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Mader
Insuring Gambrills, Annapolis, Crofton, Severna Park, Bowie, and All of Maryland
Craig Mader & Performance & Mader Insurance has secured quality solutions for individual and business clients since 1988. Through our team of qualified and professional insurance agents, we aim to satisfy the needs of our clients by protecting their most important assets and offering clients peace of mind through their daily routine—and now all from one convenient location!
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As a locally owned and operated insurance agency, we customize our policies to minimize our clients’ risks in Maryland and encompassing states in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions. Our specialties include home insurance, auto insurance, life insurance, business insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and technology firm insurance, among many others.
We represent Erie Insurance and several top-rated insurance carriers. Our broad representation means we offer top-notch solutions to our clients through a wide variety of insurance options; providing the right blend of price, protection, and service.
MILISSA ALONSO Top Producers
Coldwell Banker Realty
Realtor Dr. Ebony McArthur
The Annual Reader’s Choice Awards showcase the people, places and things that make Bowie Metro Area truly unique and great place to live and work.
We want to recognize and celebrate the best our community has to offer.
All of the winners and finalists will be published in our Reader’s Choice October publication and the red carpet award ceremony will be held in December!
Vote for you favorites daily, from February 1 - August 31, 2024.
Categories:
Best Art
Best Art/ Galleries
Best Casual Dining Restaurant
Best Caterers
Best Community Leaders
Best Dentist
Best Dermatologist
Best Dessert
Best Entertainment & Recreation
Best Fine Dining Restaurant
Best Fitness Center or Studio
Best Health & Wellness
Best Home Builder
Best Home Design or Furnishing
Best Home Remodeler
Best Leadership
Best Pediatrician
Best Orthodontist
Best Primary Care Physician
Best Realtor
Best Specialty Retail or Boutique
Best Veterinary Clinic
Beyond Blessed Industries New Restaurant
Beyond Blessed Industries, a brand spearheaded by owner Natasha Stovall-Rolle, has been redefining the culinary and event planning space in the DMV area since 2007. What started as a weekend catering endeavor, born from Natasha’s passion for cooking, quickly evolved into a multifaceted business, now encompassing multiple event venues.
The journey of Beyond Blessed Industries mirrors its founder’s resilience and faith. Transitioning from catering part-time to fulltime during a pivotal phase, Natasha saw her business flourish, propelled by an exceptional team and her flair for creating unforgettable
experiences. Her venture’s growth is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to her craft. From there, she found her next venture - venue ownership. Her first venue, The Grand Ballroom opened in Glen Burnie, and due to her success, she was then offered the opportunity to own a second venue, Grand Occasions, in Laurel.
Specializing in comfort food, Beyond Blessed Industries is a haven for those seeking a taste of home. Natasha’s culinary skills, inherited from a lineage of cooks and chefs, bring authenticity to every dish. “My cooking style is from my grandmothers. Both of my grandmothers were family cooks. My dad is a [retired] chef in the military. So cooking is ingrained, and all of my children actually have the gift as well. I never went to school for cooking - it’s just something that came naturally,” she says.
This holistic approach to catering and event spaces has made Beyond Blessed Industries a favorite for a multitude of events, particularly for multicultural weddings and celebrations that require a unique understanding and respect for various cultural nuances. According to Natasha, this knowledge and familiarity is important in making customers comfortable with having their event in one’s space. With an understanding of different cultural requirements, her venues stand out as ideal choices for clients seeking a personalized and culturally knowledgeable event experience.
What sets Beyond Blessed Industries apart is their deep industry knowledge and connections make each event a seamless and personalized experience. “I’m able to tap into different resources to assist clients with making their dreams come true. So having the time in the industry helps to be able to create a wonderful experience for them at any of our locations, as well as the knowledge of the different types of events that they host,” she says. They also pride themselves in being able to realistically examine needs when it comes to catering and event options. “I can kind of foresee what they need in regards to their menu that will also save them money,” she says.
Beyond weddings, her venues cater to a diverse array of needs, making each celebration a testament to her versatility and attention to detail. Looking ahead, Beyond Blessed Industries is on the cusp of expanding its culinary offerings with the launch of a restaurant, Illusions Restaurant and Bar, opening March 2024.
Natasha, building a legacy while balancing her roles as a businesswoman, wife, “mom of three beautiful daughters, and MeMe of 4 wonderful boys”, infuses Beyond Blessed Industries with a warmth that transcends the business realm. As the brand continues to expand, it continues to stay true to its core values of faith, family, and the love and joy of cooking.
For those looking to experience Natasha’s culinary and event venue expertise, Beyond Blessed Industries can be reached at their website, as well as on Instagram https://www.tbtbscatering.com/ https://www.instagram.com/tbtbscateringllc/
The event spaces and restaurants can also be found on Instagram. www.thegrandballroomllc.com @thegrand.ballroomllc www.grandoccasionsllc.com @grandoccasionslaurel www.illusionsrestaurantansbar.com @illusionsrandb
ILLUSIONS RESTAURANT AND BAR
7089 Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard
Glen Burnie, MD 21061 410-582-8195
Illusions - Located in the heart of Glen Burnie - offers an elevated dinner dining & Saturday and Sunday Brunch experience through innovative and cutting edge mock tails, southern & island inspired cuisines with handcrafted desserts to reflect the people of the community while showcasing live entertainment and local talent .
MILISSA ALONSO Top Producers
“For me, being a REALTOR is more than just selling homes. It means building a relationship with my clients that is based on my expertise and respect for them, their families, their hopes and dreams. My clients can trust that I will always go that extra mile to make their real estate experience the best they’ve ever had.”
Milissa is fully dedicated to her clients’ needs, and devotes as much time as needed to help them find or sell their home with success. Her passion is seeing the joy and excitement on people’s faces when they finally find their perfect home, or when they sell and move on to their next chapter in life.
Borin in Washington DC, raised in Alexandria, VA. She currently calls Annapolis, MD home with her husband.
Contact Information
MILISSA ALONSO
Caldwell Banker Realty
170 Jennifer Road Ste 102 Annapolis, MD 21401
Office: 410-224-2200
Mobile: 301-672-3687
Milissa has been selling real estate full time since 2010 and is licensed in Maryland and DC. She is an award winning real estate agent, holding numerous prestigious designations including Certified Distressed Property Expert, Luxury Collection Specialist, Military Relocation Professional, Accredited Staging Professional, Member of the Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors and Anne Arundel County Association of Realtors & National Association of Hispanic Rael Estate Professionals. She has been a consistent top producer in the Annapolis Plaza office of Caldwell Banker Realty since joining the brokerage in 2017. She handles purchases, short sales, listings, rentals, commercial Real estate and home staging services to ensure that every property shows in its best possible light. Her real estate knowledge, eye for design, responsiveness and follow through also ensure a seamless real estate process.
Realtor Dr. EBONY MCARTHUR
By: Phenix S Halley
After almost twenty years into her professional career, Dr. Ebony McArthurcontinues to push herself and her brand in new directions. Dr. McArthur is the CEO of multiple companies, including but not limited to the McArthur Real Estate Group, The Werking Mom, and her very own McArthur Roots Real Estate and Financial Literacy Academy. McArthur has mastered gracefully balancing all aspects of her work life, and for her, that’s the easy part.
by
Photos
Josh Anderson
“When you have a passion and it’s something that you love, it really doesn’t feel like work. It may seem like a lot to people on the outside, but it seems very balanced on my end and my everyday…I was fortunate enough to get into a career path that I actually love and I enjoy and most of my businesses all flow into each other,” she says.
Ambitious is one of the many words used to describe Dr. Ebony McArthur. On top of wearing a variety of professional hats, Dr. McArthur is a wife and mother of four. “My ‘why?’ has always been my children and my husband who are my number one supporters,” she says. As “the werking mom,” herself, McArthur understands the struggle of balancing personal with professional, but she relies on her family to motivate her in all aspects.
To keep her businesses running seamlessly, Dr. Ebony makes sure that her family is involved as much as possible in the real estate business. Her 21-year-old son is a computer science major in college but also has his
real estate license. Her oldest son has his bachelor’s degree in psychology, and even with his professional career, McArthur is actively working to help him obtain his real estate license. Her husband, Jerome, is a dualcareer professional, but he works as a licensed realtor with the company as well. Dr. Ebony’s family is proof of her philosophy that real estate can “run parallel” to any other goals someone may have. She teaches this message to everyone interested in obtaining wealth through real estate and finance, and she has no plans on stopping until she reaches as many people as possible.
She says “In my day-to-day, I just try to make sure that I am preaching and teaching building wealth through real estate to almost everybody that I come in contact with. So if I’m out and about at the grocery store and someone stops me, then I want to be known as someone that educates on real estate, financial literacy, and building wealth off the real estate.”
The Baltimore City native is also working on securing her legacy, and she says her non-profit organization is the “icing on the cake.” The McArthur Group Outreach Program was established in 2022 by the McArthur family as a way to give back to underserved communities. A large part of the organization is dedicated to education services for US veterans. Dr. Ebony’s husband is a medically retired veteran, so for her, it was not only important to acknowledge the needs of veterans in the area but to also begin bridging the information gap. “I was finding that it was a knowledge gap with veterans understanding financial literacy and navigating the VA call, which also kind of folds back into my career path,” she says.
Additionally, Dr. McArthur uses her non-profit to travel and speak with young people who may be interested in starting their own business or joining a real estate team. She focuses on giving back to the community in as many ways as possible, and through the Outreach Program, she is not only an educator but also an inspiration and guide for those coming after her. “Once you reach a certain pinnacle of success, you’re not a true success unless you’re helping others become successful,” she says.
When asked about her secret to success, Dr. McArthur attributes everything to her own self-determination and motivation. “I am really self-motivated, and when I have goals and I have a focus to do something, then I typically work as hard as I can to get it done,” she says. From beginning her real estate business to obtaining her doctorate in December 2023, Dr. Ebony sets out her personal and professional goals and does everything to achieve them. “One of my biggest goals that I did want to achieve was obtaining my doctorate degree. I’m
really big on education, so I really just wanted to educate myself at the highest level,” she says.
Dr. McArthur finds education to be the key to major success. “My goal is to educate myself as much as possible so that I can stay on top of the market trends [and] stay on top of the bond market and everything in the finance world also,” she says. As a Black woman in a male-dominated industry, Dr. Ebony has struggled to make a name for herself and her community. “It’s tough to navigate, and it’s tough to earn the respect of your male peers, but I do feel like I’m bridging that gap a little bit, and I am seeing some of that respect that [women] want and deserve for our hard work,” she says. Lending a hand to those often forgotten in local communities is her passion, and through her work as the owner of multiple businesses, she can be a resource for those without one.
Her determination is paying off. She bought her first investment property at the age of eighteen, and since then, business expansion has been a focus. With all of the success she has had in the past twenty years, Dr. McArthur has not lost sight of the journey taken to get to this position. She is still striving for higher heights, and she remains a force to be reckoned.
I’m still at a stage in my career where I’m taking it all in… I walk into the brokerage, and I can’t believe that it’s my brokerage…. This is all that I envisioned and all that I ever wanted to do with my life.
HYGIEA HOLISTIC
Owner Veronica Van Diest at the front desk of her practice, Hygiea Holistic.
By Joy Young
Photos by Joy Z
Hygiea Holistic is a private massage and wellness center owned by Virginia Van Diest. The storefront opened in December of 2023 after Van Diest decided that she wanted to expand her practice to create a personal space for her clientele.
Hygiea Holistic specializes in treating people of all ages with physical chronic issues, using a mix of massage techniques, aromatherapy, CBD therapy, and Himalayan hot stones. She also sells Epsom salt, aromatherapy oil, and incense.
Owner Virginia Van Diest has worked in the industry since she was 19 and has been practicing since 2005. She was inspired to go into the physical treatment industry after working the front desk at a spa and seeing the way that massages and physical treatment changed the lives of the people she interacted with day to day. “People would come in with this look of pain on their faces, and they would come out looking lighter and happier to the point where it changed the way they were acting to other people,” she said.
After working closely with physical therapists, Van Diest headed to massage school. She decided she wanted to open her own business after working for other companies for most of her career. The idea of starting from scratch was daunting to her. “I don’t think I fully wrapped my head around what happens behind the scenes. There’s so much marketing to do, I’m trying to work on partnerships with other wellness businesses because we’re all in this to make sure everyone is living their best lives.”
Van Diest takes pride in taking the time to get to know her clients building extra time in her sessions to have a personal relationship with them. Her clients’ sessions are often tailored to their personal needs, and she often uses homemade products that are tailored to customer’s individual needs.
Her goal is to create a long-term change in the level of pain a customer is experiencing. “I don’t just want them to feel better today and for the next week, I want them to get things to the point where they’re good for an extended period,” she said. “My goal is to make people as comfortable as humanely possible - if you’re not fully comfortable, I can’t do my job.”
In her free time, she enjoys doing vendor shows with her handmade resin and crystal jewelry. She also is interested in metaphysical practices and how they can help to heal the human body.
Hygiea Holistic is open from 10am7pm Monday through Friday. In June, Van Diest plans to transition to a local med spa where she will be offering services on Fridays.
Article by Michayla Maxwell
As Summer rapidly approaches, there is still plenty of time to get beach body ready before vacations. If you are worried about feeling extra confident when in your swimsuit, exercising can help you reach your ideal physique. Taylor Matthews is a sports management major at Howard university from Tampa, Florida who has her own personal training business. Taylor grew up in a family of division 1 athletes which ultimately is why sports and staying in shape became one of her everyday outlets.Taylor growing up typically played lacrosse and soccer throughout the year to stay in shape and have fun, but eventually needed a new outlet. “As lacrosse became more demanding I knew I needed to find another outlet mentally and physically so I got more serious about working out,” Matthews shared.
Matthews started her training business Ascension 8 Fitness in January of 2023, and since then has more than 60 clients who she is working with to hit their goals. Matthews who has three certifications in personal training, nutrition, and weight management is the perfect fit to give you tips on how to get beach body ready.
TIPS FOR WEIGHT LOSS
Cardiovascular exercises and High-intensity interval training (HIIT) are great ways to ensure you’re burning lots of calories throughout your whole body so you can lose weight. Matthews shared “doing HIIT workouts two to three times a week will help you with fat burn.” Cardiovascular exercises include running, swimming, cycling, jump roping, boxing, and more while HIIT workouts are things like box jumps, burpees, mountain climbers, Russian twists, and more. When doing these different workouts to lose weight it’s important to know the most effective ways to do them. “Cardio can be very intense especially for beginners so it’s a general rule of thumb to do cardio first for weight loss because it can be harder on your body. It’s also important to switch up the HIIT cardio you do to prevent overuse injuries,” Matthews said. These tips are bound to help you lose weight before this summer.
TIPS FOR GLUTE AND LEG GAINS
The next set of exercises can help you to experience glute and leg gains before the summer gets here. The most effective practices to reach these goals include using progressive overload, sticking to the same routines, and limiting your cardio. Progressive overload means to increase the weight you use to workout each week so your body is continuously challenged. “Lifting heavy weights for low reps is the best way to experience glute and leg growth,” Mathews shared. In order to maximize your efforts in the gym, lifting heavy will help you to slowly meet your goals. Even though you may be increasing the weight each week Matthews shared it’s best to keep the same routine for at least a month. “Your body needs a chance to adapt and adjust to your workout plan and it’s easier to track progress,” Matthews said. Lastly, limiting cardio while focusing on two to three lower body days a week can help with glute gains. “I personally like to have multiple leg days to focus on different areas of your leg such as quads, glutes, hamstrings, and calves,” Matthews said. These tips over time should be able to result in glute and leg gains. Workout to try
Now that you have the tips feel free to try out one of Matthews’ workouts as a part of her summer sculpt program that dropped April 1st. “Remember to stretch before and after your workouts and ensure that you’re drinking plenty of water especially during the summer. I also suggest you do a brisk walk on the treadmill before to get your legs loosened up for the workout,” Matthews said. This workout is a full body HIIT workout that you should do with light weights. You will do the entire circuit three times with 30 seconds to 1 minute of rest time between each workout and four to five minutes of rest between each set. The workout circuit includes:
• Dumbbell Thruster, 3 set of 15 reps
• Kettlebell swings, 3 set of 15 reps
• Reverse Lunge into Bicep Curl, 3 set of 12 reps
• Lateral Lunge to Chest Press, 3 set of 12 reps
• Overhead Plate Marches, 3 set of 15 reps
For 20% off your program with Ascension 8 Fitness use the code “Summersculptmag24”. Visit the instagram @tay.lauren.matt and use the link in the bio to claim your discount code. Conclusion
It is important to remember all bodies are beach bodies, but if you are looking to slim down or get toned these exercises can help you reach your goal. It is important to remember that getting Beachbody ready takes time and dedication. It also requires that you’re not only focused on exercises and movement but also on good nutrition. With determination and taking care of yourself, you will be beach body-ready this summer.
Intimate Waterside Weddings & Celebrations
eddings On the Water specializes in intimate family affairs in beautiful water centric environments. Based in Annapolis, Weddings on the Water designs and executes events personalized to each client. Our comprehensive services, insight and dedication are sure to make every occasion memorable and truly special. We coordinate weddings, vow renewals, engagements, birthday parties and more. We can host our Guests of Honor and their loved ones in our luxurious waterfront home. Let us help you make the Chesapeake Bay your family’s event destination!
CAREER DAY INSPIRES ANNAPOLIS YOUTH
Charting Careers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring youth through mentorship and career guidance, hosted its annual Career Day in partnership with Anne Arundel County Public Schools’ Annapolis Middle School on March 7. The event showcased the power of community and the importance of mentorship.
Almost 40 adults from various professions, including artists, marine service leaders, firefighters, entrepreneurs, and more, volunteered their time to share their personal career journeys with seventh-grade students. Many of the speakers were former Annapolis students themselves! These dedicated individuals provided invaluable insights and answered questions, giving students a firsthand look into various career opportunities.
“We believe in the potential of every student,” said Erin Snell, PhD, Executive Director at Charting Careers. “By connecting students with professionals from different fields, we aim to inspire students and broaden their horizons, helping them make informed decisions about their futures.”
Charting Careers extends heartfelt gratitude to the incredible leadership of Principal Casey Hunt, staff, and students at Annapolis Middle School for their warm welcome and enthusiastic participation. Special thanks are also extended to the inspiring guest speaker volunteers and the dedicated Charting Careers staff for their unwavering support and commitment to inspiring youth to discover their power and reach their goals.
“Wonderful things are happening at Annapolis Middle School, and it was such a joy to see so many community members show up for their local youth and community school,” expressed Ashley Mackell, Charting Careers Education Director.
Charting Careers volunteers, supporters, and staff are committed to creating opportunities for young people from elementary through college and beyond, serving as catalysts for positive change in the community. Their dedication echoes the organization’s belief that every interaction can have a ripple effect, shaping the future, one person at a time.
Principal Casey Hunt noted, “We are thrilled with the success of Career Day, and we are glad to make this an annual event. Our partnership with Charting Careers has helped to open new doors of opportunity for students to explore various career paths. Students were inspired by a diverse range of professionals from our community and for that we are truly grateful.”
Reflecting on the event, Erin Snell added, “To young people navigating life’s choices, I would advise them to explore their passions, seek guidance, and never underestimate the power of their dreams. We are here to support them every step of the way.”
Charting Careers and Annapolis Middle School invite individuals who share their vision of inspiring youth to join as volunteers and supporters. Together, as a community, we can create opportunities for young people to thrive and succeed and build a brighter future for the community.
Annapolis Middle School is a Community School and seeks to further engage the community and recruit volunteers through the AACPS #BePresent initiative. To learn more visit #BePresent - A Community/School Partnership.
7 TIPS to Keep Your Mental Health in CHECK
Article by Ebenezer Nkunda
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, observed in March, it is crucial to prioritize both physical and mental health. While strides have been made in advocating for self-care, understanding what self-care truly entails is essential. Self-care involves engaging in activities that rejuvenate and enhance overall wellbeing, encompassing both physical and mental health. Establishing a self-care routine can aid in stress management and bolster energy levels. It is imperative to treat mental health with the same significance as physical health, recognizing the mind as a vital organ in need of care.
Although therapy is no longer as stigmatized as it once was, accessibility remains a challenge for many. Not everyone has access to healthcare professionals, but there are various ways individuals can prioritize their mental health independently. The sensation of burnout is relatable to many, yet simple habits integrated into daily life can mitigate the risk of mental health deterioration.
Here are some self-care tips to incorporate into daily routines for maintaining mental health throughout Mental Health Awareness Month and beyond:
MOVE YOUR BODY
Exercise significantly impacts positive mental health. Incorporating physical activity into daily routines, such as a 10-15 minute walk or evening stretches, can alleviate tension and stress, promoting mental well-being
’DECLUTTER YOUR SPACE
Eliminate items that do not bring joy, whether clothes, mementos, or furniture. Organizing personal spaces can easily be neglected amid life’s demands. Creating a clutter-free environment can induce a sense of relief and tranquility. Consider the advice of professional organizer Marie Kondo: “Does this spark joy?” Discard items that do not elicit joy, leaving only those that bring happiness.
GET A DAILY DOSE OF FRESH AIR
When you are feeling down, it is easy to remain in one place for an extended period. While staying in bed or on the couch may seem appealing, it isn’t beneficial all the time. Instead, find a trail to walk and engage with nature. Research indicates that 90-minute walks in nature can reduce activity in the brain associated with continuous negative thoughts.
MEDITATION
Practice guided meditation to reduce stress levels. Finding and maintaining a place that feels calm to you, where you will not be disturbed, and committing time each day to sit can be beneficial in finding a way to let your mind wander and let go.
BREATHING EXERCISES
It’s easy to find your anxiety levels up in a stressful situation. Breathing exercises are a helpful tool to bring anxiety levels down and something you can do anywhere you find yourself. Breathe in for three seconds, hold for three seconds, and exhale for three seconds. This is just one type of breathing exercise available. You can find more here, whether you need to settle your anxiety, calm your nerves, improve sleep, and more.
FUEL YOUR BODY APPROPRIATELY
To enhance your mental health, it’s important to ensure you nourish your body properly. It’s easy to skip meals or opt for nutritionally deficient foods when overwhelmed, but some simple tips can assist in managing your eating habits when it’s challenging to focus on your mental well-being. According to Everyday Health, individuals with depression can improve their moods by consuming foods high in nutritional value. Conversely, highly processed and caloriedense foods may exacerbate depressive symptoms due to their lack of essential nutrients. Prioritize fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and regular meals throughout the day for optimal mental and physical well-being.
START JOURNALING
Writing serves as a healthy release of feelings, beneficial to anyone who engages with pen and paper. We experience a range of emotions, and when those feelings veer toward the negative, it can be challenging to manage them. Self-care journals offer a multitude of options, some including prompts to help pinpoint emotions and provide a healthy outlet for processing them. Journaling in the morning can help set intentions for the day, while journaling at night allows for reflection and the opportunity to record the day’s emotional journey.
By incorporating these self-care practices into daily routines, you can prioritize mental health and promote overall well-being throughout Mental Health Awareness Month and beyond.
