MARILENA MADIO
“One of the biggest turning points in my career came when I had the opportunity to paint for the Property Brothers TV show. This wasn’t just any design show, it’s one of the most well known home renovation series, with a massive global audience and a reputation for featuring high quality craftsmanship and innovative design. Being part of it was an experience that not only pushed me creatively but also introduced my work to a whole new audience.”
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Success. We chase it, define it, redefine it and yet the truth is, real success isn’t something we stumble upon or strategize our way into. It’s a natural outcome of doing the very thing we were born to do.
This summer, I invite you to consider that success isn’t the destination, it’s the confirmation. The confirmation that you’ve found your passion, you’ve ignited it and you’ve decided to go all in. When you’re aligned with your calling, success doesn’t just become possible, it becomes inevitable. This season’s cover feature is a beautiful example of that truth.
We met in an elevator. An ordinary moment turned into a divine appointment. There was an instant spark, a shared frequency and within seconds, a connection that would evolve into friendship and collaboration. It reminded me: you never know who you’re about to meet when you’re open, when you trust the timing and when you’re living in alignment.
So, as you turn the pages of this summer issue, may you feel both inspired and deeply affirmed. This isn’t just a magazine. It is a reminder that your purpose is your path and when you dare to walk it boldly, the right people, opportunities and successes will rise to meet you.
With admiration for all you’re becoming,
JEN SZPIGIEL
Success isn’t the destination; it’s the confirmation. When you’re aligned with your purpose, the right people and opportunities show up. Let this issue remind you, you’re on the right path.
Discover the top summer trends of 2025—from fresh beauty routines and trending nails to creating the perfect Pinterest-worthy picnic.
From a nursery wall to large-scale murals, Marilena Madio has spent over 20 years transforming blank spaces into bold, beautiful works of art. A graduate of OCAD, she brings stories to life through vibrant, oversized creations, proving no wall is too big and no vision too ambitious.
Master the art of saying no with grace. Learn how setting boundaries protects your time, energy, and leadership.
CONTENTS
Content creator Micah shares her journey from lawyer to viral cleaning queen. Learn her tips for audience growth, brand partnerships, and the power of consistency in building a career online.
A binge-worthy solo podcast series from Jen Szpigiel packed with wisdom gems for life and business. Tune in for soulful insights, seasonal shifts, and empowering conversations designed to keep you inspired all summer long.
mAn Invocation for Presence This Summer
ay this summer be an invitation.
A call back to the present moment,
Where the sun kisses your skin, And time slows just enough for you to feel it.
May you awaken each day with wonder,
Not rushing, not striving,
But savoring the richness of what already is.
The laughter that lingers, the breeze that soothes,
The way the light dances through the trees.
May your heart soften in the stillness, Releasing the weight of “what’s next”
And embracing the beauty of right now.
May you be fully here.
In the conversations, the quiet pauses, The moments that might seem small,
But hold the essence of everything.
May this summer remind you That presence is the portal to joy,
And in your presence, Life becomes its most radiant masterpiece. And so it is.
~ Jen, Editor in Chief
Itruly have the best job in the world. Every day, I get to transform blank walls into vibrant works of art, using creativity to breathe new life into the spaces people call home. My journey began with a mural I painted for my daughter’s nursery—and I’ve been hooked ever since. After studying at
OCAD in Toronto, I spent the next 20+ years turning my passion into a career, creating large-scale murals that make a bold, beautiful impact. I thrive on the challenge of working big, and there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a space completely transformed through art. No project is too ambitious—if there’s a wall, there’s a story waiting to be told.
Front Cover & Bio Photographed by Ava Madio
Kelsey Hogan is a trailblazer in the marketing and business strategy space, known for helping bold women build businesses that feel as good as they look. With nearly two decades of experience advising brands valued over $13 billion, including Fortune 500 companies and top TV personalities, she brings unmatched clarity, confidence, and conviction to every room she enters. As Founder and CEO of Claimed & Co., Kelsey has mentored over 100+ women entrepreneurs and supported hundreds more helping them step into their power and build magnetic, scalable brands that reflect who they truly are. Her approach is rooted in precision and purpose. Through her signature mix of strategic vision, intuitive brand building, and hands-on mentorship, Kelsey empowers her clients to stop playing small and start claiming the business (and life) they actually want.She’s also a sought-after speaker, thought leader, and podcast guest celebrated for turning complex marketing into clear, actionable growth. Beyond the boardroom, Kelsey is a proud mom of two and a believer that real success isn’t just about what you build, it’s about who you become while building it.
Gabrielle Kozhukh-Joo is the founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Mindwell Design, Canada’s first neuroaesthetic interior design studio. Her work blends scientific insight with sensory storytelling to create deeply personalized spaces that support clarity, wellness, and high performance. With a background in environmental planning and interior design, Gabrielle designs homes that align not just with how people live, but with how they want to feel. A former competitive martial artist and mother of two, she believes that mindset, mood, and the built environment are inseparable, and that true luxury is a home that supports who you’re becoming.
Micah is DIY and home decor enthusiast, who also shares motherhood, cleaning and lifestyle content on TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube (all @MakeItWithMicah). A former attorney, Micah’s true passion lies in inspiring others to create both beautiful things and spaces, which is what prompted Micah to launch her influencer journey over one year ago. Despite being relatively new to the influencer world, Micah has already amassed a following of over partnered with over 50 renowned household brands, including: Kelloggs, Lysol, Netflix, Swiffer, Walmart, CVS, Amazon, Shark, Cascade, Dollar Tree and DirectTV, among many others. A wife and mother of two, Micah is passionate about sharing her motherhood journey and living a purpose driven life.
Marilena MADIO
Photographed by George Pimentel
Carving
my own path
HOW I BUILT A THRIVING MURAL BUSINESS ON MY TERMS
Twenty six years ago, when I first picked up a paintbrush while pregnant with my daughter, I never imagined it would lead to a full time career. At the time, I wasn’t looking for a traditional art job, I was actually in the jewelry design business. But art had always been part of my story. At 14 I won an art award, In grade 11 an aptitude test confirmed what I already knew, art was in my path. I even got accepted into OCAD, though I had no plans to go. (Spoiler: It turned out to be an amazing four years.) But fate had other plans. Later down the road, when someone told me about having a mural painted, a spark ignited. I thought, this is something I should try. That moment set me on a path that looked nothing like the typical roadmap to success, but it turned out to be exactly the right one. As I started painting, I developed a passion for transforming spaces, a love for colour, and an unstoppable drive to figure things out as I went. I started small, painting murals for friends and family, learning through trial and
error. Early on, I realized I wasn’t just painting walls, I was creating something deeply personal for families. Every mural told a story, and I loved the emotional connection that came with it. Whether it was a whimsical nursery scene or an elegant faux finish, I saw firsthand how art could completely transform a space and bring joy to people’s lives. That realization fueled me to keep going, even when I wasn’t sure what the next step looked like.
Suddenly, my murals were being seen by millions of homeowners, designers, and industry professionals, many of whom might never have come across my work otherwise. It was a moment of validation, proving that my unique approach to murals resonated on a larger scale.
More than that, it became a powerful catalyst for growth, attracting new clients, collaborations, and opportunities that helped take my business to the next level. Then, something I never could have predicted happened, one of my murals went viral, with over 52 million views on social media. That kind of exposure was surreal, but it reinforced something important: I had built a business that resonated
with people, not by following industry norms, but by embracing what made me different. In today’s digital world, social media has become an invaluable tool for artists and entrepreneurs alike, offering a platform to showcase work, connect with audiences, and grow a brand beyond geographical limits. That viral moment not only introduced my art to millions but also opened doors to new collaborations, clients, and opportunities I never imagined possible. It proved that creativity, when shared authentically, has the power to inspire and reach people on a global scale. Instead of focusing solely on painting murals, I expanded my business in ways that felt authentic to me. I launched my Mural Membership program, providing other artists with the tools, guidance, and confidence
“SUCCESS DIDN’T COME FROM TRADITIONAL ROUTES BUT FROM TRUSTING MY INSTINCTS, TAKING RISKS, AND LEANING INTO WHAT MADE MY WORK UNIQUE.”
to grow their own businesses. I partnered with a Paint Brush company to design my own set of brushes, making it easier for muralists to achieve professional results with precision and ease. I also had the opportunity to collaborate with professional interior designers, bringing their visions to life by creating bespoke murals that elevate residential and commercial spaces. Most importantly, I stayed true to what I loved, painting murals that spark joy, whether in a child’s bedroom, a powder room, or a large scale public space, transforming everyday environments into works of art. Looking back, my journey wasn’t about following a set path, it was about creating my own. Success didn’t come from traditional routes but from trusting my instincts, taking risks, and leaning into what made my work unique.
To anyone wondering if they can turn their passion into a thriving business, my advice is simple: You don’t have to do things the way they’ve always been done. You don’t need a perfect plan, a degree, or permission from anyone else. You just need the courage to start, the resilience to keep going, and the creativity to carve your own path. Because when you build a business around what you love, success isn’t just possible, it’s inevitable in ways you never imagined.
ICONIC PODCASTING STARTS HERE
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Photographed by Melissa Douglas
The Quiet Epidemic
HOGAN KELSEY
Quiet Epidemic
There’s a quiet epidemic running through women’s businesses (and just as equally, the ones they haven’t built yet) today. It doesn’t shout. It doesn’t announce itself. Like the most unsettling truths, it hides in plain sight. It’s not just perfectionism. It’s not always fear. It’s not even about playing too small. Even the loud ones - the leaders, the feminists, the ones who speak up in rooms and own their authority - can still be operating from this subconscious choreography that never gave us permission to want more. This epidemic lives in boardrooms and kitchen offices alike. Having spent the better part of the last two decades in both, I can confidently attest to this. It’s a slowburn force, like a silent undercurrent pulling fantastically capable women away from their own power. We don’t necessarily ourselves in the “good girl” trope. We’re most likely not afraid to be visible. But we still find ourselves confined to goals that feel acceptable, realistic, and responsible, even if
we don’t realize it. We’re not pausing to imagine something beyond what we’ve seen modeled. Something bigger. Bolder. More delusional (Because let’s be honest, we’d probably be called crazy) It shows up in how we price our work (too low). How we hesitate to speak about what we do (“Oh, it’s just ___”). In the way we reflexively shape our businesses to be digestible, respectable, and safe. “Little” isn’t just how society labels our work – it’s how we’ve often learned to talk about it, too.
I’m a feminist. A high-achieving founder. A CEO Mom. A woman who’s raised tiny humans while building a business I believe in. I’m the woman that helps other women show up fully and visibly in their brands (Yes, this is actually my job!). I’m not someone who silences herself. Who plays by the rules. Who stays out of the way. And yet… I missed it, too. By late 2024, everything in my business looked like it was working. My digital marketing agency was scaling. My clients were thriving, and I had the receipts to prove it. I was mentoring a team of brilliant young women and had just launched a mentorship program that lit me up after a brutal burnout season.
But something felt off.
It wasn’t imposter syndrome. It was a dull ache. A ‘knowing’ that pulsed beneath the surface before finally - after much internal and external work - making itself known. On paper, I’d built a brilliant business to be proud of. But it still didn’t feel fully mine. Worse, it didn’t feel fully me. It wasn’t an accidental misalignment. It was a limitation by design. I hadn’t even thought to imagine things differently because the kind of expansiveness I deeply craved wasn’t in my original blue-
print. I didn’t know how to reach for it, because no one ever told me it was mine to claim. I remember nervously confessing to my coach and my partner: “I feel like a fraud.” Not because I doubted my skills. Not because I didn’t believe in my clients’ success. But because I couldn’t shake the dissonance.
“How am I the one feeling this way when I teach this stuff for a living?” I was helping women step into their clear purposes while mine had all but vanished. That disconnect was the thing I couldn’t name, and once I finally recognized it, I couldn’t unsee it.
Moving Through The Fog
This realization that I didn’t feel deeply connected to my work wasn’t just a passing thought. It was a persistent truth I couldn’t ignore (even when I tried). It kept me up at night and bled into everything: how I showed up with and for my clients, led my team, parented my children, lived my day to day life. I felt frozen, like no cocktail of strategy, Klonopin and prayer could fix the feeling of unrest in my chest. I had all the tools... and none of the relief.
"Because here's the thing about women like us: we're entrepreneurs. We took that leap. We carry big goals and even bigger visions. We don't quit when the going gets tough. Relentlessly, we push. We overdeliver. We keep building (even when something isn't sitting right)"
My work felt hollow.. My sense of purpose – dulled. My confidence in my leadership? Shaky at best. I started questioning whether I was even cut out for any of this: business, motherhood, this life I’d created. It started subtly. But soon, I was spiraling. It was affecting my health, my emotional state, my relationships, my creativity … Nothing felt like it ‘mattered,’ because nothing felt aligned anymore. And the worst part was, I couldn’t find an easy solution. The quick but permanent fix that my Type A self craved. I needed to know - what the heck was this, and what could I do to make it better? I tried evolving my offers, launching new things, “fixing” the gap. But the more I pushed, the more distressed I became. The irony felt laughable, in a not “haha” funny kind of way. I was still coaching clients to avoid the very burnout I was experiencing.
Yet, something deeper pulled me forward. It wasn’t a cut and
dry strategy. It was intuition. And for someone wired for achievement, that felt almost like betrayal. My work was good - great, even - but it wasn’t the right fit for the woman I was beco ming. That’s what so many women miss: you can build something that succeeds and still feel like it no longer fits.
You’re Not Alone
I know I’m not the only one. I can confidently say that most of the women I work with, whether I’m managing their social media presence or coaching them through a season of entrepreneurship, have brushed up against this exact feeling. Because here’s the thing about women like us: we’re entrepreneurs. We took that leap. We carry big goals and even bigger visions. We don’t quit when the going gets tough. Relentlessly, we push. We overdeliver. We keep building (even when something isn’t sitting right), because that’s what we’ve always done. We’re wired for resilience. For responsibility. And for results. And that’s exactly why this realization becomes inevitable. Maybe not right away. But eventually, it catches up to us - that sense that something is missing.
The quiet knowing that what we've built might look right, but no longer feels true.
And when it does catch up? We see it. Clearly.Fully. And we can’t unsee it.
I’ve worked with women across dozens of industries. Medical experts. Thought leaders. Published authors. And they still whisper to me that something is missing. They’re not stuck because they don’t have a strategy. They’re stuck because the strategy was built on someone else’s definition of success. They feel the pull, even if they can’t name where it’s leading. And that’s not a problem, it’s an opening. It’s a personal invitation to stop asking if there’s more, and start exploring what your more might actually be.
Finding the Invisible Thread
For me, the moment of clarity didn’t happen on some transcendental meditation retreat. I wasn’t journaling in the woods, awaiting some epic download from the universe. Nope - it came in the chaos of everyday life: school drop-offs, Slack pings, client calls, forgetting where my AirPods were (again) and snack requests. That’s when it hit me: This is what women are living every day.
Not fear. Not failure. But fog.
- Fog that blurs clarity, dulls desire, and keeps us stuck in achievement that doesn’t fully satisfy us from the inside out.
- Fog that keeps us circling our ideas in shiny notebooks instead of declaring them out loud and making moves on them.
- Fog that convinces us we need more time, more confidence, and more proof to claim our next era.
- Fog that keeps our ambition within a range that feels palatable (to whom, exactly?).
We don’t even realize we’ve limited ourselves, because we’re still doing everything “right.” But the right things in the wrong direction will still take you
off course.
What It Really Is
We call it burnout. We call it being stuck. But what it really is? It’s the disconnection between who we are and who we never gave ourselves the space to become. Sometimes it’s not about fear, but it’s about unfamiliarity. No one tells you what to do when everything’s working… but you still don’t feel like yourself.” And when you’re already viewed by the outside world as bold, capable, ‘empowered’? You stop questioning the shape of your life, because it already looks better than most. But you’re still operating from a framework that isn’t entirely yours. That’s the real epidemic. Not just the shrinking. It’s the static. The disconnection. The outward success masking the quiet ache. This isn’t about doing more. This is about becoming visible to yourself. To trust what you know. To let your expertise and your intuition be your guide. To name what you want. To stop treating your big idea like a hypothetical, and start building it like it’s inevitable.
Because once you do that? Everything expands.
That’s the work I’m doing now. Not just for me. Not just for my daughter. But for every woman who’s ever thought: “I know there’s something bigger out there for me… I just can’t see it clearly yet.” And maybe most of all, this is for the woman who hasn’t even realized she’s allowed to want more. Not because she’s afraid to ask, but because she’s never seen herself ‘that way’ or as that woman.
What We’re No Longer Available For: A Manifesto for Women Claiming Their Next level
We’re no longer available to squeeze ourselves into frameworks th at weren’t built for us.
We’re done second guessing our authority, our pricing, our messaging, or our ambition. No more explanations on “why” we charge this much. Their budget is not our price.
We’re done waiting for perfect timing, the right milestone, the cosmic “sign.” We’re going all in NOW and not looking back.
We’re no longer assuming that if something ‘works,’ it must be right, or the end game for us. We’re reclaiming the audacity to want more, even when things are going well.
We’re building brands that reflect the women we’re becoming, not just who we’ve been.
We’re letting businesses and desires evolve out loud, and we’re not asking anyone to give us the green light first.
Girlfriend, I see you.
This is your permission slip. Or maybe, like me, you’ve been your own North Star all along, just waiting to trust her.
This isn’t just mentorship. It is a curated, immersive experience where strategy meets energetics, helping you scale to multi-six or seven figures with consistency, confidence, and ease.
BECOMING
ICONIC’S SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
IS DESIGNED FOR WOMEN WHO ARE READY TO BUILD AND SCALE A SUSTAINABLE MULTI-SIX AND SEVEN-FIGURE BRAND.
This space will spark you to become an empowered CEO by building your skills, knowledge and expertise to lead your brand into a legacy. Why Choose the B. Lounge? When you step into the B. Lounge, you’re saying YES to building a business and a life that expands your vision and supports your fullest capacity. Here’s what you’ll unlock:
Reliable Revenue: Build a business that delivers steady, repeatable results, giving you confidence in your income and future. Aligned Success: Scale without sacrificing your values, energy, or freedom. This is about growing your business in a way that feels good and works for you.
Sophisticated Strategy: Implement proven systems and frameworks that simplify your growth and free up your time.
Authenticity in Action: Stand out in your industry by being deeply aligned with who you are and what you stand for. Clients are drawn to your authentic leadership and vision. A note from Jen: B.Lounge is the culmination of nearly two decades of experience supporting women to build iconic businesses resulting in millions globally. I designed this space for the woman who is aching for more and knows she’s meant for more. I have been her. I know what it’s like to lay awake in wonder and desire for what has been placed upon your heart. This experience was created with you in mind. I wanted a space where I could freely give all of my knowledge and wisdom over to the women who were willing to do what it takes and not settle for mediocrity. If you’re ready to scale with clarity, confidence and sustainability, take the leap. Your future self will thank you. I’ve got you.
KRISTINA DIPALO
Photographed by Micah Joel
IBecoming an ICONOCLAST
WRITTEN BY: KRISTINA DIPALO
t started with a vision. It started young.
I began imagining who I wanted my adult self to be in grade school. I admired many women whose accomplishments, beauty and power spanned all walks of life. Political figures, activists, athletes, musicians, actresses, muses. Women like Debbie Harry, Shirely Chisholm, Billie Jean King and Millicent Fenwick. And if you don’t know her, Millicent was a blue-blooded rebel whose career spanned politics (serving four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives), diplomacy and fashion. Each one of these women embodied a characteristic that excited and attracted me: coolness, complexity, courage, class. They were icons. One day, I wanted to be an icon, too.
How many of us become fascinated with popular figures in our neighborhood or in the broader culture when we’re young? How many of us look at these people as heroes to inspire our own self-awareness? And how many of us use our heroes, our icons, to begin the long, creative exercise of crafting who we wish to be in adulthood?
I certainly did. It didn’t take long before I knew exactly who I wanted to be. My version was an amalgam of the icons of my youth. A woman comfortable in her intelligence and ambition. A woman hungry for knowledge and experience. A woman who moves through this world with her own style. A woman filled with love. Once I was clear on who I wanted to be, so I thought,
all I needed to do was live that vision.
CREATING THE ICON YOU WANT TO BE IS EASY. BEING THAT ICON IS NOT. LIVING THE VISION YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF TAKES VIGILANCE. IT TAKES HOLDING FAST TO YOUR OWN TRUTH. IT TAKES UNDERSTANDING WHAT AN ICON TRULY IS.
The earliest use of the term icon comes from Ancient Greece. An icon (eikón) is a representation, image or likeness. It is a reflection of its source, a short cut to meaning. Religious icons come to mind, images created to reflect the Divine that were so powerful that worshipers believed the image itself was mystical. When you become an icon, you become more than just yourself. You become a steward of qualities that entice or repel, bring people up or push them down.
As my life unfolded, there were many watershed moments in which the iconic vision I had for myself was tested. The early death of a parent, multiple career transitions, motherhood, divorce, being single again in my 50’s. I’d like to say that I held fast to the characteristics I had wished to embody. I didn’t. In fact, over time I found myself drifting further and further from who I knew myself to be within. The process was so subtle, so mundane that it wasn’t obvious until I reached a watershed I could not back away from. That watershed was menopause.
It started with feeling the weight of time, which I had never paid attention to prior. It ended with feeling the weight of irrelevancy. In a sense, Nature was done with me and now I faced the steady rhythm of diminishment.
In that watershed moment, there was a choice. A choice to cling to what I was at that moment and follow it to its logical end or break that model and start again. I had to make peace with the possibility that breaking what I had become would be difficult, uncertain and upending. Would it be worth it? There was only one answer. The answer was “yes.”
Icons have a counterpart – the iconoclast. If an icon is a representation of something, an iconoclast is one who is ready to break that icon. An iconoclast is the person who pushes against cherished beliefs and ways of being that no longer work to set in motion the birth of what is new and what remains true. I decided to become an iconoclast.
Once I did, all those childhood icons came flooding back. The electric excitement of crafting my present and future bubbled furiously inside. The feeling of possibility, of blue sky, of expansiveness that had once taken up residence moved in again. Yet now there were years of experience and hard-won wisdom. Now living as one’s own icon was easier. If there is one realization I wished I discovered earlier, it would be the necessity of being an iconoclast throughout life. Of being willing to break, even in small ways, the patterns and circumstances you are living under if they no longer align with who
you know yourself to be. As time shifts your life shifts, and your perspective on what is most valuable shifts too. Relevancy is not vested in how others see you. Relevancy is vested in how you see yourself and how willing you are to live in self alignment.
Maybe you’ve never thought of yourself as an icon or considered whether or not someone else’s icons were imposed on you. But if you find yourself feeling uncertain about who you are today or find yourself calling into question things you once held as constant and true, it is time to think of yourself as an iconoclast. It is time to recognize what you are today and how harmonious that is with who you know yourself to be. It is time to break the definitions you are living under to design - or redesign - who you are and who you want to be.
What is my vision for you? It is for you to become an iconoclast. And the time to become one is now.
Photographed by Michelle Batts
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GABRIELLE KOZHUKH-JOO
Photographed by Michelle Batts
DESIGNING FOR THE MIND
SPACES THAT REGULATE YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM AND ELEVATE HOW YOU LIVE.
Iwas trained to win by staying calm. Growing up as a national-level judo athlete, I learned early that brute strength was never enough. Victory belonged to the one who could reset faster, think more clearly, and use space with more strategy. I didn’t have the language for it then, but what I was learning was nervous system mastery, mental fitness.
I suppose my relationship with space began even earlier than judo. At six years old, I was helping my dad pull electrical wires during our family renovation projects. We moved often, which meant I witnessed and participated in the constant reinvention of home. I didn’t just live in those spaces, I felt them and how they shifted. I saw how light landed differently depending on the layout, how walls shifted the way people felt, and how the energy of a room could change with a single decision. Rearranging my bedroom became a ritual, not for decoration but for recalibration. And it didn’t stop there. I was the one my family would ask about design decisions. I didn’t have formal training then, but I noticed I could sense when a space felt off, and how to make it feel right.
Years later, those same principles drive my work in neuroaesthetic interior design. Neuroaesthetics is the study of how our brain processes beauty and design, revealing how spaces, objects, and experiences shape our emotions, decisions, and sense of meaning. I didn’t take a linear path into design. At seventeen, I hovered over a university application for interior design but didn’t submit it. I took what felt like the responsible route: studying environmental planning, working in solar and green building, earning credentials in sustainable building, wellness certification, and coaching. I understood how to build smart homes and efficient neighbourhoods. I believed in sustainability and the impact of better urban systems. But the moments that stayed with me were never about the systems.
They were about the people. Clients who lit up when they felt seen. Teammates who performed better when their environment supported them. The MMA students I coached started to show up differently, not just as they were, but as the people they were growing into. Somewhere in the macro, I was missing the micro. The deeply personal transformations, the quiet moments when someone finally feels safe, seen, or reconnected to themselves. The human connection. That was the thread I kept returning to because, in the end, it’s the human impact that matters most to me.
Then I became a mother.
One summer day, I laid my newborn son beneath a leafy canopy in his stroller. Sunlight filtered through the green leaves onto his face. He smiled. The next day, it happened again. And again. That’s when it hit me. We are wired for this. His smile wasn’t just sweet. It was proof, which, if you know me, I love. Nature doesn’t just inspire us, it regulates us. And so do our interiors. That moment pulled together everything I’d studied and lived: judo, mental resilience, green building science, sensory awareness, and my intense level of attunement to helping people thrive. It clarified my mission: to design spaces that enhance not just how people live, but how they feel in their bodies and minds.Today, I run Mindwell Design, Canada’s first neuroaesthetic interior design studio, specializing in high-end, large-scale residential projects. We blend scientific insight with timeless design to create wellness-optimized environments for our high-performing, family-oriented, entrepreneurial, visionary clients. They don’t just want beautiful spaces, they want homes that support clarity, calm, and long-term well-being.
From Performance to Presence
Walk into most multi-million-dollar homes and you’ll see flawless millwork, designer fixtures, and perhaps an art wall curated for Instagram. What you won’t see is the silent cost those spaces can levy on the nervous system: sharp edges that keep the amygdala on guard, cool LEDs that hijack melatonin, and volatile organic compounds that fog cognition. Because the truth is, design is never neutral. Neuroscientist Dr. Anjan Chatterjee puts it clearly: “The built environment constantly modulates our emotions, attention, and even hormones.” At the highest levels of performance, whether in sport, business, or family life, mindset is everything. But mindset is also fragile. Your home either restores it, or erodes it. That’s why we design homes that operate like wellness facilities. Like mindset gyms. Spaces that cue the emotional state you want to live in, that guide how you move, rest, and reset, without having to think about it.
A Space That Knows What You Need
Let me paint a picture. You arrive home from a red-eye flight. The entryway greets you with warm 2,700-Kelvin light, coaxing your circadian rhythm back to local time. The air smells faintly of vetiver, an olfactory cue your brain now associates with “off-duty.” A curved walnut partition diffuses echo while guiding you toward a kitchen island carved from honed Taj Mahal stone, cool beneath your palms. Floor-to-ceiling sheer European drapery glare, casting soft fractal shadows that calm the visual cortex.
Nothing shouts “Look at me.” Yet every surface whispers, “Rest. Reset. Re-enter your life as the clearest version of yourself.”
The Philosophy
At Mindwell, our work is shaped by a method that’s evolved through years of research, practice, and pattern recognition. We focus on four key layers: mood (what emotional tone the space sets), intention (how the space supports your rhythm of life), narrative (the story of where you’ve come from and who you are becoming), and design (the sensory translation of it all into form). This process helps us create environments that don’t just look aligned with your life, they feel aligned with your nervous system.
The Science of Feeling Better
For our clients, the ROI isn’t just in aesthetics. It’s in clarity, energy, and ease. Better airflow sharpens focus. One Harvard study even tied it to a 61% jump in mental clarity. Circadian lighting improves sleep quality by nearly 20%. Natural textures and biophilic materials reduce stress within minutes.And now that biometric tech like Ultrahu-
man, WHOOP, and Apple Watch shows what stress looks like on your nervous system, our clients can see the difference, too. Their homes don’t just look better. They feel better. And so do they. We’ve had clients tell us their home feels like a retreat. That their children sleep better. That they argue less. That the clarity they feel in their environment unlocks precision in their decision-making. That’s the kind of impact that’s hard to measure, but impossible to ignore.
Why Now?
In 2019, this work felt like a luxury. Today, it feels like a necessity. Post-pandemic, our homes became everything: school, office, gym, sanctuary. We were forced to see them differently. We realized that the space we occupy isn’t just background, it’s a mirror and a force multiplier. It shapes our energy, our habits, and our mental load. The market responded with ergonomic chairs and standing desks. But what most people still don’t realize is this: no amount
of productivity tools can fix an environment that keeps your nervous system in fight or flight. That’s where neuroaesthetic design comes in. It’s not about throwing out everything and starting over. It’s about realignment and awareness.
Everyday Alignment
If you’re just beginning this journey, start by tuning in. Notice how you feel in different rooms, at different times of day. Pay attention to your energy when you walk into your kitchen. Observe the lighting in your bedroom an hour before bed. Swap one synthetic surface for something natural like linen, oak, or stone. Open a window for 20 minutes in the morning and again in the evening. That airflow isn’t just practical, it introduces subtle temperature shifts that mimic nature and grounds you. These shifts are subtle, but they start to reshape your internal experience. We call this micro-alignment: small changes that cue your nervous system toward calm, clarity, or creativity. Near your desk? Try diffusing bergamot for anxiety, eucalyptus for mental fog, or cinnamon for sustained alertness. In your bedroom? Amber, vanilla, or sandalwood can shift you into restoration mode. These rituals help you transition between performance and pause.
From the Mat to the Mind
In judo, the match doesn’t go to the strongest. It goes to the one who recovers fastest. The one who stays centered. That’s what nervous system regulation is. That’s what design can support. I still think like a judoka when I walk through a space. How will this help you breathe deeper, think clearer, and move with purpose? Because luxury isn’t about more stuff. It’s coming home to a space that knows what you need before you do. My vision is for neuroaesthetics to become as foundational as sustainability once was a decade ago. Imagine building permits that reward circadian lighting. Listings that tout “ambient cortisol scores.” Homes designed not just for show, but for support.Until then, I’ll keep experimenting. I’ll keep tuning in. I’ll keep designing for the mind.
For me, this is more than a design studio. Its a movement in wellness, rooted in science, built for beauty, and driven by clarity.
Amplify Your Voice. Captivate Your Audience. Transform Your Business.
You’ve been showing up, posting consistently and sharing your heart yet it feels like no one is truly listening.
What if your words didn’t just fill space but sparked action?
What if your stories didn’t just get heard but deeply felt?
Imagine crafting messages so powerful that your audience hangs onto every word, your dream clients come to you ready to buy and your influence expands effortlessly. This isn’t just storytelling. it’s the secret to thought leadership, brand authority, and lasting impact.
With The Art of Storytelling, you’ll gain:
✓A proven system for sharing your voice powerfully
and persuasively.
✓ Confidence to use storytelling across multiple platforms; from social media to podcasts to speaking on stages.
✓ A deep understanding of how to make every word you share work for your business growth.
This is about unshakable confidence in your voice, your message and your impact. The Art of Storytelling workshop is your gateway to being seen, heard and paid. This is your invitation to step into leadership, stand out with confidence and create a brand that people remember. Ready to use storytelling as your most powerful business strategy?
MICAH ENRIQUEZ
From Clutter to Content Queen
A Q&A WITH MICAH OF MAKE IT WITH MICAH ON TURNING HER PASSION INTO PURPOSE (AND PAID PARTNERSHIPS)
Jen: When I saw your home salad bar, I ordered every-single-thing you used in that reel. Now, I have a salad bar, and a coveted fridge people talk about. Your inspiration and impact supersede the aesthetic of what you do. My kids are eating healthier because of the way we present their food. There is beauty in opening a welcoming fridge and grabbing a healthy snack because it is so inviting.
Has organization always come naturally for you? Did you always clean the way you do today?
Micah: To answer that, we have to go back a little bit so that you can understand how I became this person today. I grew up poor in the Midwest. My parents were both in college, just trying to get their lives together when I was little, so I had to become creative as a result of that. I would take basically random things and make DIY’s with it. For example, I made a Barbie house from scratch. That is where my creative brain started. Fast forward to going to Rutgers for undergrad, becoming a single parent, and then going to law school. I didn’t have a lot of money and was just trying to make my house look as aesthetically pleasing as possible on a budget. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make your home beautiful and to
make it work for you. Then, during my time as an attorney and as a working mom with small children, I had to figure out a way to get organized and bring some peace of mind. For any of us who own homes, we pay so much money and often our home isn’t working for us. Do we have rooms, closets, or even drawers that are cluttered? I realized I was paying a portion of my mortgage for cluttered rooms, so I started decluttering and organizing. I’ve been at it now, for probably about three years, and there are still areas in my home that need to be optimized. But our lives have been improved.
Jen: Sometimes we can get so caught up in our lives and live in a frenzy, especially if you are a working mom. There are so many demands on a woman’s life. If my space is not clean and tidy my whole life feels cluttered. These things matter to our mental and physical health - to honor the privilege of having a home and making our homes as beautiful as possible. Opening a drawer that is organized and looks inviting changes your emotional state.
While you were cleaning your own space, did you you start filming right away or was this your own project first? How did that start?
Micah: A lot of what I show is cleaning and organizing DIY’s that I have been doing forever. It was basically a sort of therapy for me during the 2020 pandemic. It was the only way that I could control my space in a chaotic world. Home was the only place I could quiet my mind, the one thing that was reliable and dependable. I started sharing the process in my stories with my own small Instagram following. Videos became more popular versus pictures on social media, so then I started recording the videos. It’s a skill that grows with practice. You just have to jump in. You will consistently get better.
Jen: Do you remember when you first realized, I think this is going viral?
Micah: It happened about six months after I started. I am very analytical and try to be intentional about what I do every month. I Google trends and see what some of the trending searches are in a given niche. I look at DIY household lifestyle to see what people are searching for. The salad bar video was filmed in early March at a time we’re all trying to get healthy. I encourage women who want to get out of traditional work mode. Many of us are so creative, and any random person can go viral nowadays. As women we talk ourselves out of great ideas all the time. I mentioned earlier I was a single mother when I went to law school. I had the audacity to believe in myself. I don’t want to live with regret. I want to be able to say at least I tried.
Jen: When someone says you can’t do something or you shouldn’t do something, it’s kerosene on my fire. There’s a choice to allow that doubt to be the water that dampens your fire. It is a heartbreaking thing to see women give up and quit on themselves. People will always be averse to what you’re doing if you are showing them something more. Belief in ourselves is the secret sauce to success.
Micah: I think women are often dissuaded by well-meaning people to not follow their dreams because those people have a vested interest in keeping them in the status quo. But now women talk to each other and inspire each other. When I was making the shift from lawyer to content creator, I didn’t want there to be a huge gap in income so there were times I was working as an attorney during the day, then filming content at night. For at least a year and a half, I didn’t go to bed till 1:00 in the morning because I was making videos. Putting in that time and that investment paid off. I’m a social media creator and major brands are willing to pay me much more than I would have made over several months as an attorney.
Jen: A lot of women think they have to quit their full-time job to pursue their passion but sometimes that can be too much financial pressure. That pressure and desperation stifles growth versus letting your business gain momentum the way it’s supposed to.
I’m so curious, how do you make money as a creator?
Micah: There are several streams of income for content creators that currently exist and these ebb and flow depending on trends or the economy. Paid sponsorships are when you see content posted and labeled as a partnership. Affiliate marketing is another stream, like when I do a restock video or a cleaning video and have a list of the cleaning products that I’ve just used. When followers click on those links, I will get a small percentage of whatever sales were made as a result of the video. You can also get paid per views by Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook. Some content creators offer paid subscriptions for providing you with exclusive content.
"Success is driven by your work ethic. You could make two videos a day and there could be income streaming in from each one of those videos. The sky is the limit for content creators. People aren't really watching traditional television anymore so this is the way brands can get people's attention”
Jen: Many women want to share something but are discouraged because they don’t feel they have a large enough following. Do they pitch to brands the same way you would pitch to brands? I imagine now brands are coming directly to you, but what would be an effective way if someone with a smaller following wanted to create deals and partnerships?
Micah: If you want to have an impact, the first thing to do is post every single day. Consistency is 100% of the game. Quality will come with consistency. Even if it’s a short video, it’s so important that you are posting daily so you get the eyes of your following and you’re in the algorithm’s good graces. Brands are going to look and see if you are consistent and have nurtured a following. If you’re posting video content daily for about 6 months, you could easily get to 50K or 100K. Building a community of people should be the most important goal. You also want to understand who your audience is. Know what percentage of your followers are women. What are their age ranges? A picture will start to develop. If you are making content your audience wants to see, then you’re in a good position to start pitching brands. After you have a couple of videos go viral, you can get a media kit template for free and put in all the details about your audience Then just e-mail the brands that you want to work with. Another important tip I want to share is about retention. The clips in my video reels are usually .4 to .5 seconds long. Keep your clips super short. You must catch people’s attention because if you catch and hold their attention, the retention rate goes up and your video gets pushed forward in the app.
“MY BIGGEST ADVICE IS TO BE CONSISTENT AND USE DATA. I ALWAYS LOOK AT THE DATA TO SEE WHAT IS TRENDING AND WHAT PEOPLE WANT TO SEE BEFORE I EVEN START CREATING A VIDEO. IT COULD TAKE 8 HOURS TO FILM AND EDIT A MINUTE LONG “CLEAN WITH ME” VIDEO. I DON’T WANT TO WASTE MY TIME OR GIVE
PEOPLE SOMETHING THAT THEY DON’T WANT.”
yourself in a way that you have more of a chance to be seen. Show brands that you genuinely want to partner with them through your leadership.
Micah: I realized while being a corporate attorney that many of these brands are interconnected. In many cases, someone working as one company’s social media person may move to another place two years later. Everybody knows everybody. If you’ve done great work for one brand and have had a great relationship with them, they will know other people and other companies. A lot of these brands are owned by the same parent company. You never know where an opportunity will lie, and you always want to put your best foot forward.
Jen: It really does come down to leadership. I love that you’re saying, think things through. Position yourself. Be intentional.
Micah: In the beginning if I had known what I know now, I would have saved myself a lot of time. My biggest advice is to be consistent and use data. I always look at the data to see what is trending and what people want to see before I even start creating a video. It could take 8 hours to film and edit a minute long “Clean With Me” video. I don’t want to waste my time or give people something that they don’t want. There’s so much data that is out there. Why not use it and make it work for you?
Jen: I mentor entrepreneurs who would feel like having 5,000 followers is a lot. Many of them have gotten great brand deals. They’ve been able to quit their jobs or supplement their income. I love that you are saying take the initiative and then present
Jen: You’ve been so honest, real, and genuine. Sometimes with influencers, there is a bit of gatekeeping. You have given tips content creators can implement right now and use to support their growth. Thank you for being so generous with your advice.
The Quiet
AUTHENTICITY, INFLUENCE AND THE NEW AGE OF BRANDING
REVOLUTION
There was a time when marketing was a predictable formula. Repeat a set strategy and success was almost guaranteed. Back then, campaigns were built on repetition, scheduled like clockwork and the results, though sometimes impressive, rarely resonated on a deeper level. Today, however, everything has changed. In a world where attention spans have shrunk to mere seconds and where the digital noise continually drowns out whispers of authenticity, the game has evolved. Now, it’s not about chasing trends or plastering flashy personas on your brand. It’s about pulling the right people toward you through pristine leadership, unyielding confidence and a vision that transcends the moment.
A New Paradigm in Marketing
I remember the days when marketing strategies were set in stone. You could simply replicate the same campaign month after month and expect similar results. It was a time when brands could afford to be static, knowing that their consistent approach would eventually win over an audience. We built out plans on banging consumers and our audience over the head with the same message until they bought in. It worked! But the digital revolution didn’t just change how we consume content. It has changed what appeals to us and also what we expect from the brands we trust. In today’s fast-
paced environment, the luxury of a one-size-fits-all-marketingstra egy is long gone. Can we get an amen to not having to do endless masterclasses to launch or webinars to pitch?! People no longer have the time or the patience to sift through a barrage of repetitive messages. They are bored in seconds by it. Their attention is a premium asset and capturing it requires more than just a clever tagline or a free webinar. It requires substance, authenticity and a clear differentiation that isn’t about being louder, but about being more genuine. Now, if you’re not offering real value and building true influence, you risk becoming just another part of the online clutter.
The Power of Pulling, Not Pushing
Over the years, I’ve learned that sustainable success is built on the principle of attraction rather than aggression. For more than 200 consecutive months, my business has generated multi-five and multi-six figures of income without exception. This wasn’t achieved by chasing every trend or pushing myself into every conversation. Instead, it was about pulling the right people toward me. What we now phrase as magnetism. When the world was swept up in the era of “hype money marketing,” there was a prevailing belief that success meant showcasing every dollar earned, every milestone hit and every moment of dollar bill celebration. Many championed, “Share your income; let the numbers speak for themselves.” They proclaimed that they were normalizing money in the hands of women or liberation. To me, there was nothing being normalized. It was quite the opposite. It was egocentric, bro marketing tactics that for a minute swooned the internet.
Even I contemplated participating for a minute because truthfully my wealth is sexy. It was making audiences throw money at under qualified entrepreneurs and it felt defeating at times. I chose to be peacefully confident. Being quiet wasn’t a sign of weakness I learned. It was a statement of refined, magnetic leadership that was heard and is now very much appreciated. In an age where everyone is shouting to be heard and prove themselves, I found power in quiet confidence. I built my brand by cultivating pristine leadership, where influence is not measured by volume but by the depth of vision. The right people are naturally drawn to authenticity. They can sense when someone is operating from a place of genuine conviction, rather than chasing validation through flashy, transient success.
Legacy Over Hype
Imagine a world where your brand isn’t constantly performing for the fleeting applause of the moment, but is instead building a legacy that endures. This is the reality of true, sustainable leadership. For 19 years, I have not only weathered the ever-changing tides of the market but have thrived by focusing on long-term vision rather than short-term wins.
This longevity isn’t a product of luck. It is the result of a deliberate choice to focus on attracting the right audience. It’s about developing an unwavering belief in who you are and letting that confidence guide every decision you make. When you lead from a place of authenticity, you stop trying to convince or chase. Instead, you allow your energy to pull those who resonate with your vision directly into your orbit
In a market saturated with noise, it’s easy to get lost in the chase for likes, shares and momentary engagement. But true wealth isn’t just about making money; it’s about holding onto it, nurturing it and growing it through relationships built on trust and results. The brands that succeed in this era are those that build slowly, meticulously and with an understanding that influence is a byproduct of genuine presence and not of manufactured hype.
Storytelling: The Bridge Between Vision and Influence
Every successful brand has a story or a narrative that connects vision with influence. Storytelling is the bridge that transforms a mere brand into an iconic presence. It’s not about exaggeration or embellishment; it’s about conveying the real, raw and unfiltered journey of who you are and what you stand for. When you share your story, you’re not just narrating a series of events. You’re inviting others to witness your evolution, to understand the struggles you have overcome and to see the unwavering commitment that has driven your success. Your story becomes a testament to your vision. A vision that is both timeless and transformative. For example, during the hype-driven marketing era, many would have asked, “Why don’t you share your income more? It sells!” But for me, the answer was simple: true influence comes from the quiet power of consistency and authority. By pulling the right people toward me, I built a legacy that wasn’t measured in fleeting moments of viral success, but in lasting impact and stable growth. This approach is what defines leadership at the highest level.
The Legacy of Authentic Influence
Over nearly two decades, I have witnessed the evolution of the marketing landscape and I have been a part of that transformation. The journey from a world of repetitive strategies to an era defined by authentic influence has been nothing short of revolutionary. This journey is not about following the crowd or succumbing to the pressures of hype; it’s about standing firm in your vision and allowing your true self to shine through. The stability and success I enjoy today are a direct result of magnetizing the right people, not chasing every trend or pushing myself upon others. It’s about having the courage to be different, the strength to lead with integrity and the wisdom to understand that authentic influence is the only currency that truly matters. When you embrace your own power and allow your genuine energy to guide you, you create a brand that not only stands out but also stands the test of time. The women who choose this path understand that success isn’t built on superficial metrics or viral moments but built on legacy. It is about building a foundation that can weather the storms of change and emerge stronger, more resilient and infinitely more influential.
Embracing Your Authentic Future
So, what does this mean for you? It means that if you’re tired of the noise, the endless chase for fleeting validation and the pressure to conform to a mold that isn’t you, it’s time to embrace a different way. It’s time to realize that the path to lasting success isn’t paved with overhyped promises and empty trends. It is paved with authenticity, innovation, positive influence and a deep, unshakeable belief in who you are. True influence isn’t about the show. It is about the substance behind it. It’s about having the clarity to see beyond the immediate buzz and to invest in a future that’s built on real value. It’s about understanding that the only way to build a brand that lasts is to lead with a quiet, confident power that speaks louder than any shout. In a marketplace obsessed with performance and noise, I invite you to step into a different space. A space where legacy is built not through aggressive self-promotion but through the subtle art of attraction. A space where your authentic story becomes your greatest asset and where every moment is an opportunity to create lasting impact. In the end, the revolution in branding isn’t about changing who you are; it’s about embracing and amplifying your true essence. It’s about understanding that in a world obsessed with trends and hype, the real luxury lies in authenticity. It’s about knowing that the right people will find you not because you are the loudest shiny object, but because you stand taller, more true and more committed to your vision than anyone else. Welcome to the era of authentic influence. Welcome to the legacy of becoming more of who you are.
~Jen, Editor in Chief
PLAN IT. SELL IT. SCALE IT.
YOUR COMPLETE LAUNCH BLUEPRINT
You’ve poured your heart into your offer. Now it’s time to make sure it sells. If launching has ever felt like a shot in the dark, throwing your offer into the void and hoping for the best… that ends today.
The Catalyst isn’t just another workshop.
It’s the formula, the structure and the strategy that has generated over $37 million in sales across product and service-based businesses. It has put podcasts on the new and noteworthy list and sold out countless product and program launches. This is your roadmap to launching with confidence, precision and results every single time.
A 3-day workshop designed to help you launch with confidence, rinse and repeat strategy for record-breaking sales.
✓ Map your customer journey so your audience is primed to say YES.
✓ Develop a launch strategy that builds demand before you even open doors.
✓ Create irresistible pre-launch content that warms up your audience.
The Complete Launch Blueprint. A step-by-step guide from idea to sold-out success. Regular $500 buy now for $250
IS AVAILABLE NOW ON IOS AND WEB.
How One Boutique Agency Cut Their Tech Stack in Half and Boosted Sales by 50% with Azura
When Konstantina Mandeki, founder of the boutique social media agency Konst, found herself juggling Slack, Telegram, Notion, and Zoom just to stay connected with clients, she knew something had to change. Like many service-based businesses, Konst had cobbled together a suite of tools over time—each effective in isolation, but increasingly chaotic in combination. What began as an attempt to stay organized turned into constant tab-switching, communication breakdowns, and onboarding delays. The agency’s client experience, once known for its polish, started showing cracks.So Konstantina made the switch to Azura, an all-in-one communication platform designed for modern service providers. And the results were immediate.
“I didn’t realize how much energy was going toward managing tools until we finally consolidated,” Mandeki shared. “Azura gave us back our time, focus, and client experience—without compromising on branding.”
Before Azura, internal chats happened in Slack, client messages came through Telegram, and project plans lived in Notion— though navigating them proved difficult for less tech-savvy clients. Video check-ins required constant Zoom links, and Telegram, though fast, exposed personal phone numbers and blurred boundaries. Clients often felt overwhelmed, and Konstantina’s team found themselves stuck in logistics more than execution. This fragmented experience began to erode the hightouch service Konst was known for. With Azura, Konst central-
ized everything—from client onboarding and team chat to file sharing and voice feedback—into one sleek platform.
- Unified communication: All client and internal messaging in one place
- Custom branding: White-labeled workspaces that reflect Konst’s identity
- Voice notes & file feedback: No more switching between Slack, Docs, or Loom
- Client boundaries: No personal contact info needed
- Effortless onboarding: One login, one experience, no confusion
Most importantly, Azura felt intuitive—not just for the team, but for every client they onboarded. Within weeks of switching, Konst saw a 50% increase in mentorship sales, driven largely by smoother onboarding and an elevated client journey. Their software expenses dropped 55%, from €200/month across multiple tools to €90/month on Azura. Even better? Their client retention improved, thanks to Azura’s easy-to-navigate interface, built-in resource guides, and professional feel.
Konst is now preparing to scale—with Azura at the core of its operations. As new features roll out, Konstantina plans to expand her mentorship programs and bring even more premium clients into a now-refined backend experience.
“Azura isn’t just another chat tool,” she says. “It’s structure. It’s strategy. It’s the system I didn’t know I was missing.”
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MOODBOARD BRAND GUIDELINES DOCUMENT
THE SUMMER SKIN EDIT
Barely there
or wear it solo, so it always delivers.
Light. Luminous. Undone in the most luxurious way. This summer’s beauty mood? Breathable. Undetectable. Glow from within. Whether you’re poolside or city-bound, these eight brands are leading the barely-there revolutiondelivering sheer coverage,
skin-loving ingredients, and that effortless radiance we all crave. From iconic legacy houses to cult-favorite clean beauty disruptors, these are the names to know (and wear) for your lightest, most luminous summer skin.
2skin in a b ottle. This water-based tint uses micro-droplet technology to deliver the most delicate wash of color. Think French Riviera, 10 a.m., untouched and glowing. like wearing nothing at all. Layer it, mix it, or wear it solo, it always delivers.
Charlotte Tilbury : Hollywood Flawless Filter
The glow that broke the internet. This award-winning complexion enhancer gives skin a soft-focus, radia nt finish that feels like wearing nothing at all. Layer it, mix it,
Chanel: Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint
Haute
ILIA: Super Serum Skin Tint SPF Clean, clinical, and coveted. This cult serum delivers sheer coverage with a powerful punch of skincare. Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and squalane. plus SPF 40. The result? Skin that glows and grows better over time.
Saie: Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer
Your skin, with a glass of water. Saie’s Slip Tint floods the complexion with hydration, sheer pigment, and dewy radiance. SPF 35 included. Clean, cruelty-free, and made for no-makeup makeup days.
Merit : The Minimalist Perfecting Stick Foundation, meet finger paint. This sleek stick gives soft, seamless coverage wherever you need it. Creamy, blendable, and virtually undetectable, it’s the minimalist’s backstage pass to fresh skin.
Summer Fridays: Sheer Skin Tint
From the brand that revolutionized skincare routines comes a skin tint that feels like your favorite serum. It evens, illuminates, and disappears into skin, leaving behind nothing but glow.
Kosas: Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation
Part makeup, part skincare powerhouse. Kosas delivers medium coverage with a natural finish, infused with brightening actives, hydration boosters, and a glow that goes beyond the surface.
Colorescience: Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50
Where skincare meets smart tint. This high-performance sunscreen adapts to your skin tone while delivering mineral SPF 50 protection. Lightweight, breathable, and buildable. P erfect for summer days when you want to look polished and protected.
This summer, nails are all about quiet luxury and refined simplicity. The 2025 trends lean into a polished, minimal look, think milky nudes, soft blushes,
nail trends
and sheer neutrals that flatter every skin tone. Glazed finishes add a dewy glow, while subtle chrome overlays and fine-line accents give
just the right touch of modern detail. French manicures are getting a minimalist refresh, with ultra-thin tips and tonal color pal-
ettes. And for those who want just a hint of play, micro florals and delicate shimmer offer a whisper of whimsy without overwhelming the clean-girl aesthetic.
boThis summer, the glow is intentional and protected. Body care in 2025 is all about nourishing your skin while embracing sun-safe habits. Think broad-spectrum mineral sunscreens with silky finishes, hydrating body serums, and gradual self-tanners that deliver a golden glow without a single UV ray. The new essentials focus on barrier support, lightweight textures, and a luminous, lit-fromwithin finish. Layer in a sheer shimmer oil for added radiance, and you’ve got the perfect balance of glow and care, no sun damage required. It’s time to treat your body routine like your face: consistent, intentional, and effortlessly radiant.
Nécessaire The Body Serum
A daily multi-hydration treatment for your skin. Powered by 5 molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, this fast-absorbing, fragrance-free serum delivers deep, lasting moisture and helps support skin barrier health. Lightweight yet intensely nourishing—it’s your skincare routine, extended below the neck.
Skinny Confidential Caffeinated Sunscreen
A mineral SPF 40 that does more than protect—this caffeine-infused formula visibly lifts, depuffs, and hydrates while leaving your skin glowing (never greasy). Fragrance-free, antioxidant-rich, and makeup-friendly.
NUDA Self Tanning Mousse
Achieve a flawless, natural-looking tan with this lightweight, fast-drying mousse. Enriched with skin-loving ingredients like coconut oil and cucumber extract, it ensures a streak-free application and leaves your skin radiant and hydrated. Ideal for fair to medium skin tones or first-time tanners seeking a sun-kissed glow.
Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil
A silky, lightweight body oil that illuminates skin with gold and platinum shimmer, while enveloping you in the sultry, solar floral amber scent of Soleil Blanc.
CHANEL
L’Eau Tan Hydrating Body Serum Mist
A refreshing, lightweight body serum in a mist format that hydrates, softens, and subtly enhances the skin with a sheer, healthy glow. Infused with botanical extracts and the signature CHANEL fragrance, it delivers a radiant, sun-kissed finish—perfect for daily indulgence or post-sun care.
NUDA Solarglow Mineral Serum Sunscreen SPF 30
A lightweight, non-greasy mineral SPF that hydrates, brightens, and protects with 13% non-nano zinc oxide, niacinamide, and squalane. Fragrance-free and dewyskin approved.
Saltyface Tanning Water Drops
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Gisou Honey Infused Body Oil
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Soak + Exfoliate A quick foot soak and gentle scrub to slough off dry skin.
2 Hydrate Daily Use a nourishing foot cream or balm before bed.
3
Shape + Buff Keep nails trimmed, filed, and buffed for a natural shine. before bed.
summer ready feet
This summer, feet are getting the attention they deserve. With minimal sandals and barefoot beach days ahead, the trend is clean, cared-for, and subtly polished. Think soft soles, neutral-toned pedis, and a touch of gloss or shimmer for that effortless glow.
Don't Skip SPF Sun protection isn’t just for your face; apply to your feet, too.
Polish Smartly Opt for sheer nudes, milky whites, or minimalist nail art
sun-soaked SOLO PODCAST
A series made for your summer walks, slow mornings, and golden hour reflections.Each episode is packed with bingeable wisdom gems, real talk, big energy, and powerful perspective shifts.
AVAILABLE NOW ON THE ICONIC PODCAST
There’s something magical about a beautifully curated picnic, the kind that doesn’t just fill your camera roll, but lives rent-free in your memory forever. This summer, it’s time to move beyond the standard blanket-and-basket setup and create a scene so iconic, it feels like it was pulled straight from a dream.
Set the Scene: Think layered textures, oversized linen throws, layered with cozy cushions and low tables crafted from crates or vintage finds. Ditch the disposable plates and opt for mismatched ceramics, gold-toned cutlery, and cloth napkins for an elevated touch. String up fairy lights in the trees or scatter lanterns for that golden hour glow that feels like pure magic.
Make it Personal: Choose a color palette or subtle theme: French countryside, coastal chic, or garden party glam. Personalize place settings with handwritten name tags or mini bouquets tied with twine. Bring along a vintage speaker and curate a soft, melodic playlist that floats through the air.
mem mak
Feast with Flair: Instead of the usual sandwiches, think charcuterie boards spilling over with fresh berries, artisan cheeses, and edible flowers. Create DIY spritz stations with sparkling water, fruit garnishes, and chilled rosé, or offer refreshing mocktails with herb infusions.
Unexpected Touches: Add one unexpected element, think a paint-by-numbers kit for guests, a vintage polaroid camera for instant memories, or a floral crown-making station. It’s the thoughtful, whimsical details that transform an ordinary gathering into something unforgettable.
This summer, don’t just have a picnic, craft a moment that becomes a core memory. With a little intention and creativity, your outdoor gathering will be the one everyone talks about long after the last sunset fades.
memory making PICNIC
There was a moment, an ordinary one really, that changed everything for me. I had just walked out of my office, laptop still warm from the day’s work and stepped into my living room. Instead of greeting my family with warmth, with softness, with presence, I marched in with the energy of a drill sergeant. What needs to be done? Who has homework? What’s for dinner? I could see it in their eyes. My energy preceded my words. The structure, the strategy, the execution that had made me so successful in business was now dictating the way I showed up at home. I wanted to be the woman who excelled in business and exuded grace at home. The woman who made a global impact and also made her husband feel seen and loved.
The mother who handled it all but didn’t carry it all like a weight on her shoulders. I realized something that day: Feminine energy isn’t something that happens naturally just because you are a woman and/or a mom. It’s something you invite in. It’s something you practice and frankly, I needed to start practicing. So I created anchors. Small, intentional shifts in my day that helped me transition from my masculine, high-performance CEO energy into the soft, present, nurturing energy I desired for my personal life. The first was closing my workday with intention. Before I left my desk, I tidied up, responded to the last lingering emails and made sure I wasn’t carrying unfinished business into my evening even if that meant working a
little longer. This simple practice allowed me to exhale. To create space. Before going to my family, I would wash my face, change into something that made me feel beautiful, not just comfortable, all with intentionality to soften and shift my energy. Another is my morning ritual. My first business mentor told me that getting up early was too masculine and I questioned it for a moment. However, what I believe to be true, is time alone before anyone wakes up, with a candle and a great cup of coffee in my silk robe, is my most feminine time of my day. These tiny rituals, these small acts of devotion to myself, became non-negotiables. When I was still carrying the weight of my workday into my home, my family felt it. The energy of checking boxes, meeting deadlines,
getting things done bled into the way I interacted with the people I loved. I don’t want to be the woman who bulldozes through life. I want to be the woman who moves with grace, who creates space for her own joy, who isn’t so consumed with doing that she forgets how to be.One of the hardest lessons in this journey? Learning to lean back. For so long, I prided myself on being the woman who could “do it all”. I wore it as a badge of honor and as a form of martyrism. It wasn’t attractive and it didn’t feel good. It affected my relationships and had me in resentment a lot. I began to realize that I desire to be the woman who knows how to “hold it all”.
There’s a big distintion.
Masculine energy is doing, solving, executing. Feminine energy is being, receiving, trusting. I was so conditioned to doing everything I could at the expense of allowing others to support me, that I didn’t even realize how much I was robbing myself of the gift of receiving. So I started practicing. Instead of jumping in to solve, I waited. Instead of doing everything myself, I invited. Instead of leading every moment in my home the way I lead my business, I softened. I leaned back and something amazing happened! My husband leaned in and rose to the occasion happily.
Men rise when we allow them to. They step up when we step back. When we micromanage, when we control, when we fill every gap before they can, there’s no space for them to step into their masculine and then we wonder why we feel like we have to do it all. This part might sting a little, but if we are holding onto stress, resentment and blame, we cannot simultaneously hold feminine energy. It just doesn’t work that way. I used to think I was being a good mom and a good wife when I was doing it all. But the truth? I was resentful and that resentment was poisoning the very relationships I was trying so hard to nurture.
So I took radical responsibility. I stopped keeping score. I stopped waiting for my husband to do more before I softened. I stopped justifying my exhaustion by listing all the things I had to do. Instead, I asked myself: who do I want to be in this relationship? And then, I simply became her. I leaned into trust and into surrender. Not surrender as in giving up, but surrender as in releasing control. As in believing: I am supported. I am held. I don’t have to do it all. As a result, I became wealthier. More in love. More magnetic. More at peace. Because feminine energy attracts. It does not chase. This is your invitation. To anchor into your feminine with intention. To create sacred pauses in your day. To lean back and let life rise to meet you. To stop justifying stress as success. To receive more. More love, support and abundance without doing more. The version of you who is both wildly successful and deeply at peace? She exists. She is within you now. She just needs space to emerge. Let her in.
~Jen, Editor in Chief
"You don't need permission to be fully expressed in your brand."
The Art of
Saying
One of the most underrated but essential skills in entrepreneurship is knowing how to say no and saying it thoughtfully. As entrepreneurs, we are often pulled in a hundred different directions. We want to seize opportunities, support others and show up as leaders. But if we are not careful, saying yes to everything becomes a fast track to burnout, resentment and misalignment with our goals and desires.There is an art to saying no. It’s not just about setting boundaries. It is about doing so with grace, clarity and pristine leadership because the truth is, saying no isn’t rejection, it’s redirection. When you say no to something or someone effectively, it leaves doors open, maintains relationships and ensures you stay in integrity with yourself.
Why
Entrepreneurs Struggle with Saying No
Let’s be honest: most people don’t love saying no. There’s a reason we sugarcoat it, delay it, or avoid it altogether.
Here's why:
- We fear disappointing others. We don’t want to let people down, especially clients, colleagues, or peers who respect us.
- We worry about missed opportunities. What if saying no means we lose out on something valuable?
- We crave likability. Many of us, especially women, have been conditioned to believe that being agreeable makes us more successful.
- We doubt ourselves. Sometimes we are not sure if we should say no. We question if we could make it work if we just pushed a little harder.
The reality? Saying yes to everything means saying no to yourself. Your time, energy and bandwidth are finite resources. The more you spread yourself thin, the less impact you can make.
The Elegant Way to Say No: I Am Unable to Do...But What I Can Do Is...
Here is where we shift the perspective. Saying no doesn’t have to be abrupt, cold, or dismissive. Instead, I teach a simple but powerful phrase: “I am unable to do … , but what I can do is…”
This phrase does two things:
- It acknowledges the request with respect. It doesn’t shut the person down or make them feel dismissed.
- It offers an alternative solution. This keeps the relationship intact and provides value in a way that works for you.
Let's break this down with realworld entrepreneurial examples:
Scenario 1: A Client Requests a Discount
Their request: “I love your offer, but I can’t afford it. Can you lower the price for me?”
Your response: “I am unable to lower the investment, but what I can do is offer a flexible payment plan that allows you to get started now while spreading out the cost.” This keeps your pricing firm while showing that you are willing to meet them where they are.
Scenario 2: A Colleague Asks for Free Work
Their request: “Can you just take a quick look at my business and give me some feedback?”
Your response: “I am unable to offer complimentary consulting, but what I can do is invite you to my group program where I provide strategic feedback weekly.”
You are honoring your expertise without working for free. This also honors your paying clients and keeps you in integrity.
Scenario 3: A Client Asks for a Call During a Time You Are Focused on Other Things or Family
Their request: “I would love to talk to you about my launch. Can we have a call on Sunday to go over my plan?”
Your response: “I am unable to do a call at that time, but what I can do is schedule you on Monday afternoon .” This respects your time while still offering a solution. Also note, you NEVER have to justify what you are doing or why you can’t.
"True leadership is about making decisions that align with your values, goals, and priorities. It is not just doing what others expect of you."
Scenario 4: An Overwhelming Collaboration Request
Their request: “I would love for you to be part of my summit, podcast, or project!”
Your response: “I am unable to commit to this right now, but what I can do is support you in another way, whether that’s sharing it with my audience or recommending someone who would be a great fit.”
This keeps the door open for future opportunities.
This approach is powerful because it ensures:
- You are not just shutting someone down. A straight-up “no” can feel harsh and final. Offering an alternative keeps the relationship intact.
- You stay in control of your time. You are setting boundaries while demonstrating leadership and generosity.
- People respect you more. When you value your time and expertise, others do too.
The Mindset Shift: Saying No is a Form of Leadership
When you start using this phrase, something shifts. You begin to lead conversations with confidence rather than reacting out of obligation. True leadership is about making decisions that align with your values, goals, and priorities. It is not just doing what others expect of you.
Think about the entrepreneurs you admire. Are they saying yes to every request that comes their way? Absolutely not. They have mastered the art of saying no in a way that feels firm, yet supportive.
1. Pause before responding. If you feel pressured to say yes, take a moment. A simple “Let me think about it and get back to you” buys you time to decide if it’s truly aligned.
PRACTICAL TIPS TO SAY NO WITH GRACE
2. Remove the guilt. Saying no doesn’t make you unkind or unhelpful. It makes you a strategic business owner.
3. Be clear and direct. Vague responses like “I’ll try” or “Maybe later” only prolong the conversation. A confident “I am unable to do that, but what I can do is…” provides clarity.
4. Offer what you can do. Even if it’s just a referral, a resource, or an alternative, providing a solution makes your no feel constructive.
5. Practice. If saying no feels uncomfortable at first, start small. The more you do it, the easier and more natural it becomes.
The Ripple Effect of Boundaries in Business: Mastering the art of saying no does more than just protect your time, it creates a ripple effect in your business and life.
- Your energy is protected. You avoid burnout and stay focused on what truly matters.
- You attract higher-quality opportunities. When you stop saying yes to misaligned requests, you make space for better ones.
- You build authority. When people see that you value your expertise, they take you more seriously.
- You operate with integrity. You are no longer overcommitting, underdelivering, or feeling resentful about things you’ve agreed to.
Saying No is an Act of Self-Respect: At the end of the day, saying no is an act of self-respect and self-leadership. Every “yes” you give should be an intentional choice and not an automatic response. So the next time you’re faced with a request that doesn’t align, pause. Take a breath and confidently say: “I am unable to do …, but what I can do is…” You’ll be amazed at how differently people respond and how much lighter and more empowered you feel. Now, go set those boundaries like the CEO you are.
"You are the leader. Lead your message. Lead your business. Lead your results."
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