forwardmag june2013
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FORWARD JUNE 2013
Photo Courtesy of Jeremy Biggers
Model: Mattice Lowery
Location: Rotary Centennial Park, Cedar City, Utah
New Faces. New Places. New Ideas. www.4FORWARD.com
FORWARDSTAFF
PUBLISHER
FORWARD MEDIA
LAYOUT / DESIGN
Leon McKenzie Pam Coleman Kathryn Lavon
CONTENT
Ashle Greene Abby Gregory
Kent Koons Jasmin Brand
CONTRIBUTORS
Jeremy Biggers. Travis Lilley
FORTHOUGHT
There is no end. There is no beginning. There is only the infinite passion of life. Federico Fellini
William Grant & Sons, Inc. New York, NY. © 2013 Spirits International, B.V.
FORWORD
When I was a little girl, my dad always told me that I could be anything I wanted to be. He always said “Jasmin, the sky’s the limit; don’t just go after your dreams, take them!” I’ve tried to follow his sage advice every day of my life both personally and professionally.
Enter FORWARD.
The idea behind FORWARD was simple - Connect fun, fearless and fabulous women to new places, new faces and new ideas in a cool and organic way. We had our first event last June and have continued to grow ever since.
We began receiving hundreds of emails from women sharing these amazing personal stories.
We discovered one big, central theme as we read these emails – many women were working in jobs that they weren’t passionate about. I realized that we needed some way to share all of these stores and that’s where the idea behind this magazine came from. We wanted to provide the tools necessary to have a love affair with your work; to find the courage to make a living doing something you're super passionate about. In this inaugural issue, you will meet Candy Smith, founder of Candy Smith Spirits, co-founder of C&C Productions and our featured speaker for our June event, Turning Your Passion Into a Profession. You’ll learn how she’s designed her life around this idea of passion. A few other fun features you’ll find:
“4” - We share 4 of our fave people, places and things designed to help you on your passion journey FRONTLINE - You’ll have the opportunity to connect with two Dallas businesswomen who share the same profession and interesting perspectives FAST FORWARD – Meet fabulous professional women across the country and the cities that love them FINAL POINTS – We ask a group of community and business influencers for their advice on discovering passion. Their words of wisdom made us laugh, cry and definitely become inspired.
You may have started to see a pattern with the use of “4”. There’s a reason why. Keep reading
Jasmin
ABOUT FORWARD
Professional women are ready for bigger and better opportunities. They’re ready to connect with one another In a way that is much more than just a social outing; they’re looking for meaningful professional development opportunities that allow them to connect with other ambitious, intelligent women like themselves. FORWARD was created to connect these amazing women to new places, new faces and new ideas in a cool and very organic way. As the overall U.S. economy trudges toward a slow recovery, the 2013 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report shows where the jobs lie: in the hands of women — specifically those of Texas women. According to Forbes Magazine, the number of women-owned firms in Dallas reached an all-time high of 188,200 in 2012, altogether earning $31,639,400 in total revenue. There was no other place but Dallas to launch an initiative like FORWARD! We look forward to expanding our network of women into other cities in 2014.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE 9 FEATURE: Candy Unwrapped. PAGE 13 4: Four tools to assist in discovering your passion PAGE 16 FRONTLINE: Two savvy, successful businesswomen. Two different
yet similar perspectives PAGE 20 FAST FORWARD: Get to know Chicago professional Liz Le PAGE 22 FINAL POINTS: City nfluencers share their advice on finding passion.
FORWARD FEATURE
CANDY UNWRAPPED…
It’s not every day that you have the opportunity to meet a game changer up close and personal. Candy Smith is just that, personal. Almost instantly, it is obvious that Candy has a huge personality and an equally
big heart to match. From her mega-watt smile, sense of humor and playful wit, it would be easy to
accidentally mistake Candy for someone who didn’t take life too seriously but boy would you be wrong.
Since starting her successful production company, C&C Productions, with her twin sister twelve
years ago, Candy has been kicking butt and taking names with a slew of professional wins under her belt
including her own trademarked creation, “The Body Art Ball.” Recognized internationally, The Body Art Ball
has performed on more than 150 stages to capacity-filled venues.
“I had to figure out how to stay in the mix professionally and still be the mother I wanted to be.”
“Innovation is the key. Even if it’s uncomfortable.” Candy Smith is a mother, daughter, sister, friend, producer and now most recently, the founder of a cocktails & spirits line. Candy Smith Spirits, a series of pre-mixed drinks, is a brand for women by women. The idea was simple – create a female bar for the modern day woman. Using all natural one hundred percent American ingredients symbolizes Candy’s commitment to maintaining the highest level of quality and corporate morality possible with her line; something she feels is often missing in the male-dominated alcohol business. When asked how her cocktails will differ from her existing competition, namely that unnamed skinny rival, Candy expressed that she wanted her line to represent “the women that she knows and hangs out; your average working girl trying to balance it all.” Candy Smith Spirits will launch in 2014 with its first flavor, LemonDrop. We can’t wait to see what comes next for Candy.
“You can, by design, create your own destiny.”
4 The number 4 has long been a number of completion, stability and predictability. The number 4
symbolizes the principle of putting ideas into form, work and productivity. In the number 4, we may find the
powers to create and attain, when used on the positive path. As you begin your journey to discover your true
passions, Here are 4 tools designed to help you along the way….
ONE: Isabel Allende
Author and activist Isabel Allende discusses women, creativity, the definition of feminism -- and, of course, passion -- in this talk. Novelist Isabel Allende writes stories of passion. Her novels and memoirs, including The House of the Spirits and Eva Luna, tell the stories of women and men who live with passionate commitment -- to love, to their world, to an ideal.
TWO: African Passion Wines
African Passion Wines have formed a passionate partnership with TransAfrica Forum. Renowned actor and TransAfrica Forum Board Chair, Danny Glover, have teamed up to fuel one of Danny’s passions: Social Justice. For every bottle of African Passion Wine, 10% of the profits will go to support TransAfrica Forum, an organization dedicated to the human rights and social justice advocacy of the African world.
Discover the big heart of Africa. Find your passion.
THREE: EX Libris Anonymous
Every journal made at ex libris anonymous is one-of-a-kind, unique, and completely unrepeatable experience. They start by exhaustively searching for the most interesting recycled books they can find, and after carefully curating their favorites, they salvage the covers (and selected pages) of the lucky book. $14
FOUR: Sir Ken Robinson
Sir Ken Robinson’s TED talk and groundbreaking book, The Element, introduced readers to a new concept of self-fulfillment through the convergence of natural talents and personal passions. The Element has inspired readers all over the world and has created for Robinson an intensely devoted following. Ken describes “The Element” as “the point at which natural talent meets personal passion.” He argues that this is the point at which people “feel most themselves, most inspired and achieve at their highest levels.
FRONTLINE
Women inherently share the same goals, wishes and dreams when it comes to the reasons why they decide to take the plunge and become business owners. Starting a business in Dallas poses many challenges regardless of your zip code. In this issue, the focus is living a passion filled life. We decided to interview two Dallas female salon owners because we felt making women feel their very best was the ultimate expression of passion. Although from different parts of the city, Renee Bennett and Gina Ginsberg own upscale salons that cater to busy, professional women. We were intrigued by how many similarities they shared and were in complete admiration of their style, grace and commitment to excellence.
RENEE BENNETT Main A’Trak”Sion Hair Studio 1409 South Lamar Street Dallas, TX 75215
What drives you? Doing what I love.
What advice do you have for other women? Know exactly what you want.
What separates you from the others? We’re in a loft. We’re upscale, we’re professional. It’s a place for our clients to come and relax.
Favorite holiday? My birthday.
GINA GINSBERG THE HAIR BAR 6025 Royal Lane Dallas, TX 75230
What drives you? Making a difference in people’s lives.
What advice do you have for other women? Have a good business plan.
What separates you from the others? I’m an owner/operator. I’m not a cosmetologist. I’m purely a business woman.
Favorite holiday? My children’s birthdays.
FAST FORWARD CHICAGO
Introducing you to fabulous professional women across the country…and the cities that love them
LIZ LE, Digital Marketing Strategist
Number of Years in Chicago: 2 years Reason for Move: A job offer I couldn’t resist Hometown: Dal las , TX What I Do: I create onl ine content and strategy for brands in the hospital i ty industry . I t ’s a perfect balance of what I love doing: research, d iscovery and creat ive strategy. I ’m definitely l iv ing the dream.
The Scoop…
I f I had to describe Chicago in 3 words, it would be: resi l ient , vibrant , & dynamic .
I would definitely recommend this city to : a hard-working, professional woman,
looking to advance her career in a top metro market and wants to have an top -notch social space to play in. Remember to pack your winter gear though because it br ings new meaning to the word cold!
A night out with the gir ls usually includes: the three almighty D’s - drinks , dinner
and dancing at wherever the city leads us. The restaurant scene in Chicago is on a whole other level – which I ful ly appreciate and indulge in! Currently I ’m infatuated with Kai Zan, a Japanese-Fusion restaurant, the perfect ly blended cocktai l s at La Si rena, and Underground a place that sets the stage for prime dancing and people watching.
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More About Chi -Town:
General City Info: http://www.cityofchicago.org/c ity/en.html
https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/bacp/supp_info/bacpbusinesses.html
Culture & Lifestyle: http://www.choosechicago.com/ (off icial tour ism site for Chicago)
http://www.chicagomag.com/ (f ind the best places to dine, eat and shop, while catching up on news & polit ics in the c ity)
http://www.chicagoreader.com/ (news,pol it ics , entertainment, food, as wel l as a classi f ied s section)
Living & Working: http://www.city-data.com/city/Chicago-I l l inois.html
(statist ics: populations, demographics, income, info by zip code, cost of l iv ing etc. ) http://www.worldbusinesschicago.com/data/chicago -business-overview
( includes data on the business cl imate, economy, education, workforce, etc.) http://www.chicagoparent.com
(magazine that targets Chicago parents or prospective parents moving to Chicago)
FINALPOINTS Words of Advice On…Passion
YVONNE CRUM My Passion: Fundraising & Event Planning, The Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas My Advice: Volunteering saved me, and I believe so strongly in the power
of helping others. After my son Paul Crum was killed in an auto accident in 1997, I actually didn't think I'd ever breathe again. But I did, with the help of others, and I went on to discover my passion after friends encouraged me to get back to doing what I do best - serving my community and those in need. I was the recipient of some great advice from Margie Wright, executive director of the Suicide and Crisis Prevention Center, who told me to treat my service role as a job. Her words continue to resonate, and I’ve now adapted her thoughts into a personal statement of my own – volunteer as if it is your job . . . you never know when you might need one! Though I worked full-time, I’ve been actively volunteering for more than 30 years, and my tried-and-true tenet is simple – do something! Show up to meetings, do what you say you will do, and do it with passion.
REV. GERALD BRITT, JR. My Passion: Vice-President of Public Policy & Workforce Development, CitySquare My Advice: If you want to find your passion, find the things in life that give you
the most energy! Part of what I realized along the way was to pay attention when I felt excitement and energy bubbling up. By focusing on what I was doing, saying, and who I was with in those moments, I discovered clues to solving the mystery of what I wanted in my daily life. Next – and this was hard – I also had to observe things that created the opposing experience, acknowledging times when I felt no excitement in order to find a different direction. I know that I am on the right track with my career and life when I get charged up!
STACY CALDWELL My Passion: CEO, Tahoe Truckee Foundation
My Advice: If you want to find your passion, find the things in life that give you the most energy! Part of what I realized along the way was to pay attention when I felt excitement and energy bubbling up. By focusing on what I was doing, saying, and who I was with in those moments, I discovered clues to solving the mystery of what I wanted in my daily life. Next – and this was hard – I also had to observe things that created the opposing experience, acknowledging times when I felt no excitement in order to find a different direction. I know that I am on the right track with my career and life when I get charged up!
RIKKI RINCON My Passion: Principal & Founder, Creative Juice Online My Advice: In order to be a success, you must love what you do at all costs.
And one of the single most important factors in living successfully versus simply becoming successful is enjoying your work. When your career is so fulfilling that it never feels like a job, you know that what you’ve selected was made for you. No matter the path you’re on or the one you choose, keep your options open, be willing to give your time, and invest in pro bono work as a way to re-invest yourself and remain top of mind among other leaders in your industry. Always surround yourself with more experienced professionals, and accept criticism with gratitude because you’re fortunate to have the opportunity to enhance your overall service, knowledge, and delivery of services or products.
BEN KUNDMUELLER
My Passion: Vice-President, FreedomPark Valet Services My Advice: I don’t view passion as something to be found in your individual
career choice, but rather as something to be avidly applied in your professional and personal life. In the same breath, I would say that there is much wisdom in considering your individual gifts, strengths, aspirations, and desires when selecting your vocation and planning for your future. Ultimately for me, I find my true passion in my faith, and when I tap into it, it overflows into every area of my life, profession included. And that’s the reason I can sincerely say that I’m passionate about what I do.
CANDICE QUARLES My Passion: Servant Leader; President, Urban League of Greater Dallas Young Professionals My Advice: Do something. Right now! Analysis paralysis is the reason so many
talented people are stalled, because if you wait long enough you can find something wrong with any idea. During your quest for answers you will stumble across your passion; it’s the quest that makes the difference. My charge to you is to do something, anything that you kind of like, because the main challenge is to simply “do.” Don’t wait for others, and don’t listen to those around you if they aren’t progressing too. You may not know where you’re headed, but it’s better than waking up years from now regretting what could have been.
SHON GABLES My Passion: News Anchor & Correspondent, Dallas ABC Affiliate - WFAA Channel 8 My Advice: As a first generation high school graduate and the first in my family
to pursue a career path, I can say with absolute certainty that if you’re bold enough to use your God-given talents, dare to believe God's promises, and refuse to quit when your path veers into incredibly uncomfortable territory, success will not only chase you down but will also turn your journey into a testimony with which to help others. Learn to value your lane and value the piece of this world you were designed to impact. Respect timing, because the race is not given to the swift nor to the slow, but to the person who endures. Respect leadership, because it’s God who lifts one and decreases another. Most importantly, don't quit, and always use what you got. Nobody will ever be better at being you.
LISA MOORE My Passion: Senior Vice-President of Marketing & Operations, FLUENT Dallas My Advice: Never forget that even the tiniest things might change your life or
the lives of others. My pivotal moment actually consisted of two seemingly small elements – an ad for a hostess position and a glowing restaurant review, both spotted while casually perusing the Dallas Morning News. I wasn’t even looking for a job at the time, but my decision to act on a possible opportunity without hesitation ultimately led me to a 20-year career with Chef Stephan Pyles. His guidance, coupled with the influence of George Majdalani and Michael Cox, helped turn my passion into my profession. However, the foundation for my success stems from my parents, who instilled in me a basic fearlessness, wisdom, tolerance, discipline, and a commitment to being the best. And while these tenets were imparted through their lives and actions, the example they set remains a source of invaluable advice that’s both reliant and resilient
www.fluffpop.com
Travis Lilley Photography
“I will go anywhere, provided that it is forward.” - David Livingstone