Latest news with #Ginger
Style Blueprint
14 hours ago
- Business
- Style Blueprint
She Helped Start a Game-Changing 'Giving Circle' Right Here in BHAM
Share with your friends! Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit When The Women's Network — a membership organization for professional women in Birmingham — dissolved in 2022, Ginger Jefferson saw an opportunity to continue its mission. Ginger, who retired in 2023 from the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, helped the group use its remaining assets to start an endowed fund with the Foundation: The Women's Network Giving Circle. Now, Ginger leads the group in supporting women and girls through giving, networking, and grants. Get to know this inspiring FACE of Birmingham! Pin The Women's Network has an interesting history. Tell us about that. The Women's Network was an organization for women that was started in 1978, because working women were not invited to be members of organizations like Rotary and Kiwanis. So, they started an organization where professional women could network with each other and find mentors. Around 2017, membership began to decline as more women were invited to join other clubs that now welcomed women. And then COVID really hit us fairly hard. Our tagline is 'Women Helping Women.' We wanted to keep what we loved about the organization, which was women being there for each other, supporting each other, and having a great networking place. I've met some of my closest friends through The Women's Network. How did the Giving Circle come to be? I was working at the Community Foundation at the time and was also the president of the organization, and I proposed the idea of a giving circle. I had seen it work really well. For example, the Birmingham Change Fund was one of the first African American giving circles ever in the country, and it's right here at the Community Foundation. We voted on the idea, and everyone loved it. The endowed donor-advised fund allows women to enjoy the effect of collective giving. We can come together, work together as a group of women, and provide resources for organizations in Birmingham and Jefferson County that are focused on helping women and girls. Pin Why do you think it's important for giving circles like this one to exist? I could give my $100, $200, or $300 to an organization. But with a giving circle, we're taking my and other members' money and piling it together. It's gaining interest because it's in a fund at the Community Foundation, so it's growing. Plus, it's endowed, so it's there in perpetuity. When I'm gone, that fund will still be there at the Community Foundation. It allows us to pull all of that together and have a bigger effect. Plus, we still get to get together, see each other, and have fun. That's very important to us, and we want to open the invitation to women in Birmingham who are interested. Pin What types of organizations are you looking to support with the funds? Our mission is to support nonprofit organizations that provide opportunities to overcome barriers for women and young girls in Jefferson County. Our first grant last year was to Woman of Worth, an amazing organization of these three wonderful women who mentor young girls in Ensley. Our second grant was to the Women Under Construction Network. They have a cool program that teaches single moms how to do projects in their homes. Pin What do you like to do for fun or to relax? I love to travel, hike, and read. I have an embarrassing passion for mystery novels. I could read two books a day, but I don't let myself do that. I just became a certified Enneagram teacher, and I'm what we call a social type nine on the Enneagram. That means I'm like, 'OK, we can do this and this!' I like being busy. I love to entertain. I love having people over to my house and cooking for them. To me, being able to share a meal and break bread together is probably one of the best ways to get to know other people. Pin Where are some of your favorite places to hike? In Birmingham, we are so fortunate. We love to go to Red Mountain Park and Ruffner. I used to ride bikes a lot at Oak Mountain, and then would hike. We did a 10-day hiking trip back in 2017 to the Czech Republic, and then a couple of years ago, we went to Scotland. What's the best advice you have to offer? The best advice I can offer is to really take time to know yourself, understand yourself, and give yourself grace. Because when you can give yourself grace, it's easier to give other people grace. Pin LIGHTNING ROUND: Three things you can't live without: Mascara, coffee, and being able to walk outside. Last great trip:We went to Japan in October. My husband had a big birthday — he just turned 70 — and he was actually born in Japan. So, we went there for his birthday. Travel bucket list destination: To hike the Sacred Valley and up to Machu Picchu in Peru. Last great books you read: Everything Is Tuberculosis by John Green and Kindred by Octavia Butler. Last great meal at a local restaurant: I love to eat at Chez Fonfon. That's my special occasion place. I love their pâté plate, and anything that Chef Frank Stitt does with fish is amazing. Favorite podcast: The Rest is History As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. ********** Southern women are doing remarkable things. Meet more of them in our FACES archives! About the Author Javacia Harris Bowser Javacia Harris Bowser is a Birmingham-based freelance writer and the founder of See Jane Write, an online community and coaching service for women who write. With over 20 years of journalism experience, Javacia has received awards from the National Federation of Press Women, Alabama Media Professionals, Alabama Press Association, and the Alabama State Council on the Arts. When she's not writing, she's usually practicing Pilates, getting her 10K steps a day, or watching crime shows. Follow Javacia on Instagram @seejavaciawrite.
Jordan News
20 hours ago
- Health
- Jordan News
Which Herbs Help Lower Blood Pressure? - Jordan News
Which Herbs Help Lower Blood Pressure? Lifestyle changes are a key part of managing high blood pressure, and studies have shown that many herbs, long used in traditional medicine, offer significant cardiovascular benefits and help reduce blood pressure naturally and effectively. اضافة اعلان 1. Garlic Garlic tops the list due to its active compound allicin, which helps relax blood vessels and improve circulation—leading to lower blood pressure. Numerous studies have shown that garlic supplements, especially aged garlic extract, can significantly reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Research also indicates that garlic, whether used alone or alongside medications, may reduce the risk of heart attacks or strokes by 16% to 40%. 2. Hibiscus Often consumed as a tea, hibiscus is rich in antioxidants that help relax blood vessels and enhance blood flow. Drinking 1–3 cups daily has been shown to significantly lower blood pressure, with some studies suggesting effects comparable to mild medications. 3. Cinnamon Cinnamon contains anti-inflammatory compounds that support vessel relaxation and responsiveness. A meta-analysis found that cinnamon may reduce both systolic and diastolic pressure within just eight weeks. Ceylon cinnamon is recommended over Cassia cinnamon, which may be harmful in large quantities. 4. Holy Basil, Cardamom, and Ginger Holy Basil (Tulsi) helps relieve stress—one of the main contributors to high blood pressure. It lowers cortisol levels and soothes blood vessels. Cardamom has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and acts similarly to calcium channel blockers, aiding blood flow. One study showed moderate blood pressure reduction after three months of daily intake. Ginger enhances circulation and reduces vascular spasms. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities help lower both systolic and diastolic pressure, even in small daily amounts. 5. Turmeric, Sesame, and Flaxseeds Turmeric contains curcumin, which reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in blood vessels, supports elasticity, and improves vascular function. Some studies show a notable drop in systolic pressure with curcumin use. Sesame seeds or oil are rich in healthy fats and antioxidants. Regular use of sesame oil may enhance nitric oxide production, relaxing blood vessels and reducing blood pressure. Flaxseeds are high in omega-3s, fiber, and antioxidants. Daily consumption supports sustainable blood pressure reduction and overall heart health. They're easy to add to everyday meals. How to Include These Herbs in Your Diet Incorporating these herbs doesn't require major effort: Add fresh garlic, ginger, or basil leaves to salads, soups, or stir-fries. Drink hibiscus or ginger tea daily. Sprinkle cinnamon, flaxseeds, sesame, or ground cardamom on oatmeal, yogurt, or baked goods. For those who prefer supplements, many of these herbs are available as capsules, powders, or even healthy gummies. Choose products certified by trusted organizations like USP or NSF to ensure purity and accurate labeling. Important Precautions While these herbs have health benefits, some precautions are essential—especially when taken as supplements: Consult your doctor before starting any herbal supplement, particularly if you're on blood pressure medication, as interactions may occur. Stick to recommended dosages to avoid side effects. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid most herbal remedies unless under medical supervision. Monitor your blood pressure regularly if using herbs for treatment to prevent dangerous drops.
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
IHCL reports Q1 revenues of Rs 2,102 crore, PAT at Rs 296 crore
Tata Group backed Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has reported consolidated revenues of Rs 2102 crore for the quarter ended June, up 32% year on year. The chain reported a profit after tax of Rs 296 crore, up 19% year on year. ADVERTISEMENT IHCL MD and CEO Puneet Chhatwal said despite the geo-political challenges, flight disruptions and booking cancellations, quarter one of financial year 2026 marked the thirteenth consecutive quarter of 'record performance' for the chain. 'In line with our guidance, the company reported a double-digit growth in consolidated revenue. The hotel segment's revenue at Rs 1,814 crore grew by 14% leading to a strong EBITDA margin of 31.4%,' he said. 'This performance was enabled by diversification of our top line across same store hotels, not like for like growth and new Businesses consolidated revenue growing by 27% over the previous year. The hospitality sector, despite geopolitical headwinds continues to show resilience and sustained growth,' he added. The chain said it continued its growth momentum with 12 signings taking the portfolio to over 390 hotels and opened six new hotels in the quarter. The brand was also recently ranked by Brand Finance-UK as the World's Strongest Hotel Brand 2025 for the fourth time and India's Strongest Brand across sectors for the fifth time. Quarter one also marked the Ginger Kolkata hotel acquisition by the Tata Group. 'Indian Hotels Company feels privileged to have the backing of Tata Sons to acquire a trophy asset for the Ginger brand at the Kolkata airport. Growing in major airport locations is a part of our growth strategy,' said Chhatwal. ADVERTISEMENT The chain said its domestic same store hotels delivered an 11% consolidated revenue per available room growth with a premium of 60% versus the industry. The international consolidated portfolio reported an occupancy of 78%, up 460 basis points, resulting in a revenue per available room growth of 13%. IHCL's management fee income grew by 17% to Rs 133 crore on the back of not like for like growth. IHCL signed 12 hotels during the period under review with five Taj hotels including three luxury wildlife lodges in Kruger National Park, South Africa, two SeleQtions and Ginger hotels each and one hotel each under Gateway, Vivanta and Tree of Life brands. The quarter saw six new hotels open including a Taj in Alibaug, two SeleQtions resorts in Lakshadweep, a Gateway in Coorg and a Ginger hotel in Dehradun. IHCL said it has a gross cash balance of Rs 3,073 crore as on June 30 2025. The chain's air and institutional catering business segment (TajSATS) clocked a revenue of Rs 290 crore, a 21% growth over the previous year and an EBITDA margin at 23.5%. ADVERTISEMENT The new businesses vertical comprising Ginger, Qmin, amã Stays & Trails and Tree of Life reported an enterprise revenue of Rs 212 crore, a growth of 25% and a consolidated revenue of Rs 162 crore, a growth of 27%. (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel)
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Not just Taj: Tata Group-owned Indian Hotels' diversified portfolio fuels 13th record quarter
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel As The Indian Hotels Company Ltd IHCL ) rides high on its thirteenth consecutive quarter of record financial performance, it's not just the iconic Taj hotels doing the heavy lifting. The Tata Group 's hospitality arm is seeing robust growth in its portfolio of new and reimagined businesses, including budget brand Ginger , food delivery platform Qmin , and its boutique homestay offering amã Stays & these verticals clocked an enterprise revenue of Rs 212 crore in the April–June quarter, up 25% year-on-year, and contributed Rs 162 crore to IHCL's consolidated revenues, marking a 27% growth over the previous led the charge, with Rs 180 crore in enterprise revenue and a healthy EBITDAR margin of 40%. With a portfolio of 105 hotels and 31 more in the pipeline, Ginger is emerging as a key growth engine for IHCL in the lean-luxe space, targeting younger, value-conscious travelers without compromising on IHCL's cloud kitchen and dining delivery business, has expanded rapidly to 93 outlets across multiple formats, including on-premise restaurants, delivery-only kitchens, and Qmin Shops. The company continues to position it as a lifestyle and convenience brand built on the Taj brand's culinary amã Stays & Trails, IHCL's luxury homestay and heritage vacation venture, has scaled up to 309 bungalows, with 138 currently operational, capitalising on the rising demand for private, experiential travel. The brand has quietly become one of India's largest branded homestay of Life, another boutique acquisition, is now at 21 resorts, with 18 already operational, further extending IHCL's footprint into high-end, offbeat Managing Director & CEO Puneet Chhatwal said the strong performance reflects the success of the company's diversification strategy. 'This performance was enabled by diversification of our top line across same-store hotels, not-like-for-like growth, and our new businesses. The hospitality sector, despite geopolitical headwinds, continues to show resilience and sustained growth,' he over 390 hotels now in its portfolio, including recent openings in Alibaug, Lakshadweep, Coorg, and Dehradun, IHCL's expansion is no longer just about adding rooms, it's about building a hospitality ecosystem that stretches from safari lodges in South Africa to cloud kitchens in India's metros.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Global retail company Lulu Group explores strategic sourcing from Meghalaya
A high-level eight-member delegation from Lulu Group International , led by Salim M.A., Director, Global Operations, visited Meghalaya for a series of strategic engagements aimed at strengthening international market linkages for the state's agricultural products. The visit follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Lulu Group International and the Meghalaya State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB) in November 2023 at World Food India, New Delhi, facilitated by APEDA. Over the past two years, MSAMB has proactively facilitated the export of GI-tagged Khasi Mandarin, Pineapple, and Ginger through both air and sea routes. The delegation held an official meeting with the Conrad K. Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Minister of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, and senior secretaries from the Department. The Chief Minister assured the delegation of full government support in maximizing this partnership. He emphasized the importance of leveraging Meghalaya's unique agro-climatic conditions and traditional practices to create a strong brand identity in global markets. 'Our focus is on ensuring maximum efficiency with the investments we make, so that the volume of products reaching international markets continues to grow,' said Conrad. 'As a government, we are fully committed to this partnership. Meghalaya is an agro-based society, and our produce, especially the GI-tagged and organic varieties, are unique to this region. These products have immense potential, and we are determined to take them to global platforms. Today, we are witnessing significant growth in production, organic certification, and farmer collectivization. A great deal of groundwork is already in motion, and we are building on that momentum to ensure long-term gains for our farmers,' he added. Live Events In recent years, the Government of Meghalaya has taken bold and innovative steps to establish direct export channels for the state's unique agricultural products, particularly those with Geographical Indication (GI) tags and certified organic status. In a pioneering move last year, the State Government facilitated the first-ever direct export of GI-tagged Khasi Mandarin to Dubai via air cargo from Guwahati Customs, effectively bypassing conventional routes like Mumbai's Sea ports and airports. This marked a breakthrough in agri-export logistics from the region, ensuring faster and more efficient transportation of perishable, high-value produce. Building on this success, direct exports of pineapple consignments were also initiated, with Air India Cargo managing the shipment directly from Guwahati. These interventions reflect the Government's strong commitment to streamlining export infrastructure and reducing turnaround times for both farmers and international buyers. To date, Meghalaya has successfully exported over 13 metric tons of GI-tagged Khasi Mandarin and 10 metric tons of Pineapple to markets in the Middle East, reinforcing the state's reputation for high-quality and fresh produce. Further elevating Meghalaya's presence in international markets, the first-ever sea shipment of 15 metric tons of organic ginger was successfully dispatched to Dubai in March 2025, facilitated by the Meghalaya State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB) in collaboration with the Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic Farmer Producer Company. This shipment showcased the scalability, traceability, and global readiness of Meghalaya's organic value chains. This initiative was not only a testament to the Government of Meghalaya's vision of integrating its farmers into global value chains but also helped lay the foundation for lasting trade relationships with major retail groups such as Lulu. The experience enabled farmers to better understand global consumer preferences, branding standards, and packaging benchmarks- key areas that are now being addressed in collaboration with Lulu Group and other partners. These strategic efforts reflect the broader goal of the state to create sustainable, high-value market opportunities for Meghalaya's farmers while positioning the state as a competitive player in the international organic and GI-tagged product space.
