CONTENTS
BUSINESS LATINAS IN STYLE
7 HOLIDAY HOT LIST
16 NUTPODS WIN BIG
18 HARVEST OF JOY
20 ASK AN ENTREPRENEUR
24 SPOTLIGHT ON RAE
29
EDITOR’S LETTER
5 STILETTO STATEMENT
22 LIPSTICK CHRONICLES
25 MAKING CENTS
28 NOV/DEC COVER
Catherine Lyn Scott
ISSUE 26 NOV/DEC 2013
Published by The Lioness Group. Founder, Natasha Clark.
Editor-in-Chief Katelyn Gendron Art Director Leo Pilares Director of Photography Denise Smith Columnists Kristina Chapell Aliyah Cherrisse Brenda’s Child Angela Lussier Contributing Writers Erin K. Corriveau Carley Dangona Paige Cerulli Tara McCollum Emily Thurlow
Š2013 Lioness is the first leading magazine for female entrepreneurs. We believe women are multi-dimensional creations who flourish, personally and professionally, when they take time to nurture their spirits. We celebrate the unique challenges and achievements of women in business. We believe women are multi-dimensional creations who flourish, personally and professionally, when they take time to nurture their spirits. Our mission is to elevate, educate and support female entrepreneurs.
welcome to editor’s letter Katelyn Gendron
Stop, relax! Make the season merry and bright The November/December edition is the one I look forward to the most each year because it means we’re in the thick of the holiday season. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year – at least for me – and it always has been, even those holidays when money was tight for me or my family. Why, you ask? Two reasons: 1) Because it’s not about the gifts but the company you keep and the memories you make. 2) Thanks to federal holidays we’re actually afforded time off to spend with our loved ones far away from the office. I sincerely hope that our readers are able to find a few days to relax and take pleasure in the joys of the season, be it sledding with their children, drafting holiday cards or partaking in a rum hot chocolate. However, until those aforementioned paid holidays come our way, I encourage you to apply some of the business savvy provided by those featured in this month’s magazine to your endeavors. Catherine Lyn Scott, founder of London Flair P.R., in Los Angeles, Calif., and London, England, will walk you through her journey from actress to successful entrepreneur. Author Tammy L. Webb-Witholt shares how her faith and mother-daughter bond inspired her to pen “A Harvest of Joy: A Mother-Daughter Memoir,” while Colombian-American actress Patricia Rae reveals her plans to help expand the opportunities for Latinas in the arts. Now before I let you go, I’d like to take a final moment to welcome our newest columnist to Lioness Magazine, Angela Lussier. An entrepreneur herself, Angela has taken over as our financial writer with her column titled, “Making Cents.” We hope you find her knowledge, insights and sincerity as worthwhile as we do. Happy holidays from all of us here at Lioness Magazine! We look forward to seeing you in the New Year.
Katelyn LIONESS NOV/DEC 2013
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Michele Ruiz was honored as Business Woman of the Year by LATINA Style Inc.
Photo courtesy of PRNewsFoto/Ruiz Strategies
“My purpose in everything I do is to help other women entrepreneurs and lead by example. This recognition helps to amplify my message that women business owners can also achieve their goals and so I am very grateful to LATINA Style.” – Michele Ruiz
Michele Ruiz honored as Business Woman of the Year by LATINA Style Inc.
Michele Ruiz, president and CEO of Ruiz Strategies and her branded company “Michele Ruiz – My Life as a Latina Entrepreneur,” received the Business Woman of the Year award at LATINA Style Business Series in Los Angeles, in recognition of her exceptional business success and leadership, Robert E. Bard, CEO of LATINA Style, announced.
“I am truly honored that LATINA Style has recognized me as Business Woman of the Year,” Ruiz said. “My purpose in everything I do is to help other women entrepreneurs and lead by example. This recognition helps to amplify my message that women business owners can also achieve their goals and so I am very grateful to LATINA Style.”
LATINA Style Inc. presented the grand finale of the 15th annual LATINA Style Business Series in Los Angeles on Nov. 21, 2013, which marked the 110th city of the LATINA Style Business Series, highlighting a networking breakfast, an interactive expo area, and amazing educational and empowering seminars that benefited the Latina professional.
Ruiz is a serial entrepreneur whose passions are empowerment, technology, Hispanics and entrepreneurship.
Previously, Ruiz was an award-winning broadcast journalist in Los Angeles with KTLA-TV and KNBC-TV.
Ruiz Strategies is a strategic communications firm specializing in helping government entities and C-level executives, world class companies, professional services firms, communicate transformative messaging to connect with customers in relevant ways, grow their businesses to achieve broader market penetration, and to elevate their brands as recognizable thought leaders. Ruiz and her consultancy team bring years of experience successfully delivering solutions centered around new media, traditional media, social media and virtual technology. For more on the firm’s specialties, visit RuizStrategies.com and for more on Ruiz, visit MicheleRuiz.com.
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Catherine Lyn Scott Photos courtesy of London Flair P.R.
Scott puts the By Katelyn Gendron
Catherine Lyn Scott had a plan when she moved from her home in Britain to Los Angeles, Calif., 10 years ago – she was going to be an actress; but as the old adage goes, life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.
She was working in public relations “to pay the bills” while pursuing acting gigs until a casual conversation with publicists at a
back in public relations British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards ceremony in L.A. gave her pause. It was there, Scott said, she realized she had more to offer the entertainment industry than acting and London Flair P.R. was born.
“I was an actress for 16 years; although I loved it I didn’t want to be in my 40s getting the odd job here and there,” she recalled of her professional course alteration.
Scott began her firm six years ago from the
confines of her home with only a handful of clients – one of whom is still with her today – clocking in 15-hour days, seven days per week for the first three years.
“I used to panic because we don’t have clients,” Scott said of the early days of her boutique firm. “I got a lot of big clients by keeping my fees low. As you grow, you end up
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LIONESS NOV/DEC 2013
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Catherine Lyn Scott having more [clients]. Then I got an assistant and moved to red carpet events and then you have a whole team [working for you].”
When asked how she was able to build on her success throughout the past six years, Scott replied, “By making sure that I don’t take on every person. I’m not going to take your money if I can’t help you succeed because I’m results driven. It’s about having integrity and doing the best you can do.”
She explained that honesty and integrity are the cornerstones of her business, therefore turning down clients has nothing to do with being “business savvy,” rather it’s because she sincerely believes she cannot help them propel their career forward. “I love that feeling of being able to help someone with their career,” she added. Scott said her criteria for new clients mandates that “actors have appeared in at least two TV episodes and have a role that is interesting or a film in cinema.”
She added, “The actor needs to have some big news – a story within a story such as happenings on set. There has to be ‘a call to action,’ where people were able to see it.”
Such actors currently aided by London Flair’s P.R. savvy include Alice Amter, Judi Shekoni and Hakeen Kae-Kazim, and celebrity TV chef Silvena Rowe.
Scott has also restructured her time management since beginning her firm to ensure that each client receives equal effort. “I would spend so much time on one person getting them interviews but now I spend a few hours each day on everyone so each person has time and attention. It’s important to be personable in this business and splitting time equally between clients,” she said.
“I don’t use any mass mailing systems. I send each email separately. If you just take a moment to make it personal [it shows]. It’s all
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FROM OUR FAMILIES TO YOURS WISHING YOU ALL A SAFE &
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
HOLIDAY LIST
w e n s ’ t a h W IN GIFTS THIS SEASON?
Lioness goes on a fun holiday gift giving guide with the hot boutique It's All About Me, based in Hampden, Mass.
Watch
We have a large eclectic selection of costume jewelry nicely priced for that great accent to any outfit. Our jewelry collections include earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings all available in various metals, finishes, leather, glitz, stones and crystals!
HOLIDAY
Cheetah Clutch
Hot LIST
Animal print just never goes out of style! Enjoy pairing this little clutch in an animal print with a touch of glitz to any outfit. You can also find other bags such as the cross body styling, shoulder bags, traditional and trendy styles for your everyday needs.
Party Dress
This dress is absolutely adorable in three color ways with a subtle sheen and glitter to the fabric – gold, silver and charcoal – all so beautiful and glamorous for any special event. We also carry a wide variety of special occasion dresses long and short appropriate for Mother of the Bride, Mother of the Groom, Black Tie Events, etc.
Boots
Boots are always stylish no matter what the season! Now you can add jewelry to your boots for a pop of fun and sparkle!
Model Jewelry
Women and girls of all ages shop with us for that updated and affordable piece of jewelry.
Jewelry makes a great “girlfriend” gift and we will happily wrap it for you – complimentary service to all our customers. There is always a new collection of jewelry available so you can count on finding something new on every visit.
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L.A.-based Nutpods wins Dream Big America November Championship
Dream Big America, the first-ever live nationally syndicated radio show pitting startup business ventures against each other, and broadcast on Doug Stephan’s Good Day Show (www.dougstephan.com) each Tuesday at 9:10 a.m. EST, announced on Nov. 29 the November Dream Big Champion is Nutpods (www.Nutpods.com) from Irvine, Calif.
Madeline Haydon, founder of Nutpods, initially pitched and won on the Nov. 12 Dream Big America Show. Nutpods then advanced to the Finals Show on Nov. 26, where it was voted the Dream Big Champion for the month of November from the national audience, garnering the most votes over two other weekly winners, Paper Clouds Apparel and Bare Mixers.
Nutpods will receive a prize package that includes support and resources up to $20,000 to aid their startup. Nutpods is a portable, wholesome, dairy-free creamer made from almonds and coconuts.
December’s competition will highlight the Get In The Ring Competition: The American Startup Clash. Get In The Ring is a startup pitch competition founded by the Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship in the Netherlands. It has exploded in popularity in the United States and brings the world’s most promising entrepreneurs together with those who can help them succeed and inspire others to start their entrepreneurial journeys. This month of Dream Big America will feature nine finalists and semifinalists from the American Get In The Ring competi-
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tion. Additionally, the Kauffman Foundation (www.kauffman.org) and Sprint (www.sprint.com), primary corporate sponsors of the Get In The Ring Competition, will be present throughout this month’s competition as Expert Panelists and supporters of the startup contestants. The contestants for the first week of December’s Dream Big America competition are MANA Nutrition, Travefy and weeSpring. MANA Nutrition, from Matthews, N.C., will be presented by Mark Moore, the CEO (www.MANANutrition.org). MANA produces ready-to-use therapeutic food for children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.
Travefy, from Lincoln, Neb., will be presented by CEO and Co-Founder David Chait (www.Travefy.com). Travefy makes it easy to solve the coordination headaches of group travel.
weeSpring from New York, N.Y., will be presented by Allyson Downey, the CEO and CoFounder (www.weeSpring.com). weeSpring helps parents collect advice from their friends about everything they need for their family.
“Congratulations to Madeline Haydon and the Nutpods team!” Doug Stephan, host of Dream Big America, said. “We’re excited to continue the momentum of Get In The Ring into December. We have an amazing lineup of contestants!” Dream Big (www.DreamBigAmerica.us)
America airs each
Tuesday from 9:10 to 9:40 a.m. EST on Doug Stephan’s Good Day Program, syndicated to more than 500 markets across the United States with a weekly listening audience of 3.5 million. In addition to being broadcast on the radio, the Dream Big America Show can be heard via live podcast on the DreamBigAmerica.us website.
Voting begins immediately after the show at 10 a.m. EST and continues for 28 hours until 2 p.m. EST each Wednesday. Voting is by text (Text DBA to 612-22-DREAM (612223-7326) once voting is live or via the DreamBigAmerica.us website.
The Dream Big America Show features three entrepreneurs pitching their business ideas for two minutes each, followed by an expert panelist who offers feedback and suggestions. Tapping into the surging entrepreneurial movement spreading across the country, Dream Big America strives to educate and support startups, all while providing an exciting venue for America to choose which new businesses it wants to see hit the market. Dream Big America partners with the Kansas City-based Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation (www.kauffman.org) and its 1 Million Cups (www.1millioncups.com) startup education program, and the San DiegoCalif.-based Nutritional Capital Network (www.nutritioncapital.com). Each organization supports the show by providing vetted startup ventures for consideration to the Dream Big America selection committee.
Catherine Lyn Scott about word of mouth. I always say my clients are my best sales people,” Scott continued.
Her success has allowed her to move back to the United Kingdom to open an additional office in London and expand the client base; a decision, she admitted, that was extremely risky. “I thought it [moving to London] would be career suicide but have I more staff ... we’ve grown 10-fold. In five years I’d like to have 10 or 20 or more [staff],” Scott said.
When asked what advice she’d offer to aspiring female entrepreneurs, she replied, “Always know your market and do as much research as you can. You can’t start your business thinking you won’t have failures. If you pick something that you absolutely love then you won’t feel like you’re working. If you’re working for someone else, you go home, you don’t think about it but working for yourself, you have to make it happen.”
“I wasn’t on speaking terms with God.”– Webb-Witholt
Mother-daughter memoir yields ‘harvest of joy’ By Carley Dangona
Tammy L. Webb-Witholt, author of “A Harvest of Joy: A Mother-Daughter Memoir.”
In times of tragedy, there are those who rise above the ashes and turn the experience into a thing of beauty. Tammy L. Webb-Witholt, author of “A Harvest of Joy: A Mother-Daughter Memoir,” tells how her mother Dorothy, a missionary, did just that.
“The story is a tribute to my mom, her life,” Webb-Witholt said. Her mom, now 86, accompanied her on the book tour. “She loved doing this. She steals the show. People are just charmed by her,” she added.
Webb-Witholt described her mom as a “resilient, charismatic, fighter, who kept her sense of humor. She cares so much about people. She has a lot to give. She’s not a taker.”
Dorothy’s storytelling assisted the writing process. “She tells a lot of stories, so I started writing the stuff down,” Webb-Witholt recalled.
Dorothy was the youngest of five children born to Carrie and George Sparks. At the age of 6, Dorothy’s mother died and she was sent to live with relatives. “Her dad didn’t know how to take care of the kids. She was raised without parents, passed around from family member to family member,” Webb-Witholt explained.
At 14, she ran away to live with her sister Mary in Nashville, Tenn., after an uncle “tried to take privileges he shouldn’t have.” At 16, Dorothy became a Christian. In the 1950s, she moved to colonial Africa to become a missionary. “Mom felt compelled to do work for God. She
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filled out the application to go to Africa. She was drawn to the heart of God, [His] people,” Webb-Witholt commented.
Webb-Witholt, born in the United States, grew up in West Africa. She and her brother attended boarding school, a tough decision for their mom Dorothy. “She always wanted a family of her own. It was a tough sacrifice. She wanted us to get the best education [possible],” she said.
The author faced some of her own struggles also. “In my 20s, I didn’t want anything to do with church or my family,” she recalled. She explained that during this time, while she was in America, her mom was still in Africa.
Webb-Witholt “reached rock bottom” in her late 20s. She described herself as “private and standoffish, lonely and broken.” During that time, Dorothy would call to check in. “She would try to preach and I would hang up on her,” Webb-Witholt admitted.
The author returned to church out of love for a friend dying of AIDS. She explained that she tried to find someone to pray for him and after no luck; Webb-Witholt took matters into her own hands.
“I wasn’t on speaking terms with God,” WebbWitholt commented. She would attend church once a week and read the Bible daily. “Things started to soften and change in my heart,” she said. “After I got over being ticked at God and the
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world, I became a missionary. Through the cause of Christ you open your life and extend hospitality,” she said. In the early 1990s, she accepted a friend’s invitation to minister to children in Dallas, Texas. She then became an inner-city missionary in the South End of Springfield, Mass., with Citylights Ministry and served in that role from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s. “Because I was raised overseas, I had a very idealistic view of America,” Webb-Witholt commented. She explained that she was “blown away” by the amount of violence and drug use.
Webb-Witholt explained her “no-façade” approach when working with at-risk youth. “I need to be real every day. I don’t want to pretend there weren’t hard days, that I didn’t blow it, that there aren’t any consequences,” she said.
“We’re not supposed to have it all figured out as adults. My faith doesn’t help me escape reality, it helps me face this sinful, messed up, broken world,” she added.
Webb-Witholt mostly works overseas. She has worked with an orphanage in Tanzania with adults and children who are “shunned
because they have AIDS.” She has also worked at the Royal Family KIDS Camp in Agawam, Mass., for abused, neglected and abandoned children. The focus of WebbWitholt’s missionary work is providing access to education to people in foreign countries so they can earn degrees.
Webb-Witholt, 52, is now a wife, mother and grandmother. “Mom always taught me, if you live up your faith properly, you are a pleasing fragrance,” she said. “God is very, very patient with us.”
The book is available in electronic and print form at Amazon.com. Follow Webb-Witholt’s blog http://beyondthesilences.blogspot.com.
Available on Amazon.com
at
Stiletto Statement
The little black dress – every woman’s closet essential By Aaliyah Cherrisse
MONIF C. http://monifc.com Monif C. “Nicole” Cold Shoulder Ruched Dress – Mink $188
Be a statement maker, a show stopper, a neck breaker, or whatever else you like in these pieces that I have found for you from some of the leading Plus Size clothing line’s Holiday 2013 Collections. The designs were made with every curvy women in mind, I am sure of it!
Give the cold shoulder this holiday season with this heart throbbing number from Monif C. One of the leading retailers in the full-figured industry gives you sex appeal, sass, and sensuality all in one design. Get the perfect silhouette in this curve-hugging number because this piece is expertly tailored to flatter a multitude of body types. This look will be complete with the perfect pair of stilettos and a pop of color wouldn’t hurt either. Will you be the talk of the party in this piece? Absolutely! So what, it will all be good talk. Show how confident you are when you enter the room while heads turn and mouths drop. Be prepared to be flirty because that cold shoulder won’t work on everybody!
IGIGI BY YULIYA RAQUEL www.igigi.com IGiGi Ambrosia Plus Size Dress in Black
ASHLEY STEWART www.ashleystewart.com Ashley Stewart Lace Noir Bead
We all love curve-friendly body-conscious dresses and IGiGi by Yuliya Raquel nailed it with this number. The three-quarter length sleeves gives an added bit of comfort while you keep such a classic look for any affair you may need to attend this holiday season. Knowing your shape wouldn’t be a problem in this piece because IGiGi knew what they were doing when they produced this design, for it was as if they had every shape in mind to enjoy the Ambrosia Dress. This seductive dress is one that is cut for all-seasons; with its stretch jersey material this number will hug, smooth and enhance every level of your curves. Pair this off with the perfect neck essential, great pieces of arm candy, and a nice pair of strappy heels or a good stiletto and you’re ready to take the night.
Who said that your little black dress had to be completely black? Add flavor and be sure to stand out in this number from Ashley Stewart. One of the leading plus-size clothing lines that
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Stiletto Statement
TORRID www.torrid.com Torrid Brocade Sleeveless Dress $58.50
always has exactly what you need for any season or any occasion. As they would say, the little black dress is “every woman’s closet essential.” Well ladies, we agree! Make a statement in this Lace Noir dress; with a hint of shimmer, it’s a curve-friendly, and versatile piece. The perfect combination of sassy and classy, this sleeveless dress can be paired with a shrug, worn alone for standout style, or turn it into a rocker chic number by adding black opaque tights, a pair of leather bootie boots, a soft biker leather, and a nice amount of arm candy. You’re sure to stand out in the crowd. This dress can go from work to play on any day, so there’s no need to rush home and change for happy hour. Think outside the box with number because I surely did!
Be conservative at that office holiday party or even at a dinner birthday party in this Rich brocade, Victorian style number. What great fashion indulgences will this subtle shimmer, sleeveless, chic black dress be for your wardrobe this season? This simply stunning silhouette is shaped by a boat neck and box
pleats on the skirt giving it the perfect fit for any amount of curves. I must say ladies, this flare statement dress will definitely cover up the flaws of our mid-section. Be comfortable and confident knowing that nothing extra is showing. This is another number that can go from work to play with the right added essentials such as a clutch and a switch of the heels. Add a pop of color and you’re ready for a night out with the girls or a sweat little dinner date with the babe. Either way ladies, this little black number will be put to use this season and seasons to come for its classic design is timeless.
I could not just give you a list of the perfect dresses without helping you pair them with the perfect shoe. Be playful, funky, classy, sexy, or just plain old comfortable in these shoe selections I have found. Let your calves look as though you have been on the stair master in the perfect heel. Add something to your little black dress with a funky shoe to go along with your new attitude for the day or night. All of these great shoe finds are on the, oh so fabu-
lous, Shoe Dazzle (www.shoedazzle.com)! These are great finds for a great price so you can feel like the celebrities do when their hitting those red carpets or hanging out for the night. Trust me my loves, I have you covered!
When I shop for you, I shop as if I am shopping for myself. I consider style, shape, and of course the bank. These must have in our closet pieces are all worth your buck. Great materials, great fits, body conscious, and versatile numbers will not be pushed to the back of your closet. The fact that you can change them all up in different ways for different occasions makes them the perfect assets to invest in. Feel free of course to visit the websites of each item listed to see what other goodies you can add to your closet this season and in the New Year to come. I would love to hear from you to know if any of my tips have been helpful. It’s nice to know if I have helped someone embark on a confident fashion journey! Signing Off -- Aliyah Cherrisse
Aliyah Cherrisse, born and raised in Atlantic City, N.J., has grown to be a very educated, vibrant, and driven intellectual. As a graduate of Morgan State University, with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Marketing, Aliyah has put her studies to use in branding herself as the “Multimedia Personality” she is to-date. Currently pursuing her love of entertainment, Aliyah is known for her titles of “Fashion Show Production Assistant, Radio/TV Personality, Curvy/Full-Figured Model, Red Carpet Correspondent, Host, and Blogger,” but let's not forget to mention: this is all while being a single mother! With no intentions on slowing down, Aliyah anticipates what God has awaiting ahead for her! LIONESS NOV/DEC 2013
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Ask an ENTREPRENEUR
1) How long have you been in business? Close Buy was founded in 2010. Our first year, we tried out our new school fundraising concept with three brave pilot schools – and it was a great success! In 2011, we had 45 schools join us and our numbers have continued to grow each year.
Masey Kaplan
Answers By:
Masey Kaplan President & Founder Close Buy Catalog 424 Fore St., 3rd Floor Portland, ME 04101 207-838-2567 masey@closebuycatalog.com closebuycatalog.com @CBCmasey Close Buy Catalog on Facebook
2) Why have you chosen to dedicate yourself to this particular business/industry? I’m a mom with two young boys so each fall they would come home with a fundraising catalog in their backpacks. These catalogs were generally filled with items we didn’t need or really want. I realized there were so many vendors, artisans, and craftspeople in our community who made amazing, beautiful and very useful products – and they were feeling the blows of a down economy. I thought it made sense to unite all the efforts – give local vendors front stage in school fundraising, help kids raise money for their schools, and everyone feels better about buying things they need and want. And it all came together as Close Buy Catalog.
3) What makes business/product unique? Our business model is unique in that we are a fundraising catalog for schools and nonprofits that features only locally made products – it puts a brand new twist on school fundraising.
4) You could have worked for anyone and would have been successful, why become an entrepreneur? I felt very strongly that school fundraising could be done better, and I felt really strongly that my idea could work. School fundraising is a necessity, but there had to be a way to do it differently. By “keeping it local” we all have a bigger, positive impact on the local economy, as well as an opportunity to teach kids about smart and responsible business practices. Of course, as a professional graphic designer by trade, Close Buy has given me a huge creative outlet as well. 5) What was your last, “why did I go into business for myself” moment? Honestly, I never have those moments – I truly love what I do and I have a great team working with me every day.
6) Every female professional should have __________. A strong belief that their gender
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plays no part in how well they can do their job, or how successful they will be.
7) If you could steal some business mojo from another mogul, who would it be and why? Amy Poehler because of her project, “Smart Girls at the Party.” She celebrates the best part of what people can be – it’s about doing good work and being as great as you can at what you do. And being nice.
8) What is your business motto? Close Buy’s mission is to create a healthy, sustainable fundraising system that benefits the whole community. Our goal is to boost the local economy, and make mad cash for our participating organizations, by offering locallymade, healthy, delicious, beautiful and useful products that people want.
9) If you could give other entrepreneurs three tips, what would they be? 1) Take time to take care of yourself. 2) Sometimes things don’t go as you planned – learn from it and then release it and move on to the next thing. 3) Take chances.
10) Has there been a piece of technology or software that has been a lifesaver to you? Cloud based software – affordable, featurerich, and affordable for a micro-business. Some lifesaving examples are Shopify, Method CRM, and MailChimp. And of course, Smart Phones, for “allowing” (right word?) our team to work on urgent stuff, even as we travel and live balanced lives! 11) What is your goal for the next year? Build an even stronger presence in New England states outside of Maine, and begin our launch into the next Close Buy geographic region.
12) When someone is telling their friend about your business, what do you hope they say? I’d hope they say that my business, Close Buy, is a good way to make a difference in the local economy while raising lots of money for schools. And I’d hope they say it feels better and people are happier doing it the Close Buy way.
The Lipstick Chronicles
When you least expect it you’ll get your groove back! By Kristina Chapell
After nine months in a new city and everyone saying “it’ll happen when you least expect it,” it happened – I met someone. Anna and I went out one night because the other two girls were out of town or busy. So instead of sitting home at our houses we decided to dress up and hit up a trendy bar/ restaurant closer to the city.
The ulterior motive, a girl’s night out; the real reason – a birthday party for Anna’s former colleague. We decided to kill two birds with one stone and celebrate someone’s birthday and dress up and go out. After some time, the party began breaking up but not ready to go home yet, we decided on one last drink at the bar and then it happened, a crazy drunk girl attached herself to us!
She was drunk and definitely crazy but because of her, a guy close by decided to come over and chat with me and Anna. Soon the conversation turned just to me and I kept up my end but wasn’t overly interested. He seemed nice but I had no intention of anything that night. As the night came to a close numbers were exchanged and we parted ways.
Within an hour I received a text message that it was lovely meeting me. More texts followed the next day so I obliged and wrote back. We continued our texting “affair” during the early part of the week when he asked me to dinner.
We met Saturday and come Wednesday I was meeting him for dinner. We laughed, we ate, and talked about anything and everything. We even kissed. All was going well and there was talk about going out again. In all honesty, I was hoping we would but if not, I was thankful for a fun night with what seemed to be a normal guy – normalcy hasn’t come that often recently.
After a very late “school night” out, we text messaged the next morning and he offered to bring me coffee at work! I declined but thought the offer was cute. Score one for him; well score two for him actually! We continued to talk the next few days and planned another date for the weekend.
As Saturday came I started getting nervous about our dinner that night. What would I wear? Where were we going? You know the usual “girl” stuff. He came to pick me up – about an hour late – but he met my friends and roommates and then we were off to a Moroccan restaurant.
Five courses and belly dancing were on the menu that evening as were communal meals. All felt right in the world; I had great company and was learning about his Moroccan culture, which I definitely could appreciate. The night ended with a kiss or two and all still felt right with the world.
We’ve continued to talk and make plans to see each other again and I can’t wait for the next date. He makes me smile and laugh. He makes me feel appreciated and smart. He is not afraid of my work ethic or educational background, which is very important to me. I paid good money for my master’s degrees (yes, degrees) and I am proud of myself and what I’ve accomplished and I want someone who is equally as proud.
I have definitely listened to many a people say “when you stop looking you will find someone” and the funny thing is I really thought I stopped “looking” a long time ago. Don’t get me wrong, I date, but I never really thought I was looking. I just figured people were wrong about when I stopped looking.
The funny thing is when I was back in Massachusetts a good friend said when I am ready to settle down and marry, I should just say it out loud and be open to the idea, not hide it. About a month ago I let people know it was time to think about settling
down and getting married one day and now this I meet this guy.
Don’t worry I am not getting ahead of myself; I know I am hovering between date two and three but my advice to all you lovely ladies out there is let go and if you really are ready to settle down and marry – say it out loud. Let your friends know, post it on Facebook, do whatever you have to so it gets out in the universe. Once it does, be open to whatever or whoever comes your way and enjoy it. It might not be instantaneous like saying you are ready on a Monday and find someone by Friday but let time work the way it does best and soon something will happen, when you least expect it. I don’t know what my future holds but I know this, a guy who makes me laugh, makes me smile, and appreciates me is key and it should be for you as well!
Remember ladies: Enjoy and have fun but be honest with yourself and what you want. Once you do, let others close to you know and get out there and have some fun. ***
I wrote the aforementioned a few weeks ago and while I may have jinxed the relationship by writing about it too soon, apparently it was enough for me to get my groove back!
After a few weeks of dating Mr. Morocco he seemed to fall off the face of the earth. He said he worked for the government and was on furlough so when that ended and he went back to work, we had a good few days of conversation and then it happened – he stopped calling and text messaging. My girls and I prefer to think he was an international spy and he is on a mission somewhere and can’t reach out; but, in reality, I am positive that isn’t the case.
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The Lipstick Chronicles After a few days of moping around I shook it off and decided to try something new – Tinder. Tinder is a dating app for your phone that connects to Facebook. It takes your GPS location and that of guys, or girls, close to you and who share similar Facebook interests as you and don’t you know, I found a plethora of men.
Two connected right away and I chatted back. I agreed to meet both, one on a Friday and one on a Sunday. Mr. Friday was a few years younger but I figured I had to give him a chance because you never know. And Mr. Sunday was the same age.
Friday came and after dinner in Atlanta with a friend I met Mr. Friday for a drink. Right off the bat I wasn’t impressed, to the point where I would have rather spent the night Facebook, Twitter and Instagram stalking, but like a good date I put my phone away. I indulged in a cocktail and conversation and eventually enough was enough. He was just too immature for me but I could tell he was totally into me. I had a wedding Saturday – the truth – so I said we’d chat soon and went home.
I really did have a friend’s wedding on Saturday, which kept me busy and away from the few text messages Mr. Friday sent. I had hair and makeup and lunch with friends and then an evening wedding so no text messaging allowed.
Sunday came and I felt myself getting nervous to meet Mr. Sunday. We agreed to meet for Bloody Mary’s and watch football. I tried to look cute without over-doing it and hopefully succeeded.
When I walked in to the restaurant and saw him I was just in awe, his smile lit up the room and five hours later we were still at the bar laughing and talking about everything
under the sun. We even continued our date across the street and finally got some food and the conversation and laughter kept coming. I was having an amazing time and hardly ever did I take the phone out let alone want to be stalking anyone on any social media site. Success!
Eventually we parted ways and continued to talk and text the next few days making plans for coffee during the week. The coffee date was even a success filled with more laughs and great conversation.
Through our busy schedules we have managed to see each other a few times since, including him meeting me out for my birthday party celebration and meeting all my girl friends; and we talk almost daily. It’s nice and easy and I am taking it as such and enjoying myself because that’s what I should be doing.
I got my two best friends on Tinder too and we have fun scoping out the guys in our area. I have looked but yet to go on another date from Tinder. I’m just being cautious because Mr. Sunday is hard to beat at the moment, but it won’t stop me if I do find someone else.
In fact, I did and I wasn’t expecting it. I happened to meet a friend at our local hangout and I took a seat next to this guy, who I met before. He oddly lives not far from me and grew up about six miles away from my old home in Massachusetts – small world! We talked and flirted and enjoyed each other’s company; making plans to see each other again.
As I sit here and write this and re-read what I wrote I grapple with what has changed, why now all of the sudden and it hits me: I really am comfortable with me and who I am at this time in my life. OK, Tinder helped too
Kristina Chapell is a single gal in her 30s making her way in the world. Passionate, savvy, and stylish; Kristina is a social relationship builder. You can often find her on Facebook and Twitter keeping up with the latest news and always supporting causes she is passionate about such as the Alzheimer’s Association, Link to Libraries, and The Business Channel.
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but in all honesty, I am happy.
I have some wonderful friends who have supported me through some tough times here and helped me and are continuing to help me weather the storm, and I have a wonderful job and sit on two amazing nonprofit boards. I am also growing my social network with people who I really value.
I also feel comfortable in my skin because since I moved and with the help of a hypnosis program have lost a few sizes, shrinking from an 18 to a 10/12. And ladies, we know feeling good about our weight helps too. But overall, between the weight (I know it is a part of it) and feeling at home here, I am comfortable in my own skin. I feel like I finally own my life and that feeling is clear when I walk into a room and meet a guy. I am confident in who I am and frankly, confidence is sexy.
I took my confidence, which I didn’t really think about, and downloaded Tinder to try it out, because I figured what did I have to lose and Tinder definitely helped get me back in the dating game; I encourage all my single readers to try it. It’s free, easy, and like a grown-up version of “who’s hot or not” but with some substance. If you don’t try Tinder, try some other dating site, but also think about this: Are you comfortable with who you are? Because frankly if you aren’t, no dating site in the world will help you get your groove back until you help you get your groove back.
Alright ladies, until next time be safe and have fun!
~ xoxoxo KC
Making Cents
When being nice doesn’t serve you By Angela Lussier
As a young 20-something starting my career, I thought that if I befriended everyone, I would create a team of supporters and fans who would support me when I needed them. I figured if I laughed at less-than-funny jokes, brought in donuts occasionally and agreed with ideas (even bad ones), I would be loved.
In a professional setting, my co-workers saw me as someone they could give any amount of work to and never hear a “no” in return. They could come to my office and vent for as long as they wanted without ever being asked to leave or being told that I’m busy. My bosses could have temper tantrums and yell at me and I would always take it, not responding in a way that would indicate that I was upset or trying to escalate the situation. I said yes to everyone and met every deadline. In my head, I was the perfect employee and loved by everyone. I thought this was the key to being successful, until one day I realized I was trying so hard to make everyone like me that I lost who I was and what was best for me in the process.
My turning point came when I was promised a raise after proving myself in a new role. When the time came for the raise, the “powers that be” told me that I did a great job, was a huge asset to the team, and they couldn’t do it without me. Unfortunately, they couldn’t give me a raise because the money was no longer there. I felt terrible, but I was understanding and decided to put my chin up and move on. That is, until a co-worker started bragging about the raise he received a few weeks after my disheartening meeting. He told me he was promised a raise six months ago and if he delivered, he would get a bump in pay. He was overjoyed when he was given exactly what he was promised. I
was livid.
I couldn’t believe my bosses would do that to me! I felt like all the work I had done to be the most perfect worker on the planet was for nothing. I put in so much effort, but was overlooked when it came to compensation. When I thought for a moment about how my co-worker presented himself at work, I realized that he was well respected for speaking his mind, pointing out problems and coming up with solutions, and taking a stand in meetings. This did not make people dislike him, this made them respect him and see him as a leader. This epiphany came a bit late as I realized weeks later why he received the raise and I didn’t.
I decided to ask him how his conversation with the managers played out. I asked if they were hesitant to give him the money he was promised. He said they started out by saying they didn’t have as much money as they thought for raises and they would revisit the opportunity in a few months. The big difference in our two meetings came next – when he objected to their decision. He said that was unacceptable and gave reasons why he deserved the raise. Within 24 hours, they were able to find the money he demanded.
Unfortunately, they did not find the money for my raise. They didn’t find the money because I never gave them a reason to do so. I never stood up for myself or even raised the question again. The opportunity was lost and my bosses knew that I would never challenge them on their decision. It was business as usual about five minutes after they said I was staying at the same pay level, and I never gave them any reason to think I wasn’t OK with that.
On the inside, I stirred over that decision for
Angela Lussier is the chief strategy officer and partner at the BrunoFox Group in West Springfield, Mass. She is an award-winning speaker, author, and business owner. Visit her website at www.theBrunoFoxGroup.com.
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weeks, even months. I never looked at my bosses the same way again. I was furious with them for being cheap and not recognizing my efforts or appreciating me and my team-player attitude. Most of all, I was angry with myself for not standing up and being my own advocate.
I learned a big lesson at that job and when I look back on it, I know my bosses did me a huge favor by withholding my raise. They forced me to look at myself and my ability to let everyone walk all over me. They taught me that if I want something, I have to ask for it. I have to fight for it. Laughing at everyone’s jokes wasn’t going to get me anywhere.
Since that job, I have had many opportunities to negotiate higher salaries than I was offered, prove why I deserve a promotion, and go up against big consultants with big reputations with the mindset to win. I have grown a lot since those days. I look back on them and think that I was such a sad, insecure woman who didn’t realize I had to respect myself first, before others would respect me. I have had many financial successes that would have never happened if I didn’t truly believe I was valuable, worthy of the money, and stood up for myself.
My name is Angela Lussier, and I am the new Women & Finance Columnist for Lioness Magazine. My background is not in finance, but I am a business owner who has learned how to ask for money, manage and spend wisely, and invest purposefully. I hope you will join me each month for my column that will explore our fear of asking for money, valuing what we do, and most of all, standing up for ourselves when we know we are worth more.
Rae shines spotlight on Latinas in the arts
By Katelyn Gendron
Patricia Rae is frank about her view of Hollywood today: “Latinas don’t have enough role models in the arts yet.”
The Colombian-American actress, best known for her roles in 2011’s “The Big Wedding” and 2004’s critically acclaimed “Maria Full of Grace,” isn’t letting industry norms deter her from bringing worthwhile Latina characters to the big and small screens.
“We still have so much more to offer and I would love to be a part of that advancement in the industry. I think that there are so many stories in the Latina fabric that have yet to be told,” Rae said, noting that her most recent short film, “The Social Contact,” is one such project.
“I play the sister of a female version of James Bond. She [my sister] works as a private contract killer and I play a woman who is able, has family and morals. I find out what she does for a living in a very brutal way,” Rae explained. “This is the basis for the feature film that [the writer] is trying to get funding for. We’ll see what kind of legs the short has. It’s the only way to gain any ground as a Latina ... We create a lot of our own work.” Truth be told, Rae has been creating her own
work since childhood, morphing herself into personas borrowed from those around her.
“My mother and grandmother were first generation immigrants from Colombia. They couldn't speak English. My grandmother was very wary of American customs. She raised me because my mother was out in the workforce,” she explained of her upbringing in Queens, N.Y. “She had a very watchful eye and kept me isolated. I learned English by watching ‘The Carol Burnett Show’ and ‘I Love Lucy.’ It sparked my imagination and I didn’t have a lot of friends so it forced me to create characters ... I was always trying to blend in. I didn’t have my own identity.”
Rae was quick to note that she wasn’t having an identity crisis, rather, the experience taught her how to give herself fully to the roles as a chameleon of sorts. “I always take whatever is in my environment,” she explained, noting that her grandmother was the basis for her portrayal of Madonna in “The Big Wedding.”
“My grandmother was such an inspiration for me and her Catholicism. She [and the character] was very dominated by her religion and it dictated her morals and presence in the universe. It doesn’t make you closedminded but open hearted,” Rae recalled.
When asked what it was like to work beside such Hollywood icons as Robert De Niro,
Diane Keaton and Susan Sarandon, she replied, “It was amazing, such a gift. I had been working my whole life to get that kind of chance. It’s like when preparation that meets opportunity.”
Her proudest role, thus far, she said was that of Carla in “Maria Full of Grace,” a Spanishlanguage film written and directed by Joshua Marston.
“It was the first time that I got a lot of respect and acclaim in the industry,” Rae recalled. “It opened a lot of doors and hopped the balloon to carry me to the next project.
The role was challenging, she explained. “I think in English. I would have to translate my emotions into Spanish and embrace it and immerse myself into the culture,” she added.
Rae is adamant that her career, which began as an 18-year-old on the set of “Miami Vice,” is just hitting it’s stride and her tenacity for bringing Latina acting to the forefront is just beginning. She’s currently working with her creative partner to obtain funding for her new feature film, “La Reina (The Queen)” about a Latina dancer.
“I want to inspire other Latinas to go out and create art,” she exclaimed.
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More female owners looking to grow, while more men seek to maintain
Women small business owners are more likely than their male counterparts to say that their primary business goal is to grow their business, according to The Hartford’s 2013 Small Business Success Study.
Thinking about how their business is operating right now, 44 percent of women report that their primary goal is to grow their business significantly, compared to 33 percent of men owners. Alternatively, when it comes to maintaining the business at its current size, 55 percent of men cite this as a primary business goal compared to 49 percent of women.
“It is encouraging that there has been a significant increase in the number of womenowned small businesses, and that many of them are focused on finding ways to grow their business,” Kathy Bromage, senior vice president of strategy for Small Commercial, said. “We celebrate the commitment of all small business owners, their resiliency and resourcefulness. These qualities help fuel our economy and generate job growth.” Getting Social
Twice as many women than men cite social media as a major contributor to the success of their small business. Twenty-eight percent
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of women say it is a major contributor, while only 14 percent of men cite social media as a major contributor.
Christa Doran, owner of Tuff Girl Fitness in Hamden, Conn., uses social media to extend her reach and provide positive messages to her customers outside of the gym. She uses social channels more than her husband, who runs the business with her.
“I use social media to promote consistent messaging and to grow my brand. I am diligent about posting something every day to keep my brand buzzing and top of mind,” she said. “I utilize social media to also offer deals, let clients know about changes and new products, and to provide positive feedback to encourage new members to try us out.” More Women Optimistic, Just As Conservative As Men
Just as many male business owners (79 percent) as female (78 percent) report being conservative in taking risks with their business currently, contradicting the stereotype that women are more conservative. Although equally conservative, more women small business owners are optimistic that the national economy will strengthen this
year compared to men (55 percent and 45 percent, respectively).
Feeling Successful
The Hartford’s third annual study found that women and men define success slightly differently and have different views on what factors contribute to their success. More women (83 percent) say that making enough money to have a comfortable lifestyle is important to their definition of success compared to men (75 percent).
For business owners whose definitions of success have changed since first starting their business, more women than men say it has to do with changes in their personal life. Half of women (52 percent) report a change in their personal life, such as a health issue or having children, altered their definition of success, compared to only 35 percent of men. Men owners (37 percent) are more likely to say achieving initial business objectives changed their definition of success compared to women (26 percent). For more information about The Hartford’s 2013 Small Business Success Study, visit www.thehartford.com/successstudy.