Ask Us Beauty Magazine: Growth Mindset 2022

ASKUSBEAUTY

BEAUTY/WELLNESS GROWTH MINDSET

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & CO-FOUNDER

Michelle Emmick

BEAUTY DIRECTOR & CO-FOUNDER

Kellie Galvin

EDITOR

Chell Morrow

PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT

Allison Michele Horwath

DIGITAL MARKETING

Heather Cleverly

MANAGING EDITOR & CO-FOUNDER

Amy Breuer

COVER

Hair + Photography by Glenn Nutley for The Content Collective Makeup by: Marylin Lee Spiegal using Danessa Myricks Beauty Clothing & Styling by: Julie Kozak Clothing & Styling Assistant: Leslie Chaney White Shirt: Alexander Wang

SENIOR EDITOR

Marianne Pienias

Jordan Peden

WEB

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

Kylie Malcolm

CONTACT

Contact Us at hello@askusbeautymagazine.com or visit our website at askusbeautymagazine.com

GUIDELINES

CONTRIBUTORS

Ali Landry

Amber Shaw

Arianne Zucker

Diane McMillen

Dr. Beverly Pedroche

Dr. Mary Lynn Moran

Dr. Kemunto Mokaya Dr. Pia Lieb

Elena George Josie Bissett

Laurie Yannon Wing Marcia Agius Tequila Dodard Marianne Pienias Jordan Peden

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES advertising@ askusbeautymagazine.com

Ask Us Beauty Magazine looks to provide our readers with educational and empowering content. We ask our contributors to share their stories through their own words and beliefs. Our content providers are not employees of Ask Us Beauty, and while we do seek out contributors that we consider subject matter experts to the stories we share, we do not represent or guarantee their contributions and note that we are independent of the information they provide. We are committed to providing accurate information. If an error is brought to our attention, whether grammatical or factual, we will be happy to make the appropriate changes. Please feel free to contact us hello@askusbeautymagazine.com

Ask Us Beauty Magazine participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorial chosen products through our links to retailer sites. These are products/services that we believe may offer value to our readers. This does not affect our decisions on the products or services we select. We always want to champion that our readers decide for themselves on all beauty/wellness decisions which is the mission of our platform.

For 20 years of my career, I’ve coached women to do something for themselves. That sounds like an easy concept, but more often than not, I found that women need to be reminded of their worth. Throughout the years, many women have told me stories about everyone and everything that was a much bigger priority than themselves, and some of those stories – many of those stories – broke my heart. It’s hard to put yourself first when your to-do list seems never ending. I know. I feel that way often. But truth be told, without investing in ourselves, we can’t serve all the people and purposes in our lives because we’re not showing up as our best selves. We deserve that, and so does everyone around us. So, here’s the good news: you and I are in the driver’s seat and always have the opportunity to learn, expand, and give ourselves more! Whether it’s taking an exercise class, eating healthier, or, my personal favorite, reading AUB Magazine; investing in yourself comes in all different forms. From physical and emotional health to passions and interests, making small, continual improvements will positively impact our quality of life, and we need to remind each other of this often.

This issue of Ask Us Beauty is about providing you with knowledge, ideas, and opinions from those who have dedicated their lives to becoming educated in a specific field or discipline. Our goal is to provide you with ways to be more, grow more, and love more. Why? Because we know that education is one of the most important paths to empowerment, and with that confidence, we can make better decisions and discoveries that bring the greatest return – a return that will lead to the ultimate reward, the best version of YOU. So let’s get educated, empowered, and do something for ourselves. We are in this together!

Xoxo, Michelle Emmick Editor-in-Chief

ARIANNE ZUCKER

FOUNDATION MISTAKES

PEOPLE PLEASING

STAND OUT BEAUTY

AWARD-WINNING HAILIE SAHAR MAKES HISTORY AS ONE OF THE FIVE TRANSGENDER LEAD ACTORS TO STAR IN RYAN MURPHY’S CULTURALLY GROUNDBREAKING FX SERIES, POSE.

HANDBAGS

UP COMEDIAN

THE ART OF IMMERSION

JILL VALENTINE’S NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION GIVES ARTISTS NEW AND CREATIVE OPPORTUNITIES.

THE POWER OF THEATER

FRAN POWERS DEDICATES HER LIFE TO SHARING STORIES OF OTHERS THROUGH POWERSTORIES.

ASK US BEAUTY MEDICAL LEADERS

DR. KELLYANN PETRUCCI, DR. KEMMY, DR. WHITNEY BOWE, DR. LAXMI MEHTA, DR. ELIZABETH POYNOR, DR. PIA LIEB, DR. SELINA MCGEE, PAM CHANEY, AND, JENNIFER DEMAIO GIVE US THE HEALTH TIPS WE NEED TO KNOW.

GLOW THERMAL

ANA GONZALEZ HERRERA FOUNDER OF GLOW BOTANICA & HORMONE UNIVERSITY

A COMPANY THAT PROVIDES A SERIES OF EFFECTIVE NATURAL REMEDIES TO HELP ACHIEVE HORMONAL BALANCE BY TARGETING PMS AND MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS.

LIANE MOCCIA

A PERSONAL STORY THROUGH IN VITRO FERTILIZATION (IVF).

TIMELESS BEAUTY

DARLA FISCHER’S MOMENT OF REFLECTION AND TIMELESS WISDOM

UNEXPECTED

SMALL TOWN, BIG HEART

DOROTHY ROBERTS AND HER SMALL TOWN OF PASS CHRISTIAN, MISSISSIPPI THAT HAS SO MUCH HEART.

BOOKS WE LOVE

JULIE SOLOMON’S “GET WHAT YOU WANT” AND OUR ASK US BEAUTY BOOK CLUB PICK “CAN’T HURT ME” BY DAVID GOGGINS.

Dr. Corinne Devin is a triple crown beauty queen and a U. S. Naval officer. She is a Navy Commander, orthodontist, and public speaker with a passion for volunteering. While in residency, Dr. Devin earned the title Ms. Texas, and then after graduating, she won Ms. United States 2012, internationally won Ms. Galaxy 2014, Ms. Earth 2018 and International Ms. 2020. The titles allowed her the opportunity to get involved with local communities, speaking at events including elementary schools, where she mentored young girls. She used her past of beauty queen to Navy officer to orthodontist to inspire impressionable girls and encourage them to go after their dreams. She continued to balance her two passions, serving as the keynote speaker at the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Conference to over 1,000 middle school girls for the Department of Defense in Japan and Italy.

Dr. Corinne believes that being well-rounded in a multitude of areas can inspire, motivate, and place the seed of determination into our youth and their peers. That is where true beauty lies, being confidently vulnerable in who you are and showing there is strength in femininity. Currently stationed in Japan, Corinne is returning to California in 2023. Her recently published book, Commander to Crown became an instant Amazon #1 best-seller in 10 categories with the digital version., and can be purchased from the link below.

https://linktr.ee/drcorinnedevin Disclaimer

These views are the views of the author and not the views of the Department of Defense.

Dr. Corinne Devin Commander, United States Navy Orthodontist, Diplomate of American Board of Orthodontics

Enhanced NEOcomplex

Tired of goopy, clumpy, and other hyaluronic acid products that don’t add to the patient and technician experience? Try Enhanced NEOcomplex for a clean, smooth and luxurious experience for you and your patients.

TONS OF SLIP WITH NO DRIP!

This non-irritating and efficacious formula of pure medical-grade hyaluronic acid. Glides on beautifully for a hydrated, smooth and soft appearance to the skin. Enhanced NEOcomplex plumps and nourishes the skin for a supple and soft texture. This potent anti-aging formula helps achieve a more youthful appearing skin by greatly increasing the amount of water in the tissue. It’s clean and safe for the most sensitive skin...the perfect HA for all your aesthetic service needs!

Formulated and packaged without: Parabens

Sulfates

Phthalates

— Westerville Dermatology

Available in individual (6ml) and backbar (100ml) sizes.

To order Enhanced NEOcomplex, with 3X the amount of hyaluronic acid compared to traditional products, please visit neoconceptsinc.com/products or scan the QR code to the right.

“Our patients commented on how nice the formula is as soon as we switched to Enhanced NEOcomplex from our original HA product. That was a very nice surprise for us!”

Summer Lovin’

Relationships with Lauren Zoeller

@laurenzoeller

As the summer months begin their approach, so do the ‘summer flings,’ which may leave you thinking “Is my relationship built to last?” When I heard about the theme for this issue, education and empowerment, I thought this would be a great opportunity to share a tool to identify the strength of your current or potential “summer love” interest.

The foundation of a long- lasting relationship is similar to a four- legged chair. Each leg represents a key element that builds the foundation of the relationship, and if at any time, one of the four legs is missing or cracked, the chair may wobble or, in some cases, crumble.

In my time working with women, I have developed this tool that can help identify if a relationship has long-term potential. Take a look at the four legs below, and get curious about your current relationship foundation.

Leg #1: Shared Values: Shared values keep you together during the difficult times and bring joy during the good times. A few examples of shared values look like marriage or having the same views on monogamy.

Leg #2: Shared Future Goals: Do you both want the same thing for your future? Shared future goals keep you working towards the same outcome. Where do you both want to be five years from now? Is it similar?

Leg #3: Shared Lifestyles: There’s nothing wrong with purchasing the finer things in life, and there’s also nothing wrong with shopping at discount stores for your favorite steal. They both have a place and are a part of a lifestyle preference. You don’t have to like all of the same

things, but your main lifestyle views should be similar in order for the relationship to thrive.

Leg #4: Sexual Connection and Deep Intimacy: Are you attracted to this person? Do you have a deep desire to connect on a deeper level with them? Oftentimes, we overlook attraction because the person we are with “checks all of the other boxes.” Attraction and wanting to know someone deeply is a crucial part of a successful relationship.

If you are currently dating and you’re trying to decide if they are worth long-term commitment, take a moment to check in with the four legs above. If one or several of the legs are missing, it may be a sign that the relationship is not meant to last. Building a relationship on a rocky foundation is difficult.

In that same breath, if you are in a long-term relationship and one of the legs begins to crack or suddenly shifts, it may be time to do the work to repair the relationship or begin to have an honest conversation about whether or not you’ve outgrown your partnership.

A chair cannot stand properly without all four legs, and neither can a long-term, committed relationship. If you are trying to make it work with less, let this be your nudge to get honest with yourself and your partner.

You are worthy of committed love that feels strong, solid, and aligned, even past the summer months!

Lauren Zoeller is a Somatic Dating and Relationship Coach, motivational speaker and podcast host. She is the creator of The Aligned Love Experience™, and co-owner of SHIFT with Sanctuary™

Visit laurenzoeller.com

WEDDING Destination A Love Story in Antigua & Barbuda

Never too late for love

They say love is sweeter the second time around, and at 53, Jeff and Theresa couldn’t agree more. For those who have been discouraged in relationships or don’t believe there’s love to be found, Theresa wants them to know that it’s never too late. “The desire to be loved and to give love doesn’t and shouldn’t wane with age,” and according to Jeff, well, no matter what they go through in their relationship, as long as the love doesn’t change, all is good. Allow me to introduce you to the newlyweds.

Meet The Redds.

Theresa O’Neal have found an amazing love in their second half of life. Since the first spark in 2013, the couple has spent the last nine years building a solid foundation of trust, love, and a renewed sense of purpose. They celebrated the importance of holding onto love last month by saying I do.

“Finding true love is possible for anyone at any age if you are open to receiving it and if you’re willing to put in the work” is a sentiment Theresa shared. “We both had next chapters to write. We worked on our relationship, and we both now feel a sense of peace.” If a name has anything to do with relationship compatibility, Jeff (which means peaceful) and Theresa (which means late harvest) were destined for one another.

They met during a backstage encounter at a show where Jeff was performing, and they exchanged contact information. A courtship followed – long

Award-winning music mogul Jeff Redd and Communications/Marketing Executive and Producer

talks, romantic walks – and culminated with a magical proposal in which Jeff dropped to one knee to ask Theresa to marry him and then drove directly to her father’s home to ask for his blessing. Every page of this magical love story led to this next chapter. The commitment of their love in the presence of God, family, and friends was a celebration right out of a storybook.

Enter Carolyn Punter, Marketing Officer for The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA), to add the icing on the cake. June 2022 marks the relaunch of the Romance Month Marketing Campaign and this year’s theme is “Where Love And Wanderlust Collide.” Each year for Romance Month, Antigua and Barbuda gives one lucky couple a free wedding of their dreams in paradise. “I knew that Jeff and Theresa were the perfect couple to share this experience,” Punter says.

From the dress to the dinner menu, the flowers, and the rings, local designers and business owners were showcased and shared in the experience. Every detail designed to create an enchanting destination wedding for the bride and groom. The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA), in partnership with the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA), even added a unique opportunity

by launching a “Love Lane” for couples arriving for Romance Month to fast-track through immigration.

Theresa shared that while she was excited about her picturesque wedding in the heart of the Caribbean, she had originally wanted something very simple. “Normally, it’s the bride that wants the big production, but Jeff had never had this kind of moment before, and he wanted it to be special. Jeff is a performer, but he’s also a private person. Him jumping in and getting involved in the planning felt very loving, and I really wanted it to be special and for him to enjoy every minute.”

And special it was. On June 25, 2022, Theresa O’Neal and Music Mogul Jeff Redd tied the knot at the idyllic, luxurious Carlisle Bay Antigua www. carlisle-bay.com on the tropical islands of Antigua

and Barbuda, located in the heart of the Caribbean. Voted the World Travel Awards Caribbean’s Most Romantic Destination, the twin island offers everything you could want in paradise. “People come here for a place to become refreshed, reenergized, and escape,” shares Shermain Jeremy, Special Projects and Events Manager for Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) and Team Lead for the Romance Pillar Team. “It’s all about the experience. The country has worked hard to elevate their brand and create out-of-this-world resort and island experiences. Jeff and Theresa’s wedding was one of those breathtaking experiences.”

Theresa shares that her whole life has been a late harvest, but every step has brought her to this beautiful place. “I want everyone to know that love the second time around can be amazing. We came together as an older couple, and we went through some times that were challenging, but we’ve come together and reached a place that feels great. It’s peaceful, and it’s worth it.”

While Jeff and Theresa are still reeling in their Caribbean nuptials, they kept the party going for themselves and loved ones who couldn’t be in at-

tendance by hosting a Part Two Wedding Ceremony and Reception in New York. And as they begin their life together, we wish the beautiful couple a life that lives up to their names – full of peace and lasting harvest.

Destination Wedding Vendors

Host Property: Carlisle Bay Resort and Spa https://www.carlisle-bay.com/ Jewelry: Abbotts Jewelry http://www.abbottsjewellery.com/ Dress & Linen Tuxedo: Noreen Phillips Couture @noreenphillipscouturiere Flowers: Sheena Samuel of Creative Blush Floral Designs Custom Designed Cake: Danielle George-John of Sweet Dreams Cakes Wedding Tea Party: Tracy Guerrero & The Antigua Vintage Tea House Skincare Demo & Collaboration Between Antiguan Fashion Designer/Artist Miranda Askie and Celebrity Make Up Artist Elena George at Miranda Askie Designs Studio

Featured Skincare products by THALAC Dinner Catherine’s Café in English Harbour Photographer & Videographer: Donald Watkins of Watkins Multimedia Group https:// www.watkinsmultimedia.com/ Day Trip Photography: Mohammid Walbrook of Barbuda; Kelcina George of Barbuda Cottages, Claudette Thomas of Barbuda Belle, Devon Desouza, Tour Guide; SVG Airways for RT Air Transportation “Day In The Life Of The A&B Destination Wedding Couple In NYC” Footage: Denver Pari of Septennial Productions Tour & Photoshoot at The Antigua And Barbuda National Parks: Ann-Marie Martin, Commissioner of The Antigua and Barbuda National Parks, Host & Guide; Desley Gardner

Find information on Antigua & Barbuda visit: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com

Destination Wedding

Antigua...

...with

EMMY WINNING CELEBRITY MAKEUP ARTIST

ELENA GEORGE

It’s expected that a bride is glowing on her wedding day! Of course, the love in their eyes and smile on their face emits beauty, yet have you ever wondered how some bride’s look flawless, and their make-up always looks so fresh? We have the inside scoop from celebrity make-up artist Elena George who perfected the look of beautiful bride Theresa O’Neal (Redd) on her big day. “Weddings are one of the most photographed days of your life. For a destination wedding in Antigua, I needed to achieve make up that could withstand the heat. I love being part of the beauty that comes with helping someone look and feel their best. My goal as a Make Up Artist is to always enhance the brides’ features and to give them assurance that they will look picture perfect throughout the day! To achieve Theresa’s radiant complexion, Elena shares her top product picks and application tips.

It’s important to start with conditioning your skin with a great skin care regimen. Start disciplining your skincare plan at least 2 to 3 months before your wedding so that your skin will be soft, smooth and clear. Make sure to add a great SPF and you will see great results!

For the eyes you always want to wear waterproof eyeshadow and mascara. It’s a wedding and tears

are expected so make sure you are prepared so that those tears of joy don’t destroy your look.

Foundation is key! Especially for a destination wedding your skin foundation needs to be lighter in weight and in coverage. Heavy foundation will melt in the heat of the sun. You want to look sun kissed and a foundation that almost feels like lotion, but with light or medium coverage.

Last but not least, don’t forget a light sparkle to your skin! It’s always the best glow to the skin and around your décolletage!

Some of the products used on Theresa’s wedding day

Thalac Skincare Thrive Causemetics Eyeshadow and Mascara in Blue Bobbi Brown-Skin Foundation

Danessa Myricks Translucent Powder Victoria Secret Body Shimmer Powder

Essentials OF ESSENTIAL OILS

It all started at a dog park for Amber Laign and Marci Freede, the founders of Plant Juice Oils. Both women were in the midst of caring for family in a difficult health journey, and both were searching for answers. After discovering the wonder of essential oils – particularly lavender – Amber was singing its praises from the rooftops of the Upper West Side of Manhattan. That’s when Marci started listening. Together, they began learning all they could about essential oils and creating their own blends for family and friends, ultimately leading them to found Plant Juice Oils, a premier brand of essential oil and CBD blends focusing on women going through peri and menopause.

Essential oils play a significant role in the holistic medicine movement, and part of Amber and Marci’s mission is to educate consumers about what they are and how they work. “Essential oils is like the name of the company. It’s the juice of the plant. So they are extracted from the plant, and each plant has its own properties to it, and the different properties and different chemical compounds help aid in various wellness [capacities],” Amber told us. Marci went on to add, “It’s the life source of the plant. Thousands of years ago, long before Western medications, people used essential oils to heal.”

What makes Plant Juice Oils unique is their infusion of CBD (Cannabidiol), which provides multifaceted relief for a whole litany of issues. CBD is often misunderstood and lumped in with other cannabis products, but it’s different from typical cannabis products in that it doesn’t contain THC, the compound in the plant that creates psychoactive effects. “That’s why it’s important for Amber and I

to educate as much as we can,” Marci noted. CBDinfused Plant Juice Oils products are made with broad-spectrum CBD, which, as Marci taught us, “has zero THC, but has many other cannabinoids present that do great things for the body.”

Plant Juice Oils is currently made up of 17 products, ranging from tinctures and rollers to creams and sprays to softgels. “When we designed the line, we first started with four pillars that we really felt women were in need of – sleep, stress, pain, and low energy. And then we built outwards,” Amber shared. Marci echoed that sentiment, saying, “We started this company to help women.”

And that’s exactly what they’ve done. Amber told us the story of one of their first customers, Amanda, who was plagued with debilitating migraines and now enjoys a full and functional life with the help of the Plant Juice Oils CBD Tincture. “People write to us all the time,” Amber says. Women are also finding community in their Facebook Group: Menopause and Mocktails. “I think we’re also here to break the stigma of menopause a little bit. We’re having so many people join [the FB group] because going through this time in your life can be difficult, and knowing others are going through it too makes it a better experience all around with the support of other women.”

They’ve come a long way since the infamous lavender “gateway oil,” as Amber calls it, but one thing remains the same: their mission. Amber and Marci are supporting women through the stages of peri and menopause, helping them to advocate for themselves and feel less alone as they do so.

Simple & Satisfied

By Amber Shaw @msambershaw

Summer is here, which can mean pool days in our bathing suits, barbeques in shorts, and baseball games in tank tops. I love summer for all of those reasons, but that wasn’t always the case.

For years, the thought of having to wear less clothing and have my body and all of my insecurities exposed brought me anxiety, embarrassment, and shame.

Because I wanted to look my best in a bathing suit, right before a beach trip was usually when my obsessive, restrictive dieting would kick into high gear. I would basically starve myself for weeks leading up to the trip, and then binge my way through my vacation.

I vividly remember the struggles of one trip in particular where I was planning a trip to Europe for 10 days. We were going to the coast of France, and along with the excitement of the trip came the stress and anxiety of wearing my bathing suit and fitting perfectly in my clothes.

So for the month leading up to the trip, I went on yet another crazy crash diet. This one was more extreme than most, where I alternated fasting days with days of just light vegetables, shakes, and broth.

I did this for almost 40 days!

At the end of the 40 days, I absolutely fit into that dress I wanted to wear and felt super confident in that bathing suit, but I was exhausted and desperate for a cheeseburger.

I went on the trip, and let’s just say I ate my way through France. I came back bloated, disappointed, and even more frustrated than before. If you are someone who can identify with this, I want you to know that you aren’t alone.

In fact, this restrict/binge cycle is extremely common for women, but it is also the same cycle that keeps us bouncing from one diet to the next and feeling more defeated, hopeless, and insecure.

What I have found through my personal transformation and the transformation of hundreds of clients is that sustainable weight loss comes from eating healthy MOST of the time OVER time. It doesn’t require you to be perfect, but it does require you to stay consistent.

It’s about creating a lifestyle where nutrition is simple, satisfying, and works for YOUR life.

So just in case you need the reminder - I know the quick fix can seem appealing, especially given the time of year, but I want to encourage you to do something different this summer. I want to challenge you to start now by simply incorporating more fresh foods into your diet and making more simple, satisfying choices. It will pay off in the long run. I promise.

Tan Lines Good Times

&

Take your summer fun to a new level with these breezy, fun-filled ways to make this your best summer ever. Start enjoying the little things in life because one day you will look back and realize they were actually the big things. Summer is a great time to be carefree, embrace your inner child and be silly with family and friends. There is no better place than the here and now. Don’t wait. Make your summer memories today.

Express yourself. Dance, sing, run, jump, skip, swim, climb a tree. Soak up the sunshine. Enjoy yummy seasonal fruits. Run & jump in the sprinkler or the rain. Catch lightning bugs. Have a backyard movie night & BBQ. Wear a fun hat. Run barefoot in the grass. Get tan lines. Chase down the ice cream truck and get an ice cream cone with sprinkles. Travel - leave your comfort zone. Do yoga, meditation and long nature walks. Watch the sunset then gaze up at the stars.

Well, there you have it! Now go create new summer memories that will last a lifetime. Just remember to be yourself, act silly, laugh out loud, keep moving and have fun! Here are some of our favorite new products to help make your summer memories magical:

Always Bring Your Own Sunshine

PREMIUM BEACH UMBRELLA - LAUREN’S NAVY STRIPE BY BUSINESS & PLEASURE

The timeless and always classy Navy and White stripe Premium Umbrella is a must for any ocean or pool side adventure. Enjoy 6’ of shade when open & then pack down into a matching carry bag. Pair with their beautiful matching beach towels & blankets for that luxurious resort feel! www.businessandpleasureco.com

By Laurie Yannon Wing

Now Showing In Your Own Backyard

HOLIDAY STYLING 16 FOOT INFLATABLE OUTDOOR PROJECTOR SCREEN

The 200” movie screen is perfect for your backyard movie night, pool party or Sunday football BBQ. The screen comes with a 110V electric blower that inflates the screen quietly in just a minute - the simple set up makes it a great addition to any summer gathering. https://amzn.to/3HmpVfD

I’m Down Dog LIFESTYLE BRAND

OAK AND REED aims to provide fitness and wellness enthusiasts of every level with the most effective and aesthetically pleasing YOGA accessories available. Offering an array of trend-forward designs suited for a variety of practices, Oak and Reed celebrates the strength and spiritual journeys of each individual, while also supporting them with style every step of the way. www.oak-reed.com

All My Bags Are Packed, I’m Ready To Go

MUMI DESIGN PACKING CUBES

Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a vacation overseas, these light and durable packing cubes

ensure that your bags are neatly packed and organized. Designed to help you save space and simplify packing, this set of travel luggage organizers contains five bags in different sizes and is available in eight different colors. www.mumidesign.com

Ready For Take Off

BLISTEY LE BAG CARRY ON

This chic statement piece is the perfect companion for your upcoming travel! The BIPOC traveler and their allies inspire the Blistey Le Bag carry-on. The design uses the word Le Bag to create an ethnic print. It is sized to fit in most major airlines’ overhead bins and compact enough for weekend getaways. www.blisteyshop.com

Best Foot Forward

BLUEVIEW

PACIFIC

Introducing the world’s first 100% biodegradable sneaker from BLUEVIEW. The sustainable brand is the first to combine biodegradable materials with an ocean of comfort and serious durability for a game changing shoe that is both stylish and sustainable for your summer travels! www.blueviewfootwear.com/

The Sound Of Music

SPEAQUA BARNACLE PRO

Bring music to more places this summer with the portable San Diego speaker brand meant to perform anywhere and everywhere. The Barnacle Pro waterproof speaker allows you to bop along to your favorite songs with superior sound quality no matter where you are. And with the ability to store up to 2,000 songs directly on the speaker, you don’t need wifi or a phone to enjoy music when you’re on the go. www.speaqua.com

Don’t Forget Your Sunscreen

SPOTMYUV is wearable sticker featuring Dermatrue technology that alerts the wearer to re-apply sunscreen. Dermatrue is scientifically proven to absorb sunscreen and wear off at the same rate as it does on skin, enabling the color changing layer of the sticker to warn you at the correct time to reapply. SPOT will be clear when you are protected and then changes color - to purple - when you are not, alerting users when to re-apply their sunscreen throughout the day. www.SpotmyUV.com

Just For The Health Of It

ACTIVATEDYOU MORNING COMPLETE CITRUS, CREATED BY MAGGIE Q, is a daily wellness drink designed to support healthy gut function and boost energy levels. It contains gut nourishing prebiotics and probiotics, an antioxidant blend to support overall body health, green superfoods to improve energy and avoid a mid-day crash, a metabolic blend to boost your metabolism, etc. www.activatedyou.com

Sip Back And

Relax

BLENDI cuts the cord on traditional blending allowing smoothie lovers to blend anywhere, with ease. BLENDi is a portable 18-ounce cordless blender that’s rechargeable. At the click of a button, it combines anything from powders to fresh summer fruits and even ice for a tasty and healthy snack or meal on-the-go. www.blendiblender.com

What is your skin like in the winter, summer, spring, and fall? Are you the amazing person who has normal skin most of the year and just needs to add a little lotion on your hands for moisture? Or are you one of the victims of oily skin and battle acne most of the year? Well, dry skin is my nemesis– has been since I came out of the womb.

Finding the right combination for your skin, whether it’s dry, normal, oily, a combination of oily and dry, or sensitive, is probably something you deal with daily. I like to try the route of internal to external. Of course, I am not a dermatologist, but I do like to read, and I like to try a process of elimination. If you have severe skin allergies, my suggestions may not work, but my biggest suggestion for everyone is to always keep the right mindset.

When we stress about our physical issues, they tend to get worse, especially when it comes to changing your diet. Many of us don’t want to give up our regular routine. I have to say, since I have given up dairy and gluten, my skin has changed tremendously. I no longer get small patches of dry skin on my face and parts of my body – not to mention the added bonus of better gut health. (I just won’t give up my wine; I am willing to deal with a little extra bloating.)

My advice is to just do a little bit of research for yourself when it comes to the foods you eat and your skin type, and you may just find some healing for your skin. I will say, though, for those with dry skin,

Arianne ZUCKER

I use Eucerin and Sun Bum on my body to moisturize. The Eucerin has a great creamy texture that my skin loves to drink. The Sun Bum not only provides me with UV protection, but it has a good amount of vitamin E that my skin craves as well. The oil from the Sun Bum holds in the moisture of the Eucerin, and I have some pretty amazing skin all day long! I do have to keep applying it on my hands because they are frequently washed. But, it is worth it. My skin regime keeps the moisture in and the brown spots out, double bonus.

Choosing a new foundation can feel overwhelming. Regardless of where you shop, there are different challenges. Department stores, beauty supplies, and even cosmetic boutiques are notorious for bad, fluorescent lighting. Drug stores rarely have testers to try on, and when shopping online, colors never look accurate. Equally concerning is that we have no idea if we will like the coverage and texture without trying it. So, what are we to do?

Here are the most common foundation mistakes and some simple tips to keep in mind to improve your odds of being happy with your next foundation purchase.

#1 Wrong foundation formula

When it comes to selecting a foundation. Most people first focus on selecting a color and often end up with the wrong coverage and or finish. So, in order to rule out a lot of wrong foundations, first ask yourself these questions to select a perfect formula for your preferred makeup look that is also right for your skin.

How much coverage do you want?

Sheer, medium or full?

What finish do you prefer? Matte, semi-matte or dewy?

The answers to those two questions will help you determine the formula that is right for you.

#2 Wrong foundation shade

Deciding on the right foundation color is equally if not more confusing than determining your best formula

Most Common Mistakes FOUNDATION

Donna Mee, Professional Make Up Artist, Educator and Beauty Entrepreneur

www.donnameeinc.com

for multiple reasons.

1. Not every brand makes your skin tone!

2. Most consumers have been misinformed of their best foundation color.

3. People get confused between their undertones and surface tones of the skin.

4. They may already be wearing makeup when trying to select a new color.

5. Bad lighting in store or having to guess when ordering online or in a drug store with no testers.

The most common formulas are liquid, cream, cream souffle, cream to powder, stick, powder, pancake, sponge-on, aerosol spray and airbrush

Large cosmetic companies often make between 4 - 8 different formulas of foundation. Liquid foundation is the most popular because it comes in every coverage and finish. Think about it this way before you waste time randomly swatching colors all over your arms and body. If you want a matte finish, try out pancake, cream to powder, matte liquids and powder

Image by Lorraine Young and Makeup by Aaron Paul

foundation formulas. The most popular is a natural finish, aka semi-matte which is most often in liquids, lightweight creams, sticks and souffle’s. Once you see which formula is the right coverage and finish that you prefer, only then should you think about color.

Here’s the facts to simplify color selection.

Undertones:

We are all born with our skin undertone. Olive, yellow, golden, peach, pink, etc. For example, olive is a yellow/ green cast to the skin. The skin can be slightly olive (meaning mostly yellow with a little green) or mostly green. Sidenote: If you are unsure if you are olive, people with olive complexions tan the most easily.

Color Value:

We also have a level of lightness or darkness to our skin. Using olive again as an example, since it is the most common skin tone in the world, olive skin can be extremely fair or extremely dark and everything in between. Think of your skin value on a scale of 1 – 5 to make it easy.

Surfacetones:

And lastly, we have surface tones. These are temporary or permanent color changes to our skin that affect our overall color such as tan, sunburn, self-tanner, freckles, acne, redness, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, etc.

As we age and accumulate surface tones, they slowly start to take away our once youthful appearance, causing our original undertone to become harder to determine. This is when most people start to wear a foundation to hide the surface tones to give themselves back their youthful appearance. If you have a yellow undertone, but have accumulated sun damage and redness, most cosmetic salespeople will recommend a golden or peach shade to include some of the redness, therefore matching the more aged look of our complexion instead of restoring its youthful appearance. Yikes!

It’s best to cancel out the redness and apply a yellow undertone foundation, unless the redness is extensive and is also on the neck and chest. In this case, you do not want the appearance of a yellow head floating on top of a red neck. At that point we should succumb to the dreaded surface tones and use a foundation to blend with our neck and chest, just as we did in our youth, just in a new shade to incorporate the surface tones and sun damage we have accumulated.

Image by Lorraine Young and Makeup by Aaron Paul

Sarita SMILEY

Rogatee Essentials CEO, Sarita Smiley is very passionate about her lip-care routine. “I started my lip scrub and balm business because I’ve always taken care of my lips. I had a regimented routine and would apply lip balm wherever I went.

Sarita considered creating her own line for a long time, and it took a friend who noticed her routine one night, telling her she should really start her own line, to push her ideas into fruition. That conversation sparked Sarita to take the next step. “I did all the research and came up with Rogatee Essentials.

Although she does not claim to be a lip care specialist, Sarita is confident that you will love the outcome from using her products and is committed to delivering products that will assist you in maintaining healthy, beautiful lips. The Rogatee Essentials line includes a lip balm and lip scrub, vegan and animal-cruelty free products.

Shop Rogatee Essentials www.rogatee.com

COSMETICS Lunalis

Lunalis Skin Care is an indie beauty brand founded by sisters Nana and Laila. After tragically losing their mother to brain cancer, Nana and Laila embarked on a quest for holistic health and beauty, and, thus, Lunalis Cosmetics was born.

During a trip to their native Morocco, the two sisters discovered the magical properties of the prickly pear cactus. This plant grows fruitfully in Morocco’s dry climate and is known as the “miracle crop” because of its natural ability to soften and hydrate skin and hair. Nana and Laila have captured this extraordinary ingredient and have utilized it as the foundation of the Lunalis brand. They shared, “Our consumers care about what they put on their skin and want uncomplicated skin care products made from natural, clean ingredients that immediately make a difference in texture, hydration, and overall glow of the skin.”

In our interview, they revealed the Moroccan beauty secrets they now share with their customers and clients.

Holistic beauty products have been on the rise for the last few years. What is it that differentiates Lunalis Skin Care?

Our product is derived from the fruit of the prickly pear cactus. Prickly pear seed oil contains minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, and over 150% more vitamin

E than argan oil. This beauty booster defends skin against free radicals and UV damage and stimulates new cell growth while softening dry skin and fortifying skin’s elasticity.

What have you found on your holistic journey that you’d like to share with our readers?

At Lunalis, we’ve included the three [of Morocco’s] natural ingredients that are the most rejuvenating and protective against the onslaught of aging. The first is Prickly Pear Seed Oil, the second is Pomegranate Seed, and lastly, Saffron (often referred to as ‘Red Gold’). Talk to any woman from Morocco (and gaze at her amazing skin), and you’ll hear her praise the age-defying powers of her country’s natural skincare solutions.

https://lunalis-cosmetics.com/ @lunaliscosmetics

INABA Carrie Ann

Hair + Photography by Glenn Nutley for The Content Collective Make up by: Marylin Lee Spiegal using Danessa Myricks Beauty Clothing & Styling by: Julie Kozak Clothing & Styling Assistant: Leslie Chaney

Written by: Michelle Emmick

There’s nothing better than meeting someone who is wise, authentic, and presents themselves right away with an open heart. That was my experience being introduced to Carrie Ann Inaba. While she has held many professional titles, Carrie Ann is most recognized as an Emmynominated television host and as a judge on the Emmy-award winning series “Dancing With The Stars.”

Outside of her job, Carrie Ann is anything but judgmental, believing whole-heartedly in kindness. This sentiment was evident to me throughout our interview and was echoed by a close friend of hers with whom I spoke just a few days later. “I live by a code of honesty,” shares Carrie Ann, “and with that comes a real opinion. It is weird to be a judge, and sometimes I struggle with that internally. But at the same time, I know it’s coming from a place of kindness, and I believe the ability to provide and receive constructive feedback is important for all of us.”

Carrie Ann’s personal and professional life has taken her on an incredible journey. This journey has taught her about life and brought her to a place of acceptance, a place where she is able to fully express herself and embrace all aspects of her life. At 54 years old, Carrie Ann says she’s learned, in her own pursuits, that acceptance is much bigger and plays a much larger role in wellness than she realized. “I always thought I was striving toward something, and I took pride in myself for working so hard, but I learned there’s a peace in accepting all sides of who we are. Whether it’s the wellness seeker, the dancer, the glamour girl, the boss, or any other side, everything has led me on a long, amazing

journey and provided me with beautiful conversations to share.”

Born and raised in Hawaii, Carrie Ann is deeply rooted in an internal process of discovery. Her truth-seeking started at the age of 11, as she often found herself pondering profound questions as they related to beauty and wellness. “As an Asian American young woman growing up in Hawaii, our beauty standards were all about natural beauty. The focus was not visual; it was about what your energy says about you. There is so much heritage and different culture, that there was no ‘one’ standard of beauty. In Hawaii, we would look at each other with wonder and excitement.”

Carrie Ann grew up dancing and performing, and at age 18, moved to Japan, where she quickly became a recording artist and pop sensation. It was there that she encountered a vastly different standard. “Beauty there was like a mathematical equation. The culture had completely different standards because it’s a nation of one nationality. It was the opposite of where I came from, where we celebrate all. That was a struggle because I’m not just one thing. I had insecurity for the first time in my life. I had the fortune of not growing up with a measuring stick, and suddenly I felt measured.”

Carrie Ann shared that while she learned a lot during that time and had some great experiences, she knew her life’s journey was heading toward a different path. Just two years later, Carrie Ann returned to the US and quickly landed one of the coolest jobs of the ‘90s, a Fly Girl on the Emmy award-winning hit television show “In Living Color.” Now, for girls like me in small town America who loved

to dance, this was the pinnacle. Every outfit, every dance move – we tried to emulate it all. It was so influential that in college, my friends and I created our own little sorority, and we were known as The Fly Girls (I didn’t share this with Carrie Ann). She had an impact on me, and didn’t even know it. What made the girls so cool was that they brought hip hop and dance to the mainstream. “That was so much fun,” says Carrie Ann. “What I loved was that it was five women of various backgrounds. We were inclusive before ‘inclusive’ had to be a word that people were enforcing, and I attribute that to Keenan Ivory Wayans. He had a great vision and created a show that looked like the world outside – different skin colors and diverse backgrounds, and the humor was daring. Humor is such a big part of wellness.”

After her time as a Fly Girl, Carrie Ann continued to trailblaze her path of performance and her greatest love, dance. Her journey eventually led her to one of her favorite jobs as a dancer, touring in Madonna’s Girlie Show. “It was such an honor, and it was hard work. Madonna is nothing short of someone who pushes boundaries. It was bold and daring, and I loved it.”

Carrie Ann’s passion for dance and strong work ethic gave her the opportunity to collaborate with numerous big-name artists and appear in film and television shows. Through the years, her achievements and titles have come to include Host, Producer, Choreographer, Wellness Advocate, and Philanthropist. She’s racked up miles and made impressive stops along the way, and what’s beautiful about Carrie Ann – and I’m not sure if she even realizes it – is that she dances in everything she does. Even the way she speaks and communicates radiates a beautiful energy that I noticed right away; it’s expressive, real, full of emotion, and inspiring.

With an incredible career that has spanned over 35 years, Carrie Ann shared the growth from the early days of who and what she wanted to be to now reaching the part of her journey that has made her realize what’s missing. “There are definitely parts of my life that I haven’t cared enough about, and now in my 50s, it’s about embracing all of who I am and making myself a priority.” Carrie Ann has been upfront and courageous, sharing her personal struggles with depression, ADHD, anxiety, and chronic illness. “I now focus on wellness, and every day I check in on myself. It’s not easy to stay on a path of wellness; however, in many ways, the last three years have helped me shift inward in a better way.”

Carrie Ann used that time to connect with others who share similar life challenges and to use her resources to educate and empower herself. In 2019, she founded Carrie Ann Conversations Digital Series and wellness lifestyle site www.carrieannconversations.com.

“My platform has afforded me the opportunity to be coached by some of the greatest wellness minds, from the likes of Jane Massengill, The Medical Medium, Dr. Daniel Amen, and Dr. John Amaral, to name just a few. Every one of them has helped me. It’s made an impact on my life, and I want to help educate and empower others by sharing everything I’ve learned. It doesn’t matter if it’s scientific or spiritual; it’s important to get information and then define it for yourself.” (Are we soulmates, Carrie Ann?)

Carrie Ann Conversations delivers content to inspire and educate people to make better choices. “I want people to live a life of joy, and the website, podcast, and digital video series are based on my belief that conversations ignite possibilities. We all need outside input. I don’t always agree, yet I can still learn and make

“Be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.”

-

Max Ehrmann (from the poem “Desiderata”)

Carrie Ann’s Favorite Inspirational Quote:

Seafoam Robe Dress: CAMILLA Jewelry: Vintage

choices because I have more knowledge and choices. That’s what I’m trying to offer – TRUTH. I don’t want people to feel alone. I’ve personally felt alone, and I want a place where anyone can reach out for help.”

There were so many notable moments from my conversation with Carrie Ann that I feel like this is a ‘To be Continued’ piece. One sentiment that stuck out to me was that of understanding your place and sense of self – something that has significantly grown out of social media as we become so hyper-focused on ourselves and accomplishments, always trying to exceed those things. “When your sense of self is too large,

that’s when you start to think of yourself as too important. That becomes immense pressure.

What I’ve learned when you are seeking wellness is that everything else fades to the background. It’s about knowing who you are and keeping life simple and focused. It becomes much easier.” Wise words, my friend. And as each one of us continues to travel on our own wellness journey, we will be following yours and being part of your conversations. Thank you for shining such a guiding light.

White Shirt: Alexander Wang Seafoam Robe Dress: CAMILLA Jewelry: Vintage

Ivory Trench Coat : Aaizél

Anabella Raye

Photo Credit: Ben Ritter

@anabellaraye

Born in Los Angeles, Anabella Raye grew up watching her mother, actress Sela Ward, pursue her passion for performing and entertaining. Living in a household where creativity was celebrated, the young Anabella found her own love of acting by participating in local drama programs and performing in many plays. Her enthusiasm for acting led her to enroll at a performing arts high school, where she could be immersed in the arts and seriously study acting. She then attended Brown University where she graduated with a degree in Modern Culture and Media. During this time, she gained experience in both the art of acting and film production and appeared in numerous short films.

very easy to overlook our own beauty. When we think about beauty standards in general we often focus on what we are not instead of appreciating what we are.

What is one thing you have learned about beauty from your mother?

No smoking, no sun, lots of water. I am a substanceless cave dweller.

How do you personally define beauty?

True beauty has nothing to do with physicality. It may sound cliché, but I think it really does come from within. To me, radiating kindness, openness, and confidence in who you are is the most beautiful.

When she is not acting, Anabella expresses herself through other creative outlets, including painting, interior designing, and cooking. She also loves music and enjoys writing in various disciplines, including poetry, screenwriting, and occassionally songwriting.

Anabella can currently be seen on the show Long Slow Exhale on Spectrum On Demand.

Reader Questions

As a young woman, how do you/have you handled societal pressures when it comes to beauty standards?

I have succumbed to them (lol). Seriously, though, when I get in my head about beauty standards, I try to remind myself that it is

Inspire Always

IG@_inspirealways | Website www.inspirealways.ca

2021 started a whole new journey in my life with Inspire Always, a community built for women supporting women. It all began with stepping outside of my comfort zone. What started as a passion project has grown into something truly special. I just turned 52 last month, so please join me in celebrating with my #52weekkindnesschallenge. We all need to spread more kindness into the world.

I have committed to doing something uncomfortable every month. Follow me on Instagram for my new and fun adventures.

What are you doing that is unfamiliar/ new to live your best life?

Rebecca Hamilton @rebeccaatchickbosscake

“Stop Trying To Find Yourself & Start Creating Yourself.”

I’m inspired by the unlimited potential and abundant opportunities that this beautiful world has to offer to those who are willing to get out of their comfort zones & put in the work. The only thing that’ll hold you back is yourself. Nothing inspires me more than setting goals, working hard to achieve them, & ultimately creating the life of my dreams.

Jessica Gorlicky @jessgo333

@jessicagorlickydesigns

I honestly believe that passion is the strongest force in pursuing the dream, whatever it may be- regardless of how many obstacles. I also believe that 1% inspiration can be so tremendously impactful that it can drive a lifetime of creativity and experience in moving forward to an unthinkable reality.

I’m living proof that that actually happened and believe in the force of energy and natural will to turn something from nothing.

I’ve worked hard, it’s paid off, and I’m still hungry.

“Genius is 1 percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration.” -Thomas Edison

Amy Ledin @amy_ledin

Favorite quote: “Everything Happens For You, Not To You.”

Although my internal drive to be around for my kids can be inspired and pushed by my daily fight with Stage 4 cancer, I am also inspired every single day by the incredible stories of women who not only overcome challenges, struggles and heartache, but go on to to SHARE with others and become pillars of hope for others.

Hilary Hartling

@hilaryhartling

Favorite Quote: “Follow your excitement. It’s the Universe nudging you onto your purposeful path.”

I’m inspired by the power of words, masterful storytelling that moves people and women blazing trails that motivate and inspire other women. I’m inspired by books, movies, travel, dark nights with a zillion stars and sunrises at dawn, fresh flowers, ocean tides, good energy in people, spaces and places, and my daughter, Ruby.

“Step so far outside your comfort zone you forget how to get back.”

By Ali Landry for

Reshape YOUR MIND

The quality of your life is the quality of your thoughts!”

The first time I heard this, it landed deep and became the foundation for how I’ve worked to shape my mindset and empower my life for many years now.

As women, we can often get stuck in our own heads with critical self-talk, running an old scenario over and over in our thoughts, sometimes for years. But does any of this really serve our lives? No!

After surviving a couple difficult, defining struggles in my life over the last 20 years, I chose to educate myself with mental health strategies, so I could move through these grueling moments. I refused to let these situations settle in my spirit. I learned how to turn off the record player in my head and get out of my own way.

My strategy to reshape your mindset:

POSITIVE THINKING

Thoughts are powerful! Flip the switch on selftalk, such as changing “I’m not worthy; am I lovable? I can’t achieve that” to “All things are possible.”

AFFIRMATIONS

When I was a teenager, I wrote in lipstick on my mirror “I am smart,” but now it’s more like “I can reach my goals” or “I am enough.”

VISION BOARD

My Pinterest board looks like my dream life. Every day I work toward creating my ideal life; perhaps it’s having my favorite flowers in the house, saving some money to go on a trip, or buying something special for myself.

QUOTES

I make time to read a few of my favorite inspirational quotes each day. They have become part of my fiber. They are now my own thoughts and my own beliefs.

PEOPLE

I’m sure you’ve heard “Show me the people you surround yourself with, and I will show you your future.” It’s pure truth! Surround yourself with people who feel like sunshine in your soul and who see your superpowers.

Don’t let negative thoughts stand in your way. Reshape your mindset. You are worth it!

Empower YOURSELF

By Stopping Your People-Pleasing Behaviors

People tell you all the time that you’re the nicest person they know. You’re incredibly helpful, agreeable, and giving. You pride yourself on being reliable and available to your loved ones (and pretty much anyone who makes a request). So, you might be asking, “What’s the problem?”

While everyone loves being complimented for being a nice person, people pleasing is not the same as genuine kindness. The difference isn’t so much in the behaviors themselves, but in the motive. Ask yourself, “Why do I really do all those nice things?” If you’re doing something because you’re concerned that you’ll be disliked, judged or rejected, there’s a strong chance that you’re a people pleaser. If your intent is to satisfy or appease another at the cost of sacrificing your needs, yep, you’re probably a people pleaser.

Additional signs that you might be a people pleaser:

• You have trouble saying no or feel guilty saying no.

• You worry that people will think you’re selfish or mean if you don’t fulfill their requests.

• You have little free time because you’re always doing for others.

• You pretend to agree or change your personality to placate others.

• You over apologize or accept blame inappropriately.

People pleasing is, at the core, a dependent behavior that can lead to feeling emotionally depleted, stressed, anxious, and resentful. Because people pleasers have trouble advocating for themselves and setting limits, their needs and self-care are often neglected. They are stretched too thin and feel burned out. Some lack authenticity because they’re hiding their wants and needs to please others and obtain approval.

People pleasing can emerge for many reasons. Those with poor self-esteem and who are insecure may not value or prioritize their own desires and opinions. They seek external validation and approval from others. Past traumas can lead to people pleasing behaviors. A person who has experienced abuse may people please and be agreeable and nonconfrontational in an effort to prevent triggering abusive behaviors by others. Women, in particular, are oftentimes reared with messages that emphasize being selfless, taking care of others, and being nurturers.

Good news! Change is possible. Once you develop the awareness of your people-pleasing behaviors, it’s time to take action and learn how

Clinical Psychologist Dr. Beverly Pedroche @drpedroche

to manage your compulsion to try to satisfy others. Begin by upgrading your perspective of yourself. Your people-pleasing behaviors have allowed others to benefit from your silence and sacrifice. Work on believing that your needs are as important (or, I assert, more important) as anyone’s. Second, start setting boundaries. This may be very uncomfortable at first; start small and hone the skill with consistent practice.

Being a kind and caring person is an important part of having healthy relationships. You can be a nice person without being a pathological people pleaser. Explore your motives, prioritize your needs, and set healthy boundaries. If being a people pleaser is interfering with your well-being, if you’re unable to make the aforementioned changes on your own, therapy can help.

Game Changing Style:

Choose Sustainable Fashion

As we increasingly focus on becoming more sustainable in our lives, designers are creating chic and responsible collections using upcycled, deadstock and ecofriendly fabrics.

1

Shop quality, reduce waste. Look for materials made from recycled or natural fabrics which require little to no chemical treatment, less water, energy, no fertilizers, or pesticides. Organic fabrics include linen, hemp, organic cotton, and TENCEL (fabric made from sustainable wood pulp). These fabrics are biodegradable and easy on the planet.

2

Natural fur can biodegrade and can even be composted for use in your garden. There is also the issue of animal cruelty involved in farming. Additionally, to keep animal skin apparel from rotting, they are treated with chemicals which are bad for the planet.

3

Fast fashion uses about 8,000 synthetic chemicals to dye, bleach and process garments. These often cause disease or death to workers – even causing birth defects in children. Sustainable designers do not use chemical treatments, are committed to treating their workers fairly, and not using child labor.

4

Sustainable fashion encourages creativity and innovation in clothing. It is the epitome of individuality and authenticity. What starts out as an old t-shirt or jeans – can be transformed and make you stand out.

Raise your fashion game with sustainable style. Choose pieces that are not only good for the environment but quality pieces that we love. When we are more conscious of how our clothing affects our planet, animal & people we feel and look better in our clothing.

Do you have the look that kills?

Rediscover your creativity.

Kindness is always in!

Here are the 5 lessons we’ve learned about how to use sustainability to up your personal style game:

Stand Out Beauty

Hailie Sahar

Hailie Sahar is an award-winning actor, producer, director, singer, and writer. Hailie made history as one of the five transgender lead actors to star in Ryan Murphy’s culturally groundbreaking FX series, Pose. Starring as Lulu, the Mother of the House of Ferocity, Hailie Sahar joined the ensemble that went on to be globally recognized and awarded, including several Emmy Awards over the course of its successful three seasons.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by a multitude of people and things. For example, I absolutely love talented, hardworking, innovative people who are unafraid to take risks and are unafraid to be trailblazers.

I am also inspired by beautiful scenery and art, such as sculptures & Mother Nature. I love traveling and allowing my mind to absorb all the beauty that life has to offer.

How do you personally define beauty?

Reader Questions

How do you/have you handled societal pressures when it comes to beauty standards?

As a multiracial woman of Transgender experience with a birthmark on my face, I automatically represent an unconventional beauty. I have found great strength in my uniqueness and all of its complexities. I love standing out from the crowd rather than blending in with everyone else, and the fact that I can represent that type of unique beauty and inspire others feels incredible.

What is one great beauty tip you’ve learned from someone, and who is that person?

One great beauty tip that I’ve learned is to relax and enjoy life without stress. I’ve had my closest circle of people tell me this, but my constant reminder is my amazing mother who holds so much wisdom. I am thankful to learn from her.

What does self-care look like for you?

Self-care looks like drinking tons of water. In fact, I rarely drink anything else. Also, laughing a lot is great self-care. I believe that being joyful shows up in our skin and essence.

I do not define beauty as an individual thing. There is not one type of beauty. Beauty is all around us. It shows up in the chirping of a bird in the morning. It shows up in the face of a wise, elder person. It also shows up in the moments we share with others. Those are the most important types of beauty that I focus on. Inner beauty.

What Upcoming projects can we look forward to?

I’m currently releasing my new single entitled “Star Traveler.” We are currently shooting my music video, and I cannot wait for the world to see what my amazing team and I have created. In addition to my music, I am also executively producing, alongside award-winning Anthony Hemingway, the Sir Lady Java biopic. Sir Lady Java is a trans woman of color who changed Rule #9, which used to prohibit anyone from dressing in clothing that was deemed only appropriate for the opposite gender from your birth gender. In fact, you would have been thrown in jail in the 1960s for breaking this law. It is because of Sir Lady Java that we are able to see such gender fluidity today in Los Angeles. Her impact has influenced artists like myself, Lil Nas X, Madonna, RuPaul, Janelle Monet, and countless others. I am excited not only to produce her project, but to portray the living legend Sir Lady Java, who is still with us today at 80 years old.

Warm Weather 5 Summer Handbags CALLS FOR ONE OF THESE

Written by Sofia Faisal

A brand new bag often creates a great impact when you need to step into the style game of the season. The great news: there are plenty of options from the Summer 2022 collections to choose from.

Here are some of the latest handbag trends that are heating up.

CHAIN-EMBELLISHED BAGS

Chain straps and detailing are one of the most popular handbag trends. These chain-adorned bags are introduced by many designers like Ports 1961, Valentino, Balmain, and Alexander McQueen. The trend seems to be sticking around, proving it to be a timeless investment. Bulky Totes

Because of their versatility and functionality, totes make their place in the accessory arsenal every year. Whether you’re following day to night routine or rushing to catch a vacation flight, the statement tote speaks to the stylish

dresser on the go. And yeah – good luck finding your keys in the XXL bags this season!

KNOTTED TOTES

Where oversized totes are trending, designers like Tom Ford, Flamenco, Givenchy, Loewe, and many more seem inclined towards knotted totes for their practicality with grace. Despite several new versions of the tote bag introducing every year, the knotted style rules again this season.

BEADED BAGS

The beaded bags elevate any outfit with an equal mix of edgy and playful touch. These pretty vintage pieces have their own history, but their reappearance is a small reflection of a more significant trend.

You don’t have to reserve the beaded and pearl-encrusted handbags for your visits to the town – it’s the bag of the moment, as many celebrities have been seen carrying them. Popularity will naturally come to the streets.

WOVEN BAGS

Don’t be surprised if you see woven fabrics on crossbody bags and oversized totes. This season’s bevy of woven bags will be your stylish go-to, from carrying your laptop and a commuter shoe to your night-out lipstick. Adorned with metal hardware, buckle clips, and even exterior pockets, woven bags are coming way more sophisticated and less crafty than ever. Are you ready to shop the fresh bag styles of the season that give your summer looks a little extra zip?

ALERT!!!

VIBRANT FLYING COLORS

The color palette for Summer 2022 includes many eye-catching, spicy shades like lemon yellows, candy pinks, burnt orange, and everything in between.

The Vixen The Siren The Luna

Robyn Schall

Laughter is the Best Medicine

@robynschallcomic

Written by Michelle Emmick

If you are like most of us who turned to social media during the pandemic, you’ve probably heard of Robyn Schall. Robyn is a stand-up comedian, actress, and host, whose “2020 Goals List” video went viral (over 10 million views) on social media from her tiny studio apartment in NYC. Since then, Robyn’s social accounts have attracted some of the biggest celebrity fans in the world. With her smile, wit, and infectious laugh, Robyn shares her story of stardom and her message: always stay true to YOU. Robyn Schall has mastered being the best through comedy and storytelling, using her tremendous gift to make people feel happy while still being her authentic self – in other words, by being her own “YOU.”

At the age of six, Robyn Schall was diagnosed with stage 4 Perthes, a bone disease that left her in need of multiple surgeries, leg braces, and medication. At one point, Robyn was immobile from the waist down for over nine months of her life. Amazingly, Robyn shared that, while that sounds bad, she only remembers the good parts. “My family is so funny, and they never allowed it to be a sad time for me. I never felt left out, and everyone did a great job of keeping my childhood light.” It was during those years that comedy infiltrated Robyn’s life. “My parents converted our den into a hospital room; everyone slept upstairs while I was downstairs with a remote control. I was not able to go to school, so I stayed up until 3-4 AM watching television.” From

The Rosie O’Donnell Show and Mary Tyler Moore to Welcome Back Kotter, the shows and people in them gave Robyn a place to escape and, even better, a reason to laugh. “That was my medicine, and because of it, I always knew I wanted to grow up and be what so many others were to me, to keep company and make people feel a little happier.”

Robyn believes that everything that has happened in her life was part of the journey in getting her where she is supposed to be today. “I went through so many things through the years,” she told us. “From not attending school regularly, I was illiterate up until the age of sixteen. I was smart;

“Here’s The Secret: If you wanna be the best, be YOU. Because you’re the only one who can be the best at being YOU.”

-Robyn Schall

I had just missed the fundamentals that other kids received, and I was great at masking it with my personality. When I was 16, my parents hired a tutor who believed in me and helped build my confidence, which led to high SAT scores and getting accepted into college where I ended up studying acting.”

Robyn attended the University of Connecticut. She remembers that her acting coach there used to tell the students, “If you can find anything you enjoy half as much as acting, do that instead.” Robyn said she was fully aware of the difficult journey in store and realized the slim odds of having any chance of breaking into the business, but acting and comedy were (and still are) just part of her; there was nothing else she wanted to do: “This is a tough business, and you will face enormous amounts of rejection, but here is the thing. Rejection is part of life, whether it’s dating (it’s not a match), trying on clothes (not fitting), or a job (not right for you). What’s right for you will happen.” Robyn’s dad used to tell her, “It’s easier to get up when things are good, but it’s impressive to get up when things are hard.” She lives her life by that motto.

Part of Robyns’s relatability is that, like much of the world, she has dealt with the challenges of being overweight: “By the end of sophomore year of college, I was over 200 pounds and had tried every single diet. I went and spent the summer in Ithaca, NY. I got a job, found a 24-hour gym, and would go at 4:30 AM every morning to work out and get healthy. That summer, I lost 30 pounds.” When Robyn returned to college that fall, she continued her health and fitness journey by taking a workout class that she admits was very hard. This led her to become a certified fitness instructor and lead her own classes in her own unique way. “At first, people were judgmental,” says Robyn. But with her comedic approach and welcoming attitude, it wasn’t long before her classes became a hit, and everyone started showing up. Robyn pursued

both acting and fitness after graduating, getting certified as a personal trainer: “I started my own in-home workout business, helping a lot of people. I wasn’t the best at helping them lose a lot of weight, but I was the best at helping them love who they are, which made my business successful in its own right.”

In 2011, Robyn followed the path to stand-up comedy and had the opportunity to perform in seventeen countries and three tours for the troops. Robyn shares that one of her most memorable stand-up moments didn’t come from a club or overseas with the troops. It came from a performance at a Cancer Center where she performed as her brother watched from the back: “It took place in a common room area. There were only about 15-20 people that came to the show. There were doctors coming in and out, machines were beeping, and sitting up front was a father going through chemo with his son there supporting him. I was flirting with the son in my act, and they were both laughing so hard. Afterwards, I was so emotional. When you are going through something painful, laughter is so hard to come by. For 15 minutes, they got a break from talking about cancer. I looked over at my brother, and he was crying. He said, ‘I understand

that moment as a family member. Going to the hospital to see someone you love in pain and then getting a chance to escape together through laughter hit home.’ That moment made me feel like I was given the greatest gift, and I am doing

what I was born to do. It makes me so happy to bring happiness and laughter to others.”

That happiness has continued for Robyn throughout her comedic success. She was planning a trip back to the Middle East to perform for the troops when Covid brought the world to a screeching halt. Since Robyn couldn’t book comedy shows, she turned to YouTube, where she planned to go live for two weeks. As the weeks turned to months, those live YouTube sessions gave Robyn purpose: “It was my lifesaver. I woke up every day, did hair, makeup, and put on a full-blown talk show in my apartment. It gave me purpose during the pandemic because I had to get up, and I had to deliver.” Robyn’s investment in social media posting and her ability to make people laugh led her to stardom through one magical video, beginning an entirely new journey that turned her life upside down.

“Here I am locked in my apartment for a year in NYC, alone, depressed, talking to myself, and I post a video one night, and it goes viral. I spent years trying to make it in the business as a

standup comic, and at the worst time possible, my career takes off!” Robyn’s hysterical “2020 Goals List” video, posted to her TikTok account, was shared by Jennifer Garner, Drew Barrymore, and Oprah Winfrey, just to name a few. The excitement has not stopped ever since for Robyn, from lunch at Garner’s home to Oprah’s favorite things delivered to her apartment, and Robyn is soaking it all in. “It’s been so fun doing what I love and making people’s days better. That’s what makes me happy. How I feel is how I am, and showing myself, being myself, got me to where I am today. It all happened the way it was supposed to.”

These days, Robyn is still a New Yorker with an upgraded apartment. She jokes, “I went from a studio to a one bedroom.” Robyn is working on show ideas, writing a book, and using social media to continue making people laugh. I asked Robyn if she has plans to move to LA, to which she responded, “If I get offered a job, I will be on the next plane. Listen, I love New York, but I love performing more.” Wherever Robyn ends up, one thing is for certain. Her ability to make people laugh and her ‘stay true to YOU’ philosophy will keep her on the path to success for years to come.

As with every AUB interview, I ended by asking Robyn what her definition of beauty is. “Beauty is feeling confident inside and outside. It’s the whole package. You gotta feel good and believe it. Also, a good chest and no flyaways help too.”

The Pandemic is over, right? So many of us have felt the impacts of Covid 19 over the past couple of years. Many of us stayed home, worked from home, and became depressed at home. Many of us were inconvenienced by cooking dinner instead of going out or holding Zoom meetings instead of in-person ones. But, actors, OMG! What were they to do? The theater was one of the most heavily hit occupations. And that is when Jill Valentine came to the rescue, vowing to make the world a better place, a place filled with art and laughter.

The Art of Immersion

Written by Marianne Pienias

Jill was born and raised in South Side Chicago. She admits that she was born into the job. Even as a young girl she was an entertainer, the class clown. Fast forward to high school, Jill was a performer. She starred in many of her school’s productions and was the star of the speech and debate team. Her topnotch state performances earned her a scholarship to Bradley University. There she majored in Speech Communications. She chuckled as she admitted, “I refused to major in theater, and now I run one.”

After college, Jill never lost her passion for the arts. She took classes, did stand up, wrote, directed, and even joined a band. Some of you may recognize her as the spokesperson for International Delight Creamer (YouTube itshe’s hilarious). She was entrenched in all types of theatrical arenas and eventually developed a passion to provide venues for performers through festivals. The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival and the Women’s Funny Festival became two of the biggest in the world!

And then everything came to a screeching halt, the day the Pandemic shutdown Chicago. This was no joke. Amazingly, Jill used this

disastrous time to do some soul searching. So, in true Jill fashion, she spent her Covid days reinventing herself. Her mission was to put artists back to work.

So, what does that look like? My description will not do it justice. Jill’s new Stage 773’s immersive cocktail experience is called WHIM. Phase I just opened in July and is ready for business. Her non-profit organization is giving many artists a creative opportunity. From the moment you step into WHIM, you will be immersed into a full-art experience, from the graffiti-filled walls to the entertainment in the “enchanted forest.” And let’s not forget the spectacular cocktails! You may indulge in a smoking “Chain Smoker” or chose a color-changing “Cotton Candy” in their colorful “lobby of second chances.”

When I asked Jill her definition of beauty, she replied. “This may not make sense to you, but beauty, to me, is how you make people feel- it can be so beautiful and so important.”

Well, Jill’s beauty is shining brightly on Belmont

in Chicago. Congrats, Jill on your grand opening. If you are an art lover and wish to donate or want to visit WHIM for the total immersive experience, visit their website WHIMChicgo.com or Instagram @ whimchicago.

Cheers to art and second chances!

THE POWERS OF Theater

by Marianne Pienias

She was destined to be heard. Fran Powers grew up as one of 12 in St. Louis, Missouri, so the odds were stacked against her, but her passion for a voice won in the end. Her road may have been hard and bumpy at times, but Fran always found a way. She was the only one in her household to earn a college degree. When Fontbonne University offered her scholarship money, she made it happen. Fran admits that her parents were incredibly pleased to see her go to college, but they were less than pleased to hear she was going to major in theater. Fran stated, “Things were different back then. Girls majored in things such as teaching, not ‘frivolous’ things like theater.”

Fran distinctly remembers her junior year of college, when her parents’ fears suddenly became her fears. The fear of being a penniless theater major overwhelmed her enough to get a

second degree in education. So, after graduation she ended up teaching high school theater for the next 5 years before becoming an executive in the non-profit world. She made an enormous impact in many organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, United Cerebral Palsy, and the Alpha House for pregnant teens. In 1998, she decided to join the American Lung Association’s bike trip across America, which ultimately changed the trajectory of her career.

It was during this exceptionally long bike ride when she had an epiphany to revisit her theater roots, but this time she would do it her own way. She decided to combine her passion for teaching and non-profit organizations with her thirst for theater. She journaled ideas for over a year, until she realized she needed to put her thoughts into action, and in 2000 Powerstories Theater of Tampa was born. Using her previously learned

Written

talents, she sent out a press release to reach out to women who had a story to tell. Fran named a place and time, and over 100 ladies showed up ready to share their stories. She chose to focus on stories that have a resolve or lesson to be learned. At first the performances were a string of single stories performed by the writers themselves, but it has evolved to groups of stories masterfully joined by theme, and sometimes even music, to create an empowering show for all to enjoy. The theater’s shows are varied and cover a gamut of topics, from lighthearted, comedic to heart-wrenching, tougher topics, such as abuse. Fran skillfully handles all topics with great care and purpose. Her theater always stays true to its

mission to “stage true stories to open the minds and hearts and inspire action worldwide.” Fran even incorporated streamed “Festivals” during the pandemic to ensure stories continue to be told, even when her doors were closed.

Powerstories has been evolving and changing lives for over two decades. One of its biggest highlights occurred in 2010 when this non-profit organization caught the eye of Michelle Obama. Fran was invited to the White House where the First Lady awarded Fran’s company with the prestigious Art and Humanities Award for its continuous, positive impact through the voices of women staging their personal stories.

Fran is a beautiful role model for women. Her mission is “to give validation to women that they are living unique and valuable lives,” and her unique platform gives unheard voices an outlet. Her mantra has always been “If you don’t like the script, rewrite the story.” And that is exactly what she continues to do. She has faced adversity with a flair of grace through every stage. When asked her definition of beauty, she eloquently said, “Shining from the inside out.”

With our ever-changing world, there are so many stories yet to be told and heard. If you have a story that needs to be told, please visit powerstories.com. You can upload your story or be inspired by others’ stories with the “Positivity Powerstories” links. You can also buy tickets to live shows or make a much-appreciated donation to a worthy cause.

EDUCATE. EMPOWER. INSPIRE. ASKUSBEAUTY

DOCTOR

KELLYANN PETRUCCI

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN, WEIGHT-LOSS, AND ANTI-AGING

Dr. Kellyann Petrucci, M.S., N.D., is a boardcertified naturopathic physician, weight-loss, and anti-aging expert based in New York City. As an accredited global leader and educator in the health and wellness community, Dr. Kellyann educates and empowers patients and consumers everywhere to take control of their whole-body health. While studying biological medicine at the Marion Institute through the Paracelsus Klinik in Switzerland, she discovered the gut-healing power of collagen and bone broth and their ability to slow the aging process. By changing the traditional relationship with food, her practice positions food as medicine, offering a variety of functional food solutions as lifestyle choices and effective alternatives to unsustainable fad diets and trends. Dr. Kellyann’s high-quality, ready-to-drink bone broth recently launched into Whole Foods Market nationwide, and on-the-go bone broth powder packets are currently sold online. She serves as a notable expert contributor on Good Morning America and formerly Dr. Oz, while also hosting numerous TV specials including the PBS broadcasts “21 Days to a Slimmer, Younger You” and “The 10-Day Belly Slimdown.” She’s the author of The New York Times’ best-selling book Dr. Kellyann’s Bone

Broth Diet, Dr. Kellyann’s Bone Broth Cookbook, The 10-Day Belly Slimdown, Dr. Kellyann’s Cleanse and Reset, and other best-sellers. Her new book, Bone Broth Breakthrough, will be released in December 2022.

Q. Let’s talk about Bone Broth! For those who don’t know, what is it and how does it benefit us?

Reader Questions

I’m often asked if I invented bone broth. I definitely didn’t, because it’s been around in some form for thousands of years. But I’m so passionate about its benefits that my name and my whole health empire is grounded in bone broth. I call bone broth liquid gold. It’s made by simmering animal or fish bones and all their connective tissues for hours to break them down and produce a nutrient-rich, protein-packed liquid. Bone broth is the best whole, real food source of collagen. Collagen is the substance that helps skin cells renew and repair themselves; hence, when people start drinking bone broth, they report that they look younger and their skin glows. In addition to being high in collagen, bone broth also contains the amino acids glycine and proline—and both are catalysts for your body to produce collagen on its own. Because bone broth has collagen, it also contains an amino acid called glutamine, a key nutrient for the gut. I like to think of glutamine like a painter who comes to your house to patch and prime small holes in your walls or roof. When your gut is overrun with bad bacteria, you inherit little holes in your gut lining. These little holes can allow substances to creep into the bloodstream- otherwise known as Leaky Gut Syndrome. Leaky gut is becoming more and more common, but glutamine can patch those small holes in your gut. When those holes are patched, your gut is stronger. In addition, collagen turns into gelatin when it’s cooked. That gelatin can soothe irritation and promote healing. Beyond these gut health powers, bone broth is high in protein, low in calories, has virtually no carbohydrates and no sugar. It’s no wonder people report weight loss when they start adding bone broth to their daily diets!

Q. You are a Naturopathic Doctor. Can you share a bit about your background?

I came to realize the ancient power of collagen and bone broth to heal the gut and slow aging while studying biological medicine at the Marion Foundation and Paracelsus Clinic in Switzerland.

Upon completing my Master’s in Science and gaining credentials as a board-certified Naturopathic Physician, I began work as a nutrition specialist in a small family practice. Within weeks, I had a neverending wait list of patients. The other doctors wanted to know what I was giving away in my exam room. I was giving away three things. First, my time and attention. I looked for any little cues that hinted when someone had something to say but was hesitant to open up. I was also giving my respect. If patients described any issue regarding their health, I took that problem seriously. I believe that far too many patients were dealing with problems that had been dismissed as minor or unimportant by other practitioners. I also gave plans of action with affordable and tangible ways to break old habits.

You see, as a board-certified naturopathic doctor, by definition, I help people establish optimal health by guiding their bodies back to the way they’re supposed to work. Rather than just suppressing symptoms by handing out pills or standard diet plans, I work to identify the underlying causes of health struggles, such as excess weight, fatigue, and aging skin. My goal

tune into what their body needs, and to demand that those needs are satisfied.

Q.What would be one key take away that people can do for themselves right now when it comes to living a healthy life?

Start drinking two cups of bone broth every single day! I’ve discovered that the transformations kicked off by bone broth really stick! Whether you feel like you need a total health overhaul or just a subtle change, it’s probably because extra pounds and sleepless nights and unacceptable stressors have been accumulating in your life for years. It didn’t happen overnight, so turning it around won’t happen instantly either. So, you need to start small, and that’s why I say start with two cups of bone broth every day. I often reference the game Mousetrap- it was one of our first lessons in cause and effect as children. Every action triggered another piece to fall. I see bone broth as that first action, the trigger piece, in resetting health and stopping aging. The cascade of effects that follow get bigger and better over time. Incorporate bone broth into meals and replace higher calorie snacks with a warm satisfying cup of bone broth.

Dr. Kellyann shared with AskUsBeauty that she has new flavors of bone broth and is excited about Lemon Sips powdered drink mix, a sugar-free, fat-free, citrusydelicious drink and one of the easiest ways to upgrade your water!

Click https://drkellyann.com to check it out!

Summer is upon us, meaning it’s time to break out the swimsuits and cute summer outfits! If you’re dealing with dry, dull skin, exfoliation might be the key to getting your body summer-ready. Exfoliation can be done with physical tools like brushes, loofahs, or rotating devices), scrubs with granules like sugar, sea salt, volcanic ash, or microbeads, or by using chemical exfoliants. Most people think of the face when it comes to exfoliation, but the whole body can benefit from it –especially sites like the arms, elbows, knees, and feet.

While physical exfoliants are very popular, chemical exfoliants are more predictable and may give you superior results. Chemical exfoliants are gentler than physical exfoliants, which can be too harsh and destroy the skin barrier. Chemical exfoliants are derived from natural sources. They include: Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid derived from sugarcane, lactic acid from milk, and malic acid from apples.

Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid from the willow tree bark.

Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) like gluconolactone from sugar beet.

Chemical exfoliants come in many formulations: washes, wipes, scrubs, creams, and serums – giving you flexibility and options.

So, how can you use chemical exfoliants for radiant summer skin? The first step is to pick the right exfoliant. If you have oily skin or acne-prone skin, consider using BHAs like salicylic acid. For dry skin, aging skin, and problems like keratosis pilaris, consider AHAs. The concentration of your product will determine the frequency of use. Some chemical exfoliants are mild and designed for daily use. Others can be used once or twice a week. As a general rule of thumb, the concentration of your exfoliant for at-home use should be less than 10 percent. Always start using a chemical exfoliant sparingly to see how your body reacts to it. You can gradually increase the frequency of use to the recommended dose.

Side effects of chemical exfoliants include burning, itching, excessive redness, and eczema. Do not use chemical exfoliants if your skin has cuts and burns, on freshly-shaved skin, and when you have active conditions like rosacea, psoriasis, lupus, and eczema. Consult with your doctor if you are pregnant or lactating. Remember that chemical exfoliants make you more sensitive to the sun. When you exfoliate your skin, sun protection is crucial.

In summary, chemical exfoliants are a great way to achieve glowing skin. By removing dead skin cells and stimulating cell turnover, they can help to brighten your complexion and give you a healthy glow. They stimulate collagen production, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They correct uneven skin tone and increase moisture levels in the skin. They can improve acne and inflammation today. Now that you have read this guide, consider using a chemical exfoliant on your body to achieve beautiful, radiant summer skin.

Work with Dr. Kemmy

Dr. Kemmy offers virtual visits to allow her to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients using video conferencing and smartphones. The visits typically last 15-30 minutes and can be done from the comfort of your home or workplace. She is happy to offer second opinions. Conditions suited for virtual calls include acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, pigmentary issues, eczema, psoriasis, and some aesthetic concerns. Dr Kemmy also offers several coaching and educational programs to help you live and look younger. She is based in Houston, Texas, and provides excellent medical surgical and cosmetic dermatology in person.

www.drkemmy.com | @drkemmymd on Instagram

Dr. Kemmy on Facebook

DOCTOR WHITNEY BOWE

BOARD-CERTIFIED

DERMATOLOGIST AND SCIENTIST

It is fitting for a beauty magazine that promotes beauty inside out to highlight a product and a founder that does just that! Renowned New York-based dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe is known for her integrative and holistic approach to the skin. One of the most indemand dermatologists in the country, Dr. Bowe has taken the outer + inner approach to skincare with both a topical and ingestible product line. Dr. Bowe believes when you are educated, you are empowered to take care of your skin health and has championed a focus on the skin-gutmind connection, taking a “three-dimensional” approach to skincare—treating skin from both the outside and inside.

Made without fragrance, essential oils, parabens, animal derivatives, formaldehyde-releasers, drying alcohols, phthalates, petrolatum, PEGs, or silicones.

BOWE GROWE™ POMEGRANATE MICROBIOME ELIXIR | INNER SKINCARE

• Water-enhancing skincare drops with polyphenols (pomegranate, blackberry, blueberry, black currant, cranberry, concord grape), lemon juice, coconut water, monk fruit

• Designed to deliver healthier, more radiant skin by nourishing the gut microbiome*

• Easy, yet powerful way to help boost your intake of plant-powered bionutrients*

Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty consists of Bowe Glowe (one you wear) and Bowe Growe (one you drink). The revolutionary dynamic moisturizer and delicious elixir line are powerful topicals paired with nutrient-rich beauty ingestibles that work synergistically to deliver healthy, glowing skin. All products are clinically-tested and pHbalanced, fragrance-free, cruelty-free, made with sustainably sourced ingredients, and housed in high-performance, eco-conscious packaging.

Learn more and shop this new era in skincare at drwhitneybowebeauty.com or @drwhitneybowebeauty

BOWE GLOWE™ MICROBIOME NOURISHING CREAM | OUTER SKINCARE

• A luxurious day and night moisturizer with prebiotics, postbiotics, squalane, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid

• Helps balance the skin microbiome and strengthen the skin barrier

• Instantly imparts a subtle luminous effect

• Lightweight, layers beautifully, won’t clog pores

• Refillable — twist the top off and pop out the inner tube

• Enjoyable to drink with subtle notes of pomegranate, lemon, and berries

• Shake and add 1-2 full droppers into 4oz/120ml of water or cool liquid. Stir, and sip daily

Does not contain ingredients made from the following: wheat, dairy, soy, eggs, nuts, fish, shellfish.

No GMOs, no artificial colors or flavors, no added sugar.** *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. **See Supplement Facts on packaging for sugar & calorie content.

DOCTOR

LAXMI MEHTA

MD, FACC, FAHA, FNLA, IS A NON_INVASIVE CARDIOLOGIST AND PROFESSOR OF MEDICINE

Laxmi Mehta, MD, FACC, FAHA, FNLA, is a noninvasive cardiologist and professor of medicine in the division of cardiovascular medicine at The Ohio State University. She is the Sarah Ross Soter Endowed Chair in Women’s Cardiovascular Health, the section director of preventive cardiology and women’s cardiovascular health and director of lipid clinics, and is the vice chair of wellness for the department of internal medicine at Ohio State.

(first degree male relative <55 years or female <65 years), then there may be additional testing (such as lipoprotein a lab test and coronary artery calcium score testing) performed to help determine if the patient would benefit from statin therapy (lipid lowering medications) from a prevention standpoint.

Specializing in women’s cardiovascular health, prevention, and cardiac imaging, Dr. Mehta is an avid promoter and educator on women’s cardiovascular health. She is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association. She received her M.D. degree from Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine and then went on to William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan, where she completed her residency, clinical cardiology fellowship and advanced cardiac imaging fellowship. She moved to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in 2007, where she continues to champion women’s heart health and preventive cardiology.

Q. Are there certain vitamins that are recommended that can help strengthen my heart? No, there are no general vitamins that we recommend across the board for all patients to take. However, if your blood work shows low vitamin D deficiency, you may benefit from a vitamin D supplementation, and if your triglycerides are high, you may benefit from omega 3 supplements.

Reader Questions

Q. If I have a history of heart disease in my family, at what age should I start seeing a cardiologist?

Actually, there is no particular age. We recommend patients see their primary care physician on a regular basis for routine preventative screening (blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose). If someone is experiencing any cardiac symptoms like chest discomfort, then we recommend they see a cardiologist for further cardiac workup. However, if there is a family history of premature heart disease

Q. I am 43 and go in for a physical every year. The doctor always says everything looks good, but I don’t really know what I should be asking or checking for when it comes to my heart. What questions should I be asking my PCP? When patients see their primary care physician, they should be asking about their numbers and what they mean. For instance, what is my blood pressure? Is my body mass index in the normal, overweight, or obese range? What are my cholesterol levels and what is the ideal range for me? What are my risks for getting heart disease and what steps can I take to reduce my risks of developing heart disease? It is good to discuss what types of exercise you are able to perform and whether you would benefit from a dietary consultation. You should come prepared, know your family history, keep your own chart of your blood pressure readings and prior cholesterol levels. You also want to develop a jointly agreed upon “health plan” or goals for the upcoming year and discuss potential progress check ins or shortterm goals. Closely monitoring and discussing your numbers can prevent future complications.

Ask Us Beauty Reader Questions for Dr. Mehta

DOCTOR

ELIZABETH POYNOR

OBGYN, SURGEON & ONCOLOGIST LEAD SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR, GLOW BOTANICA

Dr. Elizabeth Poynor sits at the intersection of Western medicine and holistic practices. As the Lead Scientific Advisor for Glow Botanica, Dr. Poynor consults on product innovation and ingredient technology and oversees trials to ensure potency, efficacy, and proven results to enhance every woman’s healing and quality of life.

Dr. Poynor graduated Magna Cum Laude from Princeton University and graduated in Medicine from Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons. She holds a Ph.D. in Cell Genetics from Cornell University and advanced training in Gynecology, Gynecologic Oncology, and Advanced Pelvic Surgery at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Poynor is a Clinical Professor at NYU (New York University).

We asked Dr. Poynor what we as women need to know when it comes to pelvic health.

“I think it is central that women understand that pelvic health is an important component to their overall health and well-being. I think many times, as women, we are used to having some pelvic pain at the time of our menstrual periods. We thus get conditioned that pain is a cyclical aspect of our pelvic health.

We should realize the difference between acceptable low-level monthly cramping and pain indicating that something more significant may be going on.

Many times, women feel that pain is a normal component of their monthly cycles; however, it is not. It is super crucial that when women have unusual pain or pain that interferes with their quality of life that they review it with their healthcare practitioners. If they don’t get a good answer, they should also look to other sources such as other practitioners for answers. It is also important to realize that pelvic pain during intercourse is never normal. For young women, this is important as well as for older women. If you are having any type of pain during intercourse, it is crucial to review this with your healthcare practitioner and get answers to create treatment plans. As always, if you aren’t getting answers, find a new practitioner who is willing to help. Hormone University has a lot of worthwhile, insightful information about pelvic and hormonal health. It is important for women to advocate for themselves and seek the help and care they deserve.”

https://www.glowbotanica.com/products/ tummy-butter

AUB CONTRIBUTOR

DOCTOR PIA LIEB

DDS,

COSMETIC DENTIST

FRESH ADVICE FOR BAD BREATH

If you struggle with bad breath, you’re probably constantly on the lookout for solutions. Renowned celebrity dentist Dr. Pia shares her best fresh advice for bad breath problems.

There are two causes of bad breath. One is dental, and the other requires a GI specialist.

To help you determine which one you’re dealing with, consider these questions:

• When did you first begin to experience bad breath?

• Is your bad breath occasional or continuous?

• How often do you brush your teeth or clean your dentures?

• How often do you floss?

• What kinds of foods do you eat most often?

• What medications and supplements do you take?

• What health conditions do you have?

• Do you breathe through your mouth?

• Do you snore?

• Do you have allergies or sinus problems?

• What do you suspect might be causing your bad breath?

• Have other people noticed and commented on your bad breath?

Depending on the cause of your bad breath, there are different treatment options:

Mouth rinses and toothpastes.

If your bad breath is due to a buildup of bacteria (plaque) on your teeth, your dentist may recommend a mouth rinse that kills the bacteria. Your dentist may also recommend a toothpaste that contains an antibacterial agent to kill the bacteria that cause plaque buildup.

Treatment of gum disease.

If you have gum disease, you may be referred to a gum specialist (periodontist). Gum disease can cause gums to pull away from your teeth, leaving deep pockets that fill with odor-causing bacteria. Sometimes only professional cleanings remove these bacteria. Your dentist might also recommend replacing faulty tooth restorations, a breeding ground for bacteria.

This is what you can do at home to keep your breath nice and fresh all day long:

1. Brush your teeth twice a day and after meals. The food you eat gets lodged in between your teeth and breaks down and turns into sugar and then into acid and bacteria, all anaerobic in nature and foul smelling.

2. Floss at bedtime after brushing, not before, to make sure all food debris is removed in between your teeth.

3. Scrape your tongue – not with a brush but scrape with a hard metal or plastic tongue scraper. If you do not have one, a teaspoon upside down will do.

4. Avoid dry mouth due to dieting, medication, and dehydration.

5. Adjust your diet to avoid odorous foods, such as curry, garlic, etc.

6. Schedule regular dental cleanings that remove calculus, which adheres to bacteria.

I like to keep a tongue scraper and a Sonicare toothbrush with me at all times. Electric sonic toothbrushes clean 65% better than manual ones.

If you’re concerned about bad breath or you’re having trouble addressing it, see your dentist for help finding the best solution.

For more information on Dr. Pia and Cosmetic Dentistry Center, please visit www.cosmeticdentistrycenternyc.com

Dr. Selina McGee is Founder and Owner of BeSpoke Vision, a boutique private practice that offers patients a wide range of optometric care via its dry eye center of excellence, specialty contact lens clinic, and aesthetics suite. Dr. Selina McGee is a renowned national and international speaker. She is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Northeastern State University College of Optometry. She is on faculty at The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and currently serves as Vice President for the Intrepid Eye Society as well as Trustee on the SECO Board. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry, and is Past-President of the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology (Summa Cum Laude) and Doctor of Optometry (also Summa Cum Laude) from Northeastern State University College of Optometry.

When it comes to eye health, what do we as women need to know?

First and foremost, a comprehensive eye exam can diagnose over 270 systemic diseases, so it should be top of mind when taking care of yearly health and wellness, just like your mammogram! Heart disease is the number one killer of women. A lot of people don’t realize it, but the back of the eye is one of the only places we can see intact blood vessels to know what’s really going on.

Dry eye is one of the most prominent eye conditions and it affects twice (almost 3x) as many women as men. There is no need to suffer. There are several treatment options and plans, and there is sure to be one that fits into your lifestyle. Thyroid eye disease is another big one that predominantly affects women, and your eye care provider can help you treat and care for it!

Another big one for women is the many cosmetic products and cleansers we use. It’s not talked about like it should be, but most include chemicals and ingredients that can be especially harmful to the front surface of the eye. It is highly important that you discuss what products you use with your eye health provider to ensure you’re using the best products for your skin and your eyes!

Quick tip: check out “the EWG” app and “think dirty” to see what kind of damage you might be causing without realizing it!

Lastly, sunglasses and hydration are the easiest ways to keep not only your eyes but your health in general in tip-top shape! Sunglasses should be used anytime you are outdoors or in the car to protect your eyes and the skin around your eyes from serious issues, such as vision loss and cancer. Hydration, on the other hand, helps keep your eyes moistened and functioning as desired.

For more information and tips, see your eye care professional regularly. https://www.bespokevision.org/

Pam Chaney is the founder, owner, and director of Pam Chaney Aesthetics located in Elkhart Indiana. Pam is a Registered Nurse, BSN, MSN, Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist, and Medical Esthetic Practitioner Certified. She is a National Trainer and faculty member for Galderma, on the advisory board for Evolus, as well as a PDO thread trainer. Pam takes pride in educating others on the safety and efficacy of her procedures. She has received numerous awards in the industry, and can be found in the exclusive top 100 Best Aesthetic Injectors in America for three years running. Pam says that her favorite thing about her job is that the industry is always evolving. “I like to stay abreast of new technologies and techniques with different modalities. That keeps it exciting! Combination modalities are essential because not one modality can address all issues. For example, pairing skincare with tox and fillers will give clients a better outcome than with one alone.”

hours, but the full effect is in place by two weeks. Results will last to 3-4 months for moderate to severe frown lines.

Q. Will my face look unnatural?

A. No, you’ll look like yourself—only with less noticeable lines. No one should be able to tell you’ve had anything done.

Q. Does tox hurt?

A. Some patients report that it feels like a pinch.

Q. How long does the treatment take?

A. 5-10 minutes.

Q. What is a piece of advice you have for someone starting their skincare journey?

A. Make sure you’re taking skincare advice from professionals only! Celebrities and influencers are not always using the products they’re getting paid to promote, and something that works for them may not work for you because everyone’s skin is different.

We asked Pam a few questions from our Ask Us Beauty Readers

Reader Questions

Q. How does botulinum toxin work?

A. We carry four different types of botulinum toxinBotox, Dysport, Jeuveau, and Xeomin. They all give the same result, just different brands! Tox targets one of the underlying causes of frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines — the repeated muscle contractions from frowning, squinting, smiling and raising the eyebrows over the years. We can also use tox for TMJ/bruxism, hyperhidrosis, etc.

Q. When will I see results?

A. You may begin to notice results within 24 to 48

Q. What is your take on preventative treatments?

A. It’s easier to prevent and maintain than it is to repair and correct. Preventative Botox in your 20s and starting medical grade skincare is so important!

Q. What research should I do when choosing an injector?

A. When choosing an injector, it’s important to look for the following:

• Licensing and Certifications

• Years of injecting experience

• Continuing education and anatomy

• Reviews

• Portfolios and before/after photos

• Credentials, awards they’ve won, etc.

Jennifer Demaio has a gift in delicately balancing medicine, facial anatomy, and aesthetics. A Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) Aesthetic Nurse Specialist in the State of New Jersey, Jennifer DeMaio is the Founder and CEO of FACE Aesthetic Artistry, a medical aesthetics and medical-grade skincare practice with a mission extending beyond the regularities of both medical practices and medical spas.

Jennifer always encourages her patients to seek the subtle alterations, enhancements, and rejuvenation required for them to feel beautiful, confident, and empowered. Her unique combination of knowledge of facial anatomy, artistic talent, ability to create strong providerpatient relationships, and a love of medical aesthetics shows in her work and career success. Attaining her board certification with the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), Jennifer’s education, training, and experience affords her patients benefits that extend beyond those typical of other professionals performing medical aesthetics. Jennifer’s tenure as a post-operative recovery nurse and critical care nurse adds an extra layer of care, relatability, bedside manner, and clinical expertise that engenders feelings of safety and comfort for patients opting to participate in elective medical procedures.

Q. I am super embarrassed about my sweat stains, and I’ve tried every deodorant, but nothing helps. Someone told me that Botox can help. Is that true?

a lifesaver for some of my patients who suffer from hyperhidrosis. The procedure itself takes approximately 10 minutes and decreases the ability of the sebaceous glands to secrete sebum (sweat) for up to 1 year!

Q. What’s the difference between Botox and Dysport?

Botox Cosmetic (Allergan) and Dysport (Galderma) are acetylcholine inhibitors used cosmetically to decrease the appearance of fine lines by relaxing muscle movement. The procedure for both Botox and Dysport are similar; the toxin is injected directly into the muscle of the face that is causing unwanted lines. Botox (OnabotulinumtoxinA) is FDA approved for temporary improvement of the appearance of Glabellar lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines. Dysport (AbobotulinumtoxinA) is FDA approved for decreasing the appearance of Glabellar lines. Personally, I prefer Botox. Botox lasts longer than its competitors and always provides beautiful results for my patients.

Q. I’ve recently heard of a Lip Flip. What is it, and how do I know if I need it? My top lip is thin and I’ve never tried filler.

Reader Questions

Absolutely! Botox is FDA approved for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) under the arms. It has been

The lip flip is an Instagram Famous term. We have been using Botox to the vermilion border to relax the orbicularis oris ( muscle around the mouth) to decrease the presentation of “smoker lines” or vertical lines above the lip. The idea is that Botox relaxes the muscle, decreasing its ability to purse with so much force, therefore, decreasing the presentation of lines. By relaxing this muscle, the lip everts up and gives a presentation of being “lifted.” The catch to this is that the lip flip feels weird and only lasts for a month. My patients either love it or absolutely hate it. The moral of the story, if you feel that your top lip needs volume, the lip flip is not the solution, filler is!

Glow with Hormonal Balance

Ana Gonzalez Herrera Founder & CEO Glow Botanica & Hormone University

Ana Gonzalez Herrera dedicated 15 years of her life to the corporate world, leading and growing personal care, beauty, and wellness corporations worldwide. She spent her career building and expanding several international brands, such as John Frieda, Jergens, Biore, Elemis, and Babor before becoming a Partner for Pangaea Laboratories.

In the meantime, she was silently battling Stage IV Endometriosis, which caused remarkable disruptions to both her professional and personal life. Furthermore, she experienced first-hand the alarming number of people who lacked education on the seriousness and importance of hormonal health. After one of her most invasive surgeries, she started her entrepreneurial journey to fulfill her vision of rethinking the women’s wellness space.

Inspired by the idea that hormonal wellness is the result of a balanced approach to health and with the naturopathic principles in mind, she launched Glow Botanica, a company that provides a series of effective natural remedies to help achieve hormonal balance by targeting PMS and menopause symptoms. Knowing from her personal experience that wellness starts from knowledge, Ana also took charge of building and launching Hormone University, the first educational platform focused on hormonal health, aiming to not only raise awareness but also empower women to take control over their hormonal health, preparing them to step into the doctor’s office and get their questions answered.

While her business is still young, Ana has the ambition to become the beacon of hormonal wellbeing,

giving women all the tools to be in control of their hormones and not to be controlled by them.

Ana - Can you share with us about your struggle with Endometriosis and what women should know and can do for themselves?

For over a decade, I suffered from Stage IV Endometriosis, an excruciatingly painful menstrual condition that distorted every aspect of my life.

I had years of PMS pain, went through five surgeries, fibroids, adenomyosis, a failed IVF attempt, and infertility. The last surgery culminated in a full hysterectomy and a colon resection, so I ended up with surgical menopause. As anyone can imagine, it took an immense toll on my personal and professional goals.

While I had a thriving career in beauty & personal care, I was secretly suffering. I was pretending everything was ok and put on a brave face. I felt embarrassed and “bad” for taking time off. That was a mistake I made for years, and I now tell everyone: speak up and don’t suffer in silence.

I spent years in fear of pain, and when PMS hit on a monthly basis, it was hell. I was in excruciating pain around 50% of the month. Taking painkillers every couple of hours was the norm, along with nausea, heavy bleeding, bloating, and other symptoms. Unless you go through it, it is impossible to comprehend how debilitating it is. Endo affects at least 10% of the female population, yet I kept asking myself, ‘how is this possible?’ I had no idea about hormonal health. Zero. This is unfortunately too common, and it’s crazy and unfair, given what we go through as women. I started researching, talking to experts, and it has become my life’s mission to help others find relief with products and education. Obstacles in life can become your biggest inspiration. My experience inspired me to create Hormone University and the naturopathic product company Glow Botanica.

When women come to me to get my help or advice, I usually ask them if they feel heard by their doctors. Unfortunately, it takes an average of seven years to diagnose Endometriosis (10 if you are a woman of color), which tells us that some doctors still don’t listen and disregard Endo as “PMS or menstrual cramps.” We have to advocate for ourselves, and, hence, our newsletter at Hormone University is called The Waiting Room – the goal is for you to learn what to ask your doctor before stepping into their office, so you will feel empowered to do so.

I recommend women focus on their diet but also manage their emotional health. You can have the best nutrition, but if you are constantly stressed, you are on “cortisol poisoning,” which can have a major effect on hormonal imbalance and health overall. I love and recommend cold showers, infrared saunas, movement, breathing exercises, and being present.

I am biased, but I highly recommend our product, Tummy Butter! It has so many great properties. Following three different studies, it has shown tremendous results and glowing reviews with PMS and Menopause symptoms. Stop the crappy painkillers and potential side effects of hormonal treatments!

We have so much to do to influence the medical world. The pill gets prescribed too easily without informing patients of the side effects. Nutrition, lifestyle, mental health, and natural solutions should be the rule rather than the exception. We should receive education on hormonal imbalance and wellness; we should focus more on symptoms (not age), so we can stop the stigma that surrounds hormonal health.

Link to purchase: https://www.glowbotanica.com/

Everything you need to know about hormonal health: https://hormone-university.com/

LIANE MOCCIA

Beauty is stepping into your power. When we advocate for and prioritize our health, we are vibrantly energized and shine. That is beautiful.

WHAT HAS BEEN/ WAS A DEFINING MOMENT FOR

When I was in my early thirties, I was unable to get pregnant. My journey started like so many other women, when I told my doctor I wanted to start trying to get pregnant and was told, “Start taking a prenatal and come back in one year if you aren’t pregnant.” This led to months of wading through on-line misinformation, feeling frustrated, confused, and worried that something was wrong and my biological clock was ticking. Eventually, I was referred to a specialist and diagnosed with premature ovarian failure, and after several failed IVF cycles, my doctor told me I was a “non-responder,” and they would not continue to treat me.

I was devastated, but at the same time, I would not accept that this was the end of the journey for me. The defining moment for me was when I chose not to accept the existing model that labeled me as a “non-responder” and offered no other options. I chose to believe there was more I could do and started advocating for my own health. I took back my power and sought out another opinion. A year of taking fertility treatments and looking closely at how to improve my health and the environment around me paved the way for where I am today, and ultimately led me to herbal medicine. Three IUI and four IVF cycles later, we finally conceived our twin daughters, who are happy and healthy teens today.

After a few years had passed, I was finally able to reflect on my journey. I couldn’t understand

why finding my own options was my only option. Knowing there was more I could have done to support my fertility fueled my passion to help others. I went back to school, studied herbalism, became a certified herbalist, was accepted as a peer-reviewed registered professional herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild, and completed a year-long mentorship with a renowned naturopathic fertility doctor in Boston.

Now I help people optimize their fertility through herbs, nutrition, and lifestyle changes. Having a clear plan can take so much pressure off you when you are trying to conceive.

Liane Moccia (RH)AHG is a Registered Clinical Herbalist who specializes in fertility and preconception planning. She combines herbs, nutrition, and lifestyle changes with a clear plan to help optimize fertility. She believes no one should struggle to build their family.

lianesherbalwellness.com

Info & Statistics on IVF

With 1 in 8 couples experiencing infertility, you or someone you know is likely struggling to build their family. When couples have trouble conceiving, the focus is often on the woman. But the data shows that issues related to sperm are a factor in 40-50% of infertility cases. 12% of women have used an infertility service, resulting in 2% of live births. The average patient goes through two IVF cycles, with an average total cost ranging from $40,000$60,000. An estimated 85% of IVF costs are paid out of pocket.

YOU?

Generational BEAUTY

Michele Saunders, Janet Saunders, Roxanne Peyton, Dara Peyton, Imani Joiner, Israel Peyton-Rogers

When I look at this picture, an overwhelming sense of pride comes over me. Three generations of strength, perseverance, wisdom, and hope. Three generations that have not succumb to the preconceived notions of who they should be. Generations of God’s Grace. -Dara Peyton

“Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and hope of the slave.”

-Maya Angelou

Timeless Beauty

Darla Fischer’s Moment of Reflection and Timeless Wisdom

Born in 1939, Darla Fischer has been nurtured by nature and its healing benefits throughout her whole life. After growing up in Plum City, Wisconsin, where she was the oldest of 11 children, she moved to an 80-acre farm where she and her husband raised their four children (3 sons and a daughter).

As the farm and family grew, so did her desire to move and explore a new and rewarding path. Learning had always been something Darla valued, so she went back to school and became a cardiology nurse, and for the next 20 years she worked in a trauma hospital located 50 miles from her home in MN.

Today Darla lives in Ellsworth, WI, where she has created 5 miles of her very own wildlife sanctuary. With so many wild animals roaming freely on her glorious grounds, it wouldn’t be uncommon for her to hear the woods “talking to her.” Darla also enjoys her “lake life”

in a cabin surrounded by a wonderful community and peaceful waters near Bay Lake in MN.

Darla engages and enjoys all that life has to offer and encourages others to do the same. This woman of adventure keeps those around her on their toes. From dancing to traveling, music to the arts, quilting to hunting, she embraces every year as a blessing.

According to Darla’s niece, Diane McMillen, the biggest lesson learned from her aunt is all about “getting back to the basics, being in the moment, and enjoying all the beauty around her. It’s a gift! Darla admits that she inherited her unique spirit from her parents. In response to a question regarding the biggest lessons she has learned from them, she shared “no such word as can’t” from her dad and “to be kind and to see the good in other people” from her mom.

Best “life hack” advice:

“Keep things simple” Biggest change over time: “Technology”

Greatest beauty tip to share: “Be healthy, be active, and get out to talk to people.”

An Unexpected Family Gift

Written By: Diane McMillen

As someone who has learned the value of proactive health and being your own advocate, I have also learned in the last years about the wonderful gift a family can give itself with proper planning and knowledge. I truly had no idea how important planning is for an individual, a family, or those with older parents. We always hear stories about others’ losses, but we block these challenges out of our mind and rationalize and somehow believe that our own families are invincible, right?

Planning for a health challenge or a life-changing chapter is a tough topic in many ways, but it is so necessary. You need to be able to jump in and take care of things with no delays. Having all the t’s crossed and i’s dotted are a huge part of caregiving made easier. And who could have ever predicted a global pandemic to highlight this?

Ironically, I had just finished planning for my own personal future when the unexpected happened. Within weeks of me making the plan, one of my parent’s health took a turn for the worse. I am telling you this as something to seriously consider. No matter how young or old, rich or poor, you are, you need to have a plan in place. It is better to be safe than to be very sorry.

LESSONS I’VE LEARNED…

1Have conversations around planning for your family. Whether you’re single, have aging parents, or a parent in a family with younger children, everyone needs to have a plan. Recognize that all of this is a family gift; it could be the biggest and most impactful one of their entire lives. Thinking that you are creating a gift may make the small sacrifice of planning more palatable.

2Identify who in your family has the strengths for finances, health advocacy, and caregiving. Decide who has the best resources and can handle the details. You can leverage everyone’s strengths to make things happen.

Set up a Power of Attorney document to appoint a person or attorney that can handle certain transactions on your behalf. There are online resources available, but I found it easier to engage an attorney.

3Identify a Health Surrogate that you know will be an advocate for anything around your health and is not afraid to ask questions and learn to navigate the healthcare system for the best care and options. This will also involve being there as a second pair of eyes and ears to capture details in health conversations and decisions.

4Engage in End of Life Planning discussions and look into setting up documents, such as Living Wills, Wills, and Estate planning, Guardianship, Long Term Care planning, Medicaid planning, etc. If you need assistance, consider an elder care attorney who specializes in all these topics.

5Educate yourself and your family about long-term care options. There are also aging care advocates that can be helpful in an immediate situation. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. There are more options to elerly care than just nursing homes. Explore options such as independent living, at-home care resources, group home living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing care facilities. In today’s times, it is important to know visitation policies and how your family can be involved, even in a pandemic-type situation. Consider engaging an aging care advocate or expert to assist with decisions and choices unique to your area. This works in a consultative way and can be helpful with decisions and provide a 3rd party perspective. If you haven’t already, give your family the gift of protection. Protect your biggest asset, the ones you love the most.

Small Town, Big Heart

Written by Jordan Peden

Pass Christian, Mississippi Dorothy Roberts

Each morning in the small town of Pass Christian, Mississippi, Dorothy Roberts begins her day by flipping on a small light above a framed photo of her mother and father and telling them good morning. This photo is just one of many family relics adorning the small cafe on Davis Avenue that bears her family name, a space Dorothy hopes will honor her parents while inspiring her guests. Right next door to the cafe is Dorothy’s gift shop, where she sells handcrafted jewelry made personally by Dorothoy or one of the other local artists. Dorothy’s work is a testament to her love for Pass Christian, which, thanks to her cafe and gift shop, has put Pass Christian on the map by creating a unique destination for travelers across the United States.

Dorothy Roberts was a public servant long before her adventures on Davis Avenue. After earning an undergraduate degree in Music Education and working for two years as a music teacher, Dorothy felt called to a different field: social work. “I just felt like there was something more that I would like to do and be involved with in terms of children and with young people, so God led me to the field of social services, and I got my MSW.” Dorothy spent the next 26 years working for the state of Mississippi, where she served children with intellectual disabilities and psychiatric disorders.

Following a 28-year career in state service, Dorothy retired only to immediately pivot to a new career which fosters her creativity. In 2015, she purchased two side-by-side properties on Davis Avenue, one of which became Robin’s Nest in the Pass, a gallery gift shop that celebrates the creative spirit and is lovingly named for her sister, Robin Roberts. “I’d been selling jewelry for about 10-15 years at that point, and I just thought it would be neat to own a little gift shop

where I sold my jewelry and supported other artists. Dorothy opened Robin’s Nest in the Pass almost seven years ago and has nurtured it and watched it grow ever since.

While the property next door to “The Nest,” as they call it, sat empty for the first few years, Dorothy always had big plans. Dorothy shared that from the moment she stepped inside the little house, she was reminded of her parents’ love for bringing people together, leading her to transform it into a cafe and call it Robert’s Place on Davis. “I wanted to honor their legacy of being so community, people, and service-minded. I felt that immediately, and I still feel it.” After extensive renovations, Dorothy finally celebrated the grand opening of Robert’s Place Cafe on

January 24, 2022. What was once a family home is now a cozy restaurant serving American southern cuisine for breakfast and lunch.

In keeping with the theme of family and home, Dorothy dedicated one room to each of her parents, featuring family memorabilia from their extraordinary lives and careers. Robert’s Place, as Dorothy says, is “half museum, half cafe.” The purpose of sharing her parents’ stories and achievements is not to boast, rather Dorothy hopes that her guests and patrons will leave her cafe feeling encouraged. “The focus behind this is to inspire people, to uplift people, to motivate people, to let them know that Mom and Dad came from meager beginnings, and this is what they did with their life. And I always want people to be aware, and that may inspire them to see a person, a woman of color, who was on the federal reserve board and received the Laurel Wreath Award and a man of color who was a Tuskegee Airman.”

Dorothy shared the three things she says every restaurant should have: “a really wonderful

environment, great service, and good food.” This is just one of many reasons the Pass Christian community has fallen in love with her gift shop and cafe and why guests travel from miles around to visit these spots.” When asked what makes Pass Christian so special, Dorothy will tell you it’s the location and the people. “It’s the quaint, coastal nature of the town. There’s a rich, diverse population who lives here. We have parks, beautiful pristine beaches; we have this beautiful scenic drive where some of the loveliest homes you’ll ever see on the Mississippi Gulf Coast are nestled. But the people make this town enjoyable to live in because, for the most part, we all really care about each other. We’re made up of people who are as rooted as the oak trees. There are live oak trees down here, and those roots go deep, but it allows those branches to go out. And they’re some of the most magnificent trees you’ll ever see. They’re hundreds of years old. Mississipians are just like the mighty oaks, we’re rooted in our coastal area.”

Thanks to people like Dorothy Roberts, small towns like Pass Christian continue to thrive in their deeply rooted traditions of faith and love.

we love Books

GET WHAT YOU WANT

By Julie Solomon

Book Excerpt CHAPTER SIX “Creating a Blueprint for Success”

Do you ever feel like you are on the cusp of something great, but there just seems to be something that keeps getting in the way? This is how I felt for about a decade. As I mentioned earlier, when I graduated from college in 2007, I moved straight to New York City. I had no job. I had no friends. I was propelled to go there by this small voice within me saying that I wanted to experience more. I wanted to see more. I tried for months to get a job and was just doing whatever I could on the side to make ends meet. And finally, three months in, after surfing on a friend of a friend of a friend’s couch, I got a job as an assistant to a music publicist at one of the top music PR agencies in the country. I was paid $20,000 a year in New York City with $30,000 of student loan debt. I worked nonstop, but I loved that job! I loved doing something

new that was truly mine. I got to travel and experience incredible life-changing opportunities. But eventually, it just wasn’t financially feasible for me to do it anymore.

So I moved back to Nashville in 2008, went to work for a publishing house doing book publicity, and got to work with some incredible authors. But a few years in, I began to feel a tug that this wasn’t “it.” I couldn’t quite place my finger on why, but it felt like it was holding me back instead of moving me forward. I was terrified. I still had my debt at the time and was also going through a divorce and found myself in a scary place of what am I meant to be doing?

Taken from Get What You Want by Julie Solomon. Copyright © 2022 by Julie Solomon. Used by permission of HarperCollins Leadership. www. harpercollinsleadership.com.

Julie Solomon is a Speaker, Business Coach, Host of the top rated The Influencer Podcast, and Author of Get What You Want: How to Go From Unseen to Unstoppable. Julie lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband, award-winning actor and activist Johnathon Schaech; two children, Camden and Lily Jo; and their sassy Pomeranian Foxy.

As we focus this issue on growth mindset, what better than a book centered around personal accountability and moving mental boundaries to help you realize your true potential.

New York Times Best Selling Author, David Goggins’ is a Retired Navy SEAL and has competed in more than sixty ultra-marathons, triathlons, and ultra-triathlons, setting new course records and regularly placing in the top five. A former Guinness World Record holder for completing 4,030 pull-ups in seventeen hours, he’s

a much-sought-after public speaker who’s shared his story with the staffs of Fortune 500 companies, professional sports teams, and hundreds of thousands of students across the country.

With over 4 million copies sold, David’s book is considered a raw, heartfelt and straight-shooting memoir. Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds is our next AUB Book Club pick and we cant wait to dive in with all of you. Available in original and clean editions.

ASK US BEAUTY

started from a simple question: How can we provide everyday consumers with the information they need to make informed decisions about all things beauty and wellness? With that one question, a community was created and supported by celebrities, industry insiders, top doctors, and others dedicated to providing the facts about all things beauty and wellness.

As Ask Us Beauty celebrates its first anniversary this summer, we chose Growth Mindset as the perfect theme for this issue. We learned beyond our wildest ideas and grew in so many unimaginable ways over the past year. But, despite trying to become a master juggler, my biggest lesson learned is the importance of mindset: to keep an open mind and be comfortable with the uncomfortable. It is in these times your strength and resilience will shine.

If you are looking for tips on how to shift your own mindset, consider revisiting the article from our contributor Ali Landry on reshaping your mind or comedian Robyn Schall’s article on the positive effects of laughter.

And if you are still thirsting for more information on how to create your best mindset, I highly recommend you check out one of my all-time favorite books Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D. It will not disappoint!

There is no time like the present to enjoy every last minute of summer reading. The holidays will be here in the blink of an eye.

But for now, stay cool and enjoy the moment.