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EDITOR'S NOTE
Lacey Johnson S
PRING IS A coming alive. It fills our landscapes with color and activity. It calls for us to draw back our curtains and let the light in. Whether or not you are an exuberant lover of nature, as the Earth moves closer to the sun, all beings are naturally drawn to step outside and experience it. Spring has so much to teach us - about shedding the layers of doubt, inhibition and stagnance we often cloak ourselves in. It demands that we lose what we have spent the previous seasons hiding behind. We are beckoned to rejoin the world again, to engage with the plants and animals again and, if we dare, to permit ourselves to bloom. My team and I worked passionately on this issue. I feel that, page by page, there is an ever-present theme of reinvention. Our cover artist, Lewis Howes, mastered the art of reinvention years ago when he was tired of being broke, injured and sleeping on his sister’s couch. Feature Tony Brown shows up to teach us that, no matter what life hurls our way, the song - and show must go on. ICABA inspires us to feed and water our relationships, because that’s where our most abundant opportunities rest in hibernation. This issue’s art feature, which offers a compelling conversation with Director of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Stephanie Stebich, explores the American identity - one rooted in innovation. This spring, wherever you are in your journey of personal or professional evolution, may you dare to step out from the comfort of your nest and do what you have long said you would. May these pages encourage you to follow the fragrance of your instincts, take risks, create for yourself a golden egg of opportunity and come alive. Maybe even bloom.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SPRING 2018 | THE CONNECT MAGAZINE
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT DEVIN MCCLAIN DMcClain@theconnectmagazine.com PARTNER DR. EDDIE D. HAMILTON, MD, FAAP EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LACEY JOHNSON ljohnson@theconnectmagazine.com MARKETING DIRECTOR LINZI MARTIN lmartin@theconnectmagazine.com EDITORIAL INTERN MADISON YAUGER DIRECTOR OF VIDEOGRAPHY CHRIS HOLLO HEAD PHOTOGRAPHER BARBARA POTTER bpotter@theconnectmagazine.com PHOTOGRAPHER DEVIN WILLIAMS DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CAROLYN MCHANEY-WALLER Carolyn.waller@zeitlin.com DIRECT CONNECT SUSAN VANDERBILT susanvanderbilt@entreesavvy.com SENIOR WRITERS DAWN MASON JOE SCARLETT KEELAH JACKSON MADISON YAUGER TONI LEPESKA CONTRIBUTING WRITERS SCOTT KIMBRO - Empowerment DERRICK R. ROLEN - Family & Relationships LINZI MARTIN - Branding & Marketing AMBER CABRAL - Diversity DENNIS UPKINS - Arts & Entertainment DEBBIE WEISS - Travel DIRECTOR OF SALES ERIC JORDAN PUBLISHERS AND SALES REPRESENTATIVES Help Wanted: Join Our Team ALABAMA FLORIDA GEORGIA KENTUCKY LOUISIANA MISSISSIPPI TENNESSEE VIRGINIA ADVERTISING INQUIRIES advertise@theconnectmagazine.com For all editorial pitches and submissions, please contact Lacey Johnson at ljohnson@theconnectmagazine.com.
Sincerely,
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PUBLISHER, CEO ERIC JORDAN ejordan@theconnectmagazine.com
"PUTTING YOUR BUSINESS IN CLIENTS' HANDS"
THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
PUBLISHER'S NOTE life
chance,
Your does not get better by - Jim Rohn it gets better by
change.
S
PRING OFFERS A breath of fresh air as more people head outside after months of winter confinement. I spent the last several months working on building strategic partnerships while literally cleaning out my closet. I learned: When you’re forced to have negative people in your life, make sure you balance them out with more positive influences. Choose to surround yourself with positive people and ward off other people’s negativity with your positivity. Everyone wants to live a more positive life, but there are always negative influences trying to stop you. They might come from the outside or from within you. Nothing should rule your life in a way that makes you feel like you have to do it, even if it’s making you unhappy. Since starting The Connect magazine four years ago, I’ve learned that God doesn’t want me to figure this out by myself. So, whether you’re thinking of starting a small business, or in the first few years of operation, here are common problems you either have or will face at some point in time: Raising Capital Hiring New Employees Growth vs. Quality Cash Flow Federal Income Taxes Government Regulations As a small business owner, realizing this one insight is essential for maintaining a calm head: your competitors face the same problems as you do. All of us, regardless of the industry we’re in, are in the same boat. How you respond to these challenges will change the “game.” And, as you become more successful, you will leave your rivals by the wayside. It’s important to remember that these challenges are just that – challenges. People do overcome them. So, surround yourself with positive people. These are people that will inspire you to be a better person, provide you with motivation to achieve your goals, empower you to make the changes you need to succeed and, above all, cheer on your success. “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with,” says American entrepreneur and motivational speaker Jim Rohn. I also refer to this verse often: James 2:26 - “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” My advice is to pray for guidance. Humble yourself and allow God to send you the assistance needed to do his work. Take the good with the bad and always “Trust the Process.”
CEO/PUBLISHER THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
THE CONNECT MAGAZINE | SPRING 2018
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CONTENTS SPRING 2018
14
Cover Story 24 LEWIS HOWES: FROM A CAREER-ENDING INJURY
TO SPREADING GLOBAL GREATNESS From sleeping on his sister’s couch to infecting our digital age with greatness, this man is the master of reinvention.
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Features 14 ALIVE STUDIOS IS MAKING OUR CHILDREN SMARTER,
COURTESY OF AUGMENTED REALITY When this mom couldn’t teach her foreign-born adopted children to read, she entrepreneured a revolutionary way for thousands more children to learn.
16 ICABA EMPOWERS THOUSANDS OF PROFESSIONALS TO EXCEL IN CAREERS & RELATIONSHIPS The things you desire are set in motion through relationships. This organization makes them happen.
20 HOW ONE COUPLE’S TOUGH LOVE RESULTED IN
EMMY-NOMINATED SUCCESS This independently-made drama put Hollywood on notice. A love notice, that is.
30 8TH & ROAST: A COMMUNITY COFFEEHOUSE, THE NASHVILLE WAY
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This stylish community hotspot is brewing with creativity and impactful connections.
34 SHAWN NELSON, CEO & FOUNDER OF LOVESAC,
OFFERS STUNNING ADVICE FOR EVERY ENTREPRENEUR He’ll get you off of the couch and in daring pursuit of your dreams.
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36 F.A.R.M.S.: MEET THE NORTH CAROLINA WOMAN WHO IS
CHANGING AMERICA’S FOOD INDUSTRY One attorney’s commitment to justice and equity is improving the way America farms and eats.
40 THE SMITHSONIAN AMERICAN ART MUSEUM:
WHERE THE IMAGINATIONS OF AMERICANS LIVE ON From the provocative to the traditional, there stands compelling evidence of the American experience.
43 PRODUCER TONY BROWN IS ASKING THE BIGGEST NAMES
IN MUSIC HISTORY TO TAKE A SEAT Four Grammy Awards. More than 100 No. 1 Songs. This music man asked some of the industry’s greatest living legends to take a seat for his new book, “Elvis, Strait to Jesus.”
48 ROCKIN’ IN LIFE WITH MOMPRENEUR & INTERNATIONAL DANCE
SENSATION TAKKIES She’s a new mom, a wife, and a television sensation. Here’s how she manages to win at everything (without losing herself!).
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Columns 12 SPRING INTO SELF-LOVE: 5 REFRESHING APPROACHES
TO BEING GOOD TO YOURSELF ‘Tis the season to step out of the shadows and find your own sun. Fulfillment begins within.
19 CHALLENGING YOUR DEFINITION OF SUCCESS
Impressive job title? Six-figure income? Success can’t be reduced to those things.
21 5 WAYS TO ATTAIN ROLE-MODEL INCLUSION EVERY DAY Let’s make a space that feels safe for everyone.
23 AFTER MY HUSBAND’S DEATH, A TRIP TO ITALY BROUGHT ME
BACK TO LIFE She was crushed. Her whole identity was in question. A trip abroad reminded her that it was OK to be alive in the world again.
38 SOCIAL MEDIA 101 FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS
Simple tricks to hone the power of social media as miracle growth for your business.
47 HOW TO MAKE PEACE WITH YOUR PAST AND BOLDY LOVE AGAIN Yes, you can heal from the experiences that changed you. Here’s how to turn your pain into your power.
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SPRING 2018 | THE CONNECT MAGAZINE
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The Connect Magazine is a quarterly lifestyle publication and online media source committed to engaging our diverse audience through empowering and impactful stories of entrepreneurs, young professionals and businesses in pursuit of creating positive ripples throughout the world, through efforts large and small. THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
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BUSINESS
LIFE, STAGE
IN YOU ARE ALWAYS ON
WRITTEN BY: JOE SCARLETT
D
ID YOU KNOW that every time you encounter another person, your brain makes judgments — consciously or subconsciously — about who that person is? You store these observations away in your mind as a mental image of that person. This means that others are warehousing judgments about you in their minds as well. That notion of “always being on stage” holds true no matter what you do professionally. And that’s why it’s so important to bring the best version of yourself to every location or situation. Just think about all the encounters you have among others at work and in the community; each is an opportunity to build your image and presence. Having a strong image can reward you in almost every aspect of your life. This may ring like a simple concept, but you will be most successful if you always strive to put your best self forward. I confess that when I meet a person who dresses professionally, I immediately record the thought that such person is likely a “pro.” But, when I encounter a person dressed haphazardly, I quickly reach the opposite conclusion. Remember: The first image others form of you is usually a visual one, so make it bold and buttoned up - one that leaves a lasting impression. But it isn’t just about what meets the eye. Attitude may be a concept that is difficult to define, but our instincts have a way of drawing conclusions about them almost instantly. When we meet someone, we observe their attitude right away, record those observations based on first impressions and then are often reluctant to change those imprints later on. These impressions have enduring value. Your proof of character shows up when you are polite to the cashier in the store or patient with the waiter in the restaurant. The same principle applies when you act like a jerk; everyone around you sees that behavior and will likely remember it. You never know who is around, so it always pays to be respectful of others. 10
SPRING 2018 | THE CONNECT MAGAZINE
Below are a five key tips to follow for demonstrating the best possible “stage” presence in life: 1 START EVERY ENCOUNTER WITH A SMILE A smile immediately indicates a positive and welcoming attitude. As they say, when you smile the whole world smiles with you. It’s true. 2 MAKE THE FIRST MOVE Introduce yourself at the outset of any new encounter to help people feel comfortable with you. It works wonders. 3 ASK GOOD QUESTIONS Engage and stay focused on the conversation at hand. Not only will you have a more meaningful encounter, but your new friend will also walk away remembering a great discussion. 4 STAY POSITIVE However unintentional, talking about negative topics or engaging in others’ complaints will cast you in a negative light. Always steer conversations toward positive topics. 5 LEARN TO LAUGH A LITTLE It’s amazing how establishing a good sense of humor and laughing (appropriately) can build the bonds of friendship and trust. Always think of yourself as a complete package—appearance, attitude and conduct. Dial into each element and you will project the best, most positive image for yourself to others. Every morning, prepare yourself for the stage of life. I promise it will pay off - maybe even with applause.
Joe Scarlett is the retired CEO of Tractor Supply Company For more on leadership, see joescarlett.com
THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
EMPOWERMENT & SUCCESS
Spring Into Self-Love: 5 REFRESHING APPROACHES TO BEING GOOD TO YOURSELF WRITTEN BY: KEELAH JACKSON
V
ALENTINE’S DAY HAS come and gone. The hearts and cupids are packed away until next year, but the real unconditional love for yourself shouldn’t be stored up in a plastic container in the closet. You should have that selflove out and active every single day! Even if you have to re-introduce yourself to who you really are, so that you can fall in love with yourself for the first time, make the time to do exactly that this spring season. Self-love is the key to personal rejuvenation. The events of your life have formed you into who you are, yet the challenging or negative events may have also worn you into guarding your heart so fiercely and forgetting the fragile essence of you. If the intense doses of life’s medicine have formed your emotional guard into a strong fortress of protection against disappointment, barring any form of pure joy or willingness to explore new terrain, below are five ways to help you revive and renew your lease on self-love! 1 ENJOY A CUP OF TEA IN SILENCE Take the time to savor each warm and inviting sip of comfort as you slow down to enjoy the moment. Some teas, depending upon variety, do offer an added dimension of a soothing quality (such as chamomile or lemon balm), but it’s really up to you to relish the simplicity of the occasion. The whole act of slowing down to take in the warm beverage is not about selecting the most expensive tea or stressfully deciding whether or not to go with chai or green! The matter of inhaling the aromatically therapeutic, mood-enhancing liquid for your drinking time provides a quick second of beauty for you to pause and recapture a breath of peace and quiet for a mental recharge. 2 TAKE UP A NEW HOBBY Scientists have found that outlets such as hobbies or pastimes restore one’s youthfulness of mind and overall health, and who doesn’t want to turn back the clock to recapture a less stressful time? There are all sorts of hobbies that may be pursued - from artistic to athletic - but if relaxation through a hobby isn’t your “cup of tea” (see what I just did there?), then you must attempt to unearth something that will provide a balance to your work and personal responsibilities. Reclaim the time to rediscover your passions; they may ultimately lead you to further creative pursuits and self-appreciation. 3 REMEMBER WHAT MAKES YOU GIGGLE. Maybe even create a new punchline for your life! Laughter is good for the body and soul. That is the literal truth. Laughter and humorous 12
SPRING 2018 | THE CONNECT MAGAZINE
memories are stunningly efficient (and inexpensive!) healers for everything from a broken heart to a sore thumb. According to the Mayo Clinic, the endorphins released during laughter and humorous times light up the centers of your brain that control pain relief. Strong chuckles stimulate your heart, lungs, and muscles, too, and laughter has even been proven to improve your immune system and mood. Go figure. Sweep away your dusty past cobwebs of mental, emotional and physical fatigue, depression, stress, anxiety and distraction with a little giggle of lighthearted humor - reminding you that life can always take a funny turn. 4 SPEND TIME OUTDOORS. Whether you are drawn to hiking, walking, surfing, picking buttercups (no judgment here) just go for it! It is widely known that the springtime can be a beast on the sinuses for some, but do not allow that to deter you from reaping the wonderful and healing benefits of Mother Nature! Self love abounds outdoors. Outdoor sunshine is good for improving mood and general health in the provision of vitamin D, but the potent and uncontained oxygen received while being in a nutrient-rich and unpolluted environment can assist in boosting one’s creativity, concentration, memory and energy. Nature pumps up your clarity and inspires the freedom of heart, mind, and spirit for you to truly be who your soul strives to become. 5 CELEBRATE THE FRESH SPRINGBOARD OF EACH NEW DAY Spring is lush and ripe for new beginnings - new birth - yet every single day is a golden opportunity for your renaissance of self-love! There is no special time to turn things around in your life. May no seemingly insurmountable event brainwash you into believing that you cannot restart. Each day is the prime time to refresh your situation and flip your mindset and perspective. Use each of your precious days to readjust yourself back to what matters to you and your ultimate wellbeing. You have to love and value yourself before you can be your best for the world. If you don’t take the time to evaluate who you are, what’s important to you, and what you need in order to be your best self, then you can’t offer anything worthwhile to yourself or to anyone else. You are the genesis to self-renewal. You are the wellspring to your comeback. This spring, may your spirit bloom. May your mental buds and physical blossoms of newness grow straight from the restored place of love and appreciation of who you are. THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
EDUCATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Alive Studios Is Making Our Children Smarter, Courtesy of Augmented Reality WRITTEN BY: TONI LEPESKA
C
YNTHIA KAYE WAS an elementary education graduate, a successful executive and a mother who traveled to the former Soviet Union to adopt two boys, but she was stumped. Nothing in her toolbox worked. The beloved children she’d legally made her own couldn’t read English. No matter how hard she’d tried, no matter what method she’d used, her kids didn’t grasp it. “I put them in good public schools and then private school with small class sizes. I did Hooked on Phonics,” Kaye said. “Nothing was engaging them.” As she searched for a solution, the boys got older, and behavior issues surfaced. They couldn’t plug into school without reading. But Kaye had tried everything. And then one day at work, the answer literally popped out at her. On the computer of a 23-year-old co-worker, an image of the Eiffel Tower seemed to lurch toward Kaye. Called augmented reality, it was what Kaye would do with this technology, in its infancy, which would change her children’s lives and launch a vision to raise the reading
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proficiency level of the nation’s children from a dismal 36 percent to more than 70 percent. Stretching to make that vision reality, she’d sink profits into developing software for what she called “Letters alive,” see her product languish in a new owner’s hands and then spend her family’s savings to buy it back. “’Let’s not give up’ – we must have said that so many times … but if you’ve got something and believe in it, persist.” Today the CEO of Alive Studios, 53-year-old Kaye earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Florida State University. While she was an intern working with fourth graders, the Apple IIe personal computer debuted, and Kaye’s mentor suggested she go into a job that paired technology with learning. Kaye was on the cutting edge of technology use in schools as she began selling computers to educational institutions. Though an unlikely career choice – “I’m not technologically inclined. I was a struggling student, hyperactive,” said Kaye – she excelled in the business and later opened her own company selling interactive whiteboards to schools. In that role, she THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
EDUCATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP
IT MAKES ME, WELL, HAPPY DOESN’T SEEM A GOOD ENOUGH WORD, TO HAVE SOMETHING THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN A CHILD’S LIFE, YOU CAN’T PUT THAT INTO WORDS. IT MAKES MY DAY – IT MAKES MY WEEK. WE’RE A FOR-PROFIT COMPANY, BUT I FEEL THIS IS MY CALLING, MY MISSION. – Cynthia Kaye, CEO of Alive Studios
was honored as leader of one of the Top 15 Fastest Growing Ed-Tech Woman-Led Companies in North America by Entrepreneur magazine in the fall of 2008. Already blessed with two biological children, Kaye and her husband Ron, who now live in the Atlanta area, decided to adopt two boys, ages 5 and 6, from Latvia, near Russia. Speaking English wasn’t a problem for them, but reading English was. By the time the boys were 11 and 12, the couple had exhausted all of their options. That’s when one day a co-worker called Kaye over to his desk. He slid a piece of paper under a document camera. Pow! A 3D replica of the Eiffel Tower sprang from his computer. Kaye got her first taste of augmented reality, which uses computer software to alter the perception of a real-world environment. “I’ve a very visual person,” said Kaye. “I could just see animals popping out.” Having been a struggling student herself, she immediately appreciated the possibilities of augmented reality in a school setting. And she immediately appreciated the possibilities for her boys. She launched creation of a software that allowed children to interact with letters, and later numbers, using animals that popped into kids’ reality via a screen. She conducted a sort of a pilot in 2011. The software featured animated animals like a hissing alligator, a graceful giraffe and a hopping frog. As they skipped, swam and leapt, the animals helped children sound out vowels, learn digraphs and create sentences. After its effectiveness was demonstrated, Kaye agreed to sell her product and her 19-year-old company, and to help develop it for public consumption. But then nothing happened. She nearly washed her hands of it, but it wasn’t forgotten. “Every time I mentioned Letters alive people would say I’d just light up,” Kaye said. “At first I’d tell them, ‘Oh, it’s gone.’” And then she began to take note of the comments. Her husband told her, “Buy it back.” They’d been married some 25 years. She listened to him. Together, they took their savings, bought back the software and, joined by angel investors, launched Alive Studios four years ago. “There’s a lot of sacrifice. There are days you think, ‘Is it going to work?’ It’s always tough to get started, but it’s paying off now. We have grown in sales THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
every single year, and our customers continue to buy from us so that all of their early-learning classrooms have our Learning alive (the alphabet and math combination product) classroom kits.” The software targets children ages pre-kindergarten to third grade. Kaye was able to introduce the software to her children when they were ages 13 and 14, and credits the software with giving her boys the ability to read English. But, she says, it’s vital to reach children while they are very young. Ohio kindergarten teacher Brittany Beitler uses Letters alive each day in her classroom with an accompanying lesson plan. An assessment revealed that 99 percent of her students had shown a “huge improvement” - by 10 to 25 percent, depending on the individual - in the ability to produce and identify letters and letter sounds after several months of use. “It will help them going into first grade. Those students will be more on track,” said Beitler who also won a grant to get the software into the school’s reading intervention program. “I think it would make a big difference nationwide.” Greg Smedley-Warren, a Nashville kindergarten teacher at J.E. Moss Elementary School, was manning a booth at a conference when he discovered Learning alive. “I kept hearing this elephant, this really loud elephant, and I had to find out what it was.” After he visited the Alive Studios booth, he knew he had to bring the software into his classroom. “I knew if it was exciting for me, my kids would love it. It’s so engaging. The animals come alive, they move, they make noises. The students become excited and engaged. When kids are excited, they are going to learn.” Kaye’s “audacious goal” is to increase reading proficiency among this country’s youngest students to more than 70 percent. It will take 10 to 25 years, but she’s optimistic about the task. She’s seen her innovative creation work in classrooms. She believes in it. “It makes me, well, happy doesn’t seem a good enough word,” she said. “To have something that makes a difference in a child’s life, you can’t put that into words. It makes my day – it makes my week. We’re a for-profit company, but I feel this is my calling, my mission.” To learn more about the Learning alive letter and math software, visit: www.alivestudiosco.com. THE CONNECT MAGAZINE | SPRING 2018
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BUSINESS & DIVERSITY
ICABA EMPOWERS THOUSANDS OF PROFESSIONALS TO EXCEL IN CAREERS & RELATIONSHIPS WRITTEN BY: TONI LEPESKA
S
HE DESCRIBED HERSELF as being “absolutely lost” nine years ago. A young professional, she wasn’t employed in her field of study, and she’d suffered a devastating personal loss, her brother’s death. That’s when she was introduced to the International Career and Business Alliance (ICABA). Paired with a female hospital CEO as a mentor, Venessa Walker began to meet connected people. Inspiring people. Walker began to stretch herself. She opened her own business and ran for public office. Though she didn’t win the vote, her practice thrived. She thrived. She started a nonprofit, the Owen Walker Jr. Foundation Inc., in honor of her brother. Once an ICABA mentee, the 35-year-old is now on its advisory board. “Things you desire are propelled through relationships,” says Walker, who employs three people at Walker Chiropractic & Wellness in Miramar, Fla. “You’re able to see what is attainable through who is alongside you.” ICABA is like a Chamber of Commerce without the traditional city boundaries. Its mission is to “connect accomplished black professionals and entrepreneurs to build productive relationships, share information and activate opportunities that assist them in achieving their career, business and lifestyle aspirations.” The organization provides social and professional networking events, and business development events. ICABAworld.com is a trusted social network that includes an online career center, social engagement tools and information similar to LinkedIn. ICABA events include an annual group cruise, black-tie events to honor young professionals and entrepreneurs, a yearly health summit and an annual business forum. While well-received in two metro areas since its creation years ago,
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ICABA is only now approaching its greatest potential. Utilizing a database of more than 5,000 professionals and entrepreneurs, ICABA will launch a membership campaign this year that is expected to excel the organization’s growth. Hutchinson’s goal is a million members worldwide. A “serial entrepreneur” who once headed the first minority-owned television station in Kentucky, Hutchinson calls himself the chief servant officer of ICABA. He is customer-focused and models himself after Christ, who was people-focused. Hutchinson’s belief in the benefits of self-determination and empowerment came from his father, a Louisville entrepreneur, and was supported by his mother, a social worker. They taught him “if you’re going to do anything, you’re going to give it your best.” ICABA, Hutchinson says, is definitely an outgrowth of his upbringing. The importance of individual and community wealth building is expressed on the organization’s website, www.icabaworld. com. He wants others to utilize what wealthier individuals and families always know: relationships empower them and empower communities. They provide people with critical information and resources. “There are characteristics of being wealthy that get passed down generationally,” Hutchinson says. “There are characteristics of being poor that get passed down generationally.” If a person isn’t well-connected, they can overcome the lack of a “leg-up” by being intentional – by intentionally building networks and intentionally seeking out resources. And as they build networks for themselves, they build opportunities for their communities. Hutchinson likes to add to that saying about teaching a man to fish and he’ll be fed for a lifetime. “Teach them how to build a lake full of fish,” says Hutchinson, “and they will feed a community.” THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
BUSINESS & DIVERSITY
Hutchinson was living in Atlanta when the timeline of events that led to ICABA began. He moved to south Florida to take a management role with Cox Media Group and, in partnership with his late wife, they launched a profile publication featuring accomplished and influential blacks. According to Hutchinson, the tri-county area of south Florida (Dade, Broward and Palm Beach) was an unlikely place to unify black professionals and entrepreneurs. The place was very territorial. That’s why he and his wife, Pamela, raised an eyebrow when they successfully assembled more than 600 people for the launch of Who’s Who in Black South Florida. As a general sales manager for a radio station owned by CBS Radio, Hutchinson became acquainted with Who’s Who in Black Atlanta while living in the Georgia city, but it was his wife who took on the role of publisher for the first south Florida version of the directory in April 2007. She had been in the banking industry but quickly won the hearts of people she met through the Who’s Who publication. The wonderful reception led the Hutchinsons to believe a much bigger opportunity lay ahead. Jerome Hutchinson had no idea at the time that his wife wasn’t going to be a part of grasping it. About seven months after the publication’s launch, doctors performed what was described as basically a routine operation to relieve pressure in Pamela Hutchinson’s skull. The mother of two girls had a Chiari malformation that caused “woefully debilitating” headaches. After the surgery, the doctor said to her husband, “she’s got another 100,000 miles on her.” Pamela Hutchinson soon fell into a coma and never woke. She died Nov. 2, 2007. After a few months, people began asking Hutchinson if he’d be publishing a second edition of Who’s Who. He did. “It became THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
sort of a way to honor her memory,” he says. “People loved her.” In 2008, as an outgrowth of the directory’s reception, Hutchinson formed ICABA Media Group, the predecessor to ICABA. In 2016, ICABA became a member-based organization. With chapters in West Palm Beach, Fla., and Atlanta, the number of members is almost at 700. Another chapter may be forming soon in Houston. Membership is multi-tiered, and while some of ICABA’s benefits are available for free, paid individual membership starts at $200 annually. Bryan Cunningham, division manager of the entrepreneurship center of the Urban League of Broward County in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., joined about two years ago. Through ICABA, he’s identified several small businesses that quality for the Urban League’s small business loan program. A video / photography business received $65,000 and a hair care business with products in local retail stores received a $55,000 loan – which helped it get a contract recently to sell its goods in Target stores nationwide. He believes that as people form relationships and begin to trust each other, territorial rivalries are being broken down. “The quality of the people in (ICABA) has been overwhelming,” Cunningham says. “If we can come together… there’s strength. There’s power.” In the midst of a transformed life, brought by the power of relationships, Dr. Walker takes every opportunity to go to school events like career days to get to know students. She lets them know someone who came from where they are is flourishing – and thus, they can, too. A lot goes into a successful life, but one thing is key, and she’s found that in ICABA. “You can have passion,” Walker says. But when you have people who support you, that’s a different space.” THE CONNECT MAGAZINE | SPRING 2018
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EMPOWERMENT
CHALLENGING YOUR DEFINITION
DEFINITION
OF
SUCCESS WRITTEN BY: SCOTT KIMBRO
I
HAVE A FRIEND named Jeremy who is an extremely successful businessman, complete with a wonderful wife and three amazing children. Their home is what most would consider to be a mansion - previously owned by a professional basketball player. To onlookers, especially those unfamiliar with his personal backstory, Jeremy would appear to have the whole art of success figured out. The good news is that he actually does – now. But let me go back in time to some years ago, before this was true for him. When Jeremy was growing up, his father worked for Weider Nutrition. Joe Weider is the man who is credited for bringing a young Arnold Schwarzenegger to America, having formed a relationship with him through Weider’s bodybuilding program. The day came when Jeremy, too, decided he was going to work for Wieder Nutrition. In the beginning, he was simply hired to answer phones. But he set a goal to be the head of international sales in just five years, earning at least $100,000 annually in compensation. He was also excited about the opportunity to travel to foreign countries and experience different cultures. The day finally came: Jeremy was in a foreign country on one of his countless sales calls, having just been promoted to the head of international sales. He had achieved it within the timeframe set, and was making the money he had envisioned. While speaking with his wife, telling her about how exciting it was to have the promotion, pay, and international travel, she said one simple thing that changed everything: “Our daughter took her first steps today.” All the sudden, Jeremy was different. There he was, alone in a foreign country, caught up in the excitement of his accomplishments. He had climbed the proverbial ladder of success at an early age. He had earned the respect of management, the owners, and his co-workers. He was on top of the world. THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
Except he wasn’t. When his wife uttered those words, what struck him most was not everything that he had accomplished, but everything he had given up in his race to the top of the success ladder. That day began a new chapter in Jeremy’s life. He decided his definition of success was going to be different than what it had been in the past. He was going to start living his life in a way where he would take into account all areas of life – not just the career and financial parts. I have always leaned on a certain definition of success, first introduced to me in 1982. I was 23 years old, and had just started to build a home-based business. I began listening to some recorded trainings, and one day the speaker, Earl Nightingale, said this: “Success is the progressive realization of a worthwhile goal.” There was nothing about money. Nor prestige. Nor titles. Nor what other people think of you and your accomplishments. Notice also that it says “progressive.” This means success is not about “having arrived.” Rather, it is all about moving forward in the direction of your goals.
Scott Kimbro is the Author of “SubmUrgency: How to Live – and Die – Without Regret.” Learn more about him at ScottKimbroTeaches.com..
THE CONNECT MAGAZINE | SPRING 2018
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
How One Couple’s TOUGH LOVE
Resulted in Emmy-Nominated Success
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ONI MORRISON ONCE said, “If there is a book you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, you must be the one to write it.” For Caleb Davis and his wife, Roni, they took Morrison’s quote one step further. The result? A Daytime Emmy-nominated web series. What happened next? It became a hit. “Tough Love” is the story of a close-knit group of African-American millennials in New York City. When they’re selected to participate in a social experiment, they’re forced to reexamine their lives and weather the challenges of careers, relationships and life in the Big Apple. In less than three years, the independently-made drama put Hollywood on notice. “Tough Love” garnered press from the likes of ABC, BET, Fox, Ebony and Essence magazines. From the beginning, Roni explains that “Tough Love” was devised as a means to fill the void of positive African-American narratives. “I really love those old movies from the nineties,” she says. “The ‘Love Jones,’ the ‘Brown Sugar.’ I didn’t see that. So Caleb and I decided we wanted to create that. We wanted to do something together and he was already a filmmaker and I’m a writer, and that’s how ‘Tough Love’ was born.” It was the success of one particular black creator that provided the Davises with a template in utilizing social media as a resource. “One of our biggest inspirations is Issa Rae,” Caleb says. “She created ‘The Misadventures of an Awkward Black Girl.’ She created content, put it on YouTube and connected directly with the audience. So we saw that model. We knew that the internet was going to be a revolutionary force behind ‘Tough Love.’ We let fans interact with us to help build the show.” With a game plan in place, Caleb and Roni cast the six leads for the show: Jordan Barton as earnest and caring Quincy; Ebony Obsidian as level-headed and loyal Alicia; Bradley Clarke as hot-shot cassanova Jackson; Verina Banks as unapologetically fierce Jordan; Natalie Jacobs as positive free spirit Monica; and Devin Coleman golden-hearted bad boy Darius. Each of the leads were named after characters from films such as “The Brothers,” “Love & Basketball” and “The Best Man,” as nods to black cinema. Along with Brian Lipkins-Scott and Will Rosati taking the helm with production, the “Tough Love” team was set. As the official website explains, production and filming were not without its difficulties. “Try to envision a small cast and crew running through NYC, hopping on and off trains, shooting in the middle of the street, filming early mornings to avoid crowds - doing anything necessary to get the job done. That’s how we produced ‘Tough Love.’ We didn’t have a big budget and we didn’t have a large team. What we did have was a dream and the will to make it come to fruition,” Roni says. With a three-man crew and cast members who gave up their entire weekends during filming that first summer, the duo accomplished what they set out to do. “We had auditions on a Monday and we shot it that weekend,” Roni says. “We were financing it ourselves. We tried to structure it as 20
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WRITTEN BY: DENNIS R. UPKINS
we went along. Very, very guerilla-style [filming] the first season. As we went on, we learned a lot from that production process.” The high-quality production and cinematography of the 30-minute episodes are a testament to the skills of the married showrunners. With a Master’s degree in film from Kingston University in London, Caleb has worked throughout the U.K., France, Italy, Greece, Asia and West Africa. He’s been a member of production for projects for Bravo, CBS, the Food Network and Oxygen. Holding a Master’s degree in media management, Roni has worked for CNN and Fox. An accomplished journalist, she has interviewed celebrities such as Patti LaBelle, Kelly Rowland, and Nick Cannon. She also wrote and produced a number of projects while studying in Italy. “Tough Love” originally premiered in November 2015 on YouTube. The online drama quickly garnered more than 45,000 viewers and more than a million channel views from all over the planet. “I definitely wanted to pull out the things [the characters have] been through and why they are the way they are,” she says. “We tried to make them as authentic as possible and we wanted to come up with new ways to show these characters, their internal struggles and how they’ve grown.” One of the unique qualities of “Tough Love” is that it exists on multiple levels. The viewers watch as the characters have a dialogue about relationships and entrepreneurship. Through social media, the audience can continue that dialogue and weigh in on the characters. As the show’s popularity grew, recognition and accolades quickly followed. In 2016, “Tough Love” received three nominations at the New York Web Fest. Last year it was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Digital Daytime Drama Series. The online drama also has the distinction of being the only African-American series to receive the honor. “We were there on the red carpet, giving interview with the press and, as a group of black people there in attendance, people were definitely intrigued,” Caleb says. “Just being there, it definitely shows we’re doing something right.” As with all journeys, this one has come to a close. The third and final season concluded in February 2018. “Even though the show is ending, it is still living on YouTube,” Caleb says. “We urge viewers to tag their friends and continue sharing the show which will be new to new viewers.” Although “Tough Love” has ended, the Davises are just getting started. The creators are already in the development stages for a future project. Heeding Morrison’s wisdom and taking a concept from an idea to an Emmy-nominated hit is a Cinderella story in itself. One that Roni and Caleb hopes inspires upcoming creators the same way Issa Rae’s “The Misadventures of An Awkward Black Girl” inspired them. “We definitely want to encourage other creators to create,” Roni says. “Don’t depend on others. Go out there and make it happen.” Additional information on “Tough Love” can be found www.toughloveseries.com. THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
DIVERSITY
5 Ways to Attain
ROLE-MODEL INCLUSION Everyday
D
IVERSITY AND INCLUSION have become commonly heard words in the media, at work and in our communities. As a result of our nation’s climate, just about everyone knows what diversity is. However, inclusion is less clear. While there is a plethora of anecdotal statements to help people understand the relationship between diversity and inclusion, catchy sentiments like “Diversity is the mix and inclusion is making the mix work” can be difficult to connect to real-world inclusive behaviors. But being inclusive doesn’t have to be difficult. We can help to create an inclusive environment by applying mindfulness to the ways we normally engage with others around us day to day. Here are five ways to attain role-model inclusion, each of which contribute to creating a space that feels inviting and safe for everyone.
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EXTEND COURTESY TO EVERYONE Courtesy traditionally comes with cultural attachments to gender or age. Gentlemen are encouraged to hold doors for ladies and help elderly people carry items to their vehicles. Children are admonished to mind their manners with “please” and “thank you.” Consider for a moment what would happen if we lifted the mental limits we have framed around courtesy and, instead, offered a helping hand to anyone who may be attempting to exit a door with their hands full, or offered our seats to someone standing on the train ride home while trying to manage heavy luggage. When we shift our perspective on courtesy to see it as something that is extended to everyone, we can create inclusive spaces that are safe for all kinds of diversity – from physical ability, to race, to gender.
2
MIND YOUR GROUP MEAL PLANNING According to Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), about 15 million people in the United States have food allergies, which includes one in three children. This number doesn’t include intolerances or autoimmune disorders connected to food such as celiac disease, which makes gluten unsafe to consume for those impacted. It’s safe to say that if you are hosting a group gathering over a meal, whether it is for a meeting or to watch the next big game, you should ask your guests to let you know if they follow a special diet. You can also share your meal plans and partner with your guests to create a menu that includes them, or you can invite guests to bring their own food if they are concerned about being able to eat. Food is a communal experience; we build relationships over meals. Help everyone feel included by creating a safe meal space for everyone.
3
ASK ANYWAY Sometimes our biases make assumptions for others that not only may be untrue, but they can also create unfair barriers for others. For example, women who are pregnant are often overlooked for special projects or opportunities because people assume they will be too busy with their new little one. They might be, but asking gives her an opportunity to share her position, rather than be impacted by a decision. Maybe dad plans to stay home so she can continue to grow her career. THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
WRITTEN BY: AMBER CABRAL
Asking anyway also means inviting the perspectives of everyone rather than a select group. Saying to a group, “Where is the best Thai restaurant in the area?” gives everyone an opportunity to share their perspectives and engage in some fun debate about local food options. Allowing our bias to lead us to ask the one Asian-looking person in the room could set us up to appear discriminatory and judgmental, rather than just wanting to have a good lunch.
4
USE GENDER NEUTRAL LANGUAGE WHEN GENDER ISN’T NECESSARY When you read the words: policeman, stewardess, or chairman, you likely associate those words with a specific gender. Let’s swap those words out for police officer, flight attendant, and chairperson. Now those aforementioned roles could be filled by anyone. It is only helpful to assign gender when speaking about a specific person whose gender is clear, such as, “Our Chairwoman, Angela, will be arriving a few minutes early for the event tomorrow.”
5
DON’T RELY ON SPOKESPEOPLE It is natural to want to feel like we are asking the right person for information, but assumptions can make for very awkward interactions. If you catch yourself starting a sentence with, “Do black people…” or “Are gay people…” take a moment and consider: can you speak for everyone of your race? What about for all of the people of your sexual preference? Of course you can’t. Remember, Oprah Winfrey and Kanye West may both identify as black people, but their identity and perspectives will not necessarily represent every black person. Ellen DeGeneres and Rosie O’Donnell are both lesbian, but can’t communicate about being homosexual for the whole gay community. Culture and identity questions can be challenging to ask, so if there is a question you’d like answered, first consider if it is a “need-toknow” or a “like-to-know.” If your inquiry is a “need-to-know,” (for example, you are writing an article and do not know if you should use term Hispanic, Latino, or Latina) it is ideal that you ask someone with whom you have an established rapport before firing off what might be perceived as an offensive inquiry. There is a way to appropriately ask culture questions, but remember, you are only getting one individual’s opinion, not the perspective of an entire group. While there is no sure-fire formula to make inclusivity happen all the time, implementing each of these five mindful tips can help you create an environment that invites the diversity around you to feel included. Sincere efforts toward creating an inclusive space do not go unnoticed, especially by people who often feel excluded for one reason or another. Amber Cabral is a speaker, writer and inclusion consultant based in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. She founded Cabral Co. in 2005, which has allowed her to coach and mentor a wide range of diversity leaders by helping them transform their passions and ideas into executable content and services. THE CONNECT MAGAZINE | SPRING 2018
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NASHVILLE IS CHANGING. LEAD THE WAY WITH US. Belong to a network that shares your values. Engage in opportunities you’re passionate about. Lead on issues critical to your future. Prosper as a region. nashvillechamber.com
TRAVEL
AFTER MY HUSBAND’S DEATH, A TRIP TO ITALY BROUGHT ME BACK TO LIFE WRITTEN BY: DEBBIE WEISS
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HEN MY HUSBAND George died in April 2013, my world shrank unbearably without him. We’d been together for 32 years. He was my prom date who became my soul mate. We’d done everything together. He was a software engineer happy to be with me and his computer. He hadn’t wanted to travel, so we’d stayed close to home, making complicated recipes and working on house projects. I never knew one small home could use so much rewiring. When he died, we’d been designing a pergola for the back yard, a place to sit together - he in his wheelchair as he struggled with cancer. But then he was gone. Two years after he died, in an effort to cheer me, his parents took me with them on a tour of Paris. This trip was put on by their university alumni association. At first, all I could notice was George’s absence. I’d never been out of the United States. I kept thinking he should’ve been there. But, after a few days, I came alive, socializing with my fellow travelers, practically living at the museums, even trading in my faded North Face parka for a chic Parisian raincoat. I returned home eager to travel again. Not long after, I signed up for another alumni tour which would take me off the Amalfi coast in Italy. But this time? I’d be going on my own. I’ve always been an anxious person. It served me well during my 11 years as a practicing attorney. George had handled both household and neurotic wife maintenance. Before the trip, I obsessed over missing my flights, getting stranded in a foreign airport and feeling lonely among all the couples on the tour. When I tell someone I’m a widow, they often shy away, saying something like “That’s my worst fear” or “I couldn’t deal with it,” as if widowhood were contagious. As with so many things, I needn’t have worried. There were several women traveling alone on the tour and we formed a little group. My shyness dissipated with our first group cocktail hour. We saw dazzling ocean views, the lovely pastel town of Positano, the blue waters of Capri, the majestic temples of Paestum, and the sprawling ruins of Pompeii. At a tiny farm in the countryside, we tasted the best Buffalo Mozzarella ever. We walked along the sun-drenched bay in Naples and tried the famous Neapolitan pizza. I even made a friend. Like me, Kristin was an attorney who practiced yoga and also, conveniently, loved to shop. In the early evenings, when we got back to our hotel in Sorrento after our group excursions, she and I would hit the town for strolling, widow shopping and dinner at one of the beautiful seafood restaurants, the fish displayed on ice near the entrance. Over prosecco, we talked about our lives back in California. I learned about her divorce. She listened patiently when I talked about my George. Sorrento’s most elegant hotel was the Grand Hotel Vittoria. We’d seen uniformed staff turning away tourists at the door. One night, we dressed up in our best clothes accessorized with the new Italian handbags we’d bought, so excited when they let us in. The outdoor patio was all in marble, decorated with old statues. It had sweeping views of the sea with the lights twinkling on the water. The people around us were dressed like a Vogue layout. It must’ve been dinner time for the locals, because everyone soon cleared out, leaving only the two of us on the patio. A man came out and started playing lounge music on the grand piano, singing in a heavy French accent. When Kristin left for the restroom, he began singing the THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
Fred Astaire classic,”They Can’t Take That Away From Me.” It had been one of George’s favorite songs. In a fairytale setting, on my first solo international trip, George had stopped by to say hello. I knew he would’ve wanted me to be happy. Being with my new friend, immersed in such beauty, I didn’t feel sad watching the couples on the trip. I would never be able to travel with my husband, but I could still find joy in my adventures. Unlike the places that George and I had been to together, I had no memories to color my experiences. It was all new, untouched by sadness.
Capri, Italy. Photo by Ciprian Lipenschi
Positano, Italy. Photo by Yoosun Won
The trip ended. But I’d changed. Taking a cue from the tour group where we’d all chatted and hung out together, I reached out more to make friends once I was back home. I was more comfortable trying a few new things, joining a weekly writing class in San Francisco and a hiking group that explored the Bay Area’s trails. Having survived international travel, I knew I’d be fine in my own backyard. I’d learned that I could keep my spirits up by having something to look forward to. I booked my next tour, an immersion trip to Barcelona that left in six months. I had found the world. And, despite my anxiety, I’d discovered that it wasn’t out to get me. After Barcelona I did my first non-group trip, Rome and Florence, with a girlfriend who’s an experienced traveler. I learned from her. I hadn’t cared about traveling when George was alive because I never wanted to be apart from him. He was my life. And I will always miss him. But my trips are part of a new life: one that can also be good and worth living.
Debbie Weiss is a writer, yogi, gardener and former attorney. She is currently writing a combination memoir and anti-advice manual on widowhood. Follow her blog, thehungoverwidow.com.
THE CONNECT MAGAZINE | SPRING 2018
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COVER STORY
LEWIS HOWES FROM A CAREER-ENDING INJURY TO SPREADING GLOBAL GREATNESS WRITTEN BY: LACEY JOHNSON
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EWIS HOWES SETTLED into his chair on the set of “The Ellen Degeneres Show,” positioned across from its iconic host. His heart raced as the cameras rolled. It was not the first time he had walked across that stage and engaged in a dance with Degeneres, his hip bumping playfully against hers. And it was not the first time she would interview him about his turbulent and winding journey to becoming a New York Times bestselling author and internationally celebrated podcast host - recognized in 2013 by President Barack Obama as one of the Top Entrepreneurs Under 30. This was a moment he had lived hundreds of times. In the years leading up to it, Howes often shut his eyes, visualizing the faces of the audience members. He experienced the butterflies in his belly and the energetic rush surging through his cells - pulling those sensations to his consciousness like a magnet. He believed he would sit on that stage and unfold his story for the world long before the world recognized his as a story worthy of being told.
Photo by Nick Onken
Less than a decade prior, in the midst of the economic crisis of the late 2000s, the Ohio-born Howes was a college dropout in his mid 20s, sleeping on his sister’s couch. His career aspirations of becoming an All-American athlete had been shattered when he crashed into a wall, midgame, while playing in the Arena Football League. Though determined to finish the season despite a broken wrist, he later underwent a corrective surgery which would prove his condition to be irreversible. This was the ultimate of lows. Having struggled with dyslexia and poor self-esteem his entire life, he held no formal degree or real-world 24
SPRING 2018 | THE CONNECT MAGAZINE
THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
COVER STORY
Photo by Nick Onken
THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
THE CONNECT MAGAZINE | SPRING 2018
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COVER STORY
Photo by Nick Onken
Photo by Nick Onken
professional experience. Sports had not only been his crowning source of affirmation and confidence (while playing in college, he set an NCAA record for the most receiving yards in a single game), but had sort of encapsulated his identity. And now that those gates of opportunity had slammed shut forever, he had to figure out who he was on the other side of a decaying dream. “What do I do now?” was the question looming over him, torturing his confidence. But, before long, answers began emerging - luring him away from the couch and toward a series of twists and turns that would ultimately land him in the realm of being one of the most influential (and multi-millionaire) entrepreneurs in the world. So how does such a phenomenon occur? How does a shy and insecure child who held a second-grade reading level as an eighth-grader, who withdrew from college to pursue the only thing he had ever excelled at sports - to later suffer a career-ending injury, stripping him of his passion and identity, progress from sleeping on his sister’s couch - lost, depressed and destitute - to becoming a globally-recognized entrepreneur, honored by the White House - in a matter of five or six years? Howes believes it’s no phenomenon at all. It began with tiny, brave and stubborn steps. “I started to realize that I had to face my biggest fears if I was going to get off the couch and make a career for myself outside of sports,” says Howes. With his body still healing and his self-esteem equally as fractured, he signed up for Toastmasters, an international organization that helps individuals become better communicators, hoping it would dispel one of his life-long fears: public speaking. Swarmed with dread each time he was called from his seat and asked to stand before the group and speak, he reflects on that fragile period as one of reawakening. Still wearing a cast and financially broken from a year of unemployment, Howes would stuff his pockets with the snacks available at the meetings. “It was a pretty low point for me self-confidence wise, says Howes. “But just making myself commit to overcoming a huge fear was a big step in turning my career and situation around.” 26
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Photo by Jared Polin
With his confidence slowly rebuilding, Howes devoted hours each day to exploring LinkedIn - seeking out connections with inspiring mentors while searching for lucrative opportunities he could anchor as a result. He cultivated hundreds of relationships through his months scrolling through and absorbing the wisdom he discovered on every corner of the site. This evolved into an actual business of coaching individuals one-onone, as well as hosting workshops - teaching people how to make optimal use of their LinkedIn profiles. During this time, he co-authored his first paperback, “LinkedWorking: Generating Success on LinkedIn… the World’s Largest Professional Networking Website.” Once he was in a position to move out from under his sister’s roof, he sold the LinkedIn-focused business altogether. He then channeled his energy to launching The School of Greatness, a business focused on leadership and personal development - one that would soon take on a life of its own. “My idea was to provide the kinds of conversations and real-world lessons that anyone could learn from,” says Howes. “I saw a big lack in traditional school systems of providing alternate learning methods to students who don’t excel sitting at desks, reading books or taking tests.” Through this program, he shifted his spotlight from mentoring clients privately to hosting webinars. Howes laughs as he reflects on how he evolved since the early days of struggling to find his voice as a speaker. “It was a different way to speak in front of an audience, since everyone was online watching virtually, but I felt just as nervous. I messed up a lot but, when I finally got my act together and delivered the value that I had been invited to give, I realized it wasn’t so bad. When the [first] webinar ended, I was soaked in sweat,” he says. During the segment, Howes had pitched a coaching bootcamp that he was offering for sale on his website. When he later checked his email, doubting that a single soul had found it worthy of purchasing, he was shocked to discover that he had payment receipt notifications totaling $6300. “That’s when I knew I was onto something,” says Howes. This sparked the idea to utilize the connections he had made as an athlete, entrepreneur and social media expert, and produce podcasts THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
COVER STORY
Photo by Jared Polin
Photo by Jared Polin
with in-depth conversations illuminating other successful athletes and entrepreneurs, as well as authors and entertainers, who were innovating through their business endeavors - each leaving a positive thumbprint across the world. He sensed this would multiply his impact, and wanted to flood the masses with the kinds of empowering tools he starved for growing up, yet never found. His instincts were on point. Named by Details magazine as one of the “5 Internet Gurus Who Can Make You Rich,” Howes’ podcast found its home inside of the 100 iTunes ranked Apple podcasts. At the time of this writing, it boasts more than 40 million downloads. Its popularity may be due, in part, to Howes’ rare blend of candidness, enthusiasm and vulnerability, carried by his generosity in sharing his wealth of entrepreneurial knowledge.
[ALL OF MY DREAMS] HAVE BEEN BASED ON CHASING GREATNESS AND INSPIRING OTHERS, BUT AS I’VE GOTTEN OLDER, MY FOCUS HAS SHIFTED FROM ME BEING THE CENTER OF MY DREAMS TO THE IMPACT I CAN MAKE IN SERVICE TO OTHERS. – Lewis Howes In episode 464, “Understand Your Energy,” Howes opened up about his emotional state in the days and hours leading up to his appearance on “The Ellen Degeneres Show,” saying to his millions of listeners, “If you have a dream inside of you, there are going to be big moments that happen. When that comes, you need to understand your energy. If you can’t be present when the time comes, you may miss the opportunity.” The School of Greatness has become a seven-figure business, and has transcended its original podcast identity - expanding to live events, online courses and viral YouTube episodes. Howes has hosted candid conversations with the likes of Julianne Hough, Marie Forleo, Daymond John, Tony Robbins and many others. Add to his impressive resume a bestselling book, “The School of Greatness: A Real-World Guide to Living Bigger, Loving Deeper, and Leaving a Legacy,” his first hardcover, which spawned from his profound digital presence. The book was published in 2016 and reached the No. 2 spot in the business category and the No. 3 spot overall on the New York Times bestseller lists. THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
Howes preaches the paramountcy of holding a clear vision of your dream in your mind at all times because he says it will act as the fuel to sustain you as you struggle to move along your path during the inevitable grim and rocky periods. And he says that it’s totally permissible for your dreams to evolve and shift with you; his certainly have. “[All of my dreams] have been based on chasing greatness and inspiring others,” says Howes, “but as I’ve gotten older, my focus has shifted from me being the center of my dreams to the impact I can make in service to others.” More comfortable being raw and vulnerable than ever before in his life, Howes, who will soon be turning 35, has grown increasingly candid about the private demons he battled as a child. Having been a victim of sexual abuse at 5 years old, he reveals how that experience created layers of dysfunction, oppression and pain throughout his adolescence and into adulthood. More specifically, how those layers of dysfunction, oppression and pain created the masks he often hid behind in order to project the image of a man he was sure society required that he be. The insights he gathered through his own personal evolution inspired his second and most revolutionary hardcover book, “The Mask of Masculinity,” published in 2017, which he says, according to the feedback he often receives, has ripped apart and, thus, welcomed healing into the paradigms of both men and women in equal measure. “So many men have reached out to me or told me in person that the stories in this book were the first time they felt validated for their feelings growing up as a man in our modern society. Many of them have started sharing things with their families and friends they never discussed,” says Howes. “That [process of] opening up is an amazing start to the journey of being emotionally free and at peace with ourselves.” Howes says it’s those moments of connecting with this audience that not only motivate him, but make him feel the most alive. “Whenever I hear people tell their stories of struggling with career, business, health, or their unfulfilled dreams, I go right back to when I felt all of those emotions myself. I look them in the eye or give them a hug and let them know I really do understand what that feels like,” he says. So vividly remembering his former dark days of depression, failure and financial ruin - often feeling as though they would stretch on forever without end, Howes says that if he could make one blanket statement to all aspiring - and, perhaps, disheartened - entrepreneurs, it would be, “Your dreams matter because you matter. Commit to your vision and take massive action.” And, maybe - just maybe - the moments you relive in your mind over and over again for long enough, then further propelled by those massive actions, will carry you to the kinds of phenomenal places that make your heart race and your most ambitious dreams realized. If you ask Howes, he’s living, speaking, hip-bumping proof. THE CONNECT MAGAZINE | SPRING 2018
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FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS
How to Make Peace With Your Past and Boldy Love Again WRITTEN BY: DERRICK R. ROLEN
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H, ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS. Yes, I know. Depending upon where you are in your life, the thought of them can make you smile or make your cringe. Sometimes supercharged and explosive, they can also be extremely rewarding when proper alignment is at hand. I often reflect on past romances to try and understand how or why they failed. There are financial woes, problems with children from previous relationships, or the “granddaddy” of them all: the ill-reputed infidelity cooperative. No matter how you chalk it up, the underlying commonality among the disappointing fiascos all lead to cataloging them as failures. It’s important to look at this on a macro level which may help to further understand the micro of it all. If we understand the true nature of the universe and how everything is tied into its grand design, then we’ll have a much better chance of accepting relationships that merely fizzle out over time. Just as Spring represents exponential growth, it is also a catalyst for fresh starts and new beginnings. The “season of life” as I refer to it, has a unique way of ushering in unsurpassed, organic vitality just as a blossoming, romantic acquaintance does. Spring has a specific, comprehensive agenda, which is to transform what appears to be lifeless by reintroducing us to the bold and new. In essence, it has become easy to overlook the purpose of this seasonal rebirth; to stimulate growth, restore, reenergize, recondition and revitalize the Earth. In my experience, I’ve learned not all is meant to last an eternity. Just as we experience seasonal shifts in our physical environment, our lives will also experience these same cyclical swings as well. Relationships will go through periods of notable highs when all is fantastic and amazing, then quickly move into phases of emotional lows. I no longer view any relationships as failures, but as puzzle pieces strategically placed in my life, each holding a specific value at an explicit place in time. There is always a lesson to be learned - each one piloting the avenues to new life, positive energy and a complete sense of fulfillment. Experience is the greatest teacher of all. There is boundless importance in taking the necessary time in between involved relationships to allow yourself to properly measure the situation. Being alone is not such a bad thing. It presents an opportunity to reexamine your core beliefs, survey the ever-changing landscape and pull from all the magnificence that surrounds you. Understand that you THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
must find your own truth far beyond the preset rituals, recycled ideals and divisive conditions that your partner accepts as his or her truth. The key that unlocks the beauty of it all lies within your ability to completely absorb your experiences, meticulously extract the lessons and the discipline to apply them moving forward. There will always be pockets of resistance that seek to create chaos in our lives. To experience progression, we must acknowledge its presence and arm ourselves with the necessary tools to effectively pierce through the turbulent winds. On the other side of this lies the healing that your spirit so eagerly desires. We must learn to part ways with partners that no longer add value to our lives. Holding on to dying, non-value partners are like being stuck in a revolving time loop. You repeatedly re-live the stress. Nothing new will come of it, only more of the same - until the vicious cycle is broken. Relationships act as platforms that are placed along our paths, each attempting to take us higher as we progress through life. As seasons change, things that were once shiny and new will take on different looks. It is perfectly fine to experience and undergo these changes. Simply recognize that a new season is among you, then embrace it and adapt accordingly. Moving past the attachment and comfort of familiarity is the key to opening new portals within your life. The fear of the unknown will act as an entrapment within itself. Beyond this self-prescribed fear is a newfound, deeper love and admiration for yourself. Love has a peculiar way of wreaking havoc on one side and uplifting your entire being on the other side. So what should you do this Spring if your heart has been hurt in seasons of the past? Welcome the new changes. What’s the worst that could happen? Perhaps you become a better mother or father, sister or brother, or even a better lover. The best part of it all is the transition of stepping into the shoes that you were justly meant to fill. The projection of a new roadmap to become a better, more enlightened version of yourself is well within your grasp. As the vernal equinox makes its grand entrance this year, it’s the perfect opportunity to mark today as the beginning of your independence through a renewed approach. Now you may dance again to the symphonic melodies of Spring’s revival. Travel well, my friends. THE CONNECT MAGAZINE | SPRING 2018
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FOOD
8
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& ROAST:
A COMMUNITY COFFEEHOUSE, THE NASHVILLE WAY
WRITTEN BY: MADISON YAUGER PHOTOGRAPH BY: DEVIN WILLIAMS
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ALKING INTO 8TH & Roast Coffee Co., located in the Melrose neighborhood of Nashville, Tenn., one sees copper tins lining a shelf, soft lighting illuminating the faded brick walls and a black and white menu highlighting the coffee and espresso drinks. The aroma of exotic coffee beans from Guatemala, Ethiopia, and Costa Rica fill the rustic 1000 square-foot space. People are laughing, sipping their coffees and clicking away on their computer keyboards. There’s a lot of life tucked away behind the shop’s little blue front door. The owners, Q Taylor, Sam Reed and Ed Reed grew up together in Memphis, Tenn. as childhood friends. “We’ve known each other since we were 13 or 14-years-old,” said Taylor, reflecting on his 25-year friendship with the Reed brothers. “I remember going over to their house for dinner all the time when we were kids.” The partners first discovered the quaint coffee shop in the summer of 2014. They had just purchased the restaurant Sinema, also located on 8th Ave South, and were looking for a place to hold meetings during the construction. After a few cups at 8th & Roast, they knew they wanted to carry the same coffee at their new restaurant. Roughly a year ago, Taylor and the Reed brothers partnered with the previous owner and eventually bought out 8th & Roast. Since then, they have re-branded many aspects of the company, even changing the logo to ‘8&R.’ As Taylor put it, “We made it our home.” In the mornings when Taylor walks in, he asks himself how it feels, how it smells, how it looks and how it can grow. The baristas are then tasked with setting everything up, making the coffee and executing proper taste, talking to the customers and creating a bright vibe within the space. 30
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The focus of the entire staff is how they make people feel. “In hiring, we tend to look for personality first because we want friendly employees who will engage with our customers,” said manager and barista, Kyle Buckner. “We are the first people our customers see in the morning and we want to create a positive experience for them.” There is a true comradery among the employees at 8th & Roast. “Everyone gets along so well,” said Buckner. “It’s unlike any other job I’ve had before. We are all friends and even get together outside of work.” “The staff is great,” said Taylor. “8th & Roast reminds me of the TV show ‘Cheers’ because there are constant regulars.” The baristas know the regulars by name, and make every effort to connect with the neighborhood. Their brand message is simple: comfort. They want their customers to feel welcome and important, even if they’re just grabbing a quick cup of coffee for the road. 8th & Roast parallels Nashville in the unspoken rule that everyone who walks into the shop is simply a customer. Musicians, record producers and athletes stop in from time to time, but no one makes a big deal of it. “That’s why our city has so much love,” said Taylor. “A lot of musicians come in, but they’re comfortable being here because they are a part of the city, community and culture. No one is going to make them feel like they can’t enjoy a cup of coffee. It’s a Nashville thing.” The biggest contribution to the community, however, is the quality of the coffee at 8th & Roast. “We take pride in our sourcing, roasting and our practices,” said Taylor. “Our roaster, Jimmy, roasts all of our beans in-house, and [traveled] all the way to Guatemala to collect them.” THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
FOOD
Photos By: Devin Williams
A LOT OF MUSICIANS COME IN, BUT THEY’RE COMFORTABLE BEING HERE BECAUSE THEY ARE A PART OF THE CITY, COMMUNITY AND CULTURE. NO ONE IS GOING TO MAKE THEM FEEL LIKE THEY CAN’T ENJOY A CUP OF COFFEE. IT’S A NASHVILLE THING. – Q Taylor The process is an artistic one, and at this coffee shop, they take pride in each cup of coffee they produce. According to their website, more than 70,000 lbs. of coffee are roasted in-house every year. All of the coffee is hand-selected and acquired directly from farmers. In addition to their own practices, they help local restaurants and cafes improve their overall coffee programs with training, equipment maintenance and constant quality control. Their menu has expanded to include everything from pour-overs on site to cold brew iced coffees, seasonal drinks, diverse espressos and the slow bar. Their seasonal drinks include ginger lattes, sol lei lattes and honey lavender lattes. They carry the standard Americano, Macchiato, and Cappuccino, and feature flavors such as Nutella, spiced maple, and vanilla bean, just to name a few. In addition to serving coffee, 8th & Roast has elevated the level of their food by rising above the typical fruit and pastries one often finds at coffee shops. Their new chef, a transplant from D.C., prepares wraps, quinoa salads, burritos, chickpea salads, quiches, and egg and cheese biscuits, among other tasty dishes. “This experience has been fantastic,” said Taylor. “It’s weird because I’ve been in hospitality working for hotels and casinos over THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
the years, but Sinema was the first time I became a partner in my own business. Then when we took on 8th & Roast, it was a new challenge. We’ve embraced this at full capacity and I’m fortunate to be a part of this.” The partners are in the process of expanding the business, while maintaining the neighborhood charm and character of the coffeehouse. They are expanding their wholesale business, as well as opening an additional location for 8th & Roast on the west side of Nashville in April or May 2018. “We are expanding, but I still think of 8th & Roast as our community coffee shop,” said Buckner. “We care a lot about our neighborhood, and although each shop might have a slightly different feel, they will maintain the integrity of the original.” The value of a community coffee shop in a city like Nashville is unparalleled. 8th & Roast demonstrates that when small business meets community, impactful connections can be fostered while simply grabbing a cup of coffee. “I think Nashville is a relationship-based town with quality genuine connections,” said Taylor. “Our brand, our product, and the way we treat people is a reflection of that.” THE CONNECT MAGAZINE | SPRING 2018
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EMPOWERMENT/SUCCESS
SHAWN NELSON CEO & FOUNDER OF LOVESAC, OFFERS STUNNING ADVICE FOR EVERY ENTREPRENEUR WRITTEN BY: LACEY JOHNSON
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LITTLE MORE THAN a week after graduating from high school, an 18 year-old Shawn Nelson was reclining into his newfound freedom, lounging on the couch one summer morning, watching “The Price Is Right” while munching on a bowl of Captain Crunch. Wouldn’t it be funny to make the world’s largest bean bag, he thought. The idea popped into his head in an unremarkable way, much like most ideas do. Except, rather than letting it pass over him like a cloud, he asked that it loop back through a few more times before, finally, reaching up and grabbing a hold of it. A self-proclaimed “weird and impulsive kid,” Nelson got off of the couch, crawled into his car and drove to Joann’s fabric store. In a matter of hours, he was crafting on his living room floor, cutting the fabric into the shape of a massive baseball. The problem? The bean bag filling material he purchased wasn’t sufficient; he would need a truckload of it. Packing peanuts weren’t going to work either. It was that classic moment where one shouts into the air, as though the air is filled with answers, “There must be a better way!” He thumbed through his parents’ closet until his eyes rested on their camping mattresses. He took a paper cutter to its foam, ripping it from the springs. The cutting stretched on intermittently for weeks until - alas - he fell into his cradling handy work, pleased with what he had made. The first ever Sac was stuffed and born - except it wasn’t called “Sac” just yet. It wasn’t called an anything. It had no name, no bud of an identity, no significance beyond this “stupid idea” he had one time that wasn’t going anywhere beyond his parents’ basement. 34
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Or would it? Nelson began dragging the bean bag nearly everywhere with him. To the beach. On camping trips. To the park. Friends and strangers were dying to know where they could buy one. Nelson just shrugged it off until, eventually, the bag was stowed away and completely forgotten about it. It laid in his parents’ shed collecting spiders and dust for two years - having found its home in the graveyard of ideas and experiments long expired. Now immersed in college life at the University of Utah, one day he was preparing to go to a drive-in movie with this friends when an image of the bean bag flashed into his head. He asked his neighbor (who would later become his business partner) to help him retrieve it from the shed. That night, all of the movie-goers wanted to know: “Where can I get one of those things?” His friends and neighbors wouldn’t stop asking. They wanted to collapse into the bag on weekends and watch football games. They wanted their kids to roll around in them. They longed to haul it with them on family picnics and be cradled by the comfort of home. So Nelson had two options: Make them for these people so that they would stop harassing him, or make them for these people so that they would stop harassing him, while also charging for them. In other words, start a little business. No big deal, right? Nelson landed on the name Lovesac and, on Halloween 1998, registered it. As the saying goes, “the rest is history,” but no worthwhile story can ever be reduced to that. THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
EMPOWERMENT/SUCCESS
After three more years of experimentation, which involved hauling the Sacs through his neighborhood in a company van, as well as to various festivals and home shows, making orders occasionally but still never earning a dime in profit, Nelson thought it best to close the business down. “Lovesac was just my side hustle. I was waiting tables the entire time. It was this funny thing to do - going to these festivals while I prepared to get a real job. But even after I considered making it a business, I was a reluctant entrepreneur and had to be convinced that I could potentially monetize the whole thing.” In the spring of 2001, he and his friend-turned-business-partner ventured to a trade show in Chicago. It was his last real attempt at proving that this Lovesac venture was never going to launch. At the show’s end, he packed up his booth and returned home to Salt Lake City without a single order to fulfill. But, the next day, while positioned on the floor with a Sac stretched out before him, mid-stuff, his cell phone rang. It was the Limited Too, a prominent clothing store for young girls. And they wanted 12,000 mini Lovesacs made for Christmas. No big deal, right? “They were placing this order, not knowing it was just me, a buddy, and a little lawn mower shredder thing. We had to scramble and open up a factory by maxing out credit cards, literally using a tractor and a hay grinder to shred foam in order to fill this gigantic order for a major corporation.” After all 12,000 orders for the Limited Too were fulfilled, Lovesac’s then-inefficient process prevented Nelson from profiting a dime. “I emerged at 24 years old with $55,000 in credit card debt,” he says. Desperate, Nelson searched for ways to refine the product, soon figuring out a way to shrink it down so that each Sac could be conveniently shipped via UPS. But all of the furniture stores laughed and scoffed at him. Oversized bean bags? How ridiculous. Lovesac? What a name. No one wanted those. THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
So rather than wait for an opportunity that was never going to arrive, Nelson decided to open up his own store, taking his cousin with him. Except the malls didn’t want them either. “I kept hearing, ‘We have businesses like Abercrombie & Fitch, Crate and Barrel, and Pottery Barn. What is this Lovesac?’ They wouldn’t even let us in,” says Nelson. Eventually, a new mall that was opening up in downtown Salt Lake City allowed the duo to rent - temporarily - one of their vacant spaces. “They basically told us that they would kick us out in four or five months, once they found a better tenant,” he says. His friends and neighbors wouldn’t stop asking. They wanted to collapse into the bag on weekends and watch football games. They wanted their kids to roll around in them. They longed to haul it with them on family picnics and be cradled by the comfort of home. So Nelson had two options: Make them for these people so that they would stop harassing him, or make them for these people so that they would stop harassing him, while also charging for them. In other words, start a little business. No big deal, right? Not long after, they opened up a successful location in Las Vegas. In 2006, there were dozens of stores and they expanded beyond Sacs, producing the innovative Sactionals, a patented adaptable couch designed with entire generations in mind. But, that same year, Lovesac underwent a financial reorganization. “I had this business that was growing like a wild weed, but its organization was somewhat messy,” says Nelson. “I was extremely aggressive and excited in the beginning, not understanding the link between funding, management and growth.” The company refined their model and, in 2012, Lovesac was named the fastest-growing furniture company in the U.S. by Furniture Today magazine. By 2014, the company had 59 retail stores, and an even more progressive business online. Lovesac, with a business philosophy cemented in the creation of products that are “Designed for Life,” has ambitions to become a multi-billion dollar company within five to ten years. So what does Nelson have to say about this accidental empire he built? “It’s not just about the furniture. It’s about putting something into the world that’s meaningful. Something that is good for individuals, for families and for the environment.” Now with a YouTube channel and book in process, both titled “Get off the Couch,” Nelson feels strongly about encouraging others to explore even the benign, definitely-not-earth-shattering “what if” moments we all experience. “What separates an entrepreneur from everybody else is that everybody has ‘what if’ ideas, but entrepreneurs act on them,” he says. A prime example of living in this spirit of action is the night, a little more than a year ago, when Nelson pulled out his phone and made a video, documenting his life as a CEO, husband and dad. Made in the same impulsive fashion as his drive to the fabric store those decades before, that video has turned into more than 100 episodes with a growing following, as well as the catalyst for the book he is in the process of writing. “‘Get off the couch’ has been my ethos ever since my business took off, and it pervades everything that I do. I can think of a million examples in my life, including this week, where I chose to get off of the couch and do something. And, by the way, 990 out of 1,000 were wasteful,” he says. “But if you have 990 failures, 10 of them can really take you somewhere.” So what is his golden advice to the entrepreneurial at heart? It turns out, he has a lot to say. “If you are truly an entrepreneur, you won’t just get off of the couch one time. You’re getting off of the couch multiple times a day, in various forms,” says Nelson. “I have experienced the most cliché highs and the most cliché lows. I won a million dollars on national TV but, then a year after that, saw the business that I grew, loved, and was responsible for, undergo an unglamorous reorganization. Along the way, there have been a thousand failures and a thousand dumb ideas. But there have been some incredibly successful ones. And, that’s the point: you have to get off of the couch over and over again in order to greet them.” THE CONNECT MAGAZINE | SPRING 2018
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NON-PROFIT/AGRICULTURE
Courtesy: Meg Haywood Sullivan
MEET THE NORTH CAROLINA WOMAN WHO IS CHANGING AMERICA’S FOOD INDUSTRY WRITTEN BY: TONI LEPESKA
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HE ISN’T A farmer. She doesn’t even own her own garden, but Jillian Hishaw’s drive to defend struggling, hard-working people of the earth - wrinkles etched across their faces and backs bent from years of labor - is rooted in one man that plowed the fields. Her grandfather. Hishaw, 40, is a lawyer who lives in Charlotte, N.C. For a dozen years, she’s provided tireless technical and legal services to small farmers in the Southeast, especially to aging ones, to prevent foreclosures and land loss due to predatory lending and Medicaid liens. Visiting farms in sandal-clad feet, she isn’t always welcomed by the close-knit rural communities. These are a private people. And a proud people. But in time, her sincerity and successful strategies win the farmers and their families over. She wants to save their farms almost as much as they do. As is often the case with inspiration, a personal motivation is responsible for sparking Hishaw’s devotion, but it’s her clients that keep her deeply rooted in striving for justice and equity. “To go out and see the farm thriving with vegetables makes me warm and fuzzy. It’s truly a farm again. Starting a case, hoping you can solve the problem on a limited budget, definitely puts on the pressure, but to see it culminate … definitely makes it worth it,” she said. Growing up in Kansas City, Missouri, Hishaw loved spending time with her grandfather. “He always had a backyard garden, and I would always help him,” she said. 36
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In his garden, she watched tender flowers turn into little green bulbs that grew and transformed into juicy, red tomatoes. Along the way, she heard bits and pieces of her grandfather’s story - a story that had evolved in Oklahoma years earlier. He didn’t speak in great detail about losing his farm, “but as you grow older, things come out,” Hishaw said. He’d paid the taxes on his land. but a professional – she doesn’t know if it was a lawyer or an accountant – pocketed the money sometime in the late 1930s or early 1940s. Her grandfather’s story solidified Hishaw’s determination later – she’d never be a shifty lawyer. For a dozen years, Hishaw has been working on the front lines to provide small farmers legal services and to procure fresh farm food for needy families. Along the way, she created the regional nonprofit, Family Agriculture Resource Management Services, or F.A.R.M.S. F.A.R.M.S. has provided more than 220,000 pounds of fresh food across a seven-state area of the Southeast since its inception more than four years ago. The food is procured from farmers and distributed to the same communities where they live. The plight of the small American farmer is shaky. A 2012 census revealed 3.2 million farmers on 2.1 million farms, the majority of which are small in terms of sales with 75 percent selling less than $50,000 in agriculture products that year. For 30 years, the average age of farmers has increased, and a study of suicides in 17 states using 2012 data indicated THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
NON-PROFIT/AGRICULTURE
Courtesy: Meg Haywood Sullivan
Courtesy: Meg Haywood Sullivan
Courtesy: Infinity Productions
that U.S. agriculture workers commit suicide at a higher rate than any other occupation. According to Hishaw, a witness of the considerable pressure on farming families, the African-American community is disproportionately impacted. As founder and director of F.A.R.M.S., Hishaw named her website www.30000acres.org as a reference to the amount of farmland African-American farmers lose each year, primarily as a result of tax liens and lack of proper estate planning.
TO GO OUT AND SEE THE FARM THRIVING WITH VEGETABLES MAKES ME WARM AND FUZZY. IT’S TRULY A FARM AGAIN. STARTING A CASE, HOPING YOU CAN SOLVE THE PROBLEM ON A LIMITED BUDGET, DEFINITELY PUTS ON THE PRESSURE, BUT TO SEE IT CULMINATE … DEFINITELY MAKES IT WORTH IT. – Jillian Hishaw In her legal practice, Hishaw, who earned a law degree from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, focuses on helping farmers and their families obtain proper estate planning. Without it, farmers or their families may lose land to nursing homes, to medical debt or by other means. In her travels, Hishaw discovers lots of elder care issues. Again, Hishaw’s personal experience fuels her. Her grandmother died in a nursing home that didn’t adequately care for her needs. As a young undergraduate in Alabama, Hishaw didn’t anticipate working with the elderly nor with farmers. She studied biology at Tuskegee University with aspirations to be a doctor or a field scientist. She was an intern doing field research when she decided to pair science with law. “Law is a bit stressful, but the science of growing is fun,” she said. “I can talk to the farmers about their soil and water quality.” After finishing law school, she established the Youth Conservation Corp, a job training program focused on equipping teenage males THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
Courtesy: Meg Haywood Sullivan
and ex-felons in Kansas City with skills to pursue careers in ecology and agriculture. Prior to creating F.A.R.M.S., she worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the Department of Civil Rights in Washington D.C., and held other agricultural-related policy positions at various public agencies in Kansas City. A typical day in the life of Hishaw includes work on grant proposals and managing of grant reports. She’s secured more than $110,000 in public and private funding. Her signature achievements include being named a 2017 Food Industry Changemaker by Clif Bar Co., maker of organic foods and drinks. In 2015, she was named a Food and Faith Fellow of Wake Forest University School of Divinity and was named a Franklin Project Fellow under U.S. Army Gen. Stanley, the latter focusing on the encouragement of young people to pursue a public service career or devote at least one year of service to programs like Americorp and the Peace Corp. At 27 years old, Sed Rowe of Georgia is among a shrinking pool of young farmers, but there’s still a place at the F.A.R.M. table for him. He is one of the farmers who sells vegetables to Hishaw’s organization for distribution to food banks and needy families. That extra income means a lot to him – and he said he likes being a part of providing healthy food to hungry people. LeTanya “Tammy” Williams of Shasta, S.C., also provides fresh food to Hishaw’s organization for distribution to the needy. She’s not only “caring, compassionate… and passionate about what she does,” Williams said, “but she has the knowledge and the resources” to be an effective agent for change in communities. Sandra Calhoun calls Hishaw her “guardian angel.” She helped Calhoun start to untangle a sell-off of land that a descendent left behind in Tennessee. According to Calhoun, the property was being broken up bit by bit, without the notification of relatives like herself. The rightful heirs were unaware of the situation until after some of the property was cleared of timber, she said. “I was losing my mind,” said Calhoun, who lived far away in Detroit. She contacted 30 lawyers in an effort to find help. Hishaw was the only one who really made an effort – and she’s staying in contact with Calhoun while the case winds its way through the legal system. “I can call her anytime I have a question. She took a week, calling around trying to find an attorney and information for me – all on her own time,” Calhoun said. Recognizing Hishaw has changed a lot of lives as a result of her passionate intervention, “I’m sure,” Calhoun said, “I’m not the only person she’s treated this way.” THE CONNECT MAGAZINE | SPRING 2018
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BRANDING/MARKETING
SOCIAL MEDIA 101 FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS WRITTEN BY:LINZI MARTIN
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OU’RE A SMALL business owner and you have a million things on your to-do list. Clients, meetings, contracts, payroll, human resources… the list goes on. The last thing you want to worry about is your social media presence. You’ve heard that your company should be active on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and maybe even LinkedIn. But you’re busy trying to manage and grow a business; it’s not one of your priorities right now. Don’t worry, most small business owners have been in your shoes. As the Founder of Launch Media Group, a social media marketing agency, I’ve worked with dozens of small business owners on their social media strategy, content creation and digital advertising efforts. Although there is no one-size-fits-all solution, there are numerous tips and tricks out there to help your small business establish the social media presence you desire. Having a strong social media presence will increase your online exposure, generate leads, enhance brand awareness and so much more. Buckle up; I’m about to give you my social media survival kit… To Begin, Let’s Review The Most Popular Social Media Platforms & Their Target Audiences According to the PEW Research Center, demographics on social platforms break down like this: • Facebook: Dominant in the 18-29 and 30-49 age ranges (88 percent of users are within these age ranges) • Instagram: Dominant in the 18-29 age range, not as popular for users over 35 years old • Pinterest: Primarily women users between the ages of 18 and 49 • LinkedIn: Primarily career-oriented users between the ages 25-49 • Twitter: Dominant in the 18-29 age range These platforms make up “The Big 5” and are typically the most utilized social media platforms across the board. Get familiar with them, because you will need to know their main functionalities. With this information you should be able to nail down which social media platforms will be most important for your small business. Keep It Simple and Remember: Content Is King Don’t overcomplicate the process. Work on creating consistent content on one or two platforms. Don’t try to be a superhero on all of them straight out of the gate. This is one of the biggest mistakes I’ve seen business owners make again and again. They tend to fall behind when they try to do too much at once. Your searchable online presence will look scattered and unkempt if you aren’t consistent, so don’t overcommit. You know what you can handle, so commit to that. To start, you’ll want to create a schedule for content, giveaways, sales and anything else you wish to feature online. Social media is meant to be a two-way conversation with your target audience. Focus on keeping a consistent posting schedule on the platforms your target audience is most active on. If you do this, you’ll be making strides in no time. Engage With Others The most organic way to grow your social media following is to engage with other users throughlikes, comments and messages. Follow users you are genuinely interested in and leave real comments on their posts. Authenticity goes a long way on social media. You’ll want to set aside a specific amount of time per week to engage and interact on your accounts. Just know that establishing your social media presence will take time. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither were most social media accounts. There is no magic button. Above all, success on social media requires consistency, creativity and dedication. Just remember: you will 38
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thank yourself six months from now. Your brand will have a stronger online presence, and your potential customers will have an easier way to find you. FAQ: I’ve heard people talk about this “hashtag” thing. What does it mean and should I be using them? A hashtag is a type of metadata tag used on social networks such as Twitter and other platforms. It allows users to apply dynamic, usergenerated tagging that makes it possible for others to easily find messages with a specific theme or content. Example: #soccer. It is commonly said that Twitter started the hashtag, but Instagram perfected it. On Twitter, every hashtag you use turns into a clickable link. Under this link, you can see all of the content containing that hashtag. A hashtag makes your content findable on social media. For example, on Instagram, you can search the hashtag #soccer under tags and you will find all related posts with the same hashtag. Hashtags are a crucial part of your social media marketing strategy. However, there are many do’s and don’ts when it comes to hashtags on social media. The Do’s of Hashtags • Do keep your hashtags primarily for Twitter and Instagram. • Tip: To make your Instagram posts appear cleaner, put your hashtags in the comments. You can include up to 30 hashtags. • Do industry research on what hashtags your competitors use. • Do remember that hashtags increase engagement and help you reach potential clients and customers effectively. FAQ: Are there any tools out there that can help me with social media? Yes, of course! There are plenty of free tools to help you stay consistent with your social media, create engaging content and take action - starting today! Hootsuite + Buffer are popular social media management tools that allow users to schedule and post updates to any page or profile on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and other platforms from one place. Scheduling your content ahead of time keeps you consistent. UNUM is an Instagram tool that helps you illustrate your story. UNUM has an open grid system that allows you to layout your content ahead of time and view how it will look before posting it. It’s great for scheduling content. Bit.ly is a URL shortener that takes long web addresses and turns them into something much shorter and aesthetically appealing. This is especially useful for Twitter posts and link shares. A Few Key Takeaways... • Establishing a strong social media presence takes time. Don’t get too frustrated in the beginning. • Remember that just like anything else in your business, it’s a process. • The key to social media success is consistency. • Always try to stick to a regular posting schedule for your accounts. • Post three to four times per week (at minimum) on each platform. • Carefully customize and design your content. Don’t rush it. • Try to respond to all direct messages and inquiries within 24 hours. If done correctly, social media will increase your online exposure, generate leads and enhance overall brand awareness for your small business.
To learn more about Launch Media Group or contact Linzi Martin personally, please visit www.launchmedia.group or email Linzi at linzi@launchmedia.group.
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ARTS & CULTURE
WRITTEN BY: LACEY JOHNSON
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N THE FRENETIC hub of downtown Washington, D.C., less than a mile from the White House, where politicians pass by with their briefcases and cups of coffee, and tourists pass by with their curiosities, there reverberates the heartbeat of American art. Stretching across two city blocks, it stands a dignified playground where the ghosts of American imaginations, past and present, are not buried, but live on without reservation. The craftsmanship of more than 7,000 pioneers are venerated inside - from Italian Renaissance contender Leonardo da Vinci, to abstract expressionist painter Helen Frankenthaler to fashion and portrait photographer (and popular culture favorite) Irving Penn. Where visitors can be lit up by a neon map of America, lean into the Wright Brothers’ inaugural daringness for flight, relive the Civil Rights Era, and gaze at the nation’s first flag with its modest 15 stars and 15 stripes. Better known as the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM), the nation’s first collection of American art, it houses emancipated offerings of architecture, film, paintings, photography, sculpture and sketch, including evidence from Hollywood classics to video games, all displayed in unabashed liberty. And then there is the Renwick Gallery, located in a separate building nine blocks away, mere steps from the White House. A millennial favorite, this is the museum’s branch for more contemporary and innovative modes of artistic expression. I sat down for a conversation with the museum’s director, Stephanie Stebich, and we discussed the American identity, complete with its brave culture of innovation, gorgeous diversity and fallacies about success. Most significantly, we discussed the museum’s fascinating and reverent cross-section of nearly every era spanning four centuries - the evolution of the American paradigm stretching out floor by floor, turn by turn, story by story.
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Photo by Tim Hursley, Courtesy of SAAM
Lacey Johnson: What does American art have to teach us about living our best lives? Stephanie Stebich: I think in America we have this notion that people who succeed are always the lucky ones. But the truth is that you have to make your own luck. Louis Pasteur said, “Chance favors only the prepared mind.” It’s not about waiting for these eureka moments. It’s about being prepared so that you can create these eureka moments. That is how art, or anything great, is made. LJ: I have long believed art to be a mirror. Every brain perceives and interprets each mode of artistic expression uniquely, which is also to say that every museum exhibition is a different exhibition for every individual. So if art is resonating with each person uniquely, it is simply mirroring an aspect of themselves back at them. Do you agree with this concept? SS: Yes, I believe that you see the world from where you sit. And, by that, I mean we all come from a unique set of circumstances - privileges, personal trials, interventions, educational backgrounds and also varying levels of what I called digital literacy. In the 21st century, we live in a hyper-digital world. I think, because of this, museums are ever more popular. People are interested in learning where this visual culture comes from. I think these museum-curated experiences offer a sort of mirror of the world. So, for example, if you go to the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s website, we ask you a question: Where will American art take you? The answer is different for everyone; it will take you to places based on your own interests. Museums are places of discovery and conversation. LJ: Art imitates life and life imitates art. What do you believe art has to teach us about humanity and about ourselves - specifically as Americans? THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
ARTS & CULTURE
Photo by: Ken Rahaim, Courtesy of SAAM
Director Stephanie Stebich, Courtesy of SAAM
SS: At SAAM, we offer a view into what we call the American experience. We have the largest and most inclusive collections of American art. These collections chart the nation’s growth from a young republic colonial era to a world power. And we do this through the lens of American creativity. LJ: You have an incredibly cool job. What is the most fulfilling aspect of it? SS: It’s the best job in the world. What makes it most interesting for me is that I run two museums, actually. I have the Smithsonian American Art Museum, where we have everything from folkart to photography, and it is located in the old Patent Office building. It was the third federal building constructed, between the White House and the Capitol. This is so important to consider because, as a nation, we are an innovative culture. I also have the Renwick Gallery, which all millennials seem to love. It is located a block from the White House, and was the first building to have been built specifically to house art. Renwick opened its doors in the early 70s, thanks in part to Jackie Kennedy’s intervention, who helped us secure the building. There is an interesting and lengthy story to its history, but the time of its opening was the heyday of American Studio Craft. So, in the museum, we have a lot of conversations about crafting, handy making and the Maker’s Movement in general. LJ: Tell me about the Renwick Gallery’s upcoming exhibition, No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man. SS: First of all, if you haven’t been to Burning Man, you have to go. It’s a 30 year-old annual gathering that originated in California. The whole THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
Albert Bierstadt painting, Courtesy of SAAM
gathering was later moved to a very remote spot in the desert called Black Rock City, Nevada. Traveling there is not easy by any means, but worth it. It’s where 70,000 people create this pop-up community in one week. It doesn’t classify as a festival necessary, but is really about the art. It encourages radical inclusion and expression, and is sort of a laboratory for urban planning. People set up camps in this sort of semi-circle, and then the center space is the playa (or beach), where people create these incredible sculptures and pieces. We have asked many of its artists, ‘What is it that makes Burning Man so special?’ because we are bringing it to the nation’s capital in a museum setting. Artists generally tell us it’s special for three reasons: First, it’s a community of artists making things, second, it’s art being made on a scale that you normally can’t build at - outside with this beautiful horizon line - and, third, it involves some kind of technology. LJ: So how will you champion such an elaborate and specific experience to the public? We have a handful of incredible artists who we have commissioned to make pieces. The exhibition will be both inside and outside of the building. One of the wonderful things about Burning Man is that, when you arrive there, physically, they say, “Welcome to Burning Man. Welcome home.”And, when you leave, they say, “Goodbye,” but in such a way that is welcoming you back into the default world. So when you come to Renwick for the The Art of Burning Man, you will arrive and there will be a gigantic paper archway signifying both that welcoming and farewell. At the same time, we have an exhibition at the SAAM main building that also contains an immersive quality. It’s called Almost Home, and is by a Korean-American artist named Do Ho Suh. He is a global THE CONNECT MAGAZINE | SPRING 2018
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Totem of Confessions, by Michael Garlington
Future’s Past, by Kate Raudenbush
Renwick Gallery, Photo by Ron Blunt, Courtesy of SAAM
Shrumen Lumen, by FoldHaus
Evotrope, by Richard Wilks
Renwick Gallery: Gamefish, courtesy of SAAM
artist who works between Seoul, Korea, London and New York City, but this is the first time he has a major exhibition on the east coast. [For the exhibition] he has recreated the foyers of his three apartments.
LJ: So would you say that, while your professional title is Director, what you are really doing is illuminating the personalities and artistic subtleties within the diverse American spirit?
LJ: What is the artistic significance of the foyers?
SS: I love the way you say that because, yes, it is absolutely what we are doing. We spend a lot of time thinking about American identity. We think about where it has been and where it is going. We also discover how old some of our definitions for art can become. For example, how do you define photography today? What level of manipulation is still considered a photograph? But it’s the artists who are pushing us, who are changing these definitions. I see it because, more and more, we are forced to label this piece or that piece as “mixed media.” With advancements in media and technology, the lines are blurred with everything from photography to sculpture. I love it when we have to ask ourselves, “What is this?” It is an example of one of the many ways art stretches us as a society. You can look at the work of Nick Cave, who makes soundsuits using elements he finds at flea markets. Is that a craft? Yes. Is it contemporary and, if so, do we throw that into the Renwick? Do we also feature it at SAAM? Yes and yes again.
SS: You know how you reach your foyer and know that you are “almost home”? It’s this space of arrival, crossing out of the public realm where you present yourself a certain way, and then back into your home space. He created the experience using this sort of ethereal and translucent material, this textile fabric in brilliant colors. It explores identity, and it’s immersive so you kind of walk through them. LJ: What is the process of your research in preparation for all of these massively complex exhibitions - both the fun and playful parts as well as the tedious parts that an outsider may not consider? SS: For one, at SAAM, we have the oldest and largest fellowship program in American art. But, as a museum director, my job is to support artists and curators. We have 14 curatorial seats - from contemporary art to prints, drawings and everything in between. I also think that more and more museums have taken the opportunity to champion artists, which is a beautiful thing. For example, with Art of Burning Man and Do Ho Suh: Almost Home, we are working closely with the artists to create unique environments. It’s important to give them plenty of room for creativity as well as tools to work with. One of my favorite trustees used to say to me, “Stephanie, if you don’t support artists, there won’t be any.” I’m always looking for areas where I can discover or rediscover artists, then share their talent with as broad of a population as possible. 42
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LJ: Isn’t it interesting to think about all of the artists who have never been known, perhaps even to themselves? People are often so afraid to make bad art that they don’t make anything at all. SS: One of my favorite quotes is from the Roman poet Horace. He says, “Begin, be bold and venture to be wise.” That’s what it’s all about. That how you get museums full of art. Somebody began. THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT
PRODUCER
TONY BROWN IS ASKING THE BIGGEST NAMES IN MUSIC HISTORY TO TAKE A SEAT WRITTEN BY: LACEY JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPH BY: BARBARA POTTER
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HE YEAR WAS 1975. Elvis Presley and his band members were gathered at his Palm Springs, Calif. ranch home, playing through some his most beloved gospel songs. During a short break, Presley turned his attention to his newbie pianist, 28 year-old Tony Brown. Brown had recently transitioned from his first major gig with the Oak Ridge Boys to play with The King, who he recalls as being “the most beautiful, coolest cat I’d ever seen,” and “someone who never quite figured out he was Elvis Presley.” Presley called out to Brown without warning, asking, “What are you doing here, Tony?” “Well, I thought you wanted me out here to play…” Brown said, shifting nervously on his feet. “No, why are you here?” Elvis persisted, coolly. “Well… I’m here because I play piano. I’m not sure what you mean,” Brown said, his voice trailing off. “No,” Elvis said, searching Brown’s gaze for a moment before locking into it. “You’re here because you wanted to be here. You willed yourself here, Tony. If you have the ability, you can will anything to yourself.” “I never forgot that,” Brown, now 71, says with a grin, cupping his chin with his hand, seeming to have reinserted himself back into that moment. “I was such a pissant back then.” It’s clear that Brown never forgot. Though he would make more memories with Presley, learning of his stash of astrology books, recording on the “Jungle Room” sessions THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
at Graceland and sharing the stage with The King all the way through to his final performance in Indianapolis on June 26, 1977, Brown managed to will an even more remarkable range of experiences to himself in the four decades since that conversation: Four Grammys. ACM Producer of the Year. More than 100 No. 1 hit songs. An exalting list of platinum and multi-platinum albums. The discovery and development of some of country music’s most defining contenders. A presidency at MCA records which, under his care, was awarded Billboard’s Country Label of the Year for 10 years in a row. It was late in the fall when I arrived at Brown’s property in Nashville, Tenn. for our afternoon conversation. I walked through the foyer into the living room, noticing the rows of platinum records lining the main hallway. Brown was cozied in a chair, positioned near his grand piano, a gentle fire blazing nearby. Interesting paintings comprised of bold pops of contrasting jewel tones were mounted on the walls. Scented candles flickered and filled almost every room. It felt like stepping into a creative mecca - the kind of space that is a luxury to the senses and beckons for enchantment. Brown offered me a cup of coffee, and then invited me to have a seat by the fire. Soon, I would learn how much he delights in the telling and retelling of his stories, especially the funny ones. Sometimes, in fact, he is so amused by his own recollections that he forces the details out in measures, often in between staccato-like chuckles. There is something eternally youthful about him, lighting up as he relives moments from his career, though he boasts about nothing. THE CONNECT MAGAZINE | SPRING 2018
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He makes no mention of the prestigious awards shelved in his office, the stages he has stepped onto, nor the iconic figures in his phone contact list. In fact, I would later spend hours in research, stunned by some of the accomplishments he failed to speak of. He gives his remarkable legacy about as much applause as one would give an obscure garage band’s jam session. There is no semblance of bravado, or of the subtlest recognition of his own genius. And, when I affirm him in the slightest of ways, he immediately turns the limelight back to what “this” person taught him or the outrageously clever thing “that” person said. Most of the names mentioned just happen to be attached to icons. There is Reba McEntire, Billy Joel, Brooks & Dunn, Jimmy Buffet, Emmylou Harris, Lionel Richie, Cyndi Lauper (“She’s so incredible, she hits every note in one take,” says Brown), George Strait (“He really is such a down-to-earth guy,” he says) and a long stretch of others. Brown doesn’t seem sparked by the allurings of fame but, instead, captivated by the human experience and, most significantly, how music connects to and resonates with the human experience. Though his career began as a piano player, he became known as a hugely influential artist and development guy years before he was an award-winning producer. One day, Brown asked his friend, singersongwriter and producer Norro Wilson, “How do I get started producing without a track record? How do I get an opportunity?” Wilson then welcomed Brown to co-produce Steve Wariner’s record, “Midnight Fire.” The record soared straight to the No. 1 spot. He credits gospel singer J.D. Sumner and former President of RCA records, Joe Galante, for toughening him up. He credits his years of working with producer Jimmy Bowen for shaping him most of all, admitting to having soaked up every minute spent with his mentor. “I studied him and the musicians he worked with,” he says. “He helped me understand that I needed to trust the artists [while in the studio].” 44
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He credits every other person for every fragment of their artistic credibility, but if you dare to amplify the notion of his greatness, he will silence your mic and pull you back to Earth. I don’t think it’s contrived modesty or self-deprecation at all; I get the sense that it’s a genuine lack of grasping the monumental thumbprint he made on the history of country music. All Brown was ever doing was being himself.
I WAS ALWAYS LISTENING TO MUSIC TO MAKE SURE THE TRACK WAS GOOD BUT I WASN’T EXPERIENCING IT. LATELY, I’VE STARTED LISTENING TO MUSIC FOR MUSIC. TO SOOTHE ME. – Tony Brown “I don’t really think about all that stuff. I just loved being in the music, studying the music… and then, I guess, following my instinct. Now, Celine Dion? That’s an icon. If she were to walk in here right now, I’d probably faint,” he says, chuckling again. Speaking of instinct, Brown seems to have been gifted with a powerful one. Not only did he sign Trisha Yearwood (he snatched her up upon hearing “She’s in Love With the Boy” at her showcase), Alabama and Patty Loveless when they were unknowns, but he took a gamble on Vince Gill early in the singer’s career when he parted ways with RCA Records. At the time, Brown was the only one among his colleagues who was interested in signing him. “I sensed that there was something special about Vince.” he says. In addition to signing Gill, Brown produced the record, “When I Call Your Name,” that rescripted the artist’s life. In the years following THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT
the album’s massive sales, Gill won a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance, and CMA awards for Male Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year and Single of the Year. But one of Brown’s most penetrating lessons was had in a fairly private moment not long ago, in 2012, while producing Lionel Richie’s “Tuskegee” album, a collection of duet reinterpretations of previously released songs. Brown, Richie and various musicians involved in the project were holed up in Blackbird Studio in Nashville. On this day, Willie Nelson, who Brown says is “a super sweet guy,” was in the vocal booth to record his part for “Easy.” But, take after take, he could hardly be heard. He wasn’t leaning into the mic. “He was singing, but he was too far from the microphone,” says Brown. “I finally walked over and said, ‘Hey, Willie, can you get a little closer to the microphone?’ He told me, ‘Well, this song isn’t really my normal style... ’ I looked him in the eyes and said, “Man, you’re Willie Nelson. You can do this. Just get a little closer.’ The next take was the one we used. It was perfect.” When asked what that experience taught him, Brown looks thoughtful for a moment, then says, “It taught me... that everybody has their insecurities. It doesn’t matter who you are.” A couple of years ago, Brown and his management team decided to gather his most defining experiences into a storybook of photographs and pithy reflections - one every die-hard country music lover would foam at the mouth to have on their coffee table. They reached out to several dozen of the living legends Brown has collaborated with, people he calls his “closest friends,” asking that they take a seat in his producer’s chair for a picture and an intimate conversation, where, together, they would relive some of the most climactic moments in music history. In a promotional blurb for the book, which will release May 1st, 2018, Brown says, “Pictures sometimes tell this kind of story better than words, which is why I’ve chosen key people to be featured in my French Renaissance THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
chair. The chair represents me. And those in the chair were present at the intersections where I took a big step, or maybe a subtle right or left turn.” McEntire was one of the stars to climb into the chair for an interview and a picture, calling Brown “a good friend of mine.” Their relationship was born when they recorded “Fancy” but, still, the music hasn’t stopped. Over the years, McEntire has proven her devotion to Brown in more than their professional collaborations, however. During a business dinner in Los Angeles in April 2003, Brown suffered a brutal fall down a flight of stairs, banging his head as he landed. This resulted in a serious brain injury, which required two major surgeries. At first his doctors weren’t sure he would live, and if he did, they weren’t sure he would be the same man on the other side of it. His family was unsure of how he would be safely returned to his home in Nashville. Not only did Reba visit him, singing to him bedside while he laid unconscious at UCLA hospital, but she also came to his rescue - literally. The star instructed that Brown be flown home in her private jet. “I don’t know what I would have done if Reba hadn’t come through,” he says. “I still feel so grateful for that when I think about it.” Another artist Brown mentions often is Strait, saying one of his favorite tracks to have ever produced is “Blue Clear Sky.” But the Strait tune that speaks to him lately is “Pick Your Poison,” a track from his “Here For a Good Time” album, released in 2011. During the height of his career, Brown was producing an average of 10 records per year. “I was always listening to music to make sure the track was good, but I wasn’t experiencing it. Lately, I’ve started listening to music for music. To soothe me.” Brown says he has been introduced to a level of appreciation he didn’t quite identify with in years past. “It’s my work, but now the songs are speaking to me in a way they didn’t before,” he says. “It’s incredible because I’m sort of discovering some of my own music for the first time.” He called me away from my chair by the fire and into his office, requesting to play the song for me. “Listen to these lyrics, Lacey. I feel like everybody can relate to them in some way, ” he says, increasing the volume. As the first verse opens up, Brown reclines into his desk chair and stares out of the window at his property - mature trees with amber, gold and magenta foliage surrounding the pool in his backyard. It looks like an autumn wonderland outside, but it’s as though his mind is floating up above it all. He appears reflective, stirred and, most significantly, content. Having ended a short marriage in recent years - one that resulted in some serious allegations that were completely dismissed in two courts - Brown admits it was an arduous period in his life, but sees no reason to discuss it. On a positive note, he appears strong on the other side of the experience, certain that it gifted him with a deeper connection to his children, his friends, and - above all - his spirituality. And he is energized by the lineup of projects that are calling for his attention: the release of his much-anticipated book, his role in an HBO documentary about Presley’s life, and a full schedule of public appearances. But more than anything else? “I’m looking forward to working on more music. It’s what I know,” he says. The thing about music is that it does something to tug at our spirits, gifting us with realizations and making us feel seen and known in ways that other modes of art and expression often can’t. Brown seems to understand this profoundly. And what is most interesting is that, as the chorus takes off, he appears to have been more than just moved by it, but to have sort of crawled inside of it, blissfully soaring through the entanglement of the chord progression and words. As though he feels seen, known and carried by something he had an artistic muscle in the actual creation of. I can’t help but observe that there are surprising layers of insight, thoughtfulness and vulnerability inside of a man who has been declared, by some of Music Row’s most potent decision-makers, “The King of Nashville.” He is like a generation of stories - the kinds that transcend such an impressive list of accomplishments. They continue unraveling and unfurling without expiration each time he shares them, and he seems to be awake, raw and tender within each of them. Maybe that’s what made four decades of music so commanding of being heard. Maybe that’s how he willed it to himself after all.. THE CONNECT MAGAZINE | SPRING 2018
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BUSINESS
ENTREPRENEURSHIP: S TA R T O U T W I T H O U T T H E S TA R T U P WRITTEN BY: BOB LANCASTER, DIRECTOR OF ADVISORY SERVICES PATHWAY LENDING AND PATHWAY WBC PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ERIN HAYES
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OU DON’T HAVE to start from scratch – to become an entrepreneur you can buy an existing business. Before you sign on the dotted line, explore the business with professional guidance to understand the pros and cons of buying a business. HOW TO BUY A BUSINESS IN 8 STEPS: 1. NARROW YOUR SEARCH TO WHAT FITS YOUR INTERESTS AND TALENTS. When looking to buy a business, be honest with yourself and pick an industry that you have some experience with. If you plan on applying for a loan to cover the business acquisition cost, lenders often consider industry experience and/or relationships with vendors and customers.
For example, a review of financial statements and tax returns can let you know if a business is for sale because of dwindling profits or other problems. This way, you’re protecting yourself as the buyer and can make an informed decision. 4. LOCATE A BUSINESS AND GATHER ALL INFORMATION ON THE BUSINESS ACQUISITION CHECKLIST. While businesses are listed for sale in a number of places online and in local papers, you might consider hiring a business broker to help you find the right business to buy. Regardless of your path you should gather the following information before you buy a business:
2. DETERMINE HOW MUCH TIME AND MONEY YOU (AND YOUR FAMILY) ARE PREPARED TO INVEST. Take into account the amount of time you currently have available. Does that match the time the current owner is investing in the business? If the time requirement is a match, you’ll also want to set a budget and determine your capital gaps. Knowing your true capital costs, whether from a lender or through seller financing, is important to know early in the process.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION: • Balance sheets and income/financial statements. for at least three years. • Projections for current year. • Tax returns and confirmation of payment on state and federal taxes. • Full list of business obligations or debts. • Proposed selling price and what’s included, schedule of accounts receivable/payable, inventory schedule, previous purchase prices, and any analyst reports.
3. FORM YOUR TEAM OF EXPERTS. Your acquisition team should include a lawyer, an accountant, and a banker or trusted lender. With your team’s help, explore why the business is for sale, its immediate and long-term profitability, its perception in the marketplace, the overall value, and any potential problems associated with the business or property. This is critical to laying out a business plan and negotiating the terms and conditions of the sale.
INDUSTRY AND MARKET INFORMATION: • List of product and services offered, including the pricing matrix and strategies, and how much inventory is included in the sale. • Competitive analysis, including list of suppliers, customers, and competitors. • Clear definition of market and distribution area and research on the history, trends and future performance of the industry.
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BUSINESS
OPERATIONS AND BUSINESS BACKGROUND: • History of business (articles of incorporation, bylaws, shareholders, a Certificate of Good Standing, registration paperwork). • List of licenses needed to operate (along with current status and costs of maintaining all licenses for compliance). • Investigation of leases, deeds, and zoning laws. • Explanation of the reason for the sale (and franchise agreement when applicable). • Details on use of the seller’s intellectual property, goodwill, and relationships after the sale, and consider a non-compete agreement from the seller. • List of any future obligations. PERSONNEL AND MANAGEMENT: • History and forecast for staffing, including roles, salaries, contracts, and benefits packages for all employees. Again, learn as much about the business as possible before you commit to purchasing it. 5. DETERMINE THE VALUE OF THE BUSINESS. Your findings, including liabilities, debt, market history, all assets including real estate and inventory, and overall market history, help determine the value of the business and give you a better idea about the liabilities (if any) and advantages you might inherit. While existing problems can remain hidden until after the final sale, with strong due diligence you can avoid problems like damaged or outdated equipment or inventory, issues with real estate property or location, or heavy dependence on a single client. 6. SECURE FINANCING NECESSARY TO CLOSE THE PURCHASE. Getting into business is more than just the purchase price. You’ll need operating capital once the purchase is complete. Luckily, there are several financing options available to you. These include seller financing, where the seller agrees to accept payment over time, and traditional bank financing. If your banker is unable to help, you can apply for a Business Acquisition Loan from a community lender like Pathway Lending or another certified CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution). CDFIs are held to high standards for responsible lending, and often offer hands-on guidance for loan clients. 7. DETERMINE THE PURCHASE OPTION AND FINALIZE THE SALES AGREEMENT. Buyers have several options for transferring ownership rights of a business: • Outright sale – ownership is transferred immediately, payment is expected at time of sale, and business is bought in-full. You’ll be the new owner the moment the sale is final.
• Gradual sale – through a long-term payment plan, ownership rights are transferred over a period of time. • Lease agreement – both parties agree to a contract that details conditions and payments that give the lessee temporary rights to the business. The purchase agreement should accurately reflect your understanding and intentions regarding the financial, tax, and legal terms of the purchase. At a minimum, have your attorney review and approve the final sales agreement before signing. Make sure the transition process starts before you close the deal, and the previous owner feels comfortable about what is going to happen once he/she is gone. Be sure you have a comprehensive checklist for closing on the business that both you and the seller have agreed upon. 8. CLOSE ON THE PURCHASE WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF YOUR ATTORNEY. Congratulations! You are now a proud business owner! We encourage you to explore small business support and education in your area to learn how to maintain proper cash flow, keep track of all your assets, and gain extra help with managing employees and other related tasks. Here are just a few small business resource centers who specialize in helping entrepreneurs like you: • SBDC’s (sba.gov) • SCORE (score.org) • Pathway Lending (pathwaylending.org)
WINNING AT BUSINESS ACQUISITION Collins & Co. Barber Shop Nashville, TN
Longtime stylist Tabitha Parsley and Master Barber Robert Collins worked for years at the original location of Red’s Class Barber Shop in Indianapolis. After relocating to Nashville to help run the second location, these young entrepreneurs saw the opportunity to buy the business. They took the leap and business is booming under their new brand, “Collins & Co. Barber Shop.” Extensive experience in the field, a passion for numbers, funds from Pathway Lending, and mentoring from the previous owner have helped make sure these entrepreneurs are styled for success.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Rockin in Life With Mompreneur and International Dance Sensation
Takkies
WRITTEN BY: KEELAH JACKSON
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KATEKO “TAKKIES” MASWANGANYE elevates her original take on dance and workouts to another level of sassiness and pizzazz by employing her effervescent spirit. Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, Takkies is a seasoned dancer-come-viral video sensation as the pregnant wonder. The former “So You Think You Can Dance” (South Africa) and “South Africa’s Got Talent” participant adds a vibrant twist of confident sexiness to the routine of heel workouts throughout the world. Rocking ‘N Heels is her creative baby and what a magnificent, dancing baby it is! Her special dance classes encourage women to celebrate themselves while loving the skin they’re in - with boldness and truth. The class atmosphere provides a safe space for every woman to be free of self-consciousness and low self-esteem. In addition to fitness for fun within each class, Takkies, the choreographer, inserts her precise training of rhythmic steps to provide a unique experience for each class. The whole inspired environment of nurturing movement offers a phenomenal growth opportunity for women who truly desire to transform their bodies, minds and spirits. In and out of her profession, it is evident that Takkies infuses her distinctive flavor and personality into every project, whether it’s entrepreneurship or motherhood. This woman is amazingly gifted, and
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her sacred freedom empowers women to free their inner womanity of beauty, strength, grace, vulnerability and sheer boss badness through authentic living, movement and genuine self-expression. I was able to catch a small glimpse of the woman, dancer, wife, and mother in her home element for a brief, yet candid, conversation. Envelope yourself into her beautiful energy, and let’s rock on with Takkies! ON HER DANCE BACKGROUND AND CURRENT FITNESS MOVEMENT
KJ: As a writer, I have had to prepare and be professional, but as a woman and rhythmic creature, I was dancing right along with you in your videos! I was like, “I want to be in that class!” As having watched your videos and read articles about your dance progression, what inspires you to move now, and how has it evolved from what made you originally desire to pursue dance as a career? TM: I started dancing at the age of nine, and I have studied modern, hip hop and contemporary dance. I had an opportunity to study ballet at the age of 6, but it didn’t really appeal to me then. However, I have been THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
HEALTH & WELLNESS
classically trained in those other areas of dance. I have trained in South Africa, and I also trained in Los Angeles within the Debbie Allen Dance Academy as well, just perfecting my craft. I love to dance, and I’ve always wanted to dance until I lost my father in 2011. Following his unexpected death, I lost confidence in myself, and I needed to regroup. To recenter myself. After I moved onto the road of healing, I began my Rocking ‘N Heels class because I needed to regain my spirit, and it eventually turned into the great turnaround of a bad day. The creation of the class restored my hopefulness and joy, and I think that it inspires me to be my best self. I know that I want women to feel wonderful about themselves, and especially to be comfortable in their own skin, and to appreciate themselves in all facets. The creation and development of this class has definitely helped me to regain focus and make peace with my father’s death. KJ: Wow! So your father’s death became your newfound inspiration for Rocking ‘N Heels, and you have definitely become a bigger brand within yourself as a result. How would you describe your brand? TM: A lot of women don’t support each other, and I just want women to feel good about themselves. My brand promotes self-love. Women don’t realize that their movements and posturing reflect how they feel about themselves. First impressions matter. I want women to know how to enter a room with self-love and purpose, walk with their heads held high. My hope is that Rocking ‘N Heels motivates women to not only grow in appreciation of themselves but in love with their fellow women as well. We are all on the same team. It’s time that we act like it, and support each other through showing kindness and vulnerability towards one another! KJ: As a brand new wife and mother, where do you find the energy and spirit to dance, make appearances, professionally choreograph large projects and teach your classes? TM: I am naturally energetic, but my love of life and working out have helped a lot. I stayed fit throughout my pregnancy, and after three weeks of recovery, I’m taking it as easy as I can. I have to do my thing, though; each woman needs to feel free to do her thing. KJ: Your videos show that you danced and taught while pregnant with your beautiful daughter. Does she react to music and beats yet? TM: Sana, which means “sun-ray” in my native language, Tsonga (Xitsong), does have reaction to different sounds! We, my husband and I, have tested sounds with her. Guns ‘N Roses calms her and upbeat music makes her alert. She looks around wanting to know what is happening! ON STAYING TRUE TO HERSELF
KJ: Speaking of your husband and family life, you create such lively and entertaining content for your videos and social media - with your classes, you and your husband dancing, you on the treadmill, and of course your viral pregnancy Rocking ‘N Heels class routines. What influences your posts? TM: Nothing really influences me per se. My posts are organic. I don’t have a storyboard of what I will post next. I go with the moment of what I am doing. I am real. I don’t even choreograph my classes beforehand! I teach and capture what I feel and am doing at the time of the picture or video. THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
KJ: So, not to sound cliche´, but you really try to “keep it real,” or as real as possible? TM: Yes! That’s why I even post sometimes without my wigs or makeup because I want women to know that it’s not about all of that extra stuff. I have a problem with social media sometimes because it pressures women to do certain things - it will make women hate themselves, or their natural beauty, when they have no reason to do that. It forces women to compare themselves to someone else when they should be focusing on self. Don’t get stuck on what others want you to look like. Apps and filters have distorted the real beauty of a person trying to make pictures and images perfect and acceptable. Everyone’s perfect is different. Just be yourself. KJ: How do you stay so grounded within yourself and preserve, as well as protect, your brand? TM: I protect my energy. Once it [my energy] is untrue, it’s over. I can’t fake anything, and I can’t work with anyone who has destructive vibes. I feel it, and I know within me if something is off. Women and people should trust their intuition more. I’m naturally positive, and so if any negativity or bad energy threatens my energy, then I have to protect my essence - the soul of who I am. I pray on all things - for physical and spiritual protection, wisdom, guidance, discernment... on everything. I pray to be aware of my space and surroundings because the things and times in between the important things like family and work can cause distraction. I use my time to improve my life, the strength of my family and the specialty of my brand. So really, by protecting my energy, I can protect my personality which enables consistency, thereby protecting my brand [of me]. ON LIVING A HEALTHY LIFE ABOVE ALL
KJ: Confidence is on lock for you, but do you have a specific health regimen that you follow and/or recommend to your students? TM: Confidence is my friend now because I have been through heartache and real life lessons, like the death of my father, and so those things have strengthened me - made me wiser. If I can get through those really hard experiences that shook me to my core, then I can get through anything! I suggest that people should eat clean. You can enjoy your food. I enjoy my food. I eat what I want to eat; just don’t overindulge. I get a taste - enough to satisfy whatever the craving is - and then I’m good. I don’t believe in dieting really. Why be mean to yourself? Try to make the healthy choices that will be good to your insides. People forget that our insides show on the outside. Sometimes women want their faces to be beautiful for the wrong reasons, and they forget to put good stuff inside. How we treat ourselves on the inside shows on the outside no matter how much exercise we do or makeup is used to hide what we don’t want to reveal. I say love yourself in everything that you do or eat because your inside reflects on the outside. KJ: Last question: What advice do you give to working mothers trying to pursue their dreams? TM: Oooh, that’s a good question! I know that it’s important to not forget why you are doing what you do. Yes, your children are extremely important. Motherhood is very important, but don’t lose sight of your purpose in the big picture. You have to be true to yourself. Stay focused on making the world a better place, and your children will see and feel that. They will learn that it is more than OK to be happy and stand in the truth of who they are. Your balanced motivation of loving them while pursuing your dreams will motivate them to be their best selves in all that they do. THE CONNECT MAGAZINE | SPRING 2018
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