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2 SARAH BENKEN FOUSHEE Sarah Benken Foushee is a serial entrepreneur and CEO of 13 years, who has built and scaled her own brands internationally. She founded KNOW Women out of a passion for supporting fellow high-achieving businesswomen. Her mission is to provide space for dynamic female leaders to gather, collaborate, and be celebrated for their successes and hard work. In 2020, Sarah founded KNOW Cares, the non-profit philanthropic arm for KNOWWomen, which is focused on empowering, educating, and raising funds for women and youth worldwide. KNOWWOMEN Founded in Phoenix, Arizona in 2018 - KNOW is a global media company and community dedicated to amplifying the voices of female leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs. In April of 2019, after launching more than 20 publications and hosting more than 120 in-person events, KNOW launched its digital platform for female business owners. Built for those in high-growth mode, the membership became the space for women to align through professional development, accountability, and community. In 2020, after recognizing the need for even more connection and through our desire to continue to provide the best opportunities for growth and exposure, KNOW launched its Global Membership. Any woman regardless of their locale, career, or tenor, can align with KNOWWomen. KNOW publishes the nationally recognized KNOW City Book and Women to KNOW State Book, produces the annual KNOW Summit in Phoenix, Arizona, hosts the weekly podcast, The High-Achieving Female Podcast, by KNOW, and has recently launched an apparel line and quarterly subscription box, The Box, by KNOW - to help provide visibility to women makers and retailers. For more information, or to get involved, go to: theknowwomen.com
3 charlotte by KNOWWomen, LLC. Original Photography by ATELIER UNFORGETTABLE FLOWERSOME PHOTOGRAPHY Volume Four 2022 Edition
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6 more than 11.3 MILLION FIRMS are owned by women women employ more than 9 MILLION PEOPLE 37% OF WOMEN earn more than their husbands women firms generate 1.6 TRILLION IN SALES 40% OF ALL BUSINESS are owned and operated by women S TAT I S T I C S ON WOMEN - OWNED BU S I NE S S E S
7 WHEN SUCCESSFUL WOMEN ARE LIFTED UP FOR THEIR HARD WORK AND ACHIEVEMENTS, THEY INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION OF FEMALE LEADERS. ~Sarah Benken
8 KNOW Contributors Adrian Garson Diane Holmes Jacinda Jacobs Kendra Allison Megan Miller Nicole Peternel Sherré DeMao Trish Saemann Yolanda McCormick
9 R EMA R K S F ROM YOUR MARK E T D I R EC TOR This book highlights some of the best and brightest women in the Charlotte area. Trust me, I know most of these ladies personally and I can vouch for them! They are phenomenal. Being the Charlotte Market Director for The KNOWWomen has interrupted my busy life in somany fantasticways. The calls, texts, meetings and events take a lot of time and energy. But the payout from these efforts is totally worth it. I get to connect and share moments with women who have done it all and who are making a mark in this great city and in the world. I experience something rare and valuable every time I interact with a KNOWWoman and as a result, I am a better woman and business owner. And for that, I will be forever grateful. Thank you to our fearless leader, Sarah Benken Foushee, for the vision and all of our staff at HQ and especially my local team here in Charlotte. This book would not be without each and every one of you! Now, I implore you to get into this book… all of the fabulousness! Let it motivate and encourage you to new heights. Use it like a directory when you need a particular service and join me in celebrating these dynamic, high-achieving women. Best, Dr. Lisa Folden
10 Market Director Dr. Lisa Folden Publisher Sarah Benken Creative Director Myra Ray Photographers Atelier Unforgettable Flowersome Photography Connect @theknowwomen Subscribe theknowwomen.com Bring KNOW to your city! hello@theknowwomen.com charlotte
11 12 BUSINESS 29 FASHION 30 FOOD + BEV 32 HEALTH 38 HOME + LIFE 50 MEDIA 54 NON-PROFIT CONTENTS F E ATUR E S
BUSINESS 12 A simple class elective inspired Ajilé to become a first-generation college graduate and business owner. Born and raised in New Jersey, Ajilé has produced video content since 2010 as a student producer for her high school’s morning television program. She furthered her education and first-hand experience at Cumberland County College, where she pursued her Associate’s Degree in Radio, Television & Film Production—then transferred to Rowan University for her Bachelor’s Degree. A simple class elective inspired Ajilé to become a first-generation college graduate and Pro You Production business owner. She is known to be a jack of all trades but later sought a partner and creative team to scale her freelance business to a North Carolina based Video Production & Digital Content Company. Ajilé is a firm believer in digital customer experience. Those same beliefs are deep-rooted in the mission statement of Pro You Production, “We help businesses become virtually accessible to their consumers wherever they are. AJILÉ WELDON-LIVELY Pro You Production LLC @proyouproduction support@proyouproduction.com proyouproduction.com PHOTO CREDIT: ATELIER UNFORGETTABLE
BUSINESS 13 Brenda maintains a strong commitment to serve and is known to mentor women in various stages of their entrepreneurial journey Brenda Harris is a wife, mother, grandmother, and award-winning small business owner whose primary goal is helping people. Brenda started her staffing firm, BPN Staffing Solutions, in 2011 to help organizations and clinicians maneuver through the challenges of profitable onboarding. The mission is to help unemployed or underemployed healthcare clinicians find viable employment opportunities via contracts, permanent placements, or temporary work. Her company has been included in CBJ’s list of Charlotte’s Largest Black Owned Businesses. Brenda’s accolades are too many to name but includes 50 Most Influential Women, Who’s Who of Top Healthcare Professionals, Smart CEO/ Bravo award recipient, and she completed the Global Ambassadors program. Brenda is currently a Goldman Sachs 10K Small Business Scholar. BRENDA HARRIS BPN Staffing Solutions @Brenda Harris 866.623.8880 bpnstaffing.com PHOTO CREDIT: ATELIER UNFORGETTABLE
BUSINESS 14 Danielle knows the key to a successful and sustained business is operations. Danielle is a Business Operations Consultant serving small businesses. She works to optimize every aspect of their operations to turn ‘just getting by’ into absolutely killing it. From years of experience running operational teams and supporting organizations of thousands, Danielle gained deep expertise in the foundational elements that create a thriving business - People, Processes, and Systems. Her approach to operations starts with how your business works daily, from your employees to your clients. Then she finds innovative ways to streamline and optimize how you do it. Whether you are in hyper-growth mode or trying to get things under control, Danielle knows the key to a successful and sustained business is operations. Danielle loves ‘90s music, the water, and spreadsheets. You can find her cheering on the Carolina Panthers, organizing just about anything, or at home with her husband, young son, and Labrador Retriever. DANIELLE JEFFERSON Jefferson James Consulting @jeffersonjamesconsulting @thedaniellejefferson jeffersonjamesconsulting.com PHOTO CREDIT: FLOWERSOME PHOTOGRAPHY
BUSINESS 15 In addi t ion to being an award-winning resul t s s t rategi s t , Dr. Montae was recent ly honored as “100 Women to KNOW in Amer ica.” Dr. Linette Montae is a highly sought-after Trusted Advisor for Women CEOs and COOs during Rapid Growth & Rapid Change. Dr. Montae’s multiple advanced degrees, natural gift for systems thinking, and three decades of optimizing business infrastructures... position her as the “go-to” Strategic Catalyst for designing customer-driven solutions that increase loyalty and profitability. When not leading Profitable Empires, Dr. Linette may be found (1) hosting exclusive “Happy, Healthy & Wealthy” retreats for women leaders, (2) at her nonprofit, Teach Them To Think, mentoring the next generation of leaders, or (3) shopping for shoes... not necessarily in that order. In addition to being an awardwinning results strategist, Dr. Montae was recently honored as “100 Women to KNOW in America”, served two years on the Forbes Coaches Council, authored two books, been published in various magazines, and featured on TV and radio. #LegacyInfluencer® DR. LINETTE MONTAE Profitable Empires @linettemontae ProfitableEmpires.com LinetteMontae.com PHOTO CREDIT: ATELIER UNFORGETTABLE
BUSINESS 16 Elena Arecco Bridgmon is a natural problem solver with a rare combination of analytical and people skills. She has over 20 years of business experience working inside companies large and small, holding various roles in marketing, operations, strategy, and HR. In April 2021, Elena “retired” from corporate life to serve as the partner and Chief Administrative Officer of LUMO; an ELENAARECCO BRIDGMON LUMO lumoleadership.com IG: @lumoleadership @lumoleadership PHOTO CREDIT: ATELIER UNFORGETTABLE executive and leadership coaching company with the mission is to keep working parents in the workforce by meeting them and their employers at the intersection of work and parenthood. Elena and her team guide clients to create a win/win through one-ofa-kind programming that results in fulfilled, productive and engaged working parents. The mission is to keep working parents in the workforce by meeting them and their employers at the intersection of work and parenthood.
BUSINESS 17 Fabi shares her personal stories of fear and failure to inspire the audience to dig deep and find the fuel to flourish in their business and life. Fabi is an award-winning author, speaker, and business owner. She is the founder and president of SPARK Publications, a custom publishing firm of magazines and books. Fabi started as a solopreneur in 1998 to be home with her daughter. Today, SPARK Publications and its president have won over 300 awards for their national client work in creative design and publishing. Fabi and her firm help businesses tell their brand stories through custom publications so that they can engage and enlighten their audiences. As an author and speaker, Fabi shares her personal stories of fear and failure to inspire the audience to dig deep and find the fuel to flourish in their business and life. Recent Awards: 2021 Gold Stevie Award for Chief Happiness Officer, 2020 FOLIO magazine: Top Women in Media, 2019 NC Women Business Owners Hall of Fame, 2018 Woman Business Owner of the Year - NAWBO Charlotte. FABI PRESLAR SPARK Publications @fabipreslar hello@SPARKpublications.com SPARKpublications.com PHOTO CREDIT: ATELIER UNFORGETTABLE
BUSINESS 18 Lori is driven to raise the standards within the insurance industry by doing what is right and in your best interests. The insurance industry can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. Lori Capozza Zeind founded LCZ Consulting in 2018 because she saw a need in the community when it came to being an insurance provider … clarity, conscientiousness, and commitment to a client’s best interests. With over 20 years in the industry, Lori saw an opportunity to be a go-to trusted advisor and help clients make informed decisions about life, disability, long-term care, and business insurance. She has worked with individuals, families, small business owners, financial advisors, and corporations as an experienced consultant that knows the risk factors and best coverages to mitigate these issues for peace of mind. Lori is driven to raise the standards within the insurance industry by doing what is right and in your best interests. At LCZ Consulting, we are committed to preparing you for life’s unexpected. LORI CAPOZZA ZEIND LCZ Consulting Insurance Strategies @LCZConsulting @lori-capozza-zeind-4148495/ lczconsulting.com PHOTO CREDIT: FLOWERSOME PHOTOGRAPHY
BUSINESS 19 She delivers elevated strategies and a curated network of experts and insiders that will inspire new levels of growth and success. McKenzie Cunningham is the founder and& CEO of Queen’s Hand Collaborative, a full-service agency providing expertise in consulting, sales, events, and brand management. McKenzie comes from the Spirits industry and puts her 10+ years of experience, meaningful connections, and unparalleled brand management to work for boutique spirit brands and women-owned businesses by turning their personal idea of success into a reality while they stay focused on creating and driving impact. A perfect blend ofmoxie andmajesty, The Queen’s Hand Collaborative offers clients both clairvoyance and connection, delivering elevated strategies and a curated network of experts and insiders that will inspire new levels of growth and success. McKenzie serves on the leadership team for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. She is an NC Native, mom of two, avid yogi, Chi Omega alum, and the biggest hype girl for the women around her. MCKENZIE CUNNINGHAM Queen’s Hand Collaborative @QueensHandCollaborative hello@queenshandcollaborative.com queenshandcollaborative.com PHOTO CREDIT: FLOWERSOME PHOTOGRAPHY
BUSINESS 20 Megan is recognized in the non-profit and for-profit worlds for her creativity, drive, and leadership; she brings enthusiasm for new challenges and creative strategies. Megan Miller was recently listed as one of Disruptor Magazine’s Top 30 Female Entrepreneurs to look out for in 2022 and featured in the Know Women Publication as one of the top 100 women to know in the state of NC. She is the owner of Megan Miller Marketing, LLC, and co-host of the popular podcast XM Divas. Miller is also the founder of Opera Recycles, an environmental sustainability program that transforms unused marketing collateral into Couture Fashions. Miller created the first virtual Opera house during the pandemic for opera companies to utilize across the country, bringing the magic of opera into people’s homes. Miller has served as a member of the Opera America Strategic Committee and is a member of the Board for the UNC-Charlotte Enactus business team. Volunteer activities include American Heart Association, Pediatric Cancer Association, and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Megan Miller is still an active professional opera singer. MEGAN MILLER Megan Miller Marketing, LLC @marketing_mezzo megan@marketingmezzo.com marketingmezzo.com PHOTO CREDIT: ATELIER UNFORGETTABLE
BUSINESS 21 While she is grateful that she is still so passionate about her industry, her family and own mental health are equally as important. Nicole Peternel has 20-plus years of PR and strategic communications experience. Her career began in the Twin Cities, where she produced PR for Broadway and the NFL. With the desire to gain global PR experience, Nicole relocated to Chicago, where she worked at some of the world’s largest agencies, Edelman, Weber Shandwick, Ketchum and others. In 2018, Nicole NICOLE PETERNEL Rein Communications Little Bit Publicity @reincommunications reincommunications.com littlebitagency.com PHOTO CREDIT: ATELIER UNFORGETTABLE founded Rein Communications, a strategic communications agency headquartered in Charlotte, NC, catering to corporate and institutional clients worldwide. Her determination to create PR opportunities for small businesses led Nicole to launch her second agency, Little Bit Publicity, in 2022. LBP focuses on deliverables and offers affordable, targeted outreach that brings visibility and credibility to entrepreneurs, small businesses, startups, and nonprofits. While she is grateful that she is still so passionate about her industry, her family and own mental health are equally as important. You can often find her traveling with her family, in the kitchen whipping up a new dish, practicing yoga or reading a book. Nicole is also a wife and mother to two energetic boys and two pups, Sophie and Maverick.
BUSINESS 22 Her goal is to lead women in business to a life with greater purpose. Renee Breazeale started her career as one of the first females outside industrial salespeople. Five years later, she started her company with $3000.00 in cash and a high-interest credit card. Her faith and selfconfidence allowed her to successfully lead a certified woman-owned business in a male-dominated industry for over 30 years. She sold her fastener company in 2017 for millions but not before pivoting her business in the 2008 great recession and surviving a brain tumor. She also became a patent owner of a one-driver bit fastener system and developed the first industrial on-site inventory replenishment method. She now uses knowledge earned as an entrepreneur in her latest venture, Victory In Time, providing mentoring and mastermind groups. She is also enjoying a speaking career, and her book, Soaring Through Adversity, will be available in January 2023. RENEE J. BREAZEALE Victory In Time, LLC @victory.in.time @renee-breazeale 704.309.9578 victoryintime.com PHOTO CREDIT: FLOWERSOME PHOTOGRAPHY
BUSINESS 23 Sarah’s mission is to provide high-quality, strategic design to entrepreneurs and small business owners, so they can walk away with dynamic branding and websites. Sarah Wells is the owner and lead designer of Swell Design. Since 2016, Sarah’s mission has always been to provide high-quality, strategic design to entrepreneurs and small business owners, so they can walk away with dynamic branding and websites that will allow their businesses to thrive. Sarah takes pride in creating impactful branding while simultaneously providing a welcoming space for everyone from all walks of life, no matter where they are in their business journey. Every client with Swell Design is an equal partner in their project, working together through an enjoyable and fun design process. When Sarah isn’t at her desk, she is a wife and a mom to two young boys. You can often find her enjoying some downtime listening to music, spending time outdoors, or watching her favorite TV show for the hundredth time. SARAH WELLS Swell Design @swell.design.co sarah@swelldesign.co swelldesign.co
BUSINESS 24 Sherré is a nationally acclaimed author, speaker, and organizational growth strategist. Sherré DeMao, CGS, is CEO of BizGrowth Inc, an award-winning operational strategy firm specializing in next-level, next-idea solutions for entrepreneurial enterprises to build preferential value, exponential worth, and marketplace preference. A nationally acclaimed author, speaker, andorganizational growth strategist, she was featured in Huffington Post’s Thrive Global as a Woman of the C-Suite, in 2018. She was inducted into the Evolutionary Business Council as a global thought leader in 2019. Her recent book, Dream Wide Awake: Shifting from Daydreaming to Dream Doing, was selected for the National Association of Women in Construction’s Leadership Book Club in 2020. Her books, The Profitability Quotient: What COVID Business Failures Confirmed and The Prosperity Imperative, are expected to be released in 2023 and 2024. Her expertise has been featured in Entrepreneur.com, Forbes, and EI+ Magazine. She was recently accepted into the invitation-only Forbes Council for her track record in positively impacting business growth initiatives. SHERRE’ L. DEMAO, CGS BizGrowth Inc. prosper@bizgrowthinc.com bizgrowthinc.com sherredemao.com PHOTO CREDIT: ATELIER UNFORGETTABLE
BUSINESS 25 The successful development of her entrepreneurial skills allowed her to launch c o m m u n i t y - c e n t e r e d businesses for the past decade. Certified life coach, educator, and image and etiquette expert Tetnika Marie Williamson is highly dedicated to helping people achieve their professional purpose by developing outstanding, long-term life skills and personal development. She is an M.B.A., NBCT based in Charlotte, North Carolina, who has worked in the field of education for over 17 years. The successful development of her entrepreneurial skills allowed her to launch communitycentered businesses for the past decade. Her latest book Modern Day Etiquette for Everyday Living, is a consolidated version of her services in helping people learn etiquette skills that will particularly benefit young adults embarking on personal careers of their own. The Poise Group, LLC, and Poise & Co. Inc. (501c3) offer a comprehensive variety of life coaching, workforce development, and mentoring services for youth and adults. Having the ability to put efficient organizational, entrepreneurial, education, and etiquette skills to good use is where she thrives. TETNIKA MARIE WILLIAMSON The Poise Group Consulting & Events @tetnikamarie tetnikamarie.com thepoisegroup.com PHOTO CREDIT: FLOWERSOME PHOTOGRAPHY
BUSINESS 26 TrishSaemann intends tohelp businesses grow, innovate, impact their community, and make more money. Trish is notoriously straightforward, quick to laugh, and likes to put people at ease. She is also a no-nonsense, results-focused digital marketing expert, business coach, fractional CMO, and marketing consultant, who is intent on helping businesses grow, innovate, have an impact on their community, and make more money. Co-founder of GoBeyond SEO in 2009, Trish is also the author of her signature online course, Get More Clients You Love, and lead facilitator of the group coaching and mastermind program, The Intentional Entrepreneur. Graduating with honors from Georgian Court University and the internationally recognized Goldman Sachs 10KSB program at Babson College, Trish and GoBeyond SEO are the recipients of several awards for professional excellence. Her expertise has been sought after and featured in such publications as Forbes, Inc, Wired, Social Media Examiner, TechCrunch, Bloomberg, and Business Journals. Privately, Trish has been happily married for 18 years and has two beloved children. TRISH SAEMANN GoBeyond SEO @dishwitrish @Trish-Saemann Trish@TrishSaemann.com PHOTO CREDIT: ATELIER UNFORGETTABLE
BUSINESS 27 She’s a dynamic encourager, connector,motivational speaker, and author—a life, community, education, and business leader. From hopelessness to promoting hope through her life, Ulunda Baker uses her life story as a generational chain breaker of poverty, episodic homelessness and mental health challenges to help equip and empower others to overcome their own adversities. She’s an advocate for children and families and travels all over the country speaking specifically on the impacts of childhood trauma and how to heal, navigating life as awife andmother and owning your career growth. She serves with various organizations and schools throughout the greater Charlotte area and beyond. Ulunda is a Sr. Director in Corporate America, CEO/ Cofounder of Serve Unity Outreach, Inc. a 501c3 non- profit focused on bringing the community together to serve in schools, poverty, and homelessness. She currently serves as the Vice Chair on a private school Board of Directors and previously served on the Community Shelter of Union County’s and Common Heart Food Bank Board. When she’s not serving, speaking and teaching others, you can find her spending time with her husband, Richard, and sons RJ, Chris, and Matthew. She resides in the Charlotte, NC area. ULUNDA BAKER Connect With Her @mrs-ulunda-n-baker-9995909 @ulundaspeaksandwrites ulundabaker.com PHOTO CREDIT: FLOWERSOME PHOTOGRAPHY
BUSINESS 28 Yolanda continues to be inspired by insight, driven by her passion, and measured by her results. Multitalented, Passionate & Approachable, these are “three words” that perfectly describe Yolanda Belser, Owner of Y&S Productions agency, based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Yolanda is a devoted mother of 2, loving wife, and a savvy business leader in the entertainment industry. With over 25 years of experience in branding, marketing, advertising and producing live events, Yolanda uses her expertise to build “breakthrough brands” for her client’s locally, regionally and nationally. While wearing all of her hats well; mother, wife, businesswoman and fashionista, Yolanda continues be inspired by insight, driven by her passion and measured by her results. YOLANDA BELSER Y&S Productions Agency IG @y2_yolanda 770.899.9936 ysproesnt.com PHOTO CREDIT: ATELIER UNFORGETTABLE
FASHION 29 Erica is striving to bring convenience to all women when it comes to an active lifestyle. Erica Davis is the CEO and Founder of Imperfect Mommers, a women’s fitness, and athleisure brand. Erica is a Charleston, SC native who resides in Charlotte, NC. She started Imperfect Mommers in 2018 because she found the need to provide women with great quality apparel at affordable prices. Imperfect Mommers also has the SnapBack Box, a starter workout kit with resistance bands, booty bands, jump rope and more. Erica is striving to bring convenience to all women when it comes to an active lifestyle. ERICA DAVIS Imperfect Mommers® @ImperfectMommers info@imperfectmommers.com imperfectmommers.com PHOTO CREDIT: ATELIER UNFORGETTABLE
FOOD + BEV 30 Thoughtful, tasteful, and memorable events are made with Beau Monde. MarySue has a passion for the details. Rich experience in hospitality, branding, and fashion. Marysue is here to make sure each of our venues is beautiful for your event and your experience unmatched. After years of experience in the New York hospitality market, Marysue committed to transporting moments of those experiences to Charlotte. It doesn’t matter where you are, but who you’re with. Thoughtful, tasteful, and memorable events are made at Beau Monde. Beau Monde strives to create relationships between client and space, encouraging past, present, and future guests to experience all of our venues in different ways. Whether it’s a wedding, social or corporate event, or gala, Beau Monde’s goal is to welcome guests into our many spaces time and time again. MARYSUE BOYLE Beau Monde @beaumondevenues events@beaumondevenues.com beaumondevenues.com PHOTO CREDIT: ATELIER UNFORGETTABLE
FOOD + BEV 31 Renate is passionate about providing food that’s good for people and the planet and skillfully demonstrates strategies through cookery advice to strengthen family, workplace, and community relationships. Celebrity Chef and Business Owner Renate Moore is the Founder and CEO of LadyRen’s Bakery & Books, which provides culinary expertise to help people get closer to their aspirational healthy lifestyle. Renate has over 30 years of success in the kitchen and lifestyle discipline. Maintaining a standard of excellence in healthy lifestyle, leadership and community service has resulted in awards and recognition including her platinum MarCom award winning cookbook, WBTV/Charlotte Resident Chef, Woman for Animal Welfare by Humane Society of Charlotte, and being a media spokeswoman. She influences her environment by sharing her professional skills and the necessary attitude to pass along her empowerment. The goal is to bring awareness of the circumstances and obstacles that many working women face, find ways to eliminate those barriers and invite other professionals to follow in her example. RENATE MOORE LadyRen’s Bakery & Books @ladyrensbb @RenateMoore @ladyrensbakeryandbooks ladyrens.com PHOTO CREDIT: ATELIER UNFORGETTABLE
HEALTH 32 She believes in leading with integrity and humility to learn from others and embrace opportunities for growth and positive change. Clarisa Thomas is the Director of Clinical Operations at Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center. She is a highly sought-after leader in her community and a resource for management and medical practitioners. Binge-watching ER on TLC fueled her interest in working as a healthcare practitioner from an early age. Clarisa majored in Nursing at the prestigious Hampton University and began her career as a critical care nurse shortly after graduation. She uses her 20+ years of experience in Nursing and management to lead a team of managers among her headcount of over 100 clinical staff. Clarisa desires to continue making a difference in the community by sharing her medical and clinical management experiences with other present and future leaders. Clarisa enjoys spending time with her husband (Zach), whom she met at Hampton University, and their two children (Alexander & Isabella). In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and exploring art and culture. CLARISA THOMAS CRT Consulting @clarisa-thomas crtconsulting.solutions PHOTO CREDIT: FLOWERSOME PHOTOGRAPHY
HEALTH 33 People love her practical, relatable strategies that they can easily apply personally. Dr. Parkes is a board-certified, licensed Naturopathic Physician specializing in natural hormone balance. She believes that education is the key to a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Parkes delivers high-energy, engaging keynotes and workshops that challenge audiences to focus on what matters most, their health. People love her practical, relatable strategies that they can easily apply personally. She is often described as “The Hormone Boss.” Her passion for natural health has allowed her to develop a thriving online clinic, The Lifestyle Clinic. Dr. Parkes has written numerous books and articles about health and has appeared on television, radio shows, and podcasts. Oh, did we mention that Dr. Parkes is Jamaican? Why does that matter? Well, it means she’s a bit mischievous, has a great sense of humor, and knows her way around a kitchen. Fun fact: She actually considers herself an “unofficial top chef … and Jamaica’s slowest runner.” DR. KIVETTE PARKES The Lifestyle Clinic @dr.parkes 704.334.3761 drparkes.com PHOTO CREDIT: ATELIER UNFORGETTABLE
HEALTH 34 Her goal is to help women live the lives of their dreams without worrying about their weight! Dr. Lisa N. Folden is a licensed physical therapist, NASM-certified behavior change specialist, and the owner of Healthy Phit Physical Therapy & Wellness Consultants. A body-positive women’s health expert and health at every size® (HAES®) ambassador, Dr. Folden assists women seeking healthier lifestyles. Her weight-neutral approach encourages intuitive eating, body acceptance, joyful movement, and breaking up with toxic diet culture. Dr. Lisa is a mom of three, a published author, and a speaker who understands the complex needs of the modern woman. Therefore, she considers helping busy moms find their ‘healthy’ one of her top priorities. Her goal is to help women live the lives of their dreams without worrying about their weight! Dr. Folden is a member of the National Association of Black Physical Therapists, the Association for Size Diversity & Health, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and serves as the Charlotte Market Director for The KNOWWomen. DR. LISA FOLDEN Healthy Phit Physical Therapy & Wellness Consultants @HealthyPhit 980.505.7448 HealthyPhit.com PHOTO CREDIT: ATELIER UNFORGETTABLE
HEALTH 35 When she is not changing lives one smile at a time, she is passionately active within her community with one of many community service organizations. A Mississippi native, Dr. Veronica Landers and her husband/business partner made Charlotte, NC home in 2009. They opened their first cosmetic dental practice, Oasis Dentistry, in 2010 and their second location in 2011. Having traveled the world experiencing atmospheres of a variety of illustrious spas, she developed her vision for VLUXE Spa. To help alleviate their dental anxiety, her patients at Oasis Dentistry receive a complimentary facial or massage before their dental visits. Dr. Landers, devotes considerable time and energy toward continuing education. She is an active member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the American Med Spa Association. When she is not changing lives one smile at a time, she is passionately active within her communitywith one of many community service organizations she is a part of, such as the March of Dimes or the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Dr. Landers enjoys the arts, cooking, playing tennis, and traveling abroad in her spare time with her husband and their three wonderful children. DR. VERONICA LANDERS Oasis Dentistry and VLUXE Signature Spa @drveronicalanders oasisdentistrync.com VLUXEspa.com PHOTO CREDIT: ATELIER UNFORGETTABLE
HEALTH 36 She’s in the business of transforming lives by assisting you in living a more focused, intentional way so you can show up in the world as the person you are destined to be. Elizabeth Colen is a Health Strategist who helps women transition from being stifled, overwhelmed, and overstressed to living their fullest, most prosperous, and healthiest lives. Through Focus, Intention, and Transformation, Elizabeth works with you to become “F.I.T.” and gain the confidence, energy and clarity you need to live a long lasting life of wellness and vitality. Elizabeth is a certified Life Coach, Wellness Inventory Facilitator, and an honor graduate from Ashworth College in Nutrition, Diet and Health Science. She has a weight loss story of losing over 115 pounds, which she has maintained for over ten years. She’s in the business of transforming lives, as a Wellness Strategist and Presenter, she customizes Holistic Wellness Transformation Program to assist you in living a more focused, intentional way that will transform your life so you can show up in the world as the person you are destined to be. Living a healthy lifestyle is not a fad. ELIZABETH COLEN Ms. FitOne Lifestyles @MsFitOne Living@MsFitOne.com MsFitOne.com PHOTO CREDIT: FLOWERSOME PHOTOGRAPHY
HEALTH 37 Kendra has a mission to connect a community of SLPs of color for business development, mentoring, and impact Kendra T. Allison is a licensed speechlanguage pathologist (SLP) and connection curator. Her company Speechology contracts SLP services to schools and care facilities, specializing in early intervention, sensory preferences, and behaviors. Kendra has a mission to connect a community of SLPs of color for business development, mentoring, and impact, starting with her first annual event the “8% Summit for speech pathologists and audiologists of color” in August 2022. KENDRA T. ALLISON Speechology Communication Services PLLC @kendratallison.slp speechologypllc@gmail.com speechologypllc.com PHOTO CREDIT: ATELIER UNFORGETTABLE
HOME + LIFE 38 She’s vested in organizations that support and empower young women and those that help people temporarily sidelined by life get back on their feet, causes that speak to her heart. Tiffini is a full-time “experience curator” with her company, POSE! 360 Photo Booth, and she’s experiencing all the amazing offerings of Charlotte. After a 17-year pharmaceutical/device sales career, she desired a new direction for her life and talents, and POSE! was born. Tiffini is an honor graduate of Winthrop University with a BA in Mass Communications and an MBA from the University of South Carolina. She’s vested in organizations that support and empower young women and those that help people temporarily sidelined by life get back on their feet, causes that speak to her heart. Today, Tiffini is a wife, mother, and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and the National Sales Network. She also serves as a mentor and coach to other budding photo booth owners. “Live life on and with purpose” is her motto, and she knows undoubtedly that her best days lie ahead, not behind her. TIFFINI SPRY POSE! 360 Photo Booth @pose360clt tiffini@pose360photobooth.com pose360photobooth.com PHOTO CREDIT: ATELIER UNFORGETTABLE
HOME + LIFE 39 She created a warm, welcoming Law Firm with purpose and intention so that speaking of one’s death and sickness could be talked about with dignity and without fear. Sincere. Authentic. Compassionate. Warm. Quick-witted. That is who Sabrina is as a mom, a wife, a sister, a daughter, and as an Estate Planning attorney. Sabrina felt strongly that her clients would never feel as scared, lost, and unguided as she and her family were before and after her uncle’s passing. Outside of her legal practice, Sabrina enjoys cooking, playing piano, and supporting Project2Heal, a non-profit located in Waxhaw, North Carolina, where most labrador puppies bred are donated to service dog organizations across the country helping disabled veterans. At home, she is blessed to be a mom to her daughter Kailey, a wife to her husband Tim, and to be loved unconditionally by her rescue Gracie! SABRINA WINTERS Sabrina Winters, Attorney at Law, PLLC 6406 Carmel Road, Suite 301, Charlotte, NC 28226 swinters@sabrinawinterslaw.com SabrinaWintersLaw.com PHOTO CREDIT: ATELIER UNFORGETTABLE
HOME + LIFE 40 Finding alcohol freedom brought her abundance and gave her the confidence to pursue new opportunities she never had the courage to attempt when she was drinking. Molly Ruggere is a writer, Certified Life Coach, Certified This Naked Mind Coach, and Founder of Counterculture Club, a global alcohol-free community on a mission to show theworld alcohol is not a requirement for fun, fulfilling life. When Molly quit drinking at 27, she thought the fun was over. However, she found the opposite to be true. Rather than a life of deprivation, finding alcohol freedom brought her abundance and gave her the confidence to pursue new opportunities she never had the courage to attempt when she was drinking. Molly started Counterculture Club in 2020 as a way to meet like-minded friends who wanted to socialize alcohol-free. Since then, her passion project has become her career. She’s written about her experience for national and local publications, earned two coaching certifications, hosted countless alcohol-free social events, and built a robust membership community, providing authentic connections and support for folks worldwide. MOLLY RUGGERE Counterculture Club @mollyruggere @counterculture_club countercultureclub.org PHOTO CREDIT: ATELIER UNFORGETTABLE
HOME + LIFE 41 She encourages everyone to “find beauty in the ruins.” Even through hardships and moments where we don’t feel as confident, there is beauty in everything. Lilly, theownerofFlowersomePhotography, is what we call a unicorn in the Queen City (a Charlotte native) and your favorite friend with a camera. She’s captured everything from family portraits and branding sessions to weddings and quinceañeras. Clients describe her style as “warm” and “celestial.” She ignited the fire of entrepreneurship in 2017. After several years of creating impactful experiences for women and families across the city, she took that leap of faith to run her business full-time in 2021. Despite the pandemic, Flowersome Photography has continued to bloom exponentially. She encourages everyone to “find beauty in the ruins. Even through hardships and moments where we don’t feel as confident, there is beauty in everything.” The most exciting thing about being a photographer for her is being the hype woman for other women and gifting them with empowering images, so they never forget how beautiful they truly are. LILLY SUM Flowersome Photography LLC @flowersome_ flowersomephotography@gmail.com flowersomephotography.com PHOTO CREDIT: FLOWERSOME PHOTOGRAPHY
HOME + LIFE 42 Kimberli thanks God every day for the opportunities to help people in need and bring light and light to dark places through love and service. Kimberli has a Bachelor of Arts from Parsons School Of Design, the world-famous “Project Runway School” in NYC. Then she went on to have a prosperous career in fashion design and product management for recognizable brands like Issac Mizrahi, Calvin Klein, and Kenneth Cole. Then she retired to have a family and embarked on many entrepreneurial adventures. Her most successful are Kimberli Esther Art and Dragonfly Couture Tablescapes. Kimberli is an active advocate working tirelessly for the homeless, hungry, abused, and marginalized in our community. To bring heightened awareness to the needs of her community, she pursued pageantry for the first time at 48 years old as a platform. Kimberli is the reigning Mrs. North Carolina US Continental 2022 and placed 2nd runner-up in the National pageant this past June. Along with her art and philanthropy, Kimberli is a speaker and a writer. KIMBERLI SPOLAR Kimberli Esther Art @Kimberli_Esther_Art, @Mrs.NorthCarolinaUSContinental Kimberliestherart.com PHOTO CREDIT: FLOWERSOME PHOTOGRAPHY
HOME + LIFE 43 For 36 years, her awardwinning homes can be found around the NC lakes and mountains and in multiple states nationwide. Jennifer Beaman Pippin, FAIBD, CPBD owner of Pippin Home Designs, since 1987, is a nationally acclaimed Residential Design Specialist and recognized expert in healthy, sustainable, and green building practices, with a focus on creating new homes and renovation projects specifically on view properties, such as waterfront and mountainsides. She is the recipient of 60 design awards and numerous business achievement awards locally, regionally, and nationally, including the 2009 ‘50 Most InfluentialWomen of theYear’ award; in 2008: ‘Green For-Profit Business of the Year’, ‘Green Advocate of the Year’, and ‘Green Residential Renovation Project of the Year’, and in 2004 ‘Top 25 Women in Business Achievement’ award, all four from the Charlotte Business Journal; and the prestigious 2004 NAWBO Charlotte ‘Woman Business Owner of the Year’ award. JENNY PIPPIN, FAIBD, CPBD Pippin Home Designs IG @pippinhomedesigns inspiredliving@pippinhomedesigns.com pippinhomedesigns.com PHOTO CREDIT: FLOWERSOME PHOTOGRAPHY
HOME + LIFE 44 These ladies curate magical moments that leave a lasting impression on your heart. Diane and Crystal both share a passion for creating magical memories and celebrating life with those they love. This passion fuels Sapphire Dreams (SD). Diane founded SD in 2019 after working as a nurse practitioner and recognizing the need for more professionals to celebrate LIFE. SD is about creating an experience through personalized events and luxury travel that motivate you to see life’s beauty. After planning events and travel for her own tribe, Diane decided to share this passion. Along with Crystal, who is an educator at heart with a love for creating memories in & out of the classroom, these ladies curate magical moments that leave a lasting impression on your heart. So when life gets tough, you can think back to that moment when your heart was full. “Sometimes we can’t let go of memories because they are constant reminders of a great story that we never expected to end.” DIANE HOLMES CRYSTAL MCDONALD Sapphire Dreams, LLC @sapphiredreamevents info@sapphiredreamevents.com sapphiredreamevents.com PHOTO CREDIT: FLOWERSOME PHOTOGRAPHY
HOME + LIFE 45 Fun and hella dope facts, a portrait of Galloway is now part of the permanent collection at the Harvey B Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture Davita Galloway is a founder/owner of DUPP&SWAT, a creative studio that served/s as a platform and launching pad for herself and others. She is a change agent, a creative, a host, a speaker, an award-winning costumer, a doer, and a disruptor. Galloway is adamant about the need for genuine expression— further evident in her various ventures, such as CrownKeepers, a nonprofit, andHUEHOUSE, a creative agency, where she serves as Executive Director and VP of Audience Engagement, respectively. More, as a proponent and champion of building community, social equity, entrepreneurship and economic opportunity, Davita enjoys collaboration with impact on those outputs. Fun and hella dope facts, a portrait of Galloway is now part of the permanent collection at the Harvey B Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture, she is the event decor queen and is a new and proud mom of a healthy Chinese Crested named Roco. DAVITA GALLOWAY DUPP&SWAT @thedavitagalloway hi@thedavitagalloway.com thedavitagalloway.com PHOTO CREDIT: ATELIER UNFORGETTABLE
HOME + LIFE 46 The focus is to provide an environment where people can revive and refresh. A native of Rochester, NY, currently living in Charlotte, NC, Danna received a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from Alabama A&M University and a master’s in Finance from Strayer University. After completing grad school, she did some soul searching and fell in love with Interior design and event décor. She has a passion for introducing modern-day artful comforts while preserving the nature and character of a home. The Design Code, LLC. was established in 2019, currently specializing in Interior Design for home and commercial spaces, as well as event florals and design. The Design Code is known for beautiful panelwalls andmodernminimalist designs. The focus is to provide an environment where people can revive and refresh, whether designing your home or you’re wedding. Her style can best be described as refined yet comfortable, with collected, layered and livable looks. Danna’s expertise shines in her ability to understand a client’s needs and flawlessly deliver their dream space. The best part of her job is seeing the vision come to life and the joy on her client’s faces when they view their space for the first time. DANNA FRANKLIN The Design Code, LLC. @the_designcode_ @indesigncode indesigncode.com PHOTO CREDIT: ATELIER UNFORGETTABLE
HOME + LIFE 47 Be bold in everything you do; it keeps other women encouraged. Meet Crystal “Sarah” Hoseine. Disc Jockey, Master Hairstylist, Permanent Makeup Artist, and Vibe Curator. Her friends introduce her as DJ Sarah Selfish, the best Soca DJ in Charlotte. Crystal describes herself as “I am a vibe .”Born in Trinidad, it’s no surprise that this island girl naturally captivates with her alluring persona and flair. A visionary mastering blondes, extensions, and curl patterns from 1a to 4c. The perfectionist in her has led to permanent cosmetic tattooing. Her newly opened salon Sarah Selfish Beauty located in South End Charlotte, gives you a one on one experience with Crystal. Features in Women’s Wear Daily, Essence, Glamour, Seventeen, VH1 reality TV, and BET award shows to name a few. The demand has her bustling between Charlotte and NYC. CRYSTAL HOSEINE Sarah Selfish @djsarahselfish @sarahselfishbeauty sarahselfish.com PPHOTO CREDIT: ATELIER UNFORGETTABLE
HOME + LIFE 48 Charlene believes we should live out the best version of ourselves every day without compromising our health and relationships with our loved ones. Charlene Jefferson is a Certified High Performance Coach™, an author and the founder of Charlene Jefferson Coaching, who helps leaders, entrepreneurs and corporate executives achieve their fullest potential in all arenas of life, including career and business. Charlene’s upbringing gave her the perspective on life that everything great begins as a small seed, given the right nutriment and light, grows into something of substance and value. She believes that we, as humans are no different. However, many of us have had our fair share of roadblocks and distractions that have stopped us fromgrowing intoour fullest potential.That’s why she became a Certified High Performance Coach™, certified through the High Performance Institute! Charlene is passionate about helping people not just performwell but to sustain high performance in all arenas of life including career and business. Charlene’s desire is to help others get out of their own way and get into the habit of living from abundance, faith, and freedom one decision, one action, one achievement at a time! CHARLENE JEFFERSON Charlene Jefferson Coaching @CharleneJefferson @iamcharlenejefferson charlenejefferson.com PHOTO CREDIT: ATELIER UNFORGETTABLE
HOME + LIFE 49 Carla provides workshops to support communities in becoming trauma-informed and practicing self-care. Carla Carlisle is a TEDx speaker, awardwinning author, trauma expert, and proud boy mom. A keynote speaker, Carla provides workshops to support communities in becoming trauma-informed and practicing self-care. She incorporates her experiences penned in her memoir, “Journey to the Son,” and her son, JC, in “My Big Notebook” to drive home how to cope and thrive beyond trauma. Her third book, “The Compassionate Companion,” shares everything you should know about becoming a foster/adoptive parent and supportinga childwitha traumatic background but didn’t know to ask. Carla is a proudmember ofAlpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She earned an M.S. in human resources management from American University, an M.S. in organizational development from Johns Hopkins University, and a B.A. in sociology from Indiana University. CARLA A. CARLISLE The Compassionate Companion (TM) @carlaacarlisle @mybignotebookforkids Info@carlaacarlisle.com PHOTO CREDIT: FLOWERSOME PHOTOGRAPHY
MEDIA 50 Adrian is passionate about local journalism and digital media and how they can work together to serve the community. Adrian Garson is the Publisher and VP of Charlotte’s largest controlled circulation local news source, Charlotte Media Group, which includes the South Charlotte Weekly, Union County Weekly, and Matthews - Mint Hill Weekly. Adrian is also co-owner of The Gypsy Debutante Clothing based out of Rock Hill SC. ADRIAN GARSON Charlotte Media Group and Street Media LLC @thegypsydebutante Adrian@cmgweekly.com thecharlotteweekly.com PHOTO CREDIT: ATELIER UNFORGETTABLE
MEDIA 51 Brigida has spent 20 years building her brand of authenticity, credibility, and an engaging personality. A native of Charlotte, NC, Brigida is an award-winning TV journalist, motivational speaker, wellness coach, and content creator. She strives to encourage, uplift, and educate others with her powerful and engaging content on social media and whenever she serves as a speaker, host, panelist, and moderator. Brigida is also passionate about health and wellness. In 2013, she transformed her life when she lost more than 80lbs by giving up processed and added sugars. That led her to found her wildly-successful “TeamNOSugar” 30-day challenge, where she spent years helping others take control of their health. In the spring of 2022, she rebooted the popular wellness challenge to continue to help people take agency over their health. Brigida is also a dedicated infertility awareness advocate. She believes strongly in using her platform to raise awareness around infertility which affects 1 in 8 couples in the U.S. A four-time miscarriage survivor, Brigida, and her husband are expecting their first child - and long-awaited rainbow baby— in December of 2022. BRIGIDA MACK Penguin Enterprises, LLC @BrigidaMack bmack@brigidamack.com brigidamack.com PHOTO CREDIT: ATELIER UNFORGETTABLE
MEDIA 52 Inspired to spotlight that women are the opposite of invisible in midlife, Bree created a podcast exclusively for midlife women. In the fall of 2020, Bree Schumacher found herself inthemiddleofamidlifecrisis.Afterselling the community-based Spanish School she grew for 19 years from a $500 loan to seven figures and moving across the country from Wisconsin to South Carolina, she felt lost. She didn’t realize howmuch her identitywas tied to that business and her title. She found herself asking, “Is this all there is? “What’s my purpose?” “What will I do with the rest of my life?” When she started telling other women how she was feeling, she realized that most women inmidlifewere feeling the same and asking these exact questions no matter if they were in careers or staying home. During this time, she also read that women become invisible at age 44. Bree then created a podcast exclusively for midlife women called Seize Your Midlife. The podcast includes topics about midlife as well as interviews with amazing and powerful women over 40. Through Seize Your Midlife, Bree also offers in-person retreats and online programs meant to turn a midlife crisis into midlife arising. Bree is a public speaker, lifelong entrepreneur, and former bilingual CEO. BREE SCHUMACHER Seize Your Midlife bree@SeizeYourMidlife.com @SeizeYourMidlife seizeyourmidlife.com PHOTO CREDIT: ATELIER UNFORGETTABLE
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