Camouflage Me Not

Camouflage Me Not knows that this day can be triggering, as many are missing from our tables and lives. It is okay, to not be okay today. Grief may be present. Pause and embrace the moment as you see fit. Reminisce, cry, and laugh. Grief is a constant reminder of our love for those we miss and have loss. We also know that life experiences can cause grief. Therefore, we are wishing you a day filled with warmth, peace, and love.

Merry Christmas!
Erica N. Parks
Founder & CEO

WHEN A LION ROARS...

It is a mental health and su***de prevention public health virtual forum for the Black Community with resources. The series is held quarterly with a specific focus, led by two co-facilitators and a moderator for 60 minutes. The audience drives the conversation.

Date: Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at 8:00 P.M. EST

Register: https://bit.ly/3GwWQON or scan QR Code on the announcement

Google Review Request for Camouflage Me Not (CMN)

If you have been impacted by CMN in anyway (Facebook Live, our content, attended/supported our annual Cocktails & Conversations, attended the KSU Football Game with us, etc.), please leave us a Google Review at the link below.

https://g.page/r/CSGNqaK62zJ8EAI/review

Thank you for your support.

Review us on Google Post a review to our profile on Google

GIVING TUESDAY!

Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and continue to provide unique experiences for our veterans, their families, and the community at large. Your generous donation will help fund our mission.

www.camouflagemenot.com

POLL: A Day for Shero (See old ad for layout)

This experience is relaunching in spring for Women's History Month in March.

It was cancelled last summer due to low ticket sales. It conflicted with many summer activities (weddings, vacations, and family reunions).

However, Camouflage Me Not (CMN) had MORE interest from NON-VETERAN WOMEN. Hence the relaunch will include women who didn't serve.

CMN will bring women veterans and non-veteran women together.

A DAY FOR SHERO & FRIENDS is a unique experience designed by a woman veteran made for women to relax, learn, and practice holistic self-care activities while connecting with a community of sheroes over lunch.

Please vote for your preferred day for this experience.

Would you attend A Day for Shero & Friends, if it was held on:

a.) Friday
b.) Saturday
c.) Sunday

Thank you, for your vote.

https://www.linkedin.com/safety/go?messageThreadUrn=urn%3Ali%3AmessageThreadUrn%3A&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eventbrite.com%2Fe%2Fnbmbaa-atlanta-chapter-presents-transitioning-our-heroes-tickets-716183452987%3Faff%3Daffiliate1&trk=flagship-messaging-android

Our CEO has been invited to ! 🥰

Thank you, LaDena and Maxi for this opportunity. met them in (HfE). They were in the first group. ❤

The 2nd Edition of HfE starts Saturday, September 30th.

Don't miss enrollment!

If you know you are struggling with time management, balancing life, and growing your business, invest in yourself and join Erica's membership community. 🎯

Now Enrolling for FALL: ⬇️
https://bit.ly/485t40s (LIVE 🔗 in BIO)

Then, join us on Monday, October 2nd for this LIVE chat.

🚨🚨🚨

If you are a veteran who is SERIOUS about your whole health, veterans now have FREE in-person or online yoga classes.

Our founder has resumed her yoga journey. Her assessment is tomorrow.

Take advantage of these services and please share this post or tag a veteran and their family members.

Local VYP - Veterans Yoga Project Teachers listed under “Find a Class” have attended Mindful Resilience Training from VYP and have some knowledge of military culture, PTS(D), and how to tailor

She served. Now serve her!


Your investment in her whole health will have a lasting effect on her life.

You are removing any financial barriers that may impede her from putting herself first.

You are encouraging Shero to take time to tend to her self-care.

Lastly, you are showing your appreciation for her contributions to this nation.

Become a supporter for A DAY FOR SHERO!

Click https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-day-for-shero-tickets-637517460887 and sponsor her today.

A healthy lifestyle contributes to success.

It improves your work habits because you are more disciplined.

It decreases absenteeism. You are not taking time off due to sickness or pain.

It increases your productivity because you are stronger and more confident. You maintain a positive attitude.

A stretch session can help you achieve your goal of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Each session helps you release tension and toxins from your body.

At A DAY FOR SHERO, Kika Stretch Studio Vinings certified health coaches will provide assisted mini stretch sessions to help you enhance your posture, increase your mobility and flexibility.

Are coming?

Shero, take your PTO and invest in yourself!

Click the link below in the comments today, for access to this experience.

Join us at 5:15 p.m. EST, today on Camouflage Me Not page!

Erica N. Parks, our founder, will chat with Bree Harrison, Studio Manager and Marketing & Outreach Manger at Kika Stretch Studio Vinings.

See you soon!

Erica N. Parks, Our Founder, is a woman veteran who leads from the front!

She is a trailblazer with a keen eye 👀.

Are you a woman veteran who leads from the front?💡

You may share this same type of leadership trait which is why it is so important to refill your cup.

Servant leadership is a natural trait for you. You never stopped serving.😊

Hence, being intentional with your self-care is self-preservation.

A DAY FOR SHERO was designed by our founder!

Erica is empowering our women veterans by providing them a relaxing environment, a community, and holistic tools to practice self-love.

Are you ready for this self-preservation event?

Grab your ticket https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-day-for-shero-tickets-637517460887 for access to this experience.

🥁🥁 Drumroll please….It’s finally here.
Introducing A DAY FOR SHERO: Women Veterans Relaxation Experience!

In this offer, you will not only be the first to access this experience, but you also get to meet some of our community partners who support Camouflage Me Not mission. We have never had a veterans’ event exclusively for women veterans!

👆🏽But wait, it’s Camouflage Me Not, so you know there’s always more. You will have the opportunity to connect with fellow sheroes who you would have never met!

During this 4-hour experience, we’ll provide you with:

🔶️ 30-Minute Mini Assisted Stretch Sessions
🔶️ Chatting over Catered Lunch
🔶️ 45-Minute Group Sound Bath Session

Are you ready to pamper yourself and transform your health with our certified holistic health coaches?

Click https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-day-for-shero-tickets-637517460887 to learn more!

WINE! FOOD! CONVO! COMMUNITY!

The perfect combination we have created for our sheroes.

A DAY FOR SHERO is a "NEW" experience we are offering and you won’t forget it.

Your participation helps us continue to create more intentional rewarding events for women veterans.

Besides, you are mothers, wives, partners, leaders, etc., and we want to serve you – our women veterans.

We realize that thank you for your service isn’t enough because you never stopped serving.

On Friday, July 14th, we are turning the tables to pamper you.

Join us at our relaxing women veterans experience so we can cater to YOU!

Grab your ticket today https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-day-for-shero-tickets-637517460887

We are less than a month away from A DAY FOR SHERO!

Have you purchased your ticket?

Grab yours today https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-day-for-shero-tickets-637517460887

Limited spots.

15-MINUTE POWER BREAK!

“You can’t separate peace from freedom, because no one can be at peace unless he has freedom.” ~Malcolm X

Join us at 12:15 p.m. EST with our special guest Dr. Falami.

We are celebrating Juneteenth!

See you soon!

HOLISTIC TOOLS!

Essential oils are holistic tools used as calming aids for stress, anxiety and as immune boosters. There are different scents for the holistic effect desired. The soothing aroma of the oils can make your house smell good.

You can rub certain oils under the bridge of your nose, inner wrists, and behind your ears for relief.

Here are the benefits of applying the essential oils to those areas.

■ Bridge of the nose: can open the airways and ease sinus congestion.
■ Inner wrists: it helps when you are feeling stressed or on the edge. It’s easily smelled throughout the day, especially when you prop your hand on your face.
■ Behind your ears: for faster absorption in the skin. This area is also where the mastoid pressure point is located. It aids in helping you experience greater relief from pain, inflammation, and swelling.

Carefully exploring essential oils for your needs can help you to identify other holistic tools to manage your whole health.

Shero, we want to empower you with the tools to thrive.

Join us at A DAY FOR SHERO!

Partake in a relaxing day of holistic care pampering, great food, and fellowship.

Our community is where you belong.

Register today https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-day-for-shero-tickets-637517460887

Grab your ticket today.

JOIN US!

A Day For Shero - Is hosted by Camouflage Me Not to recognize and uplift our women veterans during National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. We want you to know that we see you and are here for you.

It is a unique experience designed by a woman veteran made for women veterans to relax, learn, and practice holistic self-care activities while connecting with a community of sheroes over lunch.

Register today https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-day-for-shero-tickets-637517460887

A DAY FOR SHERO! Join us on July 14th, 2023 at 10 a.m. for "A DAY FOR SHERO!", a treat for the amazing women veterans who have given their best selves!

STATS TUESDAY!

“Only 44% of women Veterans are enrolled in VA health care.” ~U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs

Shero, are you connected?

If not, get connected and take advantage of your earned benefits. So much is unfolding all the time about women veterans’ risk factors, exposures to toxins, and reproductive health.

When women veterans are not connected, they limit the identification, knowledge, and study of health issues linked to their service.

More importantly, they miss the opportunity for preventive care services.

The more engaged women veterans are with the VA, the better advantage to shape their healthcare services and treatment options.

The Center for Women Veterans, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, needs your engagement and input.

Taking care of your health is the core of your well-being.

Enroll https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/ in VA health care today.

Take care of yourself!

FILL YOUR CUP!

Shero, have you filled your cup today?

If not, it’s time.

The workday can be busy, and we forget to breathe. We run from meeting to meeting. Sometimes we forget to eat lunch, or we gobble it down.

An unhealthy habit we have adopted from the work culture. Take a break to refuel your body.

If you are retired, you may find your days just as busy. Folks perceive you as having time that they can use for their agendas. The shero entrepreneur can experience this as well.

Shero, be the interruption. Create space in your day to fill your cup.

Prevent your cup from running empty.

You will find that taking 15-minute breaks to tend to your needs will decrease the anxiety and depression in your life.

Take care of yourself!

GET COMFY!


It’s easier said than done. It helps you maintain your homeostasis.

Getting comfy shero requires you to be intentional about regulating your internal energy.

The world, your job, and sometimes your household is noisy.💣

Creating an environment for peace of mind, relaxation, and ease is necessary.☮

Getting comfy can help you:

■ Maintain your blood pressure by decreasing stimuli,
■ Maintain your body temperature, promoting good blood circulation, and
■ Maintain your blood sugar by preventing your cortisol levels from spiking due to stress.

Your well-being is within your control.

A DAY FOR SHERO promotes your homeostasis.

Register today https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-day-for-shero-tickets-637517460887

A DAY FOR SHERO IS SELF-CARE!

In case you were wondering, it isn’t a selfish act.

Imagine devoting a month in advance to a four-hour time block to love yourself.

Planning this activity gives you a chance to prepare for it. That can take the pressure of feeling like you don’t deserve it away.

You deserve to experience a relaxing event filled with pampering you.

We can see you shero sipping wine and laughing with fellow sheroes who could become new acquaintances.

We see you in this community learning how to de-stress your body with our holistic techniques.

We see our health coaches assisting you in stretching your body to relieve months of trapped tension.

We see you enjoying the soothing sounds from our sound bath session.

We can also see you laughing, enjoying lunch in this community, and meeting our community partners.

I want you to enjoy this day just like I imagined it.

Are you ready to commit to your needs?

Grab your ticket today for A DAY FOR SHERO.

Access your ticket at www.camouflagemenot.com today.

PROFESSIONAL WELLNESS MONTH!

June is Professional Wellness Month - dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the importance of maintaining our mental, emotional, and physical health in the workplace.

We all need to move our bodies, and if you are in the workforce, you need this friendly reminder.

Those long team meetings where each department gives accountability for their areas can be stressful and frustrating.

Sometimes the numbers don’t add up, the ball is dropped on tasks, or the project doesn’t scale as planned. These events create tension in our bodies.

Balancing work and home also come with its challenges. Who is cooking dinner? Who is picking up the kids? How do I balance my finances in this economy when my income isn’t enough, even with my disability benefits?

These are real issues that we face and these emotions physically form in our bodies. We carry anger and frustration in our lower back. However, stretching your abdominal muscles and hamstrings can ease the tightness in your lower back.

Shoulder and neck pain arise from being burdened with responsibilities. Hence work-life balance is so important. Here is your opportunity to act with us.

Erica N. Parks decided to commit this month to a 30-Day full-body challenge. She js easing into this with her accountability partner.

Shero, what are you going to do to improve your health?

We challenge you to commit to moving your body this month. Work at your level and get an accountability partner.

How are you going to do this?

I CAN’T THANK YOU ENOUGH!

“I can’t thank you enough. I am truly appreciative of not only yesterday’s event but being honest/trustworthy/a woman of faith/a friend, and just being you. Father Yahweh is amazing and is doing great things in you. For that, I am grateful for you and the connection(s).”

This compliment and feedback are from Tamara, a woman veteran. She attended our 2022 Cocktails & Conversations event, which inspired Erica N. Parks to offer more for women veterans through Camouflage Me Not (CMN).

CMN’s focus: To create unique experiences for our veterans, helping them to build healthy relationships while engaging in deeper community connections, promoting belongingness, and thriving post-military life.

A DAY FOR SHERO embodies this philosophy and much more. It's for women veterans made by an award-winning woman veteran.

Erica is a Center for Women Veterans 2023 Women Veterans Trailblazer Honoree for the Department of Veteran Affairs. She is also the 2019 recipient and the ONLY woman of the Veteran Owned Business Award from the Atlanta Business Chronicle Inaugural Veteran Owned Business Award event.

Erica is creative and intentional.

Shero, when was the last time you attended an event and you felt appreciated? What was significant about the experience which made you believe your time and money was well invested?

A DAY FOR SHERO IS COMING TO SW ATLANTA! Get ready for our FIRST EVER women veteran ONLY experience on Friday, July 14th.

Register today to get the community and environment you need to pamper yourself, connect with fellow sheroes, and transform your health with our certified holistic health coaches.

We remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms as we lift their families in prayer. Our gain was their loss.

REPEAT THIS!

🌠 I can put myself first.
🌠 I am not being selfish.
🌠 I am worthy of self-love.

Now. Ready to indulge in self-care for 4 hours?

Come learn holistic techniques at our upcoming women veterans experience on Friday, July 14!

We're providing a holistic health approach beyond your basic self-care routines – guided and assisted care with certified holistic health coaches training you and much more.

Whether you’re actively practicing self-care or a couch potato looking to take your life back, this experience will provide the tools you need to build a healthy, enjoyable, serene self-care regimen.

The steps to self-love are waiting for you, so purchase your ticket for A DAY FOR SHERO today!

Head to www.camouflagemenot.com today.

REASONS WHY I LOVE ON MYSELF!

Women veterans are trained servant leaders, and their communities benefit tremendously from their desire to serve.

Erica, our founder believes women don’t practice self-care enough, and women veterans may give themselves to causes, organizations, work, and their families more frequently.

Erica shares 5 REASONS why she practices self-love.

✅ I constantly give my time and talent to support and serve others.

✅ I stand up for what I believe, even when the odds look against me.

✅ I am a vetpreneur. I work hard to achieve my personal and professional goals while balancing life, so I subscribe to therapy to enhance my mental health.

✅ I had a myomectomy in 2016, so I became a vegan to improve my reproductive health and enjoy the holistic benefits of veganism.

✅ I create space for my growth. On Sundays, I have Brunch with E because I value breaks, reflecting, and disconnecting from the noise.

Erica encourages women veterans to create healthy activities to promote positive self-esteem and self-love.

Having a healthy environment is at the core of self-care.

Our private location for 'A DAY FOR SHERO' provides this intimate safe space and community to focus on YOU and connect YOU with like-minded sheroes.

Drop a heart if this interests you, the woman veteran.

RELEASING TENSION!

Collaboration can help to release stress when designing an event.

For this reason, we have chosen Kika Stretch Studios as one of our partners. We have worked with this franchise before for another event.

A DAY FOR SHERO (WOMEN VETERANS) promotes the practice of a holistic self-care regimen.

Before women veterans experience at this event, Kika Stretch Studio Vinings certified health coaches provide one-on-one telephone consultations to assess each shero's needs.

Each shero has complete knowledge of their 30-minute one-on-one mini-assisted stretch session to help manage their expectations. If the shero needs any supportive equipment for the session, the certified health coaches will provide it to ensure a great experience.

We are encouraging women veterans to put themselves first.

Self-care isn’t selfish. It is necessary!

A mini stretch session is one example of how women veterans can increase their flexibility, boost their energy, lower their blood pressure, and release tension.

SHERO, YOU SHOULD BE THERE!

View our event at www.camouflagemenot.com

SHEROES!

A shero is a woman admired or idealized for her courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.

Carla and Erica are sheroes! They both served in the Army at different times but later became connected through a mutual friend, Lamont.

When women veterans meet, there is usually a genuine connection that happens. They share stories and experiences and often look to each other for strength.

Seeing a woman veteran succeed holistically post-military life is what we desire and our intent for – A DAY FOR SHERO!

It’s sheroes time to relax and recharge in her community.

Learn more about our unique experience designed by a woman veteran for a woman veteran.

Click the link in the comments section.

JOIN US!

A Day For Shero - Is hosted by Camouflage Me Not to recognize and uplift our women veterans during National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. We want you to know that we see you and are here for you.

It is a unique experience designed by a woman veteran made for women veterans to relax, learn, and practice holistic self-care activities while connecting with a community of sheroes over lunch.

Register for the event using the link below.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-day-for-shero-tickets-637517460887

Check out "Military Spouses Celebration" on Eventbrite!

Date: Thu, Apr 20 • 10:00 AM EDT

Location: 1775 Legacy Way #235, Columbus, GA 31903

Please share this event with military spouses that you know in your communities. Veteran spouses are welcome to attend.

Military Spouses Celebration This military spouse's event, co-hosted by CTC and CSU, is designed to bridge the gap between active-duty families and the community.

Pen to Paper!

Ideas can manifest into great initiatives which then become amazing organizations.

This process is how Camouflage Me Not was started.

Erica N. Parks took the initiative to share her thoughts, personal and professional experiences with others.

Meeting Diamond Harris on a Lyft ride is where the deeper conversation took place, which later led the two of them to Amelias and coming up with an impactful name.

Erica knew she needed a name that was catchy enough to disrupt the industry and cause people to listen.

Camouflage Me Not means “Don’t Hide Me.”

Don’t throw away veterans and their families after they have served. Embrace the unique skillsets, trainings, and leadership that they bring to our communities, companies, organizations, and government.

Our mantra is “Gladiators for Veterans.”

We are determined to make more gladiators through our work.

There is more to our journey. Stay tuned...

IT WAS ALL A DREAM!

I used to read Word Up Magazines. (Erica N. Parks did!)

Today, we share the beginning of our creation!

Entrepreneurs do a lot of things to BUILD!

Erica’s journey is no exception to the rules. It was her former work as a fellow at the United States Army Training Center and Fort Jackson (FJ) that pushed her over the edge to develop Camouflage Me Not.

She was the health promotion officer - A special staff member to the base general (highest ranking officer). Her main duty was to manage the general’s Community Health Promotion Council. She briefed and advised senior commanders and wrote some of their briefing points. She also worked directly with the base directors and collaborated with community leaders to advance the Health of the Total Force (service members, family members, retirees, and GS civilians).

ARTICLE FROM FJ: https://www.army.mil/article/144775/council_aims_to_improve_well_being

She loved the power, influence, and impact of this role, and while serving, she discovered H.R.2737: Improving Transition Programs for All Veterans Act.

This bill was introduced in 2017 but to our knowledge didn’t pass.

Erica saw the need to effectively impact the lives of our service members and their family’s post-military life. As a public health professional, she understands firsthand how programs and research impact policy and produce funding opportunities.

Outcome evaluations are the best way to document these effects.

Stay tuned as more of our story unveils as we celebrate our 5th Anniversary...

It's our 5th Anniversary! 🥂

We are proud of how far we have come. Stay tuned for our reflections as we spotlight our growth and highlights.

We invite you to continue to engage with us on our journey.

More to come!

Day 27 of our 28-Day (Camouflage Me Not Challenge. Volunteer at a veteran's business.

2.52 million businesses (9.1%) in the U. S. are majority veteran owned. Volunteers are always needed to support the mission.

Visit https://smallbusiness.com/resources/military-owned-businesses/ for more information.

The next time you are looking for a volunteer opportunity, consider supporting a veteran-owned business.

We featured below our volunteers from our 5th Annual Cocktails & Conversations Event in September. Neka Arnold-Scott and Carolyn Harmon invested in our event by dedicating time to serve as the hostess and administrative coordinator.

Our attendees expressed how lively, professional, and supportive they were.

Here is another way to show your appreciation to a .