Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1365748
< Angela Boykin Angela Boykin, the 2021 Legacy Queen for the Cherry Blossom Festival, has a zest for life that shines even more than her crown. She's passionate, vibrant and has lived in Macon for 13 years. With an impressive career including 34 years of federal service, Boykin's love of fitness, health, travel and giving back keeps her plenty busy after retirement. Her advice for women trying to achieve a better blend is to be patient with yourself and to set goals. "Your mental and physical health is very important, so make time for self-care in the hustle and bustle of life," she said. "Set goals in key areas of your life. For me, I developed a habit of setting six: spiritual, family, career, health, financial and leisure goals. I also included a personal affirmation and posted it on my dashboard, mirror and refrigerator as a reminder to maintain perspective." For women approaching retirement, Boykin said it is important to prepare emotionally for the separation from your work life and to have a financial strategy. "Plan what you've always wanted to do and never had the time for, and create a bucket list," Boykin said, adding that she was always intrigued by becoming bilingual, so she enrolled in a Spanish class and also studied American Sign Language. A prime example of the phrase "60 is the new 40," after retirement Boykin also trained for road races, half marathons, a sprint-distance triathlon. She became a certified personal trainer and competed and placed in the Georgia Supernatural Bodybuilding and Fitness competition. She lives by "e Golden Rule" and said her parents were the strongest influence on her life. "eir influences evoked a strong discipline, work ethic, decision-making and ambition to succeed," she said. "It created in me an obligation to represent African- American females." Family is extremely important to Boykin. She and her husband recently celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary. She has two adult stepchildren, a grandson, a goddaughter and a godson. < Ning 'Kitty' Herink Ning Herink, affectionally known as "Kitty," owns K's Cleaners and Alteration in downtown Macon. She is kind, thoughtful and caring. She has lived in Macon for 20 years with her husband and their son, who is in medical school. For women of any age, her advice is to never give up on your dreams. "Even though you may not be able to pursue your dream right now, keep dreaming," she said. "Always, always keep your dream in your heart." When she came to the United States, she dreamed of owning her own business. After working in banking for 13 years, her dream came true when she opened the doors to K's. Her banking customers even followed her to her new occupation and have been supporting her ever since. "I really feel like I can contribute my skills and care for my customers," she said. Her advice for those approaching retirement is to "value yourself. Find the right organization or passion you have and get involved. God gives everyone a different talent, so share yours as I will share mine," she said. Herink doesn't always follow the trends, but whatever she wears, she looks for items that show off her personality, her Chinese culture and her features. "Focus on being comfortable in what you're wearing, and 'be joyful,'" she said, a message from one of her favorite Bible verses, 1 essalonians 5:16-18. "I always keep my heart open and try to learn something new all the time. Never refuse to learn or experience new things." APRIL/MAY 2021 | maconmagazine.com 117