Category Archives: Personal Empowerment

I spent four days at Squaw Valley Ski Resort on assignment at the Wanderlust Festival, flittering between down dogs, cross-legged meditations, aimless booth wanderings, challenging waterfall hikes and speaking sessions. I took 32 classes that focused on eating better, yoga postures, meditation, making crafts, healing the body and braided hairstyles.

Here are my top takeaways:

Eat clean. Jodi Bullock, a registered dietitian and holistic health coach, gave a talk on healing the gut. Her approach was simple: "Eat real foods," she said. In short, she recommends eating a diet that is full of things that are grown, not pre-made or processed. Eat on purpose, with lots of chewing, and make it a habit to eat less. Foods that heal the gut, she said, are radishes, cilantro and wild blueberries.

Take 16-breaths to less stress. Davidji (who goes by a single name) is a meditation teacher and author of "Destressifiying: The Real-World Guide to Personal Empowerment, Lasting Fulfillment." One useful "life hack" he taught: When stressed, you can turn that stress around in 16 seconds. Breath in your nose for four seconds, hold that for four seconds, breath out your nose for four seconds, and then hold that for four.

Be creative. Making things from scratch has a therapeutic and meditative quality to it. I made a totem which was done by tying cotton cords to tree branches then adding feathers, stones and other objects. Tying little knots and wrestling feathers with focus can give the brain a break from larger, more complicated problems that might seem pressing.

Follow your calling. Day Schildkret, whose talk was titled "A Mandala a Day Keeps the Doctor Away," travels the world making a living by crafting symmetrical designs on the ground from things he finds in nature on walks. After he makes them, they get destroyed to practice non-attachment to things. He talked about working his way out of a deep depression by committing to making these mandalas each day in a local park again, using things he found on his way to the park. He was healed and inspired to quit his job in the movie business to forage, wander and create.

Practice caring for yourself. Kelly Knoche, with The Teaching Well, gave a highly research-based talk on how to sustain oneself in work that involves serving others. She was a teacher "in service" to her middle-school Oakland students and giving it her all. Her students were succeeding and thriving, but she was gaining weight, losing sleep and drinking too much with friends in her off time. She was a success and she was unsatisfied. The approach she developed and shares mostly with schools and administrators through her company workshops involves self-care. She gave evidence that supported better success from teachers, nurses and other service-based people who are engaging in a routine that prioritizes taking care of themselves first.

Be alone. Life has a performance quality to it. The concept is that we are all wanting to perform well at work, for our kids and for our partners. Having time alone with little distractions offers opportunity to get in touch with the non-performance part of us. Who are we when we are were not trying to be anything to anyone else? Solo trips allow time for this part of our lives to grow.

Talk to your partner about sex more. Dr. Emily Morse, a nationally-known sex expert with a twice-weekly podcast, said communication about sex keeps sex a priority. Talking about sex out of the bedroom will enhance the experience in the bedroom.

Meditate more; it gets easier with practice. Known around the world, Rod Striker is a yoga, tantra and meditation teacher. He offered a class on meditation and said, "the last thing your mind wants to do is get still." Failed attempts are all right. I did three 20-minute meditations. With practice, meditation gets easier. We worked on getting the exhalation to grow longer than our inhalation to deepen the calm.

Look people in the eyes. Eye gazing is a real thing. The idea is that you take two minutes to look at someone. Look at one eye or look at the center of the eyes. The point is to connect to them and see yourself in their eyes. I did this with 20 people and was guided to look for compassion, anger, joy and fear in others. People host parties dedicated to this and it is considered a meditation practice.

Slow is the new cool. Technology lets us save time, and yet most people use that time to do more. Lives are more fast-paced and hectic than ever. In three of the physical yoga classes, the theme was similar: slow is what trendsetters are doing. Slow down and enjoy life.

Wanderlust Squaw Valley happens annually and they create the vessel for people to gather and exchange ideas and experiences. My goal was to say "yes" over the four days to experience new things and keep an open mind, hoping to find kernels to share with you.

Natalie Otis writes on assignment for The Union. You can contact her at news@theunion.com.

Originally posted here:

On assignment: 10 takeaways from attending Wanderlust yoga retreat - The Union of Grass Valley

Presley Morgan cant remember a time when she wasnt singing.

Ive been singing since I could talk, said Morgan. I started performing when I was six, so for over half my life. Im 17 now.

For someone as young as Morgan, you might think her influences would be along the lines of Taylor Swift or Lady Gaga. Not so.

Definitely Stevie Nicks, Morgan said when asked who her influences are. I love Stevie and Fleetwood Mac. And Creedence Clearwater Revival. A lot of Southern Rock and Rhythm and Blues. She added when she read the interview with Elizabeth Buddenberg, the first artist in the Summer Music Series, and saw that they had similar tastes in music, she immediately sent her a message on Facebook saying they needed to be friends.

She does have some current day artists she loves.

I get a lot of my raspy vocals from Adele and Amy Winehouse, Morgan said.

Morgan has performed all over, from our local Laurel County Homecoming and Fair to the Kentucky State Fair. Shes also auditioned for The Voice a couple of times.

I havent gotten as far as I would have liked (in The Voice auditions), but thats OK, Morgan said. I look at it like thats not the route for me right now.

Morgan has also been writing her own material, drawing from various inspirations.

From personal experience to other peoples issues, Morgan said of her song writing. I like to be there for other people, so some of that comes through in my songs. A lot of them are empowerment songs, to help people grow. Theres a lot of positives in my songs. Other songs have more depth from personal experiences.

While she has written the lyrics, she really doesnt play an instrument. She wants to learn to play an instrument, but she hasnt found the time.

Im looking for a band right now, Morgan said. I would like to perform the songs Ive written but I need someone to put music to them.

Morgan wants to make music her career.

A lot of people who have jobs and go to work everyday, they feel like its a chore, Morgan said. Musics not a chore to me. Im always humbled to be on stage and I dont take it for granted. I appreciate the feedback people give me. It helps keep me going and I know Im making a difference. Its been a goal of mine to make music my career and I want to do it for the rest of my life.

Morgan also said she wants people to know how powerful of a message music can send.

People connect music to certain things in their lives, Morgan said. Music can be so empowering and can be used for celebration. When an artist writes a song they are exposing themselves, and I think that shows character. It says something when a person writes a song. They are putting their heart on their sleeve.

Morgan is also thrilled to be a part of the Summer Music Series.

Im excited to get to do this, Morgan said. When I first saw the post about it on Facebook and then the ad in the paper I got excited and said I had to do this. A lot of times I have to travel out of town to perform. By doing this I can share my music with the community. She also wants people to check out her Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/presleysworld.

Morgan will be performing this Wednesday at 1 p.m. on The Sentinel-Echos Facebook page.

sports@sentinel-echo.com

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Music has always been a big part of Presley Morgan's life - The Sentinel-Echo

A few weeks ago, Vanessa McDowell made the news when she was named the first African-American CEO of the YWCA Madison, which has been around since 1908.

But as the former interim CEO at the Y, McDowells not new to the job, and shes not new to the city, either. She grew up in Madison and is a longtime member, volunteer and former employee of Mount Zion Baptist Church and an active member of the Madison Alumnae Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, where she currently serves as the chaplain. Plus, shes a DJ on the side, and mixes music around town at parties and events like Dane Dances.

Now, as CEO, shes on a mission to make sure that the community understands the YWCAs mission (like that it has nothing to do with the YMCA) and to empower the populations the Y serves.

As the first African-American CEO of the YWCA in Madison, youve said theres a banner that I carry with it, but also a weight that I carry with it. Can you explain that?

One of the great things about right now is I have a lot of support from the African-American community. Its like carrying this banner of victory, like Yes, were here, were doing it together! But with our mission to eliminate racism and empower women, to be in 2017 and this is just happening is kind of a weight, too. So weve come a way, but we still have a long way still to go.

With the emphasis on being the first African-American CEO, do you think that at all takes away from your personal accomplishments?

Not at all. I mean, for me, this is really not about me, per se. I just happen to be the vessel being used at this time. So I dont really take into account me personally, my accomplishments or things like that. To me, Im a believer in God, and I just believe that God positioned me at this time to carry this banner and take the baton during this part of the race.

What does it mean for African-Americans to look at a CEO and see someone who looks like them?

I think that makes a world of difference. Just like anything, if you dont see yourself represented somewhere, it makes you feel like you dont belong there. For me, its an opportunity that the door has been opened to say, "you belong here." Were able to get into different communities of color in a different way than we have in the past.

One of your focuses is moving from a charity model to an empowerment model. Some people might think, whats wrong with charity?

I think that model is problematic because it comes from a lens that I know better than you what you need. There is no real engagement with the person, its just kind of throwing this program at you and throwing this money at you, take it. Instead of, Let me walk alongside of you and see what it is that you need from me.

Can you give me an example of empowerment on an average day at the Y?

I think specifically about our YWeb Career Academy. The goal is to get women and people of color into the IT field that is currently predominantly white and male. I get to meet them at the beginning, and theyre all nervous and not sure about this. Like, Okay, Im committing 15 weeks of my life here to very intense training and hoping to come out on the other side. But by the end when they get to graduation, they have the ability to really change their lives forever, because the IT field is pretty lucrative. If you go from not really having much, to now youre able to make a family-sustaining wage, thats a major accomplishment. Thats empowerment.

It started in the home. I have phenomenal parents who have been advocates and community leaders here in Madison and have really done some trailblazing work. My mom was the first director of the Multicultural Student Center on campus.

It was huge, because they didnt really have anywhere for students of color to have a place on campus. She provided a lot of support to students of color who still call her mom. One of the inspiring things for me is that she was 36 (when she became director), and Im 36, so its like this whole legacy feeling.

What are your priorities as CEO, and have they changed at all from your time as interim CEO?

Were still working on those three areas I had in my interim: staff development and morale, building nontraditional partnerships and building an empowerment model, and theyre longstanding goals. It's not like magic happens and you're done with them. But my overall vision for YWCA Madison is that whatever touch you have with us, is an empowering touch that inspires you and uplifts you in some type of way. Whether if thats just you surfing our website, you should be empowered by that website. Things that seem small, they still have a way to touch you.

Is there something that you want the Madison community to better understood about your work at the Y?

One of the things that were working on particularly is making sure that we do tell our story better in the community, just by our social media and things of that nature. And then were also trying to make sure we dont get confused with YMCA, which happens a lot. We have two very different missions; we have no affiliation, even though theyre great. Our focus is really on eliminating racism and empowering women. We dont have a gym.

How did you get into DJing?

I grew up in a musical family. The story of my house is kind of that on Saturday mornings, youre doing cleanup and the musics going, you listen to '70s music, '80s music. Probably about seven years ago now, I was always bringing a little iPod to parties. Everybody was like, Vanessa, bring the music! The a light bulb went off, and I was like, I could probably be making a little money, because I just have this belief that everyone needs a side hustle. (Laughs.) So I invested in some equipment, taught myself the software and the rest is history.

I feel like when you picture the CEO of a major nonprofit, and then a DJ, youd think, oh, that couldnt be the same person.

Ive had people run into me, and its almost like theyre scared to ask me, Are you DJ Ace?

Is there anything else you want to add?

I think we are in a pivotal time right now, not only as far as our country but our city. Theres this kind of glossing over sometimes of the tale of two cities here. Race to Equity really brought up a lot of conversation, a lot of discussions, which was good. But now I feel like were at a pivotal place where we can actually figure out a plan to get rid of these disparities. The question is, are we going to rise to the occasion?

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Q&A: New YWCA CEO Vanessa McDowell emphasizes empowerment - Madison.com

COLUMBIA One by one,kids sat in the middle of an open room with helmets strapped under their chins and decked out in training pads.

Either Deputy Eli Burkholder or Detective Cody Bounds, wearing full RedMan training suits, would approach them and feign abduction. Each kid would punch and kick their way free from the officer and run to safety on the other side of the room.

The scene sounds bizarre, but its part of routine training for the Boone County Sheriff's Departments radKIDS program. The program, which stands for resisting aggression defensively, took place Saturday at the department building.The program is a personal empowerment and safety education program for children ages 5-12, according to the department website. The Saturday session was for kids ages 9 to 12.

RadKIDS is a national program that was started in 2000. The program that the Sheriffs Department currently uses, which includes more about internet safety for the modern generation, began in the spring of 2015 when Captain Martina Pounds from the Boone County Fire Departmentgot involved.

The program starts with what Pounds described as classroom time, where she and other instructors talk to the kids about general safety and the difference between good and bad people. Pounds said the class doesnt like to use the word stranger.

Just because theyre a stranger doesnt mean theyre bad, but just because you know them doesnt mean theyre good," she said.

Pounds said they stress that potential predators can be people the kids are already familiar with even family.

Unfortunately, most crimes against children are from people they know, she said.

After classroom time, the kids get a hands-on experience to practice the defensive techniques they learned against Burkholder and Bounds, volunteers to be punched, kicked and yelled at.

In the practice situation, Detective Andy Evans, another instructor, gave each kid an everyday scenario they may be in when an adult shows aggression towards them. When either Burkholder or Bounds approached them or grabbed them, the kids demonstrated techniques like a hammer fist or a heel kick to fight back against their fake attacker.

A tactile experience with that kind of a situation is something that Kirk Wing of Columbia wanted his sons, Bruce, 9, and Henry, 7, to have. That desire came from his own experience learning self-defense.

Me and their mother both took the self-defense course offered by (MU) and we found great value in the techniques we learned to deal with attackers and such, Wing said. I wanted them to get the same type of experience, including the simulation, that I did so theyll be better prepared for whatever they come across.

Despite the real problems theyre learning to defend themselves against, the kids have fun with the demonstration part of the class. Pounds said their enjoyment helps then learn.

Kids tend to remember better when its fun, she said. We try to make it fun for them, but on the other hand we try to make them understand, hey, if youre ever in this situation, you need to know how to defend yourself.

Wings sons now have a foundation of knowledge they can rely on if something were ever to happen.

Weve talked to them about these kinds of situations before, but it never went beyond telling them to avoid situations. This (training session) was unique because this taught them that in a time where they wouldnt be able to avoid it, how do you deal with it? he said. Nine out of 10 times theyre not even going to get in this type of situation because theyll know how to avoid it, but this covers the other 10 percent, so I really feel like theyre well-suited to deal with the situation.

Pounds has found that repetition helps to reinforce the ideas and the simple techniques in kids minds. RadKIDS is also a program implemented in elementary schools, usually in third or fourth grade.

We like doing it in the schools because we have the kids over eight weeks, she said. When you have the kids once a week over eight weeks, you really see them developing a confidence and seeing, oh yeah, I can do this.

They can also repeat the weekend class if they want to, as both the classroom time and the demonstration help to reinforce the ideas. Pounds said the kids are receptive to how important the material theyre learning is.

These guys understand that it could save their life, she said.

Supervising editor is Hannah Black.

Originally posted here:

RadKIDS combines safety and fun | K-12 Education ... - Columbia Missourian

Females Are Strong As Hell

Weve all been there. Its after dark and youre walking alone to your car parked in an empty lot. You hear footsteps behind you. Or maybe you see your attacker standing in front of you, watching you and waiting. You may not know who they are, but most likely, you do. You feel that horrible drop in your stomach, that itchy, sweatiness in your arm pits, the hair on your arms standing on end. You sense youre in danger, but what do you do?

According to Jarrett Arthur, one of the worlds leading experts in womens self-defense, listening to your gut instinct is critical.

Ive worked with survivors for over 14 years, said Arthur during an instructional workshop at Los Angeles BoxUnion boxing studio this month.And the thing I hear [from them] over and over and over again is, Something didnt feel right, and I did it anyway.'

Recently, Arthur and Lynn Le, the founder of womens boxing glove companySociety Nine, led the empowering two-hour self-defense intensive for women in L.A., breaking down the basics of understanding verbals, body language, and commanding space, and coaching the 30-plus women in attendance in physical engagement, reviewing fighting stance, striking, and ground situations.

The inspiring event was a first for BoxUnion, a brand new boxing studio in Los Angeles that boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a community-building approach to boxing for fitness. The studio invited Jarrett to not only offer hands-on physical instruction, but also to engage participants in necessary conversations about the importance of establishing boundaries and self-advocating, imparting techniques that are particularly useful in situations where you know your perpetrator (which, Arthur pointed out, are the most common).

During the workshop,Arthur laid out the three stages of self-defense: the Pre-Fight (the moment when you believe a physical altercation is about to take place and the moments preceding the encounter), the Fight (a person has already engaged you physically), and the Post-Fight (the physical, psychological, emotional, etc. aftermath of a physical confrontation). Arthur said she does not provide Post-Fight instruction, but strongly suggested seeking help following a violent encounter and offered to connect participants with references and resources.

And according to Arthur, it is because of that Post-Fight piece of the experience that she stresses the importance of Pre-Fight boundary-setting using vocal tone and forcefulness, body language, and verbal commands.

I will literally go to all the ends of the Earth to avoid having to actually test my physical skills, said Arthur. I do not want that for me, and I really dont want that for you, so any way you can avoid being in a confrontation, shut it down and set boundaries, that is definitely what you want to do.

Should women find themselves in situations where fighting is necessary, however, Arthur offered a handful of simple strikes to cripple an attacker and create time and space for women to get away and find help:kicks and elbow throws to the eyes, nose, throat, and groin.

Though Arthur has found personal and professional empowerment in training and teaching self-defense, she admitted the everyday grapplings with self-doubt persist. I [still] deal with situations that are universal for women, in which someone makes you feel a little bit smaller, a little bit quieter, and takes away your power. Im not, like, this hulking she-wolf walking around with it all figured out, said Arthur.

No matter what your course of action when confronted with assault, though, theres no victim-blaming here. Arthur insisted whatever choice you make is the right one.

Nothing that you can do or cannot do can warrant being targeted for violence. Nothing. Not what you wear, not where you go, not how much you drink, not who youre with. Nothing.

So get yourself to a self-defense workshop, stat!

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I took an empowering women's self-defense workshop at a boxing gym, and here's why everyone should try it - HelloGiggles

Shamanic Teacher and Guide Anahata Ananda of Shamangelic Healing Center in Sedona, Arizona announces the return of her dynamic Shamangelic Breathwork Facilitator Training Course this fall, October 25-26. This popular 2-day intensive incorporates guided visualization, holotropic breathwork and other techniques to facilitate a profoundly personal Sacred Journey of the soul.

Sedona, Arizona (PRWEB) July 30, 2017

Shamangelic Breathwork Teacher and Shamanic Healer Anahata Ananda of Shamangelic Healing, Sedona Arizona's Premier Center for Shamanic Healing and Spiritual Awakening, is proud to offer her powerful Shamangelic Breathwork Facilitator Training, Level III, a unique hands-on professional level training intensive like no other. The weekend training will again be held at Shamangelic Healing Center, among the healing energies of Sedona's beautiful red rocks and vortex energy centers, October 2526, 2017.

This two-day training course is a powerful complement to the two previous levels, Empowerment & Awakening and Healing Tools & Modalities, and part of a 12-day training intensive offered at the Center that lay the foundations for energy healing, setting boundaries, using healing tools, hands on healing techniques and more that prepare participants to be Breathwork facilitators.

Shamanic breathing is the practice of using breath, sound and touch to affect emotional clearing and attract angelic support to clear density and awaken one's true essence. Because of the intense and powerful nature of Shamangelic Breathwork, and the comprehensive training and experience facilitators require, the Empowerment & Awakening and Healing Tools & Modalities courses are prerequisites to this course.

Shamangelic Breathwork Facilitator Training draws on all the previous coursework in this powerful and transformational intensive. It will explore one of the most complex practices for core healing and spiritual awakening, providing various techniques to illicit deeper emotional releases, shifts and expansion than the earlier training.

The Level III course also teaches how to support someone through their process of releasing past traumas, shows facilitators how to set sacred space and conduct it as a ceremonial offering, reveals effective methods for bringing participants back into their bodies after a shamanic journey, and gives a practicum on co-facilitating a live Shamangelic Breathwork ceremony.

Deep Shamanic breathing has been found to facilitate profound emotional release, open new channels of awareness and clear toxicity in the body. This sacred journey incorporates guided visualization, Shamangelic Breathwork, vibrational sound, soulful music, energy healing, Shamanic tools, crystal therapy and lightbody expansion techniques to facilitate a personal Sacred Shamanic Journey into the depths of one's soul. Participants will come away from this comprehensive course empowered and confident to lead themselves and others on soulful, in-depth shamanic breathing journeys.

Shamangelic Healing offers 12-day training intensives at the Center that lay the foundations for energy healing, setting personal boundaries, using healing tools, hands on healing techniques, and more that prepare participants to be Breathwork facilitators.

Shamanic Healer and Spiritual Counselor, Anahata Ananda has trained extensively with gifted shamans, energy healers and spiritual teachers from around the world in order to artfully integrate the fields of spirituality, energy healing, self-empowerment, and shamanic teachings. Her client-base spans the globe with individuals from all walks of life who are seeking to heal and awaken to their fullest potential.

Anahata also offers Shamangelic Tailored Retreats in Sedona that offer a wide range of private sessions to meet the needs of students and clients for their core healing, spiritual awakening or individualized training. Sessions may include Shamanic healing, sacred vortex journeys, Shamangelic Breathwork, Chakra Balancing, Meditation Practices, Tools for Healthy Conscious Relationships, specific training and much more.

The Shamangelic Healing Center is based in Sedona, Arizona. It is nestled beneath Thunder Mountain, with 360 degrees of breathtaking views, and within walking distance to a medicine wheel and healing vortexes, making it the perfect setting for healing and expansion.

Inside, the retreat center's calm and relaxed environment helps to engage all of the senses, making it easy to settle into a session. Clients seeking Spiritual awakening, transformational healing services, counseling, sacred land journeys or training courses may choose from a wide range of options that can be tailored for the ultimate personal experience. Private Healing Sessions with Anahata are also available at the Center where Anahata provides personal sessions in a safe and loving space for deep healing and spiritual awakening.

Whether visitors are seeking a Weekend Intensive on Empowerment & Awakening, a soulful Tailored Sedona Retreat of Transformational Healing and Spiritual Awakening, Shamanic Wisdom Teachings or a Sacred Land Journey Shamangelic Healing provides profoundly empowering experiences, all among the Red Rocks.

The Shamangelic Breathwork Facilitator Training is an intimate experience with limited space and traditionally fills up fast. Participants are encouraged to reserve their spot early. For detailed descriptions and a calendar of all training courses, retreats and spiritual awakening services offered by Anahata of Shamangelic Healing Center visit http://shamangelichealing.com/.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/shamangelichealing/ShamanicBreathingTraining/prweb14551368.htm

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Shamanic Healer and Teacher Anahata Ananda Presents Powerful 2-Day Shamangelic Breathwork Facilitation ... - Benzinga

As a girl growing up in a city in northern Togo near the Burkina Faso border in West Africa, Lili Klu figured out that a conventional education really wasnt for her. At 15, she decided to learn a trade: sewing. She turned out to be such a natural that she was able to complete the three-year program in one year. When she moved to San Diego with her husband in 2000, she opened L.K. Fashion Boutique on El Cajon Boulevard and has recently started a non-profit program, Lilis Fashion Academy, to teach sewing and the business of fashion design to women.

I love the creativity (of sewing and fashion), the appreciation on a clients face and that I could educate and empower women, she says. Fashion is always about risk, and one of the biggest aspects of creativity is risk. You need it if you want to be successful in the fashion industry. Risk will set you apart from all the designers, and for me to become a designer speaks to my love for fashion and sewing.

Klu, 41, lives in the Grantville neighborhood with her husband and two sons. She took some time to talk about her new non-profit program, her favorite African fashion designers and her inspiration when creating clothes.

Q: Tell us about Lilis Fashion Academy.

A: Its an educational sewing institute that focuses on teaching the skills needed to master sewing with a variety of techniques needed for a successful career in sewing. Sewing machines helped to emancipate women as it gave them a commercially marketable skill. We believe that as our students learn how to sew for themselves and others, they will obtain these marketable skills that will encourage them to become entrepreneurs and financially support themselves, their families, and supply jobs for people in their community.

The program will develop each participants employment readiness because sewing is a window into history, sociology and economics. This class is designed to get students to complete the program knowing the basics of threading the machine, working the controls, selecting stitches, sewing straight lines and curves, and sewing basic seams while pushing them to specific sewing techniques.

Q: How does the academy work?

A: New students will register and pay a $100 registration fee and get an introduction to the program. Then, theyll start lessons that I teach. To successfully complete the year-long program (which requires no other payments beyond the registration fee), students are required to complete an eight-week capstone project. The project consists of students designing their own fashion concept to fit a specific model. This will be a platform where students take what they learned throughout the course of the program and apply it to examine a specific idea around a model. Each student must make five outfits for five models for their graduation fashion show. On graduation day, the students receive a certificate of completion, and owners of fashion businesses in San Diego will be invited to attend the fashion show to see the skills of our students and to offer them future employment.

This is the first year of the program and we currently have eight students who will graduate next March.

Q: How would you describe LK Fashion Boutique?

A: Our mission is to provide men and women with an upscale selection of African clothes and exists to not only attract and maintain customers, but to spread sophisticated fashion and instill confidence with folks in the West. I moved to San Diego in 2000 and started working as an independent designer for the African community in San Diego.

Its a good place to live and raise a family.

Q: Are there meanings or traditions behind different prints?

A: Yes, theres a lot of meaning and tradition behind African prints, lots of hidden meanings. For example, the kente come from west Africa, specifically Ghana. The kente is a vibrant fabric and the pattern and design represent common African motifs, like religious beliefs. The colors on all African prints have a meaning. For example, red symbolizes death, green means fertility, white expresses purity, and blue signifies love.

Q: Whats your opinion of the fashion scene here in San Diego? How would you describe it?

A: San Diego fashion is very laid back, but the casual sweatpants and sandals every day and for every occasion is not cutting it. We need to spice it up little bit.

Q: What do you get the most requests for?

A: Dashiki prints and actual dashikis are the most popular.

Q: How would you describe your personal style?

A: Simple but still elegant.

Q: Who are some African fashion designers youre a fan of?

A: Kofi Ansah, whos from Ghana but based in London. I think Kofi is really one of the first African designers who brought modern African style and design to another level. He gave the fashion industry a new type of style with graphics and new shapes. Theyre not just clothes that you wear; theyre more than that. Theyre visual, theyre art and each pattern has a story. When you think about modern African style, you think about Kofi first. Hes a pioneer.

Deola Sagoe is an African designer whose work I find to be so creative, and who put Africa before fashion success. I admire Deola because shes an African woman who made it in an industry first ruled by men, and because shes African. Lets be real, female fashion designers are still in the minority. Can you believe that out of the 50 major fashion brands only 14 percent are run by women? Daola is an entrepreneur. When it comes to her work, I respect the fact that she could transform traditional Nigerian designs into contemporary designs. Today, shes well-known for her unique style and most of her creations are made with Komole Kandids motifs. Theyre gorgeous and elegant. I want to have my own signature and be well-known in the industry just like her.

Q: What inspires you when youre creating your clothes?

A: African culture. African wax is a unique textile. The simplest dress can be made with African wax and it will look 100 times better than a regular, plain dress. The pattern is what makes the difference. To create an outfit with this type of fabric is an art because of the bright colors and patterns. You need to find the right balance. Its always difficult for me to work with other types of fabric. I love using African wax because it shows who I am, its my identity. Each pattern has a story and each represents a part of Africa.

Q: Whats been challenging about your work with your fashion business and with your new non-profit academy?

A: It hasnt really been challenging at this point. I love what I do and I love empowering women to become fashion designers.

Q: Whats been rewarding about it?

A: Helping and empowering women.

Q: What has it taught you about yourself?

A: Leadership, teamwork and humility.

Q: What is the best advice youve ever received?

A: Love yourself first and make sure you learn something that you really love.

Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to find out about you?

A: I would love to work with Versace or Calvin Klein one day.

Q: Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend.

A: Opening the boutique on Saturday and then spending Sunday at church and then at home with my family.

Email: lisa.deaderick@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @lisadeaderick

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Sowing education and empowerment with needle and thread - The San Diego Union-Tribune

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Lt. Gov. Bryant announces run for South Carolina governor Charlotte Observer Many of South Carolina's leaders lack the personal integrity needed to "resist the temptation empowerment brings," he said. But he declined to name anyone and sidestepped questions about his opponents. A special prosecutor's investigation into ... Lt. Gov. Kevin Bryant announces run for SC GovernorWYFF Greenville all 16 news articles »

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Lt. Gov. Bryant announces run for South Carolina governor - Charlotte Observer

Susan Lake (left) and Laura Meeks, life coaches, each with distinctive and compelling personal stories, speak at the Idyllwild Library on Saturday, Aug. 5. Photo by Marshall Smith

Susan Lake and Laura Meeks, both life coaches who focus on living ones dream and personal empowerment, tell their stories at the Idyllwild Library.

Lake is small and energetic, using her career as a writer/designer artist as a platform to coach her audiences about how to use their creative energies to find personal fulfillment.

Meeks, a Minnesota native, is tall, laid back and folksy, telling her story of change with gentle humor, humility and total absence of ego.

Lake began her career as a music educator, with a degree in Music Education from the University of Bridgeport. She fashioned a successful career as a performer, teacher, educator, director, producer and designer.

Meeks dreamed as a kid in rural Minnesota of flying planes, because, as she remembered, If you can fly planes, you can get out of Minnesota. That dream would lead Meeks to becoming one of only 25 people in the U.S. certified to occupy all four seats on a B-52 bomber pilot, copilot, navigator and bombardier.

But that was when Laura was Laurence and that is the story shell be telling of how she realized a truth about herself, and, with the help of her wife Annie, was able to authentically embrace that truth.

When I met Annie, we were both in the Air Force, said Meeks. But early on in our marriage, I started to recognize this fantasy of being a woman. Annie and I talked. I remember this specific discussion. Annie asked, Do you want to live as a woman? I answered I didnt know. Then, Annie said, Heres the deal. I will continue step by step forward and giving it my best. Then I said, Ill slow this down so that we have time to adjust. Weve been married for 31 years.

Both Lake and Meeks counsel on finding the courage and support structures to dream and become ones most creative and authentic self. Lake and Meeks have their own takes on how to do that. Both are published authors and have built successful careers as life coaches.

Meeks, after retiring as a major in the Air Force, formed a multi-million-dollar consulting firm ThinkQ Inc. with wife Annie. Meeks now uses that corporate expertise and management experience as part of her life-coaching presentations.

Lakes transformational and self-empowerment discussions are driven by her artists point of view. She teaches creativity as a keystone to living a life that matters to the individual, and contributes to the wider community and the world. We are all artists and its accessing our creativity that helps us manifest who we are from the inside out, said Lake.

Meeks talks of how freeing it was to have the support of Annie as she made her transition from Laurence to Laura. Do you know how hard it is for most men to keep a secret like that? she asked. Its like holding a brick at arms length for 24 hours a day. Annies an incredibly powerful woman and together we were able to choose a path that was worth living. We grew up together in our marriage.

Two women talk empowerment techniques and tell their life stories Living Bold and Laurence to Laura at the library from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 5. There is no charge to attend these talks and all are invited.

Marshall Smith has been writing for the Town Crier since 2005. His favorite quote is: '"Some men see things as they are, and ask why. I dream of things that never were, and ask why not." Robert Kennedy quoting George Bernard Shaw

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Susan Lake and Laura Meeks, life coaches, to speak - Idyllwild Town Cier

Paula Caucutt opened Natural Connection at 1012 Superior Ave., Tomah, 12 years ago. She describes the store as an alternative health emporium that sells vitamins, supplements and essential oils. She also carries beauty aids and organic foodstuffs. A very popular feature of the store is the old-fashioned soda fountain, where customers can get a good cup of coffee, mango smoothie or glass of Wisconsin wine.

Sandy LeCoursiere is a familiar local artist who has been on the Tomah art scene since 2002. While her art work is for sale, she is probably more well-recognized for the charities and organizations to which she contributes her creations. To name a few?

I donate a painting to the Hospital Foundation Golf Outings silent auction each year, she said. She is also a major supporter of the annual Wine into Water event, part of the Jesse Parker Foundation program, and she does the artwork for the Jesse Run theme each year.

For the last few Aprils, Paula has held an art show and sale as a fund raiser to support her daughters Chileda school in La Crosse. (The Chileda Institute provides progressive education and personal empowerment to children with developmental challenges.)

Sandy has been a major contributor to Paulas spring art shows. This year, however, she was unable to exhibit.

I felt bad that I couldnt participate, Sandy recalled.

So, over smoothies a few weeks ago, the long-time friends discussed ideas for selling Sandys art, while supporting local, area and national charities and bringing business into Natural Connection.

Im excited that Sandy came up with a unique idea, Paula said.

Beginning in August and continuing throughout the year, a piece of Sandys art will be on display each month at Natural Connection, with a chance to bid on it by patrons and visitors to the store. Fifty per cent of the final bid will be donated to a different charity each month.

The charities earmarked for the year are: Chileda School; Chasing Daylight; Family Promise; Families First; St. Clares Mission in Sparta; the Jesse Parker Foundation; Boys & Girls Club; Remedy Event, a La Crosse HIV/Aids Awareness group; Americana Music in the Park in Tomah; Feed My Starving Children; Last Paw Rescue, a national organization to save pets; and ACT, Tomahs theater group.

The first painting is on display now, and Paula said someone has already put a bid on it.

Asked whether the paintings will have seasonal themes, Sandy laughed.

I wont be painting a picture of Santa Claus for the December sale, she said.

How do the women see this project play out? Paula thinks bidding will be done by people enamored of Sandys artistry. Sandy, more modestly, believes that people who might have a special place in their hearts for the mission of Chasing Daylight, for instance, will bid on the picture highlighted the month that charity is featured. Either way, the program hopefully will bring people into the store to enjoy its friendly atmosphere over a morning Joe, indulge their interest in original artwork and contribute to worthy charities.

For more information, go to the Natural Connection Facebook page.

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Art auction to support local charities - La Crosse Tribune