NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024 ISSUE PREVIEW
HOME & FAMILY
Last minute Christmas gift ideas
As the holidays approach, it’s easy to find yourself scrambling for last-minute gifts. Whether you’re short on time or ideas, there are plenty of thoughtful presents that can be picked up quickly while still bringing joy to your loved ones. And sometimes, the best gifts are the ones that surprise and delight because they’re out of the ordinary. If you’re tired of the usual go-to presents, here’s a list of unconventional and unique last-minute gift ideas for men, women, and children that are sure to leave a lasting impression.
HOME & FAMILY
Smart money moves for families in 2025
As we all navigate the financial challenges of 2025, finding ways to save money has never been more important. Rising costs in various sectors, from groceries to healthcare, will require proactive strategies to protect household budgets. Below is a list of practical ways families (and singles) can save in key spending areas without compromising their quality of life.
HOME & FAMILY
The impact of fathers in education: Shaping school success together
by Dwayne E. Meeks
Fathers play a pivotal role in shaping the educational success and overall well-being of their children. When fathers are actively engaged in their children’s schooling, it fosters a collaborative environment that bridges the gap between families and educational institutions, ensuring that students have the support they need to thrive, not just survive. Creating a strong partnership between fathers, public school systems, and communities is essential to setting up children for long-term academic and social success. But how do we build these powerful alliances? How can we empower fathers and educators to work hand in hand, from the superintendent to the principal’s office and the classroom?
HOME & FAMILY
Coping with Loss: Navigating life after the death of a spouse
by Yvette Freeman
Losing your spouse is one of life’s most profound and painful experiences. It leaves an emotional void that can feel insurmountable and disrupts every aspect of your daily life, from finances to mental and physical health. For those like me who spent years building a life with someone they vowed to spend the rest of their life with, the loss can be devastating, bringing not only grief, but also practical, and unexpected, challenges. Based on my own recent personal experience, I want to share the emotional and logistical difficulties faced by surviving spouses, and give some tips on how to prepare yourself for this life-altering event.
HOME & FAMILY
No accountability: Power and control in systems perpetuate injustice and violence against marginalized communities
by Whitley English
As a native of Asheville, someone who has lived in public housing all my life, and a community health worker specializing in violence prevention, I’ve seen firsthand how systems deeply rooted in racism and oppression fail the very people they claim to serve. As a survivor of intimate partner violence, I understand how these structures — whether in the justice system, healthcare, or organizations meant to aid marginalized communities — perpetuate harm rather than provide relief. These organizations, often created to support marginalized populations, receive substantial funding to address critical issues. Yet, they frequently fail to prioritize direct services for the individuals who need them most. This disconnect between funding and impactful service delivery leaves marginalized people without the tools they need to seek safety, justice, and healing.
BUSINESS & CAREER
Communication: A lesson from Helene
by Keith Washington
Communication is defined as “the process of sending (e.g., messenger) and receiving (e.g., receiver) information (e.g., messages). It can be one-on-one or between groups of people, and can be face-to-face or through communication devices. The great leadership expert, John Maxwell says that 90% of the world’s problems can be traced back to poor listening/communication, as the root cause. This is a staggering statistic. In the sphere of our professional lives, we do not have to look too far to see the significant impact poor communication has on us all.
BUSINESS & CAREER
Bitcoin and small business: Revolution or just another tech wave?
by John Lawson
Bitcoin just smashed through $100,000, and everyone’s talking. But let’s cut through the noise and get real about what cryptocurrency means for small businesses like yours. I’ve been in both the corporate and entrepreneurial worlds, and I’m going to break this down in a way that makes sense. After running multiple online businesses and consulting Fortune 100 companies, I’ve learned that timing is everything when adopting new technology.
BUSINESS & CAREER
The on-time vs timely networker
by Chi Chi Okezie
Networking continues to offer several nuances and challenges in regards to building relations and a strong network. It is key for professionals to have a solid networking plan, as well as a sustainable method for building, fostering, and growing relations. This leads to asking a very overlooked question: Are you an “On Time” or “Timely” networker? Both terms may appear similar, but have different meanings. In this article, let’s take a deep dive into the meaning of the terms, the pros and cons, and which one best identifies your networking style.
BUSINESS & CAREER
2025: New year. New you. New business.
by Laura Wagonknecht
Let’s face it. Due to Hurricane Helene, this was a rough year for folks here in many parts of the South, especially Western North Carolina! Like many of our buildings after the storm, it’s time to ditch the old, embrace the new, and give your business a fresh coat of paint. No, not literally! OK, maybe literally… We’re talking about a fresh perspective, a renewed energy, and a whole lot of hustle. It’s a brand new year!
BUSINESS & CAREER
5 ways to get the most out of your job search over the holidays
by Sabrina Cortes
You might not realize it, but the holidays are one of the best times to focus on your job search. Many companies have budgets for the new year and are looking for fresh faces to fulfill employment opportunities. Not only that, but businesses and industries host holiday parties for you to use to your advantage. Furthermore, companies hire new team members for newly created temporary jobs that turn into a full-time role.
BUSINESS & CAREER
Sustaining creativity and innovation in a changing world: A guide for small businesses and entrepreneurs
by Dr. Daryl Green
When I arrived at Southern University in Louisiana as an eager engineering student, I envisioned myself becoming the next Scotty from Star Trek, offering innovative solutions to any challenge. However, my early years in engineering were dominated by a rigid, systematic approach with little room for creativity. It wasn’t until my senior year that I could think outside the box. Unfortunately, this experience is common in many engineering programs that emphasize structure over innovation. This article examines the urgent need for small businesses to embrace technology and innovation in the face of rapid advancements like artificial intelligence (AI).
HEALTH & WELLNESS
8 ways to live healthier in 2025
The last decade has seen a surge in cardiovascular risk factors, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity, each of which raises the risks of developing heart disease and stroke. These trends are leading researchers to conclude that the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) will continue to rise.
EMPOWERING YOUR LIFE
Living out loud and taking up space: A call to women to embrace their power
by Dr. Ravin Gore, Ed.D
As a woman who has spent her life learning, teaching, and guiding others, I have come to one fundamental realization: women have the right, the capacity, and the power to live out loud and take up space. My journey as an Assistant Professor, a Consultant, a Coach, and most importantly, as a mother, sister, and daughter, has led me to this conviction. This article is not just about my story, but about our collective story — the story of women who, despite the obstacles, rise up and claim their space in a world that often tells them to shrink. Living out loud and taking up space is not just a personal endeavor; it is a declaration of power and possibility for all women.
Feature Spotlights
BUSINESS
HAYWOOD FAMOUS CUBAN COFFEE
"Growing up, the world often made me feel like too much or not enough, so in this coffee shop, I wanted to make a place that would be an avenue for authentic and meaningful connections.”
Eva Rodriguez-Cué
Owner
Asheville, NC
sponsored by
BUSINESS
OPERATION GATEWAY
“The inspiration for my work comes from my lived experience. I remember what it was like to be bullied in the hood, to do whatever it took to fit in and be accepted. I know what it’s like to grow up without positive role models. And I will never forget the pain of being incarcerated—sitting in my cell, knowing I had more potential than what I was living up to. ”
Philip Cooper
Chief Change Agent
Asheville, NC
ENTREPRENEUR
SHAWN SMART
Smart Shawn Consulting
Founder & Owner
Asheville, NC
“I started my consulting business, Smart Shawn Consulting, to empower business owners to gain their freedom by integrating AI platforms and creating efficient systems that allow them to focus on growing their businesses.”
