Page 2 - Florida Sentinel 12-24-21

Feature
After Becoming ‘Empty Nesters,’ Moms Rekindle Shelved Book
BY GWEN HAYES Sentinel Editor
They became moms of 2 sons, each about the same time. Their friendship grew, even to the point of their put- ting pencil to paper and au- thoring a book. That was about 25 years ago. But as life hap- pens, so did the continuation of the book. Instead, they chose another business ven- ture, “The Perfect Touch Ac- cessories.”
The hectic lives Iva B. Carter and Sheila A. Pad- gett were leading as wives, mothers and career women took a lot of their time – to the point of putting the book on hold.
The women initially met at International Business Ma- chines (IBM) Tampa office, in the early 1990s, became friends on and off the job and both birthed their first sons in January, 1996.
“As new moms, we always enjoyed reading to our sons, Frank, III (Iva) and Little Nolan (Sheila),” Mrs. Carter said. When they part- nered to write their first chil- dren’s book, it was entitled, “It’s Time To Start Eating
IVA B. CARTER
Smart,” in 1997-1998. The veg- etable character concept was illustrated by Essex James.
The Perfect Touch Acces- sories, a small boutique for women to fellowship, pray, and shop, had to close down after a while – busy schedules. The boys, Nolan, Jr., Frank, III, Cameron and Zachary, started playing baseball at Bel- mont Heights Little League. The boys also became involved in basketball (Nolan and Cameron), and football (Frank, III, and Zachary), extending the women’s time as team moms and supporters for several years.
“Now as ‘Empty Nesters,’ God chose this appointed time
SHEILA A. PADGETT
for It’s Time To Start Eating Smart.” In January 2021, Carter and Padgett met an illustrator who took their early 1990s vision to the next level.
Knowledge IS, LLC, was birthed in January. “Knowl- edge IS the key for a healthy mind, body and soul,” the mothers say. IS in the com- pany name represents Iva and Sheila. “Our personal desire is to assist children and fami- lies with embracing a holistic lifestyle.” The book centers on children eating healthy.
The ladies are members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Iva, a graduate of South- ern University with a Bachelor
of Science in Computer Sci- ence and a Master of Science in Computer Science from Howard University, is looking to receive a Master of Arts de- gree in Christian Counseling from Luther Rice College and Seminary in May, 2022.
Sheila earned the Bache- lor of Science degree in Busi- ness Management from the University of Florida, and the Master of Education in Educa- tional Leadership from Na- tional Louis University.
It’s Time To Start Eating Smart
Get ready to explore the
Town of Cool Greenz as Bran- don Broccoli, Cathy Cabbage, Calvin Corn, Cedric Celery, and Crystal Carrot are “brought to life” to encourage children to eat their vegetables every day. Their favorite clock will be featured throughout the story as a reminder that it is time to start eating smart. Before the story closes, the vegetable charac- ters will share their Cool Greenz Vegetable Song.
Visit Amazon or the web- site to purchase!!! You can also listen to the Cool Greenz Veg- etable Song on the website. www.knowledgeisllc. com.
PAGE 2-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021