Let’s Jet Over to the Big Apple

Article Emily Shea

New York City is the place to go for all things fashion. It’s been long deemed one of the big four fashion pillars in the world, along with Paris, Milan and London. Being that it’s the only fashion mecca in the United States and direct flights are easy to come by (and typically decently priced), visiting the Concrete Jungle is a no-brainer—especially during New York Fashion Week! 

That’s right. New York Fashion Week is upon us. From Sept. 6–14, high-end fashion designers from all over the world will gather in the city that never sleeps to showcase their spring and summer 2020 collections to buyers, press and the general public.

Contrary to popular belief, NYFW is not necessarily an exclusive affair. Although most shows are reserved for buyers and press only, there are some events the general public can attend.

To celebrate our Style issue, we’ve created a 48-hour NYC fashion itinerary. It features some NYFW events open to the public and other must-do and must-see fashion icons in NYC. 

Sept. 12

8:30 a.m. – Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel because it wouldn’t be a trip to New York without a bagel. 

10 a.m. – Visit the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, dubbed New York’s most fashionable museum.

12 p.m. – Lunch at En Japanese Brasserie. 

2 p.m. – Visit Mood Designer Fabrics, the three-story fabric store made popular by Project Runway.

3 p.m. – Visit Dover Street Market.

5:30 p.m. – Dinner at Carbone. One word: Pasta.

7 p.m. – Go to NYFW Show: Ontavia Roulette’s “Before the Death of a Child’s Imagination” Collection.

Sept. 13

10 a.m. – Brunch at Augustine, French cuisine in the Financial District.

11:30 a.m. – Tiffany & Co., a must-visit, of course.

12:30 p.m. – Walk down Seventh Avenue, also known as NYC’s Fashion Avenue. 

2:30 p.m. – Visit the Metropolitan Museum. Book a tour with the Costume Institute for a little extra dose of fashion.

5:30 p.m. – Dinner at the Loyal. Be sure to book a reservation in advance.

7 p.m. – NYFW’s Fashion Industry Finest Independent Designers (FIFI FW) – features the best of the best in the independent fashion industry.

8:30 p.m. – Drinks at the Rose Bar in Gramercy Park Hotel. 

How the Father-Son Duo at Webb Orthodontics is Leading the Way in Cutting-Edge Technologies and Services

Article Melinda Burris Willms

Led by doctors Michael and Colin Webb, this family-centered orthodontic practice prides itself on providing Charlotte with top rate medical service realized by utilizing cutting-edge technology in every aspect of patient care. Doctors initiate individual treatment plans based on an advanced 3D imaging system that guarantees the delivery of full diagnostic information while minimizing patient exposure to radiation, a problem that can occur when relying on older 2D x-ray machines.

Webb Orthodontics is built upon a firm commitment to evidence-based dentistry and decision making, with the doctors annually performing hours of continuing education to ensure they remain up-to-date on the most current research and cutting-edge technology and techniques available. In doing so, the office has established a well-earned reputation for excellence and is routinely recognized by orthodontic peers each year.

They specialize in Invisalign, and Dr. Colin Webb has been awarded the highest designation of a Diamond Plus Invisalign Provider. As a top one percent Invisalign provider, he treats approximately six hundred Invisalign cases each year, more than any other provider in Charlotte or the surrounding areas. This experience as a leader in this technology gives him the expertise to treat patients with complex cases who may have been told in the past that they were not candidates for Invisalign. This technology has a history of popularity with adult patients and is now being introduced as an alternative to traditional braces for teenagers, offering straightening without food restrictions, uncomfortable, poking wires or concern over broken brackets occurring over the weekend.

Role in the Community

Webb Orthodontics has received many praises from the Charlotte community. As evidence, they have been voted Best Orthodontist in Charlotte by South Charlotte Lifestyle readers in the 2017 Readers’ Choice Awards! For Webb Orthodontics, where patients and their needs are always the first priority, this commendation from patients is the most important recognition possible.

Webb Orthodontics has a long history in Charlotte, having been founded by Dr. Michael Webb in the heart of SouthPark more than 35 years ago. Dr. Michael Webb has served on numerous charitable and advisory boards over the years and has earned an impeccable reputation as a top-tier healthcare provider.

These deep ties to the community have influenced Webb Orthodontics’ emphasis on creating a family-friendly atmosphere for the wide range of patients that they serve—from pediatrics to geriatrics, Webb Orthodontics offers top-tier services for all.

Dr. Colin Webb explains: “We work and live in this community. So many of our patient families are also our friends. We consider our practice family-friendly because we find that we’re often treating entire families. Many times a family will have their kids in traditional braces, while the parents are undergoing Invisalign treatment.”

The Consultation Process

Webb Orthodontics offers a complimentary consultation for all patients. A full exam begins with 3D imagery and oral photographs to allow the doctors to provide a proper diagnosis and customized treatment plan. Each patient receives a one-on-one consultation with one of the doctors who will sit down with them to discuss the diagnostic findings and the recommended treatment plan. There are often multiple treatment plan options, and patients are encouraged to actively participate in care decisions to optimize healthcare services by making the choice that works best to achieve their goals and meet their lifestyle demands.

Patient comfort is emphasized with a relaxed, modern waiting area adults can enjoy—complete with a Starbucks coffee machine. Younger patients appreciate the gaming room, outfitted with numerous play options including Xbox, Playstation4 and Wii.

To schedule your free consultation with Webb Orthodontics, call the office at 704.364.7343 or visit online at WebbOrthodontics.com.

Reviving a Once Dying Form of Art

Article Melinda Burris Willms | Photography Destiny Johnson

For Farah Usmani, the love of hand embroidery came at a very early age.  She recalls her grandmother and mother practicing the art form, smocking by hand, in the British way. Born in Karachi, Pakistan, Usmani came to the United States as a small child. She maintains ties with her native country, returning every couple of years.

Usmani began searching for hand embroidered items as an adult and was frustrated to find that although items were advertised as handmade, were often poor quality and crafted by a machine. Color choice was also an issue as she found that hues would vary and were inconsistent with descriptions.

Finally, Usmani found someone who made her aware of craftswomen working in rural Pakistan. When she learned the women were using their earnings to help educate their children, Usmani decided she could do something more than her personal shopping. She created Farah Usmani Collectibles and now sells a selection of scarves representing these craftswomen in the United States.

The craftswomen are from a mid-sized agricultural city with a high illiteracy rate. However, thanks to social media, they have a heightened awareness of educational opportunities for their children. Usmani credits social media with sparking important conversations about globalization, education and pursuing careers so that future generations can prosper.

These craftswomen have handed down hand embroidery techniques including the French knot and shadow work from generation to generation. The work is meticulous and painstaking; each scarf takes a minimum of three months to create.

Usmani contributes to the design process by accumulating data from the Western market. She researches which colors and design patterns customers respond to most favorably and request most often.

Despite the geographical distance that separates the artists from consumers, Usmani feels there is a strong connection: “People that appreciate the scarves in Charlotte are probably never going to meet those women, but it’s transcendent; they appreciate [the] art.”

It is Usmani’s hope that each scarf will be handed down from mother to daughter, from one generation to the next, as a legacy item carrying the message of women helping women. To encourage this, Usmani gives each scarf a title in honor of a strong woman. For instance, one is Becoming Jane for legendary author Jane Austen.

Craftswomen who create the scarves use the money they earn to educate their children and to sustain their families. The initiative encompasses the past by reviving the art form of hand embroidery, the present by allowing women to help women and the future by supporting education through scholarships. 

Farah Usmani Scholarships are given to public high school students and future international business leaders who demonstrate leadership. Usmani asserts it is vital that we nurture future leaders who promote the ways in which we are alike rather than ostracizing one another due to our differences.

Article Marissa Kasarov

When was the last time your physician’s office staff told you that you could be seen immediately? For most people, that is an extremely rare occurrence, if they have ever experienced it at all. Instead, you’re greeted by an automated phone tree, and when you do finally hear a human voice, you’re instructed to “please hold.” It’s certainly not ideal, especially if you keep a tight schedule or have medical concerns, and it can almost always be attributed to physician overload. There’s no lack of compassion there; they simply have too many patients. Your case is just one in a long queue of patients waiting to be answered or seen. We’ve all been there, but wouldn’t it be so nice if we could just skip to the front of the line?

Historically, only celebrities and other public figures have enjoyed this privilege. Hiring a personal physician came at a quite a premium, but for obvious reason, those who could afford this service did not think twice about paying the fee. Today, however, concierge medicine is a very realistic possibility for people in a variety of circumstances. You will pay a membership fee, of course, but you can forget about those scary multimillion dollar retainers. Concierge medicine has become very accessible and affordable, and we have one such practice right here in Charlotte.

Signature Healthcare was established in 2003 as the go-to provider of personalized, executive-level medical services, and it has since strengthened its foothold as the leader in concierge medicine in the Carolinas. They offer a complete suite of medical services, ranging from primary care to women’s health, geriatric medicine, weight management, and so much more. Most recently, they have launched Signature Pediatrics, the first and only pediatric concierge practice in our region.

Whether you are visiting Signature Healthcare or Signature Pediatrics, the standard of care that you can expect to receive includes same-day appointments (either in-office or via telemedicine, depending on the case and your preference), around-the-clock access to your team of physicians by phone or email, and little to no wait time when you arrive for your appointment. What’s even better is the extent of the services that are made available to members of the practice. In most traditional medical practices, a need for x-rays, bloodwork, IV medication, or fluids would require a trip to the hospital or another facility. Signature Healthcare and Signature Pediatrics provide all of these services on-site, which means you can skip the germ-ridden emergency room wait in favor of a spa-like atmosphere where your privacy and comfort are treated with utmost respect and care.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that concierge medicine should be reserved for those with severe or complex diseases, however. While same-day “sick appointments” are certainly one of the key benefits, members of the practice also enjoy a superior level of preventive care. Because Signature Healthcare and Signature Pediatrics maintain lower patient-to-doctor ratios than other medical practices, they are able to offer extended appointment times with a comprehensive approach to preventive care and health. This is often enhanced with a follow-up annual physical letter which reviews lab work and plans for maximizing health. Concierge doctors are able to take their time with you, ensuring that you are extremely well-educated about yours and your children’s health and treatment options available.

If your lifestyle demands heavy travel, your Signature physician will prepare your travel kit, call in out-of-state prescriptions if required, and direct you to the nearest medical facility, should you experience an emergency.

Interested parties who are not yet members are welcome for a handful of services, as well. If you’d like to experience the Signature Healthcare difference before you commit to a membership, consider scheduling your one-time executive physical or school sports physical here. The practice has offices in SouthPark and Uptown, both of which can be reached by calling 704-554-8787. Visit SignatureHealthcare.org or SignaturePediatrics.org to learn more.

The holidays are right around the corner, and it’s time to buy gifts for friends, family, clients and others. We all have that person on our list that is extremely hard to check off. This could either be someone who has everything or someone who you don’t know very well. Rather than give them something that doesn’t seem too personable, like a fruit basket, here’s 5 different ideas. Not only are these gifts unique but they also help support local businesses and will give the person who receives it a chance to experience some of the many great things Charlotte has to offer.

1. Theater Tickets

A great gift to buy someone who loves entertainment is theater tickets. The gift recipient’s taste in music and other arts might be different than yours, so the best people to buy tickets for are those you know well, such as family or close friends.

However, if you really want to buy tickets for a client or someone you don’t know very well, a Blumenthal gift certificate can make the perfect gift. The recipient can apply their certificate towards the purchase of any ticket on sale on the CarolinaTix system, from Broadway hits at the Belk Theater to comedy shows at the Knight Theater and many other events at venues across Charlotte. Gift certificates can be purchased online or in the lobby at Belk Theater’s Box office.

2. Restaurant Tour

For the foodie in your life, a Charlotte restaurant tour will make a great holiday gift. Feast Food Tours offers tours of restaurants in three Charlotte neighborhoods: Historic South End, Uptown and NoDa. During the tour, participants have the opportunity to sample dishes from a variety of locally owned restaurants. The tours are very small at around 12 people or less. Tours start at $55 per guest and gift certificates are available so recipients have the option of choosing which tour they would like to attend. Visit their website at FeastFoodTours.com to purchase a gift certificate.

3. BrewPublik Subscription

A craft beer club subscription to local delivery service, BREWPUBLIK, can make a great holiday present for a beer connoisseur. The company offers subscriptions starting at $20 a month for 12 craft beers (bottles or cans). The beers they will receive each month is based on a “taste profile” each customer creates when they begin their subscription. To purchase a subscription, visit BREWPUBLIK’s website BrewPublik.com.

4. Workout Pass

It’s not easy to lose weight during the holidays, but the right present can help keep fitness goals on track. For your fit friend or family member, you may want to consider getting them a pass to a local cycling studio. This is a great way for them to try a new form of exercise and they will start the new year off on the right foot. I highly recommend a pass to First Wind Cycling & Fitness. Prices start at $20 per class. For more information, visit their website at FirstWindCycling.com.

5. Pay for a Skill Pop Class

SkillPop is a new and innovative way for people to learn new skills. Class topics range from marketing to photography and are very affordable. According to SkillPop’s website, classes are taught by “established local experts looking to share their skills, and each class is bite-sized and focused so that you leave with the tools and knowledge to start pursuing your passion.” Not only do you learn something new but you also get the chance to meet new people who are interested in some of the same things you are. You can purchase a seat in one of their classes at SkillPop.com but hurry up because classes tend to fill up very fast!

Article Marissa Kasarov | Photography Jeff Cravotta

Throughout Charlotte, you’ll find all manner of hidden gems and special local “secrets” that embody the uniquely southern spirit of the Queen City. Wing Haven happens to be one of them. Located right in the heart of Charlotte, this world-renowned historic site invites travelers and natives alike to experience a natural oasis set among the bustling cityscape that we love to call home.

Wing Haven is comprised of two gardens spread across four acres. The first, Clarkson House and Gardens, offers refuge to over 120 bird species. Its grounds are rich with Southern horticulture, and its namesake, Elizabeth Clarkson, was a widely published author and bird enthusiast. According to the Wing Haven website, in an article published in Audubon in 1945, Mrs. Clarkson wrote, “… from that moment when I suddenly became interested in birds, each addition was weighed also from the ‘bird’s point of view,’ and bird baths, feeding stations, suet baskets, and hummingbird feeders became garden necessities.”

The Elizabeth Lawrence House and Garden is the second Wing Haven property and is located just steps away from the Clarkson House. Ms. Lawrence was already very well-established as a supremely talented garden designer and author when she came to Charlotte, and this property became known as her living laboratory. For thirty-five years, this garden was the subject of her very prolific writing, creating an intrinsic value that extended far beyond any tangible real estate and continues to live on today. To the absolute delight of many of our local historians, both the house and garden were entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 2006, and in 2008, it was purchased by the Wing Haven Foundation.

This sanctuary is such a special part of Charlotte, as evidenced by the many community enrichment programs, camps, and events that it offers to its members and the general public.  Topics covered in these initiatives include horticulture, ornithology, health and wellness, and more. The fall season is especially eventful for Wing Haven, so we encourage our fellow Charlotte residents to check out their website for a detailed listing of everything this organization has to offer.

There is no question that Wing Haven’s programs are an asset to our community. Their Preschool Environmental Education Program, for example, is an outreach initiative designed to benefit at-risk preschool-aged children. You simply can’t put a price on the benefits of something like that, but the operating costs are significant. Volunteers offset that cost, and in exchange, are given an experience they simply wouldn’t find anywhere else. Otherwise, the foundation is supported by private donations, membership dues, proceeds from special events, and venue rentals.

For over 35 years, a fundraising mainstay for Wing Haven has been its biannual plant sales, which occur in the spring and fall. These events are a treasured resource for both seasoned and novice gardeners, and because 100% of the proceeds benefit Wing Haven, shoppers can feel good about how their money is being spent. The next sale is open to members only on October 5th and open to the general public on October 6th through 8th. For more information, visit WingHavenGardens.org or call 704.331.0664.

Article Steve Driben

As an executive branding, marketing and 4K HD Video interview company, Boardroom Advisory Group helps experts position themselves as an “authority” in their respective industry to strengthen credibility and communicate a “Trust Factor” optimizing their business and personal brand.

There are others who provide branding, marketing and standard video services. What we exclusively do is position our members as an “industry authority” through an exclusive combination of personalized web landing pages, personalized corporate email addresses, expertly written content, 3rd party press releases and professional 4K HD video produced “on location” at your meeting (convention center, hotel or office).

Our growing and diverse network of independent experts communicates authenticity, credibility and trust.  Our members define their industry expertise and strengthening credibility directly with their target audience.

Boardroom Advisory Group’s strategy works due to carefully and strategically tailoring our services to our member’s needs resulting in a distinctive image that gives a competitive edge in the marketplace.  Our exclusive combination of offerings intellectually, verbally and visually stimulates, resonates and compels your target audience to engage with you and your company.

QUESTIONS:

Why did you build this company?

With a strong, successful background in business development with public, private and start-up organizations, I realized a professional services business development need was not being addressed in the Charlotte Community or anywhere else in the country.  Specifically, professionals who possess strong industry or subject matter expertise needed a way to position themselves as a true “authority” within their respective industry.

These professionals fall under two categories; Executives-in-transition and small business/Soloprenuers.

Executives-in-transition refers to mid to senior/C-level executive who has been impacted by  corporate downsizing.  Many of these individuals have held multiple leadership roles within their organization, have participated on industry panel discussions, authored articles and books, spoken at industry events, etc.  I could go on and on. The key is these individuals have experience and knowledge that companies are looking for either on a consultative or full time basis. I have found that many of these executives-in-transition are testing the waters by starting their own independent consultancy.  This is where Boardroom Advisory Group comes into play.  We provide instant corporate affiliation and strong brand recognition as part of a larger company for our members.  Members remain as independent service providers. However, the addition of the Boardroom Advisory Group corporate name and logo on a members LinkedIn profile, business cards, email signature etc. communicates instant credibility.

Similarly, small business and solopreneurs are looking to uniquely strengthen their industry credibility, seeking ways to position themselves as an authority within their industry and compete for business.  Furthermore, as part of a larger “invitation only” membership with Boardroom Advisory Group, our members remain independent business owners who enjoy the benefits and value of being affiliated with a larger consultancy…without incurring the large franchise fee, partnership fees or revenue split.

What is the value you provide to your members?

Boardroom Advisory Group helps experts and executives position themselves as an “authority” in their respective industry to strengthen credibility and communicate value to accelerate growth of business and personal brands.

We provide tools to more effectively establish a members industry authority including:

• Personalized Web pages for stronger online presence & SEO ranking.

• 4K HD Video interviews to demonstrate industry knowledge & expertise.

• Press releases to reinforce the “trust factor” through 3rd party validation.

• Integrated social media platforms, which are crucial in today’s business environment.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Understanding the critical needs for executives and small business in today’s environment, I enjoy helping others succeed.  This success has helped Boardroom Advisory Group grow. In fact, our growth is 100% organic.  I consider each member a friend and as such, promote these members to their respective audience each and every chance I have.

What are the most important skills that someone in your position needs to have?

By far, the most important skill is to be able to network without selling.  My belief is that when an executive or professional sees value in positioning themselves as an authority within their industry, they will seek to understand the various assets Boardroom Advisory Group implements helping to differentiate a member, elevating their particular expertise above the competition.

For further information about Boardroom Advisory Group and how to become a member, please call Steve Driben at 704.557.9097, visit BoardroomAdvisoryGroup.com.

Article Chloe Watson | Photography Deatric Smith and Opera Carolina

Opera Carolina’s new season will bring a promising mix of repertoire, with three different operas to be staged at Belk Theater, North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. The season will open October 22, 2016 with Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville.” It will continue with Verdi’s “La Traviata” and end with Puccini’s “The Girl of the West.”

Composer James Meena invites both avid opera lovers and those who have never been to see a performance. Meena says, “The season has something for everyone. We have two well-known operas, The Barber of Seville (Comedy), La Traviata (one of the most beloved tragedies in Opera) and we have The Girl in the West, which has never been performed in Charlotte. We always try to give the audience balance by giving them something familiar and something that is new and different. That’s important to what we do because we have a very diverse constituency.”

This year’s theme is, “Life Set to Music.” All of the pieces demonstrate opera’s timelessness and authenticity. Meena says,

“When we looked at these stories, we realized, as often happens in opera, we are talking about situations that are very real.”

It takes months for Opera Carolina’s Marketing and Creative team to come up with the theme and repertoire but all of the seasons have the same goal, to connect the Charlotte community to art. Meena said, “For most people, Opera is something that is foreign and not something they do on a daily basis. There are a lot of stereotypes of the overweight singer screaming in a foreign language over an orchestra still, so we try to come up with thematic ideas that connect people to what we do.”

Diversity also plays a big part in helping Opera Carolina connect to the community. “If you look at the members of the principal cast of these shows it is very diverse from a cultural standpoint.

“We have a very diverse city and we want the artists onstage to reflect this diversity so young people, especially, can see that there are artists that look like them. That is something that we do in order to inspire and connect,”

explains Meena.

Meena and everyone at Opera Carolina are ready to kickoff the 2016-2017 season. Meena states, “I am really excited about this season. It is going to be beautiful from the standpoint of production and artistry and it is going to be important as we continue building relationships with our diverse community.”

Tickets will go on sale August 1. For more information visit: OperaCarolina.org.