WEB EXCLUSIVE “Wellness” is a broad term that encompasses physical, mental, emotional and social well-being. Whether it’s working out, going to the dentist or eating healthy, a lot goes into our total well-being—and the following wonderful women keep us in check.
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re shining a spotlight on exceptional Raleigh females over a plethora of industries each week. These fearless females are leading the way in their industries, making a difference in their communities and serving as an inspiration to others who aspire to do the same.
This week, we’re shouting out some of the resilient women in Raleigh’s health/wellness industry who us look and feel our best.
Guerin is a local licensed mental health counselor, wellness coach and personal trainer who co-founded Current Wellness in 2020. Geurin, who believes in a holistic approach to wellness, and co-founder Nathan Williams combine their background, knowledge and experience to make Current Wellness an inclusive space for exercising not only the body, but the mind and the community as well—from functional fitness and yoga classes to a teaching kitchen for food education to private coworking offices for mental health counseling, bodywork and other wellness practitioners.
Dr. Vivian Throop, DDS
Photo courtesy of theknowwomen.com
A graduate of Ohio State University’s College of Dentistry, Throop boasts over seven years of experience in the medical field. Now the owner of City of Oaks Dental, she works to brighten the smiles of people all over town. Throop is also a member of the American Dental Association, North Carolina Dental Society, the Academy of General Dentistry and the Raleigh Wake County Dental Society—so you can be sure she’ll take great care of your pearly whites.
If you’re looking to beautify yourself, look no further than Azura Skin Care Center. Kowaleski founded luxury medspa Azura in 2016 after obtaining advanced training and certifications in various medical and aesthetic procedures from distinguished leaders in the industry. Her philosophy involves helping people achieve natural results at each guest’s level of comfort.
Also known as Raleigh’s “Medicine Mama,” Terry started making her own CBD balms and lotions after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Soon, her friends and family were asking to buy them—and popularity grew so much that Terry opened an online shop, Medicine Mama’s Farmacy, and eventually a storefront at 2418 Hillsborough St. A trailblazer in the Triangle’s cannabis industry, Terry now offers a variety of full-spectrum NC-grown and -made CBD products for natural pain relief—including products for pets!
Blue Water Spa welcomed Dr. Schmidt, a graduate of the Johns Hopkins University (where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in neuroscience), a few years ago—she is one of only a select few plastic surgeons with advanced aesthetic surgery training endorsed by the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. At Blue Water, Schmidt is passionate about providing the highest level of care to her patients in the safest environment possible. And with her extensive training and education, she’s definitely one to be trusted.
WEB EXCLUSIVE Spring—aka nature’s way of saying let’s party—is here, and we are here for it. Celebrate the first official day of spring this Saturday with a slew of activities around town. Though the weather this weekend doesn’t exactly scream spring (Mother Nature is such a tease), Saturday is at least slated to be dry… and should be temperate enough to get outside, support local businesses and enjoy whatever sunshine and warmth we might have! (Don’t quote us on the weather—you know how it is in NC!)
Raleigh’s favorite pop-up market is back at Trophy Brewing & Taproom on Maywood starting this weekend and continuing every third Saturday and Sunday of the month. This Saturday, work up an appetite perusing 20-plus artisans and vendors showcasing their goods—then sate it and go hog wild with some Q from Lawrence Barbecue at Trophy’s bar.
Release Your Inner Child
Time to spin up some fun! The carousel at Pullen Park has just reopened (since its November closure—because pandemic), finally giving you another outlet to get those kiddos outside and entertained. The park’s kiddie boats are also open, but the train will remain closed until March 29 for maintenance. Our rec: Make a day of it and bring a picnic to enjoy on the grass after a fun-filled day of family-friendly activities.
Stretchhhh on over to Durham for a yoga class in Hi-Wire Brewing‘s open-air taproom. The class takes place every Saturday at 11am and costs $5. BYOM (bring your own mat); Hi-Wire will provide the beer after the yoga sesh. Namaste!
Warm weather = patio drinking! Three cheers for that! And just in time, Vita Vite reopened its Downtown location on Wednesday. Celebrate with a glass or two of vino and a charcuterie board out on the cozy covered patio. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, hit up Dram & Draught to extend your Paddy’s Day celebration with drink specials all weekend. Jameson, anyone?
Take a Hike
Photo courtesy of RDU Forest
Nature is calling. There are tons of great hiking spots just outside of Raleigh, from Umstead State Park (which boasts 13 moderate trails and plenty of beautiful scenery) to Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area. Located about an hour outside of Downtown Raleigh, Occoneechee is a “mini-mountain” made up of more strenuous hikes (if you’re looking for more of a challenge) plus, there’s some great pit stops for eating and drinking on the way home.
WEB EXCLUSIVE With each day that passes, and the number of people getting the COVID vaccine rises, the more hopeful the future looks. As of March 16, 2,102,433 people have gotten their first COVID vaccine shot, and 3,455,805 people have received both shots in North Carolina. Compared to the number of people that have tested positive for coronavirus since last March (over a full year ago now)—889,310 people—it’s a sure sign that things are finally starting to look up.
Additionally, after a few hiccups at the beginning (and a lack of doses), the state seems to be moving swiftly through the planned vaccination rollout. Just this week, Gov. Cooper announced that certain individuals in Group 4 are now eligible to get the vaccine, specifically, those who are 16 to 64 years old with immunocompromising medical conditions or who live in close group settings. “This move to Group 4 is good news,” said Cooper. “I know there are many efforts across the state getting vaccines to people as quickly and fairly as possible, and I want our providers to know that their work is making all the difference.”
With all that said, there’s still a lot of uncertainty when it comes to the COVID vaccine. Who can get vaccinated now? When can the general public get vaccinated? What are the side effects? Below, we try to answers those frequently asked questions and more, with the hope that—soon enough—we’ll all be able to get the vaccine, and life can return to a semblance of normal.
Who can get vaccinated right now?
Groups 1, 2, 3 and part of Group 4 are currently able to get the COVID vaccine. Group 1 includes health care workers and long-term care staff and residents; Group 2 encompasses anyone 65 or older (regardless of health status or living situation); and Group 3 consists of frontline essential workers across various industries, including school and child care workers, government and community service workers, healthcare and public health workers, public safety workers, food and agriculture workers, and more. People in Group 4 who are now eligible to get the vaccine include those who are 16 to 64 years old with immunocompromising medical conditions or who live in close group settings.
When can the rest of Group 4 get the vaccine?
The remainder of people who fall in Group 4 will be able to get the vaccine on Wednesday, April 7. Essential workers who were not yet vaccinated will also be eligible, including those working in sectors such as energy, commercial facilities, financial services, hazardous materials, public works, residential facilities, water and wastewater, among others.
When can Group 5 get the vaccine?
A date for Group 5, which includes any adult who wants to get the vaccine, has yet to be determined, as supplies are currently limited. However, President Biden says that there should be enough product to vaccinate every adult in the U.S. by the end of May. Visit covid19.ncdhhs.gov/vaccines for updates.
How do I find out what group I’m in?
NC DHHS has an easy-to-use tool for finding your spot in the state’s vaccine rollout plan. Visit findmygroup.nc.gov to determine what group you’re in.
Which vaccines are currently available in North Carolina, and what is the difference between them?
North Carolina started the vaccine rollout in January with the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Both require two shots; the Pfizer vaccine, 21 days apart and the Moderna vaccine 28 days apart. The Pfizer vaccine, which is approved for those 16 and older, is 95% effective at preventing symptomatic infection, while the Moderna vaccine, which is approved for those 18 and older, is 94.1% effective.
Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine was authorized for emergency use by the FDA in late February. Doses arrived in North Carolina in early March, though only select locations are offering it so far. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires only one shot and has proven to be 66% protective against moderate to severe COVID infection and 85% effective in protecting against severe disease.
What are the side effects of the vaccine?
Both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines include side effects such as injection-site pain, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, joint pain and fever, all of which are most common after the second dosage.
Those who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine reported side effects including injection-site pain, redness and swelling; headaches; fatigue; muscle aches; nausea; and fever.
How do I make a vaccine appointment in North Carolina?
After finding your group through the NC DHHS “find your spot to take your shot” tool, you’ll be directed to the NC DHHS Vaccine Finder. Simply type in your ZIP code, city or current location to find the closest vaccine providers to you.
Several local Walgreens and CVS locations are also offering the vaccine.
You can also call North Carolina’s COVID-19 Vaccine Help Center at 888.675.4567.
Additionally, the Wake County Division of Public Health is giving out the vaccine (to eligible groups) by appointment only. Make an appointment by calling the 24-hour vaccination hot line at 919.250.1515, or by filling out the online form at covid19.wakegov.com/vaccine.
Since there are only a small number of vaccines available, many locations are booked with appointments, are on a waitlist or don’t have anymore vaccines in stock. Keep checking vaccination sites regularly for updates, be patient, and remember to practice the 3 W’s while you wait to get the vaccine.
What are the post-vaccination guidelines?
The CDC says those who are fully vaccinated can gather safely with other people who have been fully vaccinated—without masks or physical distancing. Fully vaccinated people are also safe to visit with unvaccinated people, so long as those who are not yet vaccinated are at a low risk of severe COVID-19 and everyone is wearing a mask. However, those who are vaccinated should be cautious around those who are unvaccinated and are high-risk.
We’re almost at the finish line folks. We can’t wait to see you on the other side. Until then, be safe; be careful; and get the vaccine as soon as you are eligible!
WEB EXCLUSIVE It takes strength, determination and stamina to be a local business owner—an inspiring feat that deserves a round of applause for all who have the courage and grit to take it on. There are several females in Raleigh’s retail industry who have made a name for themselves with their businesses, proving that hard work pays off—and our city is all the better for it.
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re shining a spotlight on exceptional Raleigh females over a plethora of industries each week. These fearless females are leading the way in their industries, making a difference in their communities and serving as an inspiration to others who aspire to do the same.
This week, we’re shouting out some of the resilient women in Raleigh’s retail industry who have grown a dedicated following and keep customers coming back for more, time and time again.
Pam Blondin
Photo courtesy of Visit Raleigh
Whenever you need a gift—whether it’s for yourself or someone else—you’re gonna want to head to DECO Raleigh, the shop that Raleighties turn to the most. Blondin curated DECO’s collection from more than 80 local artisans and makers, helping them highlight and grow their brands in the process. In 2018, she expanded DECO with a new storefront Downtown, allowing her to showcase even more unique local finds. Before founding DECO, Blondin worked in nonprofit management, connecting people and organizations, and continues to support local charities today.
Kayla Walker, Janeyce Flager and Jasmine Bullock
This trio of inspiring ladies started Black Friday Market in December 2020 in an attempt to give Black-owned business owners whose brick-and-mortars were forced to shut down during the pandemic a space to sell their work Downtown. The retail store offers everything from clothes and jewelry to beverages (including coffee and tea) and preservatives to furniture, art, sculptures, health and wellness products, and more. During the pandemic, they also worked with the Black Flea Market and BlackDollarNC—a Black-owned business directory with a rolodex of over 200 businesses in North Carolina—to host events and further shine the light on Black business owners.
Emily Sexton
The clothing, accessories, gifts, etc. that Sexton sells at The Flourish Market have a greater purpose than making you—and your home—look fabulous. She partners with more than 50 brands from all over the world—from Raleigh all the way to Nepal—that provide dignified jobs and fair wages to artisans and makers in vulnerable communities, allowing customers to use their purchasing powers for good. Sexton also offers programming at Downtown shop and a women’s co-working space The Locality.
Sarah Yarborough
Photo courtesy of Raleigh Denim Workshop
What started as a personal mission to create the ideal pair of jeans resulted in a nationally beloved high-quality denim brand for Yarborough and fellow Raleigh Denim Workshop co-founder Victor Lytvinenko. The pair sources denim from local mills and specializes in intentionally produced small-batch handmade jeans and clothing. The attention to detail makes Raleigh Denim’s jeans unparalleled—and wearing them will give you the confidence to do almost anything.
In 2012, George, a graduate of UNC-Greensboro’s business school, traded her 9-to-5 job for one that would allow her to showcase her creative side, and, with the help of her mother Margaret, The ZEN Succulent was born. Originally an Etsy shop, The ZEN Succulent now occupies two storefronts—one in Raleigh and the other in Durham, where Geroge’s thoughtfully made terrariums, planters, stands and hangers bring a much needed breath of fresh air into the homes of many.
Cary Heise
Inspired by a mission trip to Rwanda where Heise was introduced to an artisan group that took women working in the sex indsutry off the streets, Designed For Joy provides a transitional work experience for women overcoming trafficking, homelessness, time in prison, addiction and other vulnerable situations. Purchasing a bag, piece of jewelry, scarf, home decor item or anything else offered at Designed For Joy helps provide the women who work there with a living wage that will help them provide for themselves and their families.
WEB EXCLUSIVE A self-employed IT consultant, Hugh* didn’t think he qualified for the first round of federal stimulus checks authorized by the CARES Act in March 2020, so when he received the $1,200 check, he didn’t necessarily anticipate spending it. Once living paycheck to paycheck due to the nature of his work, Hugh saved every penny and had a plan to go without income for a few months if work suddenly dried up (or, ya know, a pandemic happened).
And, so, Hugh donated the entirety of his stimulus check to St. Mary’s Food Bank, a local food bank near his home in Arizona, through Pledge My Check, which was founded by NC State graduate Kevin Miller and a group of his friends last spring. In so doing, Hugh joined the 456 people across 42 states who have pledged their stimulus checks to date, donating a total of $303,221 to community members in need, local businesses and nonprofit organizations.
“I know the sheer panic that comes with not having the means to pay all of your bills, and my heart goes out to those who find themselves in this position through no fault of their own,” Hugh said in an email to Pledge My Check after donating his stimulus money last year.
Miller and his friends came up with the idea for Pledge My Check after thinking about what they could do to help out during the pandemic. “We didn’t have any skills we could use to be helpful—we weren’t health care workers,” Miller reflects. A few of his friends decided to donate their stimulus checks and thought, maybe if they put up a website, other people would donate theirs too. “To our surprise, people actually did,” says Miller.
Through Pledge My Check’s website, anyone from anywhere in the world can pledge to donate their stimulus check(s) to a friend who maybe needs help paying their rent or bills, someone in the community who you know is having a hard time staying afloat, a struggling business in your city, or a local nonprofit. And it’s not just small change—a little goes a long way for those who have been hit hard this past year.
Now, another round of stimulus checks are on the way, thanks to a $1.9 trillion stimulus package passed by Congress last week. As early as this week, people will start to see the $1,400 hit their bank accounts. While Miller stresses that if you need the money, keep it—if you don’t, you can make a huge difference by pledging to donate it to someone in need through Pledge My Check.
“A lot of folks are doing some really cool stuff with their stimulus checks,” Miller says. “If you’re doing fine and this is extra money, then I would encourage you to think about who you know who maybe isn’t in that stable of a position. We all have something we can do if we sit down and think about it for a sec.”
