lioness magazine - september 2013
DESCRIPTION
For the Female EntrepreneurTRANSCRIPT
BUSINESSGetting Proactiveat Work
13GranolaGoes Gold
16Become aRenowned Leader
14Kerry WashingtonSpeaks Out
20Paradise CityArts Festival
21Witching Hour
24
EDITOR’SLETTER
5LIPSTICK CHRONICLES
10STILETTO STATEMENT
18MONEY WITHMICHELLE
26
CONTENTS
SEPTEMBER COVERVeronica
Marché Miller
Illustration courtesy ofVeronica Marché Miller
ISSUE 23 AUGUST 2013
©2013 Lioness Magazine is thefirst online magazine gearedtoward female entrepreneurs. Wedeliver sharp and compelling infor-mation on a variety of topics thatare relevant to female entrepre-neurs and professionals. Our mis-sion is to elevate, educate and sup-port female 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-ChiefKatelyn Gendron
Art DirectorLeo Pilares
Director of PhotographyDenise Smith
ColumnistsKristina ChapellAliyah CherrisseBrenda’s Child
Michelle Perry HigginsTara McCollum
Contributing WritersErin K. CorriveauCarley DangonaLamara HunterPaige CerulliEmily ThurlowJennifer Sawyer
Published by The Lioness Group.Founder, Natasha Clark.
welcome to
LIONESS SEPTEMBER 2013 5
Katelyn Gendron
editor’s letter
There’s something about the September Fashion Issue that makes me giddy for the fall season. Please don’t misunderstand me, I’m fully dedicated toeach of our issues but a whole month of my life earmarked for reading copy about fashion is a win for my calendar, especially when we’re talking aboutfresh faces on the runways. We all know of Louis Vuitton, Versace, Oscar de la Renta and the like, but I’m more interested in designers you don’t seebeing worn by the masses. Veronica Marché Miller, our cover story, is one such up-and-comer whose work has been picked up by TJMaxx for the hol-idays. The passion she has for her craft is something many don’t have in the workplace, making her designs, in my opinion, that much more appeal-ing.
It is also important to note that the illumination of Veronica’s story would not have been possible without the talents of the newest member of theLioness pack, Tara McCollum. Having taken a few years away from writing, Tara’s first foray back into the craft is with our publication and we’vecome to believe ink must certainly run through her veins. She’s penned not only this month’s cover story but also a feature on pro-triathlete-turned-entrepreneur, Jasmine Oeinck, founder of Bulumu, a line of all-natural granola. I always marvel at what women like Veronica, Tara and Jasmine canaccomplish when they embrace their talents and release their work to the world without any reservations. Let’s be honest, without independent, artis-tic leaders to inspire us, who will fill the pages of future magazines or clothe models walking runways around the world? Certainly not me, well, notthe runway part at least.
Katelyn
Passion forthe craftis inspiring
6 LIONESS SEPTEMBER 2013
veronica marché millerd e s i g n e r
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Veronica Marché Miller: The Girl on Fire!
By Tara McCollum
How many times in your life have you had anidea, a whim, a sudden spark of inspirationthat you kept only to yourself? Have you everwondered what could have become of yourimaginations if you just went for it?
Veronica Marché Miller, 30, doesn’t wonder.She acts, no, she creates.
This coming holiday season will see Miller’screations come to life at TJMaxx locationsnationwide, with an array of illustrated
Christmas cards and gift bags, all featuringstylish African American women, an idea thatMiller says “started on a whim.”
Miller, a current graduate student studyingfashion design at Drexel University inPhiladelphia, Pa., was on a school breakwhen her “whim” inspired her to illustrate“pretty brown girls” in greeting card fashion.She saw the lack of such images and thoughtsomeone should do it. “Why not me?” sheasked herself. Focusing her illustrative talentson African American women, Miller teamedup with Redbubble, an online marketplacethat allows artists to sell their art on theInternet without hassle and with a broaderpublic outreach. Not too long after submittingher illustrations online, Miller started receiv-ing orders.
“It took off more than I thought it would,”Miller confessed. “I was surprised at the num-
ber of cards that people bought. My email waspinging constantly. It was cool to see so manypeople supporting it and getting excited.”
Through her self promotion on social mediaand friends telling friends about her product,the growing interest and excitement was affir-mation to Miller that she wasn’t the only onewho saw the lack of fashionable, confidentlooking African American women in the fash-ion industry. Suddenly her “whim” brought herto the attention of retail buyers and a licens-ing agreement with a greeting card manufac-turer that works with TJMaxx. It almost seemsthe typical route that one may think of for awoman studying design and fashion, but themost surprising, and perhaps inspiring, partof Miller’s story is that just a few years ago,she was on a different path, one that didn’tcompletely fulfill her and one that didn’t
Continued on page 9
Miller’s passion forfashion creates nation-
wide retail line
LIONESS SEPTEMBER 2013 9
involve fashion at all.
Knowing since she was a child that art andfashion were her passions, Miller did eventu-ally succumb to the traditional fears and wor-ries of an unsteady and risky life working inthe arts could bring. Though her parentsalways encouraged her talents, they worriedthat a career in the arts would be a difficultone.
“They thought I would be struggling,” Millerrecalled.
With her mom in banking and dad in broad-casting, Miller chose to push her creative tal-ents into broadcast journalism. Following a2005 graduation from Howard University,Miller worked the major news outlets inWashington, D.C., for about seven years, butwas never satisfied.
“It was this nagging thing,” Miller recalled.“Whenever I read a fashion blog I would get sojealous, to the point that I was mad. And thenI remember I heard or read somewhere, ‘payattention to what you’re jealous of.’
“It means there’s something more that Ishould do,” Miller continued. “I had trouble atmy job, wasn’t doing as well as I could and Iheard or read this question that made meask, ‘without this job, who am I?’ Don’t rely on
a title or who you work for. At your core, whatam I? I answered, ‘I am a creator.’ That got theball rolling. I liked what I did, but it wasn’t thatthing I was on fire for.”
It was about a two-year internal struggle, buteventually Miller made the decision to be thecreator she wanted to be, left D.C and packedup her life for Drexel University, enrolling in athree-year master’s program designed forthose without any formal training. Learningfrom the ground up, she now works tirelesslyfrom project to project, fueled by that fire shewas searching for.
Greeting cards are just the beginning. Miller iscurrently learning animation and also workswith logo design and imagery for women-owned businesses in the fashion and lifestylesector. She also has her future sights on the“massive animal” that is clothing, havingalready worked in costume design, finding itto be a wonderful fantasy world. “You canmake things you literally would never see inyour life, like a tie-dyed body stocking,” shesaid.
Miller hopes to one day work on a plus sizecollection that would make women feel appro-priate, confident and fashionable. However,that is down the line, as this Jane of all tradesis trying to tackle one thing at a time.
“I have to get it right or it won’t serve anyone,”Miller said. “Today I’m an illustrator, but I’malways involved in everything. The biggestthing that helps to keep it all together is adeadline. When I have a deadline in front ofme I can get things done. Also knowing what Ineed to devote to each task, even if I don’tsleep.
“My immediate future is in illustration; I cando it at my desk, or on the bus,” Miller contin-ued. “I just see a lot of importance inimagery.”
Inspired by the old Hollywood likes of DorothyDandridge and Eartha Kitt, Miller works toillustrate everyday life “in a really stylish man-ner,” always having some sort of movement inher pieces. Miller’s ideal customer would beon par with the likes of Solange Knowles, awoman who has her hands in everything, herown unique, interesting style, appreciatesillustration and has a quirk in her. A woman,some may say, close to her own heart.
Reflecting further on her own inspirations,Miller mentions a professor who has becomea mentor of some sorts for her.
“I don’t think she’s ever had ‘A’ job, just amish mash of whatever interested her,” Millersaid. “That’s where I’m headed.”
VMM: The Girl on Fire!
Photo courtesy ofSean Dyroff Illustrations
courtesy of VeronicaMarché Miller
Tara McCollum, a New York native, currently resides in Houston, Texas, where she haslearned to trade in cosmopolitans for margaritas, contemporary décor for bedazzledembellishments, and white winters for palm trees, but has held stead fast to her greatlove for the Yankees. With a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from State University ofNew York at Purchase, she manages an office for an electrical company by day and is aloving mother to three beautiful furry animals by night. Never giving up on her dreamsof one day becoming a novelist, she has slowly been documenting the crazy and unex-pected soap opera-like turns of her life in the hopes of one day entertaining the masseswith her unbelievable tales. Stay tuned.
10 LIONESS SEPTEMBER 2013
Kristina Chapell is a single gal in her 30s making her way in the world. Passionate,savvy, and stylish; Kristina is a social relationship builder. You can often find her onFacebook and Twitter keeping up with the latest news and always supporting causes sheis passionate about such as the Alzheimer’s Association, Link to Libraries, and TheBusiness Channel.
By Kristina Chapell
Since moving down to the Atlanta area I havemet some fabulous people! My friends aremy lifesavers as well as the ones who opennew doors to meeting new people. So I can’ttell a lie when I say I have always wanted tobe famous – have my own talk show or be onTV. I mean what girl doesn’t dream of this,right?
I had a web show for a while, “Chapell’sCorner,” on The Businews Channel wheremuch like here I talked about dating, love,life, and being a 30-something female profes-sional. Then life got in the way and eventual-ly my move and the show took a backseat.Plus I wasn’t sure who really wanted to listento me spew my words of wisdom or my expe-riences but I still haven’t given up on beingfamous or having my own talk show. In fact Ihave decided I would be a good fill-in for KrisJenner and her new talk show, “Kris,”because we share the same name spelt thesame way; it’s kismet.
Not only do I want a talk show (or even aradio show will do) I want a small part on a TVshow. In Atlanta there are so many realityshows … can’t I just have a small part? I cancall everyone back home and have themwatch their daughter, friend or neighbor whomoved and “made it big.” Ha! But, I do wantto be on TV and I probably would broadcast iteverywhere too.
Well, I am not sure this will get me on TV butI am thankful to my hair stylist for getting meone step closer. I share him with many of thestars of “Pretty Wicked Moms” on Lifetime. Ialmost died when I found out. I felt like I wassitting in the chair royalty sits in. I mean comeon, it’s not every day you find out TV stars gettheir hair done by your stylist. Thanks to mystylist we all connected on Twitter and/orFacebook and I wasn’t just a “crazy fan orstalker” but I was a true fan. Yes, I have seenthe show and watched the crazy story linesbut I have also heard the wonderful things mystylist says about them. We would tweet eachother, comment on our Facebook posts, andshare a piece of our lives. I felt like I was get-ting to know some of these women and to mysurprise was invited to a Trunk Show a fewwere hosting. I know I wasn’t the only “fan”invited but I still felt honored.
The day of the Trunk Show I oddly had a hairappointment so I saw my stylist and we chat-ted more about the ladies I was going to see.I couldn’t wait; I was like a kid in the candystore. When I got there I saw Marci, Nicole,and Meredith. It was busy but with time Iintroduced myself to them and they immedi-ately knew who I was; I felt like I was on cloudnine. We talked about our lives, the show andof course our stylist; we are so lucky to haveDaniel in our lives doing our hair! These
ladies were so sweet and frankly the fact theyknew me made me love them even more. Icouldn’t wait to get a picture with them.
I left that Trunk Show with a picture and feel-ing like I was important, someone people “inthe know” know. That picture went onFacebook, Instagram, and Twitter. I also sentit to my friends and family and my dad’sresponse, “so when are you going to be onthe show?” He knows me so well. I am notsure I will be on “Pretty Wicked Moms” any-time soon but what I do know is I still commu-nicate with Nicole, Marci and Meredithbecause regardless of them being on TV theyare genuinely nice people and to me, that ismore important than being on TV; OK, OKbeing on TV would be nice too. But whoknows, maybe I could be one step closer.After all, I would be fine with a cameo role, Idon’t need a story line or anything, I can justbe a wallflower!
The best part, while I am worrying about asmall part on TV someday, my cousin wholives a bit further north from me was an extrain Adam Sandler’s new movie that is filmingin town. Really? She gets a movie role and Ican’t even get on TV? Was I putting the bartoo low for myself?
I am not giving up. Atlanta has many moreopportunities for me to be famous via TV orfilm. And in the mean time I can say “hey,that’s my cousin” when the movie comes out,as well as look at the picture of Meredith,Nicole, Marci and me when I want to feelfamous.
Do you ever dream about being on TV? Am Ithe only one?
~ xoxoxo KC
The Lipstick Chronicles
Kristina Chapell with the starsof Lifetime’s “Pretty Wicked Moms”
Photo courtesy of Kristina Chapell
I want to be on TV too!
By Leslie Shreve
My clients often tell me on the phone – or onthe surveys they fill out prior to workingtogether – that they’re feeling far too reactivein their work day and would prefer to be muchmore proactive and productive.
Does that sound like you?
OK. So what’s stopping you? What’s getting inyour way? Why aren’t you more proactive? Ifyou can recognize the symptoms of rampantreactivity, you’re more likely to start makingbetter choices about how to use your time,strengthen your systems and track your tasks.So here’s why you might be suffering fromrampant reactivity, let’s see if we can turn thisaround.
You’re a slave to your Inbox
I’ve heard so many clients say they’re “livingfrom their Inbox” on a daily basis. One client,a president of a mid-size company in Virginia,said, “Leslie, I’m waiting for my Inbox to tellme what to do next.”
Are you waiting for your Inbox to tell you whatto do?
If so, then you’re not in charge of how you’respending your day. You also don’t have a real-ly great, complete and comprehensive tasklist to drive you, which includes all the tasksthat come from email.
Sounds like you need a little more time toclear out your Inbox – deleting things thataren’t useful to you and setting up strong sys-tems for everything you want to reference inthe future. And with a strong electronic Tasklist, you can incorporate tasks from email andget that Inbox to zero.
And zero in the Inbox means your Inbox is nothe boss anymore. You are.
You’re “there” for everyone
When I listen to my clients, or members fromsome of my live audiences, I hear people saythey have to be there for their staff, their teamor pretty much everyone else but themselvesall the time.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur or an execu-tive, you need to realize that you can be therefor your staff or team and be there for yourown priorities, every day. Trust me.
I want you to take an hour or two each day toshut your office door or disappear into a con-ference room or work from home (if you regu-larly work at an office), and get things accom-plished on your agenda.
Think of it this way, when you disappear for atwo-hour meeting or you’re spending timewith your children for a school sport or play oryou’re working 1:1 with a colleague on a spe-cial project, you’re not available to anyoneduring those times. So why are you reluctant– almost refusing – to protect your time foryour priorities? If you can do it in the examplesI gave above, you can do it for yourself.
Start protecting time on your calendar andstop making excuses. You can do this. You justhave to set expectations with those aroundyou so they know when you’ll resurface andbe available again. And you have to be strong.Don’t pick up the phone or fall prey to any dis-tractions. Focus. Get something done andenjoy checking it off the list!
You’re always saying “I’m sorry”
“I’m sorry I couldn’t find that file.”
“I’m sorry I was late.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t get back to you.”
“I’m sorry I couldn’t find the check. Could youmail it again?”
These are all real statements that are com-municated between my clients and their col-leagues at work and they tell me about theirdeep desire to put an end to these “I’m sorry”statements.
If you’re saying you’re sorry more often thannot, then you’re definitely stuck in the land ofreactivity. To operate more proactively and putan end to the cause of your “I’m sorry” state-ments, what has to happen for you? Whatpart of your work day are you apologizing forthe most? From the statements above, whichdo you resonate with?
Perhaps you need more visibility of everythingyou committed to, said “yes” to, or have onyour plate. Perhaps you need better tasktracking so you know where you are at anymoment on any task or project. Or maybe youneed stronger systems for finding what youneed when you need it.
When you get a strong system in place formanaging tasks, time, email and information,you’re more likely to be clear on what youneed to be doing and when. When you’re real-ly clear on your priorities, you’re more likely tofeel a greater sense of urgency for gettingthings done and when that happens, you’regoing to want to protect more of your time toget these things done.
Focus on one area at a time and start fixing itso you never have to say “I’m sorry” again.
How Are You Spending Your Day? ProactivePassively or Productively?
Leslie Shreve is the founder and CEO of Productive Day and the creator ofTaskology: The Science of Getting Things Done. Taskology is a unique branded sys-tem that teaches business owners, executives and motivated professionals how to getmore clarity, confidence and control in their work day so they can enjoy more time,freedom, progress and success. Visit the website www.productiveday.com or contactLeslie at [email protected] for more information.
16 LIONESS SEPTEMBER 2013
By Tara McCollum
It is no question that the world around us isbecoming increasingly health conscious. Themarket for “natural” and “organic” foods is onthe rise but many products geared towardsthose who want to eat healthier, aren’t alwayswhat one would expect, especially on some ofour more sensitive tummies. Pro-TriathleteJasmine Oeinck wanted a better solution forherself and now she offers it to us as well, withBulumu, a truly all-natural granola.
As creator and co-founder of Bulumu, Oeinckand her team offer the only granola line thatuses absolutely no oils. With three deliciousflavors to choose from (Red, White &Blueberry, Cinnamon Chai & Walnut andOrange Ginger & Cranberry) and a short lineup of all natural ingredients (think rolled oatsand honey) Bulumu offers the tummy a lightergranola that won’t sit heavy in the stomach.
“I always try to eat healthy as an athlete,” saidOeinck, who would eat bowls of granola eachday in between training sessions while living atthe Olympic Training Center in ColoradoSprings, Co. Though she tried to fuel her bodywith the healthy granolas available to her, shenoticed frequent stomachaches and discom-fort.
“Granolas can be really heavy and saturatedso I decided to start making my own,” sherecalled.
It started there, as a personalized solution thatsoon friends and teammates started request-ing Oeinck to share with them, but as a profes-sional athlete, a two-time world silver medalistno less, founding a company was not yet in hersights.
It wasn’t until an injury and illness temporarilysidelined Oeinck from her athletic career, thatBulumu started to take shape.
During her time off recovering, she managedto turn a granola skeptic, now her Bulumupartner Brandon Bailey, with her granolarecipe.
“My business partner did not like granola atall, but when he tried it, I saw the light go off inhis head. I turned a skeptic into someone whosaid ‘wow this could be something,’” saidOeinck who finally started to see the potentialin her product.
Starting with a very grass roots method,Oeinck and Bailey, designed, packaged,labeled and promoted Bulumu themselves tolocal stores and markets. They marketed theirbrand as a company that wants to “inspire andsupport the pursuit of passion” and everythingin their product and story reflects that. Thename Bulumu is actually an acronym usedbetween Oeinck and her mother in letters andemails that stands for “Buckle Up. Love You.Miss You.”
Eventually the pull between Oeinck’s athleticcareer and new venture became too much.
“Ever since I can remember I was always doingsome sort of sport. It was never something Ihad to do, it was something I was able to do,”Oeinck said.
“I put my career on hold because I found it wasreally hard to perform at the top level and runa business at the best of my ability. I still havethe passion and love for it, but I was no longerlearning from it, not finding the challenge in it,”
she added.
With Bulumu, Oeinck, now 28, says she hasfound a “blob of Play-Doh” where in she has ahuge potential of creativity and challenge thatshe can have a direct influence on.
“It’s my new biggest passion,” Oeinck said.
About nine years removed from her firstkitchen trials, for which she has “lost count”on the times it took to perfect the recipe,Bulumu is now sold in six states and onlinenationwide through Amazon. Making boundsand leaps in an overgrown market, Oeinck issurprised and proud at where she’s come to,but is still her harshest critic.
“I am always saying ‘this could be better,’ itcomes from being an athlete, you can never becomplacent,” said Oeinck, who has not goneto school for business, yet already has the atti-tude and gusto for it. “It’s learning as you go, Iconsider this whole process as my businessdegree.”
With the continued success of Bulumu, theystay on track with their mission to support andinspire, supporting local athletic events andreaching out to those who are looking for ahealthier lifestyle. Granola, it seems, may justbe the beginning.
“I’m not sold on just making granola, whoknows,” Oeinck said. “Life’s too short. Why notjust jump?”
Oeinck certainly jumped, proving that not onlycan one’s body, but also one’s mind accom-plish anything.
Granola goes for gold
Jasmine Oeinck
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Rev. Dana Rondel is the founder and lead minister of the Wisdom In New Dimensions (WIND)Foundation, Temple and Spiritual Center, an international panoptic organization (church), focused onexpanding awareness regarding the life of the spirit world, the mental mind and the intuition of theheart through the universal and creative arts and sciences. She is also the founder and president ofPartners In Goodwill Publications & Media, formed to write, design and create inspirational contentfor all media platforms. Rondel has built two organizations that for several years has significantly andpositively impacted and transformed the lives of people and of communities globally. She is still mov-ing forward, innovating creating and broadening her community initiatives and writing more inspira-tional works of literature that will each continue to touch peoples’ lives in the most miraculous andintriguing ways. For more about Rondel, her organizations and her work, visit: www.danarondel.comand/or www.windinc.org.
By Rev. Dana Rondel
Who doesn’t want a great life? Who doesn’twant to not only succeed in their chosen fieldof business and/or service, but standout andbe recognized because of how you show up,and because of what you do when you showup?
Your attitude, your character and your deedsare an awesome representation reflectingwhat you think about you. What and how youthink about yourself matters tremendously.Your thoughts, perceptions, feelings anddoings create your life. If you had an emptypage or blank canvas allowing you to createand recreate your life each day, what storywould your words tell? What picture would notonly you see, but what would the world see?
Your mind is that blank page or empty canvasletting you choose what thoughts and imageswill evolve and be made by you into tangiblelife experiences. Choosing what you will allowonto the page or canvas of your mind is there-fore an important life practice.
In my book, “Rise and Reach: Life andLeadership,” I aim to provide informative anduplifting messages as well as innovative,
mindful, yet practical ideas. The following isboth a quote and excerpt from the book.
“When we Rise and Reach greater and loftierheights in our lives, we allow others to not onlysee the splendid realities that we have madepossible, but we open another window in lifeso others can see a more perfect reflection ofthemselves through us, and experience aswell through us the brilliance of The Most Highvisibly manifested in the world. We becomethat reachable light that others can witnessand experience as tangible when we arebeing our Greatest and Highest Selves.
“I share this world with many, many people, sowhy wouldn’t I want to ensure that our individ-ual and collective realities are as bright as wecan make them. When I encounter others,whether a family member, friend or someoneI have yet to become more acquainted with, Iwant our interaction to be of the highestregard. Why shouldn't we smile at one anoth-er? Why shouldn’t we find pleasure within thespace that we are occupying and creatingtogether? Why shouldn’t we leave the experi-ence, whether temporarily or permanently,feeling greater than we did before the experi-ence? Why not allow ourselves to be open to –The Gifts of MIND?
“Within my ministry and through my books,talks and other creative endeavors, I am offer-ing others the opportunity to witness andexperience a greater life based on the truthsthat have brought me personal happinessand career fulfillment. I love my life and amextremely grateful for the gift of service, whichcreates a space for me to both give andreceive.
“Reciprocity is a blessing of openness, ablessing that prospers when I am expectingnothing but allowing for everything I aspire for.The Universe is abundant. There will never bea time when we will not have what we want forourselves. It all is always here, yet we mustsee it, even before it is physically visible andtangible. And we must hear the voice insidethat says, ‘Trust the Omnipresent, Omniscientand Omnipotent Life that is everywhere, in allthat exists, in all places, spaces and people atall times.’ Know that there can be only goodfor us and will be only good for us all, if wetrust and know this truth without fear, withoutdoubt, without worry. Trust.”
Always sending forth love and light.
How to have a great life, become renowned leader
18 LIONESS SEPTEMBER 2013
YOUTHEARY KHMER
I fell in love with this designer and her collec-tion from the moment I was introduced it.Created by designer Theiry Sims, YK is a col-lection for the modern day and chic women,like myself. Vibrant, yet soft colors and com-fortable materials gives any woman wearingone of YK’s pieces that all day comfort thusleaving her with the confidence she needs toshow stop at any occasion or location for thatmatter. If you crave to stand out, bold colorsare essential to any woman’s wardrobe, andYoutheary Khmer has you covered for this fallseason.
Whether you are in need of a little black dresswith a twist of lace, color blocking or a floorlength gown that is sensual and body flatter-
ing, you will be pleased to know that the YKcollection will have you ready to show up andstand out! We all love a designer that cantake us from work to play with just a switch ofa shoe and with the metallics, sequins, lace,color blocking and more, I am positive that YKwill have something to suit your personality.As seen on the runway of BET’s “RIP TheRunway,” as well as during “Full-FiguredFashion Week,” this Atlanta, Ga.-based, rea-sonable priced collection is ready-wear for anytime of the year but their fall season collectionis breathtaking.
“Youtheary Khmer is an innovative, contem-porary collection of woman’s ready to wearclothing. Youtheary Khmer wants everywoman to love her curves and can feel beau-tiful just walking down the street.”— Theiry Sims, www.youthearykhmer.com
SERITA BELL
Unique is the first thing that comes to mindwhen I think of this chic couture line. SeritaBell will have you Red Carpet ready with herone-of-a-kind pieces. I had the pleasure towalk the runway in one of her floor lengthgowns during Curves Rock Fashion Weekendin Baltimore, Md., and I felt like a goddessheading to the Grammy’s. The fit was perfect,the material was very comfortable, and mostimportant, I felt confident in her garment notonly behind the scenes but on the runway aswell. I am certain that Serita Bell is about totake the Fashion Industry by storm.
Women will appreciate her designs for thesophistication behind her collection, whichwill leave her setting the bar for designers to
come. This fall, ladies will be blessed withmany options and Serita Bell will be amongthe list of must-haves for those elegant occa-sions. I look forward to seeing her pieces hitthe runway this year during “Fashion NightOut /Plus Night Out 2013” during MercedesBenz New York Fashion Week. Prepare your-selves for the astonishing collection of SeritaBell for she is sure to be a sell out and sinceshe is a one-of-a-kind type of girl you won’twant to miss out!
“Serita Bell is a contemporary ready-to-wearclothing line for plus size women. The line isbold, edgy, sexy, with feminine silhouettes.The designer’s technical knowledge of gar-ment’s proper fit, combined with her innatecreative abilities, results in a new confidentline for plus size women. The modern stylesreflect the kind of women she is herself;strong, sexy, fun and fearless.”— Serita Bell, www.seritabell.com
SHANDA FREEMAN
Now here we have a designer that truly lovesto “Honor Curves!” Shanda Style is one wholoves to transform any woman into the imageof a goddess. Her floor length, weightless, andform fitting designs are the epitome of sleekand sensual pieces that any woman wouldwant to have to be apart of their wardrobe.
Whether you are going to a special dinner, aVIP affair, or a girl’s night out this fall season,
Fall into greatness this seasonBy Aliyah Cherrisse
Stiletto Statement
This fall season will be a fabulous one for all of my “fashionista’s.”Floor length pieces, color blocking, metallics, big and bold creations, and then some will be available to you at the click of a button or aring of a tag. I decided to give our lovely readers a jumpstart on where you could possibly look so that this fall season you can stand out,show up, and show out! I hope you love these designer picks as much as I do because believe me ladies, each of these designers bringsomething different to suit the personality of each individual woman. Keep coming out of your shell as you fall into the designs of some
amazing women creating a shopping experience made just for you this season.
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Stiletto Statement
Freeman will have something for you. Youladies know I always stress the fact aboutform-flattering clothing so I must let you in ona secret; it’s almost as if Shanda’s designsconform to your figure. The stretch of hermaterials give cling to your body in all the rightways! As seen on BET’s “Rip The Runway,”and as the spotlight designer for “CurvesRock Fashion Weekend,” where I had theopportunity to walk the runway in one of herpieces, I must admit I appreciate the quality ofher collection as well as the versatility. If soft,sensual, yet sexy styles are for you, then youwill love this collection.
“Style and design with a conservative budgetin mind. Shanda Style is about encompassingdistinguished style and design with a conser-vative budget in mind! Great design should beaccessible to all! I love creating and instituting
fun and creative ways to make design dreamspossible and affordable!” – Shanda Freeman, www.shandafreeman.com
QRISTYL FRAZIER
Now we as women love to get a bang for ourbuck. We love to feel as though the money wespent is worthwhile. Well ladies, I unleash tosome and remind others of the oh so versatiledesigns of Qristyl Frazier. Who said dressescould not be worn backwards? Frazier offersan array of pieces that can be tied two to 10ways, dresses that can be worn to the front orthe back, and jumpsuits that may have headstwisting and turning just as much as theamount of options you will have to tie it.
Her collection caters to the curvier womanand might I add that how her pieces accentu-ate your curves, will leave you coming back formore. She is a designer that listens to thewants and needs of her consumer so with herfeedback option on her website it may just beyou who may assist Qristyl in creating a newmasterpiece.
With great pricing and quality you’ll bepleased when you share the presence of your-self as well as your assemble at a major fallevent this season. As seen on BET’s “Rip TheRunway,” as one of the first ever full-figureddesigners to grace their runway, Frazier pridesherself on providing satisfaction every time.Yes ladies, you can thank me later!
“QRISTYL FRAZIER [kris-tl] [frey-zher] – noun:
Designer specializing in sex appealing femi-nine dress, casual separates, flattering swim-suits, and versatile cover-ups.
“‘Fashion with a passion’ is Qristyl’s lifelonggoal. In addition to creating figure-flatteringdesigns for shapely women, she aims toempower and serve her community. Qristylhas created: ‘Plus Sexy and They Know It!’”— Qristyl Frazier, www.qristylfrazierdesigns.com
– Signing off, Aliyah Cherrisse!
Aliyah Cherrisse, born and raised in Atlantic City, N.J., has grown to be a very educated, vibrant, anddriven intellectual. As a graduate of Morgan State University, with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree inBusiness Marketing, Aliyah has put her studies to use in branding herself as the “MultimediaPersonality” she is to-date. Currently pursuing her love of entertainment, Aliyah is known for her titlesof “Fashion Show Production Assistant, Radio/TV Personality, Curvy/Full-Figured Model, Red CarpetCorrespondent, Host, and Blogger,” but let's not forget to mention: this is all while being a singlemother! With no intentions on slowing down, Aliyah anticipates what God has awaiting ahead for her!
20 LIONESS SEPTEMBER 2013
Kerry Washington, star of the ABC hit drama“Scandal,” accomplished film and stageactress and women’s rights activist, will bea keynote speaker at the 9th AnnualMassachusetts Conference for Women.
Washington will address this year’s theme“The Power of Us,” along with other nation-ally recognized speakers including PulitzerPrize-winning historian Doris KearnsGoodwin, media executive and bestsellingauthor Cathie Black and leadership advisorand author Erica Ariel Fox. They are amongthe more than 100 speakers who willaddress the conference.
“We are thrilled to host Kerry Washington,Doris Kearns Goodwin and other inspiringwomen at this year’s conference,” GloriaLarson, board president, MassachusettsConference for Women and president ofBentley University, said. “These women areactivists and leaders in their fields and theircollective wisdom challenges us all to makethe most of our own lives, talents and expe-riences – in short, to believe in our ownpower.”
Registration is now open for the conference,which will be hosted at the BostonConvention and Exhibition Center on Dec. 5.The nonpartisan, nonprofit conference isMassachusetts’ largest event for women,attracting nearly 10,000 attendees whocome together for a full day of networking,
professional development and personalgrowth opportunities.
Washington and other speakers will sharetheir experience and expertise on a range oftopics including personal growth, careeradvancement, money management, healthand wellness, small business and entrepre-neurship, social media branding and more.This year’s conference theme “The Power ofUs” encourages women to take a greaterrole in changing the course of their ownlives and in being a force for change in theircommunities.
A native of the Bronx, N.Y., Washington hasreceived high acclaim for her work on stage,on television and in film. Washington wasrecently seen in Quentin Tarantino’s“Django Unchained” along with Jamie Foxx,Leonardo DiCaprio, Christoph Waltz andSamuel Jackson. The film was nominatedfor a Golden Globe and an Academy Awardfor Best Picture. In television, Washingtoncurrently stars in the hit ABC drama“Scandal.” In 2013, Washington was award-ed an NAACP Image Award for her portrayalof Olivia Pope and the show won for BestDrama. The NAACP also honoredWashington with the President’s Award, rec-ognizing special achievement in furtheringthe cause of civil rights and public service.An activist, Washington was appointed byPresident Barack Obama to the President’sCommittee of the Arts and Humanities in
2009. She is also an active member of theV-Counsel, an esteemed group of advisorsto V-Day, the global movement to end vio-lence against women and girls.
Exclusive to the Massachusetts Conferencefor Women, Local Leader Meet Ups offerattendees the chance to have one-on-oneconversations with local businesswomenand community leaders, and intimateExpert Exchange sessions offer a focuseddiscussion with industry veterans.Conference attendees also have the oppor-tunity to participate in the popular CareerPavilion, featuring resume reviews byhuman resource experts, Coaches Corner(one-on-one “speed coaching” sessionswith local career coaches and executives),workshops on communication skills andsocial media, and much more.
The Conference Health & Wellness Pavilionshowcases speakers and companies dedi-cated to improving women’s health, whilean onsite Exhibit Hall boasts hundreds oforganizations and companies with productsor services that appeal to women.
An early bird rate of $150 per person,$1,450 per table of 10, and $75 for stu-dents is available until Oct. 24. To register orlearn more about the 9th AnnualMassachusetts Conference for Women, visitits website, which is located atwww.MAconferenceforwomen.org.
Kerry Washington named keynote speaker atMassachusetts Conference for Women
The Paradise City Arts Festival marks its19th year as New England’s premier show-case for fine and functional art, with abreadth of exhibitors and activities that willastonish and enthrall visitors inNorthampton, Mass., Oct. 12 to 14.
Cavernous barns are transformed into ele-gant exhibition halls, remarkable sculpturesare installed in beautiful gardens, peakedtents will appear, a soundstage is built andlocal chefs fire up their grills. Two hundredand seventy-five exhibiting artists arrivefrom every corner of the country to show-case the very best in American craft, design,art and sculpture.
It’s also American Craft Week, bringingtogether galleries, fairs and fine craft organ-izations from all 50 states in recognition ofthe countless ways hand-made objectsenrich our daily lives and contribute to thenational aesthetic and economy.
Joining this season’s festival are 41 artistswho are making their Paradise CityNorthampton debuts, including AyeshaMayadas and Raphaela McCormack.
Mayadas was born in Calcutta, India, movedto the United States at age 15 and earnedher MFA in Metals from the RochesterInstitute of Technology in Rochester, N.Y.There she studied the techniques of ham-mering and forming sculptural and abstractvessels made in copper, silver and steel, inaddition to silversmithing.
“Movement and fluidity were key elementsof these sculptures and remain so in mywork today,” she said, noting that much ofher inspiration comes from nature, withwater as a focus.
“I work gold like clay – pushing, pulling, andsculpting, not with fingers but with ham-mers and stakes. The result is a metaltransformed into soft contours of the natu-ral world: the ripple of water, the fullness ofa raindrop, the ragged edge of a dried leaf,”Mayadas explained.
Female ingenuityexhibited atParadise CityArts Festival
Continued on next page
“Cassowary Mask”by Kest SchwartzmanPhoto courtesy of Paradise
City Arts Festival
Paradise CityArts Festival
“Ruby Swirl Necklace”by Ayesha MayadasPhoto courtesy of Paradise
City Arts Festival
Continued on page 25
24 LIONESS SEPTEMBER 2013
The witching hour is coming … get ready tomeet the Beauchamps, the Witches of EastEnd. Lifetime’s newest drama, “Witches ofEast End,” featuring an all-star-cast head-lined by Emmy Award-winner Julia Ormond(“Temple Grandin,” “Mad Men”), MädchenAmick (“Mad Men,” “Damages”), JennaDewan Tatum (“American Horror Story”) andRachel Boston (“In Plain Sight”) as a familyof witches living in the secluded seasidetown of East Haven, will cast its spell begin-ning Oct. 6 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.
Also set to star are Eric Winter (“TheMentalist”), Daniel DiTomasso (“CSI”),Jason George (“Grey’s Anatomy”) and Oscarand Golden Globe Award nominee VirginiaMadsen (“Sideways,” “Anna Nicole”).
Inspired by Melissa de la Cruz’s New YorkTimes best-selling novel, “Witches of East
End” centers on the mysteriousBeauchamp family: free-spirited artistJoanna (Ormond) and her two grown daugh-ters, wild-child bartender Freya (DewanTatum) and shy librarian Ingrid (Boston),both of whom are unaware that they aregifted (and cursed) with a magicalbirthright. Freya is recently engaged to theman of her dreams, wealthy playboy DashGardiner (Winter), but when she finds her-self inexplicably drawn to Dash’s troubled,enigmatic brother Killian (DiTomasso),bizarre occurrences begin to manifest inher life.
Meanwhile, Joanna’s long-estranged sisterWendy (Amick) shows up with a warningthat could change the Beauchamps’ fateforever, forcing Joanna to reveal to herdaughters they are, indeed, immortal witch-es who possess great untapped powers.
With their idyllic small town life now turnedupside down, and a formidable and ancientenemy intent on ending the Beauchampfamily line, will Freya and Ingrid be able toaccept their true potential before it is toolate?
Produced by Fox 21 (“Homeland,” “Sons ofAnarchy”), “Witches of East End” is execu-tive produced by Maggie Friedman(“Eastwick”), Jonathan Kaplan (“Without aTrace,” “ER”), Erwin Stoff (“The Matrix”)and Josh Reims (“Brothers & Sisters”).Kaplan will also serve as the producingdirector on the series. The pilot was direct-ed by Mark Waters (“Mean Girls”) and writ-ten by Friedman.
“Witches of East End” will be Lifetime’s sec-ond scripted drama to premiere this year.
Lifetime turns best-selling novel into new series
Mädchen Amick, Rachel Boston, Julia Ormond and Jenna Dewan Tatum star in the all-new Lifetime drama “Witches of EastEnd,” premiering Oct. 6 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Lifetime.
Photo by Joseph Viles
“Dream Boat”by Raphaela McCormackPhoto courtesy of ParadiseCity Arts Festival
Paradise CityArts Festival
Evening dress, designedby Patricia PalsonPhoto courtesy of ParadiseCity Arts Festival
Valerie Bunnell’s ceramicand mixed media figureswill be featured in “Hocus-Pocus,” the Festival’sspecial exhibit. Photo courtesy of ParadiseCity Arts Festival
McCormack’s sculptural sailing ships andceremonial urns are inspired by her nativeIreland. She uses pulp, fiber, rope, cord,driftwood, stones, seed pods and otherdetritus to create colors of lichen, the skyand earth.
“The vast ocean, the barren land with itsbent trees, the wind sending clouds racingacross the big skies, the brown bogsstretching as far as the eye can see, graystone walls surrounding a field, a landscapein a gap between two stones, the ancientmountains cloaked in sweet smelling gorse,live in my bones,” McCormack said of herinspirations.
“Vessels are my major form. When the ves-sel transcends my initial idea, my journey iscomplete and the vessel is ready to contin-ue its journey beyond me,” she added.
McCormack has exhibited her ceremonialvessels and sailing ships in galleries andmuseums around Rochester, N.Y., whereshe lives. Her many collectors live in Ireland,Finland, Germany, as well as in the UnitedStates.
“Hocus-Pocus,” the festival’s special exhib-it, celebrates all that is mystical, magical,mysterious and make-believe. Discoversecret compartments, masks, imaginaryworlds, trompe-l’oeil, surrealism and fanta-sy creatures. Some artists are alchemists,visually turning glass into stone, ceramicsinto wood, or metal into fabric.
The 19th annual Paradise City ArtsFestival will take place Oct. 12 to 14 at 3County Fairgrounds, 54 Old Ferry Road,Northampton, Mass. Hours of operationare Oct. 12 and 13 from 10 a.m. to 6
p.m., and Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission is $12 for adults, $11 for sen-iors age 65 and older, $8 for students or$16 for a three-day pass; children age12 and younger are free. Parking is free.
For additional information about theFestival or for a complete list of artistsand vendors, call 800-511-9725 or visit
www.paradisecityarts.com
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26 LIONESS SEPTEMBER 2013
Michelle Perry Higgins is a financial planner and principal of California FinancialAdvisors in San Ramon, Calif. Higgins specializes in wealth management, and has builta successful practice advising executive professionals into retirement. Her passion forfinancial management has helped hundreds of individuals better understand investingand financial planning. For more information, please visit www.calfinad.com.
Money with Michelle
Time to say so long (for now, at least)
Dear Lioness Readers,
Gosh, it seems hard to believe that nearly a year has passed since I started writing for LionessMagazine. As much as I’ve enjoyed sharing my expertise and hearing from all of you, it is timefor me to bid you a tearful goodbye.
Most of you know that I am a partner in my financial planning firm as well as being a full-timemom. If that weren’t enough to handle, I am also writing a book and launching a financialproduct that will hit the shelves in the next few months. Whew! It’s been an exciting whirlwindof activity, but balancing it all has made me a stronger woman.
The book is entitled “Stocks, Bonds and Soccer Moms,” and it’s all about finding balance as aworking mother in the 21st century. I wrote it from my experiences as a young wife and motherto my first daughter many years ago. The book details seven essential steps I found along theway to bringing sanity and equilibrium back into my life. Without it, who knows where I’d be now.Certainly not happily married with two wonderful girls, that’s for sure! I hope you will enjoyreading it.
My financial project is an easy-to-use, step-by-step system for keeping track of all your personalaffairs – medical, assets, liabilities, security, insurance, funeral arrangements, final wishes andmuch more. This will come in handy for your loved ones if something unexpected happens toyou. It’s called The Everything Binder, and it’s a workbook of sorts, as well as a storage methodfor everything your family would need when you’re not there anymore. It’s not something we liketo think about, but it’s something everyone needs to do before it’s too late. Like now.
Keep an eye out for both of my books in the next few months. You can visit my website for themost up-to-date information: www.MichellePerryHiggins.com. Please keep in touch with me viaFacebook (facebook.com/MichellePerryHiggins) and Twitter (@RetirementMPH). Keep tabs onwhat I’m up to, get more of my financial tips and let me know what’s going on in your life. Also,please feel free to ask any questions you might have. Like always, I’ll do my best to answerthem.
As for me, I’ll say “goodbye,” for now. I hope that we meet again down the road. It’s been myprivilege and honor to be a part of the Lioness Magazine family.
Stay financially fit,
