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In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward. Here, we meet Therise Edwards, founder/CEO of Teshley Solutions, an education consultancy firm that helps students and families navigate the complexities of the education system K through 12.

What is an unexpected business challenge that you faced and how did you overcome it?

I wouldn't call myself a FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) expert, but I ended up having to know a lot more about it than I ever anticipated. FAFSA is what administers Pell Grants, which is what a lot of colleges base their financial aid on. I knew about the application changes, and some were excellent, but they made a series of critical errors and a lot of parents were scrambling. It was not my intent to have this as my area of focus; it just became a necessity.

What's a recent small win for your business?

Recent small wins are my collaborations. I formed partnerships with one organization that focuses on students with special needs. I hosted a webinar with the executive director of that organization. I formed a partnership with members from an insurance company on planning and paying for college. That was my first corporate sponsorship. And I've got a series of events coming out because others actually reached out to me. One of them I met through another networking platform, but I got to that platform from one of the sessions that I did with Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program.

How did you start to collaborate with external partners?

Just changing my strategies and my approach, and just being more secure and more emphatic in making connections. It ends up being this continual cycle.

Is there a woman in business that you admire or that you look up to?

I have two. Leontyne Anglin, who runs a nonprofit called Beyond Expectations. She works with a small pool of students, but she just gives them enormous exposure and opportunity. She's brilliant with collaborating with individuals and businesses and really bringing the students what they need. And then the other on a bigger scale is Cate Luzio, founder and CEO of Luminary, who taught her Business Plan Bootcamp through the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program. She is just a dynamo. She is just so supportive of women entrepreneurs. She's awesome.

How did the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program help propel your business forward?

All of the collaborations and partnerships with the exception of one all came from joining the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program. I’ve taken all of the free classes and the one on projections and pricing, something every entrepreneur struggles with, was very helpful. There have been so many of them. Sometimes you're completely ignorant in a category so you take the class and it's like, okay, that's good to have. But then sometimes you sign up for it and it's like, oh, yeah, I did know 90 percent of that, but this other 10 percent is going to be very, very helpful.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Teshley Solutions.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces

In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward. Here, we meet Rita Suzanne, a marketing strategist for health and wellness businesses who learned to network, connect with other entrepreneurs, and build her business online and IRL.

What's an unexpected business challenge that you've had to face and how did you overcome it?

The hardest thing for me was my sister passed away and I ended up taking custody of my nieces. I ended up being a single mom of four kids. This is the thing that transitioned my whole entire life. I stopped doing web design and started my podcast Mom Owned and Operated. I wanted to reconnect with other moms and figure out how they were able to run their businesses and raise a family and take care of themselves because I wasn't able to do all three at the same time. Through that journey, I realized that I really needed to connect with other people and how important it was for my business. It helped me to create that community that I was yearning for that I didn't realize that I needed.

What's a recent small win for your business?

For me, the win was just pivoting back to something that I actually wanted to do. Also, I’ve started to say no to things that I no longer want to do.

Who is a woman in business that you look up to and why?

I have always admired and looked up to Amy Porterfield [author of Two Weeks Notice]. I listened to her all the time when I was starting out. I think that she's amazing and I love her stuff. She just seems like a very genuine person.

Is there a resource that has made an impact on you as an entrepreneur?

I listen to a lot of audio books. One of my favorites that has been huge for me is You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero. I was told when I first started my business, by a friend who was a business coach, that I have a mindset problem. Ten years ago, I had no idea even what “mindset” was. Sincero’s book helped me to see what she meant by “mindset” and helped me adjust that mindset and fix some of the things that I didn't realize were broken.

How has the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program helped propel your business forward?

There are a lot of things that I have loved about it. There are local networking and training opportunities, and that has been great, and the online training is very valuable. It's a great resource. I find that marketing needs a three-tiered approach, meaning you need to network it locally, socially, and then also have a very comprehensive online approach to your marketing. One of the Verizon Small Business trainings that I took was all about taking advantage of your local resources. I found that to be extremely valuable because often people think they need to just focus on social media. I don't think that people focus enough on their local community.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Rita Suzanne.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces

Striking a balance between function and fashionis especially challenging when it comes to a food-filled holiday like Thanksgiving. Me, personally, I don’t want to wear anything other than a pair of oversized sweatpants with a waistband that gives my tummy ample room to grow into an entire food baby once the big feast’s over. It’s unfortunate that sweats aren’t exactly the most appropriate Thanksgiving uniform, TBH.

Alas, we’ll all step into familiar pants and flowy dresses, some of which can feel particularly uninspired. Between the generous dinner spreadyou're planning and all the family invites you’re sending out, let these Thanksgiving outfit ideas breathe some life into your Turkey Day look. They’re all comfy as can be (I’m talkin’ food baby-friendly), but polished enough to pop off for family photos. No matter what combo you put on, you’re likely to be serving way harder than the food!

The Best Fall Outfit Formulas For Cute & Easy Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas

Trench Coat + Comfy Jeans + Ballet Flats

Kayla Walden

A trench coat will instantly make your look that much more iconic. Layer a basic jeans + long sleeve get-up with a longline trench, then finish it off with some comfy ballet flats for a low-key, but perfectly polished Thanksgiving outfit! No shame if you end up unbuttoning your jeans to make room for dessert.

Cozy Cardigan + Stretchy Skirt + Fall Boots

@viaemmajang

Skirts are where it's at when it comes to comfort. Bonus points if it has an elastic waistband like this style from Old Navy! Having a basic black maxi skirt opens up tons of possibilities for matching, too. This Thanksgiving outfit idea is made complete with a cozy-soft buttoned cardigan and some stellar fall boots.

Sweater + Loose Jeans + A Fun Shoe Moment

Kayla Walden

Pick out your comfiest jeans for this Thanksgiving outfit idea – from there, a simple cardigan or pullover sweater will do. The statement is all in the shoes here: fuzzy socks and ballet flats are a match made in fashion heaven! Plus, they'll do you good if it gets pretty cold wherever you celebrate the holiday.

Polished Jacket + White Pants

Kayla Walden

White pants are a bit of an anomaly come fall and wintertime, but if you can be trusted to not spill any food (or wine) on yourself this Thanksgiving Day, they make a total style statement and look really darn polished. Their easy-to-pair color will look stunning alongside a brown barn jacket and some simple layers. The key is to just have fun with your Thanksgiving outfit ideas!

Flowy Fall Dress + Cowgirl Boots

Meredith Holser

Any dress that takes it easy on the tummy is a great option for Thanksgiving fall outfits. Whether it's a mini, midi, or maxi style, as long as it's loose-fitting, you'll be feeling comfortable all day long! Keep an eye out for dresses with a fall-ish color palette or seasonal patterns like gingham or plaid. Top off your one-and-done look with some cowgirl boots (we love The Beth boots from Tecovas!), and you're set.

Leggings + Elevated Fall Layers

Kayla Walden

Here's proof you can indeed rock some leggings at family Thanksgiving. A basic black legging is easily pair-able with some more sophisticated layers. A cozy cardi, trench coat, and loafers make such a stylish upgrade, all while keeping you warm and not restricted.

Vintage-y Layers + Cozy Jeans

Kayla Walden

Swarming yourself in layer after doesn't have to drown out your figure. Pick out a vintage-y jacket and a timeless pair of denim for a put-together, yet casual vibe.

Low-Rise Jeans + Thrifted Wool + Ballet Flats

Meredith Holser

These low-rise, baggy jeans from Hollister might just be the ultimate pair for getting through Thanksgiving fullness. They sit lower on the stomach and waist for a very comfy fit. Plus, they wear well with just about any garment cross-seasonally. For fall and winter functions, a warm sweater works wonderfully. Ballet flats make this 'fit a bit more dressed up, too.

Matching Set

Kayla Walden

An all-black 'fit is never a bad idea. Pair a black mini skirt with a black top with an interesting neckline for a quick and easy outfit. From there, you can play around with different layers and shoes to find your best look!

Coordinating Outerwear + Riding Boots

Kayla Walden

Matching your accessories to major parts of your outfit is a simple way to elevate your ensembles any time of year, but this 'fit is perfect for fall festivities. We love coordinating our boots to our jackets like in this stunning outfit idea.

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