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W/26’ EDITOR’S NOTE

THE YEAR WE GO ALL IN

There are moments in life when you know without hesitation that you have crossed a threshold. This is one of those moments. This issue marks twenty years since I became an entrepreneur. Twenty years of building, leading, refining, pivoting, innovating and rising to my occasion. As I stand at the start of 2026, I feel one truth with absolute certainty, I am just getting started. This year is not about easing in. It is not about waiting for the “right time.” It is not about dipping a toe into the next version of yourself. 2026 is a declaration year. A full-expression year. A year to stop editing yourself and start embodying everything you know you are capable of. So it feels perfect,destined really that our first cover of the year features Jess King. Jess represents the exact energy this moment demands. Fearless self-expression. Courage that moves. Leadership that comes from the inside out. A willingness to take up space, use her voice and live her truth boldly and unapologetically. Her story reminds us that the real breakthrough comes the moment you stop getting in your own way and if there was ever a year to do exactly that, it is this one. 2026 is not subtle. It is not quiet. It is asking you to rise fully, visibly and without hesitation. It is asking you to choose your life with intention. To build what you are here to build. To step into the

rooms you once thought you had to earn your way into. To stop postponing the dream you keep telling yourself you will “get to eventually.” This year, “eventually” becomes now. This issue is the spark. A celebration of expression, leadership, reinvention and the undeniable power of deciding that your next chapter will be your most Iconic yet. Inside these pages, you will find women who are done sitting on the sidelines. Stories that ignite possibility. Ideas that move you. A reminder that your voice matters, your work matters and your presence has weight. Iconic Magazine has always been about more. More beauty, more empowerment, more success. This year, we are raising the bar higher than we ever have before in how we create, how we lead, and how we live. So as we open this issue, the first of a landmark year, I invite you to meet it with the same energy. Go all in. Express fully. Lead boldly. Build with conviction. Treat this year like the once-ina-lifetime opportunity that it is. It is the moment everything shifts. It is the year you become undeniable. Let us begin. With fire and complete devotion, Jen Szpigiel, Editor in Chief

JESS KING “I am navigating a neurodivergent mind and a neurodivergent expression. Systems are not always designed for that. I think this is a common intersection. Feeling like you do not fit. Feeling like the weirdo. Speaking harshly to yourself. Wanting more from life and not knowing how to get there.”

READ THE FULL ARTICLE PG 28-35

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03 EDITOR’S NOTE This issue is a call to full expression, bold leadership, and becoming undeniable, featuring women who are done waiting, led by our fearless cover star Jess King. This is the spark. Let us begin.

20 20 LESSONS IN 20 YEARS After two decades of building, leading, and reinventing, these are the lessons that changed everything. Twenty truths on ambition, identity, and what it really takes to build a life and career that last.

CONT 28 COVER FEATURE In an intimate, soul-level conversation, Jess King opens up about identity, healing, and what it means to be fully expressed in a world that constantly watches.

39 BRAND AUDIT CHECKLIST Creative director and brand strategist Alessya Baggetta shares a strategic branding checklist for 2026, a modern guide to clarity, visibility, and building a brand the communicates with authority, emotion, and intention in the year ahead.

77 THE ICONIC TABLE A private, invitation-only series bringing visionary women together for connection, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas that shape culture and legacy.

87 THE ART OF SOURDOUGH Discover the beauty and flavor of sourdough with recipes that turn simple ingredients into elevated, unforgettable breads.

TENTS ON THE COVER

44 BEYOND THE VILLA Life beyond Love Island, reclaiming identity, chasing purpose, and turning unexpected opportunities into a new beginning with Hannah Wright.

108 POP, POUR, PERFECTION

This season, we’re trading ordinary for extraordinary: Champagne cocktails that are as visually stunning as they are indulgent.

JESS KING PG 28-35

May this be the year you rise. May this be the year you stop waiting for the perfect conditions, the perfect timing, the perfect feeling and choose yourself anyway. May this be the year you hold your word as law. The year you follow through. The year you act on your own behalf, not just when it is convenient, but when it is required. May this be the year you stop dancing with hesitation and step into the fullness of who you are capable of becoming. May accountability become an act of devotion. May discipline become a form of self-respect. May consistency become your offering to the life you desire. May you surprise yourself with your courage. May you astonish yourself with your strength. May you meet parts of you you did not know were there. May you understand, deeply, that your circumstances are not your ceiling. That your history is not your destiny. That your desire is not random, it is a compass. May you no longer speak lightly of your dreams. May you no longer negotiate with your potential. May you no longer hold back your brilliance to keep others comfortable. This year, may you choose the life you want more than the excuses that have kept you from it. May you take responsibility for your energy, your choices, your habits, your voice. May you take responsibility for your joy. May you take responsibility for your greatness. As you hold these pages, may something inside you ignite. A recognition, a remembrance, a returning. May you feel the truth that has always been yours. You are capable. You are ready. You are meant for more. You are the one who decides what this year becomes. May this year be the year you honor yourself with action. May this year be the year you lead yourself with integrity. May this year be the year you become undeniably, unapologetically, impossibly Iconic. And so it is.

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W/26’ COVER GIRL

ess King is a voice who inspires women to lead with confidence, authenticity, and self-trust. With a background in professional dance and entertainment, she brings creativity and emotional intelligence to her work, encouraging women to view movement as a form of self-expression and personal power. Known for her bold energy and inclusive perspective, Jess champions self-belief, resilience, and the courage to take up space on the mat, on the stage, and in everyday life.

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W/26’ CONTRIBUTORS

uneera Madhani, a trailblazing entrepreneur, serial unicorn founder, and host of The CEO School Podcast and Founder of The Millionaire Founders Club Community. Suneera founded and successfully exited Stax Payments at a valuation north of $1B

and is currently scaling her second company, Worth AI. She is passionate about empowering women entrepreneurs and has built a thriving network of founders across industries, providing mentorship, resources, and actionable guidance to help them scale businesses, lead teams, and break barriers.

W/26’ CONTRIBUTORS

rin Rothstein is a Canadian hyperrealist artist, born in Montreal and based in Toronto. She holds a BFA from Concordia University and an MA in Art History from Western University. Her work has been showcased in galleries worldwide, receiving recognition from Architectural Digest,

The Huffington Post, and The National Post. In 2020, Rothstein turned her creative efforts online, launching a direct-to-collector art platform that now reaches buyers across the globe. Her distinctive approach — blending art with storytelling, gamification, and personalization — has set her apart as a top-seller and innovator who continually redefines what it means to be an artist.

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W/26’ CONTRIBUTORS

lessya Baggetta is a creative director, brand strategist, and founder of Alessya Baggetta Designs Inc., a boutique agency redefining modern visibility for women in business. Known for her blend of luxury minimalism and strategy-led design, she has helped over 250 entrepreneurs including multiple six- and seven-figure

founders build brands that communicate with clarity, emotion, and authority. Her work and expertise have been featured on CEO Medium, CityTV News, and numerous podcasts, and she was awarded the Canadian Choice Award for Best Graphic Designer. Today, Alessya continues to lead her agency with a focus on elevated design, strategic storytelling, and hands-on creative direction that positions women to be seen, known, and remembered.

W/26’ CONTRIBUTORS

annah Wright is a 26-year-old and host from Palm Springs, CA. Best known as the winner of Love Island USA Season 5, Hannah has since built a dynamic career in media, blending her passion for connection, style, and story-

telling. She specializes in lifestyle, beauty, and travel content, sharing authentic experiences that inspire and empower her audience. Whether on-screen or online, Hannah’s vibrant energy and unique voice continue to make her a standout in the entertainment and digital space.

W/26’ CONTRIBUTORS

helsea Jambo is the Founder & CEO of OURbody, a disruptive women’s wellness brand redefining hormonal health with modern, ritual-led solutions. Based in Ottawa, Canada, Chelsea has quickly emerged as a bold new voice in the wellness space, championing transparency, education, and empowerment for women at every stage of their hormonal journey. With a background in Political Science and Public Administration, followed by an unexpected pivot into the tech industry, Chelsea’s path to entrepreneurship was anything but linear. She built her career inside the corporate world by her early twenties, leading strategic programs in the global tech sector where she developed a sharp understanding of community building, operational excellence, and the power of brand storytelling. OURbody was born from a personal need and a cultural gap Chelsea refused to ignore. After witnessing how little support, education, and safe solutions existed

for women experiencing menstrual, perimenopausal, and menopausal challenges, she set out to build what she wished existed, a brand that speaks to women with honesty, intention, and depth. Today, OURbody offers meticulously formulated herbal blends supporting hormonal balance across the menstrual spectrum, created in partnership with herbal specialists and grounded in research-inspired traditions. Chelsea is deeply committed to reshaping the narrative around women’s health, making it accessible, elevated, and rooted in community. Her mission is to destigmatize hormonal wellness globally, creating products, experiences, and conversations that bring women together, help them feel seen, and empower them to take ownership of their well-being. A rising entrepreneur to watch, Chelsea is building a movement that transcends product, a world where wellness is personal, culturally inclusive, luxurious, and rooted in self-connection. Through OURbody, she is shifting the industry from quick fixes to meaningful rituals that honor the complexity of the female body.

20 LESSONS IN 20 YEARS

Written by Jen Szpigiel, Editor in Chief

here is something surreal about arriving at the twenty–year mark of entrepreneurship. You feel wiser, steadier, more accomplished. There is a call to speak up for those who crave depth and wisdom. When I look back at the girl who started all of this, I see someone who had no idea what she was capable of. She was simply following a stir. A whisper. A sense that there was more inside of her to be

discovered. These twenty years have been the greatest personal growth journey of a lifetime. Lessons and education not through textbooks or boardrooms, but through real life decisions that stretched me, moments that nearly broke me, victories that felt like oxygen and quiet realizations that shaped everything. These are the twenty lessons that built the woman, the business, the brand and the legacy I lead today. Not encyclopedic. Not exhaustive. Just the twenty truths that mattered most. Each one has a story I will explore deeply inside my new private Substack podcast but here is the distilled essence of what twenty years has taught me.

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01 02 03 04 05

READINESS NEVER COMES FIRST If I had waited to feel ready, I would still be wondering who I might have become. I would have missed the confidence that is the consequence of taking the leap that I now embody. No one ever felt ready first.

NOT EVERYONE WILL SUPPORT YOU AND THAT IS OKAY Respect their perspective but do not accept it. Do not inherit their limits and remember that if everyone sees what you see, your vision isn’t big enough.

THE CHISELING ALWAYS COMES BEFORE THE BREAKTHROUGH Every season that felt like loss was actually refinement. The breakthrough begins the moment you stay in the room. Never quit when you are down.

TIME FREEDOM IS DESIGNED, NOT DISCOVERED Entrepreneurship does not hand you free time. It hands you the authority to shape your days with intention. Time freedom is not having nothing to do. It’s having the control to create each day around your priorities.

MONEY FOLLOWS EXPANSION I never chased money. I chased growth and money became the natural result of that evolution. Pay more attention to who you are becoming and watch wealth become a natural side effect to that.

06 07 08 09 10

THE WORLD IS BEAUTIFUL, GO SEE IT Travel is a legacy. Culture, taste, perspective, beauty, they expand you in ways nothing else can. Build a life and business where travel is valued and happens often.

PREPARE FOR IMPACT BEFORE YOU NEED IT Multiple income streams, ownership, autonomy, they are not luxuries. They are insurance. Prepare for impactful moments by scaling a business that will hold you during difficult circumstances.

YOUR CHILDREN ARE ALWAYS WATCHING They learn courage, gratitude, resilience and possibility by witnessing it lived in real time. Never use them as your excuse. Use them as your why!

WHO YOU SIT WITH SHAPES YOU Choose tables that water your belief rather than drain it. Proximity is power. You really are the sum of the people you spend the most time with. Choose wisely.

TAKE THE RISK Entrepreneurship will never prove itself first. You go first and every big leap requires a nervous stomach. Risk is rewarded and the world of entrepreneurship demands it.

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11 12 13 14 15

THE GREATEST REWARD IS WHO YOU BECOME Money matters. Impact matters. But the woman you grow into matters most. It will be your greatest reward and gift. Not only to yourself but to others.

PIVOTING IS A PRIVILEGE You do not climb a ladder in entrepreneurship. You build the entire structure and you can rebuild it as many times as you desire. Your business gets to grow with you.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP IS THE ULTIMATE ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER You cannot teach what you refuse to live. A public brand demands integrity. It has been my greatest accountability partner in my lifetime.

LUXURY IS NOTICING Beauty elevates you. Exposure refines you. Intention shapes you. Being able to go to gorgeous places gives you an attention to detail and beauty. Everything enhances.

PERSONAL GROWTH IS NON-NEGOTIABLE You cannot lead powerfully without healing your wounds, rewriting your stories and meeting yourself honestly. You will have to look at your shadows and heal to grow.

16 17 18 19 20

BE THE LEADER YOU WOULD WANT TO FOLLOW If you want loyalty, integrity, authenticity, and steadiness be them first. Stop waiting for a perfect leader. You be it!

THE THREE PILLARS OF A POWERFUL PERSONAL BRAND Strategic leadership. Visual leadership. Energetic leadership. Together, they create a brand people trust, remember and are moved by. Pay attention to all three of these equally. They all have the same weight

YOU WILL MAKE MISTAKES AND YOU WILL SURVIVE THEM Criticism is guaranteed. Disappointment is inevitable. What matters is who you become in those moments. Lead difficult circumstances with power and humility.

LEGACY IS LIVED, NOT LEFT Legacy is not a future inheritance. It is Tuesday afternoons, shared laughter, small adventures and presence now. Today matters to your legacy

YOU NEVER HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN MOTHERHOOD & AMBITION You can have more without sacrificing yourself, your family or your dreams. You can be exceptional at home and in your work. Don’t believe me? Watch me.

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hese twenty lessons were earned through seasons that stretched me, successes that humbled me and over a hundred million dollars in sales generated alongside women who trusted me with their dreams. I share them with you so your path can be lighter, faster and more empowered than mine ever was. Let them be anchors on the days you doubt yourself and accelerators on the days you dare to rise. You are capable of more than you know and if these lessons awaken even a fraction of that truth, then they have done exactly what they were meant to do.

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JESS

KING

Photographed by Katherine Nunez

THE WOMAN BEHIND THE MOVEMENT An intimate conversation with Jess King on identity, healing, and the power of being fully expressed Written by Jen Szpigiel, Editor in Chief

here are interviews that feel like conversations, moments that feel like a return. This was exactly that. When I sat down with Jess King, I was not interested in titles or the version of her that lives in headlines. I wanted the woman behind the platform. The parts that do not always translate through a screen. The interior world that shapes the voice, the artistry, the leadership, the discipline, and the conviction. Many people first meet Jess through Peloton, where she has built a devoted following that extends far beyond fitness. It is not uncommon to hear someone say her classes carried them through grief, heartbreak, anxiety, illness, loneliness, postpartum fog, or seasons when their spirit felt dim. People do not simply take her classes. They experience them. They remember them. Jess is more than what people see in a thirty-minute ride. She is a founder, a coach, a DJ, a mother, a wife, and a woman deeply engaged with what it means to be human. I asked her the question I return to when I want the truth. Who are you when we strip away the titles? Her answer surprised me, not because I expected her to be performing, but because I assumed there might be a different version behind

the scenes. “It is interesting,” Jess says. “My answer is that I am my most expressed and authentic inside of Peloton.” She does not separate her essence from her visibility. If anything, she believes the platform reveals her. “The most vulnerable and stripped I am,” she continues, “is when I am teaching. When I am on the bike or on the tread, creating an experience in front of a camera and in front of people. That is when I feel aligned. That is when I feel coherent. That is when I am fully myself.” It is an unexpectedly honest admission. The place many assume is performative is where she feels most real. Then she shares something many wo men recognize immediately. “Outside of that, it can feel messy. I am always working to find my way back to that moment, because it feels like the most powerful version of who I am. Some days I do not access that power. Some days I do not show up with it.” The honesty matters, not because it is dramatic, but because it is true. The world often assumes that women with visibility, influence, and success are steady at all times. Jess does not pretend. “I bring that authenticity into the moment as well,” she says. “When people tell me they feel like we are friends, my answer is yes. If you get me, then I am your girl in life too.”She is not trying to be liked by everyone. She is trying to be felt by the right people. “When we share that vibration,” she says, “that is connection. That is what it is all about.”

tell Jess that when she speaks, it never feels like she is addressing a crowd. It feels personal, as if she is speaking to one person. There is something in her tone, her timing, and her intuitive understanding that makes people feel individually met. She reaches people whether they arrive energized and inspired or overwhelmed and simply trying to survive the day. “It feels like you say the right thing at the right time,” I tell her. “It is powerful.” Jess nods. “That is intentional. It is by design.” She clarifies quickly. Her intentionality is not performance. It is presence. “It is not performative,” she explains. “I speak from what I am feeling in the moment. I coexist with a life that holds many themes. Struggle, healing, suffering, communication. I am engaged with my humanity and with our shared human experience.” This is the difference between someone who motivates and someone who moves. Jess does not simply bring energy. She brings awareness. “I see the outside world,” she says, “but I am deeply fascinated by the inner landscape. I am always dancing with mine, always conversing with mine. I want to make what is uncomfortable better. In my relationships. In how I treat my body. In my habits. In my patterns. In whether I am showing up for my values.” Her values are clear. Integrity. Energy. Healing. Connection. Then she says it plainly. “Deep connection,” she says. “Not shallow connection.” She wants substance. The kind of friendships where people let each other in. Where honesty exists. Where there is a willingness to be seen. She is equally honest about what she struggles with. “I have ADHD,” she shares. “I might read a message, think I responded, and then realize I did not. Sometimes I am overwhelmed and simply cannot respond in the moment. That is real.” There is no romanticizing it. Just truth, followed by the larger point. “I am navigating a neurodivergent mind and a neurodiver-

gent expression. Systems are not always designed for that. I think this is a common intersection. Feeling like you do not fit. Feeling like the weirdo. Speaking harshly to yourself. Wanting more from life and not knowing how to get there.” Jess then reveals something essential to her work. “I am also a certified life coach,” she says. “I wanted to understand how to create a container where someone feels vulnerable and then leaves empowered. Not because I tell them what to do, but because I help them deepen their own understanding.” This is a rare form of leadership. It does not create dependence. It builds capacity. “Awareness,” she says, “is where empowerment begins. That is where transformation starts.” Jess is unwavering in one belief. People cannot think their way into change without involving the body. She speaks about vibration and energy in a grounded, embodied way. “When movement is paired with intention,” she says, “and you allow yourself to feel what you feel, you are engaging mind, body, and spirit. You are moving toward something. Wanting to feel different. Wanting to reach the other side. Wanting to love yourself again. Wanting to forgive.” She is equally clear about what does not work. “Punishing yourself will not motivate you,” she says. “I am not interested in that. We punish ourselves constantly. Many people come to fitness from punishment. Many come to healing from desperation.” What she wants is different. A new neurological pathway. A new truth. “When you move on a cellular level,” she says, “you experience a new version of yourself. You become someone new in that moment.” This is why people feel changed after her classes. Not only physically, but internally. “To guide people through that experience,” she says, “that is the mission. That is my life’s purpose. To wake people up to their power.”

"WHAT MAKES YOU WEIRD, IS WHAT WILL MAKE YOU SUCCESSFUL."

At this point, something personal surfaces for me. My daughter, creative and unique, has reached an age where fitting in feels like survival. She has been called “weird.” She has felt the sting of existing outside the social structure. As a mother, there are moments when your heart breaks quietly. You want to offer wisdom, but you feel too close to it. I ask Jess what she would say to a young girl like my daughter. To her younger self. To anyone who feels different. Her response is immediate. “What makes you weird is what will make you successful.” It is direct, unapologetic, and true. She expands. “We think not fitting into the sameness around us means something is wrong. Often, the system is simply wrong for us. It hijacks our sovereignty. We were never meant to operate that way.” Her advice is not to fight your nature, but to understand it. “Learn yourself,” she says. “Understand what you need. Where you thrive. Where you do not. Communicate it without judging yourself.” She also names something many avoid acknowledging. “Difference makes people uncomfortable,” she says. “The people telling you that you are wrong fear it.” Why? Because difference carries perception. Sensitivity. Pattern recognition. Intuition. “It unsettles people,” she says, “because they do not know how to be with it.” Jess is candid about being misunderstood. “I do not always make a great first impression,” she laughs. “Some people take one class and then disappear for years. Eventually, they come back and never leave.” She is not offended. She understands. “I say things people are not ready to hear,” she says. Then she offers the line that anchors everything. “I have been misunderstood my entire life but the one

thing I have never misunderstood is myself.” That is the difference between being swayed by the crowd and being anchored. Her advice is simple. Keep going until you find your people. ” she says. “You are not alone.” Jess grew up in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Not exactly a cultural epicenter for a child wired for intensity and artistry. She found her people in dance. “It was a small group,” she says. “Five dancers. Every weekend we left Myrtle Beach to find culture, to find choreographers, to grow. We were always planning how to get out.” That hunger for more is familiar to many women who grew up in environments that felt too small for their spirit. She then shares a detail that still makes me smile. Many people remember the viral clip of a dance teacher emphatically declaring, “This is hip-hop.” “That was my teacher,” Jess says. “Dina Rizzo. She kept us cool.” She calls her teacher weird with reverence. “She was the reason we were great,” Jess says. “Because she was weird, and we loved her.” Their dance life was anything but ordinary. “At twelve,” she says, “we were doing jazz routines to music no one expected. Half nuns. Half gangsters. It was not Myrtle Beach, but it was us.” They were different. Bold. Unapologetic. They won everywhere they went. Then she offers the reminder every mother needs when her child is hurting. “It was not easy,” she says. “No one has an easy childhood. Everyone is struggling in some way. The girls calling your daughter weird are carrying their own pain too.”

hen the conversation turns to motherhood, Jess is strikingly honest. I asked her how her experience has been with Sophia as they went from two to four. “I think we will have clearer answers in retrospect,” she says. “Right now, we are still in it.” Some days feel like wins. Connection. Shared laughter. A sense of partnership. Other days feel heavy. “It has been the most uncomfortable and disconnected we have ever been from ourselves and each other,” she admits. “We did not anticipate the density of becoming parents. It arrived fully formed in our living room.” Still, she believes in the return. There is awe as well. The privilege of witnessing life unfold. The responsibility of shaping it. “I have done so much work to undo inherited patterns,” she says. “Now the real test is here. Every day, the work is here.” Children do not allow bypassing. They surface everything. They demand presence, repair, honesty, and humility. When I ask what she hopes for her children, she offers an image I will never forget. “I want their life force to feel like a faucet turned on,” she says, “with a rainbow flowing out. I want them to breathe in life and exhale trust into the world. Expression. Love. That is happiness to me.” She adds something tender. “I love watching them move,” she says.

“Watching their bodies adapt and grow.” It is one of parenthood’s quiet miracles. Watching a human become. When I reflect back what I see in her, I tell Jess this. She is deeply connected to herself without becoming self-absorbed. She carries personal responsibility and accountability while remaining oriented toward impact. She listens. She refines. She heals. She offers what she learns as light. Jess thanks me for seeing her. For offering space without perfomance. For allowing the layers to fall away. It is rare to be asked not for your résumé, but for your essence. As we close, I ask where people can experience her work most fully. She answers practically. Peloton. Social media. Her wellness practice and coaching containers. Read between the lines, and the real answer is this. Some people teach fitness. Jess teaches liberation. She teaches presence. She teaches the self-trust that comes from knowing your own mind, honoring your body, and returning to love again and again until it feels like home. In a world that rewards sameness, that kind of power is rare. It is leadership. It is art. It is the kind of power that changes people.

Photographed by Isabel Dinardo

ALESSYA

BAGGETTA

Inside the Creative Mind of Alessya Baggetta From Freelancer to Founder, Alessya Baggetta on Design, Visibility, and the Future of Branding Written by Alessya Baggetta

n an era where personal brands are built overnight and fade just as quickly, Alessya Baggetta Designs stands as proof that longevity in business isn’t built on trends, it’s built on intention. Founded by Alessya Baggetta, a visionary creative and branding strategist, the Toronto-based agency has spent the last half-decade transforming over 250 women-led businesses into industry-defining brands. From luxury interior designers to global coaches, boutique law firms to beauty experts and wedding planners, Alessya’s work proves that design isn’t just how something looks, it’s how it feels, communicates, and converts. Every powerhouse story begins humbly, and Alessya’s began at just 18 years old. While most were still figuring out what to study, she was already freelancing, designing logos and marketing visuals for family and friends. “Design was always my second language,” she says. “I could visualize the story behind a business long before the client could put it into words.” After earning her Bachelor of Design Honours Degree from York University and Sheridan College, Alessya stepped into the

corporate world to sharpen her skills. At YMINC, she began as an in-house graphic designer before being promoted to Social Media Manager within a few months, leading content creation, strategy, and email campaigns. Later, as Marketing Manager for a Toronto co-working space, she immersed herself in the startup ecosystem, supporting entrepreneurs and creators daily. The experience made one thing clear: Alessya wasn’t meant to sit behind brands, she was meant to build them. “Entrepreneurship wasn’t something I grew up seeing, it was something I had to create.” Alessya grew up in a humble middle-class family, where stability was celebrated and entrepreneurship seemed like a far-off dream. So when she decided to go all in and launch her agency at just 23 years old, it came as a shock to many. “It wasn’t the traditional path,” she reflects. “But I wanted more freedom, more creativity, and more impact than a corporate role could ever give me.” In 2021, she made the leap, leaving her job to pursue Alessya Baggetta Designs Inc. full time. What began as a one-woman studio has now grown into a talented team of 5+ women and a full-service creative agency trusted by entrepreneurs across Canada and beyond.

“WE BUILD THE SYSTEMS, CONTENT, AND EXPERIENCE THAT HELP WOMEN SHOW UP WITH AUTHORITY, BECAUSE YOUR BRAND FEELS ALIGNED, YOUR VISIBILITY BECOMES MAGNETIC.”

Alessya’s agency has redefined what it means to craft a brand. Her team helps interior designers, wedding planners, coaches, lawyers, beauty gurus, and speakers turn vision into visual legacy, through branding, websites, social media management, and creative content that radiates strategy and soul. “We don’t just make things look beautiful,” she explains. “We build the systems, content, and experience that help women show up with authority, because when your brand feels aligned, your visibility becomes magnetic.”

Her clients’ brands have since been featured in Forbes, The Social, CityNews, Breakfast Television, and House & Home, proof that strategy-driven creativity can turn small businesses into standout brands. In under five years, Alessya has become a recognized creative director. She’s been featured on CEO Medium, won the Canadian Choice Award for Best Graphic Designer, and appeared on CityTV News for her innovative approach to design. She’s also spoken for RBC Women in Finance, numerous women-led events, and guest-lectures each semester for George Brown College’s communication program. For Alessya, design isn’t decoration, it’s direction. Her ethos? Strategy that speaks. She fuses luxury minimalism with emotional storytelling, creating modern yet timeless brands that communicate clearly and confidently. “A stunning logo alone won’t transform your business,”

she says. “Clarity, consistency, brand foundation and confidence will.”

Over the years, her agency has evolved into a full-service creative studio, offering everything a modern business needs to build, scale, and sustain visibility in the digital age: Branding & Visual Identity Crafting the foundation of a business, logos, typography, colour palettes, and brand guidelines that communicate trust and emotion. Website Design & Development Alessya’s team designs elevated digital experiences that convert visitors into clients. Social Media Management From strategy to content creation, video production, and analytics, ABD helps brands show up consistently with purpose and polish. Content Creation & VIP Content Days Professional photography, reels, and campaign visuals designed to align with the brand’s strategy, capturing both beauty and authenticity. Email Marketing & Automation Building automated systems that nurture leads, increase engagement, and simplify marketing workflows. Creative Consulting & Training Guiding entrepreneurs through clarity sessions, brand audits, and training programs to help them take creative control of their business. This holistic approach ensures that every element, from design to digital strategy, flows seamlessly under one cohesive vision.

BRAND AUDIT CHECKLIST: YOUR 2026 RESET As you step into the new year, Alessya encourages every entrepreneur to pause and perform a 10-question brand audit. It's a strategic reset designed to help you realign your message, systems, and visibility for sustainable growth in 2026.

Does my visual identity still reflect where my brand is

Your colours, typography, and logo are the silent storytellers of your brand. If they still represent an earlier version of you, it may be time for refinement, not a full rebrand, but a realign-

Do my photos, videos, and website tell a cohesive story?

Visual storytelling is the heartbeat of visibility. Every touchpoint, your headshots, Instagram grid, and website should feel like the same person, not three different brands.

Is my messaging clear, confident, and consistent?

If someone lands on your site today, could they describe what you do in one sentence? If not, revisit your brand language. Clarity is currency.

Is my website fully updated and functional?

Your website is your digital storefront and first impressions matter. Ensure links, mobile layouts, and lead forms work seamlessly. Review your analytics monthly to understand where visitors engage and where they drop off.

Am I utilizing email marketing to nurture my audience?

Don’t let your audience go cold between launches. Consistent newsletters, case studies, and exclusive offers keep your brand top of mind and your audience engaged long after the scroll

Do I have systems that support my content strategy?

Posting on the fly is not a plan. Audit your workflows, are you batching content, scheduling posts, and automating your emails? Systems equal sustainability.

If I'm a speaker or thought leader, is my media kit and speaker page

Your online presence should make it effortless for event organizers to book you. Update your media kit, speaker page, testimonials, and recent features to reflect your current expertise and pricing.

Have I defined what success looks like for this season of busi-

Without a destination, even the most beautiful brand can lose direction. Whether your goal is growth, balance, or creative freedom, define what “success” means to you in this chapter.

Am I showing up with authority and authenticity?

Audiences connect with people, not perfection. Share your process, lessons, and behind-the-scenes moments while standing firm in your expertise. The combination of credibility and honesty builds loyalty.

Do I feel proud when I share my brand?

This is the most important question. If you hesitate to post, pitch, or promote something’s misaligned. Your brand should make you feel empowered to show up, not shrink back.

s we step into 2026, the branding landscape is shifting faster than ever. For entrepreneurs and creatives, the rules of visibility are being rewritten.

According to Alessya, this next era isn’t about posting more or chasing trends, it’s about building resonance. Here are her Top 5 Trends for 2026 that every brand should pay attention to: 1. Slow Marketing Is the New Smart Marketing 2026 will be the year of intentionality. Brands that prioritize quality content over quantity will dominate. “The algorithm doesn’t reward burnout,” Alessya says. “It rewards relevance.” She encourages business owners to create fewer, more impactful pieces of content that tell real stories, showcase thought leadership, and reinforce their brand’s core values. 2. Personal Brands Are the New PR Visibility now starts with the founder. Consumers are more connected to people than logos. Whether you’re a CEO or a small business owner, your personal brand is an asset, and it’s time to treat it like one. “Your personal story, your values, and how you show up online are your biggest PR tools,” Alessya notes. “When done right, it turns audiences into loyal advocates.” 3. AI-Assisted Creativity Rather than replacing creativity, AI is enhancing it. Designers, marketers, and founders are using AI tools for efficiency, content generation, automation, and personalization allowing more time for strategic thinking and creative innovation. “At our agency, we use AI to elevate the creative process, not replace it,” Alessya explains. “It’s about freeing up time for the ideas that actually move the needle.” 4. Authentic Design Systems 2026 brands will favour timeless design systems over trendbased aesthetics. Expect cleaner typography, editorial-style

layouts, and immersive brand experiences that feel human. “Think of your brand as a home,” Alessya says. “It should evolve, but its foundation should always feel like you.” 5. Experiential Digital Storytelling From interactive websites to behind-the-scenes content, storytelling is moving from static to experiential. Brands that invite audiences into their creative process, through storytelling, podcasts, and real-time content will see deeper connection and retention. As Alessya celebrates five years in business, she’s already shaping the next evolution of her brand, one that extends far beyond traditional design services. Her continued vision includes travelling globally to collaborate with clients through immersive content creation, brand intensives, on-location creative direction, and the transformative work of building and reshaping brands worldwide. Beyond the creative, Alessya is deeply invested in empowering the next generation of women entrepreneurs. Her long-term vision includes mentorship programs, specialized training, workshops, and high-impact summits that bring together women who lead with strategy, artistry, and integrity. She aims to build environments where women can refine their brands, gain clarity, and expand their visibility on a global scale. “Designing brands is only part of the work,” Alessya says. “I want to build environments where women grow, and I want to continue being your go-to when you’re stuck, evolving, seeking direction, or needing design support that actually moves your business forward.” As the branding landscape continues to evolve, one truth remains: clarity and intention will always rise above noise. And in a world where visibility shifts by the day, Alessya Baggetta Designs stands as a constant, redefining what it means for women to build brands that are not only seen, but remembered.

A NEW ERA IS COMING IN 2026

his season feels like a quiet but meaningful expansion. The podcast has officially arrived on YouTube, allowing you to both listen and watch these conversations unfold. There is something special about being able to see the pauses, the expressions, the moments that often live between the words. This new chapter also comes with deep gratitude. The podcast is now a Top 100 show, a

milestone that reflects not just downloads or rankings, but the trust and loyalty of a community that has chosen to return week after week. As I prepare to celebrate the podcast’s sixth year, I find myself reflecting on how much has evolved. The voice has grown. The conversations have deepened. What has remained constant is the intention behind it all, to create something lasting, thoughtful, and real. Stay inspired. Stay iconic.

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Photographed by Nihad Hebib

hannah WRIGHT

BEYOND THE VILLA:

The Woman Hannah Became Life beyond Love Island, reclaiming identity, chasing purpose, and turning unexpected opportunities into a new beginning Jen: I know that being the winner of Love Island is not all of who you are and I am really curious to showcase the woman. Who you were, what happened as a result of that experience and who you are now. Congratulations first, to you and Marco, the very first couple to get engaged! But more than that, I know the two of you love each other so deeply, so congratulations for finding each other through such a unique way. Hannah: Thank you so much. It was a crazy experience, but it works. We’re a testament to the show and what happens if you are open to finding love and in a good place. Before the show, I was a teacher and had no dating life. I was 24, so I was very confident in myself and who I was. You kind of have to put yourself out there for an experience like this. When I got the call for the show, I was teaching summer school and we were on a field trip to an aquarium with the kids. I was taking my class to the bathroom so the casting producer heard all the chaos and I felt like it lined up. I believe everything happens for a reason. Jen: What makes you even apply to Love Island? Hannah: To be honest with you, I always saw something

more for myself. I didn’t know what it was, I didn’t know how I was going to get there, but I knew that I wanted a platform to reach women. That’s something I saw for myself at a young age. My dad was a principal and he was a forward-facing person in the community, so I always saw that for myself too. I would always watch the dating shows, and think, “You know what, I could do this”. So I did see this for myself. I feel like it’s what drove me to apply and to kind of block out everyone who was doubting me. My family had some reservations, like, “You’re flying to Fiji, and you’re gonna be on this show? Is this safe?” It was a lot of trusting my instincts and I feel like that’s what I’ve just continued to do, even since the show. Jen: You said you had that feeling that there’s something more. I know being a teacher can also become an identity, at least in my experience, and working with some teachers, it really does become part of who you are. But here you are, 24 years old, in a career that I’m sure your dad was proud of, but you have this burn in your belly. Did you always have that knowing and belief in yourself?

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I was still substitute teaching, but it was awkward for me. The kids would recognize me, or a teacher would recognize me, and then it would spread throughout the school that I was on Love Island. That made it difficult. I realized I could do content full-time and be my own business. So I decided I’m going to focus on that and I invested in myself. I invested in photography, a videographer, a stylist and a publicist. It was hard to get to that point because I didn’t really have anyone to look up to in this space. There was definitely a lot of doubt, but I’m so happy that I listened to myself. I have done what I wanted to do, I’m reaching my dreams and I’m speaking at women’s conferences, all things I’ve wanted to do. You’re going to have a lot of people who doubt you and who try to put you off your path. You really can’t listen to it. Always listen to your own voice. Jen: I also hear through your story that you did things before you felt ready. You hired, you invested, because you knew this was something that you wanted to experience and you believed in yourself. You did these things without there being evidence or a personal brand that was well-established. Even with applying to Love Island, thinking, “I think I could do this,” and then you go do the thing. You don’t just contemplate and think about it; you actually take action on your dreams. What would you say to somebody who is always contemplating, negotiating with herself or thinking, “I need to see if it’s going to work first, then I will.”? Hannah: I’m a big believer that everything happens in divine timing, but I would also say don’t wait. Take every opportunity. With everything that I went through for the show and after, I don’t regret anything. The women’s conferences that I’m doing now, I get to meet so many amazing people from different walks of life. I was very nervous to do these conferences because they were my first ones that I was speaking at, but it’s crazy how many opportunities have been created for me. So don’t think anything is too small to say no. It doesn’t matter if you’re getting paid a big lump sum or a tiny lump sum. Jen: I do think there’s this layer of ego that’s sort of streaming through the online space. You’re teaching a lot of really valuable lessons to the women who may not be creators like you, but are thinking about things in their lives. This is the begin-

ning of 2026, it’s that time when we start to dream and think about what’s possible. It’s so easy to have that voice in your head say, “not now”, “you need to make more money”, “it’s not the right time”, and everything you’re teaching through your example is, “I just said yes. I just went for it.” Hannah: That’s what I’ve continued to do because I think we all have a vision for our lives, and a dream of what we want to do. As I progress in my career, I try not to think too far ahead; I try to stay present because every day there’s something new that changes. I still have dreams and things I want to accomplish, but don’t overwhelm yourself with the unknown. There’s going to be times where it’s really good and where it’s not good, but that’s just what you risk. That’s normal. That’s okay to have that doubt, but don’t let it overcome you, and don’t let it force you to quit. Jen: I feel like people are astonished and surprised when things aren’t always this beautiful trajectory upwards. People start with these rose-colored glasses. But who you are when you’re in a challenge, and how you lead when things are not working or seemingly not working, matters more than the part that’s full of success, accolades and applause. That is when most people quit. The ones who succeed are the ones who say, “I’m at a point of chiseling, what am I supposed to learn here?” It is a piece of humble pie to keep us grounded and steady. It also keeps us really excited and full of gratitude when things do turn around; we don’t take it for granted. Hannah: I’ve definitely learned that. You go through those hard times. So when it is good, you’re grateful, and then when it is hard again, it’s not as hard because you’re prepared. Again, I believe everything happens for a reason. It’s hard, though, when you’re in it and you’re going through this new experience. Honestly, this version of Hannah and this confidence and wisdom came this year. It was a tough year. My dad passed away in March. Things like that are going to happen. But since then, I’ve tried to take positives from negative situations. I was fortunate to start a scholarship in his name for women in sports at the high school he was the principal at, my alma mater, Palm Springs High School. This is what my dad would have loved, having a scholarship in his name. He loved taking up all the energy and he loved the spotlight. Now I have something that honors him each year, and we’re helping women with college expenses. Things like that put it into perspective. It was a hard year, but then again, I feel like this has been my best year yet, too, personally.

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Jen: Sorry for the loss of your dad and sending you lots of love. When I watched you on Love Island, you were my favorite, because you felt like the wisdom of the space. You felt confident and you kept everybody grounded. What do you do to prepare for that? Hannah: I was in therapy, which helped me a lot. My therapist really helped me prepare and stay present, which I think really helped me in the villa and through the whole casting process. When I got the call I was going to Fiji, I didn’t know if I was going to be on the show, they even talked about making me a Mock Islander. A Mock Islander is a whole cast of Islanders, but they aren’t necessarily going to be on the show. It’s for them to test out the cameras, lighting and things like that. But it’s a free trip to Fiji, so, why not?

was going on the show. A wardrobe team came in and had me try on 10 bikinis. It was 4 AM the same day and they made me wait all night. We were in the car and they were trying to hype us up with music. I was nervous, but I was also very confident. I found out I was the first bombshell with Carmen and it was just a crazy experience. I get told often that I seemed like I was very confident and I was, because I was so present and I didn’t care what anybody thought about me. Every time there was a recoupling or a dumping, I was so mentally prepared to leave. I like my life, I like my family. I wasn’t sad about leaving and I think that’s what showed my authenticity.

“I ALSO THINK WHAT GOT ME FAR: I WAS MYSELF. HOW I WOULD BE ON THE OUTSIDE IS HOW I WAS ON THE INSIDE.”

I was picked up from the airport and taken to a resort, but it was all very secretive. The team was texting each other because they don’t want you to run into any other islanders. We were also in the first season in Fiji, so everything was very new for the production team, and you could tell, because they were so unsure about everything that was going on. No more than 30 minutes later, they said I was going to do an interview with the executive producers.

I was so nervous. I put on my best outfit, walked in and the head producer said, “You’re not just some little teacher. You look like a supermodel!” I said, “What is that supposed to mean?”, so I was automatically giving it back to him. And then I sat in my room for 2 weeks and didn’t know anything. They finally said I was going in. I wasn’t able to talk to my family until that point because I didn’t have my phone. So I called my family to let them know I was ok, but I couldn’t even tell them I

I also think that’s what got me far: I was myself. How I would be on the outside is how I was on the inside. The show also wasn’t as big, so I wasn’t really thinking about what people were talking about online. I feel bad for the upcoming Islanders, because the reach is so big now. It would be very nerve-wracking going in. There was a great production team that made me feel safe. Having Marco there, obviously, he was my experience. If I didn’t have him there, it would be a different story. We looked out for each other and it fell into line.

Jen: I feel like the word embodied comes up for me, you just feel embodied. You were in therapy and you really worked on yourself to be present. I’m thinking of the women who are always getting ready to get ready. They’re not seizing opportunities. We often feel like we have to look a certain way, or prepare ourselves for great opportunities and we push away these moments. I remember being that woman who thought I have to look a certain way, present a certain way or be more successful in order to walk into rooms. The fact that you were trying on bikinis, did you have vulnerability in that?

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Hannah: I definitely did. I’m on the thinner side and I was scared that guys in the villa wouldn’t necessarily like that. I don’t have a voluptuous body, so I was insecure about that. Thankfully, Marco didn’t care. He helps me feel confident, but going in, that was definitely an insecurity of mine. You do feel vulnerable when two women are barging into your room saying, “Try this on, we’re going to take a picture.” Being in the TV world, they all have their image. You are filling a role with these shows. I had that in mind too, so I didn’t take it personally. It is a show, it is a production. For example, we always say that Marco was the player because his intro and his coming in portrayed him as a player. If you know him, he’s the farthest thing from a player. He had one girlfriend before, but again, you are filling a role. Jen: Again, you’re showing this embodiment, this self-awareness that is so rare and special. Now that I’m learning about you and having this time with you, it’s so nice to know that it was authentic. Sometimes we wonder whether in reality shows if people are playing a character role? Do they say to you, “You’re going to be this person so we need you to kind of play this role?” Hannah: That definitely is a thing. This is something I realized after the show, because someone told me they really wanted a teacher. I kind of always was that… But it’s a yes and no. Say they want me to play this big sister role model figure, but then I go on there and my personality is completely different. It’s a hit or miss sometimes but I do feel like, towards the end, I saw the role I played. And you’re telling a story. If they didn’t have these storytelling elements, it would be very boring. They do have points where they tell you, “We didn’t hear you and Marco having a conversation earlier. Can you go have that conversation again?” There are moments like that that aren’t as authentic. Marco and I whispered to each other that we were not interested in anyone else and we were going to tell these people we were not interested in them. The producers got so mad at us and said, “How could you cut things off with the other guys so quickly? What if Marco does this to you, and he isn’t loyal to you?” They do try to get in your head. I realized they didn’t like that I didn’t say that on camera, because viewers at home are going to be confused about what happened or maybe they want to draw out this storyline. I guess we outsmarted them that way. Our season wasn’t as dramatic as these newer seasons, so maybe if we did play into that it would have been a little bigger, but that’s just not who Marco and I are. Jen: When did you know it was Marco? Hannah: The defining moment was when his ex came in and I just never really doubted him. That reassured me. He’s just who he is and I love that about him. He’s very blunt, straightforward and doesn’t try to sugarcoat anything. It was also the amount of safety that he made me feel and he continues to

make me feel that way. He had tunnel vision for me and, as a woman, that’s all I could ask for. That’s really what I value. He has the biggest heart with everybody. That showed in the villa too because, just like me, he was very invested in everyone else, how they’re doing and if they’re okay. There was a level of maturity from him as well and all those things added up. I am more of a slow burner. Even after the show, I knew I would love for us to work out, but I also knew that life is going to happen. I moved in with him in Florida and family things, career things, all of that happened. I’m also a realist, so as much as I wanted things to work out, you kind of never know. But he’ll tell you the opposite. He’ll say he knew from the jump. But that’s just not how I am. I always tell people it was just intuition. Jen: You’ve trusted your intuition in the past and it led you the right way. That’s your story. You’re this woman who understands herself, listens to herself, follows through on those intuitive hits and so that builds the trust. You don’t doubt these things as often as other people do, because your experience is, when I actually have this feeling in my tummy, and I follow through on it, some good things happen. And I don’t know what that good thing is, but I’m gonna trust and keep following this North Star. Hannah: That is how I am as a person. Trust is the most important thing for me in working relationships in my career and that’s something that I’ve had to learn how to build with people. People come in and out of your life, but for me, trust is the biggest thing. I’m fortunate now that we have a team that we trust more than anything. Once I have that trust, that’s the most important thing in all aspects of my life. Get yourself a team of people who you can trust, because working with people who you trust and who care about you and your success is priceless. Jen: What do you look for in someone, whether it be an agent or someone you’re collaborating with? Are there characteristics? Is it a feeling? You mentioned it was a feeling with Marco. Is that usually how you build your trust with someone? Hannah: I think transparency when you’re interviewing them is important. If they’re transparent about the work they’ve done and they’re open to answering questions. There shouldn’t be any gray areas. I really appreciate that openness and honesty, someone who’s not offended by you asking questions. I’ve been in situations where I have been burned, I did have trauma and that mistrust that I had to build again. I’m fortunate now that my new management is extremely communicative. I could ask them any question and they’re just open and honest with me. I can breathe and focus on making content. I don’t have to worry about them on the back end when it comes to my deals. So, don’t be afraid to ask questions, especially if you’re your own business. You need to be clear about the money you’re making and the contracts. That’s one thing I had to learn, just me being timid and in this new world, I kind of trusted anyone. But no, you can’t do that.

Jen: No, you can’t. There’s a lot of people who look at you as an opportunity. Their opportunity versus what would be a mutual opportunity. Everything should be mutual. Even in the work I do, there’s mutual benefit, and that’s not wrong. So when you ask questions and someone’s all about themselves, thinking about what’s in it for them, they’re going to be defensive and maybe even brush you off and make you feel some guilt, shame and embarrassment. Whereas someone who’s in it for mutual partnership, they’re going to welcome that, because it only deepens your connection, your trust and the fact that you’re both working towards the same thing. Hannah: It’s taken time because social media is a whole new world. It is a world of opportunity, which is what I like to talk about at these women’s conferences. There’s a gray area where people wonder how you make money on social media, but it’s not as hard as people think.

Things like that, where you’re really connecting with people, that’s what pays off and that’s what brands want to see. My first big deal was with Google. I had just made a video talking about my Coachella outfits, because I’m from Palm Springs, California, and I’d always go to Coachella. It got 300 likes. But then Google reached out to me to do a brand deal with Coachella. I asked the marketing team how they found me. They said they saw my Coachella post, I had done the hashtag Coachella, and that I’m from Palm Springs. So the likes don’t matter.

“I DOCUMENT MY LIFE AND BRANDS THAT CONNECT WITH ME. I DON’T NEED TO GO VIRAL TO PAY MY BILLS, WHICH IS NICE ”

That’s what I want to encourage. I’m speaking with my friend at a local high school to keep encouraging children that there are different ways and different career paths that you could have now, but it’s all about how you do it. And you want to be authentic. Jen: What advice would you give creators, influencers and entrepreneurs that’s really important for you to say to them? Hannah: Don’t chase virality. That’s what a lot of people want to do nowadays. They want to have that TikTok that gets a million likes and that’s great and all, but what I’ve learned is that longevity has been the key for Marco and I. We’re not going viral like this new season, but I feel like my followers and the people who I connect with know our story and they know who I am as a person. I do cooking videos now and I get messages saying thank you so much for the cooking videos and that they’ve done every single one.

Jen: You really need to have a personal attachment with the brand so that they want to work with you. Hannah: And that’s what I do. I document my life and brands that connect with me. I don’t need to be going viral to pay my bills, which is nice.

Jen: It’s like another hamster wheel where it’s like, ‘I’ve got to get more likes.’ But what about the quality of what you’re putting out there? What about the intentionality of what you’re putting out there? I met with someone yesterday who was on the cover of the magazine. That was her reflection back to me, that it’s intentional content that you want to sit down and read. It’s not a world that’s so surface level for the hit of dopamine over how many views and likes you get. You’re absolutely right, it doesn’t necessarily pay. Are you even ready for that viral moment? What are you going to do with that? You want it, you wish for it, but what does it even mean if you don’t have anything in terms of a business behind the scenes that can leverage that moment? We’ve said it now for the last year and a half, but I still feel like people are cynical about that message. The more people like yourself who share that, the more they’ll start to believe that it’s the quality of work, not the quantity that matters, and we’ll have more depth on the internet.

Hannah: Everything that glitters isn’t gold. And it goes back to divine timing. Yes, you have this viral moment, but what are you gonna do with it? Obviously, it’s good to have your content do well, but really, it’s the quality of it that you need to be happy with. If you are happy with the content, that’s the main thing because that shows. I’ve met so many creators and it just seems kind of like a chore for them. And it is work, I understand that and I do treat it like work. But it should be fun, just like anything you do. Have a relationship with it where it doesn’t feel overwhelming or like a task. I have had moments like that where I’ve felt like it’s a lot, it’s not good for my mental health. So be aware of that feeling and be less of a consumer and more of a producer. Jen: I had a private client say to me that she stopped consuming and was so happy and her business is growing. She didn’t realize how much that consumption was making her doubt her choices or feel like she was farther behind. I say it all the time: go on a consumption diet. I have really taken myself out of a lot of industries, and what I’m following now are people that spark innovation, creation and thought leadership. Even with your cookies, I want to watch content like that and go try a new cookie recipe and have fun baking with my kids. It’s meaningful content that I’m looking for. I am not here to watch everybody else, because our time is so precious. If we have time to do that, then we have time to do more great work in our business. I’d rather build something beautiful for the business that’s going to benefit my life. Hannah: Sometimes it’s easy to get in your head, so you want to do things that are positive outlets and positive for your mind. Change that algorithm. If you’re seeing something that’s not aligning, or that makes you feel icky, click the not interested button. That’s been the best thing. I’ve

gotten Love Island off my timeline many times. Jen: Let’s close that Love Island story. You win. The cameras go off. I imagine there’s this level of excitement and even a little bit of what’s next? Is there a duality in that moment?

and he said this is actually what he wants to do. Since then, we have been riding with it but we have become wiser. I do feel for all the contestants who get off of these shows, because it really is an overnight change. You often don’t have help, so it’s tough.

Hannah: The night we won was awesome. I felt honored and privileged, and then a day goes by and you get your phone back because that’s when the episode premieres.

Jen: It reminds me of someone who is ill and out of touch with the world, cocooned in their own way and something radical happens. You come up and you want to step back into your life, but it’s actually nothing you can step back into, because everybody’s expectations have changed.

It was overwhelming to have people know me like this now. A lot of things have changed in our personal life and I think that’s the downside that no one really talks about. It comes with a lot of good opportunities, but there were a lot of people close to us trying to tell us what to do next and that got really frustrating. Marco and I both went through that, and there’s a lot of doubt because we won the show, but what should we be doing next? The show had never been that big but it really doesn’t prepare you for after. It was a lot of learning on our own, so it was hard. That’s what caused Marco and I to grow closer, because we only had each other. The more people we met in the industry, we were able to get advice about what we should be doing and what we shouldn’t be doing. It was a great year, but I think that was also our hardest year because we didn’t know what to do with our lives. We didn’t have role models to show us what to do. I went back to substitute teaching and Marco went back to the chiropractic office where he was working. He said, “I don’t think this social media thing is for me”. He had the dream of being on TV and an actor, and it ended up being crazy with divine timing again. The day that he wanted to quit his dream, he got an email to do a T-Mobile commercial. They flew him to LA for 5 days and paid X amount of money. He ended up in two nationwide runs of a T-Mobile commercial. If that wasn’t a sign, I don’t know what is. He killed it, met all these people

I imagine the discernment the two of you had to have just to sort through advice. Everybody’s doing the best they can with what they know, and I do think a lot of times it is through love. But I can only imagine having no phone, being in this cocoon of Love Island and the villa, and then suddenly you win and everybody wants a piece of Hannah and Marco. Hannah: It’s so true what you say about the discernment of it all, because that’s something that we had to come to terms with. Just the fact that you saw me on TV has changed the perspective of us in a lot of people’s minds. And it shouldn’t, because you know who I am, and you know my heart, but that is what comes with the territory. A lot of people don’t try to understand this new way of life and I’m having to distance myself from them. That’s what we’ve had to do numerous times. It comes with having a platform. I didn’t ask for this, but people are going to believe what they want to believe and I can’t change someone’s perception. That is something that we still deal with to this day. Because we were on a reality TV show, it’s not like we’re actors, or we’re Justin Bieber, but because of this era of technology and social media, it changes people’s perception. We have to learn and that spirit of discernment has to be strong.

Jen: It’s those sliding door moments in life where something radical happens that can shift life so quickly. You’re having to not only manage your experience, what you’ve gone through and process all of that, but now it’s sort of pushed onto you to hold space for everybody else’s experience or expectations. Has that been the biggest challenge? Hannah: You’ve hit the nail right on the head. Especially because I’m very loyal to people. Marco and I both dive right in just because we’re very loving. So it’s been hard having to distance ourselves from people when we feel like their intentions aren’t the best. We’ve come to terms with it. Like Deion Sanders says, “You can’t want all of the nice things, the fame, and be upset when there are the downsides of it, too.” It comes with the territory. If I were a teacher, back in Palm Springs and knew what I know now, it would be a different situation. But this is the life that I chose. Every day, I become stronger and better with it, but it was hard at first because we are just very loving people. We don’t have to change that but we kind of have to be careful. Jen: Not a protectiveness that holds you back from experiencing great people, but that you must have had to practice and almost master the art of discernment of people’s intentions. Trusting people, asking the right questions and making sure that the people you surround yourself with do have those pure intentions of wanting the best for you and Marco.

I have a background in journalism and broadcasting. I love the back end of creating these campaigns and I would love to be in a creative director role for the brands. We just did this Suave campaign and I came up with the concept and wrote the script with Marco. I’d love to do that with more brands. So, I don’t have a dream collab, but I could do this for brands, big and small. Help them find creators, create campaigns and push them out in the era of social media. I’m speaking it into existence, this creative director role, and we’ll see what happens. Jen: I would define myself as a creative director because I’m really always looking at messaging, nuance and fresh ideas. I like to squiggle outside the lines. I like to have someone be really seen and it’s just so artistic. It’s such an expression and I think a lot of brands don’t nail it and it ends up very traditional, maybe even a little bit outdated. For you, what I like is that you have both sides of the equation. You have been on the influencer-creator side, where you know the language and you know what you’re looking for. You also have been on the brand side. You can make those partnerships so rich and fulfilling and I would imagine more lasting than just a quick hit on the gram.

Do you have a dream collab right now?

Hannah: It would be great, because you get to be creative and you get to connect. I read campaign briefs and I’ll have an idea to turn it up a little. So I’ll do this for the time being, but I am always forward-thinking.

Hannah: I’m kind of pivoting to be honest with you, this is an exclusive gem. I love the creator space and it’s so fun to work with these different brands, but I would love to be on the other side of things.

Jen: It will have nothing but benefits, because it will stretch you. There’s a depth and a wisdom to you that is just so attractive and so keep being you. It’s such a privilege and honor to showcase kind women like yourself.

ERIN ROTHSTEIN

WORKING AT THE EDGE OF MY OWN EVOLUTION Written by Erin Rothstein

I of “practical.”

never set out to be the “toast artist,” or the “avocado lady” — I was always in it for the feeling I got when I put brush to canvas. I was in it for the spark that rose in my chest every time I envisioned a painting that needed to exist. I was in it for the strange inner magnetism that pulled me toward creation before I even had the language to describe it. My truest art comes from this place. A place that feels instinctive, and ancient. A place that has nothing to do with achievement. An island of whimsy in a sea

People see the results. They see a burgeoning business. They see paintings that sell. They see a life that looks full. And it is full. But what they don’t see is the constant internal negotiation required to stay creative once the world expects more of the same. And that’s where the challenge shifts away from getting where you want to go. The real challenge, my friends, is figuring out how to stay yourself once you finally get there. This is the part no one teaches — that commercial success adds a certain pressure that has nothing to do with artistry. It pulls you into a world of strategy, and numbers, and roles. It shapes you into something recognizable, reliable, and predictable. Something that delivers the same results, again

and again. It tempts you to stay inside a version of yourself that “works.” And let me be clear: I am forever grateful for my commercial success. Truly. I see it as a powerful creative channel. BUT — I am careful not to mistake it for soul-level success. They are not the same. To me, real success rests in my capacity for evolution — in my willingness to ditch the algorithm in favour of my creative spark. This has always been my medium of expression. Not painting, not entrepreneurship, but evolution itself. Remaining honest. Listening inward for that gut-level yes or no. Noticing when my art stops breathing. Having the courage to pull back and reorient before slipping into autopilot. My creativity thrives in the discipline of this bond, between me and me. I protect it from outside noise. I listen when it asks for space, or expansion, or rest. I listen when it asks me to release outdated versions of myself. I respond when I feel myself trading creativity for efficiency… And I adjust. I realign. Sometimes that means slowing down. Sometimes it means pivoting. Sometimes it means following an idea that makes NO sense on paper but feels alive in my body. Sometimes it means allowing myself to disrupt what’s working, because something deeper is trying to come through (like the book I just wrote… shameless plug, stand by for details).

Photographed by Brandon Vellekoop

“THE NEXT ERA OF LEADERSHIP WILL BE SHAPED BY CREATIVES WHO EMBRACE THEIR that reinvention is not instabilgrowth. I suppose that’s OWN EVOLUTION.” ity,whatbutI want you to know, too.

Truly, my most important skill — head and shoulders over hyperrealism — is recognizing when I’m living from someone else’s blueprint, and shifting in the direction of my truth. Vibrant creativity lives in that shift. The most successful people I know are not the ones who’ve achieved the most. They’re the ones who’ve evolved the most. The ones who’ve refused to calcify. The ones who’ve reinvented themselves over and over again. The ones who’ve refused to be pinned to a single storyline. That’s what I wish for everyone reading: I wish you the continued courage to evolve. The courage to tell the truth about what you want next. The courage to stay connected to your spark, even as the world chimes in.

Despite my perfectionist tendencies, I try to evolve publicly wherever I can. To embrace the mess, and let it show. My kids watch me evolve. Constantly. I don’t hide it. I want them to see what it looks like when a woman follows her instincts. I want them to see success not as a final destination, but as a portal into deeper creativity. I want them to understand that identity is fluid, and that imagination is a form of intelligence. I want them to know

That the art is in the evolution. Everything else is just gravy.

Mark my words: the next era of leadership will be shaped by creatives who embrace their own evolution. Who build from intuition. Who remain students of life. Who stay in motion. Who refuse to compromise their spark for the comfort of practicality. Who understand that success is not the final chapter, but the invitation to a braver one. I’ll wear the title of “toast artist,” gladly. I LOVE being approached about my work, mostly because I love knowing I’ve sparked something true in someone else. But the secret, between you and me, is that my real art has nothing to do with toast, or avocados, or paint, or entrepreneurship. My real art — the art we all have access to — is the art of evolution. That’s how my art stays alive. Because I stay alive inside it.

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Photographed by Brandon Vellekoop

THE ENTREPRENEURIAL ETIQUETTE OF PRESENCE Written by Jen Szpigiel, Editor in Chief

A MODERN ART, A LOST SKILL, A LIFE CHANGING PRACTICE

In an age where attention has become fractured, borrowed and constantly interrupted, presence has emerged as one of the rarest and most exquisite forms of modern etiquette. True presence, the kind that makes someone feel seen, valued and held has become a luxury in a world that glorifies speed, distraction and multitasking. For those in leadership, presence is more than politeness. It is strategy. It is leadership. It is influence. It is the silent differentiator that separates those who simply show up from those who change rooms, conversations and relationships. Presence is attentiveness as respect, focus as integrity, stillness as power and in a world starving for connection, it is the most memorable etiquette of all. There are certain years in your life that become hinge points. Years when you choose something like a virtue, a shift, a focus and that choice rearranges everything. For me, that year was 2022, and the word was PRESENCE. Not productivity. Not expansion. Not reinvention. Presence. I chose it almost instinctively. I did not realize at the time how much it would ask of me or how much it would give back in return. That year, presence became my greatest teacher. Not in soft, poetic ways, but in transformative, deeply human

ways. It rewired me as a mother, a leader, a partner, a friend and a woman building a life that mattered. It was sparked because of two moments that imprinted themselves so deeply in me that I can still feel them when I think about them now. The First Time I Met Presence I was standing in a crowded room at a conference. One of those rooms where the energy rises to the ceiling, where women gather around the keynote speaker the moment she steps off the stage. I somehow ended up in front of her. Just the two of us and hundreds of women trying to get her attention. But she never broke eye contact with me. People touched her arm to get her attention. People circled. People hovered and she did not flinch. She did not dart her eyes. She did not rush me. She looked directly at me. Not just at me, but into me like I was the only person standing in that sea of noise. For the first time in my adult life, I felt genuinely seen. Not for what I could give. Not for how well-known I was. Not for the role I played but for who I was in that exact moment. I felt respected. I felt valued. I felt important. Her presence was a form of reverence. I walked away changed. As the door closed behind me that night, I whispered to myself, “I want to be that kind of woman.”

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The Second Time Presence Found Me ears later, I met a woman who is now a private client. At the time, she was just someone I was casually introduced to in a crowded space. The moment she turned her body toward mine, the room disappeared. She held space with a natural ease not waiting to speak, not rehearsing her next thought, not intellectualizing the conversation in her mind. She was just… with me. Her presence had weight. Warmth. Safety. Genuineness. I remember thinking, This is what it feels like to be in conversation with someone who is not distracted by themselves and again, I left saying, “I desire to be a woman like this.” That was the year presence became my priority to practice regularly. Not as a fleeting thought but to master the skill and prioritize it daily. Presence Is the Etiquette of Respect I wanted to become the woman whose children felt seen. The mentor whose clients felt her commitment. The friend who made people feel chosen, not tolerated. The leader who held a room, not by volume or charisma, but by attunement. Presence elevates every rela-

tionship you touch. It is the etiquette of modern times. The rarest form of respect. I did not expect how much presence would shift me. Presence Changed the Way I Lived When I practiced presence, I started paying attention to details I had missed for years. In my workouts, I noticed what my body was saying. My breath, my resistance, my strength, my thoughts. With my kids, I saw the way their lips moved when they were concentrating. Their tiny expressions. The way their eyes flickered when they were uncertain. Details I would have missed if I was half-there and half-somewhere else. In my business, I discovered how efficient I was when I stopped multitasking. How much I could create in an hour of presence versus a full day of distraction. In my life as a whole, I finally understood that balance was never the goal. Presence was. When you are fully present with what is in front of you, you stop dividing your life into compartments that compete with each other. Everything becomes meaningful. Everything becomes enough. Quality replaces quantity. Depth replaces pace.

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Photographed by Brandon Vellekoop

How to Practice the Etiquette of Presence

"BECAUSE THE WOMEN WHO LEAD WITH PRESENCE ARE THE WOMEN WHO ARE REMEMBERED."

1. Make people feel chosen. When someone speaks to you, stop what you are doing. Turn your body toward them. Face them fully. Look into their eyes. Let them finish. Respond with intention. This alone will change your relationships. 2. Practice single-task devotion. One thing at a time. Close the tabs. Put the phone away. Give yourself to the task in front of you and watch how fast your life organizes itself. 3. Use your senses to anchor you. What can you see, feel, hear, smell, taste in this moment? Presence lives in the body, not the mind. Pay attention and make it a habit to see detail. You will be so glad you did. 4. Slow your response time. You do not need to react instantly. Presence gives you space to choose the tone, the energy and the intention behind your words. Silence is not a gap. It is a presence-builder. It is where connection deepens. Pace is steady and attractive. 5. Take genuine interest and care in others. Every person is a divine appointment and created with

love and light. Look for the gold in everyone and care for someone’s story, thought, time and heart. It’s rare that someone shows genuine interest anymore. Be the difference. 6. Put your phone away when someone is talking. The bare minimum of modern dignity and one of the highest forms of respect. You would not be on your phone in a boardroom meeting so stop when you are on zoom. It’s not a time to get lazy. Presence Is a Gift You Give and a Life You Build Presence changed me more than any strategy, any certification, any system, or any plan. It made me a better mother, a better partner, a better leader, a better friend and a better woman. It is the etiquette of our era. It is rare and when received it is deeply felt. If there is one virtue I hope this issue of Iconic Magazine awakens for you, it is this, be the woman whose presence changes the room. Be the woman who sees. Be the woman who listens. Be the woman who is here. Because the women who lead with presence are the women who are remembered.

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Photographed by Amy Allmand

TWENTY YEARS LATER Written by Jen Szpigiel, Editor in Chief

ome stories begin with a grand vision but mine began with a number. $2,000 a month. It is almost funny to write that now. Not because it was small, but because of how innocently I believed in it. I gave myself five years to reach that goal. This wasn’t because I lacked ambition, but because at the time, I had no idea what I was capable of. No idea who I was, really. Back then, I lived in a beautiful home with two very small children. I had left a career that was just beginning to bloom. I was in my early twenties with babies on my hip and absolutely no concept of myself outside of motherhood. I did not have a dramatic backstory. I had comfort. I had love. But inside, I was aching for more. I had just moved to a new city where I knew no one. No friends. No family. No support system. Just me and the kids, spending entire days in our pajamas on the carpet, playing and pretending while that quiet ache settled in the back of my mind. I remember wondering with guilt, with confusion, with curiosity, is this it? Is this all that is left for me? The catalyst arrived on an ordinary day, driving to the gym. My daughter’s voice piped up from the back seat and said “Mommy, where are all the cars going?” I made up a story because that was our game. But she corrected me and said “No, Mommy. All the daddies go to work and all the mommies go to the gym.” She was not wrong. That was what she saw. But something shifted inside me, fast and deep. I was raising a daughter and I wanted her world to be expansive. I wanted her to know she could build anything. Be anything. Dream boldly. Live outside of the lines and boxes. At that moment, I realized that if I wanted her to believe that, I had to show it. The trouble was, I believed I had to choose. Career

or motherhood. Presence or ambition. My children or myself. When entrepreneurship entered my life, I stepped toward it without knowing that decision would alter everything not just for me, but for the women I would one day lead. What I did not realize then was that by choosing this path, I would later become the woman who helps eradicate sacrificial living for others. I have walked this journey and I can now turn around with integrity and say to women that you do not have to choose. You can have more. More love. More freedoms. More self respect. More adventure. More beauty. More abundance. More wealth. You can be exceptional as a mother and exceptional in your work all at the same time. I am not teaching theory. I am teaching lived truth. Twenty years later, I see how deeply that message has rooted itself in my work and yet, something else happened along the way, something I did not anticipate at all. As I built a business, I was also building a culture inside my home. My kids grew up hearing me pour life into women. They heard me celebrate wins, and they heard me process losses. They watched me doubt myself and then decide again. They watched me walk through disappointment with my head held high. They saw me pick myself up time and time again. They witnessed their mother empower herself over and over again. They developed this beautiful, natural tenacity. A belief that anything is possible. A refusal to gossip or tear others down. A way of caring for people that feels rare in today’s world. Dreams that stretch far beyond the edges of anything I imagined at their age. They became who they are because of the environment entrepreneurship created. I did not know this would happen. I did not foresee the ripple.

I am grateful for it every single day. Entrepreneurship has been my constant. My mentor. My challenge. My sanctuary. My opportunity. My mirror. My greatest blessing even in the seasons when I could not see it that way. It let me raise my children with my own two hands. It let me bring them around the world and build so many memory making moments. It paid for their education, their competitive sports and provided safety with all their needs cared for. It allowed me to buy a home on my own as a single mother and fill it with memories that feel sacred now. And to think it all began because I desired $2,000 a month. Because something inside me whispered, there is more and I was willing to listen. If there is anything I know for certain twenty years later, it is that you do not need a perfect plan. You do not need a dramatic past. You do not need a massive “why.” You only need the courage to honor the stirring and take the next step anyway. That is how everything begins. That is how everything changes. That is how a life is built. Twenty years later, I see that what began as a whisper for “more” became the legacy my children grew up inside and the life I now get to lead with intention, devotion and gratitude. If I have learned anything, it is that the journey you take in search of yourself becomes the very one that shapes you into the woman you were meant to be. Who you become is the greatest gift, reward and success of all. Do it for her.

Photographed by Charlene Arianna

THE FUTURE OF WOMEN'S WELLNESS WON'T LOOK LIKE THE PAST In an era where women are demanding more from their wellness, one Canadian founder is redefining what it means to be seen, supported, and understood. At 25, Chelsea Jambo is building OURbody, not as another wellness brand, but as a movement reshaping the way women experience health, self-trust, and community. Written by Chelsea Jambo

here is a shift happening in women’s wellness, one rooted in self-trust, self-advocacy, and a refusal to settle for half-answers. Women are no longer accepting discomfort as “normal,” nor silence as the cost of being strong. They are questioning systems that were not built with them in mind, and they are reclaiming ownership over their health stories. Chelsea Jambo is one of the defining voices leading this shift. With a perspective grounded in intentionality and cultural awareness, she is shaping a new era of wellness, one where women are not asked to shrink, cope quietly, or be grateful for crumbs of care. She stands for a model of wellness that honours women in their fullness.

"Women aren't difficult, they're dismissed. And that dismissal ends with our generation." The Gap Women Have Been Forced to Live With For decades, women have carried the weight of inadequate research, fragmented care, and generational silence around their bodies. A 2023 Harvard study reported that 72% of women felt dismissed by a medical professional when expressing concerns about hormonal or menstrual health. Many were told to “wait it out,” “it’s normal,” or “come back if it gets worse.” Chelsea knew this experience personally. When seeking proactive care related to her family health history, she was met with a swift refusal, not just of a referral, but of compassion. It wasn’t the “no” that stayed with her.

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It was the lack of curiosity, the absence of dialogue. That moment… quiet, uncomfortable, defining, planted a question that would become her mission: If women aren’t being heard, what would it look like to build a space that finally listens? When Women Aren’t Heard, They Build Alternatives The dismissal could have become another story women tell themselves to “let go.” Instead, Chelsea turned it into fuel. She didn’t set out to build a wellness brand. She set out to build the space she wished she had, one rooted in empathy, education, and community care. A space where women could learn, unlearn, and feel seen without having to earn the right to be taken seriously. As a Black woman entering a wellness landscape dominated by a narrow demographic, her mission held deeper resonance. Wellness should not be a luxury trend curated for a select few, it should be accessible, culturally aware, and reflective of the women it claims to serve. For Chelsea, representation wasn’t the headline, relevance was. Wellness must make space for the nuances of culture, identity, and lived experience. “If the spaces that exist don’t include you, build the ones that do.” The Birth of OURbody, A Movement Disguised as a Brand OURbody began long before the first product existed. It formed in conversations among women who shared similar experiences of being unheard. It emerged from a sentence Chelsea kept hearing from women around her: “Why did no one tell us this?” When the brand launched its first product line, four organic, functional teas supporting menstrual, perimenopausal, and menopausal wellness, it was never about tea. The tea was the entry point, not the solution. It was a way for women to reconnect with themselves through ritual, not routine. Chelsea designed OURbody to feel like an exhale, a moment of clarity, comfort, and self-connection. Women don’t need another wellness task. They need a return to themselves. Behind the Scenes of Building OURbody Building a movement disguised as a brand required a level of conviction many never see. What looked effortless publicly was built on discipline, quiet sacrifice, and a willingness to grow in real time. Chelsea had to learn how to hold both vision and vulnerability at once, to lead while still becoming. There were late

nights, self-doubt, financial risks, and the emotional weight of building something that didn’t exist yet. There were moments where the easier path would have been to shrink the idea into something safer, more digestible, less disruptive. But Chelsea understood early: movements are not built from comfort. They are built from clarity. She shifted from “Who am I to do this?” to “Who am I not to?”, not out of ego, but out of responsibility. Women deserved better, and better wasn’t coming unless someone built it. “Women don’t need to be empowered, they already are. They just need spaces where their power isn’t questioned.” The Silent Labor Behind a Founder’s Becoming What the world often sees of a founder is the part that has already taken shape, the polished brand, the message refined, the confidence that seems inherent. Yet the real becoming of a woman who chooses to build something meaningful rarely happens in the spotlight. It happens in the quiet, in the private negotiations between who she has been and who she must become to lead something with purpose. For Chelsea, the early days of OURbody were not defined by grand declarations, but by intentional stillness. She knew she was not simply launching a business, she was stepping into an identity that demanded depth, responsibility, and a willingness to be transformed by the very mission she was shaping. There is a particular solitude to being a woman with a vision that challenges the familiar. It requires a steadiness that does not seek external validation to justify its legitimacy. Chelsea understood that if OURbody was to hold women through seasons of transition, she herself needed to move through her own with integrity. She was building a movement that demanded a quieter kind of strength, the kind that does not rush to be seen, but prepares to be understood. The foundation of OURbody was laid during months when no one was watching. In those moments, Chelsea was not refining a brand, she was refining herself. The discipline, the boundaries, the capacity to hold both the beauty and the burden of building something for women, this was the invisible labor that shaped the soul of the company. This phase of becoming wasn’t glamorous, and it wasn’t meant to be. It was sacred, the season where clarity formed, where ego softened, and where the intention for OURbody rooted itself in something sturdier than ambition: a calling.

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Why Depth Will Define the Next Era of Women’s Wellness If the last decade of wellness glorified the aesthetic, the immaculate morning routine, the spotless kitchen counter, the greens powder in a glass that promised transformation, the next era requires something more substantial. Wellness can no longer be a performance. Women are asking for a wellness landscape that acknowledges their humanity, not just their habits. Chelsea believes the future of women’s wellness will be shaped by three pillars: education, embodiment, and community. Not as buzzwords, but as anchors that sustain real change. Education matters because women cannot advocate for themselves from a place of uncertainty. Embodiment matters because wellness must move from concept into lived, felt experience. Community matters because women are not meant to heal in isolation, they were never meant to carry everything alone. What makes this cultural moment so compelling is that women are no longer impressed by how wellness looks, they care about how it lives. They are trading aspiration for alignment, perfection for inner peace, and external authority for self-trust. This shift requires leaders who understand that wellness is not a product category, it is a human experience. Chelsea’s work is not to lead women to her answers, but to guide them back to their own. The Responsibility of Leading a Movement for Women With intention comes responsibility and Chelsea approaches this with reverence. Leading a movement centred on women’s well-being requires more than passion. It requires patience, discernment, and a commitment to not replicate the harms of the very systems women are trying to unlearn. For Chelsea, this means: Not rushing growth for the sake of visibility. Not diluting the mission for mass appeal. Not building a brand that speaks loudly but says little. OURbody’s evolution will be thoughtful. It will allow women to experience depth, instead of speed. Because the truth is, transformation that lasts rarely happens quickly, it happens honestly. Chelsea’s vision for the future is not rooted in scale, but in impact with integrity. She’s not trying to be everywhere, she’s trying to be meaningful where it matters. Women Are Not Waiting, They Are Preparing There is a readiness among women today, a quiet, collective knowing that the way things have been is no longer enough. Women are not waiting for permission to prioritize themselves; they are preparing to do so with intention.This cultural shift is not loud, but it is profound.

It soun ds like conversations once whispered now being spoken openly. It looks like women choosing gentleness over grind, nourishment over restriction, rest over resilience as identity. Chelsea often reflects on this truth: women were never the problem, the systems were. And once a woman sees herself clearly, she cannot go back to shrinking. Why Women Are Choosing Ritual Over ‘Quick-Fix Wellness’ The traditional wellness industry has spent years selling women fixes, detoxes, cleanses, and hacks, often rooted in productivity culture more than care. Many of these frameworks were originally designed for men, then repackaged for women without considering hormonal realities. Women are rejecting that model. They want depth, not diets. Understanding, not overwhelm. Self-respect, not self-improvement pressure. A global McKinsey report showed the fastest-growing sector in wellness is holistic self-care rooted in education and community, especially among millennial and Gen Z women. Ritual is resonating because it is not performative. It is personal. It is a return, not a trend. What Makes This Movement Different from Wellness Trends OURbody stands apart because it is not built on the premise that women need to be “fixed.” It rejects the narrative that wellness should be aspirational, exclusive, or rooted in discipline and comparison. Chelsea’s approach is grounded in something far more sustainable: women already hold wisdom, they simply haven’t been given the space, language, or support to access it. Where many wellness trends position women as problems to be solved, OURbody positions them as whole, capable, intuitive, and deserving of care that honours their complexity. It challenges the performative “that girl” wellness aesthetic and replaces it with something richer: self-respect, education, cultural inclusivity, and nervous system-safe wellness. This is not a trend. It is a redirection of the industry and a reminder that true wellness is not what looks impressive externally, but what feels supportive internally. OURbody does not center perfection. It centers permission, permission to slow down, listen inward, question, and choose what aligns rather than what is popular. Chelsea is not trying to be the face of wellness. She is building infrastructure for a future where women lead their own wellness, together.

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"OURBODY WILL GROW, BUT I WON'T RUSH IT. MOVEMENTS BUILT WITH INTENTION MUST STAY ROOTED IN INTENTION"

The Future of OURbody When Chelsea speaks about the future of OURbody, she doesn’t list products, she speaks about impact. The evolution ahead is not about expansion for scale, but expansion for depth. The next chapter of OURbody focuses on bringing women together to learn, restore, and reconnect with themselves. Not through mass programs or quick content, but through curated, intentional experiences that allow women to feel and integrate wellness in a sustainable way.

OURbody’s future includes: - Educational experiences that fill the gaps left by our healthcare and school systems - Ritual-based offerings that support women across life stages, not just cycles - Spaces where women gather to share wisdom, learn, and be witnessed Chelsea believes the future of wellness will not be expert-led, but co-created. Women don’t need a new set of rules, they need the tools and community to build their own. “OURbody will grow, but I won’t rush it. Move-

ability, integrity, and legacy.

ments built with intention must stay rooted in intention. The goal isn’t to become the biggest, it’s to become the most trusted.” This is not about hype. It’s about sustain-

A New Chapter in Women’s Wellness Chelsea Jambo’s journey from a single “no” to reshaping an entire conversation around women’s wellness is a reminder of what is possible when one woman decides that silence will no longer be her story. She isn’t asking women to rise, they already have. She is building the space for them to land. As she leads OURbody into its next evolution, one truth remains constant: Women deserve to be heard the first time. The future of women’s wellness will not look like the past, because this generation of women won’t allow it to. And the most transformative revolutions rarely begin with noise. They begin with a woman choosing to trust herself and inviting others to do the same.

Photographed by Michelle Batts

BECAUSE YOUR STORY DESERVES ITS OWN SCENT. O rris Labs is a perfume/ cologne making workshop, a hands-on experience that allows you to create your own unique scent. During the workshop, guests are introduced to the world

of perfumery, learning about the different types of notes, ingredients, and techniques used to create scents. At Orris Labs its more than just a perfume, this is your essence, your emotion, your moment.

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IMMERSE YOURSELF AT THE ICONIC TABLE

The Iconic Table is a private, invitation-only dinner series curated for visionary, women who are shaping culture, business and legacy. Each gathering is intentionally intimate, designed for meaningful conversation, creative collaboration and the exchange of ideas that move industries forward. Every detail, from the guest list to the tablescape, is intentionally crafted to embody sophistication, connection and elegance. To take a seat at The Iconic Table is to join a circle where influence meets intimacy. Attendees

of The Iconic Table are self-led, high-achieving women who embody sophistication, discernment and purpose. She is a tastemaker in her own right, refined in her ambitions, grounded in her values, and inspired by excellence. She delights in conversation that expands her perspective and in experiences that feel as meaningful as they are beautiful. She comes not only to be seen, but to celebrate, elevate, and collaborate with other extraordinary women shaping the future alongside her.

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Photographed by Michelle Batts

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3–5 page editorial spread in both print and digital issues Professional photoshoot with full creative direction In-person interview featured on The Iconic Podcast (audio + video) Cross-channel promotion including a Meta ad campaign Email marketing campaign highlighting your feature Custom creative graphics to support your promotion Official As Seen In Iconic Magazine logo for your website and socials

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Photographed by Ashley Maison

SUNEERA MADHANI

YOUR VISION ISN'T TOO BIG. The World Just Isn’t Used to Seeing Women Build at This Level. WRITTEN BY SUNEERA MADHANI

et me tell you something I wish someone had told me a decade ago: you’re not dreaming too big. You’re simply dreaming in a world that was never designed for women to take up that much space. For most of my life, my ambition was celebrated as long as it stayed within the lines. Dream big, they said, but the moment my vision drifted into the territory of the unconventional or the unprecedented, I could feel the shift. The polite caution. The subtle hesitation. The invisible boundary meant to keep me comfortable and contained. In entrepreneurship, that boundary often arrives disguised as the million dollar ceiling. A million is praised. A million sounds achievable. A million is where people comfortably nod with approval, as if that should be enough. But as someone who built, scaled, and exited a financial technology company at a valuation north of one billion dollars, I can tell you with complete clarity that women do not lack billion dollar ideas. We lack billion dollar support. We lack billion dollar systems. And we certainly lack billion dollar permission. I reached a point where I refused to ask for it anymore. When I first started Stax Payments, I was not chasing a unicorn. I was chasing a solution. I was watching small businesses get crushed under outdated financial systems that were not built to

help them grow. It made no sense to me that in a world full of innovation, business owners were still trapped in inefficiency. I believed I could fix it, and that we could build something massive, even if the world did not believe it yet. Being a woman in business was not the hardest part. Being a woman in fintech was. Room after room, I stood as the only woman at the table, the only founder of color, the only person without the “right” network or the familiar pedigree. I lost count of how many times I was asked if I was there to set up the meeting, only to be the one delivering the pitch moments later. Experiences like that can crush you, if you let them. For me, they lit a fire. There is something powerful about being underestimated. It forces you to decide whether you will shrink to meet other people’s expectations or rise to embody your own. I chose to rise. As we climbed to ten million, then twenty, then fifty, I noticed something unexpected. People felt comfortable acknowledging my success as long as it stayed inside a box that they comfortably made… for me. When I started using the word billion, though, the energy shifted. It was as if the ambition suddenly felt too audacious. Too loud. Too unrealistic. Too bold for a woman. But the truth is that the moment I allowed myself to think beyond the ceilings handed to me, everything changed.

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A million is not a finish line. A million is a starting point. The leap from six to seven figures is grit. The leap from seven to eight is systems. The leap to nine is leadership, and the leap beyond that is vision. What actually moved the business forward was not a secret strategy, but a collective shift in how I chose to operate.

“ I BUILT ONE BILLION DOLLAR COMPANY. I AM BUILDING MY SECOND. I’M NOT INTERESTED IN BEING AN EXCEPTION. I’M INTERESTED IN BEING A BLUEPRINT.”

ers rarely say out loud. What actually happens after the billion. What you wish you knew before you scaled. What no one teaches you about identity, leadership, motherhood, marriage, burnout, reinvention, and belonging. I wanted to create the resource I desperately needed. A place where women can be ambitious and honest at the same time.

I stopped trying to outwork problems I could out-hire. For too long I believed the weight of the company had to sit on my shoulders. I believed hustle could compensate for the lack of infrastructure. When I finally built a world class team with executives who excelled far beyond my skillset in their respective lanes, the entire company evolved. I also learned to raise capital without shrinking myself to appear safe or agreeable. Women are taught to show proof. Men are taught to show potential and quite frankly, I call BS on that. The day I started pitching with the unapologetic confidence of someone who expected to be taken seriously, the outcome was completely different.

After leaving Stax, people asked if I would take a break. I tried. But once you have built at scale, your mind never returns to small thinking. I knew my next company had to solve a problem I knew intimately. Founders are not failing because they lack potential. They are failing because they lack support, real tools, and access to the kind of insight reserved for the already powerful. Worth AI was created to change that. My first company empowered small businesses. This one empowers the financial platforms behind them. And this time, I am not just building for scale. I am building for equity. If AI is the frontier of the next decade, women deserve a seat at the table from day one.

I also built systems that relieved me from the myth of superhuman stamina. A business that collapses without the founder present is not a business, it is a fragile ecosystem. When I replaced chaos with process, sustainability finally became possible. I treated setbacks as data instead of identity. I stopped taking rejection personally. And perhaps most importantly, I stopped trying to blend into an industry that had never been designed with women in mind. Instead of emulating what I saw, I built a company rooted in modern leadership, transparency, and diversity not as a talking point, but as a competitive advantage.

January has always been my favorite month because it is the one moment of the year when vision feels tangible again. A reset. A blank page. But instead of encouraging women to make smaller, safer goals, I want to offer something different. Stop asking whether you are allowed to want more. Decide you are worthy of it. Replace resolutions with infrastructure. Replace vision boards with leadership. Replace smaller dreams with stronger systems.

When Stax crossed the billion dollar mark and we later exited, the world celebrated loudly, but what most people never see is the silence that follows. The identity shift. The questions. The emotional unraveling that happens when the dream you have built your life around suddenly becomes the past instead of the future. Women are allowed to talk about the climb, but we are rarely given the tools for what happens after the summit. No one prepares you for the stillness or the magnified expectations. And no one prepares you for the quiet truth that success does not eliminate self reflection. It amplifies it. This is why the new season of the CEO School Podcast is centered on everything found-

Your ambition is not too much. Your voice is not too loud. Your vision is not too big. The world simply has not seen enough women build at the scale you are imagining, not yet. But that is precisely why your vision matters. When one woman breaks a ceiling, she creates space for every woman watching to rise. I built one billion dollar company. I am building my second. I am not interested in being an exception. I am interested in being a blueprint. Here is to vision. Here is to scale. Here is to women building things the world has never seen before. And here is to the year you finally decide to bet on the version of yourself the world is waiting to meet.

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Don't miss the next networking event coming 03.07 in Burlington, ON.

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THE ART OF SOURDOUGH

ourdough has always been more than bread, it’s a meditation, a moment of calm, a canvas for artistry. As winter thaws into early spring, sourdough transforms too: lighter, brighter, more luminous. From morning indulgences to light, savory statements, these recipes invite you to slow down, savor, and celebrate the understated luxury of simple ingredients elevated. Each loaf, tartine, or twist tells a story of craft, flavor, and intention.

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Lemon Rosemary Olive Oil Sourdough Focaccia INGREDIENTS 1 cup active sourdough starter 3 cups bread flour ¾ cup warm water ¼ cup olive oil (plus extra for drizzling) 1 tsp salt Zest of 1 lemon Fresh rosemary sprigs

INSTRUCTIONS Mix starter, flour, water, and olive oil into a soft dough. Knead 8–10 minutes. Let rise 3–4 hours until puffy. Press into oiled pan, sprinkle with lemon zest and rosemary. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden. Drizzle with olive oil before serving.

Vanilla Bean Sourdough French Toast with Poached Pears INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

4 thick slices day-old sourdough 3 eggs ½ cup heavy cream 1 tsp vanilla bean paste 2 tbsp sugar 2 poached pears, sliced Butter, for searing

Whisk eggs, cream, sugar, and vanilla. Dip bread slices until lightly soaked. Sear in butter until golden. Serve with poached pear slices and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Whipped Burrata Blood Orange Crostini INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

Sourdough slices, toasted ½ cup whipped burrata 1 blood orange, segmented Honey for drizzle Fresh mint or basil

Spread burrata on toast. Top with orange segments, drizzle honey, garnish with herbs.

Whipped Lemon Labneh Tartine with Smoked Salmon INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

1 large sourdough slice, toasted 2 tbsp whipped lemon labneh 3–4 slices smoked salmon Thin cucumber ribbons Microgreens or edible flowers

Spread labneh evenly on toast. Layer salmon and cucumber ribbons. Top with microgreens and edible flowers.

A season of simmering pots, slow afternoons, and flavours that feel like home. From velvety purées to soul-soothing broths, this is your curated guide to the bowls worth lingering over all winter long. Not your average soup, your iconic soup. Winter invites us to slow down, to savor the simple pleasures that often go unnoticed in the rush of everyday life. It’s in the comforting aroma of herbs gently steeping, the way a spoonful of rich, creamy soup warms your hands as well as your heart, and the quiet joy of sharing a bowl with friends or family. This season, soup becomes more than a meal, it’s ritual, nourishment, and artistry in a single pot. From reinvented classics that surprise with depth and complexity, to modern creations that delight the palate with unexpected twists, these recipes honor tradition while embracing innovation. Every texture, every spice, every simmering pot has been thoughtfully curated to elevate your winter table, transforming ordinary days into moments worth savoring. So pour, stir, taste, and linger. Let each bowl remind you that comfort can be elevated, warmth can be stylish, and even the simplest ingredients can become extraordinary. Because this winter, we’re not serving just any soup. We’re serving your iconic soup.

THE WINTER SOUP EDIT

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Wild Mushroom Bisque with Shaved Black Truffle + Thyme Foam INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

1 lb wild mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, chanterelle mix) 2 shallots, minced 3 tbsp butter 1 sprig thyme + extra for garnish 3 cups vegetable stock ½ cup dry sherry ½ cup cream Salt + black pepper Shaved black truffle (or truffle paste) Truffle oil (optional)

Sauté shallots and mushrooms in butter until golden and fragrant. Deglaze with sherry; let it reduce by half. Add thyme and stock; simmer for 20 minutes. Blend smooth, then stir in cream and season. Serve with truffle shavings, thyme foam (whipped milk infused with thyme), or a drizzle of truffle oil.

PLATING/GARNISH TIPS: Spoon the bisque into the bowl, leaving a clean rim. Add a small quenelle of burrata cream in the center. Drizzle basil oil in a circular pattern around it. Optional: micro basil leaves or a few drops of aged balsamic glaze. Finish with a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt for sparkle.

Roasted Heirloom Tomato Bisque with Basil Oil + Burrata Cream INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

2 lbs heirloom tomatoes (mixed colors if possible), halved 1 small red bell pepper, halved 1 small onion, quartered 4 cloves garlic, peeled 3 tbsp olive oil 3 cups vegetable stock 2 tbsp tomato paste 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar ½ cup heavy cream Sea salt + cracked black pepper

Roast tomatoes, pepper, onion, and garlic at 425°F for 25–30 minutes, until caramelized. Transfer to a pot, add stock and tomato paste. Simmer 15 minutes. Blend until ultra-smooth, then stir in balsamic and cream. Adjust seasoning. For basil oil, blend basil + oil + salt until vibrant green, strain if desired. For burrata cream, blend burrata and cream together until silky. Serve soup hot with a swirl of basil oil and a spoon of burrata cream on top.

Basil Oil: ½ cup fresh basil leaves ½ cup olive oil Pinch of salt Burrata Cream: ½ ball burrata 2 tbsp cream Tiny pinch of salt

Caramelized Onion + Gruyère Cappuccino INGREDIENTS 4 large sweet onions, thinly sliced 3 tbsp butter 2 tbsp dry sherry 4 cups beef or vegetable stock ½ cup cream 1 tsp fresh thyme Salt + pepper Gruyère foam or shaved Gruyère for topping

INSTRUCTIONS Slowly caramelize onions in butter until deep golden (about 40 minutes). Deglaze with sherry; add thyme and stock, simmer 15 minutes. Blend until smooth, stir in cream, adjust seasoning. Froth the top with a milk frother or immersion blender for a “cappuccino” effect. Garnish with Gruyère foam and thyme springs

PLATING/GARNISH TIPS: Froth the soup lightly on top to resemble cappuccino foam. Sprinkle finely grated Gruyère or Parmesan over the foam. Optional: tiny fresh thyme leaves or a drizzle of browned butter around the edge of the cup.

Lobster Bisque with Cognac Cream + Tarragon Oil INGREDIENTS 2 lobster tails (shells and meat separated) 2 tbsp olive oil 1 small carrot + 1 celery stalk + 1 shallot, diced 2 tbsp tomato paste ¼ cup Cognac 3 cups seafood stock 1 cup cream 1 tbsp butter Tarragon leaves + olive oil (for infused oil)

INSTRUCTIONS Sauté shells, vegetables, and tomato paste until caramelized. Add Cognac; flambé carefully, then add stock and simmer 30 minutes. Strain, discard solids, and return liquid to pot. Add cream and butter, simmer gently. Add chopped lobster meat; warm through. Finish with a swirl of tarragon oil (blend tarragon + oil + pinch of salt).

PLATING/GARNISH TIPS: Place a spoonful of lobster meat in the center before pouring bisque, or swirl cream and tarragon oil on top. Garnish with a small tarragon leaf or edible gold flake for luxury. Serve with a tiny crisp crouton or a delicate puff pastry twist on the side.

Parsnip + Potato Purée with Brown Butter, Crispy Leeks + Chive Oil INGREDIENTS 3 parsnips + 2 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled + chopped 1 small onion 3 cups vegetable stock ¼ cup cream 3 tbsp butter (browned) Salt + white pepper 1 leek (thinly sliced, fried crisp) Chive oil (chives blended with olive oil + pinch of salt)

INSTRUCTIONS Simmer parsnips, potatoes, and onion in stock until tender. Blend with cream and browned butter until smooth. Season well and strain for an ultra-silky finish. Garnish with crispy leeks and a drizzle of chive oil. Garnish with Gruyère foam and thyme springs

PLATING/GARNISH TIPS: Ladle soup into bowl, smooth surface with the back of a spoon. Drizzle brown butter in an abstract pattern. Top with a small pile of crispy fried leeks in the center. Finish with a few drops of vibrant green chive oil and a tiny pinch of microgreens.

Painting by Erin Rothstein

POP, POUR, PERFECTION Winter calls for bubbles that sparkle, shimmer, and elevate every moment.This season, we are trading ordinary for extraordinary: Champagne cocktails that are as visually stunning as they are indulgent. Not your average fizz, your iconic pour. Whether

served in sleek coupe glasses, crystal flutes, or with delicate garnishes that catch the light, these creations turn any winter gathering into a ritual of style, indulgence, and sensory delight. This is more than Champagne. It’s your iconic sip of the season.

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Blush & Bloom Flavors: Rosy, romantic, aromatic

INGREDIENTS

PRESENTATION

1 oz gin (floral style, like Hendrick’s or Empress 1908) ½ oz rose syrup ¼ oz fresh lime juice Top with rosé Champagne Garnish: Tiny rosebud or floating raspberry

Pour into a flute rimmed with crushed pink sugar crystals. The soft pink hue of the cocktail against the bubbles makes it photo-perfect.

The Golden Hour Floral, citrus, shimmering elegance

INGREDIENTS

PRESENTATION

1 oz elderflower liqueur (St-Germain) ½ oz lemon juice Top with chilled Brut Champagne Edible gold dust (a pinch stirred in gently) Garnish: Lemon twist + edible flower

Serve in a glass. Dust the rim lightly with edible gold. The golden shimmer will catch the light beautifully in photos.

Peach Velvet Bellini Flavors: Juicy, creamy, soft sophistication INGREDIENTS

PRESENTATION

1 oz white peach purée (strained) ½ oz crème de pêche Top with Champagne (preferably blanc de blancs) Garnish: Dehydrated peach slice + micro basil

Serve in a tall flute with a thin swirl of purée lining the inside of the glass before pouring. Elegant and dreamy.

White Truffle Honey Royale Flavors: Decadent, savory, sweet, rare INGREDIENTS

PRESENTATION

½ oz white truffle honey syrup (equal parts honey and warm water infused with a drop of truffle oil) ½ oz Cognac or Armagnac Top with chilled vintage Champagne Garnish: Thin shaved truffle slice or gold leaf

Serve in a crystal flute with a truffle slice resting delicately on the rim. This is your showstopper — the epitome of luxury.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

Within 2 months of joining The B Lounge, I made more than I had in all of Q4 in 2024. And by month six, I had surpassed my entire 2024 income. I’ve had my biggest months ever since joining. But beyond the numbers I’ve become a different woman. I feel confident, vibrant, and truly optimistic again. That shift isn’t just about money. It’s about being in Jen’s presence and in the energy of the other women in the Lounge. It’s contagious to be surrounded by women who are committed to themselves, their growth, and their visions. It’s one thing to have a good idea, it’s another to be in a community that helps you bring it to life. We celebrate. We ask for help. We grow. It’s just such a vibe. - Nadine

My biggest win is who I’ve become since joining BLounge. With Jen’s mentorship, I have learned the power of building sustainable business with clarity and confidence. I’ve been able to fill my client roster and now I’m launching my signature offer confidently and unbothered because I’m focused on legacy and not trying to prove myself. - Unyime

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ARITZIA THE GAP

Nightside Silk Pajama Pant These are relaxed midrise pajama pants with a wide leg. They’re cut from lightweight, drapey silk charmeuse with a smooth finish and lustrous sheen. Feels as luxe as it looks.

Waffle Knit Pj’s A soft cotton-blend waffle-knit pant designed for effortless comfort. Featuring an elasticized waist with adjustable drawcords and easy side slant pockets, this modern essential brings elevated ease to your nighttime routine.

Elevated Nights: Winter evenings deserve more than ordinary. This season, elevate your at-home ritual with sleepwear that feels as indulgent as it looks.

SKIMS J.CREW Classic pajama pant in end-on-end cotton A refreshed fit of our menswear-inspired bottoms with a slightly straight silhouette and a slimmer waistband. Plus, these come with double button details up top and our signature “JC” embroidery.

Skims Romance Set A refined take on effortless luxury. This 100% silk set features a long-sleeve button-up top with a classic chest pocket, paired with straightleg sleep pants that drape with weightless elegance.

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THE FASHION EDIT

The Winter Boot Theory Winter dressing begins from the ground up. The right boot can anchor an outfit, elongate a silhouette, or give your look the kind of unexpected edge that makes even the simplest outfit feel styled.

THE WIDE LEG PANT Wide-leg pants carry a lot of movement and volume, which means they pair best with boots that offer structure and shape. A pointed toe or elongated square toe extends the leg line, preventing the pant from overwhelming the silhouette. Try tiucking the pant into the boot for an editorial touch.

THE SKINNY PANT Slim pants, leggings, ponte, and tailored cigarette cuts, shine when paired with boots that keep the line clean and uninterrupted. The square-toe ankle sock boot is the standout choice here: structured, modern, and perfectly contoured to the leg. Its elongated square toe adds quiet sophistication, while the minimalist shaft slides under or over slim pants seamlessly.

THE STRAIGHT LEG PANT Straight-leg pants are versatile and endlessly stylish, making them the ideal canvas for statement boots. Ankle-length moto boots add edge, Western boots bring subtle rugged charm, and lugged boots provide weight and structure for a modern, street-smart finish.

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YOUR CUSTOMIZABLE COMMUNICATION PLATFORM USE CODE BECOMINGICONIC

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THE ART OF AMBIANCE

How Lighting Shapes the Way We Live

mbiance is not about brightness. It’s about how a room makes you feel the moment you step inside. The most beautiful homes aren’t defined by their furniture or square footage, but by the quality of their light. Soft, intentional lighting has the power to slow us down, invite us in, and turn everyday moments into rituals. It creates warmth without excess, mood without effort, and comfort without clutter. Good lighting doesn’t call attention to itself.

It simply works quietly, elegantly, and always in service of the way you want to live. Light is emotional. It influences energy, perception, and mood long before we consciously notice it. Harsh overhead lighting can flatten even the most thoughtfully designed room, while layered, warm light instantly makes a space feel curated and calm. Designing with light means thinking beyond function. It means asking how you want to feel at the end of the day, how you gather, how you rest, and how your home supports those moments. Ambiance is created not by adding more, but by choosing better.

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THE AMBIANCE FORMULA At the heart of every beautifully lit home is a balance of three distinct layers. Each plays a role, and together they create depth, softness, and intention. Ambient Light This is the foundation, the overall glow of a space. Table lamps, floor lamps, wall sconces, and diffused fixtures provide gentle illumination without overwhelming the room. Warm bulbs (2700K–3000K) are essential; anything cooler can feel stark and uninviting. Task Light Designed for function, task lighting supports read-

ing, cooking, and focused work. Think reading lamps, under-cabinet kitchen lighting, or a well-placed desk lamp. The key is precision, light exactly where you need it, nowhere else. Accent Light This is where atmosphere lives. Candles, picture lights, LED strips, or softly lit shelves add dimension and drama. Accent lighting draws the eye, creates shadow, and brings a sense of intention to the space. A room without layers feels unfinished. A room with them feels effortless.

THE LIVING ROOM The living room should feel relaxed, never over-lit. Use multiple lamps at varying heights to create warmth and depth. Overhead lights are best left off after sunset, replaced by softer sources that encourage conversation and calm.

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THE BEDROOM Bedrooms benefit from restraint. Soft bedside lamps or wall sconces eliminate the need for harsh ceiling light and instantly elevate the room. Choose warm bulbs and diffused shades to create a cocooning effect that supports rest.

THE KITCHEN While kitchens are functional by nature, they don’t have to feel clinical. Under-cabinet lighting adds warmth in the evenings, while pendants on dimmers allow the space to shift from task-oriented to intimate. A small decorative lamp on the counter can completely transform the mood after dark.

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THE BATHROOM Lighting should flatter, not flood. Side lighting around mirrors offers a softer, more natural glow than overhead fixtures. In the evening, candles or low-level lighting turn everyday routines into moments of pause.

#1 New release in Business Development, Entrepreneurship and Buddhism on Amazon! Being Smart Is Stupid reveals the ancient wisdom that modern leaders desperately need. Drawing from Buddhist philosophy and real-world leadership examples, this groundbreaking book shows you how to access your Buddha nature—the innate wisdom that exists within every leader. Through nine transformative principles, you’ll learn to lead with stillness instead of reactivity, gratitude instead of entitlement, and wisdom instead of mere intelligence. This isn’t about becoming a Buddhist—it’s about becoming the kind of leader people actually want to follow.

Tricia Brouk is the Founder of three companies, Brouk Moves, an in-home personal training company that she started in 1993, The Big Talk, a professional development platform for speakers and thought-leaders that she started in 2017, and The Wise Leopard, a life-style brand for women of a certain age, while at the time of writing this book is currently developing a new product that will go to market in 2026. She has coached thousands of speakers including former Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman and New York City mayoral candidate Kathryn Garcia. Her

work with speakers is featured on Amazon Prime in the documentary Big Stages, and she has worked with actors including Kelly Reilly, Susan Sarandon, Kate Winslet, and James Gandolfini. A lifelong student of Buddhism, she lives in New York City with her husband Joe Ricci and their fur baby Eva Moon. When she’s not coaching clients, writing, directing, or starting a new company, she’s in a cabana by the ocean with Joe being reminded of how much bigger than us it actually all is.

THE ICONIC WORLD The Iconic World is your insider access to the ideas, conversations, and experiences shaping women-led culture, business, beauty, and legacy. Guided by our Editor-in-Chief, each week you’re invited inside a members-only editorial speakeasy, receiving curated insights, behind-the-scenes perspective, and intentional inspiration designed to expand how you lead, live, and create impact.

Disclaimer The information provided by Iconic Magazine Inc. (“Iconic”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) is for general purposes only. All information found in this issue is provided in good faith; however, we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information found in this issue. Under no circumstances shall we have any liability to you for any loss or damages incurred as a result of the use of the information contained in this issue. Your use and reliance on said information are solely at your own risk. Paid advertisements appear in this issue of Iconic Magazine. Iconic does not endorse or evaluate the advertised products, services, or companies, nor any of the claims made by the advertisers. Be aware that the opinions expressed by the people featured in this issue are theirs alone and do not reflect the opinions of Iconic Magazine. Iconic Magazine is not responsible for the accuracy of any information provided by the people featured. Iconic Magazine does not guarantee any benefits, profits, performance benefits, or any other results that could be claimed or found in its issue.

“I am not trying to be liked by everyone. I am trying to be felt by the right people.” - Jess King