DECEMBER 2012

Cooking

Top Stories

EASY HOLIDAY ELEGANCE HOLIDAY GIFTS ON A BUDGET

and

OWNER OF METALOGIX, INC.

Crystal Williams
Mayer

STEPPING OUT INTO YOUR OWN PREPARING FOR THE NEXT LEVEL
HOLIDAY VISITATION WHEN HOUSEHOLD IS DIVIDED

GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY,

HERE YOU COME!

Dear Readers,
I cant believe 2012 is now coming to an end! For me this year has just flown by! Id like to take the time to thank all of my advertisers, without you, there would be no magazine, and our readers who have given me such wonderful encouragement to keep going forward! Without our readers there would be no magazine as well! Readers please support the wonderful women owned businesses that advertise in our magazine and tell them you saw them in Women With Know How. We are excited to announce our mobile web site is now live and you can get the QR code from our website. Also we are now media partners with E Women network and we are looking forward to be part of this wonderful group of women!! As 2013 comes to a start, remember to celebrate all the good things in your life, the people and places that have helped you along the way. Make decisions that you are comfortable with, let nobody put you down, and if you have a dream, dont be afraid to act on it, it can come true!! Wishing you a very happy holiday season, Mimi

Mimi Zelman Publisher

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Publisher/President Mimi L. Zelman mimi@womenwithknowhow.com Events Partner Wendy Whitehurst wendy@womenwithknowhow.com Creative Director Juliana Lievano www.JulianaCreativeDesigns.com Contributing Writers Terri Bennett Elyshia Brook Robyn Crigger Cover Photography by Cover Photoghraphy by Benny Dawkins of New Day Productions For more advertising information call Mimi at 704-491-1207 or email her at: mimi@womenwithknowhow.com Copyright 2012

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18 44
40Putfor you Fall Leaves to work 46Way,Out ofYou Get Your Own Here
Come!

42

10Own Preparing For 30Holiday Visitation Stepping Out Into Your When Household is Divided
The Next Level

22The ImportanceIn Of Knowing Oneself

Order To Have Career And Life Balance

25ShouldBookkeepers you hire a Professional

or Accountant?

On the cover Crystal Williams Mayer

www.womanwithknowhow.com DECEMBER 2012

Contents
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professional spotlight

Lena Lumelsky
By Mimi Zelman

OWNER OF WOLAND TECHNOLOGY

How did you get started in this business?

My husband and I moved to Charlotte, North Carolina from London in 2005. We had no roots in the city, no family close by who knew where to find good parks and playgrounds where we could take our two (now three) young daughters, where to look for good pediatricians, summer camps, schools, you name it. Once we settled in, I realized how helpful it would have been if someone had a website where I could find all of this What is your backgroundinformation ahead of time. Thats how what were you doing KidsInChlarotte.com was born. I took before this business?
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all of the information I could think of that might be helpful to parents who are new to Mecklenburg County and put it in one place on the Web. It went live in October 2005 and I hope it has been a useful tool for parents like me and my husband, who are moving to the area. It was a dry run for Woland Technology, and looking back Im pretty happy with the way it turned out. Currently, KidsInCharlotte gets 25,000 visitors a month, on average.

I have a Masters degree in Computer Science from the University of Michigan, but I didnt start out creating websites. Most of the programming Ive done before Woland working at large financial institutions like Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank and Merrill Lynch involved designing customized software systems for their sales, trading and back-office operations: complex database-driven applications written over many months by teams of programmers around the world.

seemed like a good opportunity to become a full-time mom, and I took it. A year later, we moved to London, where our second daughter, Polly, was born. A few years after that, we moved back to the U.S., where our third daughter, Mia, was born, and I began to write KidsInCharlotte on a whim.

Once that project was done, and I realized I could do it flexibly enough to accommodate my childrens schedules, I formed Woland Technology and hung out my shingle (or metaIt was everything you might expect shingle if were talking about Google). from working on Wall Street during The technical side wasnt very hard the tail end of the Dot-Com era: long after my experience at the New York hours, lots of pressure, and no end of investment banks. Plus, I quickly realcolorful personalities and general crazi- ized how much I love working with ness. Despite the stress, it was a great different kinds of businesses, meeting experience that taught me a great new people, entrepreneurs from every deal about how to manage projects, background, who have so much enmotivate my employees, and deliver thusiasm and such amazing ideas. Its a a product my clients appreciated. lot of fun and very gratifying to know, Incidentally, when your clients have and to be told, youve done a great job. included Wall Street securities traders, theres not much any other client can What are some interesting do to shock or upset you. Its a very statistics about your business? high bar. Weve been in business since 1996. We now work with over 70 clients and The fork in my road came with the our business is growing at more than birth of our first daughter, Rebecca, 50% per year based on revenue. right around the collapse of the DotCom bubble on Wall Street, and two What is unusual or unique months to the day before 9/11. It about your business, in comparwww.womanwithknowhow.com DECEMBER 2012

ison to your competitors or similar businesses?

Woland Technology doesnt try to be all things to all people. We focus on web design and internet marketing, and we do it really well, in my opinion. We are agile enough to service many different industries real estate, education, fashion, retail, industrial but we succeed on our strengths, which are, first, designing responsive, functional and elegant web sites that meet or surpass our clients expectations, and second, providing the dedicated support that our clients need once their sites go live. We concentrate on building what, for many of our clients, will be the public face of their company the mental impression that their potential customers will form in the first 15 seconds after hyper linking in from a Google list of, literally, thousands of search results. If weve done our job properly and the site stands out holds the customers attention everything has to work seamlessly to provide them quickly with the information they are looking for, or, in an ecommerce site, lead to a sale. If its not working as intended, we collaborate with the client to make sure it does. For some of our clients, whats important is that were local their con6
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cerns or spontaneous ideas are not funneled through a call center in the Philippines. It reinforces their trust in our ability to support their business in a committed way. Our other secret weapon is our alliance with Paper Blossom Marketing, a fantastic Charlotte-based company specializing in social media and marketing, run by Kelly Yale and Shannon Hawk. They are experts at enhancing corporate brands and getting companies linked into Facebook and Twitter, all crucial to a strong Web presence. Our collaboration with Paper Blossom has been a huge boon to our clients. It has without question provided both our teams with opportunities we would not have had working separately. Finally, a lot of web designers start out in graphic arts and migrate to the technical side. My experience in the IT world meant Woland was established, first and foremost, on a solid technological foundation. To be sure, there is no right or best way to get started in web design. But having a strong techie background enabled me to do more complex projects such as e-commerce sites, photo galleries, and database-intensive services like Chai Expectations,

an online matchmaking site. One project involved creating from scratch a web-based payroll application for a local company with nearly 900 employees. Building a software application like that is not really web design but youd be surprised at how much they have in common. So, whats unusual or unique about Woland? Its a young company helping other young companies build their business and seize the remarkable opportunities that the Web offers. We build websites for entrepreneurs. We know the challenges they face and understand a basic fact: what they often need is not so much a service provider but a partner.

massively overpaying for their website, when they could have gotten a better, more professional result from a smaller, more engaged and nimble shop. Granted, its hard to tell if a company is worth its salt without doing research, talking to the owner, looking at the portfolio, understanding what the service contract says its all timeintensive work. How much easier to fall back on the common assumptions that all web design companies are basically the same, and you get what you pay for. Common, but wrong. So, one of the greatest challenges for me is exploding the commodity myth through marketing, making personal connections with potential clients as well as with teammates, like Kelly and Shannon at Paper Blossom. And, of course, through hard work and creative approaches to each clients needs. Another challenge is keeping up a with a rapidly evolving industry. The Web didnt really exist, functionally, until the mid-90s. Thats only fifteen years ago. The most cutting-edge technologies and tools available to do what we do at Woland may be obsolete in five years. If we dont keep pace, so will we. Its exciting, but it requires a strong technical background
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What are some of the greatest challenges in your business?

I think web design is one industry that has not become commoditized yet. Maybe its gradually approaching commoditization, but its not there yet. Still, many companies select a web design firm with the commodity paradigm in mind. A startup company on a budget may balk at an estimate because their friend offered to write them a site just as good for a quarter of the price in their spare time. An established company with a seven figure turnover may need to rationalize their large marketing budget by

www.womanwithknowhow.com DECEMBER 2012

Our expertise is managing change and cultivating talent

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and a constant willingness to learn from everyone on the Woland team. In addition, running this company requires enough discipline and pragmatism to realize that a client may not want or need the latest untested whiz-bang feature on their website. But what they will need almost certainly is a site that looks great on multiple platforms, like a home PC and a tablet computer (e.g., an iPad).

What would you like our readers to know about your journey in business?
Change is constant but never easy!

8509 Crown Crescent Court Charlotte, NC 28227

The aphorism about the fox and the hedgehog is, the fox knows many little things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing. As much as I love the technical aspects of my business, the hedgehog side of it, I accomplish more by being a bit of a fox: sharpening my networking skills, finding a common language with my clients and employees. Learning to recognize what Im good at, and focusing on that without losing sight of the interpersonal relationships that really drive my business.
Woland Technology, LLC Charlotte, NC Phone: (704) 942-0675 info@WolandTech.com www.wolandteck.com

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marketing

by Terri Bennett Elysha Brooks

Stepping Out Into Your Own Preparing For The Next Level
hat have you done this year that you are so proud of and you know that you moving in the right direction either personally or professionally? This year has flown by and as we do many years pass, we ask ourselves: what did I accomplish this year that was significant? Did I make a difference in anyones life or business? Is anyones life better because they were in my presence? My business made a significant change either for the good or the bad, but it made a difference. I finally found my purpose, passion and pursuit in life and in my business and now I am ready for the next level. If you have found yourself having anyone of these thoughts, you are not alone and probably right where you need to be to do a self-check or assessment. With this mixed economy and the season in which you are in makes a difference in how you have thrived this year and perhaps where you are

emotionally and mentally. Yes, a lot goes into the things that we do, but sometimes we really get out alignment and we get onto a path that was not called for us because we see others doing it or there are many shiny bright attractive objects that keep us searching and not exactly on our path. When you are in alignment in your personal life and business you are positioned to receive the good that is coming to you because you are in agreement with what you are supposed to be doing and how you are to be serving. You cannot live your extraordinary self if you are out alignment from your purpose and passion in which you serve. If you are to go to the next level in your life, you will have to some things to get you there or in right alignment for you and your business to grow consistently. This is a good time to really look at where you are and where you want to be with your business and now that the New Year is here, it could be a great time

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to look at rebranding or adding some things to your brand that would get you more noticed.

have to become really clear on your intentions, desires and who you are, along with how do you want to serve the world. There are some that have the same passion as you, but only you can Align Your True Purpose do it how you do it and your alignment With Your Business has to be in place for that to come forth. As the year has passed by, I have personally learned a lot about me and Ask yourself, how have I served my with that came a lot of new changes purpose this year in my business and is this what I am called to do?Am I doing that I had to take time out to do a this because the money is good or am I self-assessment and see where I was going in my business and life. My life receiving joy from doing this? and business were really out alignWhen you are aligned with whose ment and until I took some time to you are and how you serve your purreally look at my life and listen to it, pose you are focused on just that and I could not move any further. When any shiny new object that comes your you need to an alignment check, you

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way to take your attention or distract you, will not work, because you know what you were called to do. We are bombarded with so many advertisements, commercials ads and so much more, but you must stay focused on your dreams and your passion. There may be times when others may come to you to get on their band wagon and you give that thought but when you are walking in your purpose all of that should not take your focus away from what you know burns in your heart. If you are not sure on what that may look like for you going into the New Year, take some time to meditate and get really still and ask for clarity on what, how and feel how that looks for you. Become really clear so that you can get clarity on what it is that you are to be doing in your business going forward and also to go to the next level.

What were you called to do in your lifetime? In other words, what do you know that you know that you are supposed to be doing without a shadow of a doubt? Begin today to doing just that. What do you have to lose? I have a calling to empower women to succeed in life and business by building an authentic branding lifestyle. When I keep myself aligned with that which I am called to do, I am always prospering! There will always be distractions to get you off focus. Please make sure that you are being who you are and not what you see others as being!

Start Now! Stand Up and Step Out! Now more than ever, you have to find a way to stand out in a cluttered and crowded world. You can do this with building your authentic brand. Pay the price to be different, but know who YOU are by reading good books that impart into you, gathering and huntIve learned that when I am aligned ing for things that stir your soul and with my purpose and passion, this is keeps you on the forefront of your also my place of prosperity. Find 3-5 vision. Authentic Branding is the key to life themes that you can focus on. increase. As we see the world change, Here are my three areas: those who rise to the top are the ones that are authentic in who they are. You I educate through teaching (AMI will stand out and be your authentic speaking at events and conferences) I engage others through coaching (Ely- self when you get bold and take some shias Elite Circle coaching and master- calculated risks! If it comes from your minds) I empower vision through writ- inner spirit then go ahead and try it. Be ing (books, programs and success tools) bold! Be different! Be YOU!
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Surround Yourself With Authentic Positive People There is nothing worse than being around people who absolutely drain your energy. Begin to surround yourself with positive, supportive and uplifting people who celebrate your successes. You must form a support network group of like-minded encouragers or people who have higher goals and aspirations! When it comes time for you to change your way of thinking, move to the next level or even decide to be the extraordinary person you were called to be. As you come to walk into your destiny, there will be people who are called to destroy you and all that you do. So at that point, when you do rid yourself of toxic people and have true authentic people around you, you will begin to love who you are and what you have to offer the world.

some and encouraging to me and has added to me and what I do. Then, there are also mentors and coaches that you need to add to your life. You need the people who will challenge you and give you a picture of whats possible. Start by getting someone spiritual in your life, a mentor in your life and a good coach. These people will make a six month journey into a 3-month journeytake the New Year journey and the first 6 months and turn them into days for you! Do something to learn something new about you every day. Be intentional! Insist on having the right people in your life is LIFE-CHANGING!

If you implement these three steps into your life you will be prepared for whats next. You wont have to worry about where you fit in. I believe Women at times can be very unfriend- that something big is on the horizon ly, as I would say, make room for some just for you! Get ready for it, get out new authentic divine relationships. thereand get to doing it! Ive been very consciously aware lately of adding new people to my life. We recently added new people Elyshia Brooks-Carr Consulting, coaching and training company to our Authentic Marketing Institute that works with heart-felt, conscious entrepreTeam; its exciting to have the new neurs and service-based businesses. energy, ideas and creativity that they Elyshia@ElyshiaBrooks.com / 800.511.5410 bring. Ive also added new personal www.ElyshiaBrooks.com friends. It is good to have their think- www.KreativeGroupInc.com ing and even their success is so awe-

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While looking your best and feeling confident are important throughout the year, its especially crucial during the holiday season, as you gather with loved ones and pose for that annual family photo. Look your best this season using these beauty tips. Keep it fresh. While you may go for bright colors and sparkles in terms of your attire, make sure to keep your makeup fresh-faced. If you choose to wear a bright lip color, keep the rest of your makeup neutral. If you go for a neutral lip, feel free to play up the eyes or cheeks. But remember to highlight just one with a bold color eyes, lips or cheeks rather than all three. Ensure your makeup stays in place all night by using a primer before applying your liquid or powder foundation and eye shadow. Go for a classic do. Sleek, shiny hair swept back or pulled to one side work well for holiday parties. Deep-condition your hair in advance of the holidays and be sure to schedule a haircut so your locks are easy to manage, no matter how you decide to wear your hair.

Sparkle This Season

Beauty Prep Tips

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Holiday

Keep em fresh and clean. Following that warm mug of hot cocoa, make sure your breath stays fresh. Carrying a toothbrush and toothpaste might not be convenient, but you can stash a Colgate Wisp mini-brush in your purse or pocket. Available in four flavors MaxFresh Peppermint, MaxFresh Spearmint, Optic White Coolmint and Icy Bubble this convenient single-use mini-brush is a better alternative than gum or mints, which only temporarily mask bad breath. The liquid-filled bead offers a burst of freshness, with no water or rinsing required, so just brush and go anytime, anywhere. Learn more at www.colgatewisp.com Add some sparkle. The holidays present the perfect occasion for pulling out your fun accessories. Play with color combinations and sparkling jewelry. Start with a bold dress black will work as well and play up the accessories by introducing complimentary colors and glittering jewelry. If you wear your hair up, opt for sparkling earrings and a bracelet. If you wear your hair down, pick a statement necklace with a dress and cardigan.

bold outfits, opt for a simple manicure with clear nail polish. If instead you wear black or neutral colors, pick out a festive bright red or berry polish. Clutch-Worthy Beauty Tools. When packing your evening clutch for a night of holiday celebrations, make sure to keep the following on hand: Pressed powder. Tis the season for taking photos make sure youre cameraready and shine-free with a compact of pressed powder for quick touch-ups. Bandages. You likely dont wear your dressy shoes every day. Make sure to pack some bandages in case you develop a blister from those fancy heels. Mini toothbrush. Ensure your breath is fresh and clean by packing a mini, single-use toothbrush, such as Colgate Wisp perfectly sized for clutch purses or pockets for quick use following dinner or drinks. Mini comb. Give your locks a onceover to re-set your style part-way through the evening.

Concealer and lipstick. Your makeGet a manicure. Just as you coordi- up shouldnt require any further tounate your hair, makeup and wardrobe, chups than a quick concealer and consider your manicure as well. For some color to your lips.
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business

by Robyn Crigger

The Importance Of Knowing Oneself In Order To Have Career And Life Balance

fter leaving high school, most of us really arent sure what we want to do with the rest of our lives. What career can be so compelling that it would stimulate us through our career lives? Other factors to a happy life should include a feeling of being productive, of making a contribution to our community, as well as a career that support ourselves and a family. Finding a career that can fulfill all of our goals and one that gives us pride about what we do is a tall order to fill. So where did you start in determining your career path?

that would strengthen your familys business and make it even more profitable. However, many people want to do something different from their parents. The Millennials, mostly children of the Baby Boomers, saw their parents working too long of hours, and having very little time for themselves and/ or themselves. Therefore, many of the Millennials have chosen occupations where they have more control of their working hours. This generation often prefers flexible hours and might even allow them to work from home.

One key issue that most people need in regards to their careers is to There is a tendency to begin with be able to utilize their skills/talents what your parents or grandparents in order to make a contribution to did for their careers. Some families the business efforts as well as to the actually have family businesses, in community and/or the public. The which you can make your own conmajority of people want to feel that tribution, updating what has been they are helping our world be a better started by your elders, adding new business ideas and/or creative venues or healthier place to live. At the same
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time, most of us want to have a fair amount of time to enjoy our family and friends, as well as take care of ourselves. If people would take the time to examine and set their priorities high on the list when selecting a career and employer, all may find that it is possible to connect both aspects. Life is not perfect, but if each person takes the time to examine what is important to him/herself, and research all the possibilities of careers and businesses, it would definitely be feasible to locate a more balanced career life. No doubt, going through such a thorough career search would take more time, but the outcome would surely be satisfying, and you have a better chance to making the kind of contribution, which would fill you with pride. Career and Life Balance Trying to determine your Career Plan on your own could also be a mistake. There is a lot to consider in researching and exploring different careers. Yes, there are some good assessment tools, but hiring an experienced Career Consultant can make a huge difference. An impartial career expert can expose you to occupations that you may not have considered or know. A Career Advisor will often

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have an extensive list of different industry professionals, who would be willing to discuss the true life and expectations of a particular career. By meeting these people and shadowing them while they work could help you avoid selecting a career that would not match you and your lifestyle.

they give serious thought to the rest of their lives. (They will still probably find themselves changing their jobs a few times, but teaching this process to them at 17 or 18 will save them a lot of headaches down the road.)

Final Review: Seriously consider choosing an expeWhen you consider that your career rienced Career Consultant with whom takes at least 24% of your lifetime hours you can be honest and who you re(40 hours divided by 168 hours [24 hours spect. Invest in your future. List your x 7 days]), the investment in a profession- top five priorities in your life (i.e. family, good health, religion, etc.) Research al career consultant is a wise decision. Just keep in mind that there is no perfect the types of careers/industries, which career or perfect life. However, if you interest you the most. Explore these take the time to know yourself well, se- first-hand. Dont rush this. Try to match lect a respected career consultant, dont the career and your priorities that best rush your decision/research all possible fits you. Though people do go through career options, keep an open mind, and changes in life, always try to be honest then trust your instincts, the Outcome is with yourself. Be sure to think through likely to be a positive one. the purpose of a change dont just react. Dont burn bridges. Try to reNo matter what stage of life in which main professional and sensitive to all. you are, carefully go through the Make sure your decision is honest and process mentioned in this article and respectful to yourself and others. Your dont rush your decision. If you have career selection should provide you a children in high school, consider peace and harmony. providing them with an experienced career professional. Help them to put their best food forward on the Compass Career Management Solutions OI Partners Inc. road to their future. As a parent, you 8509 Crown Crescent Court, know how our teens are anxious to Charlotte, NC 28227 grow up in a hurry. Encourage them 704-849-2500 Fax 704-845-2420 www.compasscareer.com to take this time for a deep breath as
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bookkeeping

by Carolina Aponte

Should you hire a Professional Bookkeepers or Accountant?

s a professional, you would expect me to say Yes! You should use professionals. and you would be right. But maybe not for the reasons you may think. A good accountant will help you decide which business entity is best for you. While you may use an attorney to set up your partnership, LLC or corporation, you definitely will want to consult an accountant first. Not to disparage lawyers, but my experience has shown that very few of them understand the tax ramifications of their business entity choices.

ones. Business owners trust the accounting program, not aware transactions are not being properly recorded. They make decisions based on this incomplete or erroneous information which end up costing them unnecessarily. Some examples: Some business owners are confused about draws they take out of their business account; they assume it is payroll and code the withdrawals to salaries. Others purchase computers, printers and high end equipment and record it as office expense instead of Fixed Assets that can be depreciated and at the end gives you a better tax break than just expensing it out. What happens when these errors are made in the business books is net profit is understated. The business owner does his tax planning and his forecasting based on the wrong information! Waiting to see your accountant in April, when the prior year is al-

The bookkeeping software packages that are on the market all tend to brag about being an accountant in a box. While they are definitely user friendly compared to the good old manual systems, you still have to have the knowledge to know where to code the transactions. Some of the biggest messes I encountered in my firm were also the most common
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ready closed out, it is too late to do much you do best and hire out the rest! of anything to reduce the tax liability. I hire an auto mechanic to give my car a tune-up, and a housekeeper to keep This is one of the reasons why I recommy house clean. This frees me up to earn mend that, even if you are going to do money doing the things I do best and your own bookkeeping, you should see is, in the end, more profitable and that an accountant with business expertise to makes me very happy indeed! set up your books at the beginning and have them give you some basic instructions. An hour or two of an experienced Carolina Aponte carolina@bbscharlotte.com accountants time to properly install your www.carolinaaponte.com system will pay off in the long run. 704-951-4126 Another reason I recommend using professionals is simple: You should do what

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Market yourself and your business at the December 6 eWomenNetwork Glitz, Glam and Glow Networking and Showcase Expo event at the Ballantyne Hotel. Add brilliance, sparkle and smart saavy to your networking and meet your potential customers at the event! Get the GLITZ! Show off your business and sell your products and services with a Showcase Table at the BIG Business Expo. Get the GLAM! Dress up your business look with glittering jewelry and accessories that make you feel glamorous. Get the GLOW! Become enlightened by others you meet during the Accelerated Networking rounds. Make great connections and meet new customers to grow your business.

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family law

by Leigh B Sellers

Holiday Visitation When Household is Divided

he trees have changed, the weathers cooler (at least some days) and holiday season is here once again. No matter which holidays you celebrate its important that you, and your children, are able to make the most of the time you have with family and friends. Here are some tips for helping the holiday visitation go smoothly when your household has been divided: Check your Custody Order or Separation Agreement if you have one. Unless you and the other parent have agreed otherwise, you will both be expected to follow the schedule set out in the document. Failure to comply with the Order could result in proceedings for contempt of court if you violate a custody order.

the week before, may help you get what you want. It is important to remember that you need to be flexible and work together during family events. Expect to make exceptions if a family member is coming in or there is a special celebration or event. If your children are participating in pageants, choruses, special presentation or parties, they want everyone to be involved and they want everyone to focus on them, not the ex spouse or new girlfriend/new boyfriend.

Be considerate. Its important to focus on whats best for your children, not just whats most convenient for you. Being considerate of the other parents time with your children during the holidays may take some of the conflict out of the rest of the year. For Plan ahead. If youre planning to travel example, dont promise your kids a trip to the mall for Christmas shopor have family coming to town, you may want additional time with your ping when its not your time to spend children. While the other parent may with them. If you exchange the chilnot agree to change the schedule, dren between households, try not to discussing the issue now, rather than make the exchange something for
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Connect And Grow With Women In Our Community

the children and you to dread. Make arrangements to have it done in the most peaceful way possible. Encourage your children to have sufficient contact with the other parent. While you should always encourage the kids to have a good relationship with both parents, communication is especially important during the holidays. If the kids are with you on Thanksgiving theres always time for them to call the other parent for at least a few minutes. Dont try to outdo the other parent with expensive gifts. Children learn how to play parents against each other if they are divided. Discuss reasonable gift giving together. Divide your lists and divide costs as much as you can. Unite. When it comes to your children, you want to present a united front on as many issues as you can. That can be tough if you dont share the same values about money, religion, time or family. Employ a family therapist to guide you through holiday landmines if your family is struggling. It can be invaluable and the skills at compromise you practice during the holidays can follow you into the New Year.
Leigh B. Sellers Board Certified Specialist in Family Law

Krusch and Sellers, P.A. 5950 Fairview Road, Suite 808 Charlotte, NC 28210 Phone: 704-556-0707 Fax: 704-553-7824 :leigh.sellers@kruschlaw.com www.kruschlaw.com

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704-556-0707
(Located in Southpark)

kruschlaw.com

5950 Fairview Road, Suite 808 Charlotte, North Carolina 28210

alan.krusch@kruschlaw.com* leigh.sellers@kruschlaw.com*(licensed in NC/SC) claire.krusch@kruschlaw.com becky.watts@kruschlaw.com david.krusch@kruschlaw.com

www.womanwithknowhow.com DECEMBER 2012

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Crystal Williams Mayer

by Mimi Zelman
Crystal brings 12 years of business; healthcare and technology experience to www.meta-logix.net/, Inc. serving as Director for a multi-million dollar technology consulting business where she is responsible for the Corporate Strategy,
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OWNER OF METALOGIX, INC.

Division Performance, Business Development, Communications, and Human Resources/Sustainability. Crystals other experience includes working within the healthcare services industry, and founding a healthcare services start-up company that was acquired in 2011. She has a vast knowledge and experience with finance, financial reporting, treasury and cash management, acquisition, post-acquisition integration, commercial debt facilities, corporate asset/liability management, software conversions, human resources and information technology. Crystal has been the driving force in expanding MetaLogix services to not only provide software development services, but also assist small business owners in re-branding their products and services, and creating an online presence using internet marketing and social media. Crystal joined the United States Army shortly after her graduation from High School. During her 10 year military careerfirst in the US Army and then the US Army Reserves she received the Armed Forces reserve medal and Army service ribbon. Crystal also served honorably during the War on Terror- Operation Enduring Freedom where she earned the national defense service medal. Crystal is a member of Woman in Defense, National Association of

Woman Business Owners, NC Defense Business Association, Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association and the American Legion. She lives in South Charlotte with her husband and two children. How did you get started? MetaLogix was originally the dream child of my husbands. I had no desire what so ever to go into business. But as any wife of an entrepreneur will tell you when your husband has his own business it tends to be a family affair. As our business began to grow we needed all hands on deck including mine. As I became more and more engrained in the company it was only natural with my previous Army service that I began to steer the business towards obtaining federal contracts and marketing our solutions to federal government buyers. And before I knew it I was leading our organization down a new path. My husband tells the story that I just took it over I think he may have said something like hostile takeover. How has your prior career experiences prepared you for your journey in life? I joined the Army out of high school and what a fish out of water I was; I went from beauty pageants to camouflage. It was kind of a joke in my house the only
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www.womanwithknowhow.com DECEMBER 2012

girl out of 5 brothers and I was the one who decided to go into the service. They nicknamed me Private Benjamin I guess in many ways I wanted to prove something to them I wanted to prove that I could do anything. I loved being in the Army! I loved seeing groups of people from all walks a life come together, bond and do great things. In 2003 when I was serving in the Army Reserves I was activated for Operation Enduring Freedom and with less than 3 days notice I packed my bags, handled my affairs to the best of my ability and off to war I went. Saying goodbye to my family and friends not knowing what to expect was a feeling that I will never forget. I ended up serving less than 6 months during OEF and when I came home I had a new resolve to push forward and offer much needed mission critical software solutions to serve our armed forces. What would you most like our readers to know about your journey in business? In life? Every day is a new opportunity. I still get excited to network or go to sales events. I think to myself today may be the day that I will meet that one person who can change everything. Being a small company a large project or contract can dynamically grow my business and it has. So my journey with MetaLogix has
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Connect And Grow With Women In Our Community

Any difficult times youd care to share with our readers?? And if so what lesson have you learned? I had a scare in 2006 I was diagnosed Who would you describe with bladder cancer during my 6 month as your mentor(s) and why? of pregnancy with my first child. Ill be I have a couple of mentors but my big- honest I was scared. What did this mean? gest mentor is my mom. She always Was I dying? Was my baby going to grow has this fearless-ness especially about up without a mother? My husband things unknown. Sometimes I think she Greg was my rock. Not only personis just unaware and how I envy that. I ally but in business as well he picked think fear of failure, fear of the unknown up where I left off. He led would I tends to be a business owners worst couldnt and not only in business but enemy. So when I am about to take a he was my friend constantly reasrisk I think of my mother and her fearsuring me that this was just a bump less-ness and jump right in. in the road and that we would get through it. Our employees and cusWhats on your tomers were so supportive during this bucket list and why? time and through this ordeal I realized Years ago an elderly gentleman told that even at work life goes on and we me that if I wanted to live a full life need to be flexible as business people then I needed a yes attitude that I and as an employers. should say yes to anything. I have tried to live by that mantra to say yes and If you could do one thing differentin doing so I have already experienced ly in your life, what would that be? so much of my bucket list. Skydiving, I have lived a full live and even though Bungee jumping, Biking 75 Miles, visit- there are some things I should have ing a foreign country with less than done differently I believe we are prod$500 to my name. But of course there ucts of our experiences. And through is so much more that I want to do -I our experiences we have become the would like to spend some time travel- seasoned people we are. I believe ing with my daughters, finishing my that I am on a path that has been pre-destined because I cant imagine novel I have been writing the past 6 years and maybe one day ring the bell how I would have gotten here on my own. It is not the life I envisioned for at the New York Stock Exchange. been a series of wonderful connections and its those connections that I believe that has made this business a success.
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www.womanwithknowhow.com DECEMBER 2012

CARNIVAL CHARLOTTE
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but it is one that I wouldnt give up for anything in the world. If you could stand up and defend anything, what would it be? I am a passionate about many causes and I am vocal about most of them. But lately as it relates to my business I have been very worried and trying to bring attention to Sequestration or what Washington has dubbed the The Fiscal Cliff. Its important for residents to know that North Carolinas economy will be crushed by the cuts, suffering a loss of more than 200,000 federal and military jobs. Small businesses like mine that support our defense industry will especially be at risk. It is important for us to urge our congressional delegation to engage in meaningful bipartisan efforts to come up with a solution quickly.
www.crystalwilliamsblog.com Crystal Williams is CEO and Director of Operations of www. meta-logix.net/ MetaLogix, Inc., is a Woman Owned, Veteran Owned, Information Technology firm specializing in SharePoint, Business Intelligence and Business Process Management solutions. Founded in 2002 MetaLogix maintains offices in North and South Carolina, serving clients all over the world. MetaLogix is privileged to provide service for local, domestic and foreign enterprises as well as various departments and agencies within the US Government. The Charlotte Business Journal recognized MetaLogix as one of the Best Places to Work 2008 and 2009 and The Charlotte Chamber acknowledged MetaLogix for Best Use of IT as winner of the Blue Diamond Award in 2003.

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green

by Terri Bennett

Put Fall Leaves to work for you

all leaves arent just beautiful they can be a big chore. Instead of working hard to get rid of them, Do Your Part and put them to work for you. Fall leaves are the perfect ingredient for mulch. Simply use a mulching mower with a catcher to chop the leaves into smaller pieces and then apply to your beds and natural areas. You dont want the layers to be too thick so keep it to about four inches or less. Over time, the leaf mulch will decompose into a nutrient rich organic matter for your soil. You can also cover your perennials with the mulch to protect them during winter. Another good use for all these leaves

your outdoor compost bin. Mix them in with the remnants of your flower and vegetable garden along with yard clippings and youll be creating beneficial compost to use as fertilizer. Even if you dont use the leaves to make mulch or compost, make sure you keep them off the streets. Thats because they can create slippery conditions for drivers and bike riders when it rains. And, if they begin to clog storm drains, it can create dangerous high water conditions during downpours. This season, dont trash fall leaves. Instead, Do Your Part and put them to use them and avoid using unnecessary and expensive lawn treatments to do the same job.

Terri Bennett A veteran TV meteorologist, eco-expert and author of Do Your Part: A practical guide for everyday green living available at: DoYourPart.com. Send questions to terri@doyourpart.com

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Connect And Grow With Women In Our Community

Holiday Gifts
on a Budget

F
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From family and friends to teachers and coaches, finding the perfect present for everyone on your list can be a daunting task. But with a little creativity, you can find a great gift without breaking your budget. Choosing the Perfect Gift The key to finding the perfect present? Taking time to consider what your loved one most cherishes. Do they favor a specific hobby? How do they spend their free time? If youre picking a gift for someone you might not know well, such as your childs teacher or school nurse, consider giving them something to help them unwind and relax. Here are some ideas to get you started:

For teachers, school nurses and coaches The role models in your childs life are often the people that would benefit most from a pampering present. Help them indulge in some relaxation by packaging up a basket of spa-inspired items. Moisturizing beauty products with seasonal scents such as the Softsoap Wintermint Wonderland and Enchanting Sugar Plum body washes will keep skin smooth and glowing throughout the seasons festivities and conjure up images of favorite winter memories. Bundle with a lush loofah, mini manicure and pedicure kit, facial mask and lotion for a basket filled with items that will give them the opportunity to treat themselves to a little me time.

Connect And Grow With Women In Our Community

Homemade treats and photo collages are also great gift options. For cooking and baking enthusiasts For your favorite foodie, consider giving some fun and affordable kitchen tools, such as ninja gingerbread cookie cutters. If your loved one is known for their savory cuisine, consider purchasing an assortment of spices to add to their favorite dishes. Likewise, a new cookbook will help inspire creativity in the kitchen and add a dash of excitement to their regular recipe routine. For travel lovers For those on your list who love to hit the road and explore new territories, consider gifts that will make their travel more enjoyable. Passport covers, camera accessories, travel journals, or a mini alarm clock are all great options that wont break the bank. You can also give them items that will remind them of their explorations. Put together a gift basket of exotic chocolates and shelf-safe foods to remind them of their favorite flavors from abroad. Or you can remind them of one of the best parts of travel the feeling of relaxation and getting away. Body washes with a refreshing scent, such as

the new moisturizing Softsoap Citrus Splash & Berry Fusion, will transport recipients to warm days and exotic locales. Combine with a selection of personal care products, such as facial masks and moisturizers to help them transform their bathroom into a minivacation abroad. For the kiddos When purchasing gifts for very young children, look for brightly colored toys that play music or offer an interactive element. Stuffed animals, baby blankets and clothing are great options as well. For adolescents, teens and in-be-tweens Its hard to stay on top of the trends most pre-teens and teenagers are in tune with. Instead, opt for something you know theyll enjoy. Consider giving a gift certificate to a movie theater or popular store where they can purchase electronics, clothing or sporting equipment. If you have your heart set on a tangible present, remember to request a gift receipt, just in case. To learn more about the full line of scented body washes from Softsoap, visit www.Softsoap.com www.facebook.com/Softsoap
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www.womanwithknowhow.com DECEMBER 2012

W
46

Easy Holiday Elegance

Whether youre hosting a holiday open house or a sit-down feast with family and friends, you want dishes that impress, but arent too complicated to make. These easy and elegant holiday recipes start with rich and savory Wisconsinmade cheeses from Roth Cheese. You can find more recipes for your holiday celebrations at www.rothcheese.com

Connect And Grow With Women In Our Community

Seafood Thermidor Dip

Yield: 3 cups

6 1 1 2 3 1/2 1 1/2 6 1/8 1/4

ounces cooked lobster tails and claws, coarsely chopped medium shallot, minced large garlic clove, minced cups Alfredo sauce tablespoons cream sherry teaspoon fresh lemon juice cups Grand Cru Gruyere cheese, shredded ounces crab, lump-style cup breadcrumbs

Preheat oven to 400F. In mixing bowl combine lobster, shallot, garlic, Alfredo sauce, sherry, lemon juice and cheese; stir together until well-combined. Gently fold in crab. Place mixture in shallow baking dish (approximately 8 x 8); top with breadcrumbs and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.

Spinach Pesto Crostini

Yield: Approximately 30 servings

Pesto: 1 head garlic 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 pound spinach 3/4 cup unsalted sunflower seeds, toasted 6 ounces GranQueso cheese, grated Crostini: 1 medium baguette, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 8 sundried tomatoes, quartered lengthwise 3 ounces GranQueso cheese, grated Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 375F. Place garlic in aluminum foil, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap. Roast for 45 minutes. Remove roasted garlic cloves from skin. Blanch spinach in hot water for 30 to 40 seconds. Remove spinach from water, and pat dry. In food processor, blend roasted garlic, spinach, sunflower seeds and cheese until smooth. Reduce oven heat to 350F. Place baguette slices on baking sheet, brush with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes, until lightly toasted. Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes. Evenly spread pesto onto crostini. Top with sundried tomato and grated cheese.

www.womanwithknowhow.com DECEMBER 2012

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cristinas corner

by H. Cristina Cassidy

Get Out of Your Own Way, Here You Come!

hen I opened up my business five years ago, I was a dreamer. You sort of have to be to take a leap of faith like that. I believed that all it would take was talent, perseverance, and a belief in oneself to run a company. Somehow, people would magically flock to my door to ask for my services. Over the past five years, while all three of those factors did help me get started, I have come to realize that they are not enough to keep my business going. I have doubted my talent on many occasions, Ive wanted to give up and call it a day lots of times, and there have been moments of feeling that I made a big mistake believing in myself and starting this business.

Is my business booming today? No. Am I sure Ill be here another year? No. But today, just for today Im here, and so is my business. I am looking to 2013 with renewed hope and vigor. I am hopeful that if I keep growing and staying open to possibilities 2013 may prove to be a banner year. I want to share with you five things that have helped me stay out of my own way in maintaining my business. I keep this list near at hand and look at it often to remind myself of the tools I have available to keep me moving forward.

Seek the advice of others. When I first went into business, I really thought I could do it all: be the marketing person, the financial expert, the creative artist. You think my ego might have been As years went by, I learned that practical involved a little bit? It took me awhile to things like a business plan, a budget, and realize that there were people out there a marketing strategy were as important with knowledge that I needed. I learned to listen to them and accept their experas my altruistic baseline. In fact, I think it tise. The big surprise to me was that the has taken me those five years to make tons of mistakes and to learn from them. more I listened, the more my revenue
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Connect And Grow With Women In Our Community

increased, and the more people I could bring in to the mix to help me in areas where Im not so adept.

and analyze the situation in terms of its severity is that it gives you perspective. When Im so involved in the problem, sometimes I cant think clearly. Smiling Find like-minded women in business at myself, and even looking in the mirror to pal around with. At first I tended and making a silly face at myself, remind to shy away from other women, but me that this is probably not the end of in time, I realized that women in busi- the world, and I will most likely come up ness were the people I needed to with a solution, if I just relax. learn from the most. I could learn from their mistakes and feel more confident Remember that it takes time to build with their support. I also found that a business. That old saying, Rome reaching out to younger women, and wasnt built in a day is about as true as it can be. Its been my experience that women just starting out, helped me anything that is worthwhile in my life has improve my business. taken time to get to where it is: whether it is a relationship, developing necessary Start a meditation practice. But learning skills, or even learning how to Im not into all that woo-woo stuff, you might say. The big surprise for many enjoy life. So why shouldnt your busipeople is that meditation doesnt have ness take time to build? Next time you to be spiritually-based. It can simply be start feeling that 1) you arent talented, 2) a time to quiet all the craziness that can you want to give up on your yourself and go on in a hectic day. Its a time to pause your business or 3) that it all feels like a big and step away from anything that is agi- waste of time; you might want to close tating you or making you anxious. I have your eyes, take a deep breath and shout, found on many occasions that taking Get out of my own way, here I COME!! this time to get centered has improved my decision-making abilities. H. Cristina Cassidy Dont take yourself too seriously. I know this one can be hard, especially when things are going haywire. The advantage of taking that moment to stop
Cristina Cassidy Productions Cristina Cassidy runs Cristina Cassidy Productions, LLC. She is a videographer, editor, producer and writer specializing in high definition productions in Charlotte, the Carolinas and the rest of the Southeast. docudramaqueen@mac.com;/704-930-8503

www.womanwithknowhow.com DECEMBER 2012

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Will your money last? With a retirement plan it can.

Having a plan and the right financial solutions can help you put a confident retirement within reach. As an Ameriprise financial advisor, Ill work with you to define your retirement dreams. Then, Ill apply our disciplined financial planning approach, considering all aspects of your finances. And together, well create a plan that works for you with the products and strategies that are right for your goals. Learn how you can put your confident retirement more within reach. Our Advisors. Your Dreams. MORE WITHIN REACH
Call me today at (704) 522.6565
Diane S. Davis, CFP, CLU Financial Advisor CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER practitioner 5200 Park Rd Ste 117 Charlotte, NC 28209 704-522-6565 diane.s.davis@ampf.com www.ameripriseadvisors.com/diane.s.davis

Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients. Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results. 2012 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.