Me: “Thank you Ms. Hanshaw for sharing your story with HealASister. I believe it will encourage many women.”

Ms. Hanshaw: “Thank you too. The article would not be real if I didn’t mention my parents The Rev. Louis and Mamie Peyton. My parents owned and ran The Kitty Kat Restaurant on Main Street in Biloxi, Mississippi. Through their hard work they showed us kids we can own our own businesses. My father would say, ‘pray and believe, and always believe you can do instead of can’t do.’ They are truly missed and will never be forgotten.”

1. After experiencing such a loss, how did you begin to put your life back together?

After exhaling and literally visualizing my family and friends homeless, I felt the need to talk to God and wait on him to lead me. It took me about 9 months to become fully engaged in helping rebuild our community in East Biloxi which is known as Ward 2 in Biloxi, MS.

2. Where did the idea of CWC come from?

While enjoying my granddaughter’s basketball game, after leaving the women’s group meeting. I thought that is not a name for future women on the move. So I jotted some names down for the women to vote on at our next meeting. From that meeting the women voted Coastal Women for Change would be the name for the women on the move. The idea was to bring women from all over the coastal area together and to have their voices heard.

3. What is the greatest accomplishment of CWC yet?

When we women came from all ethnicities to our Mayor Holloway and demanded to be a part of the decision-making process. We had Vietnamese women, Latino women as well as white women to come together. We also invited the mayor to our meeting. From that meeting on, women were sitting on all the following committees: FEMA elevation, Affordable housing, Senior programs and Economic development and CDBG funds, Community Development Block Grant committee.

Me: In other words, The women were having their say about what changes would take place in their community and how those changes would be implemented.

4. Most salon owners and hair care professionals are great listeners and advisors to their clients. How has that role if at all helped you in your new role as director of CWC?

My belief is the script for each of us is already written, if we listen we will become that strong person. Being a cosmetologist was preparing me for my future leadership role in the world.  I must say,  I didn’t see it coming. But surely welcome the ride and feel so blessed because of it.

5. What is it about women that makes us great leaders and motivators?

The fact is women are strong and are natural caregivers. Through those traits that were inherited by their grandmothers, women seem to build character and perseverance. When times get tough women elevate and step up in ways that makes us survivors. CWC has become an example for communities all across the globe. Women from the south can make things happens as well. Research the women of the gulf and become enlighten.

6. What future impact would you and this organization like to make in order to change lives and communities.

By making sure that the community becomes sustainable and advocate for themselves through education. It is a slow process but worth it. You start by building trust and being there when needed.

7. What advice can you give other women who find themselves in unexpected transitions in life?
Exhale and welcome the change.   You never know who you will bring hope.,  through valuable words or just by being an active listener.  Through it all my major expectation is that women start respecting each other . It’s truly important for our young girls’ growth.

The organization is committed to raising awareness and addressing issues that affect its community. Some of the community programs at CWC include:
• Youth mentorship
• Leadership/Skills Programs
• Senior Computer Programs
• Community Garden Programs
• Coastal Restoration

The woman is strong-minded and has full assurance concerning how she handles business as well as personal affairs. Beware if you plan to bulls**t her or waste her time with petty conversation or useless information. She has bulls**t radar and little tolerance for those who try to push her around just because she is a woman. Approaching her in a disrespectfull way will get you a curt tongue lashing.

You also know the man who behaves exactly the same ways as this woman. You see him as a man who takes care of business. He gets the respect and admiration of his peers and others alike. He earns that title “Go-Getter”. The woman on the other hand is crowned a bitch. I find it interesting that many still use this term to describe women who are determined and
results oriented. Why is it that if a man handles himself and his business with passion and enthusiasm he is seen as a great business man but if a woman does the same she is seen as bitch?
Why?

Freedom is never

voluntarily given by the

oppressor; it must be

demanded by the

oppressed.

Ok women listen up!  HealaSister promised to provide you with information and tools to help you become successful at whatever you choose.  Well here’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss out on if you are a retail business owner.  Macy’s has a program designed just for you and we are helping Macy’s spread the word.

The 2012 Macy’s Workshop  is for multicultural and women-owned retail business vendors looking to hone their skills and make some valuable connections in the process.  Events take place in Manhattan, New York at the Macy’s Herald Square Corporate Offices in the spring of 2012.  The work shop is a four and one-half day training program designed to educate, prepare, and mentor these women in the retail industry.    Classes are facilitated by accredited experts and include:

• Strategic Planning
• Branding
• Access to Capital
• Merchandising and Assortment planning

Don’t miss this opportunity to network and engage with other business women.  This is your chance to interact with experienced vendors and industry leaders.

As business owners you may have dreamed of locating angel investors and venture capitalists.  This experience may help you find that strategic partnership you’ve longed to find.  Things can happen for you when you are in the presence of decision makers and interacting with industry front-runners.  So sign up today.

Visit the 2012 Macy’s Workshop site and complete the application.  The deadline is 11:59 PM on January 22, 2012.  Twenty participants are selected from the applications submitted from the workshop site or via mail.  Please visit the site for application details and eligibility requirements.  Complete your application accurately and thoroughly as only those applications will be considered at the time of selection.

Leave me a comment if you find this information helpful or informative. Definitely let me know if you apply.  Good luck to all that do apply.  We look forward to bringing you more hook-ups like this one.

Everyone needs at least one good friend.  If you’ve got more than that, count yourself blessed.  A good friend is one who walks with you through life’s most difficult and rewarding times.  My friends and I have been there for one another through the ups and downs of life.

• Engagements
• Marriages
• Births of babies
• Home purchases
• Divorces
• New jobs
• Job promotions
• Job losses
• Sickness
• Healings of illness
• Loss of loved ones
• Marital affairs
• Opening of businesses
• Closing of business

The list could go on and on.   Just thinking about it  reminds me of the song “Count on Me” by Whitney Houston and Ce Ce Winans.  “Sometimes life can make you feel that it’s much harder than it really is.  But, we’ll get through it (together) just don’t give up! Cause you can count on me.”  What comforting words and what a comfort to know that you’ve got friends to encourage you when life does get hard and celebrate with you when life is looking up.

Proverbs 18:24 says, “He that has friends must first shew himself friendly”.   You make true friends by being a true friend.  Here is the practical application for this proverb.  Look for ways to build up your friends through words and deeds.  Lend a helping hand when you know they’re having a difficult time.  Here are 10 ways to celebrate and encourage a friend.  Why 10?  It just sounds like a good number and I like the title for this post.

• Celebrate her accomplishments
• Send a card thanking her for her friendship
• Send over dinner for her family if she’s sick. (spaghetti or something easy to prepare,but order out if you can’t cook)
• Call her just to pray for HER (let the prayer center around HER wants and needs not yours)
• Help out by giving  a gift card for groceries or some other need. (Loaning money damages relationships. Giving money with no expectation of ever getting it back is better than loaning it to a friend.  Sometimes you may need to give it secretly.)
• Tell her the truth when she ask how she looks in an outfit
• Babysit for her while she enjoys a night out with her husband
• Email her and remind her to get a pap smear or mammogram
• Don’t forget her birthday
• Be positive about the changes she makes in her life even if you dont’ agree with them

I’m sure there are an endless number of ways to show your support. The point is to find ways to add value to your friendship.

What are some ways you encourage your friends?

In 2006, the Commerce Department reported that the U.S. savings rate became negative. The U.S. has not seen anything like this since the Great Depression of 1930. More Americans are using their savings to fund their overdrawn lifestyles. We are spending more than we make and this is self-destructive.

Several years ago I got serious about managing my debt and living within my means.  I took classes offered at my church, bought books to study and started maintaining a budget. Suze Orman’s The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom, Glinda Bridgforth’s Girl Get Your Money Straight, Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad Poor Dad, I own them all as well as a few more books about money, budgets and debt control.  There are a slew of books filled with information about money and finances. After reading several books, it became apparent that practical application was lacking.  Having the knowledge is one thing but application of the knowledge is what’s really important.

I started tracking my spending habits and sticking to a budget.   At first it was a bit uncomfortable but eventually I got used to it. I realized how much money I was wasting eating out, using the dry cleaners and subscribing to magazines I no longer read.   Tracking spending habits and sticking to a budget can help one become aware of how one is doing financially.

I learned about my FICO score and how to improve it.  Paying off some credit cards really gave me a sense of accomplishment.  I’ve had some successes and some failures but for the most part, I’m on the right track to be debt free in eight to ten years.  That is, if all goes according to plan. But, at least I have a plan.  Like my dad always says, “fail to plan and you will surely fail”.

Here are some of the ways I find extra money to help me pay off debt and stick to my budget:

Have an annual garage sale.

Use coupons while shopping.

Shop at consignment stores for clothes.

Eat out less.

Cook and prepare multiple meals on the weekend for the following week.

Take my lunch to work so I’m not tempted to buy fast food.

Use my cell phone as my primary contact.

Review my health insurance bills for accuracy.  Every year I’ve gotten a refund from at least one of my doctors.

Enroll in my companies Flexible Spending plan.

Pay myself first by having money directly deposited into my savings account.

Every year I shop around and compare prices for auto insurance.

Wash and iron my clothes more to cut back on dry cleaning.

Use my local library for books instead of buying.  This is a hard one because I love my books.

How do you find extra money for savings/debt and what tools do you use to help you stick to your budget?

Happy New Year!  I hope everyone had a great holiday season .  There is nothing like being with the people you love in the place you love, especially  during the holidays.  I spent part of my holiday in my home town, Biloxi, MS.  I ate too much, and shopped too much, just like most southern girls.  But I did make time to get out and see how the city is slowly returning after two major natural disasters, hurricane Katrina in 2005  and the BP Oil Spill in 2010, left it and other coastal cities in ruins and damaged the economic stability.

My first stop, of course was the beach.  Here are some photos of the Biloxi Visitor’s  Center, the Lighthouse and the Lighthouse Pier.  I came to this pier everyday while I was home.  The sound of the water is relaxing.  Serenity, there’s nothing like it.  Even got a chance to watch a dolphin do some fishing.

I also made sure to take my nieces and nephew to a historic site on the beach to provide them with  a bit of history.  It’s important for them to know that someone fought for the freedoms that they enjoy. The Biloxi Beach Wade-Ins took place in 1959, 1960 and 1963 and ultimately made it possible for blacks to have access to the beaches.

Caught some birds lined up on the pier.  Looks like they were having a morning meeting.

If you’ve ever visited the Gulf Coast states you know that everything centers around the beach and the beautiful outdoors.  Fishing and boating are major in the south.  I got some great pictures of the Biloxi Bay and the boats along the beach.  These two pelicans seemed to pose and give me just the pictures I was looking to get.

I also paid a visit to the Ohr-O’keefe Museum of Art.   There is a great exhibit at the Gallery of African-American Art on view from December 6, 2011 to May 28, 2012. Looking Ahead:  Portraits from the Mott-Warsh Collection.   My favorite piece is Monument of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., 2005 (John Wilson b. 1922).   There is also an exhibit of the Pleasant Reed House; The story of  an African-American family rising from slavery to build and own a home in Biloxi, MS.

While on the coast, I tried to take in the view everyday.  This bridge is about a 2 mile walk one way and a 2 mile walk to return.  It connects the peninsula of Biloxi with Ocean Springs, Ms.  I walked it with my mother and sister.  It’s no joke but the view is absolutely beautiful.  It was worth the pain just to see the sun rise over the water.

Later the same day the sunset was just as beautiful.

Well as you can see, Biloxi is a beautiful city.  There’s also several casinos to visit if you like to gamble or just take in a great live show or you could just do what I do and walk the beach and enjoy nature.

This time of year can be especially  difficult for those who have lost love ones, those who are out of work and suffering, or those who just, for whatever reason, can not find peace.  We must remember that while we may be with family and friends opening gifts and having a good time, there are still people who are lonely and sad.  This post is for those folks.  I want to let you know that you are not alone.

My prayer is that these words will give you comfort and peace.   As we celebrate the birth of the savior, let us remember that he is our provider, battle fighter, peace giver, healer, righteousness, ever-present helper, and our friend.  Our greatest need is to have a better understanding of the flawless character of Jesus Christ.  We can look to him for counsel with decisions concerning our lives.  Thank you LORD for the gift of Jesus Christ.

“For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,  Prince of  Peace.

                                        Isaiah 9:6

Please visit www.wifemotherfirstlady.com for the Reason for The Season FAMILY Challenge.

Photo credit : Jeffwesse (Creative Commons)

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