The Arts Commission 3rd Edition Art Box

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November 23, 2021

The Arts Commission officially announced their third edition of the Art Box, titled “Pattern and Repetition.”

The Art Box program is run by The Arts Commission, and is essentially a box of different art supplies for any age and or skillset that includes quality products from the Art Supply Depo.

Some of the supplies included are dry clay, acrylic paint, brushes, origami papers, and more! The range of art supplies give you the opportunity as the artist to have a wider selection of mediums to work with.

The Art Box also includes lessons and prompts from featured artists in the Toledo area. The featured artists include Mercé Culp, 4-dimensional artist and designer; Ken Dushane III, muralist, designer, and educator; Nick Felaris, multimedia artist, illustrator, animator, and musician; Mary Gaynier, paper cutting artist; Natalie Lanese, visual artist; Ouizi, painter; Lindsay Scypta, ceramic artist and educator; Sandra Rivers-Gill writer, performer, facilitator, and playwright.

The box is available for purchase online for $50. Sales end on Friday, December 3, so act fast, as only 200 boxes are available! All proceeds will support The Arts Commission program as well as the individual artists.

Upon receiving your box and creating your artwork, the organization encourages you to post an image of your work on social media with #MyVibrantToledo.

Help support local artists by ordering your box at The Arts Commission website today.

Our Favorite Things: Toledo Parent’s November Gift Guide

By

Erin Holden

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November 22, 2021

After recently completing our Holiday Gift Guide, I realized that I had a lot more to share than we had room for in our November/December issue of Toledo Area Parent. It seemed best to do a special November edition to highlight even more fun items that we are grateful for this year. From new reading material to helpful sleep tools for new parents, this guide promises to be a helpful resource for all. If you’d like a chance to win some of our past favorites, click here to enter our latest giveaway!

Gifts for Adults

Nora’s Naturals Coffee
I’ve always been a big coffee drinker. My day can’t truly begin until I’ve had a double shot of espresso from my industrial grade Gaggia Classic that my husband purchased for a song on Facebook Marketplace. Now that we are parents to a precocious eight-month-old, coffee is absolutely necessary if we want to be functional human beings. Our latest discovery is Nora’s Naturals, a Rain Forest Alliance Certified, organic coffee that offers some impressive health benefits (think antioxidants and silica to promote collagen production). We recommend the light roast blend from Malawi with cocoa and citrus notes. A+.

Life and Other Shortcomings by Corie Adjmi
This award-winning short story cycle tells the stories of 12 women with vastly different experiences, all of whom have similar discoveries about what it means to be a woman. Get ready to take a journey from New York to New Orleans and across decades with characters you’ll quickly grow to love. It’s not every day that you find a book that is both a smart indictment of the patriarchy and FUN. Find Life and Other Shortcomings on Amazon today!

Starlette Galleria Jewelry
My new favorite piece is the Bee Resilient necklace from this small company owned by a scrappy entrepreneurial mom (Olivia Starling). The company’s jewelry options are classic, well-made and affordable. The Bee Resilient necklace is very dainty, and I’ve found that it can really dress up some basic pieces in my wardrobe. Word-to-the-wise though: If you have a little one that likes to pull on necklaces (what baby doesn’t?), save it for date nights and work. The necklace is very light and delicate, so you don’t want it to get snagged by grabby baby hands!

Tools for the Sleep Deprived Parent

In my personal journey, I can’t in good conscience leave out these lifesavers: Sleep Sheep and Tranquil Turtle, both by Cloud B. Our recent transition from keeping our son, Townes, in his bedroom bassinet to a crib in his own room was made so much easier with both of these items. Sleep sheep has a few different settings (some melodies and some whitenoise), but I personally like the heartbeat and whale sounds. When I turn on the heartbeat function for naps and nighty night time, Townes has a Pavlovian response to it. Score. Sleep Sheep can be attached to your child’s crib or to a stroller, so it’s also really convenient.

Likewise, Tranquil Turtle is easy to transport. It comes equipped with ocean sounds, melodies, and – wait for it – lights that project waves onto the ceiling. My husband and I like this thing as much as Townes does. Parents take note: If you are feeling overwhelmed with life, shut yourself in a closet with Tranquil Turtle and zen out for 10 minutes. It is a meditative cure-all. Oh, it also helps your child sleep so that you can sleep.

A New Holiday Tradition

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, I’m sure you’ve heard plenty about Elf on the Shelf. But what about The Mensch on a Bench? This Hanukkah alternative as seen on ABC’s Shark Tank features Moshe the Mensch and offers an educational and fun twist on the Christmas standy. The kids will learn how Moshe helped Judah Maccabee watch over the temple lights, which is what started the legend of the Mensch. This adorable doll includes a hardcover storybook as well. I sent it to my niece and nephew in Brooklyn so it can watch over their Menorah! I can’t wait to see how they like it once Hanukkah begins.

How to Plan a Family Ski Trip

By

Laurie Bertke

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November 18, 2021

Photo courtesy of Vail ResortsThumbs -Family Enjoying Skiing — Photos courtesy of Vail Resorts

Planning a winter getaway for your family? Your first instinct might be to flee Ohio for someplace warm, but such a trip can be both time consuming and expensive. Why not consider staying closer to home to enjoy some cold weather fun?

Parents who have never gone skiing might be daunted by the idea of trying it out with children in tow, but Andy DeBrunner says the snow sport can actually be a perfect family activity.

“This is one of those truly great things that you can do with the very earliest beginners to the most expert,” says DeBrunner, a father of three young children who serves as senior manager for communications and marketing for the Vail Resorts of Ohio and Pennsylvania. “Everybody’s still going to have a great time because you’re out on the snow, enjoying the outdoors. I think that’s what’s pretty magical about it.”

Vail operates four ski resorts located within about two hours or less from Toledo by car: Mad River Mountain, Alpine Valley, and Boston Mills Brandywine in Ohio, and Mt. Brighton in Michigan. Going skiing for a weekend or even just for the day can be a great way for families to try the sport without making a huge investment. Regardless of the length of your trip, here are some tips DeBrunner shared to help families make the most of their first skiing experience:

Plan Ahead

Planning ahead is crucial, especially when traveling with children. DeBrunner recommends purchasing all rentals, ski lift tickets and lessons in advance to save money and time and avoid waiting in lines the day you arrive at the resort.

For longer trips or for families that intend to go skiing more than once in a season, buying a pass can be a valuable investment. Passes usually go on sale around April, which is when the prices will be the lowest, and provide discounts on lift tickets, rentals, lodging, food and lessons. “It will pay for itself multiple times over, depending on how long you stay,” says DeBrunner.

Don’t Skip the Lessons

If this is the first time skiing for everyone, DeBrunner says booking separate lessons for the kids and the adults will be a stress reliever as you figure out the basics. “If you’re just doing it for the first time, you’re going to have a much better experience and a much faster progression if you start out with a lesson or two,” says DeBrunner.

If you are just going for a day, everyone can do their lessons in the morning, reconvene for a meal and still have time to hit the slopes for the afternoon.

Dress for the Weather

Ski equipment rentals include boots, skis and a helmet. DeBrunner says families do not necessarily need to invest in a lot of expensive winter gear, but they do need to dress for cold weather just as they would for sledding or playing in the snow at home. If you make one purchase, snow pants are his top recommendation.

Dress in warm layers, avoiding cotton garments as they retain moisture. Don’t forget warm socks, gloves and hats. Goggles or sunglasses can be a good idea to protect your eyes from sun, wind or snow. Since snow is reflective and magnifies the sun’s rays much like water does in a pool or lake, sunscreen is also recommended!

Take it Slow, Keep it Fun

What age is the best to introduce your child to skiing? It all depends on the kid, says DeBrunner. Beginner classes are available for children as young as age three at some Vail Resort locations, but not every child might be ready to try it then.

If the kids decide they’ve had enough skiing and you need to take a break, all three Vail Resorts in Ohio also have snow tubing parks which can be a fun way to enjoy the snow without the learning curve.

Try not to put too much pressure on the experience, especially if it’s the first time. When his three-year-old daughter goes skiing, DeBrunner says they get her in boots and on skis and slide her down a very small hill a few times. “As soon as she’s ready to stop, we let her stop. That’s our approach,” he says. “Like anything else, I think taking it slow and keeping it fun is really crucial.”

Focus Show Opening at The University of Toledo

By

Taylor Viers

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November 17, 2021

Focus Show 2021 — Two St. Ursula Academy students’ works to be featured in the show. Allison Borland’s Self Portrait (left) and Sydney Henninger’s Skeleton Man (right).

The 2021 Focus Show is set to feature 141 pieces of art from students who represent over 17 high schools and more than 27 art teachers from Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. Dating back to 1971, this exhibition is one of the longest running and largest high school art shows in the region. For the past 50 years, art teachers from districts throughout the area have been showing their support for students by submitting their artwork to the Focus Show, once known as “Expression.” Celebrating the passion that both students and teachers have for the visual arts, the Focus aims to continue the development and importance of art education.

The Focus Show creators believe that art and artists have the power to heal, inspire, provoke, challenge, and offer hope. They help us to reflect on our lives, communicating stories, triggering emotions, and challenging boundaries. The 2021 Focus Show directors Jennifer Moorman and Jodie Peace say that “art encompasses the human experience and makes a profound impact on history as visual proof of how we are all connected.” With the mindset to advocate and promote arts education, a connected community is created, which is the ultimate goal of the student exhibition.

The show’s opening ceremony will be held in the Little Theater at the Toledo Museum of Art on November 19 at 6pm. Students will be recognized and honored for their talent in the visual arts. American Frame, The Arts Commission, The Athena Society, The Toledo Museum of Art, Art Supply Depo, and The University of Toledo along with the Focus Show Jurors will be giving monetary awards to selected students. The evening will also consist of honoring the founders and history of the Focus Show to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The event is free and open to the public.

Students’ art will be on display at The University of Toledo’s CVA Gallery from November 15 through December 10 and will be open to the public during the Gallery’s regular hours: Monday-Friday from 8am-7pm.

To get a preview of some featured work, click here to view the event postcard.

Is Your Teen Addicted to Social Media?

By

Laurie Bertke

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November 16, 2021

In light of media coverage about the harmful effects that apps such as Instagram can have on young people, many parents are wondering how they can protect their kids. Is it okay for your child to use social media? If so, how can they do so safely?

Seeking guidance, we reached out to Dr. Caroline Fenkel at Charlie Health, the first-ever virtual mental health clinic for high-acuity patients. The clinic serves teens and young adults struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. Fenkel, a licensed clinical social worker, is its co-founder and chief clinical officer. She shared some warning signs to watch for as well as tips for helping your teen maintain balance in their digital lives.

You have worked with youth and families for more than 13 years. What kind of changes have you seen in your teen clients with the rise of social media?

With a lot of our teen and young adult patients, there’s a complicated relationship with social media. We’re seeing skyrocketing rates of youth anxiety, depression, and suicidality, but I wouldn’t necessarily (or directly) attribute this solely to the increase in social media use. Nonetheless, we know that social media has played a huge role in exacerbating what may have been benign mental health challenges.

To give an example, someone might be looking for healthy recipes on Instagram. They already have underlying issues around body image, but Instagram picks up on the user’s interest in healthy eating and slowly takes them down a rabbit hole that can lead to posts promoting restrictive eating and ultimately facilitate the development of disordered eating or potentially more severe challenges. This is just one example, but it can manifest with almost any insecurity or seemingly benign inquiry.

Other negative effects range from increased feelings of loneliness and isolation, worsening sense of self-worth, addictive tendencies with the technology itself…all of the issues circulating in the news right now have been presenting clinically for years.

That being said, there have also been positive effects with social media, especially in its ability to connect people during the toughest of lockdowns at the beginning of the pandemic. But of course, moderation is key.

Did it surprise you when news broke that Facebook’s own research showed its photo-and video-sharing app, Instagram, can be toxic for teenage girls? Why?

Definitely not a surprise to me, and I would assume that most who provide mental health services for adolescents would agree. It’s pretty obvious even when you scroll through your own Instagram feed — let alone the feed of an average teenager — that the platform is designed to promote an idealized version or curated sense of reality. But most of us aren’t actively thinking about that when we’re scrolling, especially younger people who follow influencers who have huge sway over their audiences. They’re bright and shiny and perfect and don’t usually disclose the murkier parts of their lives, so it makes sense that their followers would think that their own lives will never measure up.

It’s dangerous and irresponsible for both the platforms and the influencers to continue to peddle this false narrative, especially around body image. There’s an incredible amount of pro-eating disorder content on Instagram that’s masked as wellness, fitness, etc. And it’s teaching young people that smaller is better; that altering your body is better than accepting and loving it for what it is. Lots of research found that rates of eating disorders increased in young girls during the pandemic, and I absolutely think that’s because there was more time to scroll and compare.

What guidelines would you offer to help teens use social media safely?

The first step is awareness. Be aware of when and how much you’re on social media. Maybe you don’t need to look at your Instagram as soon as you wake up or watch that new YouTube vlog right before you go to bed. Maybe set aside a few hours a day where you’re not on Snapchat and go for a walk or read or cook or…anything!

Also, curate your feed. Don’t follow people who make you feel bad about yourself or your life. Always block and report any bullying (which, yes, includes passive-aggressive commenting and anonymous posting). Your priority is your mental health, so making sure you have a social media atmosphere that is positive for your outlook— and maybe even teaches you something— can make a huge difference.

What are some warning signs of digital addiction in youth?

Broadly speaking, the emotional relationship to devices, social media, gaming, etc. is what’s most important to pay attention to. The time spent is an obvious thing to note, but it’s not always the best way to determine whether or not a young person has a disordered relationship with technology. Like all addiction, it exists on a spectrum and varies from person to person. But when the relationship to Instagram or the Xbox or the phone begins to impact other relationships, that’s when it becomes important to reevaluate its use. This can look like lower self-esteem, marked decrease in participation in activities they used to enjoy, increased feelings of loneliness or disconnection, higher irritability or anger than usual, disrupted sleep patterns, and disproportionate reactions (sobbing, screaming, etc.) when faced with the idea of losing access to the technology and/or platform.

What are the risks of digital addiction, and how should parents respond if they are seeing these warning signs?

Living with a digital addiction can be thought of through the lens of other addictions: it chips away at the person’s identity, it cuts them off from their relationships and the things they love, and it makes participating in a balanced life nearly impossible. For kids, the risks include lower grades in school, a higher likelihood of developing mental health disorders (or the worsening of preexisting ones), disrupted sleep (which plays a huge role in the development process, especially during the teenage years), loss of friendships…the list goes on.

Parents should approach the situation with empathy, first and foremost. Remember: just because your child is spending a lot of time on their phone or device doesn’t mean they’re addicted (remember when you would spend hours on the landline with your best friend after school?). But if you suspect that the relationship with technology has begun to affect everyday functioning and mental health, try to sit your child down and start a conversation with them about it. Communication is key; be curious without making assumptions in your questions. It’s important for them to feel heard, validated, and safe.

At what point should parents seek professional help for their child?

When the functionality of your child is being impacted by technology or social media, that’s when it’s time to seek professional help. If you’re not sure, seek help! Mental health professionals are here to guide and support you. It’s never too soon to ask for help.

How can parents help their teens maintain a balanced and healthy relationship with digital media?

Encourage them to set boundaries. Model and demonstrate those same boundaries yourself with your own social media. For example, ensure mealtimes are device-free. Plenty of parents spend just as much time — if not more — on Facebook or on their work email. This isn’t just a young person’s problem. Lead by example and foster an environment that sets healthy boundaries with devices.

My child is about to get his/her first cell phone. What kind of ground rules can we set to help us avoid problems down the road?

I always advocate for anyone to emphasize moderation. Too much of anything can become dangerous. To set boundaries, I might suggest no cell phones while we’re engaging as a family (i.e. eating dinner or watching a movie or hiking, or anything along those lines). Encourage them to enjoy staying present in the moment and value quality time with loved ones.

Entrepreneurial parents who can teach us all a lesson in work-life balance

By

Emily Remaklus

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November 14, 2021

By Emily Remaklus

Being a mom can be tough, and being a mom who also owns her own business is even tougher. We found ten awesome entrepreneurial moms who somehow manage to do it all, not only raising a family, but also starting their own businesses in the Toledo area. The following women shared their tips and tricks for balancing family life and work, all while finding success and happiness within both pursuits.

Taylor Holloway
Callisto Terra Candles

What is Callisto Terra? Callisto Terra is a locally owned and homemade candle shop. These candles are made to provide some peace and relaxation to buyers. With varied scents, customers can find a candle to create a moment of nostalgia or a new scent to create new memories. The hope of Callisto Terra Candles is to provide pockets of peace during the busyness of our everyday lives.

What motivated Taylor? Curiosity was what made Taylor interested in candle making. She simply wanted to try to make a candle on her own at first, and then she kept creating and learning. And continues creating and learning today.

Her tricks for balancing work life and parenting: Taylor is a single mom to four kids (9, 7, 5, and 2 years old) and has raised them to be very independent. They work as a team alongside her to keep the house clean, make dinner, make candles, and enjoy one another.

Taylor gives her kids the opportunity and responsibility to make their own age-appropriate decisions, and then speaks with them about those decisions. By releasing the reins and letting her kids grow into their own, she frees them up to accomplish things beyond traditional expectations. The family has open communication, which gives Taylor’s kids the chance to form their own opinions on most things, but they also have clear boundaries and respect for one another. She stated, “Our systems are as unique as each of us are individually. We work together and apart, but are moving in the same direction. I’m so, so freaking proud of them!”

“Because I am not raising my kids in a typical way, I think it’s important that I’ve given them a safe place to speak with an unrelated adult outside of our home,” adds Taylor. “Therapy is very important to me as an entrepreneur. I saw a need I couldn’t fill for my kids and connected them with Marlene, who specializes in Play Therapy. It has changed the trajectory of our lives. She has given us the tools to grow, thrive, and communicate with each other. Owning a business is no easy feat. There are great highs, but those lows will get you if you’re not careful. Take good care of yourself as a mamma and business owner! Those kids only get to go through this life with you once.”

What is your favorite Toledo restaurant? Definitely Sidon Lebanese Grille & Bakery. Easily the best food I’ve had in the entire city. My kids & I LOVE getting any meal from there!

Your life in 5 words or less? I’ll wear black again today.

Favorite place to go as a family? ANY metropark in the city. We have so many, and those walking trails and playgrounds are just good for the soul.

Krystal Rosser
A Clean Experience, LLC
419-901-7529

Tell us more about your business. A Clean Experience, LLC is a Black-owned cleaning business located here in Toledo that specializes in commercial and residential cleaning services.

What was the inspiration behind A Clean Experience? As a single mom, Krystal relied solely on daycares to look after her son while she worked. Her son was diagnosed with ADHD, and not many daycares accepted him. The places where he was accepted were not always equipped to help a child with ADHD; he would often get kicked out, which resulted in her losing her job. “It got to the point where it felt normal to keep losing, but I knew I didn’t deserve this type of life,” says Krystal. “I took the necessary steps to better myself. I had to find myself! I knew I wanted independence and freedom from relying on daycare for support. I had to sacrifice a lot to get to this point in life. I found myself through God!”

Krystal’s tricks for balancing work life and parenting: Krystal explained that being present in the moment and not dwelling on what she might miss out on is how she finds balance. Enjoying every moment she can with her son is the most important thing.

Her motto: “Treat people with kindness because you never know what someone is going through.”

What is your favorite Toledo restaurant? Right now it’s LongHorn for their Porterhouse steak!

Your life in 5 words or less? Blessed and highly favored.

Favorite place to go as a family? Going on adventures to explore new things.

Elizabeth Richardson
Fangboner Farms
1179 S. Crissey Rd., Holland
567-703-6191

What is Fangboner Farms? Fangboner Farms is a sustainable destination farm located in Holland. One of the main goals of the Farm is to repurpose materials and promote living a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, the Farm offers tours and is an event venue.

How Elizabeth took on the business: Fangboner Farms began with growing herbs to create home-cooked dishes with spiced blends, meat rubs, and other recipes that used the farm’s harvest. The business has since evolved and now includes hosting weddings, parties, reunions, and other gatherings. Additionally, the house on site is rented out as an Airbnb for short and long-term stays. The farm also has a market shop— open by appointment— where visitors can purchase spices, teas, jams, candles, coffee, and so much more.

Her tricks for balancing family life and career: “I’m a full-circle entrepreneur,” says Elizabeth. “I eat, sleep, and breathe farm life, and I am passionate about sustainability, home-cooking, family life, and going on adventures. I also love being a public figure/influencer to women who look like me and who strive to achieve similar goals with work and parenting. For me, it’s all about organizing my time and limiting distractions. Time management and setting boundaries are the tricks that have worked for me.”

What she wants you to check out: Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly farm updates, promos, and local blog on area eats that are Richardson family approved. Find it at fangbonerfarms.com.

What is your favorite Toledo restaurant? J’mae’s
Your life in 5 words or less? A soul happily free.
Favorite place to go as a family? Hocking Hills.

Dr. Jena Hinds
Hinds Educational Learning & Preparedness
567-343-6472

What is Hinds Educational Learning & Preparedness? Hinds Educational Learning & Preparedness— or HELP Center— is an alternative educational center that helps kids, teens, and adults reduce stress and anxiety in order to create a healthier lifestyle, better educational experience, and improved academics and test scores. The center provides tutoring with certified teachers in reading, writing, and math. Additionally, consultant services are provided to help parents and schools with special education services. The center hosts author visits.

How she got interested in the business: Dr. Hinds worked in the education field for 21 years as an intervention specialist. Her job was to help students with special needs who had a difficult time learning. With testing being such a big focus in schools, she worked to help her students reduce their anxiety and stress which then helped them have better academic and testing experiences. In 2020 she earned her Ph.D., which focused on studying how to reduce test anxiety and to increase academics. Additionally, Dr. Hinds’ son struggles with academics due to ADD, so along with starting the center, she started writing children’s books. The two books that she has published are This is ME and Little Brown Puppy with Big Paws which focus on diversity and inclusion.

Her tips for balancing work and parenting: “The trick as a parent, professor, and owner of a center is to structure my days and leave time for family activities and self-care.”

Other advice from Dr. Hinds: “My biggest advice for parents is to advocate for their child. If you do not know how, please connect with centers like the HELP center to help you better understand your child and their needs while also communicating with their teachers and school.” More information about the center can be found on Facebook at Hinds Educational Learning & Preparedness and at myhelpcenter.org.

What is your favorite Toledo restaurant? As a family, we love going to The Beirut Restaurant and our favorite pizza place, Pizza Cat.

Your life in 5 words or less? Living a prosperous life.

Favorite place to go as a family? We love going to the lights at the Zoo and the Mud Hens games.

Becky Ohm
The Flying Joe
419-931-0273
2130 Preston Pkwy., Perrysburg

Tell us about The Flying Joe. Located in Perrysburg, The Flying Joe is a coffee shop operated and run by veterans. The Flying Joe serves made-from-scratch breakfast sandwiches, housemade pastries, organic teas, and roasted coffee. They also have housemade cocktails, as well as beer and wine. Depending on the season, you may find a new special food item, coffee, or cocktail.

How Becky started the business: Becky’s husband was stationed in Oklahoma as an active duty member of the Air Force. She was stationed in Toledo, so they would fly back and forth to see one another. When she’d go to Oklahoma, they visited a local coffee shop and soon fell in love with the atmosphere and how it brought the community together. Five years later, they settled down in Toledo and wanted to create a coffee shop of their own that would help them get to know the community.

Becky’s tricks for a work-life balance: “I am still learning how to do this everyday! I have tricks as I am sure everyone does. The hard part is sticking to these. It’s definitely not easy and I have to remind myself on occasion why I do what I do. Boundaries are very important. Yes, we take our work home with us and need to address some issues after business hours, but you can control certain aspects of that.” She explained that setting aside a specific time for responding to texts, emails, and phone calls helps create those boundaries.

Other pointers from Becky: Although it isn’t always easy wearing so many hats and owning a business, Becky says, “We are passionate about the work we do. I love to serve people and create a fun and comfortable environment for our guests. When you see someone’s reaction after they take a sip or a bite of something that you created, it’s pretty amazing! When I hear how a guest had a wonderful experience at The Flying Joe, it makes me very proud. When my customers know each other because they met at The Joe, that is community.”

What is your favorite Toledo restaurant? That is a tough one! I will have to pick a few. We loved our experience at Souk in Downtown Toledo. The food and drinks were amazing and the service was outstanding. Benchmark is another outstanding restaurant. Right next to Benchmark is Basil. Both have great service and food. I love Mexican food and would eat it everyday if my kids would let me. Cocina De Carlos or Tekela would be my restaurants of choice. I better stop before I run out of room!

Your life in 5 words or less? Every day is an adventure.

Favorite place to go as a family? Favorite Spot in Toledo: The Toledo Zoo. Disney World is our favorite place outside of Toledo. We also love Cedar Point!

Lindsey Mahoney
Building Bluebird and real estate agent

What is Building Bluebird? Building Bluebird is Lindsey’s home decor blog with do-it-yourself tips to create a functional and happy home. The blog features a variety of information including complete room makeovers, affordable DIY projects, and tips on investing in real estate.

How she became interested in the business: Building Bluebird started five years ago when Lindsey and her family were still living in Denver. On the weekends, she and her husband Chris would work on home projects with any spare time they had. Lindsey explained, “After living through and managing three home renovations, I realized that my heart was completely in real estate and home renovation.” She and her family decided to move back to their hometown, Toledo, and she turned her passion of “all-things-home” into a career. She has been a licensed real estate agent with Danberry Realtors for the last three years and continues to share tips and tricks on Building Bluebird.

Lindsey’s tips and tricks for work-life balance: “One thing I always try to remember when I feel overwhelmed with balancing work, life and parenting is that it takes a village! No one can do it all, and I am grateful that, along with having an extremely supportive spouse, I also have wonderful family members and friends who are willing to help out when I call. I also like to include the kids when tackling home projects and even taking them to the office every once and a while. Understanding real estate as well as tackling home projects are valuable life skills that we try to teach our kids.”

Learn more about Lindsey’s work: Check out Building Bluebird at buildingbluebird.com, and visit Lindsey’s real estate site at lindseymahoney.danberry.com.

What is your favorite Toledo restaurant? Kengo.

Your life in 5 words or less? Living life to the fullest.

Favorite place to go as a family? We love visiting the metroparks around Toledo. Our favorite at the moment is Wildwood.

Maareya Hejazi
Le Petit Macaron
1002 Bedford Woods Dr.
303-668-1033

What is Le Petit Macaron? Le Petit Macaron is a licensed home bakery in Toledo with a specialty in French macarons. Maareya Hejazi said that the business started out of her and her husband’s first apartment, and now they operate out of the family home. Along with French macarons, Le Petit Macaron features cupcakes, cakes, dessert cups, and more. More information can be found on Facebook and Instagram @lepetitmacarontoledo.

How Maareya got into the business: Maareya has always loved baking. As a kid, she had an Easy-Bake oven and grew up baking everything her heart desired, which ranged from Middle Eastern sweets to French macarons. She stated, “I became interested in selling after I perfected some of the hardest sweets to make. Family and friends encouraged me, and I took the plunge in 2018 to start only selling to family, friends, and acquaintances, working under Ohio Cottage Food Laws. Years later, I now have a licensed home bakery, a registered business and have recently begun attending small markets and events as a vendor! I love the challenge!”

Her tricks for balancing work, life and parenting: Maareya explained that balancing her home life and work life hasn’t always been difficult. When she first started baking during the summer of 2018, she would bake while her husband was at work. But it was when she decided to start her Master of Public Health degree at The University of Toledo that baking was only possible on holiday breaks.

In August 2019, Maareya found out she was pregnant with her son. Soon after that many events were cancelled due to COVID, which meant less baking. Now that things have opened back up, and with the birth of her son, she’s had to find ways to bake while her son naps, eats lunch, or plays in the kitchen. After he goes to bed, she can usually do more baking, decorating, and admin work.
Her motto: “I enjoy collaborating with other local bakers and makers. I strongly believe that we aren’t competition— we are here to lift and encourage each other.”

What is your favorite Toledo restaurant? Tougen Japanese Restaurant is my absolute favorite hidden gem.

Your life in 5 words or less? Bake, eat, sleep, repeat.

Favorite place to go as a family? Any of the Metroparks!

Tera Johnson
Sweet Experience
2111 N. Reynolds Rd.
567-315-8431

What is Sweet Experience? Sweet Experience is an ice cream and gourmet treat shop.

How Tera became interested in the business: “My interest in this business comes from my childhood of baking and spending time with my mother.”

Her tricks for balancing work and family: Tera explained that the trick is to make the business a family affair. It becomes a family bonding experience to help customers have the best experience possible at Sweet Experience.

“At Sweet Experience, we love to see the smile on our customers’ faces when they taste any of our treats,” adds Tera. “We look forward to serving our old and new customers this holiday season.”

What are your favorite Toledo restaurants? Old Henry’s food truck, J’maes Home Cooking, and PizzaPapalis

Your life in 5 words or less: Busy, exciting, unpredictable, adventurous, full

Favorite place to go as a family? Our backyard with the grill going.

Donnetta Carter
The Social Butterfly Events
[email protected]

What are The Social Butterfly events? The Social Butterfly events are expos for small business owners where vendors are able to display their products or service for purchase. This helps business owners increase their customer base and their revenue. The Social Butterfly events are located in the Northwest Ohio area, including the Lucas County Fairgrounds, Metroparks Toledo, and St. Clements Hall in West Toledo. Additionally, The Social Butterfly Brand Company does fundraising for nonprofits in the area, and helps promote and market concerts, festivals, workshops, and small businesses on social media.

Her inspiration: Donnetta noticed there was a demand to help small business owners to share their goods, which led to The Social Butterfly.

Donnetta’s tips for work-life balance: She finds that having a balance between work, family, and self-care is very important. “I avoid and eliminate things that do not uplift me or inspire me to grow and do better as a human being,” Donnetta explains. “Overall, creating a balanced life means making time for things you have and things you want to do. I have the power to create harmony and bring pleasure and personal fulfillment and sometimes learn to say no. Schedule time for yourself and live with a purpose.”

Donnetta’s motto: As a very transparent, accountable, and consistent person, Donnetta gives 150 percent of her time and energy. She is a very positive person that feels truly blessed to have the support from the great people in her life. She said that her motto is “Enjoy your life and live your best life.”

Upcoming events for The Social Butterfly include The 10th Annual Christmas Bazaar on December 11 from 10am-4pm at St. Clements Hall. For an online vendor form, please contact Donnetta at [email protected] or 419-367-9765. To find out more about The Social Butterfly, you can find The Social Butterfly Public Figure – Donnetta Carter on Facebook and IG under @asocialbutterfly.

What is your favorite Toledo restaurant? J Alexander’s and Bravo.

Your life in 5 words or less? Blessed, exciting, transparent, world traveler, and go-getter.

Favorite place to go as a family? Metroparks, Toledo Zoo, Toledo Museum of Art, and vacations at the beach.

Sherelle Gaston
Greatest in the Kingdom

What is Greatest in the Kingdom? It’s a publishing company that Sherelle started in 2019. She said that she couldn’t find any books that represented characters that looked like her children, so decided to create them herself. Additionally, she explained that one of her children struggles with reading, and she couldn’t find content to interest him. In 2019, she began working for a children’s ministry and she used the lessons that she created for her ministry to create The Greatest of the Kingdom book series. The first book, Jesus is my Best Friend, was published in May 2020.

Her inspiration: Sherelle wanted to create books that were more diverse. “Statistically, there are more animals in children’s books than there are children of color, and I wanted to change that narrative one book at a time,” explains Sherelle. “29 percent of illustrations are animals in children’s books, 8 percent are African Americans, 5 percent are Latino, and the rest of the ethnicities are smaller, single-digit numbers according to statistics of 2018. If we want more children to read, they need to see themselves represented in books. All of my books represent not only children of color, but also children with special needs.”

Her tips for work-life balance: Sherelle is glued to her phone and uses it for everything. Not only is it needed for downloading books, but also to download illustrations.

“I know it is such a cliché to say that self-care is the best care, but finding that time to go for that walk or just have a cup of Joe at some of my favorite coffee houses— like the Onyx downtown— is one of my favorite pastimes. I spend hours there just typing out the many books that I have on my mind just for this upcoming year.” Currently, Sherelle is working on a nativity book, as well as a cookbook to inspire parents and kids to cook together.

What is your favorite Toledo restaurant? The Onyx is my favorite coffee house and Bombay Kitchen! I’m friends with the owner Rita, and she’s amazing.

Your life in 5 words or less? Family, faith, fitness, football, and food!

Favorite place to go as a family? Florida.