Roadmap to BOLD Networking in The Great Discovery
The Power of RoutineBuilding Healthy Habits for a Balanced Life
The Importance of Traditional Foods by Indigenous Peoples
Triumphant Compass Profitable Tips For Inspiring Entrepreneurs
Unleash a Bold New You! Hunt Valley Café is kicking off a new twelve-month flavor-filled adventure. Over the course of the next year, our chefs and local cafe team will challenge you to discover the bold side of life. This exploratory journey will get to the heart of who you are, broadening both your palate and your horizons. You’ll try new and exciting flavors in your cooking and dining experiences. Discover the exciting world of Bold Flavors of Life with our mouth-watering recipes designed to help you unleash your inner chef and explore new horizons in the kitchen.
Life is meant to be lived loudly, and so are its flavors.
Don’t settle for boring or bland; try new, adventurous flavors and discover what life has to offer.
It is our boldness to speak up, stand up, say something, and do something that changes the world.
While navigating the professional world, it is essential to remember that building a solid network is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Whether you are a seasoned professional seeking new opportunities or a newcomer ready to expand your network, discovering how to elevate at any level will directly contribute to your long-term progress. Building connections in the workplace can lead you down the road to success. The beauty of joining the workforce is the different people you will meet from various backgrounds that can teach you the skills needed to thrive. One of the ways you can build connections is through networking, a tool used to exchange information to help further career goals and social contacts. Networking is not reserved for people looking for a job but continues throughout your time at your company. Here are a few ways you can easily network throughout your career.
Sincerely,
Hunt Valley Café
Did you receive a promotion recently? Is your company hosting an industry event? If you need a place to share your professional accomplishments with other professionals, LinkedIn.com is your place to be. LinkedIn is a social media website that creates a space for people to build their professional careers and a platform that can help you elevate your field. The post you make on the website does not have to include personal information about yourself; instead, you can focus on what you do at work and the progress you may be making in your career. Like other social media websites, LinkedIn is a great way to connect with people and build relationships by interacting with others’ posts. Expanding how you communicate can allow you to take your career to new heights.
Everyone knows how it feels to be a new person in the workplace. The first-day nerves can quickly extend to a week or longer as you adjust to the new environment. To help build relationships, welcome new employees to the workplace with open arms. This will not only ease any stress they might have but will allow you to get to know the new person professionally. You can help each other grow in the field and the workplace with that connection.
Networking often happens in casual settings where people can hold more extended conversations. Company events are curated to show employees’ appreciation and help people connect outside the workplace. Use company events to get to know the people you see daily and connect with them. At company events, professionalism is still expected; however, this is a perfect place to talk to someone new.
It is easy to get caught up in the routine of waking up, going to work, going home, and forgetting the people around you. While at work, if you see someone needing a helping hand, help them. As easy as that may seem, some people do not think about helping others at work because of the praise they may want to get instead. Nevertheless, offering help and support looks good on you as an employee as it shows you are a team player. As you help your coworker, you will develop trust within them that can help you navigate your career moving forward.
Following meeting people at professional events or having a conversation on the go, remember to keep in contact with them. The best way to connect with people you meet is by sending a follow-up email thanking them for the conversation or wisdom they provided you with. The email should be brief but emphasize who you are and where you met them to jog their memory of you. Continuing to nurture connections directly shows interest and can lead you to be considered for job positions or promotions. These connections can also lead to mentorship as you navigate your professional career.
There are only 24 hours in a day, with about eight hours recommended to rest your body the following day. Each day, trying to make the most out of it is essential. Often, we get caught up trying to get everything done in one day, forgetting to take care of ourselves. Having a work-life balance is hard, and navigating when you need help knowing where to start is difficult. Creating a routine is the easiest but most challenging way to begin getting ahold of your career.
A routine allows you to maximize your day by creating set times to get things done. Having a routine also pushes you to develop sound and healthy habits. If you want a way to add ease to your life with a routine, Thompson Hospitality is here to help you begin. Here are some ways to create healthy habits for a balanced life through a routine.
When starting a routine, you may be eager to immediately fix and eliminate all the bad habits in your life. However, that may be slightly overwhelming. Instead, take it one step at a time. Assess what is wrong. Create a routine to change one thing in your routine that may need fixing. This could include a better sleep schedule, better eating habits, eating healthily, and making more time for work.
Once you have it all together, prioritize what is the most important to you and set your goals accordingly. Categorize those goals as short-term and long-term. Let your short-term goal be the driving force and influence your long-term goals. For instance, your short-term goal could be simply waking up on time to eat a healthy breakfast to give you the energy to stay focused at work, with the long-term goal of obtaining a promotion.
With the hustle and bustle of life, you can easily stray away from the routine you have set. If you find yourself wandering away from the routine you create, look at your week ahead and set a schedule for the things in your routine. These will cause you less stress and let you prepare for any hiccups that may come your way. Planning will make you less stressed because the days ahead are already together.
There is always room for improvement in your life; sometimes, we must take a step back, reevaluate, and adjust. When creating your routine, you may find that some methods need to be fixed or there are other vital areas. In those circumstances, it is okay to rearrange your way that best fits you. If you need to push things to the side, that is okay! Your routine should be catered to you and your immediate goals.
Adjusting to a new normal can be tricky when starting new routines and trying to better yourself. It takes time to acclimate to something new, especially with the world’s stressors and life. It is okay if your routine goes off plan today because tomorrow is a day you can start again! Remember to give yourself a break.
Are You Ready To Embark On A Culinary Adventure That Will Invigorate Your Taste Buds?
1/2 of key lime pound cake, sliced and cut to fit in cup 14 ounces can condensed milk
Imagine a world without fast food chains, processed snacks, or pre-packaged meals. Instead, picture a world where every meal celebrates tradition and culture. Indigenous Peoples have a rich history of food that has sustained them for generations. Like other cultures, food is an integral part of Indigenous Peoples’ ways of life. The more you learn about their culture, the more you can understand what it means to appreciate the food you consume.
One of the Indigenous Peoples’ most critical cultural aspects is their connection to food. Before the United States of America was created, a land full of Indigenous Peoples was thriving. There were communities and tribes with their own culture, religious practices, traditions, and agricultural systems that allowed their people to live comfortably. As the world changed, their sacred land became scarce. Though Indigenous Peoples had to adapt, many continued the traditions of their ancestors.
Food is an integral part of many cultures as it represents their history and way of life. In Indigenous Peoples’ culture, food is believed to hold spiritual and cultural importance. Traditional foods are seen as nourishment and a connection to mother earth and ancestral knowledge. Food was and still is a gift and sustains excellent health.
Before colonization and the introduction to Western European diets, Indigenous Peoples’ diet consisted of many complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, beans, peas, and potatoes. They also consumed most foods from the plants that were harvested and animals that were hunted. The food is typically harvested as seeds, nuts, corn, chile, squash, wild fruit, and greens. As a source of protein, they would eat bison, birds, deer, elk, salmon, trout, and nuts, all of which they gathered from hunting. Many would use drying and smoking food for optimal food storage to save for later.
The three sisters; corn, beans, and squash, were the main crops the Indigenous Peoples relied on before colonization. Because these crops were the primary food source, they were a part of many stories passed down from generation to generation. In some ancient stories, the three sisters are said to “personify the plants as teachers of interconnectedness, harvest seasons, and how the dried crops can help people survive long winters,” according to MatadorNetwork.com.
Indigenous Peoples’ connections to the food they eat derive from their love and respect for their land. Because of their religion, they view their lands as sacred and connect their spirituality to their land. Their land and holy sites often provide the foundations of their stories and connect each generation to their ancestors. Their food source from the ground deepens their connections to what they consume as they see eating meals as a gift.
Today, the main issues with Indigenous Peoples and their descendants stem from food sovereignty. Food sovereignty is the ability of Indigenous nations and communities to control their food system and production without limitations of outside power. Since European colonization in the Americas, the Indigenous Peoples have had difficulty keeping their sacred lands. However, Indigenous communities continuously have been fighting to protect their land.
When thinking about the Indigenous communities’ connection to the food they eat, it is essential to think about your food. We often do not realize how many people make our food because we get the final product. Practice gratitude for your food and recognize the hard work people put into cultivating and producing it for your consumption. There is much hard work behind the scenes to provide you with an excellent experience, and understanding Indigenous Peoples’ connection to food will also help your appreciation.
In life, you will find who you are in various ways. One of the ways is finding out what you are good at or honing in on skills you already have. Whether it’s jewelry, art, food, hair, nails, or clothing, there is space and a need for your skills to shine. With constantly looking for the next step and stage in life, creating a business out of your craft can add the spark you may be looking for.
You do not have to monetize your skills, but if you want to start your business or keep the momentum going, Thomspon Hospitality is here for you! Here are a few profitable tips that can help you with your entrepreneurial journey:
Everyone has an idea that could be profitable, but only some have a plan. Business plans are a vital tool for organizing and developing your business. According to Investopedia.com, a business plan is a “document created by a company that describes the company goals, operations, industry standing, marketing objectives, and financial projections.” However, depending on your business, your business plan will be different. You may not have all the details figured out in your plan. Instead, your business plan can reflect the goal of your business. It is also essential to be flexible with your plan. If the COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything, life is unpredictable. You must adapt to major and minor changes, such as changing marketing conditions, internal factors, new opportunities, and customer feedback.
What is your business selling, and who is it for? Those are the questions you should ask yourself as you market your business. Knowing your target audience will allow you to learn to plan your marketing strategy correctly. Does your audience use social media a lot? If so, search and see what sites are the most active. Knowing where your audience consumes media and information gives you a clear idea of how you should advertise your business. For instance, if your audience spends much time on Instagram.com, make your business a profile and advertise to your peers. There are various ways you can promote your business to your community. Pay attention to your target audience to showcase your work and gain more traction.
You will find that staying organized is one of the keys to success. It will help you manage your time, reduce stress, and be prepared for many things that come your way. The easiest way to ensure you stay organized is to create a schedule that includes the time you need to complete household responsibilities, pay bills, and handle projects at work. Your responsibilities should always come before your hobbies, so make sure that is at the forefront. If you are managing a business or considering starting one, ensure your professional and personal life balance is intact. If the stress of managing a business and balancing work becomes overwhelming, remember that it is okay to take a step back from your business and reorganize yourself.
Managing a business for the first time can be difficult. It will take a lot of trial and error and overcoming obstacles you did not see coming. Connect with other business owners to gain the necessary knowledge to navigate this new space. Check various websites or social media accounts dedicated to business promotional events to see if there are upcoming business showcases. These are great ways to expand your network and gain the tools needed to ensure success in your business. It may be intimidating connecting with seasoned business owners, but there is a lot you can learn from them. They can directly help you grow your audience by promoting you and sharing new ideas that may help the longevity of your business. Building solid relationships with other professionals, entrepreneurs, and business owners can increase your chances of success.
It is human nature to make mistakes. Many mistakes will be made as you journey through being a business owner. No one is perfect; however, as a business owner, learning from the lessons you gain is essential. All the lessons with help you grow your business to new heights. It will first improve your business practices by understanding the areas you need to improve, such as marketing tactics, promotions, or sales. Finding the common denominator will help you readjust and avoid it. Improving from your mistakes will also help you build the resilience you need to conquer mishaps and recover from setbacks. Lastly, learning from your mistakes is a guarantee of business success. To be a great leader and professional, you must keep moving forward despite the feedback and mishaps. Ups and downs are a part of the process of success. Therefore, do not let it discourage you from moving forward to sustain your business.
August commemorates Black Business Month, highlighting Black-owned businesses in and around your community. By putting money into Black-owned businesses, one is helping aid the progression of the Black community. The dollars used to support are often put back into other Black-owned companies and Black households. With more money in homes, the economic state of Black Americans improves in various ways.
Buying Black became a vital mantra to help Black-owned businesses get back on track and pour into the economy and neighborhoods. This support, especially during the pandemic, has helped thousands of companies receive the needed help.
Black-owned businesses sell many items and services, from food and groceries to clothing, home goods, jewelry, etc. If you need it, there is probably a Black-owned business for you.
Here are a few Black-owned businesses inspiring the community around them.
The Black-owned bookstore Mahogany Books came from a Black-owned wife’s love for books. Derrick and Ramunda Young founded the bookstore in 2007 to make books from the African Diaspora accessible to readers nationwide. They started solely online and opened their first in-person store in Washington, DC in 2017. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they expanded to the National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Maryland. With their platform, they have given a voice to new authors by hosting hundreds of book events in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas.
Growing up with a love for music, Chef Saon Brice did not expect to fall in love with food later in his life. His interest in food peaked after working in a kitchen, washing dishes, and watching food pass him by. He then began climbing the ranks and obtaining various jobs in the restaurant industry for 15 years before stepping into the role of a business owner and executive chef. The West Baltimore native has curated a fashionable and elegant establishment with live music on Fridays and Saturdays by DJs to give the atmosphere a sociable vibe. This is a perfect place to hang out with friends and coworkers after the work week to eat great food and have a good time.
Are you looking for a candle to light your home? Have you always been interested in learning how to make a candle? KSM Candle Co. is the place for you! Letta Moore created this business from her love of enterprise and the skills she has with candle making to give the community a great product. Aside from candles, Morre also offers incense, room sprays, and diffusers. She also provides candle-making workshops on Saturdays and Sundays to teach people how to create personalized candles.
Following graduating from Towson University and Parsons New School of Design, where she studied graphic design and fashion design, Mimi Dre took her passions to new heights. She created Fly Nerd Apparel, where her talents can be shared. Dre’s love for herself and self-expression led her to create a brand that enhances that message in every way. She offers unisex clothing items, including hoodies, socks, and t-shirts, as well as mugs and buttons with her signature Fly Nerd design.
For many of us, the office environment has become synonymous with long hours of sitting, staring at screens, and minimal physical activity. This sedentary lifestyle can take a toll on our health and well-being, leading to a host of issues like back pain, poor posture, and reduced energy levels. However, being active at the office is not an impossible feat! With a few simple strategies, you can infuse more movement into your workday, promoting better physical and mental health.
Instead of spending your entire break seated at your desk, take a stroll around the office or head outside for some fresh air. Walking not only helps you stretch your legs but also provides a mental break, boosting productivity and creativity.
It may be tempting to hop on the elevator, but opting for the stairs whenever you can is an excellent way to get your heart rate up and engage your leg muscles. Plus, you’ll avoid the crowded elevator, allowing for a more peaceful ascent.
Instead of sitting through every meeting, suggest the idea of standup meetings. Standing meetings are typically shorter and encourage more active participation from everyone involved.
During short breaks, use a couple of minutes to do quick exercises like squats or lunges. These activities can help break up long periods of sitting and keep your muscles engaged.
Make a habit of standing up every hour or so and doing a quick stretch routine. Stretch your arms, legs, neck, and back to alleviate tension and reduce the risk of stiffness. Encourage your colleagues to join in, and you might even start an office-wide stretching tradition!
Incorporate discreet desk exercises into your daily routine. Leg lifts, seated twists, and desk push-ups can all be done without drawing much attention. These small movements may seem insignificant, but they can add up to significant benefits over time.
Ensure that your desk and chair are set up ergonomically to support good posture. A well-adjusted chair, proper screen height, and wrist support can make a significant difference in your comfort and encourage better posture throughout the day.
If possible, consider alternative means of transportation to the office. Walking, cycling, or using public transport can add more physical activity to your day and make your commute a healthier and more enjoyable experience.
Use your lunch break wisely by engaging in physical activities. You could take a brisk walk, join a nearby gym for a quick workout, or participate in a yoga class. Not only will this boost your activity levels, but it can also help reduce stress and improve mood.
Organize friendly office challenges or competitions that promote physical activity. This could include stepcount challenges, weekly fitness goals, or even a lunchtime sports club. These initiatives can foster camaraderie among colleagues and motivate everyone to be more active.
Remember, every little bit of activity counts, and being proactive about your health in the office can significantly improve your overall well-being. By incorporating these simple strategies into your daily routine, you’ll find yourself more energized, focused, and productive at work, making the office a healthier and happier place for everyone. So, start today and make your office a hub of activity!
Valley Café
11333 McCormick Road
Hunt Valley, MD 21031
Café Hours:
Breakfast: 7:30am - 10:30am
Lunch: 11:30am - 2:30pm*
*cafe closes at 1:30pm on Fridays
Café Manager: Sean White
CafeHuntValley@compass-usa.com 410-605-8340
For catering inquiries, please contact OneCall@bofa.com
Daniela‑Gabrielle Smallwood, Head of Marketing and Communications daniela.smallwood@thompsonhospitality.com
(571) 444–7430
Editorial Staff
Gina Godwin, Creative Director
Heaven Smallwood, Chief Editor
Tess Mazzucchelli, Graphic Designer
Yolanda Waters, Lead Writer
