ELLA Inspires Magazine (Summer 2021)

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IN THIS ISSUE ON THE COVER MARCELA MARAÑON WARDROBE STYLIST TRINA D’ELENA MAKEUP ARTIST OLIVIA BELTRAN PHOTOGRAPHER EDITH DUARTE PHOTOGRAPHER ASSISTANT JULENE WENGER CONTRIBUTORS MARCELA MARAÑON EDITH DUARTE MICHELLE SNELL TAYLOR OLIVARES SOPHIA HARDIE BUSINESS MANAGER JOHN TYRA EDITOR IN CHIEF EDITH DUARTE

ELLA Inspires is an online & print magazine that celebrates business and entrepreneurship. In each issue one woman will share her personal story of life, love, and business. ELLA is a modern woman; unafraid of paving her own way. She is strong despite overcoming many trials before reaching her own version of success.

ELLA Inspires is published by ELLA CREATIVE MEDIA, LLC. Past issues at www.ellainspires.com.

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Table of Contents ELLA INSPIRES MAGAZINE (SUMMER 2021)

Page 18

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JOURNEY OF A BRAVE WOMAN

BY MARCELA MARAÑON

Page 24

RUN OF THE ROSES

Page 34

A DIFFERENT SIDE OF NEW ORLEANS

BY EDITH DUARTE

BY MICHELLE SNELL

YOUNG ELLA: MEET SOPHIA HARDIE

BY SOPHIA HARDIE

DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS

BY TAYLOR OLIVARES

Page 36

Page 50

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The creation of ELLA Inspires Magazine and the ELLA brand itself was the direct result of taking tiny steps forward at crucial moments. In an effort to improve the brand visibility for my then web design clients, I formed a magazine. Then, to create a unique experience for the women being featured, we formed a #beautysquad to help women look their best during their photo shoot. In order to include even more women into our mission, we started partnering with local studios and venues to host those photo shoots. After that, we reached out to local women-owned businesses to sponsor products in exchange for photography.

Then, two regular columnists were asked to write columns every month. All of these tiny movements propelled us forward and formed the brand you see today.

If you are reading this, you are part of a growing community of women supporting women. To the women that were featured on the covers in 2019 and 2020: we admire your courage and we are thankful you trusted us with your story and your hearts. We are eager to show you what we have planned for 2021 and thank you for being part of this amazing journey!

We’re only getting started.

---

Edith Duarte, Editor-in-chief

ELLA Inspires Magazine

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ELLA Inspires Magazine

PHOTO: @PHOTO.GRAPHY_BY_ABBY

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W W W . E L L A S O C I E T Y . C O M

3 Reasons Why You Need A Network ELLA Society is a place to learn, receive, give support, and

Or do you start telling strangers about every little detail

brain storm. Our members are small business owners like

going on in your business? We did too but then we realized

you that provide accountability to one another! How can

we needed other ‘birds of a feather’ to unload the good, the

becoming a member benefit you?

bad, and the ugly. Do you find you often need emotional support or encouragement? Do you need an expert to help

Reason 1: New Ideas

you with solve a problem in your business? Put it up for discussion, group members are happy to help answer your

It is a well-known fact that two heads are better than one.

questions (or at least point you in the right direction).

Ten heads can be even better! if you need help finding a solution to a challenge in your business, group members

Reason 3: Access to New Partners

can be a great help! We each learn from one another as everyone in the group has the ability to teach something to

Being a part of a group means you have access to new

someone else in the group. Since everyone in the group can

potential partners. Our network means you can choose

post freely, you can see when the opportunity arises to help

from a group of women (like you) for partnerships or

out another group member.

collaborations! Since your member profile allows you to describe your interests and your particular specialty, you can

Reason 2: Get Real Support

easily search for other women who share your interests! In order to make the best of the group, post as often as you like

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Be honest: Do you talk your husband’s ear off about your

and start making professional friends immediately! Use the

business?

QR Code on the next page to join us today!

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On The Cover Marcela

Marañon

is

a

wheelchair

accessibility

advocate and solo traveler and fashion influencer.

She is on a mission to empower those who follow her journey especially those women with disabilities to push forward.

thejourneyofabravewoman thebravewomanshop

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COVER FEATURE BY MARCELA MARAÑON

Journey of a Brave Woman I was born in Ica, Peru. I’m the oldest child of 6. I always remember spending every summer at the beach with my grandparents, siblings, and cousins. We always stayed for a month to spend family time together and see our friends.

My childhood friends are a very important part of my life and I will always cherish the moments I shared with them.

When we meet, we always remember what we did when we were younger and its always a great fun moment filled with laughter and joy. I would say to anyone to make the best memories with your friends and family, someday you

“When I found out I lost my boyfriend I was heartbroken. It was more painful than losing a limb or the ability to walk again.”

will look back and realize that your life wasn’t as bad as you thought because you were surrounded by love and support.

dead too. When I was told that I would be paralyzed for the

M O V I N G T O DAL L A S

rest of my life and lost my limb I was devastated. I cried and

A year after moving to Dallas I was involved in a car accident that left me paralyzed from the waist down. I also lost my left leg and my boyfriend passed away due to a drunk driver. At the age of twenty, I endured the most excruciating pain any young girl can endure.

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I questioned many times, ‘Why me? Why him?’ I wanted to be

thought, what I’m a going to do now? I won’t ever walk again.

I won’t be able to do anything. I felt ugly for not having a limb but something in my heart was telling me, you’ll be okay. It’s going to be okay. My goal was to take back my life back; to do as much as I could do as a physically challenged woman and get my independence back.

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“I would not be the woman I am today without both the dark and the light, the struggles and the victories, the scarcity and the abundance, the fear and the courage.”

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I started driving a car with hand-controls, I went to college,

really inspired me, I wasn’t confident enough to wear skirts or

and move independently around the city. Two years after my

dresses and I didn’t know I could look so pretty in a chair,’ or ‘I

accident, I got married to a very nice man and we had our

didn’t know that I could travel alone in my chair.’ They tell me

girl, Mikaela. My daughter is now 14 years old. While I am no

I’m really helping open their minds to possibilities, inspiring

longer married, my ex and I have a really good relationship

them to be independent, beautiful, and take risks.

and try our best to raise our daughter the best we can. Life as a disabled woman could be so difficult at times but fighting

C L I M B I N G M O U N TAI N S

every day to live my life to the fullest is totally worth it.

I have traveled to 16 countries since 2017 and have loved

L E AR N I N G T O R E WAL K

learning different cultures and customs. If I had to choose a favorite country, I would say Israel; I spent almost a month

In 2014, I was selected as one of the first American

in that country and adapted well to the culture and lifestyle.

ambassadors for ReWalk Robotics. Rewalk is an exoskeleton

I made tons of connections and friends, but the most

device that helps people with spinal cord injuries to stand,

memorable trip is when I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro on February

seat, take steps, and climb stairs. I became the poster girl for

09, 2020. I became the first Latina woman with a disability

the company until now. I remember the first time I stood up in

to climb one of the tallest mountains of the world. After my

the device, it was amazing, I was so happy! I was told I would

accident, I had never climbed up a mountain as big as Mt.

never ever walk again but there I was taking steps with the help

Kilimanjaro or any big mountain ever. I had never spent a day

of this device! Rewalk

camping in one either. After my

changed my life for the

accident, I pretty much gave

better. It gave me a new perspective on life.

S H AR I N G S T O RY

MY

“Rewalk changed my life for

up climbing mountains, being

the better. It gave me a new

cause my wheelchair is not

perspective on life.”

assisted by others to make it to

in nature, and the wilderness made for that. I had to be the summit.

As an influencer I work with different brands

My car accident took many

to promote their products. I have to be a trendsetter, gain

things away from me like my independence and my ability to

the trust of my followers, and bring valuable content in my

enjoy nature by on my own. It took away my ability to walk;

social media platforms. My goal as an influencer is to stay as

I can no longer hike mountains or run. Like me, there are

transparent as possible and share my story with those who

millions of people living with Spinal Cord Injuries who wish

follow and trust me. I really want to use my influence to help

to do things by themselves and do not depend on others to

others. I have been an influencer for three years. In 2017 I

do simple things like spend time in nature. We are a brilliant,

created The Journey of a Brave Woman to show others the

resilient community who try their best to live their best

way I live my life with a disability.

lives. This is why I advocate for inclusivity and accessibility in everything. There are millions of people like me whose

I wanted to show that on my social media account— your

dreams are bigger than Mt. Kilimanjaro.

abilities don’t matter. You’ll be rewarded when you are brave enough to live your life, do what you want, and take risks. I’m

The reality is if the world isn’t inclusive and accessible our

not a brave woman because I have a disability; rather, with or

dreams will take too long to reach. I don’t know if there is

without my disability, I am not afraid to take risks. To take risks

a bigger mountain than Mt. Kilimanjaro for me to hike. All I

you have to be brave, you have to have courage. People reach

know is that I climb the mountains of life every day and I have

out to tell their stories. Some are amputees like me, some

never given up.

have spinal cord injuries. They always say things like, “Oh, I didn’t know I could do that in my wheelchair,’ or ‘Oh, you’ve

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R AI S I N G AWAR E N E S S Disability advocates are an incredibly diverse group, and the way these people advocate is equally diverse. Social disability advocates are people who work toward furthering disability rights through social change and public policy. An accessibility advocate is someone who advocates for a disability-related cause such as the lack of access for people in wheelchairs in public places. I bring awareness of the different issues people with disabilities have to endure or go through to get to a place due to lack of wheelchair access. Traveling all over the world in a wheelchair is not easy!

You’re going to face obstacles often because you’re physically challenged. You’ll travel to some places that aren’t accessible. I couldn’t have done all this travel if I didn’t have the help of kind people. Wherever I go, if something isn’t accessible for wheelchair users, that’s a big obstacle and a really big issue for anyone who travels in a wheelchair. If I didn’t have good people helping me, I wouldn’t be able to go into certain buildings or see certain sights.

I’ll have obstacles regardless, but I always rely on kind people to help me. (Cont p.39)

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Run of the Roses Article: Edith Durte, Editor-in-chief Event Photography: Abby Leary Photography Venue: Honaker House (Farmersville, TX)

Edith Duarte is Founder & CEO of ELLA CREATIVE MEDIA, LLC and editor-in-chief of ELLA Inspires Magazine. The ELLA brand (and events like this one) focus on elevating female interests and entrepreneurship. The event was co-hosted by Allison Mathers and held at her BnB, Honaker House.

The day was cloudy and humid, the smell

leaves, and even a few pink ranunculus!

of fresh rain lingered in the air. I arrived

Working nearby was Emilia; perfecting the

at Honaker House about an hour early;

most amazing circle display of pink, white,

already wearing my party dress, pink

and gold balloons. She even added two

heels, and Texas-sized hair. When I walked

large balloons in the shape of horses!

around the corner, I gasped. Sitting regally before me was a large tent with floating

As I made my way into the kitchen to check

white drapes and a table fit for a King

on the food, I was greeted by Allison, my

decorated with white linen tablecloths and

friend, client, and owner of the gorgeous

vintage Lenox dishware. The sheer white

venue, Honaker House. If you have not

curtains created an elegant floating prop

yet made your way to Farmersville, TX

that would later be used over and over

you’re missing out: This small town may

again by our event photographer, Abby.

appear quaint but it is already set to be one of fasted growing communities just

Maggie Brown, the florist and founder

outside of the Dallas metroplex. To know

of Flora and Vine, had already began

Farmersville is to love it; its welcoming

setting out her stunningly lush garden

downtown and historic homes is one of

centerpieces that seemed to levitate over

the many charms that make this place so

the tables. Each piece showcased the

special.

seasons prettiest white roses, eucalyptus

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Left: Allison Mathers (Owner, Honaker House); Right: Edith Duarte (Editor, ELLA Inspires Magazine)

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T H E G AR D E N PAR T Y O F T H E S E A S O N Honaker House is a gem and every guest can attest to its elegance and vintage beauty; made only more special by the loving care of its owners (and party-host-extraordinaries), Allison and Dwayne.

With its delicate frosting design in blush tones (made by the talented Ruthi Hutson) was sitting on the counter waiting to be admired. It was a white cake with a layer of strawberry and buttercream frosting inside which made it as tasty as it was lovely!

The food boxes—containing traditional southern-style vegan sliders and brown bites inispired by Reese Witherspoon—were lovingly prepared by Elle, ELLA supporter and owner of McKinneybased Vegan Chick Bakery; her vegan cuisine is truly amazing and don’t get me started on her vegan strawberry cupcakes!

The truth is that many, many, MANY, women collaborated on the creation of our inaugural 2021 event that nearly did not happen!

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We wanted to host an event that

As

were

We played games, explored the

would entertain our guests but keep

completed, drinks were mixed, and

final

preparations

garden, sipped Mint Juleps, took

them safe: this meant an all outdoors

Frank Sinatra was called upon to

selfies, and enjoyed the company of

event! With the announcement that

croon his top hits over the speaker.

other humans in cute hats. For an

all Texans would be eligible for a

I slipped on my high heels, it was

afternoon, no one spoke of viruses

vaccine around the time of our

time for our party to begin!

infection rates, or vaccines. The

event, we forged ahead and kept

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past fourteen months of quarantine

our plans in place. And are we ever

My husband was kind enough to

were forgotten as a couple of

happy that we did! While the heavy

handle check-ins; he even helped

southern bells sipped mint juleps

clouds threatened to rain on our

the women with their fascinators.

under the silver Texas clouds.

parade, quite literally, we forged

Every struggle and every bump

ahead with bated breaths.

along the way was quickly forgotten

And while we were not in Kentucky,

as another guest came around the

our own run of the roses was

In time we would discover mother

corner and gasped at the setup; just

underway.

nature’s threats of rain were empty.

as I had done not one hour earlier.

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Sponsored by Women These were some of the lovely items provided for our guest party favors. Almost every item was sponsored by our amazing partners and fellow business women! Sponsors in this picture: Deep South Cookie Co (Farmersville) Simplexity Boutique (Farmersville) I’d Rather Be Lathered (Farmersville)

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A Different Side of New Orleans

by Michelle Snell

When most people think of New Orleans, they think of Mardi Gras and Bourbon Street. While these have certainly helped to give the city its party reputation, they are not the only things that New Orleans has to offer. New Orleans is a culturally diverse city that is rich in history, architecture, and food. I fell in love with this New Orleans.

A short streetcar ride away from the French Quarter lies New Orleans’ City Park. This 1,300-acre public park is approximately 50% larger than New York’s Central Park and is the oldest park in America. Tranquil ponds surrounded by moss covered oak trees welcome visitors to come and enjoy a little bit of nature and escape from the city. City Park is also home to the New Orleans Botanical Gardens, City Putt (a New Orleans-themed mini golf course), and the New Orleans Museum of Art which

returning to the city time and time again. Let

also houses the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture

me introduce you to a different side of New

Garden. While visiting, you can also enjoy beignets from

Orleans.

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This New Orleans keeps me

C I T Y PAR K

the world famous Café du Monde as they also have a store on park grounds.

ELLA Inspires Magazine

H I S T O R I C N E W O R L E AN S The Historic New Orleans Collection is a collection of homes that are architectural treasure of the French Quarter. Founded in 1966, The Historic New Orleans Collection has a mission of preserving the French Quarter and New Orleans history. The collection consists of homes and land date back to the early 18th century. Each building has been meticulously restored to highlight and preserve the architectural features that makes it special. Visitors can enjoy touring the structures and learning about the history associated with them.

N E W O R L E AN S J A Z Z M U S E U M What is better than learning about jazz in the city where jazz was born? Thanks to the New Orleans Jazz Museum, you can do just that. This museum, which is house in the historic old U.S. Mint, invites visitors to enjoy interactive exhibits and musical performances to celebrate jazz music.

L O N G U E V U E H O U S E AN D G AR D E N S The Longue Vue House and Gardens was built in the 1920’s as the estate home Edith and Edgar Stern. The original home

Michelle Snell @thattexascouple Michelle Snell is a travel writer, history buff, wine lover, and culture enthusiast.

A professional educator by day, her passion for travel has her jet setting all

on the site was moved to a different location in 1939 because

over the world in her free time. Michelle

the family did not feel that the home allowed them to enjoy

enjoys bringing places to life through

the designs of the garden. This current home has 20 rooms

her informative writing style on her

spread across three stories that allow for optimal view of the pristine gardens. In addition to touring the home, visitors can

blog, That Texas Couple.

also enjoy the vast gardens that are on site.

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Young ELLA Interview with Sophia Hardie

“I wanted to make my own designs and have people wear what I make. That makes me so happy.

I love creating my own colors and shape designs.”

Sophia Hardie, Age 8

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NAME YOUR FEMALE ROLE-MODELS. AND WHY? My mommy, she works hard and makes cookies. I also follow other jewelry makers. My main inspiration is Rochelle at Roclay, I get most of my cutters from her.

WHY DO YOU THINK KIDS SHOULD START A BUSINESS? WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE THEM? It would give them a project to do and help them to believe in themselves. Making jewelry makes me feel good and I am so excited when I have finished a new collection. I am so proud of my work.

Sophia Hardie

I still play and watch movies but having a project or a business helps me to be focused and be reasonable as well as having a fun project. Who doesn’t love earrings?? ☺️ It’s not easy starting a new business, I work hard but I want my dream to succeed so I always try and do my best. It’s not perfect but it’s all me and made by hand.

HOW CAN THE COMMUNITY SUPPORT YOUNG PEOPLE IN BUSINESS? By supporting and purchasing items from people like me with their dreams. The more support we get the more we want to do and gives us courage and keeps us motivated. I am very shy but this helps me to try and be better.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE BUSINESS GOALS? I hope to keep growing bigger and better at what I do. With the support I can do that. I hope to reach to as many people as

Hello, I am 8 years and I am in elementary school.

possible to see and purchase my work.

I make clay earrings. I started making them in October 2020.

I have 2 younger brothers and I like to treat them and spoil them.

HOW CAN PEOPLE GET A HOLD OF YOU/BUY

I love music, movies, art and I love to travel with my family.

FROM YOU? You can con to me via Instagram and Facebook messages.

Mommy is helping me set up an Etsy account so that I can sell my items there. One day if I have more followers and purchases I will open a website.

SOPHIAANDCODESIGNS

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Many do not know how to travel the world alone or are scared to be in uncomfortable situations where wheelchair access is not available for them. My job is to bring awareness in my social media platforms and educate people especially those who own a business or manage public places to make it more wheelchair friendly. When I travel the world and find myself in a place that is not accommodating for disabled people or lacks wheelchair access, I make sure to speak up. I strongly point out why wheelchair access must be taken into consideration in every business or public place. People with disabilities are also customers, business owners, and live their life like everyone else’s. We deserve to be treated equally in public places.

A B R AN D W I T H I N T E N T I O N I know the hardships and inequalities disabled people who travel face firsthand. Overcoming those obstacles has led me to lead the charge in creating an accessible world by spotlighting accessible travel the issues the disabled face. More importantly, I made it my mission to fund ramps to create more accessibility in countries and areas that lack adequate wheelchair access.

When people shop at The Brave Woman Apparel & Co, you are making a direct impact on my quest. You are aiding in creating an accessible world for all. What I like about my e-commerce business is that I have created a brand with intention. A brand that gives back to the less fortunate and making the world a little more accessible for wheelchair users. Thanks to the support of the people who believe in my brand, I was able to travel to Bangalore, India to host an event for 20 disabled children with different disabilities. I wanted to give them the experience of what is like to be in a restaurant that is fully wheelchair accessible. I just wanted these children to forget about their struggles for one day and bring them joy.

“II wanted to do something to help these children to forget their struggles, even for just one day.. ” As a disabled person I know that living with a disability can be challenging at times or even ruin you financially. Healthcare costs can be very high and leave many people with disabilities without the proper care they need. When the pandemic started in March 2020, there were children with disabilities and their families who were left with no money to buy food.

I decided to fundraise and donate 100% of my merchandise sales to help these children living in poor conditions in undeveloped countries. Through my brand, and with the help of my friends, we delivered 100 baskets of food during the Holidays in Peru, India, Venezuela, and Tanzania. I donated a wheelchair for a 10-year-old little girl with cerebral palsy who needed a chair to go to school and buy her health insurance for the year.

I really love sharing what the Brave Woman Shop brand was able to accomplish in a year and I’m grateful to every person who supported my cause. It takes a village to make a

My brand also donated ramps for a tennis complex in Bangalore,

difference in the lives of the less fortunate. (Cont p.44)

India for a team of Adaptive tennis athletes. These children had to be assisted to get to the tennis court every time they had practice. Now, they can get in and out without needing help from their families. New ramps meant less struggling and more time to focus on playing sports.

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KNOW YOUR WHY WOMEN’S T-SHIRT A Fast Fashion collection online-exclusive, this versatile rolled cuff unisex jersey t shirt, held in place with a single tack, with our classic tailored fit. It’s cut from superior 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton fabric for the most buttery-soft finish.

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“It takes a village to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate.. ”

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“I found happiness through simply being alive, and through family and friends. True happiness resides within me.”

M Y D I S AB I L I T Y D O E S N O T D E F I N E M E I would like the public to know that people with disabilities are people first. We need the same things that everybody needs; such as respect. Most say they would rather die than live with a disability; I find that very funny. I thought I would never be happy again after my car accident. But a few years after becoming paralyzed, I was happy. I found happiness through simply being alive, and through family and friends. I still wish I could walk again, but true happiness resides within me. When you hear about people becoming disabled through an accident you always think it could never happen to you. The cold-hard truth is that because accidents happen every day, becoming disabled can happen to you or someone you know. This possibility is the reality of living, but when you have a disability, you’re just a bit more aware of it.

Also, you can’t judge a person by their looks. Don’t think that a disability is equitable to someone who is not impressive or successful. You never know of what someone with a disability is capable. People really need to learn about disabilities. If you have a disability, or you have a friend who is disabled, or you’re in the healthcare field, you probably already have knowledge and can educate others. But people just don’t know about disabilities.

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Some people try to be nice, but they don’t know how to be nice — they use vocabulary that’s offensive to a disabled person. For example, when someone says, ‘You’re too pretty to be in a wheelchair’ or ‘You don’t look like you have paralyzed arms.’ They’re trying to be nice, but they don’t know how to interact with people with disabilities. This is why education is so important in schools — if we teach children in schools that we’re all the same but have different needs, we wouldn’t have ableism and accessibility wouldn’t be as much of a problem.

There are a lot of disabled children who are going to need accessible options to fully live life. Of course, there will be mean people and bullies, but we could do a lot of good by not being ignorant to the needs of others.

SUPPORTING WOMEN

“Any Any woman can influence another woman to be strong, independent, and to make the right life and business decisions. We are everywhere.”

When I was a child I admired compassionate women such as Mother Teresa and Princess Diana for being awe-inspiring humanitarians. I really admire women who use their popularity to humbly help others. Honestly, being a woman who can inspire others to be better in every aspect of their lives deserves to be admired.

F I N AL T H O U G H T S My life is not perfect! I have my ups and downs and I have my bad days where I feel unmotivated and like I need to breathe a bit. But I also have my good days, where I’m happy and I

Any woman can influence another woman to be strong, independent, and to make the right life and business decisions.

We are everywhere. When I meet a successful woman, I am inspired to be like her or even more than her. I put into practice everything she has done during her life to be successful.

I believe in the female power and how much good they can do for younger generations of women. I believe that self-love and self-care give you a lot of confidence. When you have confidence in who you are and what you do, everything is possible. I would say enjoy each day as if it were your last. We all try to do this in our own way, but many of us fail. Women with disabilities, however, have gotten it down to an art form; from enjoying the sun rays to a warm cup of coffee. We know

want to keep ‘going-going-going’ and do all my projects. But I learned a long time ago that the only way to move forward is to accept the way you are. You need to accept what’s happened to you. Once you accept that, your brain says, ‘This is me, this is who I am.’ You can’t go back and change the past, but now you have the present and the future. When you finally accept, you can adapt to your circumstances. I live my life with what I can.

I love the quote, ‘Do the best you can with what you have.’ And then you just overcome it!

Life is not always easy, but you can overcome anything. My advice is pretty simple: keep moving forward; even if you think you cannot keep moving forward, you’ll see that in the end it is worth the try.

how hard life can be, so we know how to embrace the good things when they present themselves.

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Deep in the Heart of Mexico

by Taylor Olivares Taylor Olivares is a traveling bridal stylist and wedding event designer and coordinator. I also host photography editorials for wedding photographers that help them build and update their portfolio.

T

here is a majestic place far away in west Texas

While driving in the park towards Boquillas it felt like we

where the night sky is so dark that it reveals

were taking a step back in time. We saw tons of Pueblo

every single star that our galaxy has to offer.

style homes that looked like they had been built in the

Once upon a time, this beautiful land was once covered

1700’s or possibly before. Then as we entered the road

by the sea. The sediments left behind by a shallow sea

that leads to Boquillas Canyon we found a Burro who

eventually hardened into massive limestone layers that

for some reason became best friends with a wild horse.

over millions of years were carved into large canyons

Believe it or not this Burro followed right behind the

that were separated by the Rio Grande. This is where

horse like as if he didn’t even realize he was a Burro and

Texas and Mexico meet with the only border being the

not a horse. I immediately got out of the car because I

water in the Rio Grande river. This majestic place is the

thought to myself that no one would believe me that a

one and only Big Bend National Park.

donkey and a horse became best friends. As I started to record on my phone and inch closer the sweetest thing

Big Bend National Park encompasses the largest

happened. The horse became protective of the Burro

protected area of the Chihuahuan Desert in the United

and began to shield him with his body. It was such a

States. Last fall I was lucky enough to be there for a

heartwarming thing to see.

business trip. During my trip to I took a few days off to take advantage of my time there and my plan was to

I ended up getting back in the car because I didn’t want

explore the park. Normally I never take time off, but this

to disrupt them any further as it seemed they were

time was different because I was traveling with a group

stopped in the area for lunch. We headed a few miles

of friends and my oldest daughter. One thing that is

down the road and finally approach the trail that leads

important to know about traveling to this area is that

to the canyon. We got out to walk and about half a mile

it is very remote and cell service is extremely limited.

into our hike we found a ton of necklaces, bracelets,

If you are bad with directions, you can very easily end

and walking sticks that were hand made by the people

up stuck in the desert without a gas station or like we

of Mexico. They leave it there and ask that you pay

did in a completely different country like we did by

them in an honor system set up. Very cool!

accidentally crossing into Mexico via Boquillas Canyon.

We began our day packed for success. we had a full tank of gas, gps directions saved on our phone, sunscreen, water, hiking boots essentially everything we figured one would need to survive the desert terrain.

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"Wild Wild horses, cows, and burros roamed throughout the entire canyon. They all seemed to be thriving in the wild. " Honestly, seeing wild horses thrive independently was the coolest thing about my entire trip. Before this trip I honestly did not believe wild horses still existed in America. After about a mile and a half we finally reached Mexico. At the time we didn’t realize it was Mexico. We walked for several more miles chatting on our trail. We took several Instagram worthy photos and decided to call it a day. As we were walking back to the car, we saw a tiny sign that said ‘Welcome to the United States.’

I was so lost. How long had we been walking? I knew there was a border in the park; I was assuming there would be border patrol and it would be more official, but I was completely wrong. It is extremely easy once inside the park to cross over to Mexico and vice versa. Although we didn’t go far into Mexico it was awesome to know that we explored what we later found out was the town of Boquillas del Carmen.

The canyon hike was unlike any hike I had ever done before. The time seemed to slow down. In fact, now that I think about it time slows down once you enter the park. Big Bend is a wonderful get away for anyone looking to disconnect from the world as you know it and explore the rural beauty of the great outdoors. @traveling_weddings_with_taylor Photography: @ katemarieportraiture and @reaganwright

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The Summer Collection Our curated collection features soft, feminine fragrances and spa products we know you’ll love! As always each product comes from a fremale-led business right here in the United States. We verify the quality of each item in your box and make sure it is something we use ourselves! We are especially proud to feature new products like the delicious Hair Growth Oil from Claranda Tay along with old favorites, such as the Papaya & Pitaya Lush Soap Bar from Peluzzi Organica. It is our sincere hope you enjoy this introduction and support these brands independently.

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1.

Claranda Tay Curly Hydration Mist Free of all Parbens & Sulfates. Made with all-natural ingredients to moisture and strengthen your curls.

Ingredients: Distilled Hibiscus water, Coconut Oil, Aloe Vera, Raw Honey, Paraben-free Fragrance.

Summer is here!

2.

Peluzzi Organica Papaya & Pitaya Lush Soap A sumptuous tropical fruit blend prized to cleanse gently, freshen and nourish. The juicy papaya and pitaya are high in vitamin C and enzymes that fight hyperpigmentation, promote skin renewal and skin brightening effects.

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3.

The Laughing Tree Retinol Eye Cream Retinol Eye Cream is known for it’s skin regenerating properties. Retinol helps reduce the tell-tell signs of aging to include fine lines, wrinkles, and reducing crows-feet.

• Helps improve enlarged pores, uneven tone, and dullness.

4.

Claranda Tay Signature Hair Growth Oil Designed to promote natural hair growth. Ingredients: castor oil, coconut oil, almond oil, hempseed oil with hibiscus flowers.

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5.

Blasted Bath Citrus & Shea Moisture Bomb All of our bath bombs are mixed and molded by hand. A delicious blend of citrus essential oils plus a hidden hunk of mango and shea butter smack dab in the middle make this little beauty pack a moisturizing punch!

Female founders!

6.

Pretty Pokets Makeup Bag (Dusty Pink) Pack and carry your makeup and cosmetic items in style.

This pouch can easily be used to pack your everyday cosmetic items, like lipstick, eye shadow, brushes, and more in one place.

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7.

DUCALM Skincare Jelly Rose Facial Cleanser Igenet aut hilloreius, ipsum volorei cipsunt re maximil ipsus eium autore velendit lia nonsequi dignatq uibus, necum soloreri ommod quiatio nsequi dendae venimin resed maximolorum.

8.

Nomad Botanical Jade Facial Roller Roll away tension and bring about a youthful glow from the inside out with the Jade Facial Roller. Facial rolling firms the skin with the anti-aging effects of jade, reduces puffiness of the skin, and supports the lymphatic system.

9.

DUCALM Skincare Refresh Wipe Pack A blend of botanicals and natural ingredients to gently nourish and cleanse your skin. This soothing and cooling allnatural cleansing wipe is formulated with aloe, cucumber juice extract, and avena sativa to replenish your skin!

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Made by Women • Made in the USA • Handmade • Not on Amazon.

The #inspirebox is a quarterly box subscription featuring a curated collection of luxury lifestyle and self-care products (plus other unique items) made

by Women around Texas and the United States.

Subscribe at www.ellainspires.com 60