Left to Right: Jessica Zoltek, Healthcare Resource Center, Paula Waldo, Lindsey & Waldo CPA, Diane Cashen, Diane Cashen Interiors, Lisa Harkey, AlaCoast Insurance Agency, Jennifer Bucknell, RedBar Espresso & Market, and Charlsie Pecoraro, Collective Minds & Meet da' Boss
March is the month set aside to honor Women in History. In this article from History Extra, 100 Women were noted for changing the world. You will recognize Eleanor Roosevelt, Jane Austen, Marie Curie, Rosa Parks and many others who have impacted life on the planet. Many of these women pursued their passions while raising a family. Recently I watched the Netflix series about Cleopatra and was amazed at what a strategic pharaoh she was. Her resilience, her love of Egypt and family motivated her to become a powerful leader. Unfortunately, Hollywood has taken great liberties with her actual story, however the Netflix series may be much closer to the truth. Watch it if you get a chance!
Women are the "glue" of our planet and the divine feminine energy is enjoying a resurgence of power and respect. I wanted to honor the women pictured above for what I have witnessed them give back to the community and to their families.
Jessica Zoltek has endless patience and true compassion for her clientele. She opened Healthcare Resource Center Mobile to cater to the insurance needs of people 65 and older. She has such a genuine love for her customers and works diligently to find the best coverage to meet their needs. She is also a devoted wife to Mike, and an involved mother of two active teens. She is a hero in my eyes!
Paula Waldo, partner at Lindsey & Waldo CPA firm has "mad" math skills and has made it her mission to help business owners keep more of their revenue! She is "knee-deep" in tax season right now, however she still manages to spend quality time with her husband, Mike and their son, Peyton. She is another woman making a hectic life look easy. Hats off to you, my friend!
Odds are that you have been in a commercial building or residence that Diane Cashen, owner of Diane Cashen Interiors has designed. This professional interior designer creates spaces that her clients love to live and work in. She is not afraid to use your favorite colors to create a dream place in your home or office. Diane lives with her husband, Bob, in Mobile however she is a frequent visitor to Atlanta where their son, Cade lives and works. She is absolutely one of my top "12" favorite people on the planet. Thank you for making our community shine brighter with your eye for color and design.
The saying, "on a wing and a prayer" really describes the road to success that Lisa Harkey, founder and owner of AlaCoast Insurance Agency has embarked on. She began her insurance agency with zero, yes I said zero clients and has grown it into a successful concern with numerous employees. Not long after she founded the business, she lost her husband, Ricky to cancer. She met the challenge of raising her children into adulthood and continuing to grow her company on her own. This strong, resourceful entrepreneur is a worthy role model for other women questioning whether they should pursue their dreams or not. I am proud to call her a boss partner as well as a lifelong friend.
Most of you have probably enjoyed a perfect cup of coffee at my favorite spot, RedBar Espresso & Market. This restaurant was the brainchild of local chiropractor, Dr. Mike Bucknell. With the support of his lovely wife, Jennifer Bucknell, it is a thriving restaurant. I have gotten to know Jen over the past year and her grace and patience are to be admired. You won't find her behind the counter or hidden in a back office, however she is certainly an integral part of maintaining this local gem. She makes sure that the kitchen is well stocked and that Dr Mike knows she's got his back. In her "free time" she is homeschooling the youngest of their three sons and is very active in homeschool groups in the community. If you looked up the word humble, there would be Jen's picture. Her kindness and compassion fill whatever room she is in. Thank you for all that you do for others.
I will readily admit that it is difficult to "toot my own horn" however others have encouraged me to share a few things about myself and my company. Since launching in the Mobile & Baldwin markets, I have been tied to over $5 million dollars in local revenue that would not have occurred without me. Last week, I was prodded to put pencil to paper and frankly I stopped adding it up when I hit the $5 Million mark. All I can say is WOW! I have worked with over 60 locally owned businesses in the community helping them reach their revenue goals. I really enjoy connecting others and helping folks believe in themselves and their business. Thank you to this city for welcoming me and allowing me to put my passions to work for so many. ~ Charlsie Pecoraro
Join me in welcoming a new Boss Partner!
I want to offer a huge welcome to Hembree Heating & Air Conditioning as the first new boss partner of 2024. This family owned company has been serving the Gulf Coast since 1969. It is locally owned and family operated. I'll be sharing more about the story behind this very successful HVAC company on meet da' boss in March. Until then, if you need AC service, give the office a call at 251- 259-4664. I know you will be pleased with the customer care and repair!
Things to do on the Gulf Coast in March!
March 15-17th the streets of Downtown Fairhope in Baldwin County will be filled with art, food, entertainment and southern charm. This is the 72nd Annual Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival. The small population of 22K is pleased to welcome 300,000 visitors over the three day event. This is absolutely one of my favorite Alabama festivals. Click here to learn more and I hope to see y'all there!
Photo credit: bellingrath.org
Azaleas will be showing off in March at beloved Bellingrath Gardens & Home. Plan to spend a sunny day exploring the property and taking in the beauty of these southern florals. There is also a Spring Plant sale on March 8th and the annual Easter Egg Hunt on March 23rd. Click here to visit the website for more details!
Road trip anyone? Southern Living Magazine shared a list of March "happenings" all over the south.
Click here to see events in Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, and more! There is a Coffee & Chocolate Fest at the Calvert City Civic Center in Kentucky this weekend that sounds wonderful! Warmer temperatures and longer days (thanks to Daylight savings on March 10th) means you can plan fun trips all over the beautiful south.
March kicks off festival and event season in the south and that means every weekend you could explore something new! I am grateful that I live in an area that offers so much to do! I'd love to hear about your favorite day trip destinations!
What's New on YouTube?
There are many versions of this "internet" recipe sensation and I found one that is fantastic. Marry Me Chicken is a simple and quick dinner is one of the best things I've posted on my channel in 2024. Click here to cook with me! I'll be making this one at least once a month.
To date, this is my favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe! I've tried many over the years, however this one had everyone asking for more! Bake a batch this weekend with your family! Click here for the recipe. PS. You can freeze the dough or the baked cookies for later!
Last night I was on the phone with a client from St. Louis and she was raving about my Quiche Lorraine video! This one is delicious and a simple, quick recipe you can serve for brunch, lunch or dinner. Check it out by clicking here.
Recently we had a "French Dinner" evening at our home and I made this Apple Torte for a light dessert. It is one of my favorites and I encourage you to bake one. It may look complicated, however you will see that it is quite simple. Click here to watch the video.
Here is a fail proof Sugar Cookie & Royal Icing video that will be perfect for Easter. You can make the icing any color that you desire. This icing dries completely so you can stack these cookies for gift baskets! Click here and let's bake together.
Happy World Compliment Day!
Have a wonderful month and please keep supporting local and showing compassion to everyone in your community. ~ Charlsie