3 minute read
From the Editor: Dedicated to Jim and Nancy McManmon
Five years is a very special thing to celebrate! April 4, 2024 marks the fifth anniversary of Bella Vida Santa Barbara Luxury Skincare. I am so very blessed to have had many people supporting me to get through the ups and downs of being an entrepreneur, especially my husband, Brady Schmidt.
In this issue, we will celebrate five years, highlight other incredible entrepreneurs and revel in the beginnings of Spring and the renewal it brings. April is also Autism Awareness month and we will be highlighting this important topic and celebrating people with Autism and their gifts.
While you might think that putting myself on the cover of my own magazine is arrogant and self-serving, I truly did not plan to feature myself. God sometimes works in mysterious ways and His plan is perfect and not of our making. I am actually very humbled to be able to highlight my journey, celebrate the life of my wonderful parents and welcome incredible things to come with Bella Vida Global.
I'd like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who made this issue possible. Thank you especially to Ashkan Tabibnia for his insights, collaboration, support and friendship!
Here's to a beautiful Spring and renewing ourselves and our dreams. May you be blessed.
Much love,
Erin Schmidt, CEO and Editor in Chief
This issue is lovingly dedicated to my mom and dad, Nancy Shea McManmon and Jim McManmon. by Erin Schmidt, CEO
Honoring my Parents
This issue honors the five year anniversary of losing my dad, Jim, and my mom, Nancy, passed nine years before him. April 4 was my dad's birthday, so I honor his life especially in this issue.
James McManmon was a poet, writer, theologian and loved to make people laugh. His smile and laughter brought joy to so many, especially to my mom, Nancy.
My mother, Nancy Shea McManmon, had been a Catholic Nun and dedicated her life to God, singing in the church choir since she was very young. She was a singer, musician and wonderful fine artist who gave up painting to dedicate herself to her family and others. She was also a fantastic cook and baker and always had large parties for their friends so she could lavish them with incredible food, hospitality and love. Her kindness, warmth and love touched so many lives, as did my father's.
My parents were dedicated to God and Jesus, spending countless hours serving our Catholic Church and ministering to others. They also ran a group home for over 30 years to assist boys with behavioral issues to get their lives turned around so they could live at home with their own families in a happier and healthier way.
Both of my parents truly exemplified the meaning of "walking in the footsteps of Christ" giving all they had to others, God and to my brother, Sean and I.
I miss them both so very much and am so eternally grateful for all they did for me and how they raised me. Thank you, mom and dad. I will always be your "honey bunch of roses." Until we meet again.
All my love and gratitude, Erin
