Spring/ Summer 2018
Journal
Florida | Capital City Region
New Beginnings in Business Novus Racks
Chelse Collins and Manzura Ishanova A Mindful Workday Makeover Business Conversations Do’s and Don’ts Standing Desks: Is the (Up)right Option for You?
We are proud to announce that our office is growing and want to welcome our new attorneys. Our Tallahassee Professionals: Kelly Overstreet Johnson
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32 TWM • Women Who Mean Business | Special Section
JOURNAL
Spring/Summer 2018 Capital City Region (Florida)
CONTENTS FEATURE 16 ON THE COVER NEW BEGINNINGS AND NOVUS RACKS: YOUR MOBILE BOUTIQUE
Written by Michelle Nickens Photography by elle Belle Photography
8 Trends
Business & Entrepreneurism: Standing Desks: Is the (Up)Right Option for You?
10 In the Know
Business Lifestyle: Meditation for Desk Dwellers | Keeping Up With Cybersecurity | Business Conversations: Do’s and Don’ts
21 Working Women’s Web
Working Women to Watch | Get Connected | Biz Scene | Funny Business
24 Business Spotlight
Jubilee Sunshine Uncommon Gifts: Bringing the Sunshine to Tallahassee
WWMB Journal is a sister publication of
www.talwoman.com WWMB • Women Who Mean Business Journal | Spring/Summer 2018 3
JOURNAL
FLORIDA * CAPITAL CITY REGION Spring/Summer 2018 VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 1
WOMEN ON FIRE
KEEPERS OF THE FLAME
YOU ARE INVITED to Join the Discussion and
Keep the Flame Burning Become a Member of Tallahassee Woman Magazine’s Women Who Mean Business (WWMB) Community
MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES: • Networking and Educational Opportunities • Access to Online Forums and Social Media Sites • Monthly E-mail Newsletter • First Notice of WWMB Events • Inclusion in Membership Directory Sign up now at talwoman.com/women-who-mean-business.
PUBLISHER Kim Rosier EDITOR Heather Thomas ADVERTISING Jennifer Stinson Michelle Hart INTERNS Ellie Bright | Abby Cloud Emma Peterson WWMB Journal is a sister publication of Tallahassee Woman magazine. It is published digitally two times per year and distributed online throughout Tallahassee and the surrounding area. For information e-mail wwmb@talwoman.com.
ADVERTISING
For more information on advertising, call (850) 893-9624 or e-mail wwmb@TalWoman.com. Tallahassee Woman Magazine LLC Post Office Box 13401, Tallahassee, FL 32317-3401 Phone: (850) 893-9624 Fax: (850) 254-7038 E-mail: wwmb@TalWoman.com Copyright ©2018 Tallahassee Woman Magazine LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in part or in whole, without expressed written consent of the Publisher is prohibited.
The information in this publication is presented in good faith. The publisher does not guarantee accuracy or assume responsibility for errors or omissions.
4 WWMB • Women Who Mean Business Journal | Spring/Summer 2018
BE A PART OF THE WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS COMMUNITY JOIN US FOR LUNCH and NETWORKING!
WOMEN ON FIRE!
Women Who Mean Business Networking Luncheon Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Four Points by Sheraton Downtown | 316 West Tennessee Street, Tallahassee With Special Guest Speaker
Dr. Asha Fields Brewer Temple Fit Co.
Come out and join the conversation on self-care strategies for the busy and overwhelmed. Be ready to be inspired and energized by the wisdom and expertise of Dr. Asha Fields Brewer of Temple Fit Co., as she presents valuable information and strategies on how to manage and enjoy your work life. Discover what it takes to be your best self, do your best work, and live life abundantly.
Networking: 11:00 a.m.-11:45 a.m. Lunch and speaker: 11:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Seating is limited.
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Sponsorship opportunities available. Call 850-893-9624 or e-mail WWMB@talwoman.com for information. To purchase tickets and to learn more about becoming a member visit talwoman.com or e-mail WWMB@talwoman.com for information. tallahassee woman • june / july 2018 9
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Bringing Women Together We are very excited at the response we continue to get from our Women on Fire! WWMB Networking Luncheons. As such, we have planned out a series of exciting speakers and opportunities to connect with other business and professional women throughout 2018. Our next event is coming up soon: June 27, 2018, so we hope to see you at the event. Be sure to check our website for more details to purchase tickets and to keep up to date on other exciting opportunities. We hope that this issue of the Women Who Mean Business Journal brings you ideas and inspiration for you to continue to excel in your work life, and enjoy the time you spend doing so. Kim Rosier Publisher
6 WWMB • Women Who Mean Business Journal | Spring/Summer 2018
tallahassee woman • april / may 2018 3
TRENDS
business and entepreneurism
STANDING DESKS Is the (Up)Right Option for You? By Abby Cloud
In pursuit of overall wellness, many professionals have
begun including healthier alternatives in their offices and workplaces. For those with timely desk jobs, it is sometimes hard to avoid sitting for prolonged periods of time, which can lead to health issues such as obesity, neck pain and cardiovascular disease, according to the Harvard Health blog. To combat a sedentary office lifestyle, many workers are switching to standing desks—desks that allow you to stand comfortably while still completing your work As more workspaces join the standing desk movement, it is clear that the benefits offer a healthier option that you can stand up for. Major health benefits. It’s not hard to recognize that standing at your desk is more favorable to your health than sitting in a chair for nine or more hours a day. Healthline.com shares that you burn more calories when you stand versus sitting at your desk, which can lower your risks of obesity and heart  
disease. Using a standing desk will also help to ease the neck, shoulder and back pain gained from sitting for lengthy periods of time. More energy. Standing desks can help improve your energy by lowering your blood sugar levels more rapidly after eating. Due to these higher energy levels and the absence of the annoying stress on your neck and back, your productivity increases. According to Healthline.com, there are reports of professionals who use standing desks having more positive moods and less stress involving office tasks. Convenience. While some newer office desks come with the option to adjust their height, you can easily create your own standing desk by placing your laptop or phone on a stack of books. Or you can purchase a standing desk that can be customized to your height and office needs.
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IN THE KNOW
business lifestyle
MEDITATION FOR DESK DWELLERS A Mindful Makeover for Your Work Day By Heather Fuselier
In the midst of a busy workday, taking time to meditate
can seem laughable. Who has time for that? Who could get away with it? Guess what? You do and you can! Here’s how. Pack away your perception that meditation needs to take place in a special place, in the lotus position or with absolute peace and solitude. Meditation can be two minutes out of the day, at your desk or in your car. When you carve out a few minutes to be with your breath, meditation can reduce stress and anxiety and boost concentration and productivity. Every desk dweller has time for that! So how can you get away with meditating at work and during your workday? Here are four tips: 1. Unplug. If you find that you are checking e-mails or your phone first thing in the morning and last thing at night, meditation can help ease the transition. Turn everything off and set devices aside. 2. Focus with Samatha. Also known as “calming meditation,” Samatha meditation increases your focus and productivity. To do this exercise, take two minutes to focus on one object. Gaze softly at it, without attaching any judgment to what it is or whether it is suitable, and be aware of the rising and falling of your breath. Whenever you notice that your mind has wandered, just bring it back. You may want to set a timer to go off after a few minutes so you are not preoccupied with how much time has passed. Enjoy some time to think about just one thing. 10 WWMB • Women Who Mean Business Journal | Spring/Summer 2018
3. Meditate in your car. Need a little more privacy? Head to your car and turn it into your own little zen fort. Turn on the air conditioning if needed to make it comfortable, and set a timer for five to ten minutes. Sit comfortably and gently, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Car meditation may be a good place to try a guided meditation like ones that can be found online at on Sound Cloud.com. Try this before or after meetings that may stress you out. 4. Take a meditative walk. Walking is a great way to boost energy and burn calories during the work day, but a meditative walk takes it to a new level. Leave your to-do list in the office and head out into nature for a mindful walk. As you walk, notice your pace. Notice how your feet feel on the pavement. Notice how the sun feels on your skin. Perhaps try to follow the advice of Zen Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hahn and “walk as if you are kissing the earth with your feet.” Take in the scents, sounds and sensations of your walk. The to-do list will be there when you get back, and you’ll have a renewed energy to tackle it. Meditation can feel elusive in the most serene of settings, but it is in its simplicity that we find the most satisfaction. Relax—you can do this. Slow down, take a few moments for yourself and start with your breath. Practice a little bit each day until sinking into meditation before, during or after stressful times at work becomes your new normal, one breath at a time.
IN THE KNOW technology
Keeping Up With Cybersecurity By Ellie Bright
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hroughout the last decade, technology has become an increasingly vital part of our lives. While it is easy to constantly be online, it is crucial to understand the importance of online privacy and safety. According to NPR’s Science Friday’s “How to Improve Your Cybersecurity” edition, taking steps to improve security is imperative. In a world revolving around technology, it is important to understand some small, yet significant ways to stay protected.
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Passwords
Although they don’t have to be hard to remember, secure and encrypted passwords are important and should involve letters, numbers or symbols. A tip to remembering your passwords is a password manager app that allows you to create one master password for the app, which then contains log-ins to your other passwords for many different accounts. This allows you to create different passwords for different log-ins to protect your privacy. The worst thing you can do is reuse a password.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
VPNs allow you to have a secure network in situations where you are susceptible to cyber insecurity, such as public places like local restaurants, and sometimes even in your own home or office. Having a VPN is important for protecting your security especially if you are doing something sensitive and may be worth investing in to be certain you have protection. WWMB • Women Who Mean Business Journal | Spring/Summer 2018 11
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IN THE KNOW networking
BUSINESS CONVERSATIONS: THE DO’S AND DON’TS by Ellie Bright For some people, networking and communicating with others in a
business situation can be intimidating, overwhelming and uncomfortable. The pressure of impressing a business partner or potential client can be stressful and nerve-wracking. But on the other hand, it is important to be confident, engaged and collected when communicating with employees, managers or customers. Allowing yourself time to prepare, making sure to be concise, and staying poised and knowledgeable will allow you to walk into any situation ready to take on any conversation. In order to become a more self-assured communicator, think about following these do’s and don’ts for communicating effectively.
Do plan your message ahead of time.
What are some ideas that you are trying to communicate to an employer or customer? Make sure that you come prepared to discuss those particular topics. Figuring out your main points of conversation beforehand can eliminate some of the stresses of a spontaneous conversation.
Do walk into a conversation feeling confident. Have faith in your ability and your intelligence, and walk into a conversation with assurance. Your confidence and conviction will give you the upper hand. And if you are nervous, fake it until you make it.
Do anticipate the different types of people you will meet and cater to their differences.
Knowing your audience is an important part of being an effective communicator. Make sure that you are aware of who they are, what they do and how they operate before striking up a conversation. This will give you the upper hand and will also make them feel respected and appreciated.
Do be concise and get to the point.
Make sure that the information you are sharing and connecting with is furthering and strengthening your main point. Wordiness and superfluous verbiage can be distracting and off-putting and can make your audience tune out the conversation. Practice a clear, concise and engaging pitch.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Never be afraid to ask questions and learn from others. Rather than viewing it as a sign of ignorance or inexperience, think of asking questions as a way to grow and better yourself. People will value your initiative in learning something new and feel like you are actively listening and interested in what they have to say.
Don’t assume that your audience has all of the information.
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When entering into a conversation, make sure that your audience is understanding the points and even jargon that you are using to communicate while not insulting your audience’s intelligence.
Don’t let the emotions of the day affect your conversation.
If you have had a bad or stressful day, make sure to leave that behind. Being frustrated and irritated throughout a conversation will make your audience uncomfortable. Make sure to have a fresh start when beginning a new conversation.
Don’t make it all about you.
Confidence is important, but cockiness is rude and unnecessary. When trying to network or build relationships with others, arrogance is more likely to annoy someone than impress them. Understand the difference and line between selfconfidence and arrogance, and try your best not to cross it.
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Kanvas Beauty is just one of the many businesses that is part of the economic fiber of the community. At Tallahassee Woman, our goal is to help other businesses reach the community with information on their goods and services. We value our advertisers in supporting the women of Tallahassee. Call today to see how we can help you grow your business through effective advertising. tallahassee woman • june / july 2017 9
FEATURE
NEW BEGINNINGS AND NOVUS RACKS
YOUR MOBILE BOUTIQUE
By Michelle R. Nickens | elleBelle Photography
Two friends. A new idea. One bus. And, voilà—
Novus Racks is now traveling the road, bringing fashion to all parts of Tallahassee, even to your doorstep. Chelse Collins and Manzura Ishanova teamed up and took their friendship and concept to a new level by launching their business Novus Racks earlier this year. After deciding to change careers and put their idea into practice, these young entrepreneurs worked diligently for six months to refine their concept, develop a marketing plan, create their business model and strategy and purchase and renovate their “store,” which is a 16-seat passenger bus, transformed into an elegant mobile boutique. “Both of us always wanted our own business,” Chelse explained. “One day, we were talking about clothing and how it would be fun to work together and build a business around fashion. We had looked at the numbers to establish a brick and mortar store, but for us, we found mobile was the right direction.” Mobile offers flexibility, citywide reach, lower startup costs and an opportunity to be creative and experiment with new ideas. The food truck industry, mobile dog grooming, car detailing and other mobile retailers have expanded and grown more common. “We are excited to be part of the mobile movement,” Manzura said. This streamlined, flexible and easy service delivery model is ideal for busy and complex lifestyles. “Our mobile boutique,” Manzura said, “is based on four foundational components: strength, courage, power and desire for a new beginning.” Chelse added, “Our name means new beginnings in Latin and represents not only our change to a new career but also a new business model and shopping experience."
16 WWMB • Women Who Mean Business Journal | Spring/Summer 2018
“Our mobile boutique,” Manzura said, “is based on four foundational components: strength, courage, power, and desire for a new beginning.”
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“Our focus is on four categories,” Chelse explained, “active wear, casual, business and party attire. We wanted to ensure we have something for everyone. We have all sizes, including plus sizes.” When you enter the mobile boutique, you immediately feel a smile spread across your face. Dresses, shirts, pants and skirts dance and sway on the racks. Mannequins showcase some of the hottest trends. Complete with a dressing room, accessories, candles and their own fragrance, Novus Racks offers a one-stop shop at affordable prices. “Everything in the boutique is $50 and under,” Chelse said. These two women are an inspiration to anyone thinking about starting CHELSE their own business. “Don’t be afraid of COLLINS change, taking a risk or hard work, “Chelse addition to a partner in Novus Racks. Nothing said. “We work well together. We is impossible. You can do it—prioritize, have different strengths, whether it communicate, stay focused.” Lined along the is marketing, networking, selecting shelves and racks on the bus are inspirational inventory, social media, financial management or other elements of our quotes. One from Margaret Thatcher says, business. We have similar personalities “Power is like a lady…if you have to tell people you are, you aren’t.” The ladies of Novus Racks and likes but play different roles. don’t have to say it—their vision and passion Having a partner is very helpful.” show through in their attention to detail, innovative thinking and stylish flair. They are Starting and operating a business savvy, creative, classy and powerful. while juggling family and other priorities can be overwhelming And how about the guys? “We have some items for anyone. Chelse says, “Staying now,” Chelse said, “like wallets, watches and gift organized and planning are key. sets, but we will be expanding the Novus Guy Manzura is a wife and mother in concept and will be offering men’s fashions soon.”
18 WWMB • Women Who Mean Business Journal | Spring/Summer 2018
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Novus Racks is open Wednesday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. “We team up with property owners to park in their parking lot. But we also participate in festivals and offer private events. Girls’ nights out are a popular event. We are working on our calendar now. It’s best to visit our social media and website to view the calendar and see where we are going to be. Check for times and locations, drive up and shop.” New beginnings can be a scary prospect but can also be rewarding and life-changing for all the right reasons. “Follow your dreams,” Chelse stressed. “They can come true.” Watch for Novus Racks to roll into your side of town. Learn more at novusracks.com.
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WORKING WOMEN’S WEB
Because every working woman needs connections, the Working Women’s Web (WWW) will provide a network of opportunities, insights, groups and events to help you link up and branch out in your professional space and beyond. E-mail us at wwmb@talwoman.com to add your own group, event or working Women to Watch submission.
Working Women to Watch Get Connected Biz Scene
talwoman.com WWMB • Women Who Mean Business Journal | Spring/Summer 2018
21
W WMB N E
Women Who Mean Business WOMEN TO WATCH
W S | A W A R D S | M I L E S
T O N E S
As part of a community of business-minded women, Tallahassee Woman celebrates, recognizes and honors the achievements made by women in the workplace and in the community. In doing so, we are connecting women together, empowering one another and celebrating our successes that are making a difference for everyone.
Natasha Hartsfield has recently been named as Tallahassee Museum’s Vice President of Programs. In her new role, Natasha will serve as a key member of the museum’s senior leadership team and will be responsible for providing leadership, oversight and promotion of the museum’s collections, exhibition and educational programs through public programming, curatorial work, publications, research and collection building. She will also enhance the museum’s profile and community relevance through acquisitions, scholarship, educational program development, exhibitions and public engagement conducted for advancing the museum’s mission.
Julie Lovelace was recently promoted to the position of Vice President at Municipal Code Corporation. In this role, Julie has overall supervision of the legal work of all code projects, and ensures that the final product is up to the company’s demanding standards. Julie earned her J.D. from Samford University Cumberland School of Law and holds a bachelor of arts degree in history and speech communications from the University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill. Julie is also an avid supporter of the local public library system.
Suellen Wilkins recently joined the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation as the agency’s Director of Communications. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Florida State University and has worked in marketing and communications for 20 years. Suellen was employed in the private sector as Editor for the Florida Institute of CPAs and Managing Editor for the Florida Dental Association. She is a member of the Florida Society of Association Executives.
Submit your items for the WWMB Community Women to Watch to listings@talwoman.com. 22 WWMB • Women Who Mean Business Journal | Spring/Summer 2018
GROUPS ORGANIZATIONS NETWORKING
GET CONNECTED Business and Professional Women (BPW) BPW aims to elevate the standards for working women in business and in local and state government while bringing out the spirit of cooperation among business and professional women. It also aims to promote the interests of business and professional women, including those in the private sector as well as those in local or state government, and to extend opportunities to business and professional women through education along lines of industrial, scientific and vocational activities. To join or learn more about BPW Tallahassee, visit bpwtallahassee.com. Council on Culture & Arts (COCA) COCA is a nonprofit organization that serves as the facilitator and voice for the arts and cultural industry in Florida’s capital area. COCA works with and for those who produce, invest in and consume the arts and culture in the area. COCA works hand in hand with the city, county, state and local school district as its cultural industry partners. Members are provided with listings and e-mails of weekly events and opportunities and reduced rates for COCA events. Advertisement and meeting space at low prices are also offered to members. To learn more about COCA, visit cocanet.org. Leads Groups Leads Groups are composed of local business people who believe that they can be more successful together than on their own. Through Leads, members share best practices and referrals and encourage each other’s common experiences. Each
group builds a network of trust and confidence that helps its members thrive. Each group is limited to one member from each business category. To check for openings, call (850) 521-3118. Professional Women’s Forum Professional Women’s Forum works alongside the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce to provide an informal and interactive lunchtime program that features leaders from the Tallahassee community. The program extends beyond the biographies of the leaders to provide attendees with tools, strategies and takeaways for their own success. To join or learn more about the Professional Women’s Forum, visit talchamber.com. Tallahassee Network of Young Professionals (NYP) Tallahassee NYP introduces young people to the “more vibrant side of Tallahassee.” It fosters personal and professional growth by connecting members through activities while offering career-enhancing opportunities. NYP offer members the opportunity to network in various settings and opens the door for long-lasting connections to be made. To join or learn more about NYP, visit tallahasseenyp.com. Toastmasters International Members who participate in Toastmasters improve their speaking and leadership skills by attending meetings at one of its meeting locations around town. To find meeting location and to learn more, visit toastmasters.org.
Women’s Prosperity Network (WPN) WPN was founded to create a new type of networking for women. With the use of online and offline resources, paired with WPN’s signature formula, “Brilliance, Brainstorming and Breakthroughs,” women come together with a commitment to excellence and sharing their gifts and talents. To join or learn more about WPN, visit womensprosperitynetwork.com. Women Who Mean Business (WWMB) Community The WWMB Community was created by Tallahassee Woman for inspiring businesswomen in the Tallahassee area for networking, information and other valuable resources to engage in the community. Activities include networking and educational opportunities, events, online information, newsletters, social media updates and more. There is no fee to become a general member. To register as a member and for additional information, visit the Women Who Mean Business Community online at the website talwoman.com/ Women Who Mean Business. Women Wednesdays at Domi Station is a gathering of a small group of entrepreneurial women who are taking advantage of the collaborative, tech-driven, coworking community at Domi Station on Railroad Avenue. Join in each Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information contact barbara@swellcoin.com or visit Women Wednesdays’ Facebook page @WomenWednesdays.
WWMB • Women Who Mean Business Journal | Spring/Summer 2018 23
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Today, Jubilee Sunshine Uncommon Gifts is a collective of local artists and small, locally-owned, or home-based businesses. They specialize in unique, vintage, and hand-crafted gifts and décor. They have art, home decor, handmade jewelry, vintage and boutique clothing, hand painted furniture, collector’s items and more. They also offer art classes and paint parties, where participants can enjoy the fun and relaxation that creativity can inspire. And the second Saturday of every month, Jubilee Sunshine hosts a “Meet the Artists Night,” where they perform live art demonstrations, provide free beverages and locally-made snacks from new or up-and-coming restaurants.
Jubilee Sunshine
Bringing the Sunshine to Tallahassee By Emma Peterson
Natalie Webb just needed to provide for her family. But she sparked a cultural revitalization in the community, providing a space where local artisans, creative spirits and wanderers can seek refuge and thrive. Jubilee Sunshine started in as a flea market booth in Tallahassee. It began in 2007, when the economy was struggling, and Natalie, like many other people, needed to find a way to make ends meet. Using her keen fashion sense and a closet full of items her children had outgrown, she was able to not only provide for her family but also create a thriving business that also gives back to the community. In 2011, Natalie expanded beyond reselling the clothing her children outgrew and began selling vintage finds, unique fashion and accessories. “I expanded to offer wholesale clothing and accessories, then wandered into the amazing artistic world of vintage and handmade, all the while falling back in love with fashion the way I did when I was a kid,” Natalie said.
Natalie sold her items at FSU’s Market Wednesdays and FAMU’s Set Fridays, while gaining popularity on social media through Facebook and Instagram. Then a vacant building inspired an idea that would change Natalie’s business. “I came up with the idea of splitting up the building to allow everyone an affordable retail space,” Natalie said. In the beginning, the artisans and vendors that Natalie contacted were hesitant. She had no concrete plan, and no investors or partners, and she was nervous to begin such a large project. But, as with everything else, Natalie relied on her faith for guidance and assurance. “I asked God for a sign that this crazy idea would work,” Natalie said. Natalie received her sign the next day when she got at least a dozen calls from vendors and artisans who believed in her vision and wanted to get in on the action. Knowing she had the artisans behind her, Natalie rented the space and was able to make her dream a reality.
The business model at Jubilee Sunshine is unique, to say the least. But its uniqueness has not held the business back. Rather, its novelty is the reason for success. “I learned from neighbors and passersby that not only would we be able to help other artists have a consistent retail environment, but also bring something new and culturally diverse to an area that was super excited to receive it!” Ten years since beginning this journey, Natalie has built a successful business. Using her expertise and passion for style and fashion, she has continued to provide unique items to her loyal customers and provide a place for local artists to sell their products. But what’s more important than the product she sells is the environment that she sells them in. “Everything is so impersonal nowadays— let’s take a step back into the good old days when you knew the people you were buying from by name.” For more information, visit online at jubileesunshine.com.
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Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center
The Imagining Freedom Fundraiser and Culinary Tasting, supporting the Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center, featured great food, a live band and even better company. The Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center strives to assist human trafficking victims, providing needed services and educating the community of signs of human trafficking.
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BIZ SCENE ORGANIZATIONS Mothers Against Drunk Driving By Ellie Bright
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ou head out to a fun dinner with friends. One cocktail turns into two cocktails and suddenly you aren’t in the right state to drive home. Do you choose to drive home anyways? Or do you call an Uber instead? The choice should be simple. The cost of an Uber is cheap, but a life is priceless. In the United States, two out of three people will be impacted by drunk driving in their lifetime. The goal of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is to make that number zero. MADD believes that this number is possible through the commitment and dedication of everyone. Anyone can be impacted by a drunk- or drugged-driving crash, no matter your background, economic standing or where you live. Drunk driving is 100 percent preventable, and their goal is to make that happen.
“...every 50 minutes someone dies from a drunk driving crash.” Claudia Machado, Program Specialist MADD Northwest Florida. Kristen Allen, Program Director MADD North Florida
With MADD offices located all over the United States, seven offices located throughout Florida and a local office here in Tallahassee, their services are available and free to everyone in the community. Claudia Machado, MADD
Northwest Florida’s Program Specialist, stated that one day, she hopes not to have a job because it will mean that there are no more victims. Claudia went on to say, “I have a job because every 50 minutes someone dies from a drunk driving crash.” MADD’s job is to provide advocacy for prevention and victim services in the Tallahassee area. Through prevention, MADD works to inform adults 21 and over about safe drinking habits. MADD also works with parents and gives them resources and information on how to help start a conversation with their children about the impacts of alcohol and underage drinking. Through this, parents can enforce the importance of not riding with someone who has been drinking. How teens treat alcohol has to do with the conversations they have with their parents. April and May are important months for talking with teens because events such as spring break, prom and graduation are all tempting times for those underage to drink and then get behind the wheel. Secondly, MADD works with victims and families who have been affected by impaired driving. Victim services include emotional support, accompanying a victim to court and any other support they need through this difficult process. There are so many different ways to get involved with MADD. Their biggest fundraiser and prevention event of the year is Walk Like MADD, where they have a safety fair, invite vendors and sponsors and walk in support of survivors and the family members of victims. This year’s event will be held on April 21 at Florida State University. Another way to get involved is putting safety first before going out to drink. Also, inform your family and friends about the dangers of impaired driving and start the conversation now. Finally, if you plan to drink, make a decision not to drive. Be safe, be smart, be a lifesaver and fight like MADD. If you would like to find more information on MADD or learn more about their mission, follow them on Facebook at MADDNWFL.
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