Happy Small Business Saturday!


With the holiday season in full effect, I'm sure you have indulged in great food, enjoyed quality time with friends and family and hopefully carved out some down time for yourself too. Thanksgiving (Pre-Black Friday) kicked off the biggest shopping weekend of the year and I am here to help you start and finish your holiday shopping locally!

Why shop local?

Small businesses account for almost half of America's workforce and two-thirds of new jobs. Shopping local supports your community by

• Keeping money inside your city, county and state
• Helping business owners support their families while living their dreams
• Highlighting unique products, services and local talent

​Today I'm featuring some local businesses and entrepreneurs who are sure to provide just the right gift, product or service you are looking for. Most of these businesses are black and/or female owned and each one is categorized for your convenience (click on the business name to view website). Whether you're shopping for a loved one, the entrepreneur in your life or yourself, you wont be disappointed! You can view my Small Business Saturday/Year End Special here.
​

Beauty & Skin Care

Arielle Johnson, Owner of Arified Organics
Social Media: IG & FB @arifiedorganics
Mission/Purpose: Sharing my craft with the world. My products are always made with love.
Location/Areas Served: Triangle area
Holiday Specials: 45% off all products w Promo Code: Arified
Contact Info: [email protected]

Kristin Pridgen, Founder of Earth-Kissed Beauty
Social Media: IG @earth_kissed_beauty & FB @earthkissedbeauty
Mission/Purpose: Earth-Kissed Beauty provides clean, fresh skincare made with natural and organic botanicals. Each product is accessibly priced and free of harmful chemicals, synthetic fragrance and preservatives. Earth-Kissed Beauty also offers health education on clean living and holistic health.
Location/Areas Served: Raleigh, NC; We currently serve the US only.
Holiday Specials: Sign up for our newsletter to get first dibs on our newest products and deals. https://page.co/lEbz
Upcoming Events: We will be at Quail Corners Farmers Market on Small Business Saturday and A City Market on 12/1. Our full calendar of events can be found on our website.
Contact Info: [email protected]

Santana Ridgell-Bomar (Pro MUA & Esthetician), Owner of Lucid Skin Beauty
Social Media: IG @lucidskinbeauty
Mission/Purpose: To provide customized services to renew and treat your skin.
Location/Area Served: Raleigh, NC
Specials: Free eye contour treatment with any purchase of a facial. (Until 12/31/19)
Holiday makeup special: Airbrush makeup application w/lashes $55 (Until 1/5/2020)
Contact Info: [email protected]

Erica Strib, Owner of Shea La Vie
Social Media: IG @e.Lynn_SheaLaVie FB @eLynnSheaLaVie
Mission/Purpose: Providing handmade skin care products with all natural ingredients.
Location/Area Served: Triangle area; shipping available
Holiday Special: My Black Friday sale ends at midnight 11/30
Contact Info: [email protected]

​Health/Fitness/Wellness

Megan Macpherson, Owner of Yes God Wellness
Social Media: IG,FB & YT @yesgodwellness
Mission/Purpose: Vaginal Steaming, Holistic Healing, Spiritual Life Coaching
Location/Area Served: Durham, North Carolina; national shipping
Specials: vary from week to week. Check my social media for updates.
Contact Info: email-[email protected], phone-(919) 306-3252

Raine and River Apothecary
Social Media: IG & FB: raineandriverapothecary
Mission/Purpose: At Raine and River Apothecary, my mission is to bring plant healing medicine to everyone I come into contact with. All of my medicines are made by hand and in small batches with lots of love and intention. I believe in the use of natural products for healing the body, mind, and spirit. I draw knowledge from ancestral wisdom and create products for modern times. I only use organic and wildcrafted herbs and I’m constantly inspired by the plants around me. I am honored to share these gifts with everyone.
Location/Areas Served: New York/New Jersey, shipping all over the U.S.; Stockist: Namaskar Health in Brooklyn, NY
Contact Info: [email protected] and IG
*This business is not local, but her products are absolutely amazing!

Angel Ballentione (PT)
Phoenix Physical Therapy & Wellness Center, Inc.
Social Media: FB Phoenix Physical Therapy & Wellness, Inc.
IG: @phoenixraleigh
Mission/Purpose: We incorporate wellness best practices through a variety of products and services that enhances our clients state of well-being and encourages a healthy lifestyle.
Location/Area Served: Located in Southeast Raleigh at 1708 Trawick Rd, Ste 205
Holiday Special: TBA
Upcoming Events: Open House Jan 2020, Financial Wellness Seminar 1/2019, Small Business Accounting Seminar 12/2019
Contact Info: [email protected]
Business Description: Phoenix offers physical therapy services to the entire community, with a unique perspective on rehabilitative needs of performance artists, especially dancers; with matching therapies aimed at injury prevention, strengthening, customized treatments, and leading edge recovery methods and in home activities.

Keekee Lennay, Health and Confidence Coach and Owner of The Hangout
Website for The Hangout is coming soon!
Social Media: IG @keekeelennay & @thehangoutnc FB: Keekee Lennay on FB & The Hangout—NC
Mission/Purpose: My mission and purpose is to show other women whats possible. To show that you dont have to stay stuck. As a domestic violence advocate and survivor I teach and promote that life after does exist and it can be magic—and if we develop some healthy habits and lose some weight along the way in this journey then its just an added bonus.
Location/Areas Served: I can help my health clients anywhere! But I live 'in Raleigh and my physical location is in Durham
Specials: I am doing a raffle! Tickets are $5 and worth two entries. You get to pick a prize package that includes items from Cultured Glam Boutique (another small business) and two free energy combos from The Hangout. I am also doing free entry fee to my 6 Day Eat Clean Challenge (nutrition plan purchase required).
Upcoming Events: I am the speaker at an event called Write The Vision on December 14th. I will be facilitating a goal setting workshop.
Contact Info: [email protected] or [email protected] OR any social media outlet

Gena Dubose, SOAR Aerial Dance
Social Media: IG & FB @Soaraerialdance
Mission/Purpose: SOAR strives to push the limits on Aerial dance performance art here in the Triangle. We had different mediums of dance and circus arts to tell a story to live audiences.
Location/Area Served: Though base in Durham, we perform to audiences throughout the Triangle.
Upcoming Events: Fundraiser to help support and raise money for our artists. Funds will go towards costuming, event production, collaborations with local artists. “Becoming”, a Contemporary circus production at Living Arts Collective on August 22nd, 2020.
Contact Info: email Gena DuBose at [email protected]

Light-Work Resources
Social Media: IG @lightworkresources FB @Lightworkresources
​Mission/Purpose: The area’s freshest approach to managing stress and maintaining health offering counseling, coaching, meditation, yoga, art, and dance fitness classes.
Location/Area Served: 3821 Junction Blvd. Raleigh, NC
Upcoming Events: Please check the website for weekly classes.
​Contact Info: [email protected]
​
Ricky Harper, Box-2B-Fit
Social Media: IG: box2bfitinc FB: box2bfitinc
Mission/ Purpose: Fitness and Wellness
Location/Area Served: The Triangle Area
Contact Info: [email protected], phone-919-539-1508

Baby/Family Products & Services

Keira Sheppherson, Owner of Triangle Doulas of Color
Social Media: FB Triangle Doulas of Color and IG Triangle Doulas of Color
Mission/Purpose: To support women through pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period and create a community for women of color in the Triangle area of North Carolina.
Location/Areas You Serve: Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and surrounding areas including Greenville, Goldsboro, and Fayetteville
Holiday Specials: 10% on services (Doula Services, Childbirth Class 12/8, and Moms’ Group 12/6) and 20% on products in the Self-Care Shop on my website. Special will run from 12/28-12/6. Items in Self-Care Shop include: Yoni Steams, Herbal Bath Teas, Steaming Stool, and Birth Affirmation Cards. More to come...
Upcoming Events: Moms' Group 12/6 at 11am and Childbirth Education Class 12/8 at 4pm
Contact Info: Phone: 540-267-5400 Email-[email protected], Website and Social Media

Alfreda Abena, Rooted Baby Co.
Social Media: IG @rootedbabyco FB @therootedbabyco
Mission: We celebrate our roots and Ghanaian culture through the littlest members of our village. We take pride in crafting baby items made from authentic African print fabric and items inspired by our motherland and people. Come learn about Ghana's rich heritage with our family to celebrate and pass on our pride and knowledge to the next generation.
Location/Area Served: Raleigh, NC; national & international shipping
Contact Info: [email protected]

Alex Hanes Sparrow, Owner of Well Carried Child
Certified Babywearing Consultant for the Triangle area
Social Media: www.facebook.com/thewellcarriedchild
IG: @thewellcarriedchild
Mission/Purpose: To help caregivers learn about babywearing and cloth diapers.
Location/Area Served: Small group class and private consultations at different locations throught the Triangle
Upcoming Events: I host four regular events each month. Please visit my facebook page for specific dates and times.
Contact Info: Email-[email protected]

For Women/Moms

Savvy Mommie
Social Media: IG @savvymommie, FB @Savvy Mommies #NCMomTribe
Mission: The Savvy Mommie community is dedicated to North Carolina Black Mommies (current, expectant, & hopeful). The mission is to Inspire, Illuminate, Invigorate NC mommies of color.
Location/Area Served: Currently operating in the Triangle area.
Upcoming Events: Savvy Mommie has hosted park meet ups and a brunch. We are sponsoring a thanksgiving dinner for a local family and hosting a holiday mommie brunch (Mommies, Mocktails and Mimosas) in Durham on Saturday, December 14, 2019. You can purchase tickets here!
Contact Info: social media

Social

Tribe Talk
Social Media: IG & FB @tribetalkradioshow Twitter @tribetalkradio
Mission: Our mission is to connect with women through transparency & create dialogue amongst the leader woman, entrepreneurial woman, & women in the community so they also can find their tribe and continue dialogue and support amongst one another - the same way we have support as sisters!
Location/Area Served: Raleigh/Durham; we travel locally as needed
Contact: [email protected]

Honorable Mentions
I highly recomend each of the following businesses to fulfill more of your family's needs!

Family Activities
~Mom Redefined (The Mom Lounge)
~Nita Piano (Piano Instructor & Philanthropist of the Arts)
~Triangle Parenting Support or TAPS NC (Family Social Meetup)

Food/Catering
~Baton Rouge Cuisine (Cajun Food Truck & Catering Services)
~Sugar Rush Dessert Factory (Confectioner)
~Little Blue Macaron (Custom Macarons)

Clothing
~Amazon Woman (Women's Clothing)
~Kool Kids (Children's Clothing)

​Hair
~Hair by LaShawn (Hair Care & Stylist)
~Queen Magic Hair Products

Photography
~Story & Rhythm (Photography)
~Mylina Russell Phtography LLC (Photography)
~John Kornegay Photography (Photography)

Business Branding
~Ashley Neville, Ashlaine Designs LLC (Graphic Designer & Brand Strategist)
~Vee Washington (MUA and IG Branding)

​Event Planning
~Myss January Events (Event Planning)
~Memorable Events by Lee (Business Consulting & Event Planning)

Unique/Personalized Services
~MXD Customs (Breatmilk Jewelry)
~Crissy Shined Nails (Professional Nail Care)
~Knittings & Things (Custom Knitwear Designer)
~Triangle Chiropractic & Rehabilitation Center, BirthFit NC (Chiropractic Care, Prenatal/Postpartum Fitness)
~Medicine Mama's Farmacy (Handcrafted CBD & Hemp Products)
~Austere Twist Crochet (Crocheted Creations)
~Mama Bear's Beads (Handmade Teething Jewelry & Accessories)

As an added bonus, you can also view this years amazing Made by Mom Gift Guide from WRAL Go Ask Mom which features 12 local mom owned businesses right here! Ive already checked it out and there are some great handmade gifts, products and services!

​Happy Shopping!

What is endometriosis?
A disorder in which tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus causing chronic, debilitating pain and menstrual irregularities. Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women during their reproductive years. That is about 176 million women worldwide.

​Here are 10 things you probably didn't know about endometriosis:

1. ​​More often that not, endometriosis is misdiagnosed and/or goes undiagnosed for years. Endometriosis is sometimes diagnosed as digestive issues or painful menstrual cramps, but these things are actually symptoms of endometriosis.
2. ​​Surgery does not always work. Many women have multiple surgeries and their endometriosis still comes back. 15 percent of women who have a total hysterectomy and ovarian and fallopian tube removal will see their endo return. 20 to 30 percent of those cases will see it return within 5 years. While there are many treatment options, endometriosis can come back and last for years, and can sometimes be life long.
3. ​Endometriosis is a physical condition that also affects women mentally, emotionally, socially and financially. This disorder can literally stop you in your tracks and negatively impact every aspect of your life.
4. Some doctors recommend pregnancy to temporarily stop or slow symptoms. Again, while this can help for a time, it is certainly not a long term solution or cure. And then there is the human you will be responsible for caring for. Birth control is another common option as well.
5. Endometriosis can begin after puberty during teen years. Cases have been reported in girls as young as 11 years old.
6. Endometriosis can lead to infertility. This can happen due to being misdiagnosed or undiagnosed for a prolonged period of time and being untreated.
7. Stress, sugar and hormone imbalance "feeds" endometriosis and triggers symptoms such as painful intercourse, pain with urination or bowel movements, severe cramps, insomnia, fatigue, nausea, headaches and sciatica.
8. Vaginal steaming and a plant based diet can aid in healing you naturally. Avoid or limit dairy and meat as much as possible. Limit caffeine and alcohol as well.
9. Endometriosis pain feels like active labor. Real Talk!
10. I have endometriosis. I was finally diagnosed this past June after nearly three years of chronic pain and more than one misdiagnosis. I have experienced all of the symptoms listed above. I have struggled with how this disorder has impacted me and the ways that I now have to navigate my daily life, but talking about it and staying discipline with my nutrition has helped tremendously. My NuvaRing is also aiding in keeping my symptoms at bay, for now.

A not so brief backstory...

​In September 2016, I posted the photo status above with this caption:

​"For almost two years I have been battling with excruciating and debilitating pain and today I want to talk about it.

I have always had painful periods. I got my cycle when I was 11 years old. Before I was 13, my family doctor had me on meds for pain just so I could go to school during that time of the month. My body has never "accepted" unnatural elements or foreign objects. I couldn't use tampons until I was in my 20s and I don't anymore. I was also nearly 20 when I needed to get on birth control. That's when I first found out that I couldn't take the pill. The synthetic hormones attacked my body and made me physically sick. Needless to say I was devastated to learn that my birth control options would be limited once I became sexually active.

Fast forward to when I had my son at 25 years old. After speaking with my OBGYN, I knew I would get the Mirena IUD. That was the plan. I was excited to have a semi permanent birth control that I wouldn't have to worry about. Well, there were complications. Again, my body was trying to reject this foreign object in my body. Yes, I spoke to my OBGYN and she told me my body just needed to "adjust" and I believed her. Adjustment took almost 10 months. Not to mention the massive fibroids I had growing before, during and after birth... And I was still recovering from coccydynia. Yeah. I had a lot going on.

I believe the fibroids were a combination of unhealthy eating and my hormone imbalance. When I had my myomectomy (fibroid removal), my life drastically changed. But I had work to do. While, pregnant I developed a heavy sweet tooth. It has continued since and I will admit, I give in to it all the time.

BUT HERE'S THE THING... I have come to the conclusion that synthetic hormones and sugar are slowly killing me. When I finally got rid of my Mirena IUD after 5 years and decided to get the NuvaRing, I thought I had finally found something that worked. But I was wrong. Between my sugar habit and my birth control, I started having TERRIBLE abdominal and pelvic pain. I saw several doctors and specialists and no one could find the cause of my pain. No fibroids. No cysts. Not endometriosis. Nothing.

​At one point I thought I might be lactose intolerant. I cut all dairy and slowly reintroduced things with no real results. I cut wine. 👀 Nope, that wasn't it. My doctors were treating me for several different things including IBS but I still had no concrete answers. I was so lost and so heavily medicated that I just stopped everything. I took myself off all of the meds and prayed. The side effects from the meds were also negatively affecting how I felt. This is when I started looking into holistic healing and what really may be ailing me."

I have learned so much about endometriosis and myself since this post, especially since my diagnoses and I will be sharing my experience and journey here on my blog. If you or someone you know have been affected by endo, please reach out and share your experience.