And it will allow you to just simply relax.

Treat yourself to something nice! Buy a “souvenir” from a local shop. Go out to dinner every night. Allow yourself to relax with no agenda or home rules. What happens on vacation, stays on vacation! Don’t feel guilty about simply enjoying yourself!

16 SASS MAGAZINE | SASSMAGAZINE.COM

STRAWBERRY MOJITO MOCKTAIL 1/4 CUP HONEY 1 / 2 C U P W AT E R 1 0 F R E S H M I N T L E AV E S (PLUS MINT SPRIGS FOR GARNISH) 1 P O U N D F R E S H S T R AW B E R R I E S, H U L L E D ZEST OF 1 LIME JUICE OF 2 LIMES LIME SLICES FOR GARNISH

cocktails &ails! mockt

Make the simple syrup by combining honey, water and mint leaves in a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat until honey and water are well combined, remove from heat and let stand for 30 minutes. Remove mint leaves and chill. Place strawberries, simple syrup, lime zest and lime juice in a blender along with a few ice cubes, and blend until you get a smooth consistency. Serve in fun glasses and garnished with mint sprigs and slices of fresh lime.

! f l e s o y t a tre DIY LAVENDER SUGAR SCRUB 1/2 CUP ORGANIC COCONUT OIL 1 / 4 C U P G R A N U L AT E D S U G A R ( you can use up to 1/2 cup if you want your scrub to have a more coarse, sand-like texture) 1 / 4 T E A S P O O N O R G A N I C L AV E N D E R ESSENTIAL OIL (ABOUT 25 DROPS) 2 , 4 0 0 I U S O F T G E L S O F 1 0 0 % V I TA M I N E (OPTIONAL) D R I E D L AV E N D E R ( optional…if you like seeing the dried pieces of lavender in your scrub, just sprinkle and mix in a few pieces) C O N TA I N E R ( you can use glass jars, plastic tubs or plastic travel bottles)

GIRL’S GUIDE WEB EXCLUSIVE & More Cocktail s on Mocktail recipe m co sassmagazine.

BIG BATCH PERFECT SUMMER MANHATTAN 1 B O T T L E O F RY E O R B O U R B O N W H I S K E Y 6 O Z D RY V E R M O U T H 6 OZ SWEET VERMOUTH ½ OZ ORANGE BITTERS 6 - 8 O Z F I LT E R E D WAT E R ( F O R P R O P E R D I L U T I O N ) ONE LARGE GRAPEFRUIT (FOR GARNISHES)

Combine all liquid ingredients in a sealable pitcher, stir well, and store in the fridge to chill. Serve this perfect summer Manhattan in your favorite vintage glassware and garnish with a fresh grapefruit twist. Makes 12 servings.

HOW TO MAKE

Combine all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl (we do not recommend heating the coconut oil because it will dissolve the sugar). Spoon into your storage container.

That’s it, you’re done and ready to use — seriously, how easy was THAT!?

HOW TO USE

• On your face: Use at the sink or in the shower. Massage in a circular motion for 30 seconds. Rinse and pat dry. The oil will absorb immediately. We recommend trying to stay away from your hairline because the oil can make your hair a bit greasy.

• On your hands: Massage into your hands and fingernails for 30 seconds. Rinse and pat dry.

• On your legs and feet: Massage into your legs and feet while in the bath or sitting on the side of the bathtub. Rinse and pat dry. We don’t recommend using on your feet in the shower because the coconut oil becomes slippery and you could risk slipping or falling.

SUMMER 19 17

CATEGORY WOMAN T0 HEADER WATCH

WOMAN

WA

By Tiffany R. Jansen

Jo Butler didn’t choose Ethiopia. Ethiopia chose her. “My best friend from undergraduate studies was Ethiopian,” she says. “I keep telling him that it all started with him.” Years later, she fell in love with and married an Ethiopian.

What is your typical day like? I get up at 5am and do some reading or respond to emails. When the weather is nice, I like to go for a walk and have breakfast. Then I’ll get started on the projects. [If I’m] in Ethiopia, I’ll go to the school to meet with the principal and parent teacher association, the kebele 18 SASS MAGAZINE | SASSMAGAZINE.COM

(district government), or the water authorities to discuss the project. Most Sundays I’m with my adopted grandchildren making jewelry, cooking international cuisine for them, listening to music and dancing. When I’m here, I’m busy going to Rotary meetings or making jewelry for fundraising bazaars I hold in Frederick and Switzerland.

You travel a lot! How do you recharge and take care of yourself? All my life I’ve felt that healthy eating was extremely important. With an emphasis on fruits and vegetables and home cooking, I love making things from scratch. I live in Urbana and we have all these walking trails, so I’m doing a lot of walking. And, for me, reading is such a wonderful thing. I think the reason I had this global perspective and international view of life is because I started reading at a very young age.

What is the biggest challenge you face in your work?

Whenever I organize something, I always get the butterflies — will I be able to raise what I need to make a difference and do what I need to do? I don’t ask for money. I say, “Look, here’s a beautiful piece of jewelry or a beautiful scarf, and if you buy it 100% [of the proceeds] goes to help a beautiful child. And you have something to remember this child by.”

P H O T O G R A P H Y: C NO E ERDA LP H D O TVOE GPRHAOPTHOEGRR A P H Y

But it wasn’t until her work as an international lawyer for the United Nations took her to Ethiopia that she founded the Ethiopian Children’s Appeal. “There [had been] a drought in 2001 and I wanted to do something to help,” Jo says. “Helping at that time was really about hunger, school supplies, and things like that.” Since then, the Ethiopian Children’s Appeal has been working to provide children access to better classroom, library resources and, especially, clean water.

Jo travels to Ethiopia frequently. One of her recent trips was with high school students from Frederick Community College’s Career Technology Center. The students won the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Lemelson award for their water purification and distillation rocket stove, which will supply clean water to rural areas in Ethiopia.

The trilingual philanthropist, mother of two and adoptive grandmother of 18 orphans in Ethiopia took some time to talk to Sass about helping others, taking care of yourself and overcoming challenges.

N

Jo B er utl

ATCH

CATEGORY WOMAN T0HEADER WATCH

SUMMER 19 19

CATEGORY WOMAN T0 HEADER WATCH

Get to know the community, understand their needs, and be led by them. Because they’re on the ground, they know better. You have as much to learn from them as they have to learn from you.

What would you say has helped you the most in your work? I call it pushing through the fear. Pushing through the doubt and saying “you can do it.” And really believing you can. There’s nothing wrong with fear. There’s nothing wrong with feeling intimidated. But you have to push through it.

Another factor has been having a great network of friends and family that believe in me.

You’re a member of the Rotary Club of Frederick, Women’s Giving Circle of Frederick County, Mission of Mercy, The Frederick Rescue Mission, Blessings in a Backpack, Children of Incarcerated Parents, and The Impact Club. Why is it important to you to be involved in both your local community and the global community? I really wanted to be a part of where I live in both places. I thought the best way to get involved was to collaborate and work with people who were having an impact in the community.

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How do you reward yourself after a hard day’s work?

The best reward for me is spending time with family and friends in the community. The people in Frederick are so giving and have such a wonderful sense of community. I couldn’t have landed in a better place. I also think it’s a wonderful thing to listen to music. I dance and sing to the Broadway musical “Hamilton.”

What advice would you give someone interested in getting involved with an international organization?

The most important thing is to relate to the community you’re trying to help. Get to know the community, understand their needs, and be led by them. Because they’re on the ground, they know better. You have as much to learn from them as they have to learn from you.

What is one sassy saying that inspires you and why?

“I’m so thankful that I didn’t end up with what I thought I wanted.” Because there’s lots of times you don’t get what you pushed through to get. I always say something is waiting beyond which is even better. And that’s pretty much held true.

Tiffany R. Jansen is a freelance writer whose writing has appeared in trade and consumer publications and several local newspapers. She grew up in Frederick and now lives in Georgia with her husband, daughter, and dog. She’s crazy about musicals, stroopwafels, and the Oxford comma (not necessarily in that order).

View her portfolio at tiffanyrjansen.com and follow her on twitter @tiffanyrjansen.

P H O T O G R A P H Y: C O R A L D O V E P H O T O G R A P H Y

I also want to do something that is long-term and sustainable. The challenge is to get to a place where the community can take on its own projects and be totally self-sustaining so that I can eventually remove myself from the project and know it will still continue. At that point it won’t be a project anymore, it’ll be part of the fabric of the community.

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CATEGORY HEADER

WITH

LYDIA SEIDERS

By Charissa Hipp

In January of 2016, Lydia Seiders’ world flipped upside down when her nine-yearold daughter Emma went into spontaneous liver failure. Doctors couldn’t find a cause and alerted the family that she needed a transplant, but Emma stabilized and was released. Lydia wanted answers and started googling symptoms, which led her to blood cancer. Lydia voiced her concerns to Emma’s GI specialist, who referred her to an oncologist. A simple blood test showed she was in severe bone marrow failure. Emma was diagnosed with a rare disease that only one in one million people have — aplastic anemia.

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Tell me about the work you and Emma have done to advocate for the rare disease community. When Emma became sick we started a Facebook group to update close friends and family because aplastic anemia changes fast. Emma wanted to use her fight to raise awareness — her following grew rapidly after she branded herself #EmmaStrong. Her Facebook group is now the largest in the world following any one patient with her condition. She serves as the international pediatric face for aplastic anemia and is a patient ambassador at NIH. We’ve partnered with the National Kidney Foundation and the National Bone Marrow Registry. Ultimately we want to support those impacted by aplastic anemia on a financial level, but we’re not completely there yet.

P H O T O G R A P H Y: N IEKEODBPE H L LOAT OPGHROATPOHGERRA P H Y

Lydia researched Emma’s condition and knew she needed a medical professional with the unique experience of treating aplastic anemia. The most experienced doctor worked at National Institutes of Health (NIH) but she had no idea how to get Emma an appointment with him. Meanwhile, Lydia quit her job because Emma required hospital treatments twice a week for blood and platelet transfusions, lasting anywhere from two to six hours at a time. Lydia turned to Facebook for support from other aplastic anemia moms.

There, another mom connected her with Dr. Young at NIH and Emma was admitted within hours to be stabilized and begin treatment. The skillset Lydia possesses as a domestic violence survivor gave her the strength and perseverance to be the strong patient advocate Emma needs.

INSPIRE EMPOWER When the current administration took over there was a lot of movement on social media involving health insurance and healthcare legislation. It was terrifying. I came across a post about the Rare Action Network. I saw the state ambassador program they were doing and thought, I’m already doing all of this specific to Emma’s condition, so I sent in my application.

I spent my first six months as a state ambassador fighting legislation and getting my name and face out there. I also spearhead Rare Disease Day across the state of Maryland.

I’m a full time student because I want to have a degree if I eventually want to run a nonprofit for Emma. Currently I serve as a global ambassador, helping patients gain access to accurate information about bone marrow failure. I’m also a contributing author with Rare Revolution Magazine. Because of my work with the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and the magazine, I now serve as a global grassroots efforts advisor helping countries like Ghana to be recognized on the global stage.

There are more than 7,000 rare diseases that impact more people than HIV and cancer combined. There are 350 million people impacted by rare diseases globally. In the state of Maryland alone there are more than 600,000 impacted.

parenting as a single mom. The same willpower I had to survive domestic violence is what allowed me to hit the global stage within the first twelve months of fighting for Emma’s cause. I hope to speak about that mindset in an upcoming book. I have a passion to ensure the patient and the victim’s voice is heard.

How do you feel empowered? My driving force is my children. I encourage them to listen to people because that’s where we are failing as a nation. We are not listening. We are not giving everyone a voice. What empowers me is helping to provide that voice for other people, to ensure that they are equal. Even on an international scale, everyone deserves equality — equal access to healthcare and equal access to life saving and life sustaining treatments.

What has been the hardest part of your journey?

For me personally, as a domestic violence survivor, breaking the mindset from victim to survivor has been the hardest part of my own journey. There is a skillset that victims are forced to learn and when you can transition between being a victim and being a survivor a whole new world opens up because of your abilities to survive what you survived.

What has surprised you the most? I don’t think people are aware of how much policy impacts their everyday lives.

Because of that I decided to pick up a political science minor and I hope to run for office in the future. I believe my life experiences, abilities and passion would enable me to help a lot of people if given the opportunity. Women make up 51% of the population but we hold only 25% of the Senate. The number of women running for office and women being elected is amazing, but we’re not there until we hold half. We will not be successful until everyone has equal rights.

What do you think was the most important decision you made along the way throughout your journey? Quitting a paying job to fill a volunteer position was the most important decision I’ve made. I’ve gained a lot of life experience dealing with rare diseases and SUMMER 19 23

INSPIRE EMPOWER When you face setbacks, what keeps you going? My children keep me going. I battle depression and it can come out of the blue. Some days it’s difficult to want to post on social media or attend an event, slap a smile on my face and pretend that everything’s fine. But I have all these people reaching out and giving me opportunities that have responsibilities. People are depending on me to be successful and my children are watching. If we don’t train the next generation to recognize each other as equals and to listen to each other, we fail as parents and as a society in general.

Your work involves advocating for others. How do you take care of yourself? When you struggle with depression it’s really hard to want to take care of you. As a victim of domestic violence it’s hard to have any type of self worth or desire to take care of yourself. I have pulled back the reins on some of my advocacy work to take care of me. I started a workout routine, I eat better and I use apps to meditate. I’m also an organizational leadership major, which teaches you mindfulness and self awareness. It involves digging down to the depths of your being to learn why you are a leader. It gives you confidence, it teaches you how to recognize your weaknesses and strengthen them and on top of that, it teaches you how to take care of yourself. I also go to counseling because when you watch your nine-year-old almost die twice in 40 days, it’s traumatizing. When you see your child go through chemo their inner light goes out and I wasn’t sure it would come back on for Emma.

What’s next for you? I graduate in 2020 from Arizona State University.

I’m unsure at this point whether I will pursue a master’s degree in organizational leadership or if I’ll pursue law school. New statistics indicate that law school attendance has skyrocketed because of the current political landscape. I’m also working on a book. I hope that it will help other survivors realize they’re survivors. It took me until the beginning of 2018 to even call myself a survivor. You have to come face to face with everything you’ve been through. And if my strategic team says run for office in 2020, I’ll run in 2020. However, I’d like to finish my degree and then run for office when my children are a little bit older.

What do you think gives you your Sass? I’ve been called a fire-

Charissa Hipp has a passion for connecting people to places through tourism marketing, storytelling, writing and hiking. A wife and mother of three, she encourages others to connect with nature to experience its physical, mental and spiritual benefits. Follow her outdoor adventures on Instagram at @hipphikergal.

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P H O T O G R A P H Y: N IEKEODBPE H L LOAT OPGHROATPOHGERRA P H Y

cracker and told I’m feisty and have moxie. I get my personality from my mom, she and my personality give me my sass.

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FEATURE

u t l u C

preserving

By Rachel Lytle

Imagine: You live in Cameroon, Africa, and you’re pregnant with your second child. You have only $5,000 in savings — more than some, but less than you want. You’re in search of a new beginning. Lucky enough, you just won the lottery. No, not a scratch off or the Powerball or the Mega Millions. You won the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery — one of the four main pathways to obtain a green card into the United States.

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P H O T O G R A P H Y: JNEESESDI CPAHNO TPAT O G TREARPSHOE N R PHOTOGRAPHY

in a modern world

e r u

FEATURE

SUMMER 19 27

FEATURE According to the Migration Policy Institute, more than 44.5 million immigrants reside in the U.S, almost 14 percent of the population. Currently, one in seven residents is estimated to be foreign-born.

Frederick local Liz Etouke immigrated to America after entering the U.S. DV Lottery on a whim. “A million people ‘play’, but barely anyone gets it. I wanted more for my life, but I didn’t know how to get that more. And when I won, it was such a good opportunity to start over,” Liz said. “My husband didn’t want to move. So, I went without him.”

Liz arrived in the U.S. for the first time with her children during the spring of 2016. A native speaker of both French and English, she expressed less of a language barrier and more of a culture shock. “I was prepared for a change, but not that much change.”

Having resigned from her job at Nestle in order to move, Liz got a new position working part-time while studying at Frederick Community College and taking care of a newborn by herself. But it wasn’t her profession or environment that stood out as the biggest difference after settling in — it was the individualism. “[In the U.S.], it’s about the ‘me’ — in Africa, it’s about the ‘we.’”

Liz was able to take advantage of this difference in culture.

“The ‘we’ mindset is a challenge

for people who are ambitious in Africa. Many don’t have the opportunity to think only about themselves and do what they want. When I arrived in the U.S., it was difficult to find the support in the ‘we,’ so I had to transition very fast, but once I figured out the system, it gave me the chance to express myself and I enjoy it,” she said.

In addition to assimilating, Liz continues to teach her children traditional African values like respecting your elders, something she believes is a big cultural difference. Francine Kasende, who followed her husband to the States from Belgium, expressed similar tendencies. “On Saturdays when my kids were younger, we would have a big breakfast and talk to them about expectations, rights, and obligations. These include respecting your parents’ home, being on time, following rules, to lead by example, the importance of education, respecting yourself, the elders, and the way you dress.”

Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Francine said she preserves her African identity by passing along the ideologies from her childhood, speaking Congolese at home, and embracing the African style of dance. “I try to mix the cultures — African, European, and American — to find the best from all cultures.”

The Kasende family loves celebrating Thanksgiving as a part of the American culture. Adding to their mixed heritage, they celebrate

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P H O T O G R A P H Y: JNEESESDI CPAH OPAT T O TGERRASPOHNE RP H O T O G R A P H Y

Liz Etouke

FEATURE Christmas dinner the “European way,” with a full course meal, and New Year’s Eve the “African way,” enjoying special cuisine and traditional clothing.

But not all immigrant families are as different as Americans may think. Sukanya Bora moved here nearly 19 years ago from India to marry her husband. “Two kids, one dog, and three homes later, I am more connected to this country than I ever thought I’d be,” she said.

“As a parent of two swiftly growing kids, I am often torn about them being thousands of miles away from my immediate family and the simple, charming community that raised and shaped me,” she said. “But I am also excited about their bright future — the unlimited and vast opportunities they have to grow into responsible citizens of the world.”

Upon moving here from India, one of the first things Sukanya noticed was the lack of people on the streets and the roads. “I come from a country with two billion people. Not having to find my way through a crowd was nice. It sounds minor, but it’s not a minor thing for someone who comes from an overpopulated country.”

The infrastructure also sets the U.S. apart from India.

“India is still developing. School is more structured in the U.S. —

everything is methodical and organized. Sometimes, I miss the madness.”

Of the countless experiences America has offered Sukanya, one that continues to have a profound impact on her is its diversity of people and perspectives, and the salient lessons of acceptance and inclusivity it regularly teaches her children. “It’s heartening for me when my kids come back from school and talk about their friends from all different environments, cultures, and economic backgrounds.”

Sukanya and her family celebrate the Diwali Festival of Lights in addition to teaching their native language and values to their children. “My kids see me traveling tons of miles to be with my father in India because he’s ill. They see my husband helping his parents,” she said. “It’s a given in India to help your elders. There is no assisted living or senior centers — you live with family. It’s an awkward concept for [Indians] to understand — why would I send my elderly mom to be taken care of by a stranger when I could take care of her?”

One country many might presume to have vast cultural differences from the U.S. is Iran, though Dr. Lobat Zainali, a practicing orthodontist in Frederick, contests differently. “You would be amazed that a Middle Eastern country is exactly the mirror culture of the U.S. We celebrate Halloween, Valentine’s Day,

Sukanya Bora

SUMMER 19 29

Preserving one’s culture is an instinct by many to maintain heritage no matter where someone lives, or where they are from.

and use social media. Kids learn English in school. They listen to the same Western music. They go to prom. In weddings there are bridesmaids. There is not much of a disconnect — more similarities than differences in my opinion.”

Unfortunately, the political climate has been affecting her family and friends. “My sister has a green card, but she can’t come to the U.S. because of President Trump’s travel ban for certain countries.

We also just went to a wedding of a good family friend whose father and sister could not be present. It’s sad. [The ban] is just separating families who want to visit each other.”

She went on, “Yes, the current environment is worrying, however, there is hope and optimism that things will change because there is awareness and talk about many of the issues. I want my daughter to know that despite being a minority, she can aspire to be anyone she wants to be, that she can use her voice for the right causes and stand up for any injustice she experiences with compassion, kindness, and inclusivity.”

In the end, “we are all human,” Dr. Zainali emphasized. Preserving one’s culture is an instinct by many to maintain heritage no matter where someone lives, or where they are from — and understandably so.

Hell, when I moved from Pennsylvania to Maryland, I made sure to keep my Philly traditions alive. But what I find the most fascinating is the learned appreciation and morphing of cultures that U.S. immigrants bring to our society. Immigrants see America from a perspective that is boundless with opportunity and diversity. While our country is not perfect, the blend of our American way of life with other cultures is truly what created us — the melting pot of the world — in the first place. We can all learn from each other. Sometimes, we forget this privilege.

But luckily for us, we don’t have to worry — we won the lottery, too.

Francine Kasende

Rachel Lytle Southern Maryland native and Penn State Alumna, Rachel works full-time in marketing and is a freelance writer for a variety of women’s lifestyle publications. She has a passion for mental health advocacy and enjoys to play tennis, travel, and spend her spare time with family and friends.

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P H O T O G R A P H Y: J E S S I C A PAT T E R S O N P H O T O G R A P H Y

FEATURE

the best part of memories is

making them

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FEATURE

Making Changes on a

Global

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P H O T O G R A P H Y: LNEEIEGDH PAHNONTEO G BRAD PH ER E RP H O T O G R A P H Y

By Ashley Waters, DPA

FEATURE

Throughout history, in all corners of the world, women have pushed society to think bigger, move forward and curate compassion. Even in our corner of Western Maryland, women choose daily to improve access to services and networks for the betterment of our families and communities. Many local women don’t allow geographical boundaries to halt their ideas and passions. They have decided to take their passion for mobilizing change to new heights and lengths spanning oceans, mountains, countries, and continents. There is work to be done. Yet, how does one even begin to think of making an impact globally? Learn from three local women who have devoted their expertise and hunger to make a difference to advocacy work on an international scale in unique ways, transcending cultural and global unknowns with dedication and passion.

Learning to Become a Sustainable Traveler Kelsey Austin caught the travel bug when she was in high school. After studying abroad in college and professionally working as a travel agent for a short period of time, she knew international adventure was her calling. “In the unknown, I got addicted to that feeling. Traveling. Yet, the more I traveled, the more I morally became conflicted with the environmental impacts of tourism.” Navigating that feeling led her to G Adventures where she works as a Business Development Manager.

G Adventures is an adventure tour company specializing in small-group, culturally immersive travel all around the world. The business’ non-profit arm, the Planaterra Foundation, established by G Adventures founder Bruce Poon Tip, helps rural communities gain economic stability from tourism.

Through G Adventures and her own explorations, Kelsey has

visited six continents and 42 countries. “Yes, sustainable travel is a buzzword. But there are ways to do it right and ways it is being exploited. It isn’t all about being green and reducing waste. It is about trying to decide who should have access, conserving the treasures of the world, and sourcing resources locally when possible.”

Through the Planterra Foundation, local populations are being engaged in planned travel excursions. In India, which is a top-selling location for solo female travelers, G Adventures and Planterra trained 90 women as chauffeurs and helped them learn English. In other areas, they have helped locals establish restaurants and cycling tours. “This is more than volun-tourism where there is one day of work and then off they go. This helps the towns and communities obtain a steady income, help them find a route out of poverty, and sustain businesses.”

SUMMER 19 33

FEATURE

TIPS FOR OWNING YOUR POWER AND POSITION

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Alina Potts

Reflect On Your Own Power and Position Alina Potts, a humanitarian practitioner focusing on gender-based violence prevention and response, began her work as a student abroad in Ireland. She loved working and living abroad so much that it led her to Niger, the United Kingdom and beyond. Since college, she has worked for the International Rescue Committee, UNICEF, and the Global Women’s Institute in their gender-based violence response teams and prevention research areas. Her work with those in need of refuge or asylum has led her to an abundance of countries, including India, Bangladesh, Italy, Kenya, Somalia and Liberia. “I work with those who can’t return home. I feel gratitude when I can come home because I can see and access the places and people I know. Those seeking refuge or asylum want that feeling of home and security.”

While Alina’s work can be exhausting and depleting, she has found strength in knowing and using her power and position for good. “I have worked alongside women in the countries in which I have been placed and they are [the] truest advocates. I use the skills I have (in project management, humanitarian system management, etc.) and match that with their expertise, stories, and skills. It’s been one of my most favorite things.” Alina’s work in violence prevention enables her creative thinking to address root causes, while working in response requires problem-solving and provision of supports.

Alina admits that she is commended for her work often. “I have experienced, ‘oh you are such a good person, you are an angel’ talk quite a bit. But

P H O T O G R A P H Y: LNEEIEGDH PAHNONTEO G BRAD PH ER E RP H O T O G R A P H Y

• H ave the conversations at home around gender, power, and position. We can all start where we are.

• Become educated on those who migrate and those who seek refuge. Learn about their skills and how they identify.

• Be aware of how you influence social norms. Americans often have more power in that area than one realizes. The world is looking for our leadership and our advocacy, and paying attention to our behaviors/actions.

CATEGORYFEATURE HEADER

TIPS FOR USING YOUR EXPERTISE

• O rganizations and communities need help in many areas, for example, project management. Identify your talents and think creatively. You can help.

• Create partnerships to help sustain your projects and efforts.

the main point is that we all have a huge role to play in how we treat others in our daily lives. Abuse of power and the positive use of power (with others and within ourselves) and the power to change things is real. The basic goal is to have more kindness and compassion with ourselves and it all builds from that.”

Use Your Expertise to Help in Unexpected Ways When Geni Donnelly first began practicing yoga, she had been a restaurateur, a real estate agent, appraiser, and strong community member in Frederick. Through her training in yoga, however, she found “seva”1, the act of selfless action, and experienced a coalescing of her worlds. Yogamour was born. “With my friend and now co-founder Rebecca, I created Yogamour with the mission of bringing the therapeutic aspects of yoga and mindfulness to survivors of trauma, marginalized communities and in-need populations. This mission has manifested itself in many ways, including our own yoga retreats abroad, trainings and classes.”

Yogamour Global’s seva retreats began in 2011 with yoga volunteers and other specialists, and have continued for more than eight years. Having occurred in India, Thailand and Myanmar these retreats allow “yogi” volunteers to take their “yoga off the mat and into the real world2,” in an effort to aid underserved populations and “slum schools” in these communities.

Seva retreats enable volunteers to directly connect with communities in need through health and wellness initiatives including eye clinics, dental clinics, educational programs, physical activities, agricultural enhancements, and yoga practices and philosophies.

“We bring whatever services we can. It all depends on the needs of the people. I have been blessed to have taken four of my five kids on retreats and we bring whatever we can to those communities. My son, who is a carpenter, repaired desks and built a community garden. My other son created a physical education

Geni Donnelly

SUMMER 19 35

FEATURE

TIPS FOR SUSTAINABLE TRAVELING:

curriculum for a local slum school. My sister in law hosts dental clinics. I teach yoga and self-centering activities. Whatever we can bring, we bring.” Yogamour is currently planning its retreat to Cambodia for this fall.

While international work may seem intimidating for some, local-women-turned-international-advocates, Kelsey, Geni, and Alina, provide unique insights into how service, passion, and compassion can be combined to create an impact in struggling communities. By realizing your power and position, using your expertise, and being conscious of your impact abroad, women in the Sass community can follow in their footsteps to intentionally and purposefully use their Western Maryland roots to make a difference globally.

Dr. Ashley Waters is a wife, mom, operations administrator, event planner, community volunteer and an avid organizer. She loves being busy with a purpose and making an impact with her work and within the Frederick community.

Ashley aims to help others fit their passions into their lives and continues to work on achieving just the right work-life balance for her many roles.

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1 Donnelly, G. (2014, May 30). Five Ways to Practice Seva In Your Daily Life. Retrieved from yogamour.org/letters-from-the-heart/2014/5/29/five-ways-to-practice-sevain-your-daily-life 2 Yogamour Global. (n.d.). Retrieved from www.yogamourglobal.org/

GR A D P EHRE RP H O T O G R A P H Y P H O T O G R A P H Y: LNEEIEGDH PAHNONTEO B

Kelsey Austin

• D on’t rely on social media.

Understand the impact of your travel and not just the “instagramable” nature of a moment.

• Support local businesses. Try new foods. Try new accommodations. While everyone wants to travel off the beaten path, consider going local.

• Not all solo female trips need to be “Eat, Pray, Love” style. Most countries need our tourism support. Think of Puerto Rico, for example. Go where your travel dollars are needed for economic growth that will also feed your sense of adventure and benefit your stress levels.

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FASHION FEATURE

FASHION

By Brittany Carpenter

GO…

ON THE

Things may have changed over the years, but I will always remember the pictures from the 1950s and 60s of people traveling in their three piece suits, and dresses with gloves.

Sure, it’s not realistic but there is always something to be said for timeless elegance.

Hopping on a plane today is about as extravagant an event as getting coffee. Planning your outfit for an extended train ride is about comfort, not standing out in a crowd. But

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what will you wear when you need to jump straight off the plane and out on the town? How do you make practical, yet still chic wardrobe choices while still being able to sit through a five hour flight? There are easy ways to dress for comfort and style no matter where your final destination takes you.

Stand out on your next flight with the perfect shoe, tote or top. You may be stylishly late, but you’ll still be able to run to your gate before the flight takes off without you!

P H O T O G R A P H Y: B R A D B A R N W E L L

Do you remember those days when traveling offered an excuse to pull out the fancy clothes and special shoes? When planning daily outfits and packing your travels bags was a huge deal? I know it’s hard to imagine now, but there was a time when we all dressed to the nines. No leggings. No sweatshirt. Traveling wasn’t about comfort, it was about social status.

FASHION FEATURE

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Sexy in Sneakers

Thank the fashion gods that sneakers are so on trend right now. Don’t be afraid to rock a pair of your fav sneaks with the most feminine of dresses! Bonus tip: Pack a pair of heels in your carry-on for an easy change when you land.

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P H O T O G R A P H Y: B R A D B A R N W E L L

FASHION FEATURE

FASHION FEATURE

Flatforms Are Your Friend

Let’s face it, heels are not the most comfortable to wear on a flight, or any occasion really. Flatforms, a thick, flat platform heeled shoe, will be your new best friend while traveling. They give you that sexy edge and height yet remain comfortable enough to walk from terminal to terminal.

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FASHION FEATURE

Special Thanks! All fashions and accessories provided care of Chic to Chic Boutique (Gaithersburg, MD). chictochic.com

Luxe in Layers

Travel rule number one is to dress in layers. Update your standard outfit with elevated color stories and patterns to take your look to the next level.

Comfortable Chic

42 SASS MAGAZINE | SASSMAGAZINE.COM

P H O T O G R A P H Y: B R A D B A R N W E L L

Fabric is key when you’re picking flight outfits.

Look for fabrics that are comfortable, breathable and wrinkle resistant for those long trips.

Look for denims with stretch and silks that will breathe even if the AC is broken on the flight!

This is not a

TORTURE DEV I C E but the wrong bra can feel like one.

Bra Boutique 149 MARKET STREET, FREDERICK, MD 21701 • 301-662-2722 info@alicial.com www.facebook.com/AliciaLFrederick/

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14N East St, Everedy Square, Frederick MD|301.663.1233

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BEAUTY

MINDFUL

By Rebecca Carrera

It’s 2019 and the future of sustainable beauty is now! Many brands today are establishing improved business practices that not only create a healthier product for you, but a healthier environment for us all.

Although many brands use recycled and recyclable packaging, it’s up to us to make sure our used packaging makes it into the blue bin. It’s reported that more than 120 billion units of cosmetic packaging are produced globally each year, so be sure to look for the mobius loop (the triangle made of arrows) printed on the box or the product itself, indicating it is recyclable.

Some beauty companies are reducing their carbon footprint by utilizing 100% renewable energy sources to power their production line. Imagine that — your daily moisturizer created by using the sun and wind. It doesn’t get much greener than that!

Other companies choose to make a difference by supporting female harvesters of ingredient yielding plants. They employ these women in overseas countries and help them create and run their own businesses.

Creating specific products to promote and drive donations to certain organizations not only drives retail sales, but also helps charitable organizations such as “with, not against” our oceans, #bringbackthebees and Surfrider Foundation.

Going forward, let’s all make a conscious effort to be more mindful about the brands we’re purchasing and what they’re doing to sustain our environment.

Rebecca Carrera Wife, mother, brow guru, green beauty obsessed, clean eater, design lover, and the owner of Maven Beauty Bar in downtown Frederick, Maryland. www.mavenbeautybar.com

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love story

your than any other...

is different

Co m p r e h e n s i v e e v e n t p l a n n i n g s e rv i C e s

Weddings Corporate soCial

ceresville

MANSION Brodie Ledford Photography

Weddings & special events

TO S C H E D U L E YO U R P E R S O N A L T O U R & C O N S U LT A T I O N , C a l l 3 0 1 . 6 9 4 . 5 1 1 1 t o D aY !

At Ceresville, we’ll help you create a day full of extraordinary moments as unique and special as you are!

CELEBRATING YOU IN EVERY SEASON OF YOUR LIFE.

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ARE YOU AS EFFECTIVE

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FREDERICK

CONTACT US TODAY!

(301) 360-4106 www.vansant.sandler.com

MEAN GREEN

HAIR

By Tammy Brandenburg

Salons today are actively working to keep our planet green and inspiring their clients to get involved! From cruelty free products to effectively lowering their environmental footprint, salons are finding creative ways to give back to the planet.

For those who love all animals, finding and purchasing products from cruelty free companies that perform no animal testing is very important. To take it one step further, salons are now offering vegan friendly hair color. Clients with health restrictions, allergies, sensitivities and those who morally oppose the use of any and all animal products can now safely and ethically color their hair. Salon grade vegan, gluten free and nut free professional colors are now available. Ask your stylist for the summer color that’s just right for you.

Other hair companies use all natural ingredients. Whether those ingredients are farm grown or harvested in nature, these companies are always giving back. For example John Paul Mitchell Systems has a self sustaining, solar-powered awapuhi farm in Hawaii. Awapuhi ginger is a plant used for hydration in their shampoos, conditioner and stylers. Aveda is another earth-friendly pioneer utilizing natural plant derived ingredients, wind power, cruelty free manufacturing and post-consumer recycled packaging.

From recycling to repurposing we can all do our part to lower our environmental footprint — salons included! Green Circle Salons are now taking items (like color tubes, used foils and even hair!) that would normally be thrown away and diverting them from waterways and landfills. To save water, EcoHeads is a company that makes attachments for salon shampoo bowls to help elevate the water pressure and reduce water usage up to 65%.

Salons are also partnering with amazing groups to help make the earth a healthier place. John Paul Mitchell’s Tea Tree brand has partnered with Reforest’Action to plant 750,000 trees by the end of 2019 in California, Haiti and Peru.

Use the code #rootedingreen to learn more and visit the JPMS Tea Tree website to plant a tree — our copy editor Chrissy just planted one while editing this article! For the last 13 years, Aveda salon partners and institutes have worked closely with Western Resource Advocates to raise over 1.8 million dollars to support clean water initiatives and spread awareness about local water issues.

Salons across the country are giving back in various ways — cancer research, anti-bullying campaigns, veteran support, local girls and boys clubs and local school initiatives and scholarships. Make sure to ask your stylist how you can

Tammy Brandenburg get involved during your next visit!

Stylist, educator, mom and an I am proud to be one of many stylists who get to help make this world a

everyday woman. Senior stylist at better place! You too can get out there and do your part — together we can New York, New York Salon & Spa and always make changes at home, in our local communities and even on a global level to learning. Mom of two and constantly moving! @ tammy.brandenburg.hair create a brighter future for our planet.

SUMMER 19 47

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April Izer, Realtor® | aprilizer@c21redwood.com | c21redwood.com/april-izer o. 301.365.0664 | c. 717.825.1200 | 8 E. 2nd Street, Suite 100, Frederick, MD

Home

CATEGORY HEADER TRAVEL

WELC ME Travel Advisors Offer Peace of Mind, Expertise and a Safe Return

By Lauri Gross

Alexandra Bohn may not be a superhero able to leap tall buildings, but as a 42-year veteran travel advisor she comes pretty close. Since 1977, her work providing outstanding vacation options has survived the telex, the fax and the internet. “There has never been a case where I felt agents are obsolete,” she said. Even though booking trips — from simple weekend getaways to coast-to-coast business trips or exotic overseas excursions — seems easy enough to do yourself online, there are plenty of solid reasons for engaging the services of a travel advisor. In other words: Step away from the internet and leave things to the professionals.

WEB EXCLUSIVE l articles Lots more trave on s rie ra ne iti d an com sassmagazine.

SUMMER 19 49

TRAVEL

There are many ways to find reputable travel advisors.

Some clients find their way to agencies via Virtuoso, which describes itself as “an exclusive network of high-end travel companies who work together to create customized vacations for luxury travelers.” Others may simple ask for referrals and recommendations from family and friends. When researching travel services look for the Top-Ten symbol from the Prime Buyer’s Report.

According to The Prime Buyer’s Report website, Maryland does not require any license for travel agents in Frederick County, so there's no state standard for competency and reliability. Travel agents in Frederick County who have earned The Prime Buyer's Report-TOP 10 symbol have been cleared by the Prime Buyer’s Report research staff as achieving high levels of satisfaction with their travel services, good complaint record, verified liability insurance, sufficient length of time in business and best business practices.

Alexandra has been with the Frederick-based Antietam Travel Service for 25 years. Except for some rare, specific circumstances, her agency charges no fees. “Tour companies pay us. It’s no additional cost to the passenger,” said Alexandra, who added, “We have a long list of reputable businesses (such as tour operators and cruise lines) that we do business with. Some have been in business 50-60 years.”

50 SASS MAGAZINE | SASSMAGAZINE.COM

Some clients will see something online about a trip and ask Alexandra about it. “People Google something. It could be a person anywhere selling something,” she said. “We look at it. Are they bonded, insured? Does (the client) know what happens to their credit card info online? Do you have to wire money? It could be iffy. We take the itinerary and research the companies we know and we can rely on. We know when you get there, there is support and everything is in order. We can find the same or similar (itinerary) without all the questions.

Our goal is for the client to come back and say ‘It all worked out well and as advertised,’ and not that the tour was cancelled last minute or the car didn’t show up.”

Many travel agents specialize in certain types of trips or destinations. “We have one agent who primarily books Disney travel arrangements,” said Alexandra, who specializes mainly in international trips that require research and experience. She is currently putting together a trip for two clients who want to track gorillas in Rwanda.

Wanderlust

explore

CATEGORY HEADER TRAVEL

According to Alexandra, she and her colleagues do a tremendous amount of training, webinars and site or hotel inspections to stay informed and up-to-date on destinations, hotels and cruise lines. “We receive up to 100 emails daily from cruise lines and tour companies with promotions and information about their specials. We know our clients and what they like. We may see a special and think so-and-so might be interested, so we’ll email or call them and then connect them with the special.”

The travel advisor’s job extends to less pleasant possibilities as well. “We dealt with the Iceland volcano eruption,” she said. “We dealt with 9/11. We had clients worldwide that were assisted. We have a database so we can be proactive if they need assistance with new flights or hotels. When we know a storm is coming, we can look at our records and contact clients to advise them about options or assist with changes.

Or, we tell them to have a snow scraper in their car at BWI for when they return from Mexico. Expedia will not do that.”

According to the site FlyForGood.com, “Online booking sites are notorious for keeping customers on hold and never actually helping to solve the problem. If you book with a travel agent, you have a name and phone number you can turn to during a moment of crisis.”

Despite all the technology at their fingertips, Alexandra said she and her colleagues are still old fashioned. They follow-up with clients after a trip. And they mail cards that say, “Welcome home.”

Lauri Gross After more than a decade in corporate PR with Discovery Channel, TLC and Animal Planet, Lauri switched to freelance work, helping clients with corporate communications and media relations. Since 2000, Lauri has been writing feature stories and columns on a freelance basis for local and regional magazines and newspapers in various parts of the U.S.

SUMMER 19 51

DISTINCTIVE STYLE FA B U LO U S G I F T S www.mollysmeanderings.com Pink dotted line indicates outer edge of label.

Please do not print pink dotted line.

17 N. Market St., Frederick MD | 301.668.8075 M-Th 10:30-6 | Fri. & Sat. 10:30-9 | Sun. 12-5

Voted Best in Women’s Fashions

Miracles bloom when we come together to care for those in need DISCOVERY

Tickets on sale soon for the August 2, 2019 Soles of Love in the Garden Charity event!

Once again, this year’s gathering will be held at the newly renovated property of our founder, Julie Gaver, at Meadow Branch Farm in Myersville, MD. Come and be part of a relaxing evening of friendship, conversation, music, and community while meandering through the Gavers’ serene country property. Guests are asked to donate all the new children’s shoes their heart will allow which are distributed throughout Frederick and Washington Counties.

301. 29 3. 419 5 | J ULIE GAVE R .COM

For more information go to juliegaver.com and click on Must Love Shoes › Soles of Love.

WELLNESS WEB EXCLUSIVE fav health apps Check out our urces on and fitness reso com sassmagazine.

Get a Great Vacation Workout With These

By Jen Zeltwanger

Keep up with your fitness goals during your travels, and you’ll come home feeling extra glow-y. Even if your hotel doesn’t boast a gym, you can still break a sweat! While a vacation workout might sound like the last thing you want to do, fitting in some exercise can actually aid in your ability to relax and rejuvenate. Throw one of these products into your suitcase for an effective vacation workout with minimum hassle.

SUMMER 19 53

WELLNESS

A Simple Jump Rope

Foldable Yoga Mat

Jumping rope is a great way to quickly raise your heart rate.

Dedicate five minutes to jumping rope before breakfast each morning and your cardio fitness goal is met! Find an uncrowded outdoor spot — like a park, boardwalk, or outdoor patio area — and do some quick jump rope exercises to get your heart rate up for a quick cardio workout. Look for a durable plastic rope that has ball-bearing handles to ensure smooth rotation and which can be adjusted for your height.

After a long day of sightseeing, a yoga sequence or stretch session can feel extra yummy. Look for a yoga mat that is thin, lightweight and has a bit of texture to minimize slipping. A mat that can fold up like an article of clothing will fit nicely in your suitcase. Plus, they’re easier to pack than a rolled mat.

Resistance Bands Resistance bands or tubes take up minimum space and provide a maximum workout. Many sets come with interchangeable handles and a range of resistance exercises that can be stacked together to increase the weight. A good set of tubes can be used for most exercises that would typically require dumbbells at the gym. Find a set that comes with ankle straps or a door anchor to broaden the range of possible exercises.

Some band sets even come equip with a carrying case to make it super easy to stash in your suitcase.

Collapsible Water Bottle Don’t waste money buying bottled water! A bottle that rolls or folds up is easy to carry in your purse or carry-on. Look for one that has a wide mouth making it easy to refill and clean.

Some collapsible bottles are also designed to stand upright when filled and many come with a carabiner to clip to your bag or backpack.

Exercise Sliders Sliders are a unique way to get a low impact workout and are especially great for working your core. Most sets are designed to work easily on a variety of floor surfaces. Plus, most are lightweight, so they won’t weigh down your carry on. Try accessing some how-to videos online to get workout ideas.

Fitness Cards If you’re looking for a creative way to exercise, a stack of fitness cards is the way to go. A full deck of cards provides enough individual exercises to make every workout different. Fitness cards are like a deck of playing cards. Just pick any number of cards at random and complete the exercises back to back.

Travel doesn’t have to derail your exercise efforts. Stash a few of these key fitness items in your overnight bag or suitcase and enjoy your vacation workout! If you don’t have room in your travel bags then a quick web search will share many equipment free travel workouts and apps to help you maintain your fitness goals.

Jen Zeltwanger Jen is a health and fitness writer, coach and runner. She loves squats, hates kale and believes a fit life starts at home. She blogs about fitness and nutrition at www.TheHomeFitnessClub.com

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B.A.S.E. BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT

As the largest provider of school-age programs in Frederick County, we help hundreds of children every day reach their fullest potential in a welcoming, supportive environment. By incorporating the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility into all of our youth services programming, we give children the solid foundation they need to thrive—not only in school, but beyond.

For more information, contact Diana Lewis at 301-663-5131, ext. 1269 or dlewis@frederickymca.org

VISIT FREDERICKYMCA.ORG FOR MORE INFO

CHILDCARE

The YMCA of Frederick County is the county’s largest provider of child care programs, providing family-centered, values-based programs to nurture children’s healthy development.

Our program is MSDE accredited and our well-trained staff provide safe, affordable, highquality care so you can have peace of mind while you work. Staff members are partners with parents and other caregivers, working together to help kids grow up healthy, happy and strong. We emphasize values such as caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Like all Y programs, child care is open to all, with financial assistance available.

For more information, contact Krista Kaplan at 301-663-5131, ext. 1278 or kkaplan@frederickymca.org

Coaching & Counseling for Truth Seekers

❤ Find your true voice ❤ Live boldly and freely ❤ Develop inner stillness ❤ Free self from the myth of perfection 240.674.5485 | www.ownyourevolution.com

NOw ACCEPTING

nominations

Inspire/Empower | Woman to Watch If you feel that you know of a woman who would be a candidate for a Sass spotlight, please let us know by completing the nomination form at sassmagazine.com/nominate.

MAGAZINE

/sassfrederick |

/sassmagazine

THE FITNESS PROGRAM THAT HELPS YOU

ACHIEVE RESULTS.

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SASS Business Spotlight:

STUDIOS Did you know the team who brings you Sass Magazine is also a full-service branding and graphic design company? They’re a group of creative, independent-thinking ladies who love empowering women in business AND in life — by helping female-owned businesses grow and by giving women a platform to share their stories through Sass Magazine. Read on as Kim Dow, owner and founder, discusses the company’s values, mission and goals.

56 SASS MAGAZINE | SASSMAGAZINE.COM

ADVERTISEMENT

What makes your business stand out? We have first-hand experience in small business entrepreneurship, magazine publishing and event coordination, so we can really relate to our clients needs and struggles. We bring a variety of perspectives and ideas to the table, with a focus on strategy and long term results. We specifically chose our niche (women biz owners and pet businesses) to suit our own shared interests and passions.

What is your career background?

I have a bachelor of arts degree from Salisbury University.

After working as a graphic designer at a local small business, I decided it was time to do my own thing. I set a goal for myself to start a business before I turned 30, and Kalico Design (now Sass Studios) was started five months before then. I invested in a laptop, sat on my couch, and started a business — with hardly any clients and my dog staring at me!

This year marks our 11th year in business as a branding and graphic design studios. (Crap, now you know how old I am!)

What is the single most critical talent you possess in your role as a business owner? Creative and strategic problem-solving!

Can you describe your customers?

Our clients range from companies as large as international or national organizations to start-up solopreneurs. We work with businesses that range in industries, such as veterinary practice; business or life coaches; health and wellness centers; retail shops; travel and tourism centers and much more. What I think they all have in common is that they understand how important a consistent, well designed marketing and branding look is for the growth of their organization.

They’re smart and savvy in their field, and enjoy collaborating with other creative professionals.

research for each of our clients and end up learning so much in the process. There’s nothing more rewarding than being able to play a part in fulfilling a client’s dream of entrepreneurship or helping a business reach their marketing goals.

The most challenging part of the job is expressing the importance of professional graphic design to people who think they can do it themselves. If you want to be taken seriously in your field, you need to take your marketing materials seriously.

We can help with that!

Where do you see your business in the next year? In the next five years? I see us really focusing on women-owned business.

As a woman-owned business ourselves, we enjoy helping and seeing other female entrepreneurs kick ass. We can relate to the journey they’re on, because we’re on it ourselves! I’d also like to see more people take advantage of our express branding bundle, because it’s a great way for small start-ups to get their name out quickly with a professional look.

When you’re not running your business, what are you doing?

I can be found spending time with my husband, who was my high school sweetheart, and our two rescue pitbulls and cat.

We enjoy hiking and traveling together. I also love to garden and read.

What matters most to you in your business? We really listen to our clients. We want to learn as much as we can about their business, so that we can best help them, and ultimately be a driving factor in helping to grow. We love to support and celebrate our clients triumphs and wins!

What is it like to work for you?

We like to have fun by going out for lunch or happy hour for brainstorming sessions, but we also know how to get sh*t done. Our employees are a part of business decisions and networking — it’s truly a team effort here.

What is the best part about what you do? Most Challenging? The best part is learning about so many different things! We have to do a lot of

STUDIOS

Sass Studios (Creators of Sass Magazine!)

301.360.5417 | www.sasscreativestudios.com 125 East Patrick St., Ste 3, Frederick, MD @sasscreativestudios For more information, turn to page 3 or 64!

SUMMER 19 57

Frederick Steeplechasers Running Club

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GIFTS INN BOONSBORO

5 kilometers of summer fun, fitness and friendship proceeds benefit Women’s Giving Circle of Frederick County

Saturday, August 3rd Frederick Community College

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FRANCIS SCOTT KEY APARTMENTS Located in the heart of downtown Frederick, just steps from shopping, dining, theaters, parks & farmers markets.

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WALKERSVILLE SOUTHERN RAILROAD 18 North Main Street | Boonsboro, MD 21713 www.ttpbooks.com | 301.432.4588 Saturday, July 20th 24TH ANNIVERSARY MULTI-AUTHOR SIGNING

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Saturday, September 14th J.D. ROBB SIGNS VENDETTA IN DEATH MULTI-AUTHOR SIGNING Saturday, October 26th HALLOWEEN MULTI-AUTHOR SIGNING

Featuring Nora Roberts Book Signings

FAMILY FRIENDLY TRAIN EXCURSIONS AND DINNER TRAINS IN BEAUTIFUL FREDERICK COUNTY, MARYLAND 34 WEST PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, WALKERSVILLE, MD 301-898-0899 | WWW.WSRR.ORG

NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS. Women give because we care.

More than 1 in 3 of our neighbors struggle to afford basic needs – and 3 in 4 single mother households struggle.

YOU ARE THE ANSWER. Give at www.unityfrederick.com

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s a p tainspired

By Sarah Kurtanich

P H O T O G R A P H Y: S A R A H K U R TA N I C H

I would choose a meal made entirely of appetizers over a traditional main course any day. I enjoy sampling many dishes and flavors, and I relish sharing the experience with others. So when introduced to the concept of tapas, I was sold before the first bite.

Originating in Spain, tapas are not technically appetizers.

Traditionally, tapas are small plates served in bars meant to accompany drinks. Entire meals made of tapas are a recent development, but nonetheless they have become a very popular dining style.

I love putting together a spread of small bites when entertaining at home. It provides a mix of flavors, makes it a little easier to accommodate various dietary needs and it’s fun!

Here are a few recipes for some delicious tapas inspired cocktail snacks. They’ll get rave reviews at your next cocktail party, game night or heck — Sunday dinner.

Sarah Kurtanich is the Chief Eating Officer at Taste Frederick Food Tours, the co-host of The Mustache Mesa podcast, a Holistic Health Coach and Wild Woman Project Circle Leader. She believes in enjoying your food, taking care of yourself and doing things that make you feel good. She and her husband call Frederick home with their daughter and golden retriever.

You can find Sarah digitally on her website, BySarahRae.com and on Instagram @sarahkurtanich.

60 SASS MAGAZINE | SASSMAGAZINE.COM

RECIPE

WHITE BEAN, HERBS & PARMESAN STUFFED MUSHROOMS 2 5 - 3 0 C R E M I N I M U S H R O O M C A P S, L I G H T LY S C R U B B E D A N D D R I E D 1 CAN WHITE BEANS 3 / 4 C U P PA R S L E Y 2 TA B L E S P O O N S F R E S H S A G E C H O P P E D 2 CLOVES GARLIC 1 T E A S P O O N S E A S A LT 1/2 TEASPOON RED PEPPER FLAKES 1 / 2 C U P F I N E LY D I C E D S W E E T O N I O N 4 - 5 TA B L E S P O O N S O L I V E O I L

Place mushrooms with dome/top facing up on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1-2 tablespoons olive oil — rub the mushroom caps to make sure they’re good and coated.

Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Broil for about 3 minutes with the pan 4-6 inches from the broiler.

Mash 1 cup of the beans and 2 tablespoons olive oil together with a fork, roughly chop the remaining beans and add to bowl of mashed beans. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and red pepper flakes and cook until the onions are translucent, softened and fragrant. Add garlic and cook for another minute, then add parsley and sage. Turn off the heat and stir until the parsley has wilted. Immediately pour the mix into the bowl with the bean mixture. Let cool for a few minutes, then add the parmesan, salt and a good sprinkle of pepper.

Flip the mushrooms so the cavity side is facing up.

Sprinkle all of them with salt and pepper. Scoop a generous amount of filling into each mushroom cap, using your fingers to fill the cavity and form a mound. Drizzle the stuffed mushrooms with olive oil.

Return to the oven under the broiler for 5-6 minutes until the tops just begin to brown. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

ARLICKY SHRIMP AND BURST G TOMATO SKEWERS 1 1/2 LBS SHRIMP (PEELED AND DEFROSTED) 4 0 + C O C K TA I L S I Z E D B A M B O O S K E W E R S 1 2 O Z G R A P E T O M AT O E S 1 / 2 TA B L E S P O O N H I G H Q U A L I T Y O L I V E O I L 1 / 4 C U P U N S A LT E D B U T T E R 4 CLOVES GARLIC MINCED SQUEEZE OF FRESH LEMON JUICE 1 T E A S P O O N C O U R S E , H I G H Q U A L I T Y S E A S A LT 1 TEASPOON DRIED BASIL

At least 30 minutes before starting, submerge your skewers in water and let them soak.

Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, gently pour in the tomatoes. Cover with a splatter guard if necessary. Sauté them just until the tomatoes start to burst and then gently remove them from the pan and allow to cool.

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Set out your skewers, shrimp and tomatoes next to a large non-stick baking sheet. Build your skewers, going shrimp, tomato, shrimp on each one. Place skewers onto your baking sheet. Lightly drizzle all of the skewers with some high quality olive oil.

Put the pan into the oven and roast for 5-7 minutes (until the shrimp are pink, firm and cooked through).

While the shrimp are cooking, melt the butter in a medium skillet. Stir in lemon juice, garlic, sea salt and dried basil until fragrant (about two minutes).

Lay skewers out on a serving platter and spoon the butter mixture over everything. Serve immediately!

WEB EXCLUSIVE More delicious recipes on sassmagazine.com

Enjoy!

SUMMER 19 61

4051 Stanford Ct. Frederick MD, 21703 @sweetcloverbarn

Friday, Saturday 9AM-5PM and Sunday 11AM-4PM usually The third weekend of the month please check website for sale dates and directions

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