Urban Views Weekly February 11, 2015

Feb. 11, 2015

Scholar of the Week - Tamia Morris

Finding & Keeping True Love Happy Valentine’s Day

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The Deal

By Jason Alderman

Getting Serious?

Five Important Money Questions to Ask Valentine’s Day is often a time to reflect on your relationship, and consider the next step. If your relationship is heading toward joint finances, it’s essential to talk about it first – openly and honestly.

A 2014 survey (http://www.nefe. org/press-room/ news/financialinfidelity-poseschallenge-forcouples.aspx) by the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) found that 13 percent said they had failed to share information about their personal debt or income, which had “an effect on the relationship”. This year, consider thinking beyond the roses and candlelight dinners to a potential

Letter To The Editor

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Urban Views Weekly | February 11, 2015

continues on page 5

Ervin B. Clarke, Publisher publisher@urbanviewsweekly.com

easily accessible from I-64, I-295 and Rt. 288.

Central Virginia African American Chamber of Commerce Email: Info@CVAACC.org • Phone: 804-823-7745

Where are you financially as individuals? Take time to talk about your household debt – including student loans, credit cards, mortgage and medical bills, and share your credit reports from the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).

Each can be obtained once a year for free (https://www. annualcreditreport.com/index.action). It’s also important to discuss assets – not only the savings and investments you hold, but also how future job

If you would like to respond to Viewpoints, your submission should contain your name, a full valid address and a daytime phone number. We cannot acknowledge submitted letters. We reserve the right to edit for accuracy, clarity, legality and taste.

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future of merged finances. Here are five key questions that should drive your conversation:

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Scholar of the Week

Tamia Morris

of Richmond Community High School

GPA: 4.03

College of Interest: University of Virginia Major Community Service: Minority Health Consortium, The Giving Heart, and the Special Olympics Strong Interests: Fashion and Kinesiology Favorite Activities: Work, Cheerleading and volunteering

By Janeal Downs

With a keen eye for fashion and a desire to meet consumer needs, Richmond Community High School senior Tamia Morris said she had aspirations of becoming a fashion designer. Though she knew her skills would be utilized in this field, during her second year of high school, her goals changed after one event profoundly influenced how she viewed life. Her grandfather, someone very dear to her, suffered from a stroke. “I watched helplessly as he, a once physically and emotionally strong man, underwent a metamorphosis into a shadow of what he used to be,” Tamia stated in an essay. “I still cannot believe that something like this could happen to someone that I deeply loved.” However, it was her grandfather’s recovery that influenced her the most.

Charlottesville. She said her cousin already attends the school and told her about their kinesiology program, where students receive hands-on experience by working with the football and basketball players.

Currently Tamia is already gaining experience working with and helping people by volunteering at places such as the Minority Health Consortium, The Giving Heart, and the Special Olympics. Being able to help people and seeing the look on people’s faces when they receive treatment is what makes volunteering one of her favorite activities outside of school. Along with volunteering, Tamia also enjoys working at Kroger and cheerleading.

Her other extracurricular activities ™ include her involvement with Future Week Business Leaders of America, Mu Alpha Theta, the Key Club, the National Honor Society, the National Society of High School Scholars, and the Future Leaders Council. She also has tutored middle school students.

Scholar0 e

of th Tamia said she watched in awe as she witnessed an occupational therapist and a physical therapist work together to assist her grandfather to regain not only a large amount of his mobility but also his independence. She said “just being there and watching them help him get back on track,” influenced her to want to help others in the same way.

After reevaluating her life and future plans, she decided to go to school to gain a degree in kinesiology and pursue a career as a physical therapist. “While I still love fashion, I realized that my true passion was to help people, just as the occupational and physical therapists had helped my grandfather,” Tamia said.

In order to pursue her newest aspiration, Tamia’s top college of choice is currently University of Virginia in

Tamia said her mother inspires her to succeed the most in life. A couple of years ago when her mother decided she really wanted to go and get her Master’s degree, she did it.

With her mother’s inspiration and also planning to further her education, Tamia continues to excel in school and is able to maintain a 4.03 GPA. However, as she continues to work hard in high school and prepare for college, there is one thing she wanted to share with the community. “Your GPA doesn’t measure how smart you are, it measures how much work you put in,” Tamia said.

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Urban Views Weekly | February 11, 2015

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ViewPoints

By Dr. T

Can WRONG be made RIGHT?

In 1961 U.S. Representative John Lewis and a fellow civil rights worker were brutally beaten by a mob of angry whites at the Greyhound station in Montgomery, Alabama. Rep. Lewis was a part of a group of young activists called the Freedom Riders, whose primary role was to increase voter registration among the Black voters of the south. Fifty-two years later the current police chief of Montgomery, Kevin Murphy, has offered an apology to Rep Lewis for failing to protect the Freedom Riders in 1961—stating in his remarks, “When you got off the bus in 1961, you didn’t have a friend in the police department. I want you to know that you have friends in the Montgomery Police Department—that we’re for you, we’re with you, we want to respect the law and adhere to the law, which is what you were trying to do all along.” Then Chief Murphy removed his badge and offered it to Rep Lewis stating that, “This symbol of authority, which used to be a symbol of oppression, needs to be a symbol of reconciliation.”

of reconciliation after years of conflict, Ray Charles was invited to perform his iconic hit “Georgia On My Mind” before the Georgia General Assembly. After the performance, the Assembly adopted the song as the official song for the State of Georgia on April 24, 1979.

Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D.

Marion Anderson was one of the best American contraltos of all time. She was the first African American singer to perform at the White House and the first African American to sing with New York’s Metropolitan Opera. She was a celebrated performer winning recognition worldwide. However, in 1939, the Daughters of the American Revolution refused to allow Anderson to hold a concert in Constitution Hall in Washington, DC because she was a black performer. The incident helped to focus public attention on racism and as a consequence, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt withdrew her membership from the organization and had the U.S. government offer the Lincoln Memorial as the alternative site for Anderson’s concert, held on Easter morning. The performance drew an audience of over 75,000 people and millions more heard the concert over the radio.

Founder and Artistic Director The Conciliation Project and Associate Professor Dick Gregory has finally gotten his star on Hollywood’s highly Virginia Commonwealth University regarded Walk of Fame. The long overdue honor comes some 50 years DrT@Margins2theCenter.com after Gregory’s iconic brand of comedy and political satire broke down www.theconciliationproject.org The aforementioned examples are evidence that it is possible to all kinds of barriers for other black comedians and entertainers. When symbolically revisit past situations of horrendous injustice, omission, asked why it took so long Gregory replied, “You know damn good and legalized discriminatory practices including stolen property, stolen dignity and even well why it took so long. I’ve been a bad boy.” The 82-year-old entertainer/activist has stolen lives, and recognize that you have participated either actively or passively as a spent most of his long career on the frontlines fighting for equality and social justice. member of society, you can acknowledge that wrongs have been done and then DO In the height of the civil rights struggle in 1960, Ray Charles, who was born in Georgia, SOMETHING to make a CHANGE. Everyone can DO something one step at a time. received a lifetime ban barring him from performing in the state as a consequence of his Up Next Week: Things done in GOD’s name…. POTUS is On POINT! refusal to perform in segregated venues for whites only. On March 7, 1979, as a symbol

TanyaFree.com/ Urban Views Weekly Poll Genetic technology may soon give us the ability to alter the genes of a developing fetus and create, in effect, custom-made designer babies.

What’s Your Take? Should Parents Be Able To Create Babies by Design?

Check out the story and respond to this week’s poll at TanyaFree.com and the Urban Views Weekly FACEBOOK Page. Listen to the Tanya Free and Friends Talk Show Wednesdays @ 2pm on WCLM1450AM streaming LIVE @ TanyaFree.com and BlackTalkRadioNetwork.com.

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or education plans can improve the marriage or family’s financial health.

What are your money personalities? This is a personal finance question that many financial planners still ask to get a sense of your money management habits. It’s intended to identify which person in the relationship is the spender or the saver. It’s particularly important to ask each other whether you save or spend to make sure you’re on track to achieve your long-term goals.

How do you want to live? This question is about shared financial and personal goals and how you will achieve them together. Discuss how you’ve been living thus far, and what you might change. Be honest about where you want to live, what kind of home and family you want to have, what kind of career or retirement you want, and start discussing concrete ways you both will get there. www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

How will you handle everyday spending? Determine how you will share accounts, pay bills, budget, save for the future, and bank – jointly, separately or both.

Figure out how will you jointly manage credit and the smartest ways to save for retirement. If you want a family, decide how you’ll plan for kids financially. Finally, work together when problems come up. As with all issues in a relationship, ongoing communication is key.

What if you need help? There are options if you, or your partner, don’t know where to start. Licensed financial and tax professionals can provide guidance on issues from basic budgeting (http://www.practicalmoneyskills. com/personalfinance/savingspending/budgeting/) to prenuptial agreements. Friends and family are a good resource for recommendations. Also keep in mind that some religious denominations actually offer solid financial planning advice as part of premarital counseling

and the NEFE has a quiz (http://www.smartaboutmoney. org/Tools-Resources/LifeValues-Quiz.aspx) for potential spouses. For debt issues, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling is a good independent resource that can offer advice on improving credit issues as a couple.

The earlier you can put together an advisory team that fits your needs, the better.

Bottom line: If you and your sweetheart are considering tying the knot or expanding your family, don’t ignore money issues. It can be a difficult conversation to initiate, but it’s an important one to start planning your financial future together.

Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www. twitter.com/PracticalMoney.

Urban Views Weekly | February 11, 2015

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Looking For Love in Valentine’s Day is arriving, and singles everywhere are looking for their own special valentine. Dating services have exploded into a $2 billion dollar industry. From matchmaking services to online dating, individuals are investing time and money into their search for love.

The most important aspect of relationships is the one you maintain with yourself. Shirley T. Burke is the founder

mind is the garden and your thoughts are the seeds. You can choose to harvest flowers or weeds. Everything starts with your own thoughts.” Burke says that individualized coaching is a valuable tool in recognizing your self-worth and identifying your expectations for a relationship. “Take advantage of your resources. Interview people and find someone you are comfortable with by paying attention to your intuition.”

Once you do the work to strengthen yourself, you can confidently set out on a journey for love. The dating options are extensive in this modern day society.

Though this variety is valuable, it can also become intimidating quickly. While good old fashioned chance meetings are always a possibility, matchmaking agencies and online dating services allow you to take a more proactive role in your dating life.

Navigating the Online Dating World

of The Esteem Institute, serving individuals throughout central Virginia. Commonly referred to as Shirley T, this charismatic life coach has dedicated her professional career to public service. Today, she teaches individuals to embrace their confidence from a mental, spiritual and physical perspective.

When asked for her best advice to singles, Burke responds, “Get your house together before you invite somebody inside.” She says that the first step to finding love is loving yourself. “Walk into the room and know that you are the most beautiful woman (or attractive man) in the room. Once you know that you are okay, you can look around and see that others are okay as well.”

Burke strongly cautions men and women against looking for happiness and validation in another person. “Everything we are dealing with in our lives is an inside job,” she explains.

“We are looking for outside sources all the time, but your 6

Urban Views Weekly | February 11, 2015

The Pew Research Center reports that 59% of Americans see online dating as a good tool for meeting new people.

Additionally, 23% of online daters report meeting a longterm partner. Though these numbers are impressive, they do not negate the level of uncertainty that can accompany your first experience with the online dating world. The process can prove intimidating, especially if you are not already skilled in online communications. However, by following some simple guidelines, you can turn it into a rewarding and fun adventure.

Just watch an hour of prime time television and you will see a vast assortment of commercials for dating sites.

Don’t register with the first site you see. Take the time to investigate a variety of services and choose the one that most aligns with your goals and principles. Christian Mingle claims to “Find God’s Match for You.” This online community caters to Christian singles who must choose a monthly payment plan for ongoing membership. The cost ranges from $13.99 per month to $29.99 per month, depending on the plan you choose.

Shirley T. Burke, Founde Blackpeoplemeet.com is another popular dating site, specializing in the introduction of African American singles. Founded in 2002, the website allows you to set up a profile package, complete with pictures, videos and interests.

When you find someone of interest, you can send a flirt message or request a live chat session. It’s free to create a profile and browse other profiles, but communication requires a paid membership, with fees ranging from $10 to $30 per month.

“Everybody sh the front row

We are here fo

All the Right Places

By Erika Winston

Once you find the sites that feel right for you, it is time to set up a dating profile. Don’t allow yourself to stress about this process. It is your chance to highlight all of your wonderful qualities. Some experts suggest that you gather a group of friends to assist you. They can provide valuable input about your picture selection and keep you honest in your profile description. Choose a picture that is recent and truly depicts what you look like. Your high school senior picture is not an appropriate choice right now. Include a few different pictures, one of which should show you involved in some type of activity. This is a great invitation for conversation.

The value in utilizing matchmaking services is just as much about time as it is about resources. As stated on the It Takes 2 website, “Outsourcing the search for compatible, like-minded individuals makes far more sense to most busy singles than investing their own hours and energy that can better be spent elsewhere.”

When writing your description, it’s important to strike a medium between brevity and detail. You want to point out your interests and exemplify what is unique about you, but your profile should not read like a novel. You don’t want to share too much personal information or turn off potential suitors. When the description is complete spell-check it. Spelling errors definitely don’t make a good first impression.

r of The Esteem Institute For mature singles, ourtime.com offers its services exclusively to singles over the age of 50-yearsold. The website claims to recognize the unique wants of mature individuals and focuses on these specific interests. Like most other dating sites, joining is free, but you will need to choose a membership plan before you can communicate with others on the site.

hould not be in w of your life.

or a purpose.”

Once you jump into the game, relax and enjoy. Don’t feel the need to excessively check your profile. Designate a specific amount of time that you will devote each week and stay within those limits.

Online dating should not replace in-person interactions.

Instead, it is a tool that compliments your dating efforts.

Matchmaking Services Matchmaking services provide personalized dating services to facilitate in-person introductions and first dates. It Takes 2 serves the Richmond area and markets itself as the most successful dating service in Central Virginia. Operating since 1998, the organization offers confidential screening by individuals who hand-select potential dates. The owners say that they “take pride in getting to know each and every client.” Screenings are completed during a face-to-face interview and include a personality assessment created by a marriage counselor.

Now That You’ve Found Love Burke reminds singles that the work does not end once you find a potential mate. Your relationship is a vital aspect of your life and some level of choosiness is completely appropriate. She warns that you should not settle out of desperation for a relationship. “We have learned to settle too much. We put up with and settle for less than we deserve,” she explains. “Everybody should not be in the front row of your life. We are here for a purpose.”

Just as dangerous as settling is a feeling of defeat, where you stop looking for the love you desire. Burke says that your thoughts are extremely important when you feel the need to give up. “What we think is what happens,” she advises.

“Speaketh those things that are not yet in existence. We start out as winners in life and nothing changes, but our thoughts.”

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7

Civic Beat FUNdraising Good Times

The “Carnegie Hall or Bust” Fundraiser Part two of a two-part series Dr. Todd Robinson is a navy pilot and flight surgeon, author, film producer, medical school faculty member, and a practicing physician. He is an MD and a PhD. But until now there was one area in which he had no experience: fundraising.

Here’s the background: Getting ready for the world premier of renowned composer Earnestine Rodgers Robinson’s oratorio Exodus required fundraising. Dr. Robinson (Mrs. Robinson eldest son), and family members, needed to raise $140,000 to $170,000 to bring 200 diverse choir members to New York City’s Carnegie Hall. The family organized supporters as Chicago Voices United. But, surprisingly, not as an independent 501c3 organization.

“One of the FUNdraising Good Times! articles talked about being creative in looking for funding sources as it pertained to nonprofits. This was very encouraging as we struggled in the early phases.

Initially, we used personal funds and a loan as start-up capital for Chicago Voices United. But we quickly realized that we needed the nonprofit status to be more attractive for donations,” Dr. Robinson shared.

Instead of becoming a 501c3 organization, Dr. Robinson asked an existing nonprofit if Chicago Voices United could become a “sponsored project” of that nonprofit. The answer was yes, and months of paperwork and filing fees were saved, allowing the group to focus on their goal: fundraising for choir members.

They launched a website (www.

ChicagoVoicesUnited.org), attempted crowdsource funding, website marketing, and social media but found each to be “extremely ineffective.”

“We decided to go a different approach.

Like the article I read and resonated with, we had to get creative with our 8

fundraising,” Dr. Robinson shared. “As a result, we decided to pursue industries/ companies directly involved in our fundraising needs: hotels and airlines based in Chicago. We figured it would be easier for a company to donate their time or services to a home-grown project instead of just forking over cash.”

The results? “Requesting donations in the way of services, we quickly landed a sponsorship from Hyatt who made a donation in the form of “discounted” room prices; and in the world of expensive hotel rates of downtown Manhattan, this was a big win. Now, the price of lodging during the concert event was more within reasonable reach for our average choir member,” Dr. Robinson continued. “This also made it easier for us to recruit choir members. Recently, United Airlines has expressed interest in making a donation of its services.”

A January “sneak preview” of Exodus in Chicago was well-received, and part of the Robinsons’ fundraising strategy: potential donors and influencers had the opportunity to experience the oratorio and become inspired. Follow-up meetings are in progress as we go to press.

Dr. Robinson’s advice: “Constantly monitor your efforts with a critical eye; be adaptive and flexible enough to quickly change directions if needed; and think creative.”

You can donate at www. chicagovoicesunited.org or by calling Dr. Robinson at 901-414-3366. Contact him by email at info@chicagovoicesunited.org Copyright 2015– Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw position nonprofits, colleges and universities for fundraising success. For help with your fundraising, visit www.saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

Urban Views Weekly | February 11, 2015

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CONSTRU CTION • Commonwealth Construction Company of VA, Inc. • Davis Brothers Construction Company • Dwight Snead Construction Company • Jireh Construction, Inc. • Moseley & Sons Home Improvement and Repair • Prestige Construction Group, Inc. • Pryor Hauling, Inc. • RMT Construction & Development Group • United Unlimited Construction, Inc. • Urban Development Corporation CONSULTING • 4Core Technology Group, Inc. • An Elegant Event • GTT Enterprises, Inc • Green-Leaf Solutions LLC • Kollege and Kareer 4 Youth, LLC • Parris Gainer Consulting Services • S. H. Leverett Educational Consulting, LLC • Transformation Consulting, LLC • Urban Development Corporation DOCTORS • Dominion Medical Associates EDUCATION • The Building Bridges Academy • Breath of Fresh Air - CPR & Healthcare Training Center • Central Michigan University • Child Shield, U.S.A. • Junior Achievement of Central Virginia • Kollege and Kareer 4 Youth, LLC • Powhatan Fair Association • Premiere Care Givers & Medical Career Educators • S. H. Leverett Educational Consulting, LLC • Sustainable Facility Solutions ELE CTRONI CS • AudioTech, Inc. • Richmond Alert Security, LLC • Ropho Sales ENTERT AINER • Laydsing Productions • Mr. G’s Entertainment Co., LLC EVENT PL ANNER • An Elegant Event • Balloons and Things • James Management Group, LLC • Jeremiah Enterprises • Majestic Milestones FAMILY T HERAP IST • Boomer3 Solutions, LLC • Parris Gainer Consulting Services • The Wellness Group Youth Family Services FASHION DESIGN • Fashion Design Center

FINANCIAL and Retirement Consultants, LLC • • Commercial Investment Group • Fiscal Fitness Tax & Financial Services, Inc. • JB Bryan Financial Group, Inc. • Mequell Green Insurance AgencyNationwide Insurance • Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial • Monarch Mortgage • New York Life • Northwestern Mutual • Northwestern Mutual Financial Network • OnPoint Financial Retirement • PayProTech • Worth Unlimited FOOD • Premium Shipping • Tropical Safari • Virginia Heritage Foods, Inc. GOVERNMENT AL AGENCY • County Economic Development • City of Richmond GYM & FITNESS • Bodies & Beyond Gym and Fitness • Whispering Pine Martial Arts HAIR • Craigland Hair Affair • Marsha Edwards HEALTH • Anthem BCBS/Caremore • Daily Grace, LLC • Sharon Taha • River City Comprehensive Counseling Services • Inspiring Beauty, LLC • Organo Gold Independent Distributor • Youngevity 90ForLife HOME HEALTH C ARE • A Plus Home Health Care • Old Dominion Home Health Services, Inc. HOME IMPROVEMENT • D&K Painting, LLC • Pat’s World Staging & Re-Design, LLC • United Unlimited Construction, Inc. HUMAN SER VICES • CCHASM • Prom Bring It, Inc. INSUR ANCE • • Anthem BCBS/Caremore • Associated Insurance Systems Services, Inc. • & Retirement Consultants, LLC • JB Bryan Financial Group, Inc. • Mequell Green Insurance AgencyNationwide Insurance • Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial

• Northwestern Mutual Financial Network • Perry Insurance Agency, Inc. • Retirement & Insurance Financial Services • State Farm Agency Recruiting LA NDS CAP ING • C & J Lawn Maintenance • GTT Enterprises, Inc. LEGAL SER VICES • DiBartolo Court Reporting of Alex Taylor • The Law • Legal Shield • Taylor’s Paralegal Services LIFE - CO AC HING COUNSELING MENTORING • Inspiring Beauty, LLC MARKETING & MONEY • Genesis Athletic Funding, Inc. • OPT4TEXT • Radio One, Inc. – Richmond • SendOutCards • U.S. Small Business Administration MEDICA L C ARE • Dominion Medical Associates • Premiere Care Givers & Medical Career Educators • A Plus Home Health Care • Boomer3 Solutions, LLC • Gallery of Weave & Wigs MER CHANT SER VICES • PayProTech • Versatile Merchant Solutions MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELO PMENT County Economic • Development • City of Richmond MOVERS • Quality Moving Services OFFICE PRODU CTS & SUPPLIES • Ropho Sales PAINTING • D&K Painting, LLC • Sustainable Facility Solutions PEST CONTROL • Integrity Pest Solutions • Ross Termite Inspections PHARMAC Y • Appomattox Drugs PHOTOGR AP HY • Harrington’s Photography PRINTING • Forrest White Printing and Graphic Design

Urban Views Weekly | February 11, 2015

REAL EST ATE • Amiralyn Properties • Angela McNeal, Realtor • ERA Woody Hogg & Associates • Monarch Mortgage • Pat’s World Staging & Re-Design, LLC • Practical Real Estate Services • REMN • River City Realty & Investments, LLC • RMT Construction & Development Group REST AURANT • American Tap Room RET AIL • Better Menswear of Richmond • D & W Fashions • HPDS Sports, LLC • Midlothian Jewelry Exchange and Repair • Shay’s Shoe Haven SECURITY SYSTEMS • Richmond Alert Security, LLC SP ORTS T EAM • Richmond Raiders TA X PRE PA RER • Fiscal Fitness Tax & Financial Services, Inc. • Harris Tax And Business Services, LLC • Taylor-Made Business Services, LLC T RANSPORT ATION/C AR RENT AL • Exquisite Rentals • Total Praise Transport WEBSITE DESIGN & COM PUTER REPA IR • 4Core Technology Group, Inc. WEBSITE DESIGN & COM PUTER REPA IR • Four Deep Multimedia, LLC WELLNESS • Bodies & Beyond Gym and Fitness • Organo Gold Independent Distributor • River City Comprehensive Counseling Services • Soul Purpose YOUTH & F AMILY SER VICES Family Services, Inc. • • Junior Achievement of Central Virginia • Powhatan Fair Association • Prom Bring It, Inc. • Sistahood of Richmond • The Wellness Group Youth Family Services

PROFESSION AL SER VICES • Anthony Wright • Crossplatform Design

Do Busin ess with ou r Ch a mb e r Me m b e rs !

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• Daily Grace, LLC • Sharon Taha • Gallery of Weave & Wigs • Greater Richmond Partnership, Inc. • Green-Leaf Solutions, LLC • Information Management Solutions, LLC • Virginia Heritage Foods, Inc.

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How to Guide

Whatever your budget, you can find a spa that fits your needs. Comparison shopping will help you find the right place for you.

Here are some other factors to keep in mind when choosing a spa.

Style Everyone needs a little pampering and a spa is a great way to feel relaxed and refreshed, especially after a hard week at work, a long project, or a particularly stressful situation.

Spend some time in luxury by visiting a spa. It is a great way to refresh your body and mind. Men and women enjoy relaxing massages, makeovers and even style tips.

You can get a facial, manicure or waxing treatments.

Some people prefer to stop at a spa before a special occasion, such as a wedding or class reunion. Others use a spa to recover from a stressful situation.

Not all spas are the same. Each one offers different services. You may find a quick, affordable visit to a local establishment is the perfect day trip. Maybe you need a luxurious getaway over a long weekend.

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Atmosphere is a key element when selecting the perfect spa.

Relaxation, serenity and wellness are qualities you are looking for.

You should have the sensation that you are leaving your troubles at the door.

When you visit the spa, pay attention to how your body feels. The lights, smells and sounds should unwind you. If people seem stressed, then it will be hard to relax.

You are paying for ambiance as well as services. It is essential that the decor and staff make you feel warm and welcomed.

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Cleanliness A clean environment is indicative of good management. In this business, sanitation is essential. There should be no broken equipment or dirty corners. Everything should be organized. Spa guests must feel safe and comfortable in a sparkling clean space.

Schedule Opt for a spa with convenient hours. The best spas are usually quite busy; however, they will try to accommodate you if you need some flexibility on occasion.

Along with finding out the spa’s hours, ask how long you will need to wait for an appointment. It may be days or even weeks before you can get a specific service at a popular place. On the other hand, some spas accept walk-in customers.

Customers should not have to wait long to begin treatments, nor should they feel hurried through a process.

A spa close to home can be a big plus. You will feel as though you took a vacation without ever leaving town.

Service

Price

You can receive a wide variety of services, including manicures, facials, saunas, hair removals, mud baths and makeup applications. They may even have services that are not listed in their brochures. Check with different spas before deciding on the services you prefer.

Budgets are personal. While it’s easy to look at a list and pick the cheapest service, it will rarely be your best option. Like so much in life, you get what you pay for at a spa.

When you want to try a new spa, schedule a basic service, such as a manicure. If you like the atmosphere and customer service, you might enjoy a more advanced service.

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How to Choose a Spa

her experience is the staff ’s top priority. You don’t want to feel rushed. Rather, the best spas will make you feel like good friends are completely focused on providing you

Different spas have different definitions for the treatments they offer, making it difficult to compare. You may even have to research spa terms to help you understand the services.

There are plenty of things to think about when selecting a spa, from the expertise of the staff and the sophistication of their decor, to the range of services offered.

Maybe the best way to pick a spa is to make an appointment and try it out. The right spa will send you home feeling relaxed and looking beautiful.

Urban Views Weekly | February 11, 2015

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