From Kinesiology to Interior Design: A Unique Path

Cynthia’s path to interior design was unconventional. Originally pursuing a degree in Kinesiology, her life took a dramatic turn after the heartbreaking loss of her son. It was during this time that she discovered her true calling – interior design. This shift was not just a career change; it was a leap towards healing and rediscovering herself.

Breaking Barriers and Setting Standards

Cynthia’s impact on the interior design industry is undeniable. Making history as the first African American interior designer to preside over the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), Illinois Chapter, she broke barriers and paved the way for inclusivity within the design community. Her diverse background, combining aesthetics and functionality, sets her apart in an industry often focused on surface-level beauty.

Awards and Recognition: A Testament to Excellence

Cynthia’s expertise and vision have earned her numerous awards, including multiple Distinguished Service Awards from ASID and recognition as the “Emerging Designer To Watch” by the Black Interior Designer Network. Each award highlights not just her skill in design but her dedication to elevating the industry standard.

Transforming Spaces, Transforming Lives

At CCS Interior Design Group, the philosophy is clear: design is more than aesthetics; it’s about creating spaces that resonate with the inhabitants’ lifestyles and aspirations. Whether it’s a modern downtown condo or a traditional suburban home, Cynthia and her team ensure that each project reflects the unique personality of its owner, seamlessly integrating elegance and functionality.

Looking Ahead: Dreams and Aspirations

As for the future, Cynthia envisions CCS Interior Design Group growing exponentially, with aspirations to feature her designs in top magazines and expand her clientele globally. Balancing her professional ambitions with personal growth, she dreams of hosting a design show, further establishing her influence in the design world.

Engaging the Ideal Client

Cynthia’s ideal clients are as diverse as her designs. Targeting affluent professionals aged 35-70, she focuses on those embarking on significant life changes, be it new homeownership or major renovations. Her designs cater to a range of styles, from contemporary to transitional, ensuring each space is a true reflection of the client’s taste and lifestyle.

The Heart of Design: Community and Personal Growth

Community service forms an integral part of Cynthia’s ethos. Her involvement with organizations like Design 4 Dignity and Make-A-Wish showcases her belief in using design as a force for good. This commitment extends to her business, where she aspires to invest more in her team, acknowledging the role they play in her success.

Cynthia Bolton-Smith’s journey with CCS Interior Design Group is more than a story of success; it’s a narrative of transformation, resilience, and the power of embracing one’s passion.

For those seeking to redefine their space with elegance and sophistication, look no further than CCS Interior Design Group – where every design is a journey into luxury. To learn more, visit https://ccsinteriordesign.com.

Elegance Redefined: A Journey into Luxury with CCS Interior Design

Photo Credit: CCS Interior Design Group

From a Registered Nurse to a Beacon of Health and Fitness: The Journey of Anthony Finochio, RN

The Chicago Journal Staff on January 4, 2024

By: Victoria Nguyen

Introduction

In many ways, Anthony Finochio is just like you and me. He’s battled through adversity, and like a champion, has risen from it with extraordinary resilience. Moreover, the strength he exhibited in his journey has also given wings to his desire to help others. Anthony Finochio is not just a registered nurse with six years of grueling experience; he is a trailblazer, a fitness junkie, a personal trainer, and a strong advocate for primary healthcare prevention. Today, he stands proudly as the co-owner of Asclepius Movement LLC, delivering his innovative health and fitness expertise worldwide.

Journey as a Registered Nurse

Anthony’s journey as a healthcare professional was not a paved road. From traversing through different hospital systems across Pennsylvania and other states in the United States, his experiences have been as diverse as they have been challenging. The height of the COVID-19 pandemic unveiled to him many struggling facets of the healthcare system, allowing him a deeper understanding of chronic diseases and their onslaught. The countless instances where system gaps have negatively impacted patients imprinted upon him the critical importance of preventative healthcare. This realization signaled a new direction for Anthony’s professional trajectory.

Venturing into Fitness

Undeterred, Anthony dove head-first into the vast sea of fitness and health training. Establishing his roots at LA Fitness and subsequently branching off to form his own ventures, he realized his passion for empowering individuals to lead healthier, productive lives. Carving a place within the health industry with his unique brand early on, FinochioFitness, Anthony began his journey of personifying his deeply etched motto, “if it doesn’t kill you, it only makes you stronger.”

Positioned as an adept personal trainer, Anthony distills his conventional knowledge and experience in the medical field and intertwines it with upcoming research and individual experimentation to create authentic fitness solutions. He’s not merely about calisthenics and cardio; he’s about creating strategic meal plans, developing bespoke workout regimes, and providing holistic life coaching experiences. For Anthony, fitness goes far beyond a choice; it’s a way of living, and he wants to share this perspective with the world.

Asclepius Movement LLC: The Quest for Primary Prevention

On his quest for primary prevention as a means of combating chronic illnesses and promoting healthier lifestyles, Anthony co-founded Asclepius Movement LLC. Steeped in the wisdom of the famous Greek quote he reveres, “health is wealth,” this platform represents a convergence of authentic medical knowledge with the passion for bringing about a proactive change in healthcare.

Promoting primary prevention instead of adopting reactive approaches, Anthony sternly believes that timely health management can slow, if not stall, the devastating effects of most illnesses. This is the vision that drives the Asclepius Movement – transforming lives one step at a time towards optimum health and wellness.

Moving Forward

Anthony’s journey is far from over. Today, he stands as a beacon of health awareness, transformative fitness, and proactive lifestyle changes. He shines brightly through his Instagram accounts (@anthonyfinochio and @asclepiusmvt) and his website asclepiusmovement.com, where he inspires innumerable followers with his knowledge, enthusiasm, and verdicts on living a healthier, happier life.

Conclusion

Anthony Finochio, RN, may have started his journey through hospital corridors and night shifts, but today, he strides on the health and fitness stage with offerings that transcend conventional preventative medicine. He sees a world where disease prevention starts at your doorstep, with well-tuned workouts and balanced diets. A world where the best version of yourself is ready to rise and take the bull by the horns, just as he did. This is the reality he is not only convinced is attainable but actively making possible through his work at Asclepius Movement. For those invested in their health and well-being, the name to follow is Anthony Finochio, RN. Embark on the journey towards a healthier, fulfilling life today.

Elegance Redefined: A Journey into Luxury with CCS Interior Design