Simply Annapolis Mid Month Winter Issue by Simply Magazines

Balance

Hormones

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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!

GET A QUOTE

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.

Hygiea Holistic

Owner Virginia Van Diest at the front desk of her practice, Hygiea Holistic.

PUBLISHER

Veronica Fountain

Veronica@simplymagazines.net

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Michayla Maxwell, Ebenezer Nkunda, Lauryn Forbes

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Tracey M. Connor, Valeria Bottdeva, Josh Anderson, Andria Stafford

LAYOUT & AD DESIGN

Info@simplymagazines.net

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Info@simplymagazines.net

PUBLISHER from the Letter

Veronica Fountain

Publisher & Owner

It’s Time to

Fall In Love With Fashion

It’s that time of year where we swap our summer clothes for Fall Fashion. We say goodbye to Summer and hello to fall. Are you ready to add color to your life? Welcome to our Annual September Issue! We Love Color! Plenty of ways to Go Bold in Your Home, Kitchen, Wardrobe, & Life with Color! This special Issue is ALL about adding Color to your Life!

HANIFA biggest Fashion Designer showcase her beautiful crème Gowns with amazing Models. Cooking with Color best cookbook selling author Asha Gomez highlights her amazing book to learn how to add more color with your cooking.

Bloom your rooms with amazing Colors in Rugs, Artwork, Vases, and More. This is an amazing article to help you accent your home this Fall and also check out the Architectural Design Luxury Home article.

There are some amazing companies in Bowie, MD and we are highlighting Ray’s Touch Furniture and Loving Hands Podiatry. Have you selected your Doctors for the Fall or planning Doctor appointments for 2025, well this is the Top Doctors Issue that highlights some of the Doctors in this area.

Whatever kind of style you’re in this season, back to work or a night out on the town, we hope this issue inspires you to add Color and excitement in your Life!

BRINGING YOU HIGH QUALITY CARE YOU CAN COUNT ON

The Diabetes and Endocrine Wellness Center, LLC. We will consider it an honor to participate in your care and the care of your loved ones. At The DEW Center, our provider is up to date on the latest techniques and technologies. Make an appointment with us today. Our Care Center is conveniently located in Largo, Maryland.

• Diabetes –Type 1, Type 2, Prediabetes

• Insulin pump therapy, continuous glucose monitoring and interpretation

• Insulin resistance and related disorders including PCOS

• Metabolic syndrome

• Obesity

• Cardiovascular risk reduction

• Thyroid disorders (hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid cancer and thyroid nodules)

• Osteoporosis, Vitamin D deficiency, Paget’s disease and metabolic bone disorders

• Adrenal nodules

• Hormone related hypertension

• Lipid disorders

• Pituitary disorders

• Male Hypogonadism

• Menopause

• Endocrine disorders of pregnancy including gestational diabetes and thyroid disorders

CRAIG MADER INSURANCE

Craig Mader & Performance Insurance, led by Dana Page, is an area standout, offering a tailored approach to insurance that resonates with their wide range of clients. With a vast history deeply rooted in the insurance industry, Dana has successfully merged two agencies to create a comprehensive operation that meets the evolving needs of her clientele.

The foundation of Craig Mader & Performance Insurance is built on the acquisition and integration of two established agencies. The Craig Mader Insurance Agency traces its roots back to 1970 when it was originally part of the Legg Agency in Annapolis, Maryland. Craig Mader, who began his career with the Legg Agency in 1984, eventually acquired it in 1988. Meanwhile, Performance Insurance Group was founded in 2008 by Edward Cooper. In recent years, as both owners prepared for retirement, Dana Page saw an opportunity to continue their legacies. She acquired both agencies, merged their operations, and streamlined them under one roof, creating Craig Mader & Performance Insurance. This strategic move came at a pivotal time, during the post-COVID-19 era when the Great Resignation was in full swing, making it an opportune moment for Dana to take the reins.

Before acquiring the agencies, Dana had a longstanding career with Erie Insurance, spanning over two decades. This extensive experience provided her with the industry knowledge needed to transition smoothly into ownership.

Craig Mader & Performance Insurance now serves a wide range of areas, offering a multitude of services. “We offer personal lines, that’s your auto, boat, home, life insurance, as well as commercial insurance, where we specialize in auto services, contractors, professional offices, restaurants, retailers, and wholesalers,” she says. The agency operates across several states including Maryland, DC, Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and many more, ensuring that clients, even those who relocate, continue to receive their comprehensive service.

The agency’s primary clientele is diverse, making it possible to cater to a broad spectrum of needs. “Our primary clientele could be someone who just recently graduated college and is renting, or families, professionals, and business owners. We have multiple carriers that we write business through, so we can customize insurance coverages to meet any of our clients' needs based on their individual circumstances or situation,” she explains.

What truly sets Craig Mader & Performance Insurance apart is its dedication to exceptional customer service. Dana and her team are more than just insurance providers; they are advisors who take the time to understand their clients as well as their unique situations. “We don’t use a cookiecutter approach with our clients. Instead, we take our time, get to know our clients and their families, and provide coverages based on their needs,” she states. This commitment to personalized service is backed by a team with over 100 years of combined experience in the industry.

Dana’s passion for helping others is at the core of her work. “I love helping others, and the customer service part, I really enjoy working with people. I live by the golden rule of treating others the way you want to be treated,” she shares. This philosophy

extends to her team, who are equally dedicated to providing exceptional service. “I owe so much to my team. They’re amazing, highly dedicated to providing our clients with the utmost customer service, day in and day out.”

With September being Life Insurance Awareness Month, Craig Mader & Performance Insurance hopes to remind readers of the importance of including life insurance in their financial planning. “Many individuals tend to delay getting life insurance because it is not mandatory like Auto or Home insurance, which are required if you have a lienholder or a mortgage. But if you purchase life insurance while you are young and healthy, you could secure low premiums and protect your future insurability,” she advises.

For those looking to experience the personalized service that Craig Mader & Performance Insurance offers, the team can be found at their office located at 1388 Defense Highway, Gambrills, Maryland. The agency is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. They can also be reached by phone at 410-721-2725 or online at https://www.maderperformanceinsurance.com/.

At SPIRE Architecture, our vision is a world where we can have a positive impact…helping to create your new Dwelling place or Business, to fit the changing needs of your lifestyle and your budget, and to pursue your vision.

We strive to collaborate with dedicated clients, professional builders, talented consultants, and budget mindfulness…to navigate the vision of a project, the design and documentation process, the completion of permitting, and the process of construction…to create a project that embodies that vision.

AUTHENTIC Living, through DESIGN

ARCHITECTURAL HOME DESIGN &

When it comes to designing spaces to reflect the unique personalities and needs of their clients, Spire Architecture stands out as a beacon of creativity and innovation. The Annapolis-based architectural and renovation firm, founded in 2013 by business partners Kurt Shepard, AIA and Craig Martin, AIA, LEED AP, has been transforming homes and businesses with their attention to detail and commitment to client satisfaction. With a strong focus on residential design, their business has become synonymous with creating personalized spaces that truly feel like home.

Their journey began over a decade ago when Kurt and Craig, both teachers at a local community college, found themselves facing the challenges of the late 2000s recession. As they independently navigated their respective paths, they discovered their shared passion for this industry. Collaborating on projects and providing consulting services for each other, they soon realized their complementary skill sets and decided to join forces. In 2013, Spire

Architecture was born, marking the beginning of their partnership.

Spire Architecture takes pride in its ability to create seamless transitions between architecture and interior design, ensuring that each space tells a story. They approach every project holistically, considering not only the physical aspects of the design but also the emotional impact it will have on the people who inhabit the space. “Each family is different, and if a different family lived in the same house we were working on, it may be a completely different renovation,” they said. The result is a blend of aesthetics and functionality, where every room becomes a testament to the unique stories and lives of its occupants.

“We become part of the family on some level. We’re literally in their closets and their bathrooms and their basements,” Martin explains, highlighting the intimate connection they develop with their clients.

Spire Architecture also encourages clients to embrace the power of color in their spaces.

They recognize that color is not just a superficial element but an essential component that can transform a home. By working closely with their clients and encouraging them to explore their preferences as well as design inspiration, they help to infuse hues that reflect the personality and style of the occupants. “I think that finding images of things that you like helps, like using Houzz or Pinterest to gather inspiration. Being intentional visually about the things that help someone feel good is important,” says Shepard.

Beyond their dedication to design, Spire Architecture also values their role as community stewards. Their commitment to the Annapolis area runs deep, as some of their projects have involved community-oriented endeavors, such as overhauling fellowship buildings for churches or renovating spaces for transitional housing. Their work goes beyond the physical, striving to make a positive impact on the lives of those they serve.

With Spire Architecture, the process of transforming a home becomes an exciting journey of selfexpression and discovery. By skillfully incorporating color and crafting personalized spaces, Spire Architecture continues to redefine the possibilities of residential design, leaving an memorable mark on the Annapolis architectural landscape.

The best way to reach Spire Achitecture is at their website, at www.spirearch.com, or at their phone number, (410) 263-0468. They can also be reached on Facebook, and on Instagram at @SpireArch.

How a Maryland Doctor is revolutionizing Diabetes and Endocrine practice Through Care and Comprehensive Treatment

Article by Makenna Underwood

Photography by Demetrice Jones

When Dr. Barbara Onumah started her private practice in Largo, MD in April 2023, she had a vision for how she wanted to serve others.

“My vision was always to be able to provide access to quality care for people who live in my community,” she said.

Originally from Ghana, located in West Africa, Onumah’s parents moved to the United States when she was a teenager. She completed high school, college and her medical training in New Jersey. After endocrinology fellowship training at the NIH - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases in Bethesda MD, she joined the Endocrine Division at the Medstar Washington Hospital Center, where she practiced clinical endocrine and served as a faculty member for the joint endocrine fellowship training program with Georgetown University Hospital in DC. She subsequently became a medical director, developing and growing a diabetes and endocrine program for Anne Arundel Medical Center (now Luminis Health) in Maryland. In April 2023, Dr. Onumah opened her own practice, The Diabetes and Endocrine Wellness Center, in Largo Maryland.

An endocrinologist is a medical specialist who treats people with hormone related conditions such as diabetes, thyroid problems and osteoporosis.

When asked why endocrinology, she says “it is the field that affords one the opportunity to be an expert but not limited to just a part of the human body, because the endocrine system does not focus on one organ but several, and practically the whole body. It is the perfect combination of science and critical thinking, and fosters long term physician/patient relationships.”

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diabetes is “a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body cannot

effectively use the insulin it produces. In 2019, “diabetes was the direct cause of 1.5 million deaths”.

Onumah mentions that diabetes is manifested as high blood sugar but it is actually a much more serious illness than just the blood glucose. It is a high risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

“Diabetes results in more people having heart attacks, strokes and other complications including kidney problems. When uncontrolled it can lead to eye disease resulting in blindness, as well as nerve and circulation issues which can lead to amputation of limbs,” she said. Dr.. Onumah hopes to change that through education, comprehensive care and dispelling myths about diabetes.

Focusing on modifiable risk factors such as nutrition and exercise is the best way to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Onumah emphasized the importance of small sustainable lifestyle changes such as limiting the amount of sugar in food and drinks and limiting intake of processed high carbohydrate foods. She shares tips such as getting the majority of our food from the periphery of the grocery shop as opposed to the middle aisles of the grocery store” since many processed foods are in the middle of the store compared to the fruits and vegetables which are in the periphery.

Along with healthy eating, exercise is also an essential part of lifestyle adjustment. It does not need to be complicated, it just needs to be consistent. “American Heart Association recommendations for physical activity are minimum

of 30 minutes, five days a week of moderateintensity aerobic activity (such as brisk walking) and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms) lasting 10-15 minutes each time. That’s a target and a goal you want to achieve, but any kind of movement is good – the key is to move more and sit less ” she added.

The treatment of diabetes continues to evolve at a rapid pace. A little over a century ago, the diagnosis of diabetes was a death sentence. While there is still no cure, advancements in diabetes technology including continuous glucose monitors, integrated insulin pumps and automated delivery systems as well as various personalized diabetes platforms and newer, more effective medication continue to make it manageable.

Dr. Onumah maintains hope for future treatments or even a cure for diabetes.

“I’m very hopeful that we can find something close to a cure or something close to making life a whole lot easier for persons with diabetes. In the last two decades we have seen significant advancement in treatment options with development of effective medications and additional benefits that are independent of their glucose lowering abilities. Onumah said. “Diabetes is a disorder, but thankfully, we have a lot of tools in the toolbox to manage it. And if a person is motivated enough, they can keep the disease under control, and they can control the disease instead of the disease controlling them.”

THE DESIGN OF A COUNTRY ES TATE

P urple Cherry Architects & Interiors

Cathy Purple Cherry

Architect Purple Cherry tells the story of this luxurious country estate (4 full kitchens, 13 en suite bedrooms) in the Mid-Atlantic and how the vision came to life. The main house, guesthouse, and seven outbuildings are dissected in detail so readers will experience what it is like to develop such a comprehensive project, from the planning to the execution, and all the steps along the way. The book focuses on the thought processes behind each decision, whether it is the materials employed or the location of each building for walkability and use. Rife with inspiration on every page this book will appeal to luxury home enthusiasts and design professionals alike.

$50.00 U.S. • Hardcover

9 x 12 in, 224 Pages

Color Photographs On Sale: 8/20/2024

9781423665885

Rights: Worldwide

CATHY PURPLE CHERRY graduated with a degree in architecture in 1989. Purple Cherry Architects & Interiors, Cathy’s namesake firm, embraces advanced technologies and new materials in their custom designs for luxury residential architecture. Purple Cherry’s work has been featured in national and regional publications, including Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Ocean Home. Purple Cherry Architects & Interiors is headquartered in Annapolis, MD, with offices in Charlottesville, MD; Middleburg, VA; New York, NY; and Washington, DC.

Driven by a passion for art and architectural design, Cathy Purple Cherry shares the story of a fabulous, newly built, coastal country estate.

THE LOVE OF HOME

Interiors for Beauty, Balance, and Belonging

Kate Marker

Home is more than where the heart is—it’s where life happens. From early morning coffee to dinners with family and friends, Kate Marker establishes tailor-made spaces for thriving in your home each day. Whether it is maximizing comfort or creating efficient family-centered design, this is your guide to defining a vision for your home that embodies togetherness. Every design should include:

Beauty: At the heart of every design, beauty is integral to enriching our lives and bringing joy to the everyday. Balance: Harmony is achieved by employing design techniques that are curated and timeless.

Belonging: Special spaces are created by building an atmosphere unique to you and your family.

$45.00 U.S. • Jacketless Hardcover

8 1/4 x 10 1/4 in, 224 Pages

250 Color Photographs On Sale: 9/3/2024

9781423665205

Rights: Worldwide

KATE MARKER is the principal designer and owner of Kate Marker Interiors. An artist at heart, Kate has been honing her talents while developing her signature fresh, timeless look since 2000. Kate lives in Barrington, Illinois with her husband, their two daughters, and their two dogs.

Effortlessly merging modern and traditional, Kate Marker reveals her secrets for designing a gorgeous home that inspires connection.

AT HOME

Evocative & ArtForward Interiors

Brian Paquette

$35.00 Jacketless Hardcover

8 1/2 x 11 in, 160 Pages

125 Color Photographs

9781423654186

SOLD!

HYGIEA HOLISTIC

Owner Virginia 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.

BLOOM YOUR ROOM

Fresh flower arrangements are an elegant addition to any room, no matter the style you’re trying to accomplish. Besides giving that elegant touch, they’re a luxury accessory that works wonders when trying to impress guests. Pick a flower arrangement that s best for you and for your decor, whether you’re picking the flowers yourself or you’re choosing them at a local florist.

Rugs, although often overlooked, provide warmth, comfort and unify a space. They also serve as a luxurious piece of decor that could really call attention from your guests. Arrange your furniture around and see how it all ties together.

If you want to add an extra touch of luxury and make your space feel bigger and lighter, an ornate mirror is the best way to go! Finish it off with a nice velvet stool and you’ve got the perfect decor for a luxurious living room

Invest on some nice artwork that will really stand out and bring out the best in your decor, but don’t forget that the secret to accentuating these elements is the addition of a stunning lighting piece that will unify everything.

From gold to silver and brass – today, no luxury space is complete without a touch of metallic highend decor. Incorporate your preferred tone with accents for a sophisticated look.

Faux fur checks all the luxury home decor boxes – it’s stylish and adds warmth as well as visual interest to a space. You can add these to your home without feeling guilty and it adds that special trendy aspect you’ve been looking for!

When it comes to picking out luxury wall decor for your home, abstract art is always a great choice. What makes this kind of artwork so appropriate is its mysterious and dramatic nature.

A good window treatment has the power to transform a space. Bold, patterned, or solidcolor drapes made of thick materials are a fantastic luxury decor addition.

WE’RE HANIFA

Aglobal luxury brand that puts creativity at the heart of our strategy, enabling our Houses to set new trends while crafting tomorrow’s luxe in a responsible approach.

We believe that women should be empowered to break barriers, achieve excellence in every aspect of their lives, and make their own rules. We know that women can do anything they set their minds to—and we want to help them do it.