SRQ Magazine | October 2023, Strong Women of the Region

RECOGNIZING THE WOMEN TAKING THE LEAD IN SARASOTA + MANATEE

STRONG WOMEN OF THE REGION

Sharing the Stories of Women In Leadership as They Guide Our Region's Business and Independent Sectors

LIZA CARDEN, LG HOWARD & COMPANY | AMANDA CHAMP, SURFING COCONUT | DEANNA GERHARDT, HONEYGLOW BY DEE AESTHETICS

JESSICA MUROFF, UNITED WAY SUNCOAST | KRISTIE SKOGLUND, THE FLORIDA CENTER FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD

CHELSEA VACCA, LOTUS AESTHETICS AND WELLNESS

JESSICA MUROFF CEO, UNITED WAY SUNCOAST

"You can’t always have a summit, but you can always have an adventure."

WHAT HAS BEEN THE SINGLE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN WORKING AND LIVING THROUGH THE PANDEMIC AND HOW HAVE YOU CHANGED AS A RESULT? The biggest challenge was true human connection. On one hand, we really came together to support one another (albeit virtually) and we learned the critical importance of truly working together in times of a crisis. Fast forward three years and this near always-virtual environment has taken its toll on our stress and anxiety, not to mention our connection with others. This year has been great to be back and connecting in person with others, but we are still feeling the impacts of the always connected world still responding to crisis that continues to come. I’ve certainly become more resilient, but I have also had to learn how to manage more stress than I’ve ever experienced before. HOW HAS AN EXPERIENCE IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE MOTIVATED YOU?

In 2022 I successfully completed the 29029 Everesting challenge. I had to climb a mountain eight times in 36 hours reaching a total of over 30,000 feet elevation gain. It was the hardest physical and mental experience of my life. I truly learned that I could push through limits, keep myself going in the most difficult of circumstances and learned how powerful mindset is when your inner critic wants you to quit. I also learned how important it is to be prepared, but that really only takes you so far when you are actually in the moment you’ve prepared for. 29029 taught me what I am capable of doing and it is even more than I ever imagined. WHAT IS YOUR “SECRET SAUCE?” Radical transparency. It is one of my most important values. This helps to build trust, knowledge and spurs innovation. When we are open and sharing, our teams value it and they can contribute to overcoming challenges and embracing opportunity. DESCRIBE YOUR OWN OUTLOOK ON LIFE IN SIX WORDS... I only need two: Be Present. “EVERY DAY I AM THANKFUL FOR … the amazing people in my life that I love with my whole heart and the work that I get to do to make this world a better place.” 100 WORDS CAPTURING YOUR BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION OR PHILANTHROPIC WORK: United Way Suncoast gives families and community members the "Freedom To Rise." We elevate early learning, we energize middle school and high school students on a path to postsecondary success, and we empower community members and families through financial stability. Through nonprofit partnerships and our own initiatives, we center our work on the 45% of Suncoast households who can’t cover basic needs and are one phrase away from crisis: the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population. For 99 years, we have also "stood up" for this region when a crisis occurs. We live up to our brand by coordinating "united" efforts to address emerging needs, be it a pandemic, a housing crisis or a hurricane. As we always say, United We Rise, United We Win.

Whether she’s filming a thank you video with corporate partner Publix, addressing a gathering at Leadership Sarasota or advocating for community members with a Manatee County commissioner, United Way Suncoast CEO Jessica Muroff continues to shine as a …STRONG WOMAN OF THE REGION.

DEANNA GERHARDT

OWNER, HONEYGLOW BY DEE AESTHETICS

"If you've already made it, help them get there. A rising tide lifts all boats."

MY SINGLE MOST SIGNIFICANT STRENGTH IS HAVING DISCERNMENT. Both personally and professionally, I am able to be intentional with my decisions, big or small. I believe this led me to launching a business that would change the trajectory of my life: Honeyglow by Dee Aesthetics. I help individuals feel confident and beautiful, by working on their skin goals through a series of facial treatments & results driven products. There's something so empowering about making others feel good about themselves. We all have challenges in life, so to provide a safe space & moment of zen for people, while still targeting their skin concerns, is a form of self care I get to provide to our community. At HG, we value both relaxation yet corrective facials. I've also enjoyed mentoring passionate professionals who are seeking growth; It's been rewarding to see how they have already improved & look forward to connecting with more people. MY SECRET SAUCE: Build a strong brand and your business will soar. Take the time to put effort into the little details; they matter. Remember to rest. OUTLOOK IN 6 WORDS: Romanticize the little details and moments. EVERY DAY I AM THANKFUL FOR . . . My people. All my honeys. I have a pretty awesome village filled with supportive family and friends who are rooting for me. I know how rare that is and I have so much love for them. They make things better.

HONEYGLOW BY DEE AESTHETICS

*By appointment only* 2055 Wood St. | Suite 218 Sarasota, FL 34231 honeyglowbydee@gmail.com Instagram: @honeyglowbydee

STRONG WOMEN OF THE REGION

Best Aesthetician

LIZA CARDEN

OWNER, LG HOWARD & COMPANY

" Everyday I am thankful for how blessed I am.. Always maintain an attitude of gratitude."

THE STORY OF LIZA’S SUCCESS IS A BIT UNCONVENTIONAL. It begins with her as a teenager, a 15 year old freshman, struggling to get through school but with a dream in her heart. She knew that someday she wanted to be an entrepreneur but the thought of making it through high school and then onto college brought her to tears. She began researching duel enrollment programs in her town for cosmetology. While the idea seemed good, none of them felt like a good fit. Then one day she walked into an Aveda Institute and her heart danced. There was just one problem. It was an accredited college, not a duel enrollment. Shortly after her visit, she left high school classes and began studying for her GED, ready to embark on this new adventure. Liza passed her GED the month she turned 16 and started at Aveda a few weeks later.

After almost ten years in the industry Liza moved to Sarasota and decided it was time to make her dream a reality. She began doing the work to open her own salon. Just like her original dive into cosmetology, she began hitting roadblocks. At 25, as a first time business owner with no partners, no co-signers, next to no leverage to offer, she struggled. Most banks she went to for a loan weren’t interested, building after building turned her down as a tenet. No one wanted to take a chance. But all it takes is one. One bank. One building. After several months, she found just that. Of course, that is only the beginning of the journey of entrepreneurship. The last eight years have been a beautiful rollercoaster, that she wouldn’t change for the world. She believes the key to success is keeping the faith and always persevering. THE MISSION OF LG HOWARD & COMPANY is to provide a place people can come to, not just to get their hair done, but to have an experience that renews their mind, body, and spirit. Each service includes complimentary massage and mimosa or Aveda Comforting Tea, as well as a finished style that will leave you feeling fabulous. The LGH team is highly trained in their craft through quarterly education to ensure their guests are always getting the very best.

LG HOWARD & COMPANY

8620 S Tamiami Trail

941-702-5390 | lghowardsalon.com

Instagram: @lghowardsalon

LOTUS AESTHETICS & WELLNESS

240 N Washington Blvd | Suite 480 Sarasota, FL 34236

941-441-4744 | lotussrq.com

AMANDA CHAMP

OWNER, SURFING COCONUT

CHELSEA VACCA

OWNER, LOTUS AESTHETICS & WELLNESS

OF THE REGION

" It’s all okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end."

MY JOURNEY BEGAN YOUNG, driven by a fascination with science that sparked my dream of a medical career at a young age. Despite navigating diverse cultural norms in my household due to my Egyptian heritage, I persevered. I graduated high school early, self-funded my nursing degree with honors, and now proudly completing my 10th year in the medical field, three of which have been leading my own thriving aesthetic practice—a dream come true. A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE THAT FUELS MY MOTIVATION was the challenge of working full-time while putting myself through my undergraduate and graduate degrees. Those challenges have instilled in me a deep appreciation for hard work, resilience, and staying composed under pressure. It was the driving force behind my professional success. MY SECRET SAUCE is the authenticity of being unapologetically myself. This approach has allowed me to harness my strengths, connect genuinely with others, and create a unique impact that resonates on a personal and professional level. Pursue passions, embrace challenges, savor achievements. EVERYDAY I AM THANKFUL FOR the work-life balance I have created, allowing me to spend quality time with my patients, but also quality time with my friends and family.

"Our secret sauce is hard work. Its important to work hard. to provide the highest quality and freshest product to our customers.

THE SURFING COCONUT STARTED OVER THREE YEARS AGO ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND. My love for coconuts started decades ago. I've always been a huge fan of coconut water. While living in central America I drank several coconuts a day to stay hydrated. The health benefits are magical. I moved to Florida in 2016 and took a job as a traveling chef for festivals and shows all over the state. After Covid hit, my shows were cancelled. I decided that I wanted to sell coconuts on the beach. They do this in Hawaii and other tropical places I've been to, yet there were no fresh custom branded coconuts being sold on the beach on Anna Maria Island and surrounding areas. We introduced this area to fresh premium custom branded coconuts. That’s when the Surfing Coconut was born. I started my small, female-owned business at the beach market at Coquina Beach. I designed my logo and stamped it on the coconuts. The response to the Surfing Coconut was amazing! Since then, we have added the Market at LWR and this year we are adding even more. We can also set up our Coco Bar at weddings and corporate events. This allows us to open the coconuts and serve them fresh to your guests. We can also put your personal logo on a coconut. We are so grateful that we are able to share our love for coconuts with our community. Keeping people hydrated is the best job in the world. We love setting up and opening our fresh coconuts for weddings and events. If you want to wow your guests at your next event give us a call. THE SURFING COCONUT CAN BE FOUND AT THE COQUINA BEACH MARKET WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS FROM 10 AM - 4 PM AND THE MARKET AT LWR ON SUNDAYS FROM 10 AM - 2 PM.

SURFING COCONUT

Pricing/Events: 310-922-7148

surfingcoconut.com

Facebook: Surfing Coconut | Instagram: surfingcoconutami

STRONG WOMEN OF THE REGION

KRISTIE SKOGLUND

PRESIDENT/CEO, THE FLORIDA CENTER FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD

" Mistakes are ok, but mediocrity isn’t "

SINGLE MOST SIGNIFICANT STRENGTH AND HOW YOU UTILIZED IT TO MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT WITHIN AN ORGANIZATION OR COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP ROLE: Humility has been instrumental in creating a more inclusive working environment. I am the first to acknowledge that I don't have all the answers. By embracing different perspectives and actively listening, I have fostered a culture of respect, collaboration, and diversity. This has not only enhanced my own learning and growth but has also contributed to the overall success and well-being of the organization. WHAT IS YOUR SECRET SAUCE? Embracing vulnerability. Being vulnerable in relationships allows me to be my authentic self instead of trying to please others or being who others want me to be. EVERY DAY I AM THANKFUL FOR who I am and the opportunity to pursue all that I want to become.

THE FLORIDA CENTER FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD

4620 17th Street | Sarasota, FL 34235

941-371-8820 | thefloridacenter.org Facebook: facebook.com/TheFloridaCenter Instagram: @thefloridacenter