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CHERYL MAGAZINE

A lifestyle and women’s empowerment publication Editor-in-Chief | Dr. Cheryl Polote Williamson Cover Director & Managing Editor | Traci Henderson Smith Contributing Features Editor | Siobhan Davenport Contributing Editor | Charmaine Roots Castillo Contributing Editor | Dr. Michelle Kindred Contributing Editor | Tess Alexandria Financial Editor | Roni M. Benjamin

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kimberly Noel Sweet Nina Wooten Nikki Wright

Daylon Goff Angel L. Henderson Dr. Janie Lacy

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Cheryl Magazine a lifestyle and women’s empowerment publication, is a Cheryl Polote Williamson, LLC (CPW) quarterly produced by Williamson Media Group, LLC (WMG) 6101 Long Prairie Road, Box 744 #269, Flower Mound, TX 75028. Periodicals postage paid at Flower Mound, TX and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send changes of address to Cheryl Magazine 6101 Long Prairie Road, Box 744 #269, Flower Mound, TX 75028. Subscribers, allow 4-6 weeks for change of address to become effective. Subscriptions ordered are non-cancellable and non-refundable unless otherwise promoted. Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited materials. All rights in letters sent to Cheryl Magazine will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and to comment editorially. Requests for permission to reprint should be sent to the Permissions and Reprints Department by emailing info@cherylmagazine.com and placing “Request for permission to reprint” in the subject line. The title Cheryl Magazine is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Contents copyright © 2023 by Williamson Media Group, LLC. All rights reserved. Nothing can be reprinted in whole or in part without express written permission from the publisher. Printed in the U.S.A.

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE Family, Community, Human Interest: Help, Hope, and Legacy

THE LIGHT WITHIN Two Perspectives: A Married and Single Woman's View

SPRING 2023 | ISSUE #14

CONTENTS

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LIVING AND THRIVING DESPITE OF Maria Flowers

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE Cheryl Magazine 2023 Honorees

AUTHOR'S CORNER Featuring Part Three of Short Story, "Not on My Watch"

COVER STORY: Tabitha Brown

Exactly Where You're Supposed to Be

LIFESTYLE

Celebrate LIFE With Family, Good Food, and Fun!

STYLE MATTERS Defining Your Personal Style

SPECIAL EXCERPT FROM Cooking From the Spirit by Tabitha Brown

Kim Alexis Newton Permission To Pause

Katrina Pennie Pitre Celebrating Thirty Years as President and CEO of Skyline Ranch

BUSINESS 72 & FINANCE 76 Get insight that will help strengthen and empower your life and business! P. 8 Cheryl MAGAZINE

64 Angela McCoy Everything Comes Full Circle

TRAVEL & LEISURE Three Reasons Traveling Is the Key to Positive Vibes

BUSINESS SENSE & SENSIBILITY Business Sense Makes Business Cents THE LIST: Cheryl's Favorite Business Resources

IN EVERY ISSUE We THRIVE! Motivation, Inspiration, Action Plans, and POWER

Cheryl Polote Williamson

with Tess Alexandria Get Your Hopes Up!

with Dr. Michelle Kindred Safeguarding Your Emotional Health

What Women Should Know with Daylon Goff, President JET | Painting Your Own Relationship Canvas

with Charmaine Roots Castillo HEALTH with Dr. Janie Lacy We're Expecting! Five Ways To Learn How To Love Yourself

A Letter From the Editor in Chief

The Gentleman's Voice:

Girl Be Natural: A Candid Conversation With TikTok Sensation ShantaQuilette

Daddy Issues

Foxxy Wizdom

Aging Well

FOCUS ON MENTAL

with Dr. Sonya D. Marks

with Roni M. Benjamin New Year. New Dreams. New Chances.

Money Talk

#GIRLPOWER

Alena Analeigh McQuarter

STEM Is My Superpower

here’s still something out there waiting for us, but in order for us to get it, we’ve gotta keep going.”

Happy Anniversary from Tabitha

- TABITHA

COVER SHOOT:

Photographer: Corey Guevarra Makeup Artist: Brandie Naeemah King Hair Stylist: Shaylin Jones Clothing Stylist: Taylor Dupriece

HEALTH & BEAUTY Look Well. Heal Well. Feel Well. Live Well!

RECIPE 22 DONNA'S Oh Me Oh My, Sweet Potato Pie DONNA: 24 FINDING Inspiration Behind the Brand P. 9 Cheryl MAGAZINE

CherylMAGAZINE MAGAZINE P.P.2 28 8Cheryl

SQ: One day, my youngest daughter was on TikTok, and she asked if I wanted to do one with her, and I said what is TikTok? She said, “Well come on, do this video with me.” We do this little dance video, and I said, "What do you do with it?" She's like, “Oh, you just put it on, and then people watch it.” I do a few videos with her, and then I downloaded it [TikTok] to my phone and would just watch for a while and get inspired. I would get on there and talk about my nonprofit, and I told my daughter, "It looks like fifty people were watching." She said, “That's great!” One day I was coming back from therapy, and I was really depressed and in a bad place. I didn't know who I was, but one thing I could do was tell stories. So, I got on camera and started describing—and you probably saw the video—I started describing this strange man picking up my daughter from school every day. Angel: Mhmm. Oh wait, I did see that. I didn’t know it was you! (Laughter) SQ: I described everything that I was feeling. Like my hair was fragile, I had a mustache. I was out of shape. I felt like I looked like an old, beat-up man.

I sent that video and woke up to 12 million views across social media. Angel: Oh my goodness!

SQ: And at first I was scared because, you know, I was supposed to be at home sick (Laughter), so I'm like, they're going to be like, "If you can make videos, you can work!" Angel: Right, right! (Laughter) SQ: So, I’m like, what is viral? People were calling me across the country like, “Girl, I just saw you on Snoop, or I just saw you on here.” Then, my husband called and said, “Are you on Yahoo?” I said, "No, why would I be on Yahoo?" He said, “Go to yahoo.com.” I go to yahoo, and I'm on the front page. Angel: Are you serious?

SQ: …On the front page—Distraught Mom (Laughter) Thinks a Strange Man Is Picking Up Her Daughter, and It’s a Story You Won't Believe! People started calling me, and from there, I found the purpose that I always had. I say your talents and gifts always show up when you're a child. They've always been there. That is when I became authentically me.

SQ: I think the component of life and death (after my health scare) and seeing how quickly things can change. We decided we're gonna enjoy every moment with each other, because we know any day, any of us can go. We wanna create experiences that last through generations. We wanna leave a legacy of voice. My legacy is my voice.

Angel: I love it!

Angel: How does what you do inspire them to create?

SQ: When I started the videos, nobody wanted to do them with me. My husband would say, “What are you doing?!” And my first big brand deal was with Buffalo Wild Wings, and when my husband saw that check, he said, “How do I hang up the lights? You need somebody to put your eyelashes on? You want me to put your clothes on for you? You got an executive producer?” (Laughter) And now everybody is a part of my TikTok. Nobody ever says no now because you just feel so good! I never, in this life, thought this would happen. But I would always pray, God, make my name visible, so I can reach the people that need to be served. I wrote that prayer on Facebook three or four days before I did that video, and four days later, it went viral. Angel: Well, I saw it, and I was cracking up. It was the funniest thing ever. SQ: That's just me living unapologetically, being myself, finally living my purpose on purpose, cultivating the environment I wanna be in, and choosing or, more so, creating the tables I want to be at.

SQ: Well, first, I’ll say, there was this 65-70-year-old lady that worked with me that told me, “Don’t take away their individuality.” When my son wanted to dye his hair, she was like, “Let him be creative. Let him be who he is, and be proud of it!” So, I just tell them to always be their individual selves. Be the best version of themselves, walk to the beat of their own drum, and don’t ever conform. Angel: I love that. One of your videos highlighted your challenges with a stroke. Can you briefly share that story? SQ: In 2018, I noticed I was abnormally tired with shoulder pain. I thought it was the flu. I’m working from home, and my husband, who I call my soul mate, had my daughter take me to the hospital. The doctor examines me and asks, “What took you so long to come in?” Then the vascular doctor comes in. He grabbed my hand and said, “I want you to calm down; you're having a heart attack.” Angel: Oh wow.

Angel: I love it. You and your kids look like you enjoy one another so much. I just watched the video of you and your daughter with the 90s rap song.

SQ: I spent five days in the hospital and was released. Everything with my heart was deemed minor issues. I go back to work, I’m talking and laughing, and the next thing, I collapsed.

SQ: YES! (Laughter)

Angel: Oh my goodness!

Angel: How did you create an environment where they feel safe sharing their authentic selves with you?

SQ: I’m unresponsive. They took me to Baylor Hospital, and for the next two years, I was recovering from a stroke, which was very debilitating and very depressive. I was in physical,

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Two Perspectives: A Married Woman's View

ThE LIGHT WITHIN Utilizing Our Light by Nina Wooten

Utilizing Your Light Each of us has a superpower that is transformative when utilized. It empowers us to see good, make better, and bring out the best. It’s our light, and if we acknowledge it in its various forms and use it, we can enhance our personal lives and the lives of others. Light as a Spark A spark is the tiniest light. However, it is just enough to bring about growth and change. This light stage is necessary to transition from what is to what can be. Use this spark when ideas, inventions, partnerships, or other opportunities present themselves. Our spark should push us to learn new things, invest in ourselves, develop relationships, and make the necessary changes for growth. It’s where we discover what we are capable of and instill unshakable confidence. Light as a Flame At the flame stage of light, there is hope, enthusiasm, and intensity for life and everything it entails. Use your flame to build the life you want. If single, get back to dating. If expanding a business, write that new business model or explore better real estate. If wanting children, see that doctor or review the adoption criteria for your state. Build the life you know you deserve. Light as a Burn Burning is a transformational act. It literally changes one substance into another. Use your burn to do some soul-searching to become the P. 3 6 Cheryl MAGAZINE

most authentic version of yourself. Consider your character, speech, delivery, wants, needs, and physical, spiritual, and emotional desires. What should stay, and what should evolve? Have honest and sober reflections on reaching the highest and preeminent version of self. Greatness is at your fingertips. The Torch When your light becomes big enough inside, you must carry it differently. At this stage, it is no longer just for you. Your wisdom, experience, understanding, and expertise are ready to be shared. Our stories and insight, not designed to remain only with us, far too often do. Step out on faith and shine your light whenever you enter a room. Step into purpose. Pass along all you’ve gathered using your torch to mentor, teach, share, create opportunities, or write. So many need what you have and are eagerly waiting. One way to keep your light burning is to ignite it in others and continue to shine.

Two Perspectives: A Single Woman's View

ThE LIGHT WITHIN Acknowledging Our Light by Nikki Wright

Stewarding Our Light When was the last time we paused to acknowledge our greatness? We innovate at work, emotionally support the family, and give countless hours of service to others while pushing through unexpected challenges and obstacles. The light we bring to the table of life should be acknowledged and celebrated, if by no one else, by us. Which begs the question, how are we stewarding our light? Hiding Isn’t an Option We’ve all played childhood games like hide and seek and red rover. However, if we hide without the intention of being found or if red rover wants to call us over but we’re not present, we do a disservice to everyone involved, especially ourselves. The game of life should find us to partake of our potential, abilities, and willingness to share what we have with others to benefit ourselves and those around us. We must remember, “Nobody puts Baby in a corner.” Let’s not allow anyone the power to stash us in a corner when we should be center stage showing the world we can do the impossible. Positioning Your Light The best position is the one where we emit the most light. No one knows better than us what invigorates us. Let’s think about our giftings and skills. Are we in the right place for our light to shine? Sometimes we sit on our gifts or talents when we should be building on them or refining them. When our careers or organizations don’t

require their use, or if what we’re doing doesn’t demand our skills, let’s demand them of ourselves and create our own opportunities. If we have the gift of communicating, it may be that you should be facilitating a small local group or doing a podcast. If patience and understanding of small children is your gift, perhaps you could have a side hustle babysitting for parents who need a night out and someone they can trust with their children. We all shine; whether in places great or small, we should be positioning ourselves to shine the brightest. Our Light Preserves No matter how old we get or how much time passes, what we possess will always be in demand. There is no time like the present; let’s face it, we are uniquely remarkable, and others know it too. Even with a late start, when we shine brightly, the light we give the room is appreciated. Even harnessed light preserves and is never too late to release and shine. Nina Wooten and Nikki Wright are bloggers, servant-leaders, career professionals, mentors, and they both serve their communities. Nina is passionate about seeing women and children thrive, and encourages well-rounded living and a life fully enjoyed. Nikki, a philanthropist, avid traveler, and lover of the arts, is passionate about helping teens, women, and singles. Cocreators and co-writers of Wooten & Wright, a lifestyle blog, visit wootenandwright.com, wootenandwright@gmail.com, or on IG:@wooten_and_wright.

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Our Honorees The 2023 Cheryl Magazine Women of Influence Award Luncheon recognizes women who have demonstrated excellence in leading, motivating, and developing others in their industry. In celebration of Women's History Month, we award six exceptional women for their groundbreaking leadership. Meet the Women of Influence fiercely changing the world around them! P. 6 0 Cheryl MAGAZINE

Erika N. Salter, Founder and Managing Partner of The Law Offices of Erika N. Salter, P.C. Immigration and Criminal Law Group, manages one of the fastest-growing multimillion-dollar businesses and one of the top-producing practices in Texas, serving thousands of immigrant families. With a success rate of more than 90% positive resolutions, her Dallas and Ft. Worth firms provide exceptional services in the complicated areas of crimmigration and law involving naturalization. Her specialties include obtaining lawful status, deportation defense, citizenship, political asylum, green card application, and all general immigration issues. She is known as “La Defendora!” within the Hispanic community because of her winning record. Salter mentors young students and up-and-coming lawyers, is a member of multiple community-driven and service-focused organizations and helped raise over $3 million as Fund Development Chair. She is the youngest member of the Executive Council and Foundation Board of The Links Incorporated, and is a proud graduate of Leadership Dallas 2020.

ERIKA N. SALTER

FOUNDER AND MANAGING PARTNER OF THE LAW OFFICES OF ERIKA N. SALTER, P.C.

La Toya Haynes is the first person to hold the position of Director of Racial Equity at Intuit. Haynes joined Intuit in 2016 as an HR Business Partner with the ProConnect Group in Plano, Texas. She also served as Global Co-Chair for the Intuit African Ancestry Network and is currently leading the Racial Equity Advancement Leadership Team. As an executive and human resources professional of more than twenty years, Haynes' expertise spans the automotive, health care, consumer packaged goods, aviation, and tech industries. Before joining Intuit, she worked for world-class organizations, including General Motors, Tyco International, Procter & Gamble, The Canadian Helicopter Company, Ericsson, and Tupperware Brands. Haynes graduated from Southern University and A&M College, receiving a B.S. in Business Management. She is also a graduate of the University of Texas at Dallas, where she received an M.A. in Organizational Behavior and Executive Coaching.

LA TOYA HAYNES DIRECTOR OF RACIAL EQUITY INTUIT, INC.| PEOPLE & PLACES

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UNT Dallas Vice President for University Advancement, Dr. Monica G. Williams, has more than twenty-five years of administrative and leadership experience in non-profit and educational sectors. Also serving as President and CEO of the UNT Dallas Foundation, Dr. Williams is responsible for leading alumni affairs, external relations, marketing/ communications, sponsored research, and the university’s efforts in fundraising.

DR. MONICA G. WILLIAMS

Dr. Williams has devoted most of her career to social services and the advancement of underserved communities by raising money to support an array of worthy causes. Since 2016 she has raised more than $10 million in private philanthropy and led the team that increased the research grant portfolio by $35+ million. Dr. Williams increased the retention of first-generation students who needed more resources and took on responsibility for growing the Caruth Police Institute from a local to a statewide platform, attracting significant resources toward eventually improving best practices in policing nationwide.

UNT DALLAS VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT

Kimberly Bizor Tolbert serves as Deputy City Manager for the City of Dallas, the ninth-largest city in the U.S. with more than 13,000 employees and an annual budget that exceeds $4 billion. Tolbert is second in command to Dallas’ City Manager and the first woman, first African American, and first Native American in the Deputy City Manager role. Tolbert has spent more than three decades of her professional career as a public servant with the City of Dallas and the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA). Tolbert provides direct oversight to City offices, including Aviation; Dallas Water Utilities; Communications, Outreach, and Marketing; Human Resources; Risk Management; Homeless Solutions; and the Small Business Center. She represents the City, building and retaining collaborative relationships and partnerships with business, community, and special interest organizations across diverse constituencies. Tolbert also spearheaded the historic Dallas R.E.A.L. Time Rapid Rehousing Initiative, successfully rehousing more than 2,700 homeless [persons]. She championed the creation of the City’s first-ever Small Business Center to provide dedicated resources and facilitate opportunities for entrepreneurs and new and small firms.

KIMBERLY BIZOR TOLBERT DEPUTY CITY MANAGER FOR THE CITY OF DALLAS

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Additionally, Tolbert serves as President of the Dallas Convention Hotel Development Corporation (Omni Dallas Hotel) and board member for All Neighbors Coalition led by Housing Forward serving Dallas and Collin Counties. She also owns and operates Kween Bee’s Sugar Scrub providing luxuriating, organic products, handmade with all-natural ingredients.

Alexis Kerr, Vice President of the Mahogany Brand, Hallmark, is growing the beloved brand that has built a relationship of trust with the Black community by honoring, celebrating, and supporting emotional connections among Black families, friends, and loved ones for more than thirty years. Kerr is responsible for elevating how consumers see and experience the brand and expanding into new spaces in the marketplace. Within her first year, Alexis created meaningful connections with Black women across various touch points. An all-new Mahogany.com website created a place for women to uplift and empower one another through a writing community centering the voices of Black women. Mahogany.com is also a marketplace where shoppers will easily find Mahogany products, community activations that celebrate Black excellence, and timely and socially relevant and authentic social media posts that have dramatically grown Mahogany’s followers. Kerr is also responsible for the partnership with Crown Media Family Networks to bring Mahogany to life on television.

ALEXIS KERR

VP OF THE MAHOGANY BRAND, HALLMARK

Miki Woodard, President and CEO of the Texas Women’s Foundation, has more than twenty-five years of experience as a philanthropist and social impact entrepreneur dedicated to championing equity, cultural diversity, and social justice. She also served as Head of Social Impact, Diversity, and Inclusion for Bad Robot Productions, Inc., and Senior Advisor of the Katie McGrath and J.J. Abrams Family Foundation in Los Angeles, CA. Woodard is the leader of one of the largest women’s funds in the world, spearheading efforts to raise funds for research, advocacy, and grant-making on behalf of Texas women and girls. Since its founding thirty-seven years ago, TXWF has awarded more than $57 million in grants and programs. In addition, the Foundation’s over $40 million is invested in its innovative 100% mission-aligned gendered portfolio. She previously held executive positions at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), Be the Change, Inc., and The Artemis Agency. Woodard was Vice President of Philanthropy at JCPenney, managing a $30 million global corporate giving portfolio. She was also the President and CEO of the non-profit charitable foundations for Dr. Phil and his wife, Robin McGraw, where she led national programs and advocacy efforts benefiting children and families.

MIKI WOODARD PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE TEXAS WOMEN’S FOUNDATION

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THE LIST CHERYL'S FAVORITE RESOURCES

Knowing you’re not alone in your business and that helpful resources to take your business to the next level surround you can be a relief. Here are a few of my favorites, from networking to funding.

intuit.com Intuit is a global technology platform, powering prosperity with TurboTax, QuickBooks, Mint, Credit Karma, and Mailchimp.

Women's Business Center Richmond www.theinstitutenc.org/WBCRichmond The WBC of Richmond provides services for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs seeking operational, financial, and marketing assistance.

Black Alzheimer’s Brain Study blackalzbrainstudy.com Our mission is to create solutions for a healthier community. P. 7 6 Cheryl MAGAZINE

Women’s Business Enterprise National Council www.wbenc.org/certification WBENC is also an approved third-party certifier for the SBA’s Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program.

Small Business Administration www.sba.gov The SBA has worked to ignite change and spark action so small businesses can confidently start, grow, expand, or recover.

AARP www.aarp.org AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age.

Swain Consulting swainconsultingllc.com Providing comprehensive financial services with an emphasis in Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC).

Felisha Belle IG: stylebellefelisha Creative director, wardrobe stylist, and closet curator. For bookings email stylebellefelisha@yahoo.com.

Minority Business Development Agency www.mbda.gov/who-we-are/overview The U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is the only federal agency solely dedicated to the growth and global competitiveness of minority business enterprises.

Speak Beautiful speakbeautiful.com Creative Services Agency We are your one-stop shop for your end to-end design needs. Mention Cheryl and get 20% off your first project.

Lift Fund www.liftfund.com Assistance with loans, tools and resources to help entrepreneurs grow their business.

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TRAVEL & LEISURE

Three Reasons Traveling Is the Key to Positive Vibes

Vacation is more than a break from work and a chance to hang out with your peeps in a new place. It’s the key to staying positive and assuring your vibes are cranked all the way up! Here are three reasons why traveling while on vacation is the key to positive vibes.

#1: It is the perfect way to de-stress

Go ahead and try to worry about what’s going on at the office while you’re sipping drinks on the beach--I dare you! The truth is that traveling helps you put things into perspective by reminding you that what Becky did during the last staff meeting is not that important. Traveling gives you a break from the daily grind and the stresses of your everyday life. It allows you time to let your mind relax, rejuvenate, recuperate, and get back to being your positive, unbothered self.

#2: It is the perfect opportunity to re-evaluate and

reinvent you

Notice you’ve been skewing more negative than positive lately? Traveling allows you to clear your head, re-evaluate your life, and think about what P. 8 4 Cheryl MAGAZINE

you would like to change. Additionally, traveling exposes you to different cultures and ways of life, allowing you to try new things and giving you the perfect opportunity to boost your vibes and reinvent yourself.

#3: Travel boosts your happiness and overall satisfaction Gaining new experiences through traveling boosts your overall satisfaction with life automatically. Trying new things you wouldn’t normally do in your everyday life opens the door to greater fulfillment. The fulfillment you find in your travels will carry over into the rest of your life, and you’ll reap the mood-boosting benefits long after you return home from your journey.

Ladies & Luggage Luxury Travel Group ladiesandluggage.com info@ladiesandluggage.com 866-712-8728

Happy Anniversary, Cheryl Magazine! A Special Note from Tabitha...

heryl is a light in the world. She’s absolutely amazing. She is a woman with a story that needs to be told. Her love for women, you can just see it oozing out of her. Her support, it’s so important that we see that as women and as Black women. We must continue to uplift each other. They say we’re the strongest women in the world, but sometimes we’re not. It’s because of our sisters in the sisterhood; they lift us up. We lift each other up. That’s how we get our strength back. I think that we all can learn something from Cheryl, from her magazine, and from her support. Let us all continue to do our part. Let us all continue, as we go about our business honey, in our weeks and our days, to sometimes say, ‘Okay, let me think about what would Cheryl do in this moment. Let me support and love somebody.' I think we all can continue to do that, and the world will continue to be a better place. I love you all. God bless,

Tabitha