Cerese D's Fall Must Haves with Genma Holmes

Genma Stringer Holmes graces the November cover of Cerese D! What a way to usher in the colors and fashions of Fall and the season of gratitude and giving! To read more about a serial entrepreneur and to shop the new bright colors click HERE.


Jewelry: Cerese D. (Of Course!)
Photo: Ms. Dig Photography
Suede Wrap Top: Berdorf Goodman
Hair: Salon Olivia 

Ashley Lawal Talks Holiday Guide on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we profile organizations and leaders who lead by example. With extraordinary acts of kindness and charitable giving that help countless lives daily, these organizations and leaders embody "Be the change you want to see in the world."  Throughout 2015, listeners have heard from presidents of organizations who are global change agents. We will also heard from CEOs of social enterprise businesses who are changing communities, educators who are taking their students out of the classroom and into surrounding neighborhoods to learn and serve others and from activists who keep the community engaged and empowered.

On Small Business Saturday, November 28, 21015, tune in to hear founder Ashley Lawal of Urbannite discuss the importance of supporting local small businesses not just on Small Business Saturday but throughout the year. Hear how Urbannite has used its online platform to bring traffic to businesses' websites and store fronts. Listen to her share her about her latest venture since her last visit to Living Your Best Life's studios and what are the plans for next year's big homecoming guide.

Genma and Ashley having fun at WENO.

Ashley and I will also discuss the benefits of partnering with other brands to increase awareness of your goods and services.  And why doing good in the community by volunteering is an awesome way to make others learn more about your company while putting your mark on helping others.

Tune in for a fun show that will help guide you through the maze of holiday shopping while supporting local small businesses.

Living Your Best Life, a radio show that empowers, inspires, and motivates us to live our BEST life, is heard on 760AM The Gospel in the Middle-TN area, Tune In,  military bases and on Ustream.TV worldwide from 9:00-10:00am CST.

More About Small Business Saturday

First there was Black Friday. Then Cyber Monday.  And on November 27, 2010, the first ever Small Business Saturday. Small Business Saturday is the day we celebrate the Shop Small movement to drive shoppers to local merchants across the U.S.

More than 200 organizations have already joined American Express OPEN, the company’s small business unit, in declaring the Saturday after Thanksgiving as Small Business Saturday.

More About Urbaanite's Ashley Lawal

Urbaanite was founded by Ashley Lawal, born in Nashville and raised in the suburbs of Chicago. Home is definitely where the heart is and moving back to Nashville after graduating from Northern Illinois University was one of the best things she considers she could have done.  She is a Christian, wife, daughter to the best Mom ever and foodie, with a huge love for family & close circle of friends. She is a marketer by day and unofficial chef by night, trying out the latest recipes she seeks out on her favorite blogs.

Her love of all things entrepreneurial started when she launched her first business in 2009, iHospitality, an eco-friendly packaging company in the city. On Urbaanite she states, "I am so excited to now have the opportunity to share and connect with other like-minded folks in the community that make up our culture here in Nashville."

Unique Christmas Ornaments For Sale to Support College Fund

For the past three years, the Brentwood Woman's Club has offered hand painted Christmas Ornaments by local artist, Lori Wegenka, of local scenes in Brentwood, Tennessee. The beautiful keepsake ornaments are depictions of open green spaces, town structures, and homes that so many residents in the Brentwood area love and treasure. These ornaments will make wonderful gifts for families, friends, and neighbors to enjoy now and years to come.  

The ornaments sold this holiday season will feature two Brentwood icons, The Clock Tower and The Turner Barn. The cost for each ornament is $30 of which $18 is tax-deductible. Money raised from the sale of Lori Wegenka's Christmas Ornaments will support the GFWC Brentwood Woman's Club educational fund for Williamson County residents at Columbia State Community College. For more information or to purchase, contact Mary Phillips at map10@bellsouth.net

. . .
The General Federation of Women’s Clubs is a unifying force, bringing together local women’s clubs, with members dedicated to strengthening their communities and enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. With 100,000 members in affiliated clubs in every state and more than a dozen countries, GFWC members are community leaders who work locally to create global change by supporting the arts, preserving natural resources, advancing education, promoting healthy lifestyles, encouraging civic involvement, and working toward world peace and understanding.

The Brentwood Woman’s Club is celebrating 40 years as a 501(c)3 organization in Williamson County.

Charles R. Dickerson on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Update: Audio of show can be found here.

2013 is now a month old! Many began the New Year with dreams of owning their business. At the same time, many seasoned business owners vowed to make changes to grow, expand, and become more efficient.

Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes wants to help new entrepreneurs to stay inspired and motivated while helping veteran businesses owners and serial entrepreneurs become renewed and empowered throughout the year.

On Saturday, February 2, 2013, join us to hear Charles R. Dickerson, Vice President of Performance Management and Support Services at Pepco Holdings, Inc (PHI). Pepco Holdings, Inc. is one of the largest energy delivery companies in the Mid-Atlantic region, serving about 2 million customers in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland and New Jersey.

Listen to Charles share what small business owners can do to make themselves stand out in the marketplace. He will give us advice on marketing your goods and services to large corporations and discuss minimizing mistakes that keep businesses from being profitable.

Charles will also give us his views on why small businesses must become stake holders in their community and why it is so important for the community to support local businesses.

This show promises to empower, to inspire, and to motivate you to live your BEST life.  Living Your Best Life can be heard on 760 AM in the Middle-Tennessee Region, military bases, and streamed live on U-Stream.TV from 9-10AM CST.

 More About Charles R. Dickerson

Vice President – Performance Management and Support Services

Charles is responsible for PHI’s Transmission & Distribution Construction, Maintenance and Operations processes, and its Customer Satisfaction and Revenue Management processes along with Support Services functions (Supply Chain, Materials and Logistics Management, Facilities, Fleet, Human Resource Services and Disbursement Accounting).

Previously, Charles was responsible for all aspects of customer care – including meter services, meter reading, billing, energy procurement, energy efficiency and demand response programs, customer contact centers, marketing and customer relationship management along with credit & remittance – for PHI’s 1.9 million customers across its three regulated (gas and electric) utilities. PHI is one of the largest energy delivery companies in the Mid-Atlantic region.

He also served as Vice President Strategic Planning & Chief Risk Officer responsible for directing corporate planning processes and leading the management team and officers to create strategic plans and goals that drove performance; and he served as Vice President – Gas Delivery for Delmarva Power responsible for engineering, construction, operations and maintenance.

Charles joined Pepco in 1989 and has held a number of positions including Manager Customer Operations Division; during which time Pepco was recognized as an industry leader in customer care. In this capacity he helped lead Pepco to the #1 status for the JD Power and Associates "Customer Satisfaction Survey" and Pepco winning Call Center Magazine's "Best Call Center of the Year" in 2001; he was also named Call Center Magazine's "Manager of the Year".

Charles has a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering and a MS in Applied Management both from the University of Maryland. He is a licensed First Class Steam Engineer in the State of Maryland, a past member of the Editorial Board for Call Center Magazine, and a past member of the Diversity Best Practices Leadership Council. Presently, Charles serves as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Treatment Learning Center, and has served as an Adjunct Professor for the University of the District of Columbia’s School of Business.

Sweets Ndulgence and John's Nuts on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we profile organizations and leaders who lead by example. With extraordinary acts of kindness and charitable giving that help countless lives daily, these organizations and leaders embody "Be the change you want to see in the world". Hear from CEOs who are changing communities and founders of networks that are changing how business is done by changing the rules, one conversation at a time.


On Saturday, December 8, 2012 tune in to hear from entrepreneurs who took their passion for cooking to selling their delicious products to the marketplace. Nancy Overton, owner of Sweets Ndulgence, and John D. Powers, owner of John's Nuts, will share how they took a leap of faith and became business owners selling delicious and savory foods to thousands. Hear them share how they stand above the crowds and stand out on store shelves. Listen to them share how to take an idea from the kitchen to becoming a product in the store or ordered on line.

This show is the perfect show for those who are wanting to start a business in 2013, for individuals who are looking for something unique for corporate gift giving, and for entrepreneurs and customers who support small businesses by shopping small all year long. 


Living Your Best Life, radio that empowers, inspires, and motivates you to live your BEST life, is heard on 760AM in the Middle Tennessee Region, the Inspirational Network, military bases and live streamed at Ustream.TV from 9-10AM CST.

More About Sweets Ndulgence

Our gourmet cookies make wonderful unique, tasty gifts for business associates, clients, friends or simply as a gift to yourself or anyone who would love a sweet treat!

~ Anniversaries ~ Baby Showers ~ Birthdays ~ Christmas Gift 

~ Church Events ~ Client Appreciation ~ College Care Package

~ Congratulations ~ Father's Day ~ Graduation ~ Hostess gift

~ Housewarming ~ Mother's Day~ New Home

~ Office Meetings ~ Party Favors ~ School Events ~ Thank You

~ Valentine's Day~ Wedding Shower.....just to name a few!

 Promote yourself in a SWEET way!

At your next event or party, treat your guests to our gourmet cookies personalized with your logo or image of your choice. We will wrap each cookie individually for handouts or plate them on a tray for parties.

Call us at 615.300.7046 or send an email to discuss your individual needs.

More About John's Nuts (by John D. Powers)

When I was in grade school, I rode my bike home at lunch time, because I preferred to make my own lunch.  From an early age, I discovered food, and my love for it persists today.

In 2006, I bought a bag of plain pistachios in the Virgin Islands to take on a boat trip. As I was stocking my cooler, it hit me how boring plain pistachios were. I raided my spice cabinet, emptied the pistachios into a bowl, added olive oil, a sprinkle of this and a smidgen of that, and John’s Nuts were born.  My friends and family devoured them. They became my contribution for boat trips, holiday gatherings, sporting events, and movie nights at home.  

But it wasn’t until I moved to San Francisco in 2011 that I realized it was time to market my creation. With such a diverse food culture, nearby pistachio farms, and a focus on healthy and whole ingredients, San Francisco was the perfect city to launch my gourmet, savory pistachio company.   

John’s Nuts are made with U.S. Extra #1 pistachios from California, first cold pressed extra virgin olive oil, and pure herbs and spices, just like they were on that glorious Caribbean day. We use no preservatives, gums, or artificial ingredients whatsoever.   Your taste buds will love them, and your body will be grateful.

To order John's Nuts click here.

Windsor Neckwear and Alfred Edmond, Jr. on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we profile organizations and leaders who lead by example. With extraordinary acts of kindness and charitable giving that help countless lives daily, these organizations and leaders embody "Be the change you want to see in the world". Hear from CEOs who are changing communities and founders of networks that are changing how business is done by changing the rules, one conversation at a time.

On Saturday, December 1, 2012 we will hear from Alfred Edmond, Jr. and the founders of Windsor Neckwear, Michael McPherson Jr. and Mace Neal III. Just in time for the holiday gift giving season, listen to the story of two young men launch Windsor Neckwear with an $80.00 investment. Hear their inspirational story and how it caught the eye of a business icon, Alfred Edmond, Jr. The quality of their work lead to a collaboration with Edmond to launch A.E.J. signature bow ties.

Anyone with a burning desire to start their business in 2013, this show will encourage you on how to follow you dreams and not let others 'no' determine your destiny in life. This show is also for the neckware connoisseur with impeccable taste who loves quality workmanship that stands out in a boardroom or business meeting. And for those who love to give the perfect gift, tune in to hear where to buy the A.E.J. Collection.

Living Your Best Life, radio that empowers, inspires, and motivates you to live your BEST life, is heard on 760AM in the Middle Tennessee Region, the Inspirational Network, military bases and live streamed at Ustream.TV from 9-10AM CST.


More About Windsor Neckwear 

 What began in 2008 as a common passion for men's neckwear has become a rapidly growing business venture between Michael McPherson Jr. and Mace Neal III.  The concept for Windsor Neckwear was first thought of on one of many shopping voyages between Michael and Mace.  One day while shopping for a new tie in a popular men's store the duo walked away disappointed in the lack of variety and similarity in a sea of what looked like repetitive ties!  After a brief discussion about the lack luster experience Mike said "we should start our own necktie line" and Mace simply responded "yeah we should".  From that day forward the duo never looked back.  Windsor Neckwear began with a total $80.00 investment between Mike and Mace who purchased fabric and a quick sew necktie pattern.  Initially they began making hand made ties, ascots, and pocket squares.

The plan was to always have their line manufactured on a larger scale so they spent the first year and a half learning the manufacturing business and building capital to develop their first line.  In late 2009 after garnering the support of a manufacturing facility they made their first line of four designs. There were several issues with their first experience but they managed to sell out of all four designs in three weeks!  From that point Windsor Neckwear has expanded to offering a vast array of beautiful neckties each unique in their own way.

To not fall into the pit of "designers block" and creating a basic collection, Windsor Neckwear made it their practice to produce limited quantities per design.  The most they will produce of any one tie in a specific color is 50 pieces, they do this to constantly introduce new products, keep their items exclusive and to always keep the creative juices flowing.  This has worked well for Windsor Neckwear and because of this they always tell their customers "if you see it and like it then get it, because it won't be available long".  Click here for more of their story.

More About A. E. J. Bow Tie Collection

The Alfred Edmond Jr. Bow Tie Collection features stunning 100% woven silk, hand cut, limited edition bow ties.  The Alfred Edmond Jr. Collection silk is made with high needle counts for a luxurious feel, appearance, quality and durability.  Each bow tie is made in a 2.75 inch width which is the perfect size for a business environment, night on the town or casual wear.

The Bow Ties in this collection are truly limited edition, available in only 25 pieces per color and style.  This limited production allows you to have a rare piece of neckwear that will allow you to fit in while standing out. 

Small Business Roll Call

As a small business owner, I try to support other business owners not only by being a customer but by promoting others to do business with brick and mortars, online, and service based companies.

SBA Administrator Karen Mills, with Yuri Cunza, David Tiller, and Genma Holmes

According to the Small Businesses Administration:

•    Represent 99.7 percent of all employer firms.
•    Employ half of all private sector employees.
•    Pay 44 percent of total U.S. private payroll.
•    Generated 65 percent of net new jobs over the past 17 years.
•    Create more than half of the nonfarm private GDP.
•    Hire 43 percent of high tech workers ( scientists, engineers, computer programmers, and others).
•    Are 52 percent home-based and 2 percent franchises.
•    Made up 97.5 percent of all identified exporters and produced 31 percent of export value in FY 2008.
•    Produce 13 times more patents per employee than large patenting firms.

Saturday, November 24, 2012 is officially Small Business Sunday. For the third year, millions of Americans are being encouraged to shop small by purchasing goods and services from small business owners.

Small Business Saturday is an American shopping holiday held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. First celebrated on November 27, 2010, it is a counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which feature big box retail and e-commerce stores respectively. By contrast, Small Business Saturday encourages holiday shoppers to patronize brick and mortar businesses that are small and local.

In 2010 the holiday was conceived and promoted by American Express via a nationwide radio and television advertising campaign. That year Amex bought advertising inventory on Facebook, which it in turn gave to its small merchant account holders, and also gave rebates to new customers to promote the event.

 American Express publicized the initiative using social media, advertising, and public relations. At least 41 local politicians and many small business groups in the United States issued proclamations concerning the campaign, which generated more than one million Facebook "like" registrations and nearly 30,000 tweets under the Twitter hashtags #smallbusinesssaturday (which had existed since early 2010) and #smallbizsaturday.

I believe that small business owners must lead the charge by promoting and spending with each other first. To celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship, Living Your Best Life will announce the business owners that leave their company info in the comment section beginning Saturday November 24, 2012 through December 31, 2012 on air to encourage their listeners to spend with small business during the holiday season. It is my way of showing my appreciation for the small business community and helps jump start my "Year of Living and Giving".

Happy Shopping !
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