the femininity of you by Hope Magazine LLC

hope EVOLVING TOGETHER

Spring

Financial Tips & Tricks

redefining

feminism breaking the glass ceiling

(with Pamela Ross, Brandi Davis-Handy, Tavonna Harris Askew)

plus Gardening 101 Bye-Bye Platforms Gloss like a Goddess

Vol. 20 No. 25 | Spring 2022

We are Hair. We Are Here. Our love story starts with our ingredients and ends with you, our community. We’ve been here, doing it for the culture before it was a trend, and community is at the root of our commitment to innovating and creating economic equity for the next generation of millionares. From Black-founded to Black-led our commitment to creating economic equity for our community is unmatched. We’ve built our table so you can take a seat at your own.

Contents Vol. 20 No. 25 | Spring 2022

6 3 HEY GIRL! Angie’s Editorial The Feminity of YOU

EVOLVED 6 BEAUTY Trend Alert! Gloss like a Goddess Colors and hues inspired by Greek goddesses are in this spring 8 STYLE Bye-Bye, Platforms. Hello, Micro Heels From classic and bold to twotoned and pastel, find your pair of these spring shoe must-haves

13 COMMUNITY A Day in the Life Four women living their different productive lives

20 44

36 Cover: Photographer: Haley Lewis; Creative Director: Shanbri’ L. Cade; Makeup Artists: Nikki Brown, Brookelyn Michelle; Wardrobe Stylist: Tynaé Neal of Aesthetic Artist Agency; Statement Vests: @regardthebrand @ehh_muhh @sewfetch1992; Pink Palazzo Pant: Witty by Codi; Shoot Location: The Alexander Hotel, Indianapolis, Indiana

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SPRING 2022

ENLIGHTENED 17 TRAVEL Visit Indy with Roberta Tisdul Roberta shares her story and five places to visit in Indy

32 HEALTH Outdoor Workout Ideas Burn calories in the fresh spring air

ENRICHED

20 MONEY Spring Clean Your Finances to Uncover Savings Tips to keep your money in check

36 COVER STORY Redefining Feminism: Breaking the Glass Ceiling A talk with Pamela Ross, Brandi Davis-Handy and Tavonna Harris Askew

22 HOME Gardening 101 A guide to a spring garden for those without a green thumb

41 FOOD Spring-Inspired Mocktails Three mocktail recipes to sip this season

24 HOME My Big Ambition Alison’s story on realizing her dream to host a home improvement show

44 READS Bookstores with Heart Three The importance of supporting these independent treasure troves

Mockt BY HOLLY RIDDLE

the menu and you may just find that everyone on the guest list is inte

30 WELLNESS Welcome to the Jungle: Shadow & Inner Child Work A Q&A with Demetria Jackson, MA, LMFT

41 22

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alcohol-free cocktails to celebrate th

46 CULTURE GANGGANG Culture For those of us who are cutting back on our imbibing, the sober-curious The creative agency taking difficult to go to some of your favorite spring events and see only alcoh Indianapolis and surroundingSure, champagne makes sense at most celebrations and mimosas are ex areas on a cultural journey but what’s a gal to do when she just wants a delicious drink without the b

28 HOME Spring Cleaning Your Home Office 4 tips for decorating and organizing your workspace

spring-insp

SPRING 2022

editor’s note

Hey girl!

T he Femininity of YOU Going outside, soaking in the warmer sunshine feels like a heavy blanket is finally being lifted. Mother nature is starting to wake up, and it feels so fresh and renewing. The cool breeze whirls around the fragrance of new blooming flowers and the days feel a little longer. We are beauty, grace, strength, resilience. We are women, often wearing more than one hat. The mothers, teachers, small business owners, wives, students, grandmothers, sisters, small creatives and entrepreneurs, doctors, nurses and homemakers. Striving daily to provide excellence in everything we do. You are seen. This Spring Issue is for us, it is for YOU – as you bring a beautiful uniqueness to this world that only you can bring. A Day in the Life (pg. 13) features four ladies who experience day-to-day life differently, expressing how femininity, productivity and being a woman looks different for everyone. Our day-to-day lives don’t make us less successful or less of a woman; they make us uniquely beautiful. Your ordinary matters.

We are women, often wearing more than one hat We are so excited to be featuring three other inspiring and empowering women in our cover story. This has been a long time goal of mine for Hope, as we bring women together, to bring them together on a cover. We spoke with these extraordinary women about their different career stories and asked them a few life questions over on pg. 36. Spring time equals gardening time! If you’re not sure where to start on your garden this season, we’ve got you covered with Gardening 101 (pg. 22), featuring a few key tips and tricks to get your perfect garden up and blooming. Warmer weather also means bringing out those adorable outfits hiding at the back of our wardrobes. We feature what footwear will be in this season to go with those outfits over on pg.8 – Bye-bye, platforms. Hello, micro heels! Now that we feel like we can venture outdoors for enjoyment, we think it’s the perfect time to explore some Bookstores with Heart (pg. 44). So grab a coffee and an adventure partner to explore these treasure troves. My hope for you this spring is that as you see all the beauty unfolding before you, you come to realize there is also beauty in you that is growing and blooming as you become the woman you are meant to be. Love ya, girl!

Top: Angela Stone and Roberta Tisdu; Middle: Nichole Wilson, Donielle Martin, Kristian Stricklen

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Vol. 20 No. 25 | Spring 2022

hope EVOLVING TOGETHER

PUBLISHER & FOUNDER

Angelia L. White - Stone FINANCE COORDINATOR

Eldred “Cookie” Jones ART DIRECTOR

CONTRIBUTORS

Morgan McMurrin, Jen Chavarria, Kristen Miller, Rita J. Taylor, Rebecca Chamaa, Sydni Ellis, Alison Storm, Adia R. Louden, Mary Farucci, Holly Riddle, Laura Tuzzio, Emily Cunningham

Cat Kahnle PROJECT DIRECTOR CREATIVE MARKETING DIRECTOR

Cara Jimenez

Jen Chavarria MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA INTERNS COPY EDITORS

Tikvah Vismer, Ann Walczak

Makenna McLeod, Morgan Beasley, Morgan G, Madeline Lett, Maddy Wagner

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Kristen Miller

PUBLIC RELATIONS ASSISTANT

Bianca Mestiza DEPARTMENT EDITORS

Emily Cunningham (Arts & Entertainment) Leah Goldblatt (Style & Beauty) Jocelyn Merrill (Health & Fitness)

EVENT PLANNER

InnerG Consulting LLC Angela Cooper Collins

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SPRING 2022

Evolved

Bloom this spring into everything you’re meant to be Fresh inspiration for you to embrace all the unique and beautiful ways you are YOU.

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SPRING 2022

beauty and the best

Trend Alert! Gloss like a Goddess

All eyes will be on your lips this spring BY MORGAN MCMURRIN

Whether you’re a fan of trying new makeup or not, you can easily take part in one of spring’s biggest trends: lip gloss. From subtle nudes and metallic hues to shimmery pinks and dreamy reds, there’s a shade out there for everyone that will enhance your natural beauty and give you a full-on goddess vibe.

Photographer: Faith Blackwell; Makeup Artist: Nikki Brown; Model Agency Director: Leslie Turner of LModelz; Model: Jesse; Shoot Location: Stutz Building, Indianapolis, IN

Hera: metallic golden

There’s no denying it – this stunning shade will have you embracing your inner Queen Hera. Once on, it gives you a luxurious look that is both powerful and feminine. Want to make it pop even more? Pair it with a brown lip liner!

Hestia: Orange red Do you want your lips to make a statement? Channel Hestia, the goddess of fire, and show off this vibrant color. It’ll make you feel bold and beautiful from morning ‘til night. Just remember to keep your eye makeup simple so your overall look is balanced.

hopeforwomenmag.com

SPRING 2022

beauty and the best

Demeter: Frosted pink

Switch out your everyday winter lipstick for a gorgeous, iridescent pink gloss. It’s the perfect spring shade to wear alone or as a lip topper, and it can be dressed up or dressed down. We’re sure the goddess of nature, Demeter, would approve this floral-inspired tint.

A thena: Deep plum

Dark berry-colored lip gloss may not be for everyone. So if you’re drawn to this hue, it’s clear you’re oozing with confidence, just like the goddess Athena. You’re someone who doesn’t back down from your beliefs and has endless strength. To apply this color flawlessly, use the wand to carefully outline your lips, then fill them in afterward.

Artemis: Nude shimmer Your lips will glisten and shine all day long thanks to this shimmery product. It’s great for someone who isn’t a huge fan of bright hues, but still wants to add a little bit of sparkle to their look. It’s almost as if the goddess of the moon, Artemis, designed it herself thanks to the tiny light-reflective pieces within the gloss.

Aphrodite : Red Passionate? Check. Romantic? Check. Beautiful? Check. A red lip gloss is all of those things and more – just ask Aphrodite! It’s a head-turning color that looks good on every woman and every skin tone. It’s no wonder why it’ll make you feel like a goddess when you’re wearing it.

Morgan McMurrin is a fashion and beauty editor based in NYC where she lives with her husband and dog, Boo. She has over 10 years of experience writing for national publications like ELLE, Timeout New York, J-14 and JustJared.com. She loves creating editorial eye candy for all ages that can inspire people to try new trends and feel beautiful. hopeforwomenmag.com

SPRING 2022

footwear fashionistas

Bye-Bye, Platforms.

The shoe that needs to be in your closet this spring BY MORGAN MCMURRIN

If you’re not a fan of sky-high heels, we have some good news for you. Kitten heels are making a comeback this spring! While they may be tiny compared to stilettos, don’t let their name fool you. They are anything but boring. What these shoes lack in height, they make up for in style. They are perfect to help you transition out of your everyday pandemic sneakers and into something chic but still comfortable. Here are some of our favorites.

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Photographer: Haley Lewis; Creative Director: Shanbri’ L. Cade; Makeup Artist: Joyful Glam; Wardrobe Stylist: Tynaé Neal of Aesthetic Artist Agency; Model: Bezunesh; Model Agency Director: Leslie Turner of LModelz; Shoot Location: The Alexander Hotel, Indianapolis, Indiana

Hello, Micro Heels

footwear fashionistas GODDESS-LIKE DETAILS You’ll transform into a Greek goddess once you slip into lace-up micro-heels, which are essentially an elevated version of gladiator sandals. For extra confidence, the trick is to criss-cross the laces directly at the front and back of each leg as you wrap them to keep the laces from falling down while you walk.

BOLD Short heels don’t have to be bland. They can make a statement just like the rest of your pumps. Pairs that have any embellishments, a neon color or a playful pattern will do just that. Wearing them with a simple outfit will instantly bring it from drab to fab. Who knew one easy accessory could make over your entire look?

BUCKLE ACCENTS Do you want to jump on the micro-heel trend but need something edgier? No problem. Find some edge with pointed toes and buckle strap closures. Those details will turn an ordinary dress shoe into a fierce fashion accessory that looks especially great with leggings and skirts.

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SPRING 2022

PASTEL It’s no coincidence that you see soft pinks, sky blues, mint greens and gorgeous lavenders everywhere when the weather starts warming up. That’s why you can’t go wrong wearing a kitten heeled sandal in any one of these colors this spring. They’re the perfect way to add a touch of color to an outfit without it being overwhelming.

TWO-TONED If loud colors aren’t your thing, but you want to find a kitten heel that stands out from your other heels, try ones with a twotoned design. They’re the perfect solution if you want a shoe that can be worn to the office and then out on a date.

CLASSIC Everyone needs a pair of little black shoes in their closet. They are sleek, effortlessly elegant and can be worn with everything from dresses to jeans. In short, they never go out of style. Plus, their low-heel height makes them perfect for all-day wear.

hopeforwomenmag.com

SPRING 2022

NUDE

footwear fashionistas

Instead of filling your closet with solely black shoes, it’s always a good idea to incorporate some nude pairs. Being more neutral, they can be paired with pretty much anything. Also, as they are a lighter shade, they will brighten up your outfit and elongate your legs, which is never a bad thing. To keep them super modern, go with micro-heels that have tons of strappy details.

CLEAR Talk about a modern twist on a traditional heel! These transparent kitten heels will make you look as if you’re floating on air. Give them a shot if you’re looking for a unique shoe this spring.

hopeforwomenmag.com

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Powering our community since 1926

AES Indiana is leading the world’s transition to greener, smarter energy, right here in Indianapolis. Together, we are accelerating the future of energy.

aesindiana.com 12

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community

A Day in the Life 24 hours with four incredible women BY JEN CHAVARRIA AND KRISTEN MILLER

Amber Fields is up early to exercise and Kymberlee Norsworthy has perfected her “in the zone” time chunk. Kendra Ward enjoys the daily opportunities that homeschooling her daughter brings and Karen Lloyd is an attentive mom and business advisor by day and a grad student by night. These women truly do it all and then some. Let’s step into their shoes and take a look at a day in their life.

where people want to be at work and never want to leave as well as bringing the right people to the table to achieve desired results. LUNCH - Often at lunch, you will find me meeting with my counterparts on a board, serving on committees or helping with DEI initiatives. I am a philanthropist who cares deeply about serving the community through building awareness, raising funds and providing resources to help organizations like Damar Services, The Dive Recovery House, Hope & Anchor Crew and others.

AMBER FIELDS, Chief Culture Officer at trueU 5:00 AM - Workout, typically hot pilates or yoga. 6:00 AM - Coffee and quiet time for prayer and reflection. 7:00 AM - Get ready for work while listening to a daily sermon or podcast. 8:00 AM - Begin the work day with more coffee! I often say no coffee, no workee! REMAINING MORNING - My day begins with meetings team, member companies or new connections. Throughout the day, I’m constantly connecting with people virtually or in-person, whether through an event I host with trueU or as an advocate and advisor for nonprofits and business leaders in our community as I learn about these organizations’ cultures. I am a culture enthusiast, committed to helping businesses drive results through their most valued asset - people. I’m intentional about creating environments

AFTERNOON - I plan future events for trueU and I like to have white space on my calendar to think. My job requires creativity in creating connections and bringing resources to my member companies in order to drive things like employee engagement, talent retention and attraction. It’s truly the most fulfilling job I’ve ever had and I can walk away knowing I’ve made a difference in someone’s world each day. EVENING - I grocery shop because without fail it seems like I forget something to complete dinner. When I arrive home, I make dinner and we have family dinner chats where we share about our days and what we are looking forward to for the next day or in the future. We have five kids, from age 21 down to 10-year-old twins, so the conversations are rich and very entertaining. It’s my favorite time to connect with them and experience the joys of having a large family. I cherish these moments because I know one day they will be gone and the house will be quiet. I’m not sure how I’ll survive that. LATE EVENING - We have dinner cleanup and bedtime talks. The kids read to me and say prayers. Once the kids are in bed, I have relaxation time to watch a short show on Netflix or Hulu, read a book, finish homework for seminary or I hop back on the computer to finish my work. Lots of meetings each day means lots of homework. 10:00 PM - Bedtime. Before I fall asleep, I say more prayers to round out the day. I love talking to Jesus and thanking Him for the day and the people in it. I make it a point to fall asleep in gratitude. hopeforwomenmag.com

SPRING 2022

KYMBERLEE NORSWORTHY, Writer, Publicist and Educator; Founder and Lead PR Strategist at Worth Ink Public Relations; Adjunct Professor at Saint Peter’s University 6:40 AM - My alarm goes off. Instead of racing into the day, I spend a few minutes taking some deep breaths and doing some light movement or stretching to awaken my body. I also open my Bible app to read the Scripture of the day. After thanking God for new mercies and saying a prayer for protection and direction as I move throughout the day, I start preparing for what’s next. If I’m teaching, I’ll prepare to leave for my 9AM professional communication class at Saint Peter’s University, grabbing something light to eat on the way out the door and saving a good breakfast for about 10:30 when I’m back home. If it’s a non-teaching day, I’ll workout, shower, dress and eat. By 9:00, I’ll begin working on my to-do list for my PR clients. That list could include reaching out to the media team, writing or editing press materials or managing the details for appearances or interviews that I’ve confirmed. 11:15 AM - I start working on client to-dos. I have learned that my optimal efficiency is from early until mid-afternoon, so on any given day, I am “in the zone” until about 3. I then reserve late afternoons for conference calls, planning meetings, networking calls, etc. - or any research and reading that I may need to do for work. 3:00 PM - I take a break to either get my workout in that I missed due to teaching, or I just go for a walk and I plug back in at 4. 4:00-6:00 PM - Standing calls, networking calls or any follow-up communication that I need to get out by the end of the day. I also start making a list for the next day. Since to-do lists are never-ending, I have learned to move things instead of forcing myself to work until 8 or 9 PM. Everything NEVER gets done in a day! I still work late sometimes, but I don’t make an everyday habit out of it. 6:15 PM - I transition to taking care of myself. I spend some time cleaning up, doing some leisurely reading and maybe watch a show. I have learned how to allow my brain to rest, and I am so much better for it! I take a luxurious bath every single night. It is how I totally relax and decompress, and it helps put the period on the end of my day. 10:00 PM - In bed and ready to do it all over again the next day!

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KENDRA WARD, Licensed Acupuncturist, Teacher and Author DAWN - I awake, light a candle and settle into the home of myself. I engage in breathing practices and visualizations to attune myself to my energy and body and help me clarify how I want to take up space in this one, single gift of a day. Before long, I hear the familiar rattle of dishes from my husband in the kitchen and the murmur of voices from the audiobook my son is listening to in bed. Breakfast, lunch-making, teeth-brushing and the thousands of other small tasks of the morning happen in quick succession. MORNING - I spend wordless quality time with my son as I drive him to school. Then, I drive to my office and as I enter, the subtle lingering of spruce and bergamot essential oils from the previous day help center me. After twenty years of acupuncture practice, I am grateful for the way this transformational healing work pulls me out of my small, individual concerns and allows me to be fully available to the experience of another. I am honored to be a witness to my patients’ wise inner-knowings, their heartaches, their celebrations, their soul’s longings and the things they never tell other people. AFTERNOON - I am home again, transitioning to take my “shift” in the homeschooling of my 13-year-old daughter. Although often frustrating, I treasure this time with her; this opportunity to remind her (and myself ) that learning is not memorized facts but an attitude towards life. On this particular day, she paints my nails cerulean blue (I am the guinea pig for this new color, of course), while we listen to an Amanda Gorman poem. After writing a page of her reflections, we clear our heads with a short walk in the woods. Almost back to the house, I catch the flush of a barred owl on the edge of my vision. Binoculars out for the next hour or so, we admire his/her banded plumage, all fluffed out in the cold. EVENING - Every night it is a surprise and relief when yet another dinner is cooked and shared, the day’s tasks are done and everyone is reading in bed. Kisses are given. Honey dreams are wished. And I get that one last holy hour of quiet. I tune into what I need most, what would feel luxuriously soothing. Most often I long for the sounds of the great ocean mother to roll me into sleep, scrubbing and polishing me clean, readying me to awake anointed by salt and beauty, born new once more.

teaching a workshop, attending networking events, staff meetings, research, program building and community outreach, in addition to answering more emails and fielding more phone calls.

Photographer: Matt Howell

LUNCH - Wait, do I have time for lunch? This is an area I struggle in. I know I need to get away from my desk or the office and take a mental break; however, it seems easier to work at my desk and knock out items on my to-do list. I do find time, most days, for lunch or, at the very least, a nutritious snack to get me through the day (thank goodness for that meal prep). Did I mention I love the team I work with? They are excellent about getting me out from behind my desk and encouraging me to take a break.

KAREN LLOYD, Business Advisor for the East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center 5:30 AM - Oh my… is it 5:30 am already?! I get going with my day as soon as my alarm sounds and my feet hit the ground. I have too much to do to stay in bed and contemplate the day, and I need to get it started so that I can fit everything in. Shower, makeup, hair, get dressed, and try to squeeze in a glass of water as a part of my fitness and wellbeing goals for 2022. 6:30 AM - Time to wake up the kiddo. I divorced in 2017 and have been in a single-parent household ever since. I’m lucky my 7-yearold daughter is relatively independent, so once she’s up, she dresses herself, with my reminders to brush her hair and teeth and collect her school things before the bus comes to pick her up at 7:20. We go over the lunch menu and decide if we need to pack a lunch. Oh, and let’s not forget that I am packing a lunch for myself most days. I try to make this easier by meal prepping on the weekend. Her school provides breakfast at no charge, and I am grateful for one less task on my plate during these busy workday mornings. Though weekends are for homemade pancakes and eggs. Also, during this time, I get our mini-schnauzer, Kaiser, out for a walk and get him ready and fed for his busy day of napping and barking. 7:20 AM - I pull out of our drive right behind my daughter’s bus and start my 25 minute commute to work. If I have time, I may try to squeeze in an errand which could range from dropping off our recycling or getting gas to stopping by the post office, grocery or pharmacy. My commute most mornings consists of a live concert performed by yours truly, listening to Beautiful Anonymous or an audiobook. Singing and grooving to music is my favorite way to wake up, and it gets me ready for what lies ahead. Occasionally, I’ll opt for a quieter drive where I can take time to think and process, especially if I am teaching a workshop or attending an event. 8:00 AM - Every day is different. Having a schedule that changes and is flexible is one of the things that makes me fall in love with my job every day. I try to leave 8-9am open for checking and responding to emails and listening to phone messages, though I prefer to return phone calls after 9 as a courtesy. MORNING - Most days consist of client meetings, where I get to work one-on-one with potential and current small business owners throughout East Central Indiana. My day may also include

5:00 PM - Leaving work by now is a-must, as my daughter has to be picked up from afterschool by 5:30. I’m fortunate that I have an amazing tribe of family and friends available to help out on days when I need to work later. The commute to get my daughter and head home gives me another 25 minutes to belt out a few tunes or take time to process my day. Sometimes, I’ll even try to squeeze in a phone call with family or friends. 6:00 PM - My daughter and I have plenty to do before she heads to bed. She gets a few minutes to play and relax and I spend this time walking the dog and preparing dinner. I don’t have a dishwasher, so making dinner usually means a sink full of dishes that I’m trying to keep up on while cooking. Once we have dinner, it’s time for homework with my daughter. Most of her work can be done in 15-30 minutes. Then, depending on the day, it’s either bath time or some additional relaxing and/or cuddling for her and I. Once the clock gets close to 8, we start our bedtime routine, including teeth brushing and reading. To help organize our evenings, we use an analog clock that I have color-coded and marked to show where we should be in our routine. We cannot always stick to our routine, but it’s helpful to have in place and to use as a guide. 8:00 PM - There’s still dishes in the sink and laundry to do. Kaiser needs another walk to get settled and ready for bed. I’m also in grad school so I may spend an hour or two on homework and reading to stay caught up for the week. If there is no homework, I may be catching up on work-related reading or working on the blog I am building that documents the skating rinks I visit. This includes researching each rink and watching roller skating videos to develop my skating knowledge and skills and grow my network of skaters. Some evenings when my daughter is with her dad, you can even find me at the local rink. Getting to the rink and making it out to walk the dog are a couple of ways I try to meet my fitness goals throughout the week. 10:00 PM - It’s time to get cleaned up, brush my teeth, jump in some comfy clothes and hit the hay. One area I excel in is sleeping. I love it!! I fall asleep quickly, and this ability comes from sleep-training techniques, like keeping my bedroom cool and dark, not having a television in my room and creating a specific space for sleeping. I never take my work or books into the bedroom (though I do catch up on social media from time to time if I’m not quite ready to fall asleep. This is probably frowned upon by sleep experts). 11:00 PM - *Yawn* Wow, what a day… goodnight, and let’s do it all again tomorrow. Z

Jen Chavarria is a freelance writer and graphic designer passionate about promoting low impact living and mental health awareness, along with writing about other topics. In her free-time, you can find her at jenchavarria.com or at Instagram at @jen.chavarria. Kristen Miller is a current senior from IUPUI working on completing her BA in English with a concentration in writing and literacy. While working on her internship here and awaiting graduation, she enjoys writing fiction and just having a nice cup of coffee. hopeforwomenmag.com

SPRING 2022

Enlightened Cultivate new starts as nature awakens

Tips and tricks for all areas of spring cleaning, gardening, fitness and wellnes.

hopeforwomenmag.com

SPRING 2022

travel

Travel Guide

Visit Indy

with Roberta Tisdul

BY RITA J. TAYLOR

The fabric of a woman is compiled of many pieces, bringing about a uniqueness that leaves footprints of inspiration and strength as she journeys through life. Although our paths are different, we have all encountered moments with someone that leaves us smiling and feeling inspired to continue on our own road of purpose.

In 2008, she joined Visit Indy as an assistant. At the time, it didn’t occur to her that she would be promoted five times and positions would be created for her. Roberta states she just “kept knocking on doors,” and those doors have led her to her current role as Director of Convention Services.

A moment with Roberta Tisdul is a moment of inspiration and a picture that shows persistence and determination bring their own rewards.

In her role, Roberta leads a team of five to six who assist convention groups when visiting Indianapolis. You will not only find her working as the Director of Conventions Services, but she also serves on the board for the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Center, a not-for-profit theatre company focusing on producing new and contemporary theatre.

Roberta was born and raised in Indianapolis. After working in newspapers and IT for 17 years, she realized it wasn’t fulfilling. While working, she organized events and did party planning on the side, however, it wasn’t the job that was able to pay her bills at the time. One day, after having a conversation with a friend, she realized party planning and organizing events was what she was called to do. Roberta then decided to return to school to obtain a Certificate in Event Management.

When visiting Indy, Roberta suggests you check out the Visit Indy Events Calendar. In addition, here are some places Roberta recommends:

< HIS PLACE EATERY

This is as close to “how mom made it” as you can get.

CUNNINGHAM > RESTAURANT GROUP With different concepts from burgers to high-end chefinspired restaurants, they are all wonderful.

RHYTHM DISCOVERY CENTER

photo pictured from Livery

An interactive drum and percussion museum. Take your kids along, bang on some drums and pretend to be a rock star!

hopeforwomenmag.com

SPRING 2022

travel

< KICASSO SNEAKER ART BAR

Travel Guide

At this Black-owned establishment, you can partake in a class, host a private event or even design/paint your own custom pair of sneakers.

PHOENIX THEATRE CULTURAL CENTER

THE JAZZ KITCHEN

The Jazz Kitchen showcases local, regional and national musical acts. There’s not only jazz - you will find everything from Gospel, Blues, Latin and R&B grace their stage.

As a nonprofit theatre company focused on producing unique contemporary theatre, the Phoenix Theatre strives to showcase diverse voices and nurture new talent. Any moment we have with women like Roberta Tisdul should be regarded as a blessing and used as an opportunity to encourage one another. Z

Rita Taylor is the owner of RitaJ Enterprises LLC and is a Writer, Producer, Director, Speaker and former Radio Host for Kingdom View Global Radio Network. You can learn VI-Hope-3.22.pdf 1 3/31/22 2:09 PM more about her at www.ritajenterprisesllc.com

Discover Your

#LOVEINDY Moment

MOMENT #0422

Working out on the banks of the White River.

For what to see, do, and eat, go to VisitIndy.com hopeforwomenmag.com

SPRING 2022

at The Alexa nder Craft Cocktails & Small Plates 317-624-8200 www.thea lexander.com hopeforwomenmag.com

SPRING 2022

money

Spring Cleaning Your Finances to Uncover Savings Tips to help you save this season BY REBECCA CHAMAA

way to find where I can trim unnecessary spending on “extras” and reallocate those funds to either pay off a credit card bill, invest or build up an emergency fund. The second thing I do is review all the subscriptions I have bought over the past year, such as apps, magazines, newsletters, etc. This year, I ended up canceling an old blog and hosting site I wasn’t using as well as a financial newsletter. This decision alone will save me over two hundred dollars annually. As most subscriptions are on automatic renewal, it’s essential to check these at least once a year, if not more, because it is easy to forget that money is leaving your account, especially if you aren’t using them often or at all. Next on my annual review is my insurance policies. If you have life insurance, car insurance, renters or homeowners insurance, you can bundle all those with one carrier to save money. This year, we found we could save money on our car insurance because my partner works from home and no longer uses our vehicle to commute. Often car insurance companies will offer mileage reduction savings. Health insurance is also something to review each year, and though spring may not be the open enrollment season for your insurance, you can look up when that time is and mark it on your calendar for later review.

Each spring, most people fill bags for Goodwill or fold away winter sweaters to leave at the back of their wardrobe until the temperatures drop again in the fall. I spring clean a different area of my life - my finances. After a long winter filled with the holiday season, I decide to organize and sort through my financial life. First, I start a one-month diary of all the spending my partner and I do. For that one month, I track every dollar. This way, we can keep an eye on where our money is going, how much our discretionary spending is and how much is spent on necessities, like our mortgage, property taxes, transportation, insurance, cable/internet, electricity, etc. We do this each year because the necessity bills never seem to stay at the previous year’s levels. Rent and property taxes can go up, as can gas and electricity. By keeping this diary, I can readjust my monthly budget to include these increases. This is also a useful

If you carry more than one balance on a credit card, it is an excellent time to look into consolidating those cards (transferring the balances) onto a lower interest card with no annual fee. Look at the deals that different cards are offering. Many will have a bonus sign up, and others will postpone interest, making it possible to make larger principal payments and get those bills down, helping you save even more money. One of the last things I do is check all of my accounts to make sure that the beneficiaries listed are up to date. Last year, I discovered that one of my main accounts didn’t have my partner listed, and if something happened to me, the last thing I would want for him is to have to go to court to get access to the money he may need. There are other ways to deep clean your finances, like checking with your cell phone carrier to see if they have any discounts they will honor to existing customers. You can do the same with other services like cable/internet. Be creative with all the things you pay for, and you may be able to save big this spring. Z

Rebecca Chamaa is a freelance writer, workshop instructor, and graduate student at Columbia University. She calls sunny Southern California her home.

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SPRING 2022

gardening

Gardening 101

Everything you need to know about starting a spring garden BY SYDNI ELLIS

Garden Gift 22

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gardening Maybe you’ve always loved the idea of gardening, but you aren’t exactly sure how to start gardening. That’s OK! It can be a little overwhelming. It’s important to know you don’t need a large backyard, tons of time or exceptionally talented hands to grow something beautiful this spring. You just need a few tools and a little help to create your own little backyard oasis. Did you know gardening also has a myriad of awesome health benefits? According to Healthline.com, gardening will give you vitamin D from the sun and help to build strength, promote sleep, protect your memory, boost your mood and self-esteem, help you manage anxiety and more. Here are a few easy tips to get you started:

> DECIDE WHAT TO PLANT

Fresh blooming flowers in spring are so soothing. To start you off, HGTV.com lists several colorful, easy-to-plant flowers. Sweet pea is a fragrant flower that comes in pink, lavender, white, red and black, giving so much variety in just one plant. Next, planting pansies in pots or planting beds adds little pockets of rainbow shades to any garden. Hydrangeas are another fantastic option for the season as they will bloom beautiful and effortlessly in your yard. Don’t be afraid to plant some delicious vegetables and fruit as well! According to The Farmer’s Almanac, some of the easiest vegetables to start in the spring include cold snap peas, spinach, beets, lettuce and parsley. For fruits, you can grow strawberries, raspberries, melons and others. Peaches are also a delicious fruit to plant in the spring and enjoy in the summertime, although peach trees do require a little pruning for best results.

> START SMALL

Don’t get overly ambitious when starting your first garden. Purdue University suggests finding a place that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight a day, has good drainage of excess water, and is away from trees and shrubs that will compete for water and light. Next, sketch out your garden, trying to keep it to about a 100-square foot plot or in a small, raised bed for first-timers. Then, follow individual directions for each type of plant you want in your garden, paying attention to depth and spacing.

Pottery Barn

(Note: The Farmer’s Almanac gives tips on the most efficient ways to layout your garden, recommending to stick with just 3 to 5 plants for beginners.)

> GARDENING GEAR

Before you get your hands dirty, stock up on some basic necessary garden gear. This includes gloves, like this pretty Floral-Printed Weeder Glove Spa Gift Set ($24) from Uncommon Goods. They are covered in pretty spring florals and even include a matching gardener’s hand soap made with soothing ingredients. You’ll also need a few tools, which Pottery Barn sells as a set. Their Garden Tote with Tools ($59) comes with a digging trowel, planting trowel and a cultivator inside a portable canvas tote.

> GET STARTED!

Now that you’ve done the prep work, it’s time to dive in! Just remember: keep it simple, enjoy the process (it won’t be perfect!), soak up the time spent outside and give it time. Gardening will be worth every minute, even if it doesn’t turn out quite like you were expecting.

Uncommon Goods

Sydni Ellis loves talking about her passions: writing, shopping, and reading all things spooky and/or swoony. Follow her on Twitter @sydnimellis to see her latest stories — and 500+ pictures of her two blonde babies. hopeforwomenmag.com

SPRING 2022

career

BIG Ambition

Behind-the-Scenes of Home Improvement Television BY ALISON STORM

Photos by Alison Storm

Are you ever afraid to speak your dreams out loud? I am. Don’t get me wrong - my “great ideas” flow more freely than Gwen Stefani’s anti-wrinkle cream. But when it’s something I want badly or if it seems out of reach, I feel foolish for giving it breath. Back in 2017, I was at a women’s conference when the speaker asked us to write down our big, scary dream. I set my notebook at an angle to shield it from any wandering eyes, and with a bashful stroke of a ballpoint pen I wrote, “Host a show on HGTV.” Who was I to dream of something like that? How could that ever even happen? What skills do I have to pull that off? It felt as if all I had was the fact I have been a huge fan of home design shows for decades. I’ve also loved decorating my own homes over the years, but have never done anything professionally. I couldn’t fathom it, but that day I mustered up the guts to write it down. And then, I closed my journal. The seed I planted that day stayed in my heart until God brought it to life in the most unexpected way.

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FINDING THE “PERFECT” HOME

After adopting our daughter and taking a three-month maternity leave from my job as a morning radio host, I decided not to return. The job offered no plan for development and growth, which began to weigh heavily on me after five years of 4am wake up calls. So with peace from God but without much of a plan, I started focusing on my podcast, my ministry and my family. Little did I know, my dream of renovating a property was right around the corner. My husband and I decided to move forward with building a home, but when we started researching the cost of renting an apartment for a year during construction, we felt frustrated with the idea of throwing away rent money. I suggested looking for a small home to fix up and found the perfect candidate in the summer of 2020. In reality, the only thing that made it “perfect” was the price. Being a debt-free family, we wanted to pay cash for the home and the renovations. That meant we had to be all-in at under $100,000. This was the only house on the market at that price. It had two bedrooms, one bath and featured a nice, big rotten hole in the floor right by the front door. Once used as a church, there were pews in the living room, a pulpit in the kitchen and a drum set by the back door. There was a rickety DIY wheelchair ramp running up the front of the home and the out-of-control backyard was a total jungle. It had major issues, but it was a dream come true for me. Where everyone else saw endless work and headaches, I saw the potential for something great. After negotiations and a heartfelt letter to the owner, we closed on the property and got to work with demolition.

THE EASIEST YES

Within a couple of days, I heard from a producer. He did a quick, preliminary call to hear a bit of our story. Then, came a Skype call with a casting agent. Producers asked us to do a video walkthrough of the home, which I filmed wearing workout clothes while carrying an iced latte. I uploaded everything and waited. We were on a weekend getaway in Asheville celebrating our 13th wedding anniversary when the producer called with good news. We were cast on Magnolia Network’s First Time Fixer. Our producer later told us we were “the easiest yes,” which was very flattering.

THIS IS REALLY HAPPENING

Agreeing to be on a reality show requires signing a lot of contracts. Discovery, Magnolia Network’s parent company, owns the rights to play my show in every galaxy in the solar system. My attorney (who also happens to be my dad) reviewed the paperwork and said, “I don’t know why anyone would want to do this.” But my dream was a jet barreling down the runway and nothing was going to stop it from lifting off. Plus, I figured, he’s an attorney. He has to say stuff like that.

I HAVE A FEELING, BABE

After scraping the popcorn ceilings from our new fixer-upper (worst job ever!), I was resting on the couch scrolling through Instagram. A sponsored ad appeared in my feed. The ad was looking for first-time home renovators for a TV show on Magnolia Network (you know, the network created by home improvement icons Chip and Joanna Gaines). My heart started to race. I couldn’t help but smile. I clicked the link, filled out the application and I knew in my gut this was for me. I fired off a text to my husband. I shared a screenshot of the ad and told him I had just applied to be on this show. “I have a feeling, babe. I think it might be for us,” I wrote. In reality though, I KNEW it was for us, but I didn’t want to scare him. “Oh babe,” he wrote back. “Who knows? Exciting.” hopeforwomenmag.com

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Things felt even more real when the gear showed up. It was two rigs that included an iPhone, microphone, two tripods and other miscellaneous items. I must pause for a moment and explain how surreal this was to me. You see, 21 years ago, my first job was a oneman-band reporter at the NBC-affiliate in my hometown of Sioux City, Iowa. I lugged a 14-pound beta cam and a 15-pound tripod to city council meetings, hog farms and murder scenes - all while wearing heels. I know this makes me sound ancient, but the fact that I would be shooting an entire network television show on my phone was as insane as those 18th century Bridgerton-style dresses becoming a 2022 fashion trend (uh, no thanks!).

$2, a gently used Kitchen Aid dishwasher for $30 and a Pottery Barn medicine cabinet for $30 at the outlet store. The show did give us a small budget for staging the home. I used that money to buy matching bedding for my kids’ bunk beds, a kitchen rug and art prints for the laundry room. I feel like anyone can renovate a home with a big budget. My superpower is creating great design in a frugal way.

THE BIG REVEAL DID YOU GET THAT ON VIDEO?

We got a quick tutorial on how to use the gear and after that, we did everything with cameras rolling. Installing hardwood floors? Cameras were rolling. Discovering mystery poop on a windowsill? Cameras were rolling. Hubby hitting his head on the toilet trying to tighten a screw? Cameras were rolling. The goal was to process everything as it happened to bring viewers in on the experience as much as possible. We weren’t trying to look cool or professional. We were just trying to be real. While our original goal was to finish the renovation in time for Christmas, we blew past that deadline. We ran into bumps in the road including missing kitchen cabinetry and an unresponsive contractor. One thing we did not blow? Our budget.

IF IT’S FREE, IT’S FOR ME

If you watch our episode of First Time Fixer, “Taking on a Carolina Clunker,” you’ll notice a common theme. I love free stuff. From lugging home cabinet boxes I found on the side of the road to scoring a forest of free trees from the power company, I am always looking for ways to get good deals. But a few of my favorite budgetfriendly finds hit the cutting room floor and didn’t make it into the final episode. For instance, I scored a beautiful roll of wallpaper for

Three weeks after we completed the home and moved in, a camera crew showed up to film the big reveal. It was a long, exciting day of interviews. With the cameras rolling, we showed off the home to our dear friends. It was the first time they had seen it since it was ripped apart, so their shocked reactions were completely genuine. In the end, our three-month renovation along with hundreds of hours of video footage was boiled down to 25 minutes of television entertainment. And while it certainly doesn’t capture all the difficulties of a complete home renovation, the producers and editors did a beautiful job encapsulating our family, our goals and the joy we attempted to share with the world.

MY NEXT BIG, SCARY DREAM

Last fall when the show premiered, we invited all our friends over for a viewing party in the backyard of our now-adorable fixer upper. It was a beautiful celebration of God’s fulfilled promise. I have now resolved to stop hiding my big, scary dreams on the pages of my personal journal. Why not share the next one on the pages of a magazine? So Hope family, here it is: I want to renovate another home on television in my signature budget-friendly style and then I want to hand the keys over to someone who dreams of owning a home. I hope this creates a ripple effect of people mustering up the guts to speak life into their own big, scary dreams. What’s yours? Z

Alison Storm an Iowa native, Alison Storm now calls South Carolina home. A mother of two, Alison’s ministry Crowdsourcing Kids provides clean water to people in India. Alisonstorm.com @alistorm on IG.

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The example you set speaks volumes, every day.

PNC is committed to making a positive difference by leveraging the power of our resources to accelerate women’s financial equality.

Learn more at www.pnc.com/women

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home & living

Spring Cleaning

Your Home Office

4 tips to work from home in style this season BY SYDNI ELLIS

Writing, compiling reports and even checking emails is more fun in a bright, beautifully decorated home office space. Sure, if you are working from home, you can technically work anywhere, but who can be productive when reclining on a couch or cramming a workspace onto a cluttered dining room table? Even if you already have a dedicated home office space, spring is the perfect time to revive it, especially after a long winter. Does it need a little spring cleaning ahead of tax season? Maybe you want to add a new bookshelf, frame your achievements or freshen it up with some colorful décor? Keep reading for some easy tips and products you could use to create the home office of your dreams.

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Create a dedicated workspace

First step’s first: Find a dedicated workspace, whether it’s a desk in the corner of your living room or an entire spare bedroom converted into an office space. Either way, it’s important to make sure the space is clutter-free, containing things you need for your work plus any inspirational décor to keep you motivated.

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home & living

Get organized

Office organization has come a long way from pen holders and bulletin boards. There are so many ways to store your stuff that doubles as pretty décor as well! The Russell + Hazel Acrylic Weekly Dry-Erase Calendar ($48) from Crate & Barrel has a minimalist, clear design where you can write out your weekly to-do list. Underneath are storage containers for pens or sticky notes and a keychain hook for your filing cabinet. I’m also a huge fan of fabric storage boxes for an office, like the Hearth & Hand Magnolia Fabric Storage Boxes with Faux Leather Accents ($10-$20) at Target, which comes in small, medium and large. These pretty cream boxes will store paperwork, office tools, mementos and anything else in a stylish way on your desk or bookshelf.

Consider your chair

Think of your office chair as your own personal throne. In order to feel like the queen of your space, you need something empowering and comfortable to sit on every day! I love the Belleze Task Office Desk Chair ($207) from Overstock.com. It’s in a pretty seashell shape with comfortable light pink upholstery, sitting on a gold-colored base that will swivel with your needs. Have some fun and shop around for your new throne in any aesthetic that suits your space and style.

Add personal flair

You spend a lot of time in your office, so it should be decorated in a way that makes you happy! Want to print a million pictures of your kids? Go for it! Feel like painting the walls pink, pastel sage green or beige? Highly approve. If it makes you happy and focused, it’s a good idea. You could also add some greenery, like the Kingbuy Glass Desktop Planter ($22) from Amazon (opposite page). This mini ecosystem for your desktop comes with three glass bulb vases resting on a wooden base, combining art and nature perfectly. Fill it with your favorite flowers or plants to brighten your desk. Make your office your happy place and see how your work transforms! Z

SPRING 2022

inner self

Welcome to the Jungle: Shadow & Inner Child Work A Q&A with Demetria Jackson BY ADIA R. LOUDEN

We all have something. Something that comes up, leaks or spills over. Something that we’ve stuffed down into our own abyss for neither the world nor ourselves to see. Something that sometimes… we can’t even see at all. Our inner child. Our shadow. Welcome to The Jungle, where our Jungian shadow selves can lead us to lives filled with greater self-awareness, self-compassion, creativity, rest and energy. In fact, according to Demetria M. Jackson, our shadow selves can also prompt a personal awakening to not only our internal resources, but to our external resources as well. Demetria is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) within the State of Indiana, specializing in offering secure, online psychotherapy services to adults and couples. She helps clients overcome anxiety, stress, trauma, depression and relationship conflicts. I had the pleasure of speaking with her about this shadow work.

Hope: What is our shadow? What is inner child work? And how can Black women specifically benefit from this practice?

H: What happens when you continuously suppress your shadow or ignore your inner child?

Demetria: We all have different shadows. It’s not the same for everybody. However, the shadow is kind of a hidden side. Some people call it the dark side or that social mask we tend to wear, hiding the part of ourselves we don’t like or we try to minimize because there’s this fear of being judged or being seen as bad. Inner child work is the healing component of who you are. There are things that we’ve all experienced as children. Things that happened outside of our control can trigger a sense of emotional distress. Whatever you had to do, if you suffered trauma, there are certain coping mechanisms that you used at the time that helped you survive it.

D: To ignore your inner child and disconnect from the shadow is to really deny your needs. If you suppress it, you will probably have lots of experiences or patterns where intense emotions show up, like anxiety, worry, sadness, anger or even depression. These are definitely going to impact your interpersonal relationships.

This is the other part of shadow work - recognizing that inner child work is about being aware of how you were wounded, how that experience shaped who you are or how it shaped your behavior. It is the way you integrate the childhood wounds with the person you are now and how you may be stuck in those coping patterns. Now we’ve got to go back and repair that. I think, specifically as Black women, part of you says, “Oh, I don’t want to be perceived as an angry Black woman or combative with someone” or “I don’t want to be perceived as being weak or lazy, or as a procrastinator.” What are these interactions saying to me about myself? Is there a part of me that tends to deny that maybe there’s a part of me that’s very angry? I can own that. That anger is trying to tell me there’s something that I need. This is not a bad thing. We just have to manage it. We have to recognize it; not deny it or avoid it. In recognizing other people’s perceptions of you, realize it’s their perception. But, we also have to recognize that they’re a part of that interaction, especially if it’s a continual pattern. So, is there a part of me that’s co-creating the experience with this person that’s triggering me?

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H: For people who do not have access to therapy, what advice do you have to offer as it relates to healing, shadow and inner child work? D:One thing you could do is write about things that are irritating you. Do that over a period of time without judgment, but recognize that judgments are going to come up. You will see how you criticize yourself as things come up. Write a letter to yourself for ten years from now about your goals and dreams. Write in the present tense, and recognize the things that come up, like “How do you know that’s going to happen?” or “You don’t have the money for that.” This really reflects the shadow. There are parts of you that might have been shaped by other experiences that tell you “You don’t deserve that,” “You’re not good enough for that” or “Who are you to think that?” Explore these automatic thoughts that come up and understand that they’re not there ten years from now, based upon your vision. They’re there now. This will allow you to recognize the self-limiting beliefs, judgments and thoughts that take up space and intrude on your life on a daily basis. Challenge them. Confront them. Put them in their proper place. I tend to also recommend people to Mood Log and family trees to look at the emotional patterns that might have been transferred down to you. Z

inner self

We all have something. Something that comes up, leaks or spills over. Something that we’ve stuf fed down into our own abyss for neither the world nor ourselves to see.

Adia R. Louden A bold content writer for 5+ years, Adia R. Louden leverages her passion for data and public health with research, storytelling, and soul-searching to advance health, gender equity, and health outcomes for women. Adia specializes in writing content for vulnerable populations of women. At the heart, she’s a black woman with a whole LOT of heart; and longs to use her pen for advocacy and to put a voice for women’s stories. Follow Adia on Instagram and Twitter @adiarlouden. hopeforwomenmag.com

SPRING 2022

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SPRING 2022

fitness

Outdoor Workout Ideas Work up a sweat with these easy tips BY SYDNI ELLIS

Spring is here! The snow has finally melted, the days are getting longer and flowers are blooming — the long winter has lifted at last! This change in weather is a fresh start, and what better way to celebrate than by recommitting to your fitness goals? Working out in the beautiful spring air is one of my favorite things to do. Studies have found many benefits of outdoor workouts, including increased physical activity, reduced stress, combat against mental fatigue, improved mood and self-esteem as well as increased enjoyment of your exercise. Sounds pretty great, right? You don’t have to run a 5k or sign up for a challenging bootcamp in order to exercise outside. With these easy moves, anyone can get their heart racing and burn calories in the fresh air!

PUSH-UPS AND TRICEP DIPS

WALKING LUNGES

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Workout your arms with the help of a park bench! Start by planting both feet on the ground and both hands on the top of the bench. Then, angle your body flat and do 10 - 12 standing push-ups. Next, turn around and put the palms of your hands on the sitting area of the bench. Reach your legs out straight in front of you and use your triceps to slowly lower your body down and up 10 - 12 times. Repeat twice to feel your arms burn.

Go on a brisk walk around your neighborhood, stopping every five minutes or so to do walking lunges. Simply reach one leg out and bend it as close to a 90-degree angle as you can, keeping the back leg straight. Then, push off your back foot until that leg is in front, lowering it into a lunge. Do 10 - 16 total, being careful to do an even number of lunges on both legs.

SQUATS AND SPRINTS

Want to up your intensity? After you’ve warmed up, raise your heart rate level with running and squatting. You can jog for 60 - 90 seconds, followed by 15 - 20 seconds of sprinting. Next, rest for 30 seconds and follow with 20 squats. Repeat two times. Note: you could also do jumping squats for an extra challenge or tone it down by doing 60 seconds of walking followed by 15 - 20 seconds of jogging instead of sprinting.

STANDING CRUNCHES AND KNEE TUCKS

Fire up your abs without getting on the ground with standing crunches and knee tucks. Start by standing with your feet wider than shoulder-length apart. Put your hands on your head and raise one knee up to the side, tightening your abs to the side to meet elbow to knee. Repeat with the other leg. Do 10 - 12 on each leg. Next, raise one knee straight in front of you, then use the opposite elbow to crunch across your body. Do 10 - 12 for each leg. Rest and repeat twice.

STRETCH AND RELAX

When you’re done, spend some time enjoying the outdoors by stretching and relaxing. You can use a curb to stretch your hamstrings and calves, go for a light walk to cool down your muscles or lay down a picnic blanket in the grass to stretch your legs or add in a few simple cool down yoga stretches.

SPRING 2022

#womenwednesday Across all Hope’s social media platforms, this biweekly series will highlight inspiring women to know.

Hope Magazine

is a team of thinkers, seekers and creatives who find inspiration in movement, exploration and sisterhood. We want to create meaningful relationships inspired by real women and their stories all designed for the way you live today! Only at www.hopeforwomenmag.com

Enriched Nourish your hopes and broaden your mind

Empowerment through lives, stories and culture.

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redefining

feminism

and breaking the glass ceiling A Talk with Three Powerful Women BY MARY FARUCCI

here’s no stopping Tavonna Harris Askew, Pamela Ross and Brandi Davis-Handy. They are successful, accomplished Indianapolis professionals, mothers, wives, sisters and friends.

Champions for empowering other women by lifting each other up with the understanding that the work-life integration is not for the faint of heart, these women make it work, day in and day out with strength, hustle, determination and self-care. Well, all that and a good support system. For each of them, what it boils down to is family - their families - and the love and encouragement they’ve been offered from the beginning to succeed at anything they set their minds to. We were lucky enough to sit down with these three formidable women as they shared their thoughts on life and success.

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On Getting Started

When thinking back on the early days, Tavonna, an Indianapolisbased attorney, found her calling was rooted in her from the beginning. “While growing up, whenever we would have conversations about anything, I was very inquisitive,” she recalled. “I asked a lot of questions and sometimes those questions led me down a path of lighthearted and spirited debate with family members.” Brandi, a seasoned public relations pro, found her path changed throughout the course of her journey. “My career journey has been interesting,” she explained. “My degree is in broadcast journalism, and I started out as a reporter. I thought I was going to be the next Oprah Winfrey. You couldn’t tell me anything different! I was born and raised in Indianapolis, but I left for college and then moved to North Carolina for a broadcast career before I moved back to Indy in 2005. At that time, I made the decision to pivot to public relations. For me, it was an easy transition because both are focused on the art of storytelling.”

On Motivation

What drives each woman forward and inspires them to be the best version of themselves is unique. Brandi mentioned that her children are her biggest motivating force. “I have two young kids. My daughter is 13 and my son is 9, and I want to serve as a role model to them,” she said. “When I think of my family and what my parents went through to provide for myself and my sister so that we could have the opportunities to go to college and be engaged in different things… I just want my kids to have a similar experience and understand the importance of giving back and lifting as you climb. To me, that’s the most important thing. I would say that is really my ultimate motivation.” Pamela, who works in the non-profit and philanthropic sector, added, “I am inspired by strength and perseverance. As a woman of color, especially in leadership positions, there is always the challenge of power dynamics and being taken seriously, especially when it comes to decision making.”

On Balance

Trying to balance life as a working mom has its fair share of challenges. Tavonna stated, “When you’re a working mom, you have to figure out what work-life balance looks like. I am one of those people who fundamentally believe you can have it all, but you can’t have it all at the same time.” Sharing a different light, Pamela honestly admitted, “I’m not a very good balancer… That’s the absolute plain truth. When I’m committed to something, I don’t do a good job of creating the balance or the boundaries I need. And my commitment is not just to the work in itself, but to truly knowing that I’m not perfect and never will be.” However, Pamela is adamant on making changes to bettering herself not only as a professional, but also as a person. Inspiring us that we can all take small steps, she mentioned, “I want to make sure that I am exercising regularly, that I am doing things that will help release my stress and emotions in a positive space. It means getting on the

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SPRING 2022

treadmill almost every day. And I feel like it means drinking a lot more water than wine.” Brandi also encouraged, “I feel like I’ve been able to let go of some of the stress of feeling like you have to do it all by just making more intentional choices, and then setting the expectation either at work or with my family. On Sundays, I have a routine of talking to my kids and my husband about what the upcoming work week looks like, and what our home life looks like. So, depending on what activities the kids are in and what commitments I have outside of work, I’ve found if I let everyone know ahead of time this is where I’m going to be – this is where my brain is going to be – it helps with my focus and it works a lot better.”

On Support Systems

Those who we surround ourselves with matters more than we may realize. Tavonna shared, “One of the reasons I’ve been able to accomplish all that I have accomplished is because of my husband. Whatever idea I come up with, whatever project is in front of me, he is right there.” Alongside her husband, Tavonna mentioned it was her mother and her sister, who recently passed away, who have also been a backbone and tremendous source of support. “They helped me study through college. They were there for me when I was frustrated, whether it was studying for classes or studying for the bar exam. They bought me my first suit, my first car, whatever it was that I needed… I’ve been extremely blessed to be able to have a wonderful support system in my family, because I didn’t realize how much it would take to accomplish the goals of becoming a wife, a mother and an attorney all at once. At the time, I didn’t have any concept of how much joy, pain and sacrifice it would take to get there.” Tavonna also added she doesn’t know where she would be without her girl squad, who are intertwined to support, laugh and cry with her. Where would any of us be without a strong group of women to back us up? “I have this amazing group of people who are mentors and sponsors for me,” she said. “They tell me about opportunities both professionally and personally.”

On Overcoming Obstacles

As a woman of color, Tavonna said one of the biggest obstacles she faced pursuing her career and advancing into leadership has been closed doors. “I think sometimes, as a woman of color, we have found the doors that would ordinarily be open to other people are closed to us. One of the ways that people advance their careers is based on connections, and sometimes those connections are about who’ve you met and who you’re connected to personally, professionally and politically. In a community like ours, it can also be who your family knows and who is connected to your family. Women of color don’t often have these deep connections, making finding an open door and figuring out how to have a seat at the table a difficult task.” “I think, for me, the biggest obstacle I’ve had to overcome is self-limiting beliefs,” Brandi shared. “I think that when you start

We need to understand that women and girls can do and be anything. It’s so important to support women and girls in doing whatever it is they want to do in this world, be whoever they want to be, and recognize that their voices not only need to be included, but heard and amplified. – Tavonna hopeforwomenmag.com

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out, people have this initial idea or roadmap of where you want to go – maybe it’s a certain college or a certain career and you think that it’s possible for you, because of whatever has been told to you and what you have seen around you, but maybe the path is actually different. I knew I wanted to be a reporter and then I made the transition to communications.”

On Perseverance & Getting Through

Overcoming obstacles builds up perseverance, and Brandi encouraged, “It really took someone else basically telling me to ‘just be you,’ for me to get it. When I was in a senior leadership role, I asked myself, ‘Why am I sitting at this table?’ I realized no one in life ever told me that this wasn’t a possibility for me. I had just decided years ago that this is going to be the trajectory of my career. So, my ultimate advice when I’m talking to people that I mentor is don’t limit yourself and don’t look at someone else’s path as your own path. All of us have a different path.” Brandi also mentioned the way she handles stressful situations is to take a step back. “I always try to approach any situation by believing what was said, what was done, etc. has come from a place of people doing the right thing,” she said. “I think it’s all about communication. It’s about taking an opportunity to understand more of what is happening, whether that’s assessing the situation, getting additional feedback, or listening to a person and finding out why they said what they said.” There are two things Tavonna says help her through stressful situations. These are getting hugs from her daughters and taking

a vacation. “Sometimes you just have to get away from everything and everyone to unplug.”

On The Future of being Feminine

A worthwhile investment for Tavonna is volunteering. She believes it not only helps her better understand our wold, but it also makes her a better person and professional. “Performing acts as of service allows you to give back to our communities and tends to focus you on what’s most important. By seeing the sacrifices that some are forced to make, it reminds you that no one should have to sacrifice what gives them joy for their career goals. If you want to have a family, have one. If you want to travel, then travel. Make sure you don’t sacrifice the things, the people, that bring you joy because you are going to need to lean on them to ground you in stressful situations and celebrate with you in joyful ones.” Something Tavonna is most proud of is her support for all things meant to uplift women and girls. “For me, feminism means fighting to include our missing voice in the conversation and at the place where decisions are made,” she mentioned. “Feminism is recognizing that women are powerful creatures who have the ability to not only bring life into the world, but to also enhance the lives of this world. We need to understand that women and girls can do and be anything. It’s so important to support women and girls in doing whatever it is they want to do in this world, by whoever they want to be, and recognize that their voices not only need to be included, but heard and amplified.” Z

Mary Farucci is a contributing writer for Hope Magazine. Her focus is on people: profile features and news articles. She currently lives in Indianapolis with her boyfriend, daughter and three cats.

Brandi Davis-Handy

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Pamela Ross

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Tavonna Harris Askew

food

spring-inspired

Mocktail;s Three alcohol-free cocktails to celebrate the warmer weather BY HOLLY RIDDLE

For those of us who are cutting back on our imbibing, the sober-curious and the straight-up sober, it can be difficult to go to some of your favorite spring events and see only alcoholic beverages on the drink menu. Sure, champagne makes sense at most celebrations and mimosas are expected at a Mother’s Day brunch, but what’s a gal to do when she just wants a delicious drink without the buzz? Add these three mocktails to the menu and you may just find that everyone on the guest list is interested in what you’re sippin’.

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food

Sparkling Strawberry-Tomato-Basil Blend This mocktail concoction from Waterloo Sparkling Water is just the thing for those who love a mocktail that’s not entirely sweet. Now, we know what you’ll think as soon as you take a look at the ingredients list — what in the world is tomato water? But trust us on this. The refreshing, springtime flavor blends perfectly with the sparkling strawberry water and fresh basil. Ingredients: 4 ounces Waterloo Strawberry Sparkling Water 1 ounce tomato water* pinch of sea salt 2 fresh basil leaves fresh basil sprig to garnish Directions: Combine all ingredients over ice and stir. *To prepare tomato water: Puree 2 to 3 medium tomatoes in a blender. Place a strainer over a bowl and line strainer with a cheesecloth. Place the tomato puree in cheesecloth and mix with a teaspoon of sea salt. Refrigerate overnight. (Do not squeeze! Let gravity do its job.) In the morning, you will have about 1 cup of tomato water. Discard solids in cheesecloth.

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Fresh Fruit Mule There’s a good reason why Moscow Mules are a favorite at many restaurants and bars. They’re simple, refreshing and come with that unmistakable ginger bite. Try this fresh fruit mule that mimics the flavor you would get from a traditional mule made with vodka. Ingredients: 1 part lime juice 1 part fruit puree (like mango, strawberry, etc.) 1 part ginger beer Directions: Add lime juice and puree to a cocktail shaker. Add ice and give it a good shake. Strain into your favorite mule mug. Top with ginger beer. Stir and sip away.

food

(Not Quite) Bubbly If you like the idea of cutting back, but you know you’ll miss the taste of your favorite bubbly, give this recipe a try. You can choose flavored seltzer or grape juice that’s been blended with other fruit juices for an extra layer of flavor. You get the sweetness and carbonation of a sweet sparkling wine, but none of the buzz. Ingredients: 4 ounces chilled white grape juice 2 ½ ounces chilled seltzer Directions: Add ingredients to a glass of your choice and stir. If making for a party, combine 6 cups chilled white grape juice and 4 cups chilled seltzer in a punch bowl. Serve with fresh fruit garnishes. Holly Riddle is a travel, food and lifestyle writer, and a full-time freelance content creator after several years on editorial staffs around the country

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books

Fables & Fairy Tales

Bookstores with Heart The importance of supporting these independent treasure troves

BY LAURA TUZZIO

Sometimes they can be hard to notice, tucked in between a law office and a bakery or hidden at the end of an almost forgotten strip mall or you may even find one in an old historic home. Independent bookstores that pulse with charm, magic and wonder are out there in communities just waiting to be discovered. Beneath a black-and-white striped awning lies the enchanting world of Fables & Fairy Tales. In 2019, Jennie Middleton purchased this lovely independent bookstore located in Martinsville, Indiana simply because she didn’t want the community to lose the joy of having it there. It’s easy to aimlessly wander around, exploring the shelves full of titles for both children and adults. Local authors’ works are also on display, along with an assortment of educational

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toys and items from local artisans such as candles. Jennie notes, “We’re not a retail store, we’re a specialty store.” She puts her own crafting skills to good use as well by offering an eclectic assortment of handcrafted t-shirts and cups. Further north in a quaint historic home in the heart of the Village in Zionsville is where Tania Roudebush has set up shop since 2010 at Black Dog Books. A sitting porch beckons patrons as they approach the bold red door. Upon entering, soothing music and a wonderfully friendly black lab named Sophie are present to greet one and all. A self-described bibliophile, Tania has amassed an impressive collection of used and rare books and has sprinkled in some new titles as well. Aside from the bookcases lined with

books

Black Dog Books

beautifully bound selections, children may find themselves getting lost in the Hundred Acre Wood of Pooh Corner while history buffs will be enthralled by various one-of-a-kind offerings. Tania stated, “We’ve had some remarkable things that have all come from Indiana homes.” These include a first edition of Abraham Lincoln’s biography signed by one of its authors, King Edward’s signed memoirs, and even medieval manuscripts from the 1400s. Her store is truly a treasure trove for the curious. Both store owners agreed that their ties to the community are a main focus in how they run their businesses. Jennie attributes her staff’s love and knowledge of books to the reason why shopping in her store is different to the big box stores. It’s not just about sales, connections are being made. Jennie also makes a great effort to tether her store to the surrounding area. “We’re so community focused. We sponsor little league teams and we have a book club that meets once a month.” Tania has hosted author events, book signings and readings since opening. A community favorite event at Black Dog Books comes in October with a candlelight reading of The Raven, accompanied by cookies and hot cider. When asked why having independent bookstores in their communities was so important to them, the ladies’ answers hardly varied. Both noted that they feel their bookstores are the heart and soul of the community, a place to form relationships and find unique treasures, perfect for collecting or gifting. Z Laura Tuzzio is a freelance writer who enjoys books, travel, music, and spending time with her family. hopeforwomenmag.com

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ganggang The creative agency taking Indianapolis and surrounding areas on a cultural journey BY EMILY CUNNINGHAM

2020 WAS A STRANGE YEAR TO SAY THE LEAST... In the midst of widespread civil unrest and revolt, almost everything was practically shut down overnight due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Restaurants closed their doors. Television and film shooting schedules were disrupted. Broadway went dark. Athletic events were canceled. Hospitals were overcrowded and understaffed.

People were panicking. “Our phone started to ring,” said Mali Jeffers, co-founder of GANGGANG, the Indianapolis-based cultural creative agency. “The world was in a frenzy, and [there were] entities on my phone saying, ‘What do we do?’”

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Mali and her partner and co-founder, Alan Bacon, jumped to action. It was no longer about writing strategies and forming official statements for local organizations. It was time for motion. “GANGGANG was born out of thinking of equity in action instead of equity on paper; thinking we should hone in on culture because that seems like a path forward.” Though GANGGANG is still in its infancy, Mali and Alan have absolutely surged forward, seeking out opportunities “to produce culture, which produces equity and a vibrant city, and brings people together to spark the creative economy,” as Mali stated. Some of the opportunities they’ve created include taking on creative directorship and booking 243 live musical performances for the NCAA March Madness tournament in 2021, partnering with Butler University to book opening acts for all of the Clowes Hall events, partnering with the Indiana Pacers to introduce the first Day of Mental Health and Healing, and establishing the newest Labor Day installment, Butter, an art fair featuring exclusively Black artists from around the city. With a name like GANGGANG, you may be wondering where it came from? Mali mentioned they were brainstorming, “How do we save the world? We figured out to save the world on Thursday night, then Friday night, we’re like ‘what do we call this thing?”’ As Alan paced the room, slinging random words into the air – candle, chair, gang, painting – “gang” caught Mali’s attention. They contemplated the use of the word as they traced its history only to find that it is a descendent of expressions from various cultures that mean “journey”.

From left to right: Alan Bacon and Mali Jeffers

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“It means a way, a set of things or people that are going someplace together. The way we use the word now to criminalize groups of Black men is made up. What a beautiful opportunity to reclaim this word for the brightness of its meaning,” informed Mali. Although use of the word “gang” has turned some people off, Mali views it as not only a chance for redemption, but more action. “The real thing to do is assess your own lens,” she says. “This is such an individual journey as well, this journey to get back to seeing people as people and humans versus seeing each other as our race… This is an opportunity to feel inclusion and feel how culture does bring people together.”

Photos: GANGGANG Team Member

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Arts and culture have proven themselves time and time again a reliable middle ground for connecting with those who are both alike and unlike ourselves. We watch TV as a family, attend book clubs, go to the theater with our friends, and major holidays are almost always centered around food. “This is all arts and culture, we’re just not realizing it,” says Mali. “GANGGANG is that thing, that spark. What would change in our city if we had more of that everywhere? If we had beauty and life and music and more people activating the creative economy? That’s a place where I want to be.” Z

A Magical Celebration

VIP Reception, Friday, July 29, 2022

•

Annual Luncheon, Saturday, July 30, 2022

5:30 pm - 8:00 pm •

11:00 am - 2:30 pm

VISIONLOFT EVENTS 235 N Delaware Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

special guest

Tracey Powell Vice President, Travel Services, Pricing & Revenue Management The Walt Disney Company

the femininity of you

Articles inside

STYLE