BCN Magazine 4th Quarter : simplebooklet.com

BUSINESS CROSSING NETWORKQuarterly MagazineEdition Q4 | 2023B C N M A G A Z I N E  |  2Get ready to meet some of the coolest entrepreneurs from the BCN squad! This edition is jam-packed with hot business tips, fresh ideas, and the latest from ourcommunity.We appreciate your support for the DMV Business Crossing Network, and we promise tokeep you Connected For Success!Check out www.businesscrossingnetwork.com for more.Editor’sNoteBUSINESSCROSSINGNETWORKJoin us on a captivating journey as we embark on our final season of the year!

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By BCN StaffIn today's ever-evolving business landscape, remote work has become more than just atrend; it's a fundamental shift in the way we work. With the flexibility it offers, remote workhas opened up a world of possibilities for both employers and employees. However, to trulysucceed in a remote work environment, one must master the art of working effectively fromanywhere. In this article, we'll explore some essential tips to help you maximize productivitywhile working remotely.Set Up Your Ideal WorkspaceYour environment plays a crucial role in your productivity. Designate a dedicatedworkspace that's free from distractions and well-equipped with the tools you need. Investin a comfortable chair, a good desk, and proper lighting to create an ergonomic andconducive atmosphere.Establish A Routine Maintaining a structured daily routine can help you stay on track. Start your day at aconsistent time, schedule breaks, and establish a clear start and end to your workday. Thisroutine will help you maintain a work-life balance and ensure you're consistentlyproductive.Effective CommunicationRemote work heavily relies on communication. Regularly check in with your team throughvideo conferences, chat apps, and email. Be clear and concise in your messages and setexpectations for response times. Effective communication keeps everyone on the samepage.Utilize Technology WiselyLeverage the right tools and software to streamline your remote work. Projectmanagement tools like Asana or Trello, video conferencing platforms like Zoom, andcommunication apps like Slack can enhance collaboration and productivity.Time Management TechniquesRemote work often requires a higher degree of self-discipline. Embrace time managementtechniques like the Pomodoro Technique or time blocking to structure your day effectively.Prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance to avoid procrastination.BUSINESS CROSSING NETWORKQuarterly MagazineEdition Q4 | 2023B C N M A G A Z I N E  |  4MAXIMIZING EFFICIENCY WHEN WORKING REMOTELY:SUGGESTIONS FOR OPTIMAL PRODUCTIVITY.

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BUSINESS CROSSING NETWORKQuarterly MagazineEdition Q4 | 2023B C N M A G A Z I N E  |  5Set Clear GoalsEstablish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals.Knowing what you need to accomplish each day helps you stay focused and motivated.Dress for SuccessAlthough remote work allows for a more casual dress code, getting dressed as if youwere going to the office can boost your confidence and create a professional mindset.Take Regular BreaksDon't forget to take short breaks to stretch, hydrate, and recharge. Overworking can leadto burnout, so ensure you step away from your workspace periodically.Continue LearningRemote work often requires adapting to new tools and strategies. Invest time in learningand improving your skills, whether it's through online courses, webinars, or readingrelevant industry literature.Self-Care MattersPrioritize your physical and mental well-being. Engage in regular exercise, maintain ahealthy diet, and practice mindfulness to reduce stress and maintain a positive mindset Mastering remote work is about creating a balance between structure and flexibility. Byoptimizing your workspace, communication, and time management, you can unlock thefull potential of remote work and boost your productivity. Remember, remote work is notjust a location change; it's a transformative way of working that, when done right, canlead to greater efficiency, job satisfaction, and success.

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BUSINESS CROSSING NETWORKQuarterly MagazineB C N M A G A Z I N E  |  6Celebrating Differences: How Diversity Empowers Your TeamIn the current dynamic businessenvironment, companies that prioritizediversity within their workforce are notonly promoting inclusivity but also gainingan array of advantages. Diversifying theworkforce has become a strategic priorityfor businesses aiming for long-termsuccess and sustainability.A diverse workforce brings togetherindividuals with distinctive perspectives,experiences, and backgrounds. This varietyof viewpoints inspires originality andcreativity within the organization. Whenindividuals from diverse backgroundscollaborate, they tend to generate novelideas, resolve intricate problems, anddevelop innovative products and servicesthat cater to a broader array of customerrequirements.Edition Q4 | 2023Embracing diversity within an organization is a potent means of attracting andretaining exceptional talent. In today's fiercely competitive job market, job seekersprioritize companies that promote diversity and inclusivity. By actively promotingdiversity, businesses can bolster their reputation as an employer of choice, enablingthem to attract a diverse pool of highly skilled individuals.Moreover, inclusive teams tend to make better decisions. The incorporation ofmultiple perspectives leads to more comprehensive and balanced choices. Diverseteams can identify potential pitfalls, biases, or overlooked factors that might escape amore uniform group.

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BUSINESS CROSSING NETWORKQuarterly MagazineEdition Q4 | 2023B C N M A G A Z I N E  |  7continuedFor businesses catering to diverse customer bases, it is imperative that their internalworkforce mirrors this diversity. A team that aligns with their customers'demographics can better comprehend and anticipate their needs, leading toimproved marketing, product development, and customer service.Furthermore, diversity has become a legal and ethical imperative in today's world.Discrimination and a lack of diversity within the workforce can result in legal issues,reputational damage, and loss of market share. Thus, companies that activelyaddress these concerns are better equipped to navigate the constantly evolvingregulatory landscape.However, diversity is only one part of the equation; inclusivity and equity are equallyvital. Building a diverse workforce alone is insufficient if employees do not feelincluded and valued. Companies must focus on creating a culture of belongingwhere every employee feels empowered to contribute their best.To effectively diversify the workforce, businesses must establish measurable goalsand monitor their progress. Regular diversity and inclusion audits, employeesurveys, and transparent reporting can help companies assess their efforts andidentify areas for improvement.In conclusion, diversifying the workforce is not only a moral obligation but also astrategic advantage. It stimulates innovation, attracts talent, enhances decision-making, and promotes a more inclusive and equitable workplace. Companies thatprioritize diversity position themselves for success today and prepare for thechallenges and opportunities of tomorrow.

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BUSINESS CROSSING NETWORKQuarterly MagazineEdition Q4 | 2023B C N M A G A Z I N E  |  9DON’T LET EMAIL SABATOGE YOU!In the digital age, email remains a cornerstone of professionalcommunication. However, it's surprisingly easy to unintentionally sabotageyour career through the messages you send. In this article, we'll explorecommon email pitfalls and offer strategies to ensure your emailcommunication enhances, rather than hinders, your career progression.Mind the ToneEmail lacks the vocal and visual cues of face-to-faceconversations, making tone interpretation challenging.Avoid sarcasm and humor that might be misconstrued.Instead, opt for clear, courteous, and professionallanguage. Read your email aloud to yourself to gaugehow it might be perceived.Choose the Right RecipientSending an email to the wrong person can be embarrassing and potentially detrimental to yourcareer. Always double-check the recipient list before hitting "send." Consider whether the contentis appropriate for everyone listed.Proofread, Proofread, ProofreadTypos and grammatical errors can make you appear careless or unprofessional. Take the time toproofread your emails carefully. Consider using spell-checking tools to catch errors you mightmiss.Manage Email VolumeA flooded inbox can lead to missed important messages. Implement an efficient emailmanagement strategy, such as folders, filters, and prioritization, to ensure you don't overlookcritical communications.

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Avoid Emotional ResponsesIf you receive a frustrating or confrontational email, resist the urge to respond impulsively. Takea step back, compose your thoughts, and respond diplomatically. Emotional emails can damagerelationships and tarnish your professional reputation.Mind Your Subject LineA vague or irrelevant subject line can lead to your email being ignored or overlooked. Craftsubject lines that succinctly convey the email's purpose or urgency, making it easier for recipientsto prioritize.Consider TimingBe mindful of when you send emails. Sending messages late at night or during weekends mightimply that you expect an immediate response. If it's not urgent, schedule emails for regularbusiness hours.Email is a powerful tool in your professional arsenal, but it can also be a career double-edgedsword if not used wisely. By practicing email etiquette, you can enhance your communicationskills, foster positive professional relationships, and ensure that your email interactionscontribute positively to your career growth.BUSINESS CROSSING NETWORKQuarterly MagazineEdition Q4 | 2023B C N M A G A Z I N E  |  1 0

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BUSINESS CROSSING NETWORKQuarterly MagazineEdition Q4 | 2023B C N M A G A Z I N E  | 1 1By Nakia Whittaker-WoodyPreparing with Passion Some years ago, I started the typical path as anemployee. In 2018, after an empty nest I chose totranslate my skills and passion into a new andinteresting path—forging a new small business as aremote online professional. Here is my transparenteffort to guide you as you consider traversing this sameintriguing and rewarding landscape.WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF REMOTE PROFESSIONALSYour Personal Tool-Kit: Skills You Already OwnMy years in an office were not useless, instead they gave me something priceless: aversatile skillset. As a remote online professional, you don't reinvent the wheel—youredecorate it! Skills like communication, time management, problem-solving anddedication to service form a key part of your personal tool kit. Skills like communication are vital in a virtual world, as you must convey your skillset andexpertise to a potential client in a different setting. These skills while a norm in corporate will have to be amplified to translate seamlessly intoyour new setting, bound by the Wi-Fi signal, rather than office walls.Laying A Strong Foundation: Start-up Investment & Legal FormalitiesEvery grand tale has a call to action, and in the story of remote work, it's a modestinvestment. Setting up your home office, investing in reliable tech, and essential softwaremight seem daunting at first, but remember, it's all part of your grand adventure. The silverlining? You no doubt have most of it already.Initially, use all the free stuff available. Utilize trials and ask for affiliate links from yourcommunity to see what you like and will invest in, as needed.Similarly, choosing a legal business structure is a quintessential step. Sole proprietorship,partnership, or maybe an LLC will be your vessel on this vast virtual sea. It's essential toweigh the pros and cons or seek an attorney’s advice. Be sure to investigate via your cityand state website to see what is required for you to be a proper small business. Breathing life into your entrepreneurship journey can have some paperwork, but oh, thejoy when you see it takes flight with that first ideal client.

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BUSINESS CROSSING NETWORKQuarterly MagazineEdition Q4 | 2023B C N M A G A Z I N E  | 1 2Building Your Circle: Importance of SupportAs you embark on this journey, remember, no one is an island. We are social beings, and inthe world of remote work, it is the community that crutch that keeps you centered andproductive.I cherish my community of fellow virtual professionals—they've been my lighthouse duringchallenging times and a cheering squad during triumphs. These allies provide a robustsupport system, keeping you grounded and continuously inspired in a landscape that mightsometimes feel isolated. Keep an open heart and build your tribe—their wisdom, empathy,and motivation is priceless.Work-Life Balance is also an industry buzz word. Let me just transparently say, it does notexist. We are not perfect, and, in the beginning, you will devote more time than ever to yourbusiness. We live and learn; it will come as you nurture it. Having both family, friends, andprofessional community support will be key, but most times not given too much. Lean intoyour Why of starting your own business, and lean into it as resilience, you are admirable forforging ahead.In either case, remember that self-care is of utmost importance. You can’t pour from anempty cup, do not feed into the Hustle Hard culture. Honor your personal time, savor yourachievements—big or small. Practice mindful delegation and set boundaries. Embracepauses. You're running a marathon, not a sprint. Entrepreneurship is a testament of yourstrength, regardless of the compass pointing solo or shared.Facing Your Fears: Overcoming Mindset ObstaclesEvery hero's journey isn’t without trials; impostor syndrome and the desire to be the saviorof every client's world can become a burden. Trust me, I've been there! I am a typicaloverachiever, public speaker, smart-alecky, but for some reason, I could not understandhow I was going to get someone to pay me for those skills. could not speak on camera,literally would hyperventilate. Now you see me daily, as I am the face of my brands, but atfirst, I literally used to hyperventilate when it came to video.But remember, you are enough, go forward with humble confidence, knowing thatperfection isn't required. Genuine, passionate, and precise service? That's your weaponagainst these mindset challenges.

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The Never-Ending Quest for Knowledge: Continued Education, Networking, andPersonal GrowthI have no formal business education. Corporate taught me that the key to advancement wascontinued education and credentials. In my early days as a remote professional, I as anadmitted Geek used the same framework. As an entrepreneur, learning isn’t just one anddone—it’s an exciting marathon. Dedicate time and effort toward further education,networking, and self-investment. These lead to enormous personal and professional growth,making you a more seasoned and well-rounded virtual professional.I recently attended my first retreat, won several grants, attended the Black EnterpriseConference, and joined multiple professional organizations such as BCN.My journey into the world of remote work was full of angles—it was filled with overwhelm,doubt, losses, rich experiences, invaluable lessons, and unparalleled joy. The path might beunconventional, even arduous sometimes, but every twist and turn crossed was worth it tohave the flexibility and power to control my own legacy.Pack your perseverance, lace up your patience and arm yourself with an unquenchablethirst for progress. It's time to embrace the journey of becoming a remote onlineprofessional, brimming with opportunities for you to paint your canvass of growth andsuccess.From Front Desk to Business OwnerNakia Whittaker-Woody, is a seasoned career professional, who still works a full time job, whileusing her skills and passions in her two businesses, KISS Virtual Services and The VA WorldConference.Her most recent pivot is to uplift other Women of Color on their entrepreneurial journeys. In aworld where opportunities are not always equal, she firmly believe that by banding together, wecan create a brighter future for everyone. Through mentorship and support, she inspiresindividuals to tap into their full potential, pushing boundaries and triumphing over adversity.www.vaworldconference.comBUSINESS CROSSING NETWORKQuarterly MagazineEdition Q4 | 2023B C N M A G A Z I N E  | 1 3

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THE GROWTH COACH OF NORTHERN VASTRATEGIC PLANNING, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, SALES TRAINING, TEAM TRAININGBETTER BUSINESS, BETTER TRAINING, BETTER RESULTS!MWILLIAMS@THEGROWTHCOACH.COM PH 703.402.8345BUSINESS CROSSING NETWORKQuarterly MagazineEdition Q4 | 2023B C N M A G A Z I N E  | 1 4ABOUT THRASH & SASSYWe want clients to feel empowered by their newstyle when they leave our salon.At Thrash & Sassy, we want to help our clientele looktheir best. To achieve this, we use high-end productsand the latest styling techniques. Our aim is todeliver a relaxing, luxurious experience that willmake you return to us time and time again.With your ideas and our skills, you can achieve thelook of your dreams. Come to us for a new image.Thrash & Sassy Hair Salon571-662-8717thrashnsassy@gmail.comthrashnsassy.comKEN MOORMAN: CREATIVE BUSINESSCONSULTANT, AUTHOR & SPEAKERWWW.KENMOORMAN.COM

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BUSINESS CROSSING NETWORKQuarterly MagazineEdition Q4 | 2023B C N M A G A Z I N E  | 1 6Vanessa Holloway: Turning Tragedyto Triumph!Vanessa Holloway is one tough cookie. The past decade has tossed mountains of painand change her way. But instead of crumbling under the weight, she dug deep andtransformed her struggles into a flourishing empire!Jintara LLC started as a humble idea but has now blossomed into a thriving brand, withproducts stocked in DMV stores and now even on Amazon!We caught up with this unstoppable mompreneur to learn more about her brand andthe legacy she's creating!

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BUSINESS CROSSING NETWORKQuarterly MagazineEdition Q4 | 2023B C N M A G A Z I N E  | 1 7Can you share the personal journey that led you to start Jintara, and how yourchild’s eczema played a role in this decision?I actually had no intentions of starting Jintara. After having my youngest daughter, theydiagnosed me with postpartum depression. In therapy, they always suggested usingcreativity as an outlet for feelings. Around the same time, my daughter started showingsymptoms of eczema and dry skin. I began playing around in natural and exotic plant-based oils and butters because I wanted to find an alternative to helping her withouthaving to use prescriptions. I ended up making this butter we affectional called “itchybye bye cream”. This later planted the idea in my head that there are others who arelooking for alternative solutions for their problematic skin conditions. From there, Ibegan making my own formulas for plant-based oils, butters, soaps and more. What were the initial challenges you faced when you first embarked on thejourney of starting your own skincare company?I started Jintara by such humble means and I had no idea what was required. I didn’thave connections or know anyone who could educate me about good businesspractices. It forced me to learn everything through experiences. For example, awedding dress company accused me of trademark infringement for naming my brandTwigs, Love and Honey. I later found out they didn’t have the trademark in my sector,but that experience was the best teacher. It made me hit the floor running to putmyself out there to learn the basic of starting my skincare company.

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BUSINESS CROSSING NETWORKQuarterly MagazineEdition Q4 | 2023B C N M A G A Z I N E  | 1 8Tell us about the unique qualities and values that set Jintara apart from otherskincare brands in the market.Our mission is to provide a targeted body care experience for people withproblematic skin conditions. We believe that promoting and educating the benefitsof natural and safe body care products as a self-care routine supports betterphysical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. How have your background and personal experiences influenced theformulation of Jintara’s products, especially in addressing eczema?Again, my primary focus was about caring for my youngest daughter. It wasdefinitely some trial and error in figuring out what worked best. What many don’tknow is that when I started transitioning to natural hair from relaxed and chemicallyaltered hair back in 2011, I would make my own concoctions in my kitchen, to keepmy hair healthy and moisturized! During that big natural hair movement, there wasso much misinformation-or rather lack of proper information available. I’ll give youthe perfect example: coconut oil has great benefits, especially its antifungalproperties; however, the organic structure of coconut molecules can make it difficultto allow moisture to penetrate the strands if they coat the hair in coconut oil.This kind of knowledge from my personal hair care experience is what influenced somany of the formulations of Jintara. I have always been a science and chemistrygeek, so the chemical reaction called saponification (how soap is made) was justanother fun outlet for me, Could you elaborate on how you make Jintara products suitable for individualsdealing with skin conditions like eczema?I want to be clear, I cannot make any medical claims about Jintara products treateczema or any other diagnosable skin conditions. With that said, we do believe thatwe design our products with such individuals in mind. Those with dry skin andsimilar conditions often need products that retain moisture in the skin's barrier. Thisstarts with not having natural oils stripped away when cleansing.

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BUSINESS CROSSING NETWORKQuarterly MagazineEdition Q4 | 2023B C N M A G A Z I N E  | 2 0A lot of the health and beauty products you’ll find in your local big chain grocerystore for cleansing are usually made with detergents. Detergents have their place—like for cleansing clothes. Those with unique skin conditions need something thatisn’t cleansing their skin so harshly. That is where plant-based soap bars come in tohelp. We formulate our soap bars to have specific oils to condition the skin whileyou are cleansing. We have done research on so many exotic oils and butters tocomplement the human skin. You’ll feel clean without feeling like your skin is goingto crack. What have been some of the most rewarding moments in yourentrepreneurial journey with Jintara so far?The two most memorable moments were receiving my trademark and being chosenfor an interview in John Hopkins Connect for their Entrepreneurship Matters Series.Both gave my brand validity and honestly made me feel like a boss!Building a business is a multifaceted process. Can you share some lessonsyou’ve learned along the way, especially in managing a family and a growingcompany?You really have to stick to your morals and ethics. For me, my non negotiating factorsince starting this business and still continues to this day is God, family, business. Italways remains in that order. This has also led to me having to admit that I cannotdo everything on my own. It is still a lesson I am working on. A perfect example is Ihad to hire someone to help make my work space more efficient. I try to include my family where I can in my business, but I do not allow that to bethe only way we spend family time together. It's important to maintain clearpriorities. I reflect on my upbringing and I know I want my kids to remember memore as a present and participating mom instead of just a business mom. Balance!

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BUSINESS CROSSING NETWORKQuarterly MagazineEdition Q4 | 2023B C N M A G A Z I N E  | 2 1Sustainability and ethical sourcing are becoming increasingly important in theskincare industry. How does Jintara incorporate these principles into itsbusiness model?I work closely and often with our suppliers, who also are other small businesses.Having this small network helps with communications with owners, as I can seefirsthand their missions and values. In short, we work with small companies whocertify they source their ingredients by ethical means. I have virtually followed mysupplier, as she provided job opportunities and brought good plumbing to a town inAfrica. It’s really amazing to see how the e-commerce world interconnects whenbusiness missions and values align. In a competitive market, how do you stay innovative and continue to developnew products that meet the developing needs of your customers?Open communication with my customers is key. We encourage feedback becausewe are in business for their needs. One benefit of doing events around the area isthat I can talk to my customers informally. Their guards are often down and then Ican usually point them in the right direction to help them better with their needsand skin goals.Can you provide some insights into your vision for the future of Jintara andthe impact you hope to make in the skincare industry?At Jintara, our vision for the future of skincare is all about accessible luxury andinclusivity. We’re breaking down barriers and celebrating diverse beauty whilemaintaining a strong commitment to sustainability. We want Jintara to be amovement of self-love and empowerment. Our goal is to become known for self-care and a luxurious lifestyle. Our goal is to revolutionize the industry byincorporating love, inclusivity, and eco-friendly practices.

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BUSINESS CROSSING NETWORKQuarterly MagazineEdition Q4 | 2023B C N M A G A Z I N E  | 2 2What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who may be facingpersonal challenges or setbacks but are passionate about starting their ownbusiness?The saying goes, “you only need to succeed once”. Success is not linear, and it is verypersonal to what your goal and aspirations are. Get comfortable and be ok withknowing you are going to make a mistake. Take it as an opportunity to educateyourself. I have a had my fair share of setbacks from my mom’s unexpected death toinjuries in the early part 2023. Do not be afraid of feeling like you are not going tohave support from the people around you. In the small business community, weconnect so well because we know of the hurdles and we want to help and supportother business as well. You will find your support system; you guys just haven’tcrossed paths yet ;)www.jintarallc.com

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BUSINESS CROSSING NETWORKQuarterly MagazineEdition Q4 | 2023B C N M A G A Z I N E  | 2 6Joyce and Barbara were living their own lives. Each had gone through a variety ofchallenges in life, but neither knew that one day their life would change forever. We satdown with these two to discuss their journey of finding each other and in the processdiscovering a love they didn’t know they needed!Can you share with us the remarkable story of how you and your sisterdiscovered each other after 40 years of separation and what led to your very firstmeeting?Joyce- I would think about my sister throughout the years, and I would look onFacebook for the name that I knew her as, which was LaShawn Adams, so I reached outto a few people, but to no avail. My aunt called me one day and said, "We found yoursister." My cousin had used Ancestry and Barbara, my long-lost sister, had contactedher. That was the start of a wonderful journey...Barbara- I took the Ancestry DNA test in hopes of prayerfully find my father. My resultsyielded 3 first cousins. I reached out to all three of them. Two responded immediately,but the third did not respond immediately, so I went to social media to find her. I foundonly one person with the name, so I decided I would send them a message. Threemonths later, she responded, and life has never been the same.The moment you first laid eyes on each other after such a long separation musthave been incredibly emotional. Can you describe the overwhelming feelings andthoughts that rushed through your mind during that initial meeting?Joyce- To be honest, words can’t even begin to describe the way that I felt, but I’m goingto attempt to. It filled me with so much joy, excitement, and love. When I saw her, Icould see our father how much she favors him and me. Tears of Joy!Barbara- I was extremely nervous and excited to meet her in person. I wondered if shewould like me and if our connections over the phone would be the same in person.Once I saw her in person, my heart was overjoyed, and I just needed to hug her. I feltour connection was even greater in person. I never thought I looked like anyone in myfamily and once I laid eyes on her, I could see her in me and me in her.The Journey of SisterhoodWritten By BCN Staff

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Meeting a long-lost family member for the first time can be a unique andchallenging experience. What were the first impressions you had of each other,and how did you break the ice?Joyce- The first impression of my sister was how nice she was, and her voice was sogentle that you could feel the love that she carried in her heart for me and it was allsmiles. And there was no ice to break because we talked like we have known eachother for years.Barbara- I don’t believe we had to break the ice. Once we spoke on the phone for thefirst time, it was like we had known one another all our lives. When I heard her voice forthe first time, the hole in my heart was immediately closed and filled with love. It wasan overwhelming sense of love, care, and joy. In the decades you spent apart, what were some of the life experiences orlessons that you each went through individually? How did those experiencesshape you as individuals leading up to this momentous meeting? Joyce- Oh my, where do I begin with the life experiences? There are so many, but I willname a few that I went through. Depression, rejection, attempting to commit suicideand low self-esteem and through all of that as I began to heal from those brokenwounds, I learned that as a child that something hadn’t been nourished. Through thathealing, I would hear my grandma’s voice in my head saying, “be encouraged” and thatgave and still gives me strength to become a better version of myself with the strengthof God. I learned to love unconditionally and trust others without fear of being takenadvantage of. This helped me bond with my sister.Barbara- I went through life not knowing who I was and where I belonged. I feltinvisible, rejected, and abandoned. I felt disconnected from my family because of theuncertainty of who my father was. As life went on, I became functionally depressed andsought therapy. I prayed and asked God to show me what His love felt like. Amidseeking God and going through therapy, by the time I met my sister, I was open toreceiving her love and loving her unconditionally. The life lessons taught me that Icould follow Jesus and seek therapy and being vulnerable with the ones you love, andtrust is fine. I do things on purpose and intentionally. I purposefully show my sisterunconditional love and spend as much time as possible with her. I purpose in my heartto learn as much as I can about her.BUSINESS CROSSING NETWORKQuarterly MagazineEdition Q4 | 2023B C N M A G A Z I N E  | 2 7

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Many people dream of reuniting with long-lost family members. What advicewould you give to others who are embarking on a journey to meet a sibling orrelative for the very first time?Joyce- My advice is to stay in prayer and trust God and His timing because he knowswhat’s best. We may not always understand why we are separated from familymembers, but we must trust that God knows what's best. So, BELIEVE!Barbara- My journey was to find my dad. I found out that my dad had passed away, butI had a sister who was looking for me. My advice to anyone who is on this journey is tobe open to other possibilities. If I were connected to the answer I was seeking (findingmy dad) and no other possibilities, my amazing relationship with my sister would benon-existent. Stay connected to the answer giver (Jesus), not the answer you seek.BUSINESS CROSSING NETWORKQuarterly MagazineEdition Q4 | 2023B C N M A G A Z I N E  | 2 8Can you share any specific moments orconversations during your first meeting that madeyou realize the importance of family bonds andthe significance of this long-awaited moment?Joyce- When I first went to meet Barbara, I met hermother, daughter, a sister, her nieces and nephewand they all embraced me. I could feel their familybond and it reminded me of how important it is tospend time with your family regardless of how youfeel. We have to put our feelings aside and spend timewith one another, and that’s called LOVE.Barbara- During our first conversation, right after Isaid, “I think I am your sister.” One of the first thingsJoyce said to me was that she has always carried me inher heart. That was so profound to me because shesaw me when I could not see myself. The thought ofsomeone carrying me in their heart while knowingnothing about me blessed me. God knew I needed herat the very time He brought us together. The bond wehave is God-ordained, and nothing can break it.

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How did this initial meeting change your perspectives on love, forgiveness, andthe value of family? What newfound appreciation did it bring to your lives?Joyce- The only thing I can say that changed my perspective on love is to show it moreand to continue to forgive quickly and not allow things to control my emotions that Ihave no control over. The newfound appreciation that it has brought me is to value thepeople that God brings into my life. Even though one may not be your blood family, Godwill create a family that will love you more than your natural family. Many miss out onthe family relationship because they are only looking at the bloodline, but if truth betold, we all have the DNA of God. Barbara- The first conversation changed my perspective on love. The very sound of hervoice ushered in an unexplainable love I have for her. The love I have for her is ananswered prayer. I didn’t have any unforgiveness in my heart toward our father. Thisjourney has taught me that all family members are important and worth knowing. Thisjourney has also shown that it’s important for children to know their parents and/or theother parent’s family. To know where you come from and where you belong is vital.Looking back on this unforgettable first meeting, what lessons about life and lovehave you both learned from this extraordinary experience and how has itinfluenced your outlook on the future?Joyce- The lessons about life and love that I have learned are don’t take things forgranted and to always show LOVE because you don’t know who you will run into thatneed to feel the Love of God through you. The process taught to be me and only me towalk and to walk in my uniqueness and to give what the Lord is giving me to others.Barbara- When I get a true understanding of scripture, I like to see what it looks like inlife for me. I truly have learned through this process to live out Proverbs 3:5-6. When Ilean into my own thoughts and feelings, I remind myself to lean not to myunderstanding but to acknowledge the Lord because He will direct my path. I know whatlove feels like without a question. This process has given me the greatest desire to beobedient to the voice of God in my life. It’s taught me to allow God to fill my mouth withwhat He would have me to say and then say it. I am learning not to protect others at thecost of hurting myself. I have learned that I am worthy of everything God has for me.Follow their story on their Facebook Group: The Adams SistersBUSINESS CROSSING NETWORKQuarterly MagazineEdition Q4 | 2023B C N M A G A Z I N E  | 2 9

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BUSINESS CROSSING NETWORKQuarterly MagazineEdition Q4 | 2023B C N M A G A Z I N E  | 3 0PAUSE, REFLECT, AND RECONNECTPAUSE, REFLECT, AND RECONNECTMartia Clark of Mynd BodyConnect, the collective of healthand wellness businesses.Health and Wellness Professional,Coach and ConsultantAs a veteran early childhood educator inAlexandria, Virginia, (with 20 years ofexperience), a certified Happiness and LifeCoach, as well as mom to a young person withmental and physical impairments, I have seenfirsthand the struggles that children and youngadults are experiencing. All too often, I haveseen children who are wound up, frustrated,and feeling 2nd place behind their parent'swork or own personal issues. These children and young adults needed aspace to decompress, feel pampered, and bethe center of attention. I saw the need andfilled it with two businesses, Unique and SpecialKids Spa and Happiness is Healing CoachingServices for Children and Teens. Combined, westrive to make each child feel unique andspecial by means of spa services, happinesscoaching services, S.T.E.A.M. classes and camps,a full salon, and an event space. The self-care and coaching experiences that we created for children became sopopular and coveted, that the parents demanded a space and services just for them.Again, we saw the need and filled it with Silk Rose Spa, as well as expanding ourcoaching services to accommodate adults. To successfully integrate adult spaservices, coaching, and relaxation experiences, we expanded our space to create aplace where one can Pause, Reflect, and Reconnect with oneself.

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Edition Q4 | 2023B C N M A G A Z I N E  | 3 1While it has been a challenge to create self-care spaces that can appeal to themany diverse groups of people in this area, I believe that my self-care andrelaxation oasis’ has succeeded in bridging gaps and transcending socio-economic barriers. In addition, we curated our own brand of self-care productsand necessities to meet the needs and desires of our diverse clientele.To anyone trying to break into the world of entrepreneurship, I encourage youwith a personal quote from my upcoming writing project, “While there is nothingnew under the sun, there is still a way to do what’s never been done. Give thecommunity what they need but don’t yet have. That is how you ensure that yourbusiness will last.”With that being said, check out Mynd Body Connect, the collective of businesses,and Mynd Body Connect, the non-profit. We are truly dedicated to improving thecommunity's complete health and wellness. MyndBodyConnect.commartia@MyndBodyConnect.com703-360-3700BUSINESS CROSSING NETWORKQuarterly Magazine“I believe that my self-care and relaxation oasis’ has succeeded in bridginggaps and transcending socio-economic barriers.”

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Edition Q4 | 2023While the gyms have a peak and lull season, there's never a down time for living a healthylifestyle. Every season is health first. It has to be intentional as well as consistent. That'swhy with each new season, I launch the Roots to Wellness program. A program thatfocuses on health from the roots to the branches. From the body, to the brain, andultimately the soul, our health is the key to a happy life. We all know that the change in seasons can sometimes take a toll on our health, but thereare some simple steps you can take to stay healthy throughout the year. First, it's crucial to prioritize a well-balanced diet year round. Incorporate plenty of fruits,vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your meals to keep or build a strongimmune system. Second, staying hydrated is key. Drink enough water throughout the day to stay hydrated,especially when the weather fluctuates. Some say at least eight glasses. Third, regular exercise is also crucial in maintaining a healthy immune system, soincorporate five days of physical activity into your routine. It can be as simple as walkingoutdoors or taking an online class. Last, you need to restore. By getting a sufficient amount of sleep, you allow your body torest and recharge. Follow these tips, and you'll be able to handle the changing seasons with ease and stayhealthy throughout the seasons.Join our Roots To Wellness community to start your journey to better health. You get LIVEonline classes, unlimited access to our on-demand library, healthy and fun challenges,access to a certified coach, as well as a supportive community. Why? Because your best health is our intention. Elethia Gay IG: AlexanderqhealthE: info@elethiagay.comW: elethiagay.comB C N M A G A Z I N E  | 3 3BUSINESS CROSSING NETWORKQuarterly MagazineHealthy Living With Intention

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Legalize your businessStrategy for growthNetworking effectively Share your storyThis quarter we kicked off our BCNMember Training Sessions! These sessions are designed to providespecific and detailed training from subjectmatter experts within BCN. Creating anintimate atmosphere for building andnetworking, we are excited about this newfeature of BCN!This training featured the following topics:BUSINESS CROSSING NETWORKQuarterly MagazineEdition Q4 | 2023B C N M A G A Z I N E  | 3 4BCN Quarterly TrainingBCN Quarterly Training

BCN Magazine 4th Quarter

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