Tag Archives: Womens History Month

Pro-Aging Influencer, Makeda Smith, Closes Women’s History Month with Book Release, ‘Flying Over 50 at Any Age’ and New Coaching Portal, ‘The Makeda Method’

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- When veteran entertainment industry publicist Makeda Smith began pole dancing as a fitness hobby, over 12 years ago, she had no idea it would morph into a life changing journey. The 63-year-old grandmother, who has received international notoriety for her dance flow movement practice, Flying Over 50 ( https://www.flyingover50.com ), has announced a brand expansion during Women's History Month.

Makeda is releasing her first book, "Flying Over 50 at Any Age, A 30-Day Self Journal for Speeding Past Limitations," on April 5, National Self Care Day. In addition, she has also launched an online wellness portal, The Makeda Method - https://www.themakedamethod.com - offering healing breathwork sessions, deep stretch yoga classes, and dance flow movement lessons, all targeted for maturing seniors.

"Flying Over 50 at Any Age, A 30-Day Self Journal for Speeding Past Limitations" is an encouraging guide for navigating through life's many holding patterns. The author offers daily motivation and wisdom through introspection about her life while prompting the reader to write and reflect on their own journey. By the end of the book, readers will hopefully find themselves renewed, invigorated, and ready to 'Fly Over 50,' soaring past societal and self-imposed speed limits.

"When I turned 50 over a decade ago, I was at one of the lowest points in my life," expresses Makeda. "The market had crashed, and I literally lost everything - but through it all, I found myself. I discovered that life doesn't end at 50, but it does take on new responsibility. Diving into fitness not only saved my life, but it also positioned me in the current pro-aging movement and garnered me the profound understanding that aging is one of the most powerful celebrations of living a long life.

"My book, 'Flying Over 50 at Any Age' and my new wellness portal, The Makeda Method, are my support systems for adults who are being challenged with the many effects of what we call 'growing old.' Aging is a natural process, but the secret is mastering practices for mitigating the daily stress that comes with it."

The Makeda Method is a culmination of wellness offerings for everyone, all ages, but particularly for individuals struggling with the anxiety of aging. As a certified breath and stretch coach, Makeda created the online portal to help others establish their own personal routines for health and wellness. Layered with the grace of her private coaching, breathwork is taught as a mindful tool for eliminating tension and unease, while deep stretch classes enhance flexibility and mobility in the body and work to calm the mind as well.

"Embracing senior citizenship can be overwhelming. That's where finding a coach comes into play," adds Makeda. "A coach can guide you with the training and tools you need to initially get started and hold you accountable for your daily practice. Eventually it all becomes secondhand and then you are fine on your own. I'm still a busy publicist with my own PR agency, but coaching has always been a passion point for me. Now with the release of my book and wellness portal, I'm hoping to further spread the news that growing older is a divine blessing when approached with attentive self-care!"

Secure your copy of "Flying Over 50 at Any Age, A 30-Day Self Journal for Speeding Past Limitations" on Amazon at https://tinyurl.com/2s4x3pym and learn more at: https://www.flyingover50.com/.

Check out The Makeda Method at https://www.themakedamethod.com/.

When veteran entertainment industry publicist Makeda Smith began pole dancing as a fitness hobby, over 12 years ago, she had no idea it would morph into a life changing journey. The 63-year-old grandmother, who has received international notoriety for her dance flow movement practice, Flying Over 50, has announced a brand expansion during Women's History Month.

Related link: https://flyingover50.com/

The American Gem Society Celebrates Women’s History Month 2023 Through Women Designers

LAS VEGAS, Nev. /ScoopCloud/ -- The American Gem Society (AGS), a nonprofit association dedicated to consumer protection, is proud to celebrate and recognize its women designers, as well as women leaders in the jewelry industry during Women's History Month 2023.

Throughout March, AGS will feature beautiful jewelry created by women within the association's community. From double-drop earrings to diamond hoops, floral pendants, and bold bracelets, the women designers of AGS will take center stage. AGS will also highlight women-owned jewelry stores like Exclusively Diamonds in Mankato, MN, and Huntington Jewelers in Las Vegas, NV.

"The American Gem Society takes immense pride in its community of talented women who have contributed significantly to the association's growth and success. Whether they are leaders or creative talents in the design industry-or both-they have been instrumental in shaping our association," said Katherine Bodoh, CEO of the American Gem Society. "As we celebrate Women's History Month, we are thrilled to showcase the exceptional designs created by our women members. We hope to inspire our audience with the beauty and artistry of their creations and highlight the remarkable contributions of women to our industry."

Lisa Bridge, President of the American Gem Society's International Board of Directors, acknowledges the significant impact the female leaders at AGS had on her career. "Witnessing the achievements of the strong and talented women leading AGS when I was younger left a lasting impression on me. We are fortunate to have a supportive and collaborative community at AGS that champions and uplifts each other, men and women alike, leading to collective success and growth for the industry. I am grateful for their inspiring example and the path they have paved for all of us to excel."

AGS encourages everyone to celebrate Women's History Month by recognizing the achievements and contributions of the remarkable women in their lives through the timeless beauty of jewelry. Whether it is a gift intended to honor a special someone or a self-purchase as a testament to personal accomplishments, jewelry can serve as a significant and meaningful symbol of recognition and respect.

To see jewelry from the American Gem Society's participating women designers, follow the American Gem Society on Instagram. AGS also has a section on its Trending Now page to honor its women designers.

AGS is also proud to participate in the Women's Jewelry Association's March is Me month, celebrating women in the jewelry industry.

To find an American Gem Society jeweler in your area, visit https://www.americangemsociety.org/find-a-jeweler.

About the American Gem Society:

The American Gem Society, founded in 1934, is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to ethics, knowledge, and consumer protection within the jewelry industry. The American Gem Society awards credentials for its members, who are held to the industry's highest standards and must pass annual recertification examinations to maintain their titles. Members of the AGS membership are passionate about jewelry and dedicated to creating a positive buying experience for their customers. To find an AGS jeweler near you, visit ags.org/find-a-jeweler.

Website: https://www.americangemsociety.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanGemSociety1934

Instagram: @americangemsociety - https://www.instagram.com/americangemsociety/

Twitter: @AmerGemSociety - https://twitter.com/AmerGemSociety

MULTIMEDIA:

PHOTO link for media: https://www.americangemsociety.org/trending-now/

The American Gem Society (AGS), a nonprofit association dedicated to consumer protection, is proud to celebrate and recognize its women designers, as well as women leaders in the jewelry industry during Women's History Month 2023.

Related link: https://www.americangemsociety.org/

The American Gem Society Celebrates Women’s History Month Through Women Designers

LAS VEGAS, Nev. /ScoopCloud/ -- The American Gem Society (AGS), a nonprofit association dedicated to consumer protection, is proud to celebrate and recognize its women designers, as well as women leaders in the jewelry industry during Women's History Month.

Throughout the month of March, AGS will feature the beautiful jewelry created by women within the association's community of members. AGS is also featuring the jewelry of these women on their "Trending Now" web page.

"The American Gem Society is what it is today in large part because of the leadership and creativity of the women in management and in our community," said Katherine Bodoh, CEO of the American Gem Society and AGS Laboratories. "We value and are inspired by the guidance and vision of the women on our board and on our team, the retail store leaders who are the backbone of the American Gem Society, and the creative visionaries designing jewelry. We are excited to share these designs with our audience, and hope they feel as inspired as we do by the artistry and beauty of what these women have created."

"Seeing wonderful, strong, and talented women leading the AGS made an early impression on me as I grew and learned in this industry," said Lisa Bridge, President-Elect of the American Gem Society's International Board of Directors. "We are lucky at AGS to have a community that supports and champions one another to make us and the industry better. I am thankful for their example and the path they have created for all of us to thrive."

To see the jewelry from the American Gem Society's participating women designers, visit https://www.americangemsociety.org/trending-now or follow the American Gem Society on Instagram.

To find an American Gem Society jeweler in your area, visit https://www.americangemsociety.org/find-a-jeweler/jeweler/search/.

About American Gem Society

The American Gem Society, founded in 1934 by Robert M. Shipley, is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to ethics, knowledge, and consumer protection within the jewelry industry. The American Gem Society awards credentials for its members, who are held to the industry's highest standards and must pass annual recertification examinations to maintain their titles. Members of the AGS membership are passionate about jewelry and dedicated to creating a positive buying experience for their customers. To find an AGS jeweler near you, visit ags.org/findajeweler.

Website: https://www.americangemsociety.org/

Facebook: AmericanGemSociety1934

Instagram: @americangemsociety

Twitter: @AmerGemSociety

MULTIMEDIA:

PHOTO link for media: https://www.americangemsociety.org/trending-now/

The American Gem Society (AGS), a nonprofit association dedicated to consumer protection, is proud to celebrate and recognize its women designers, as well as women leaders in the jewelry industry during Women's History Month.

Related link: https://www.americangemsociety.org/

Registered Nurse and Ganga Mompreneur Debi Madaio Celebrates the Legacy of NJWeedman’s Joint Eatery During Women’s History Month

TRENTON, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- If the longtime marijuana activist Ed Forchion is the NJWeedman, then his business partner, Debi Madaio, is easily Trenton New Jersey's "First Lady of Weed." As the majority owner of NJWeedman's Joint, the popular marijuana-themed eatery located in the state's capital city, Madaio is defiantly acknowledging her legacy as a heroic ganga mompreneur during Women's History Month.

A registered nurse, cannabis activist, mother to two daughters and a special needs son, Madaio is not only the driving force behind NJWeedman's Joint but also NJWeedman himself! In celebration of Women's History Month, she has expanded her business with the opening of The Stash Spot, a specialty boutique smoke shop located inside The Joint and a new 'potcast,' "Joint Accounts," closing out Women's History Month on March 29, 2021 and streaming every following Monday at 3:00 p.m. ET across The Joint's social media platforms. "Joint Accounts" will feature the latest happenings in and around NJWeedman's Joint.

The pandemic has fostered all sorts of new innovations, and for Madaio, The Stash Spot and "Joint Account" both evolved as such. While NJWeedman's Joint luckily survived the shut-in as an essential business restaurant operation, smoke shops in New Jersey had to close. Madaio had the idea to move all her smoke shop items to the restaurant and still meet the needs of her cannabis clientele. The Stash Spot is the expansion of that service. With cannabis now finally legal in the state, offering a one stop shop for food and supplies is a convenience her customers greatly appreciate. The Stash Shop carries marijuana paraphernalia like pipes, rolling papers, marijuana themed convenience items, knick knacks and clothing.

Operating a small business while working full time as a registered nurse and caring for a special needs son has been challenging, to say the least. But Madaio has witnessed and survived additional trials as well. Located just across the street from the Trenton City Hall, The Joint had been operating successfully since 2015 and was garnering national accolades for its contribution to cannabis culture. It was during Women's History Month of March 2017 when NJWeedman's Joint first came under scrutiny per an undercover operation and raid that led to Ed Forchion's arrest and incarceration. Forchion's arrest garnered him 447 days in prison, leaving Madaio not only fighting for his release, but also for the survival of their business.

"While Ed was being held for those 447 days prior to trial under the New Jersey Bail Reform Act, we had to close the business in order to secure it. I basically robbed Peter to pay Paul to make sure the rent was paid. I had made Ed a promise that I would make sure the business and the building were still there when he got out of jail! That was one of his biggest fears, that he would get out of jail and ride by the building where The Joint used to be. I couldn't and wouldn't let that happen as Mercer County had taken enough from him already," notes Madaio.

Today, NJWeedman's Joint is once again a thriving watering hole for not only Trenton but also the surrounding communities, cities and states. Customers drive in from New York and Philadelphia on any given day, or drop in when visiting from not only around the country but the world, for their delectable menu of dishes named after marijuana inspired themes and famous celebrity stoners. Meals like the "Snoop's Dream," a fish and grits dish; Willie's Chillie; the Kevin Smith Impossible Burger; the "Pothead Sandwich," fried fish with a shrimp crab relish and sriracha sauce; and the "East Coast Cannabis Coalition," a turkey meatball dinner with marinara sauce and spaghetti are all the rage.

The restaurant's ambiance, created by Madaio, mirrors an actual marijuana grow room with curtains, tablecloths and chairs designed and fashioned after marijuana leaves. There are also live outdoor music performances and show offerings which are streamed online for a wider viewing audience.

Madaio has an undergraduate degree in criminal justice as well as in nursing. While currently still working long hours, she envisions the eatery as an outlet which will provide work and income closer to home and nearer her child. NJWeedman's Joint was once called 'the happiest place on earth' by Extraction Magazine and Madaio's mission is to keep those kinds of vibes flowing. The Stash Spot, NJWeedman's Joint and her new podcast, "The Joint Account," will continue in service to keep their customer's energy high and lifted.

"I'm looking forward to one day being done with all drama," expresses Madaio. "New Jersey has finally legalized our favorite plant, but now the battle for inclusion in the cannabis industry begins. We know that small businesses and entrepreneurs are getting edged out of this new legal, burgeoning billion-dollar industry. I'm hoping that in exchange for our commitment to good service that our customers won't allow that to happen to us here."

NJWeedman's Joint is located 322 E. State St. in Trenton, NJ. Debi Madaio can be reached at flamingo2b@hotmail.com and via the NJWeedman's Joint website at https://njweedmansjoint.com/home .

Catch "Joint Accounts" every Monday, starting March 29 at NJWeedman's Joint on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/NJWeedmansJoint) and on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/njweedmans_joint/ ).

Learn more about Debi Madaio at https://njweedmansjoint.com/debi-madaio and at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdKwBD2BqxY .

Sign the "Demand Governor Phil Murphy Grant NJWeedman's Joint a Recreational Cannabis License!" at https://www.change.org/p/phil-murphy-demand-gov-phil-murphy-grant-njweedman-s-joint-a-recreational-cannabis-license.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Makeda Smith
makeda@jazzmynepr.com
323-380-8819

If the longtime marijuana activist Ed Forchion is the NJWeedman, then his business partner, Debi Madaio, is easily Trenton New Jersey's "First Lady of Weed." As the majority owner of NJWeedman's Joint, the popular marijuana-themed eatery located in the state's capital city, Madaio is defiantly acknowledging her legacy as a heroic ganga mompreneur during Women's History Month.

Related link: https://njweedmansjoint.com/