lioness magazine - march 2012
DESCRIPTION
For the Female EntrepreneurTRANSCRIPT
ISSUE 6 MARCH 2012
C O V E R(l-r) Althea,
Amanda andAlethea.
B U S I N E S SThe Power of ThreeMeet the Sisters of Success.
C A R E E RAsk An EntrepreneurThis month we talk withsoul diva Twin Spirit.
10FA S H I O NNolcha Fashion WeekIndie designers display the bestof Fall/Winter 2012.
11
F E A T U R E S
C O N T R I B U T I N G W R I T E R S
5 EDITOR’S LETTER 18 SHINE ON SISTA! Illumination
(and inspiration for the daily grind)
20 THE STILETTO STATEMENT
I N T E R E S T SFinding Your PassionDon’t put off what brings youtrue joy.
14
ISSUE 6 MARCH 2012
Lioness Magazine is the firstonline magazine geared towardfemale entrepreneurs. We deliversharp and compelling informationon a variety of topics that are rele-vant to female entrepreneurs andprofessionals. Our mission is toelevate, educate and supportfemale professionals.
We celebrate the unique challengesand achievements of women inbusiness. We believe women aremulti-dimensional creations whoflourish, personally and profes-sionally, when they take time tonurture their spirits.
Editor-in-ChiefNatasha Clark
Copy EditorJean Wroblewski
Art DirectorLeonardo Pilares
Director of PhotographyDenise Smith
ColumnistsCrystal Senter Brown
Brenda’s ChildErin Corriveau
Dawn LeaksKatelyn Gendron
Contributing WritersTony Gaskins, Jr.Lamara Hunter
LIONESS MARCH 2012 5
Why female entrepreneurs? I have been asked this question frequently in the last month. Why women? Why business? I’ve even beenasked one question so ignorant I won’t waste the good ink to print it. Why? Why? Why?
But here’s the thing: why NOT women? Why not female entrepreneurs who are doing things those women in previous generations onlydreamed of doing? If you are a regular reader, you know why – Emmy award winner Daniele Boglivi-Fiori leaving a killer job at theMartha Stewart Show to launch a successful entrepreneurial venture; Kimberly Williams who inspires and educates hundreds of womenof color each year with her Next Level Development conference; Thailand’s newswoman Able Wanamakok juggles motherhood, newsand a PR firm. The list goes on and on.
Rather than read stories of successful women such as these shoved in between pages and relegated to the back of newspapers and maga-zines, we are putting them out front, separating them from the herd, and giving them the rightful spotlight they deserve.
Lioness was never intended to be MY magazine; it was created to be THEIRS, the female entrepreneur – a place where they can readand learn about and from women just like themselves who are leaders in their industries and superstars in their own right. This month’scover story is a perfect answer to “why?” These lovely ladies are three sisters who defied the odds to become successful entrepreneurs whoare providing jobs in their community.
In 2012 women are heading Fortune 500 companies, raising families, leading boardrooms, bringing home the bacon AND cooking it.Actress Yancy Butler is quoted as saying, “Women have been kicking ass for centuries.” Lioness Magazine is here to tell you about it.
So don’t ask me why. Ask me, “How can you choose which inspirational and successful women to showcase when the world is overflow-ing with them?” And I will tell you, “one issue at a time.”
Natasha
editor’sWhy not?
letter
Natasha Clark
LIONESS MARCH 2012 7
By Mara Hunter
hen you think back to TheGreats, it has always been afamily affair - The Jackson 5(entertainment), The Trumps
(real estate), The Buschs (alcohol), TheQuandts (automotive) and The Williams(sports).
In the heartbeat of Massachusetts’ PioneerValley, sisters Althea Haines, Alethea Haines-Stevenson and Amanda White have been trend-setting as siblings thriving in business and dif-ference makers in their community. And if theyhave their way, their names will be added to thatlist of The Greats no time.
The family legacy they are creating with theirtwo businesses, Success Temps, LLC and TheCenter After School Program, wasn’t one passeddown and fed to them on a silver spoon. In fact,the trio charted their own course and built theirbudding empire by the sweat of their brow.While 50 percent of most start-ups fail, theseladies have been flourishing by sheer determina-tion, a passionate work ethic and crafty strategicplanning. Now they own two businesses in thesame Mason Square community they frequent-ed as youngsters.
It is winter in New England when I meet themat their business headquarters on State Street. Inotice that their business serves such a diverse
population, perfectly mirroring their surround-ing community. Althea touches on this as we converse and saysthey need to relate to every culture. “We need tobe able to expose our kids to all the world has tooffer. We are always reminding them not tolimit themselves to what’s inside these fourwalls.”
Reaching for the impossible
Raised by Jeanette Haines, a single-mother fromBrooklyn, NY, the sisters’ roots sprang fromhumble beginnings.
Twins Althea and Alethea were born inBrooklyn. Older than their two siblings RobertJames Haines and Amanda White, growing upwasn’t easy. They had to endure many trials andtribulations faced by children reared in a single-parent home, including an often tight financialsituation. They moved to Springfield,Massachusetts in the early 1980s and attendedSpringfield Public Schools. Both graduatedfrom Roger L. Putnam High School.
They did their best to protect their younger sib-lings and made it a point to share their experi-ence and life lessons as quickly as they learnedthem. Their mother always taught them theimportance of giving back; and so as they grew,they made sure that their purpose and values inlife reflected that same quality.Amanda feels that she has the best of both
worlds – acquiring different attributes fromeach elder twin. “I remember growing up andlooking up to both of my sisters, but for verydifferent reasons,” she recalled.
She attributes her liveliness and joy to her sisterAlthea; who used to be a “happy go lucky”cheerleader in high school, and who wouldalways have a wide grin on her face each day.
Amanda’s passion for dance was inspired byAlethea who was always the determined one.She started her own dance group after being apart of one that was comprised of close friendsand family. Alethea shared her passion for dancewith Amanda and the community – travelingthe country and winning trophies for their per-formances and, ultimately, being exposed to thewide world outside of their city’s limits. To thisday the experience continues to play an integralrole in their lives. They use dance and music toreach the next generation.
“I worked with youth as a counselor from 14 tothe age of 21 years old. I feel my purpose in lifeis to work with youth and expose them to[potential] opportunities,” Alethea said.
Even though growing up is far behind them,Althea can’t help but look back with gratitude.“Among us we have 13 children. We’ve seenstruggles, been on welfare and had to use foodstamps to provide for our families,” she said.Alethea chimed in, “We want to be an inspira-
The Power Of ThreeSisters Beat the Odds to Carve out a Family Legacy
W
Continued on next page 9
LIONESS MARCH 2012 9
tion to those who are and have gone throughthe same thing. We want to give them the hopethat they can make it. They, too, can be success-ful.”
A change on the horizon
With no foresight that they would eventuallystart their own business, they began to learn theins and outs of customer service at their first jobat a local temp agency. Shortly thereafter, Althealeft to work at the local grocery chain, PriceRite. Around that time, their aunt, SharonMuhammad, who had started a daycare center,asked Alethea to come aboard and take on theposition of director. Years later when their auntdecided to move out of state, Alethea, at the ageof 25, took over the helm. She spent that timelearning all she could about working with chil-dren and staff and the mechanics of running thecenter. Driven by the motivation and support ofher family, in 2004 she launched The CenterAfter School Program.
“I envisioned this center offering all types ofprograms that would cater to [children] agesfive to 13,” she said.
Her twin, Althea, remembered joining theMosque and listening to the minister talk aboutcreating jobs to support families. “So when mysister came to me with this idea to open ourown after school program, I said, ‘Let’s go for it!Let’s do it!’”
By this time both women were wives and moth-ers. Family members began to send their chil-dren to this newly formed after-school program,and it was off and running. With continuedgrowth came the need for expansion, and theymoved into their current location at 727 StateSt.
With Alethea and Althea at the reins, theycalled on their sister Amanda to assist them inan administrative capacity. With a passion fordance, Amanda has the ability to uniquely
express herself and has been dedicated to teach-ing students how to express themselves, as well.“They need ways to express themselves in a pos-itive way and so dance is a creative outlet forthem,” she said.
The trio began expanding their business andenhancing their programs to include zumba,tutoring, cooking classes, book clubs, field tripsand a college tour of area colleges. The extensivecurriculum called for more teachers, so theyhired a full staff to include both qualified ECCtrained teachers, teen volunteers and summerinterns. Even their mother, known as “MinisterHaines,” and a faithful servant of St. John’sCongregational Church, is on board.
Reaching for SUCCESS
Despite their achievements, Althea, Alethea andAmanda knew this was only the beginning. Thesisters sensed there was another need in theircommunity. By the mid-2000s, the economywas tanking and while their business was stillafloat, they knew others were hurting and expe-riencing a void.
With the help of a friend, Success Temps, LLCwas launched. This agency was an entirely dif-ferent business from the Center After SchoolProgram. The sisters sought guidance from pro-fessionals and began to use their resources tohelp put people back to work, simultaneouslyputting them on the map as the only minority,woman-owned temp agency in the region.
Amanda works for the temp agency as anadministrator and for the after-school programas a dance instructor. “I am glad to be herestanding with my sisters, helping them get goalsaccomplished and also achieving my dreams,”she said.
They are now approaching their eighth anniver-sary in business and their gratitude is still asstrong as ever. They said they are grateful forparents entrusting them to care for their chil-
dren and for being able to provide a service totheir community.They are also living examples of their CenterAfter School Program’s motto, “Education is theKey.” In 2011, Althea graduated fromSpringfield Technical Community College(STCC) with an AS in Education and nowattends Springfield College where she is study-ing Secondary Education & Mathematics. Herinfectious inspiration has roused her sisterstoward higher education as well.
Alethea is currently majoring in Liberal Arts atSTCC, but is also interested in pursuing aneducation which would qualify her to be a guid-ance counselor in the Springfield PublicSchools, thus allowing her to offer additionalassistance to their Center Program students asneeded. Amanda is looking to enroll in schoolsometime in the fall of 2012 with a focus on thearts.
The hard working sisters are also looking tobuild their own multiplex center and add a teenprogram to further enhance their mission andstrive to reach even more lives within their com-munity. In January 2012 they received theEntrepreneur’s Award at the Martin LutherKing Day Celebration hosted at Springfield’sCity Hall.
Throughout all the struggles, could JeanetteHaines have imagined that her twin girls andtheir little sister would become some ofSpringfield’s leading entrepreneurs? She basks inthe light of knowing she raised three strong,intelligent and beautiful black women. It is witha humble spirit that she turns and says to me, “Igive God all the glory. They have worked sohard to make this possible, and I am very proudof their accomplishments. I couldn’t think of abetter place to be then by my children’s side,encouraging them and cheering them on and Ithank God for the strength to be a part [of it].I’ve seen them through it all, but even throughthe trials and tribulations, one of my mainthings with them was to keep the faith.”
the power of three
Mara Hunter, 32, is a multi-talented individual with the gift to create expressive pieces.This single mother of three is a native of Springfield, MA via Jacksonville, FL. She’s aFreelance Writer, Staff Music Journalist for Total Eclipse Magazine, Contributing Writerfor Lioness Magazine, as well as a poet and dancer. Visit www.MaraHunter.blogspot.com.
1) How long have you been in business?Professionally about 13 years. I’ve been an entrepreneur since I was about 9. My sister and I actually openeda candy shop called “The Sugar Shack” when we were in elementary school. My mom helped us set it up asa legal entity and we did well I must say…lol. That was my first foray into business.
2) Why music?It’s just a natural platform of expression for me. I have been communicating and sharing my heart and soulvia song for as long as I can remember
3) What makes Twin Spirit unique?The fact that no other being who has graced the earth Past, Present, or Future has had or been impacted bylife’s experiences exactly as I have. That makes my take on things unique and my expression of thoughts andemotions unlike any that have been or will ever be. Truthfully that’s what makes us all unique & valuablecontributors to this journey called Life.
4) You could have worked for anyone and would have beensuccessful, why become an entrepreneur?Freedom mostly. The Creative Freedom to succeed or fail on my own terms.
5) What was your last, “why did I go into business for myself” moment? After an idea doesn’t quiteproduce the results I hoped and planned for it is easy to second guess my decision to take the road lesstraveled of “Self Employment.”
6) What was your last, “this is why I went into businessfor myself” moment?Every moment that I awake and can utilize my time and energy engrossed in things that make me happy.Those moments when I can take any idea I have and manifest it into my personal reality. (Those momentcomes often).
7) I can’t live without ________ when it comes to fashion?Earrings & Rings (I’m an accessory girl to my heart).
8) Every female professional should have __________. The knowledge that they can create any reality they desire, focused intention, a spirit of allowing rather thancontrolling , & the ability to laugh at themselves and life.
9) If you could steal some business mojo from another mogul, who would it be and why?Oprah. I have enjoyed watching her journey unfold and love that she focuses on “whole self” expression &growth (Mind, Body, & Soul). Also her spirit of gratitude and giving is a beautiful thing.
10) How would you describe your latest album?“MY BEAUTIFUL UGLY” is a musical adventure of words & sounds through the heart and soul of me. It wascreated in hopes to inspire others to explore & self discover who they really are and what they truly desire. Ihoped it would inspire others to be courageous enough to say "YES" to their Dreams, Desires, Intuitions,Feelings, Hopes, Creative Energy, and Passions...in essence their SPIRITS.
11) What is your business motto?“Changing the World One Ear at a Time”
12) If you could give other entrepreneurs three tips,what would they be?Be Clear about what it is you wish to Accomplish, Trust Your Instincts, & Remember to Have Fun.
13) Has there been a piece of technology or softwarethat has been a lifesaver to you?The Internet & Social Networking: They give me the ability to connect with, network with, and build relation-ships with people of all walks of life from all around the world. It’s an amazingly beautiful thing and inessence gives us all equal footing and access to unlimited possibilities.
14) What is your goal for the next year?This may sound silly to some but my goal is always to fill my life doing only things that bring me happiness,joy, fulfillment, & bliss. Everything else always falls into place when the aforementioned bases are covered.
15) When someone is telling their friend about you,what do you hope they say?Whatever they honestly feel about me and hopefully in some way I have impacted their life in apositive manner.
(Answers By:TwinSpirit)
Ask anEntrepreneur
Ladiesenjoy theafter partyafter a dayof shows.
Actress/TV PersonalityJulissa Bermudez,friend and Actress/Singer AdrienneBailon take in anafternoon show.
BaruniCollection.
DesignerFadwaBaruni.
Behind theScenes at
Nolcha.
Behind theScenes a model
gets preppedfor the Runway
while sippinga Monster.
VassilisZoulias
Collection.
RebecaTiago
Collection
FarashaBoutique
Megla MCollection.
Guestsarrive atNolcha.
DesignerVassilisZoulias.
Air shotof the
Nolchacatwalk.
A glam squadreadies the
models to takethe catwalk.
14 MARCH 2012 LIONESS
How I FoundMy Passion
By Dr. Megan Hudson
ore and more women today are insearch of a career that brings themjoy. The question is how do youdiscover your passion, if it is not as
obvious for you as it may be for others? For me,finding my passion was as simple as following mycuriosity, the burning kind of curiosity that keepsme up at night pondering the marvels ofNeuroplasticity. Why do some people seem tolearn more easily than others? How do peopletruly heal from trauma and move beyond the lim-itations of previous experience? These are two ofmy favorite questions that I am passionate abouttrying to answer. It took me a long time to figure out what I want-ed to do professionally. I remember feeling a bitlost at times. As a teenager, I knew one thing forsure. Whatever job or career path I would followwould not require me to wear panty hose! Irefused to stuff myself into a stifling syntheticpackage in order to conform to some notion of
beauty in order to look professional. It might lookgood on the outside but it feels terrible, and thatwouldn’t do. I didn’t know I wanted to run a Brain BalanceAchievement Center because they didn’t exist untiljust a few years ago. I didn’t connect with the fieldof Functional Neurology until four years into mycareer as a chiropractor. It took me another twoyears of study to weave my previous training in ele-mentary education with my developing under-standing of learning and neurobehavioral develop-ment. When I was younger, I had a difficult timelooking forward to see where I wanted to go otherthan knowing that I really enjoyed working withkids. The road always curved too soon and dra-matically to get a clear view. As I look back uponthe paths I have traveled to get to here, I see howthey have all woven together. The common threadhas always been following my intense curiosity.If you find yourself in search of your passion, mybest advice would be to follow your instincts andthe stirs of curiosity. You never know where theymay lead you.
Dr. Megan Hudson is the co-owner and Center Director of the Brian Balance Center ofWest Springfield. She combines her training and experience in the fields of chiropractic,functional neurology, elementary and outdoor education with an intense curiosity for howto best serve humanity. She is a 2005 graduate of the Carrick Institute for Graduate studiesand is board eligible in Childhood Developmental Disorders and chiropractic neurology.
M
A Dream DeferredDon’t put off until tomorrow what you could do today
MARCHFinancing Your Business Date: Friday, March 16, 2012 Time: 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.Location: Scibelli Enterprise Center, 1 Federal Street, Springfield, MA (directions)Cost: $40 Contact: Western Regional Office at 413-737-6712 or [email protected] is an integral part to getting your business off the ground and growing it over time. Come learn about:what lenders are looking for; SBA loan programs (microloans, 7a and 504); new SBA programs (504 Refinance &CAPLines); venture capital and grants. Presented by Ray Milano of the U.S. Small Business Administration; GaryBesser with First Niagara Bank; and Christopher Sikes of Common Capital, Inc.
Creative Happy HourDate: March 22, 2012Time: 5:00pm to 9:00pmLocation: the Creative Strategy Agency, 4 Open Square Way Ste 215 Holyoke, MA 01040Cost: FREEContact Info: the Creative Strategy Agency, [email protected] Networking.
How to Keep the Money You EarnDate: Wednesday, March 21, 2012, 6:30pm to 8:30pmLocation: AGAWAM SENIOR CENTER, 954 Main Street, Agawam, MACost: FREEJust as no small business should operate without a business plan and an accounting system, to be trulysuccessful you need to have a financial plan as well. Workshop begins at 6:30pm, and lasts two hours, and willbe held in the cafeteria. Seating is limited for this workshop, so advance reservations are necessary. You canregister on-line at website www.asbac.net or by calling our reservation hotline at 413-786-0172.
7th Annual Women in Business SummitDate: Saturday, March 24, 2012, 8:30 a.m.Location: Travelers Claim University Cost: $125Contact: [email protected] Summit is "Taking You to the Top!" with keynote speaker trainer and coach, Gilda Bonanno. Workshop topicsinclude: How to create a six-figure business, Unlocking the DNA of influence, Act Like a Woman, Manage YourMoney Like a Man and More. Visit www.wibsummit.com for more details. This year’s beneficiary isMy Sisters' Place.
Western Massachusetts
HAPPENINGSBUSINESS
Continued on page 19
Do you want to start your own business but don’t know where to begin? Is your start upsuddenly at the finish line? This month we are sharing some upcoming workshops thatmay help you get your dream off the ground.
Business owners cannotoverlook employment laws
By Michael Oberther
ob creation drives the American econo-my. Citizens are looking to business lead-ers to provide opportunities, and putAmericans back to work. However, tak-
ing on the role of employer comes with certainresponsibilities, and if you’re not cautious,potential pitfalls. As an employer it is yourresponsibility to create a work environment thatis fair to your employees and meets state andfederal labor standards. This in itself is difficult.Now, add the challenge of meeting these goalsin a manner that supports your business culture.
Most small business owners are protective oftheir culture. Taking steps toward having alegally compliant work place can feel like threatto their business identities. It is common forpeople in small businesses to be very close andfeel like family. These relationships can lead tobusiness leaders becoming lax about legal com-pliance. However, employment law is not sen-sitive to the strengths of these relationships.Employment law and the agencies that enforceit are largely concerned with protecting employ-ees.
In 1991, the Civil Rights Act was amended andseveral important changes affected employers.The primary issue was that business leaders weremade responsible for documenting policies andensuring consistent enforcement of regulations.The reason for this change was to reduce issuesrelated to discrimination in the work environ-ment. This is language from the EEOC websiteexplaining part of the amendment: “ The Act
provided that where the plaintiff shows that dis-crimination was a motivating factor for anemployment decision, the employer is liable forinjunctive relief, attorney's fees, and costs.” Youcan find more information on the Civil RightsAct of 1991 at the EEOC web site.
The first step in becoming compliant withlabor law is informing your employees abouttheir rights. This requirement can be satisfied bydisplaying state and federal labor posters in anarea accessible to all employees. Ideal postingareas include, near the coffee maker, water cool-er or copy machine. You can order these fromany number of online sources, or print them forfree from the Department of Labor website.These posters are updated as needed. Employersmust check for updates on a regular basis.
The expectation of employers to put up laborposters is indicative of what the Department ofLabor expects in general – constant communi-cation. In the eyes of the court, documentationis proof that communication occurred betweenemployers and employees. The most effectivemethod of both documenting the exchange ofinformation and communicating your businessstandards is to provide an employee handbook.
Think of the handbook as having two parts.Part one is the state and federal labor laws thataffect a business based on its size. A commonmistake made by business owners is usinganother company’s handbook as a model fortheir own. This is a risk because the specificrules vary depending on the industry and thetotal number of employees. The Department of
Labor enforces these rules, and failure to com-ply will result in fines ranging from a few thou-sand to tens of thousands of dollars. For somesmall business, fines of this size are a major riskto the future of the business and to the jobs theemployees enjoy.
The second part of the handbook largely definesthe rules created by the business owner. Issueslike the dress code, smoking, cell phone use andthe use of social media are some common top-ics. However, the owner must be aware of anylabor laws that could impact his or her ownpolicies to successfully craft this set of rules. TheSmall Business Administration offers resourcesthat can help you get started.
Handbooks are living documents and they needto be updated. New laws are ratified, and courtschange the way laws are interpreted as cases areruled upon. Finding a source of informationthat allows you to maintain a set of legally com-pliant business policies is essential to protectingyour business. This is an investment in the long-term viability of your business. Find a profes-sional that has access to the latest informationand takes a proactive approach to your compli-ance efforts.
My employer, Paychex, has been helping smallbusiness leaders maintain compliance since1971. We have contracted with Fisher &Phillips, a national labor law firm, to enhanceour level of service. Click here to see Fisher&Phillips’ employment check list. This list is agreat starting point for employers who want tobegin working toward stronger compliance.
Michael Oberther is a passionate supporter of small business. Much of his time is spentbrainstorming with business leaders, working to find creative ways to help small businesssucceed. His other passion is connecting people who have mutually beneficial interests.Michael knows that no obstacle can stand against a team of great people; sometimesthey just need a little help finding each other.
J
18 MARCH 2012 LIONESS
to the life you deserve!
Image: copyright n.morgan 2012
SPRINGFORWARD
“Do not remember the former things,nor consider the things of old. Behold,I will do a new thing, now it shallspring forth; shall you not know it?”
Isaiah 43:18
By Crystal Senter Brown
What “bags” are you carrying around with youtoday? I’m not talking about your purse or yourlaptop bag, I’m talking about the baggage you can’tsee but you can definitely feel: feelings of resent-ment, hurt, guilt or anger. Maybe your baggage isa failed marriage/relationship or a severed friend-ship. Whatever your baggage is, you have the powerto release it!As women, we often internalize any issues we maybe dealing with, especially when friends and familymembers say to us “Girl, just get over it!” And afteryears and years of “getting over it” we begin to expe-rience the physical effects of carrying too many“bags.” Suddenly we find ourselves eating toomuch, struggling with addiction or dealing withphysical ailments such as headaches and backaches.Maybe your “bag” is the hurt of being betrayedduring a marriage/ relationship. Instead of carryingthat bag around for another day, write a letter toyour ex-spouse/ partner and let him know just howbadly he hurt you. Then, instead of sending it to
them, rip it into pieces and “flush” it! Or maybe your bag the feeling of resentmenttoward a friend or family member. We all havebeen used and taken advantage of from time totime, but we are always in control of how we allowothers to make us feel. If you are feeling resentful,identify steps you can take toward reclaiming yourtime and energy! Even if your bag is self-inflicted (for example, youwere the offender in a failed relationship,) it is nevertoo late to apologize. You may not be able to speakto the person face to face, but you can certainlysend a message to them to let them know how sorryyou are for hurting them. No matter what bags you’re carrying, make thedecision today to release it and move on! Andremember, it is okay to seek professional help if youjust can’t seem to move past the hurt on your own.Going to therapy does not mean you are weak. For a great visual of how our bags can weigh usdown, check out this painting by artist NigelMorgan. The painting is called “Release those bags”and it visualizes how past hurts can weigh us downday after day. (You can see more of Nigel’s art min-istry at http://theenemyisdefeated.blogspot.com.)Remember, your “baggage” didn’t appearovernight, so it will surely take some time to workthrough whatever issues you may be dealing with.But the sooner we release our bags, the sooner wecan “spring forward” to the life God has plannedfor us!
Release those bags!
Crystal Senter Brown has appeared in Essence Magazine, Vibe Magazine andRedbook Magazine and has released three music cd’s and three books, most recently“The Rhythm in Blue” (www.therhythminblue.com.) But the role she is most proud ofis being Adonte’s mother and Corey’s wife. Learn more about Crystal atwww.crystalsenterbrown.com.
Shine On Sista!
LIONESS MARCH 2012 19
APRILThe Business of Consulting Date: Tuesday, April 3, 2012, 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.Location: Enterprise Center at Salem State University, 121 Loring Avenue, Suite 106, Salem (directions)Cost: FREEContact: Register online with link below. If you have questions, contact Laurel Costello at 978-542-6343 or [email protected] does it mean to be a consultant? What work do you do, and what kinds of skills do you need? Who hires consultants? When and why? How do you price your servic-es? If you have questions about consulting, here is your chance to listen to two seasoned practitioners talk about the pros and cons of this business, what it takes to getstarted, and to succeed. Come get a better idea of whether consulting is in your future. The speakers will be Ruth Gerath, founder and consultant at Consultants BusinessAcademy and Richard Langevin, president and consultant with Langevin Management Advisors.
Using Online Social Networking to Boost Sales & Marketing ServicesDate: Thursday, April 5, 2012, Registration 8:45 a.m.; Program 9:00 a.m. - Noon Location: Grace Conference Room, Higgins University Center at Clark University, Worcester, MA (directions)Cost: $39 - prepayment required to reserve a spaceContact: MSBDC at Clark University 508-793-7615 or via email at [email protected] In the first portion of this program, a marketing specialist will explain Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Social networking has taken the internet by storm and isonce again changing the face of communications. Learn how to integrate social media into your company’s marketing and sales program. Some of the topics that will becovered include: Social networking tools and technologies, Where people are spending their time, Specific ways to drive more customers to your web site using social net-working, Tips on how to construct an effective social media program, Examples of companies who have successfully put social media to work for them, The role of mobiledevices and what you need to take into account when building your marketing program.
Marketing BasicsDate: Wednesday, April 11 - 3 - 5 p.m.,Location: Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 PleasantSt., Northampton, MACost: $40This workshop will focus on the basic disciplines of marketing, beginning with research primary, secondary, qualitative and quantitative. The core focus will be on develop-ing and keeping a customer. Topics will include advertising, public relations, and the importance of developing a marketing plan. Presented by Dianne Doherty, MSBDCNetwork Reg.
MAYSocial Media: Better Content Equals better MarketingDate: Thursday, May 3, 5 - 7 p.m.,Location: Greenfield Savings Bank, 400 Main St., Greenfield, MACost: $40Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Google +, emails, ads, mobile apps, websites and blogs... There is an ever increasing number of channels available to small business-es to get their message out, yet most businesses are no better off now than they were prior to the advent of these new technologies. In this workshop we will explore theone area of social media that is often overlooked...content. Technology alone is unlikely to improve your business but crafting well thought out content and a plan for dis-tributing this content will help improve your current marketing situation with these new technologies. Participants must have a basic understanding of the different socialmedia platforms. The nuts and bolts of how each platform works will not be covered.
Adapt, Diversify, Reinvent & GrowDate: Wednesday, May 16 - 9 - 11 a.m.Location: Scibelli Enterprise Center, 1 Federal St., Springfield, MACost: $40The advantage of small business is that entrepreneurs can be nimble and flexible in any environment. The pace of change in today's business climate requires adaptabilityand flexibility. This is particularly true in a tough economy. Come hear local business owners talk about what they have done to keep ahead of the many demands on theirtime and at the same time adjust for the economic environment. Presented by Paul DiGrigoli, DiGrigoli Salon & School of Cosmetology; Tara Tetreault, Jackson & Connor;Kate Vishnyakov, Kate Gray Inc., and Rick Ricard, Larien Products
Business Plan BasicsDate: Thursday, May 24 - 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.,Location: Amherst Town Hall, 1st Floor Meeting Room, 4 Boltwood Walk, Amherst, MACost: $40This workshop will focus on management fundamentals from start-up considerations through business plan development. Topics will include:• financing• marketing• business planning
Co-sponsored by the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, Presented by Lyne Kendall, MSBDC Network.
WesternMassachusettsBUSINESS HAPPENINGS
into SpringStepping
20 MARCH 2012 LIONESS
By Katelyn Gendron
‘Tis the season to put some spring in youstep, and thanks to the latest fashion trendspresented during New York Fashion Week,we know just how to do it with style.Featured techniques included color block-ing, peplum skirts (perfect for the office!),floral motifs and geometric prints in dra-matic orange and metallic hues.
Color blocking is a practical way ofemphasizing – or deemphasizing – cer-tain areas of your physique. Colorblocking is a technique that allowsdesigners to use blocks or bands of col-ored fabric to accentuate the bodice,legs or waist. A pair of black tightswith a simple band of color runningvertically from the toe to the waistcan elongate the leg and add someadditional flair to an ensemble.
Continued on next page.
Ellsworth Striped PeplumDress by Marc JacobsImage courtesy of Nordstrom.com
Katelyn Gendron is a native of New York, who is currently living and working as anewspaper editor in Western Massachusetts. She is a college-trained journalist and worldtraveler, who has documented her journeys for various publications spanning five of theseven continents (she plans to visit the remaining two during her lifetime). Her motto:“Life’s a ball. Let’s play!”
The Stiletto Statement
stepping into Spring
Marc Jacobs’ spring collection used the colorblocking technique to add a vibrant alternative tothe often blasé wrap dress. Such blocked or band-ed wrap dresses are ideal for the professional envi-ronment as they will set you apart from yourcoworkers because of their unique fabric andprints.
Peplum skirts are also an exceptional alternative tothe traditional business suit or dress as they accen-tuate the female’s hourglass figure while adding alittle something extra with the ruffle. Not all pep-lum skirts and suits are created equal, however. Besure that you don’t go to the far end of the spec-trum and end up looking like a wedding topper orsomething that fell out of an ‘80s music video.
Floral, geometric and tribal prints were big on therunway in New York for spring. Women with larg-
er frames should be careful with this trend as larg-er sizes mean larger prints and patterns that canmake you appear wider than you are. Your best betis to turn to the vertical tribal prints offered byOscar de la Renta as opposed to horizontal printswhich can really make you look wider. His mutedcolor palette plays on the strength of your skintone’s natural beauty.
The 1920s Flapper fashion, as well as influencesfrom the housedresses of the 1950s and ‘60s, alsograced runways, which should motivate profes-sional women to take a break from their commonpencil skirt and cardigan to make way for aninspired ensemble straight from Gatsby.
The glitz and glamour of spring fashion will notautomatically shine in every closet unless wechoose to turn the light on!
Oscar de la Renta's tribal printImage courtesy of thechrisellefactor.com
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Nicole Griffin, founder and CEO of Griffin Consulting Firm, provides senior level recruitingservices to organizations around the world. She’s passionate about her work and committed toher clients’ success. Prior to launching Griffin Consulting Firm, she held senior positions inTop Fortune 500 Financial Companies for more than a decade and subsequently worked asa Professional Interview Coach with the ABC’s of Interviewing Company.
By Nicole Griffin
s today's workplace becomes increas-ingly more competitive, knowinghow to behave can make the differ-ence between getting ahead and get-
ting left behind.The Importance of Etiquette has always been animportant part of life, be it social or business.However, it seems that business etiquette is hasbecome more important in the last decade. In today’s competitive world of business wherethere is very little difference between goods andservices from one company to another, what setone’s business apart from the competitors areone’s relationships and one’s people skills. Andthe best way to improve people skills is to learnand use the rules of business etiquette.
Classic rules of business etiquetteDress AttireYou never get a second chance to makea first impression. Dress in appropriate attire.Know the difference between formal and casualand how to dress in specific business settings.
Work Place It is a place of business so understand theimportance of business rules in general to yourplace of work. Limit the amount of conversa-
tion regarding your personal life. Understandbasic rules of dining etiquette (when in doubtwatch the host)Communication Understand how to introduce and address peo-ple properly. Remember the classic hello and asmile still goes a long way.
E-mail communication should always be a well-written memo not of a casual conversation.Remember e-mails have a tone. Tone is thequality in your writing that reveals your attitudetoward your topic and reader.
Telephone manners are critical. Be upbeat.Put on your “inner smile”
AccountabilityAccountability is a key ingredient to successfulbusiness etiquette repertoire. To be accountableis more than being responsible. You need to dowhat you say you are going to do.Practice proper meeting etiquette by being ontime, prepared and willing to participate.
Unfavorable business behavior• Unprofessional office attire• Arriving at work and not acknowledging
fellow co-workers • Speaking loudly across the room• Cell phone rudeness
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Business Etiquette 101
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Women’s History Month HonoreesWomen's Education - Women's Empowerment is the theme for National Women's History Month 2012
lthough women now outnumbermen in American colleges nation-wide, this reversal of the gender gapis a very recent phenomenon. The
fight to learn was a valiant struggle waged bymany tenacious women — across years andacross cultures. After the American Revolution,the notion of education as a safeguard fordemocracy created opportunities for girls togain a basic education. However, that educationwas based largely on the premise that, as moth-ers, they would nurture the minds and bodies of
the (male) citizens and leaders. This idea thateducating women meant educating mothersendured in America for many years at all levelsof education. The equal opportunity to learn,which today is taken for granted, owes much toTitle IX of the Education Codes of the HigherEducation Act Amendments. Passed in 1972and enacted in 1977, this legislation prohibitedgender discrimination by federally funded insti-tutions. Its enactment has served as the primarytool for women's fuller participation in allaspects of education from scholarships, to facil-
ities, to classes formerly closed to women. It hasalso transformed the educational landscape ofthe United States within the span of a genera-tion. Each year National Women's History Monthemploys a unifying theme and recognizesnational honorees whose work and lives testifyto that theme. This year we are proud to honorsix women who help illustrate how ethnicity,region, culture, and race relate to Women'sEducation - Women's Empowerment.The 2012 Honorees are:
The stories of women's achievements are inte-gral to the fabric of our history. Learning aboutwomen's tenacity, courage, and creativitythroughout the centuries is a tremendous sourceof strength. Knowing women's stories provides
essential role models for everyone. And rolemodels are genuinely needed to face the extraor-dinary changes and unrelenting challenges ofthe 21st century. National Women's HistoryMonth, designated by Joint Resolutions of the
House and Senate and Proclamations by sixAmerican Presidents, is an opportunity to learnabout and honor women's achievements todayand throughout history.
Emma Hart Willard,Women Higher
Education Pioneer
A
Charlotte Forten Grimke,Freedman Bureau
Educator
Annie Sullivan,Disability Education
Architect
Gracia MolinaEnriquez de Pick,
Feminist EducationalReformer
Okolo Rashid,Community
Development Activistand Historical
Preservation Advocate
Brenda Flyswithhawks,American Indian
Advocate andEducator
