pursuit:365 Business Issue

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

KEEP CHEERFUL BY CHEERING OTHERS

When you’re having a down day, the best way through is to look around for someone else whose day could also be improved and see what you can do to help. Before you know it, they’ll have a smile on their face and so will you. What’s more, your own troubles will have shrunk to a manageable size in the process, and you’ll feel ready to move on. Here are just some of the ways your healing powers will help you too:

THROUGH YOUR MISSION

However modest your joy-bringing effort may be, it will be a mission, inspiring you to action. If a family member is looking a bit down in the mouth, say, and you decide to do what you can to get them laughing, that noble purpose will raise your self-esteem and lift you out of your own gloom.

THROUGH YOUR PLAN OF ACTION

When you’re feeling miserable it can be hard to get up and doing, especially if you have no pressing commitments. However when you’re resolved to help someone, you’ll be instinctively spurred to action. However small your kind gesture, you’ll want to plan it, picking the best moment and method to perform it. With that little plan of action, your day will start to take shape and you’ll be motivated to make the most of it for your own sake too.

THROUGH INTERACTION

Your efforts on behalf of another person are likely to involve chatting to them and maybe have some contact with others concerned in their welfare too. Interaction with fellow human beings is a natural and vital part of life. Keeping in touch with

the world and putting personal matters in perspective allows the aspect of your good deed to also help yourself. It’s always comforting and calming to communicate with other people, even if only to discuss the well-being of someone else.

THROUGH YOUR POSITIVE MANNER

In order to make a sad person smile, you’ll need to present in a bright, cheerful manner. However you feel inside, you’ll have to rise above it to project that sunny attitude and when you see it in the mirror and hear it in your voice, you’ll feel better yourself. What’s more, you’ll want to pick upbeat topics to chat about and positive viewpoints to present, and again, you’ll feel their healing powers, too.

THROUGH THE JOY YOU BRING

The aim for pursuit:365 is to connect people and support one another in our life journey. So how do you do that? SOCIAL

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When you bring a ray of light to someone else’s day, it will light up your own day as well. However simple the deed, its positive effect on the lucky recipient will be heart-warming to witness. Whether or not your gesture brings a smile, you’ll know it helped them and that thought will be empowering. However down you may feel, you have it in you to bring a smile to another sufferer, so take pride in your humanity and let it shine. Reach out however you can and you’ll find yourself smiling in the process.

We have some pretty incredible people writing in this special edition, sharing their very own passions and knowledge. I am confident each and every one of you will take away something positive to enhance your world in a beautiful way.

I love to hear from you! Please connect with me at aloha@pursuit365.com

Warmly,

Shelly Lynn Hughes Founder pursuit:365

CONTENTS

PUBLISHER

Shelly Lynn Hughes aloha@pursuit365.com

EDITOR

Jennifer Angers Daerendinger jen@pursuit365.com

COPY EDITOR

Ainslee Nellis aloha@pursuit365.com

ART DIRECTOR & GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Nicole O’Keefe otwgraphix@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Amanda Da Silva

Ainslee Nellis

Christopher Mei

Diane Rolston

Heather Haslam

Jennifer Angers Daerendinger

Lynda Moffatt

Oyéta Kokoroko

Paige O’Keefe

Victoria Theriault

PURSUIT:365

THE MAGAZINE

White Rock, BC aloha@pursuit365.com www.pursuit365.com

pursuit:365 The Magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect those of pursuit:365

The Magazine publishers, editors, and staff. Contents of pursuit:365 The Magazine are copyright 2022, all rights reserved. pursuit:365 The Magazine may not be reproduced in whole or in any part by any means without the written permission of the publisher.

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Amanda Da Silva

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Hi, I’m Amanda.

I empower women to embrace who they are while achieving

biggest dreams and being present for the ones they love.

1 SIMPLE

HOW TO TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE WITH

DAILY ROUTINE

Amanda Da Silva Personal Development Life Coach and Growth Mindset Mentor Founder and CEO of DS Education Group

You don’t need to make big changes to see big results. In fact, little tweaks in your daily routine can go a long way when it comes to productivity and longevity. Changing your life is a slow process, you can’t just completely flip the switch and expect everything to magically fall into place. With that said, here is one simple routine you can incorporate into your day that will make a significant impact on your productivity as well as your development as a person.

MINDFULNESS PRACTICES & DAILY MEDITATION STRATEGIES

Sometimes we’re so consumed by the stress of the ‘daily grind’ that we can’t notice things around us. From the way we commute, the way we work, watch TV, eat, and communicate. This is why being more mindful in the way you live your life is so transformative.

Our work life can be automated which can be great for more consistent results, but our relationships should not fall into mechanical monotony. Start by being mindful of your relationships with the people close to you and try to understand and connect with them. In addition to that, you should also be mindful of your purpose in life. A good way to do that is to have a set of short-term and long-term goals. As these will make you more mindful and intentional of the things you do daily. Moreover, the practice of mindfulness can also be useful in other areas such as nutrition and exercise. This is your mental check in with yourself.

Being mindful by introducing daily meditation strategies can also be about getting in touch with your brain. Meditation is the gateway to your mind; it will bring you more serenity and inner harmony. It will boost your consciousness and make you more aware of your surroundings as well as noticing the things that happen around you. As a result, meditation will help you achieve a higher state of mind that is incredibly efficient at reducing stress.

Mindful meditation is a good way to start or end the day because it helps you become more in touch with your thoughts and feelings. You don’t try to control your thoughts; you just observe them and take note of the patterns. In addition to that, it can be practiced anywhere as long as there is a calm and peaceful space. You don’t need to rush or try harder because it’s not about that.

Your daily routines define how your day unfolds. They act as a checkpoint to make sure that you are on the right track. So, I leave you with one question. What’s the one thing you could do today to incorporate this simple daily routine into your life?

FB: @ADASILVA2424

IG: @AMANDA.DA_SILVA

YT: @AMANDA DA SILVA

CONNECT WITH ME AND DEVELOP YOUR OWN GROWTH MINDSET

Q & A

with Jill Maria Mateas

I’m Here With Productions

Photo credit: Darren Ballingall

Interview by: Ainslee Nellis

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WHERE DO YOU DRAW INSPIRATION FROM FOR YOUR WORK?

I draw my strength to be in the public eye in the Calgary arts scene from wanting to help others fulfill their dreams of being actors and seen with my media company out of Calgary, called I’m Here With. My family in Romania I know is always watching online and having over 200 family members, I want to make sure I make them proud, and show them they can become whatever they dream too.

HOW DO YOU WORK THROUGH PERIODS WHERE YOU STRUGGLE FINDING INSPIRATION?

I go through a lot all the time. Realistically I talk to my close friends Lesia, Dawne, Andras, Darren, Zula, Mike, who tell me to keep going. I share with my network on socials how I feel as well and get their feedback and encouragement. I spend time with my loved one and my dog Relu Malin Cooper, and do mediating and praying and often through my deepest thoughts and hardships, I do come up with ways to do things differently and try something new step by step and keep sticking to achieving whatever it is I’m trying for.

HOW DID YOU DEVELOP A CAREER AS AN ARTIST?

One day I met a friend who changed my life, Zulie Alnahas and gave me the opportunity to be a star in a TV show called Go Fish. From there I started a magazine in Calgary to help my network be seen. I always wanted to be an actress since the Wizard of Oz and Sound of Music, back to The Future, Star Wars movies showed me a world I could be a part of.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE SEEKING A CAREER IN THE ARTS?

Try to dream and be realistic and just go for it. Whatever it is you want to achieve, try to make it build on top of each other. Think about keeping your career going for years and always keep changing and growing with the times and technology.

HOW IS YOUR WORK UNIQUE?

No one has the background I do in Calgary. I have the drive to keep a business alive that helps others more than themselves for over ten years now. I feel that it’s my responsibly since I am known and connected how I am in film and TV in Calgary. I want to help others meet the people who have helped me and given me opportunities to be an artist as well. Helping people connect is my real super power. People listen to me and know what I say I will do and they will get more then I even let them know they would at the beginning of working together. I changed people’s lives behind the scenes and have personally brought projects to Calgary to generate opportunities for others and am proud of that.

HOW HAS YOUR PERSONAL LIFE EXPERIENCE INFLUENCED YOUR ART’S AESTHETIC STYLE OR MESSAGE?

Finding my Romanian family from being adopted at 3 1/5 in 1991 was a journey on its own. I love that I found them and my birth mother Garofita Mateas. It helps me be able to know where I came from and why I am the way I am. I now include my family in my magazine’s pages as models, my nieces Ramona, Roxana-Maria, Georgiana, Anna, Andreea, who are gorgeous and love doing photos and makeup artistry. So since meeting them two years ago I have been inspired by them to create a fashion line of athleisure wear called Mateas and Banu, clothes they like to wear. Never giving up and doing things my way from my life experience, this year I’m excited to share that the magazine I do is going national in Chapters stores and more.

FB: @IMHEREWITHMAGAZINE

Bret Hart at a charity event I’m Here With productions covered

Q & A

with Chad Kowalchuk

Spice Addicts

Interview by: Jennifer Angers Daerendinger

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST SACRIFICE YOU’VE MADE STARTING OR RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS?

When you are a business owner having to make sacrifices is one thing you most likely will have to do. I have made several sacrifices along my business journey however the biggest one has been my social life. Before starting my business, I was always hanging out and doing things with my friends all the time. There was almost no weekend spent with not doing something fun with others. As I began to slowly grow my business I started to have less and less time to hang out. Sometimes I just wanted to quit and go back to having fun with my friends but then I snap out of it and remember that all my hard work and dedication to my business will eventually pay off. Once my business is grounded and operating to its full potential, I will then have lots of time to spend with my friends again. Some friends are angry with me and think that I’m just ignoring them, but they aren’t my friends. My true friends understand that I am 100% focused on my business succeeding and support me no matter what, and they know that we will eventually be spending more time together.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU LEARNED FROM FAILURE?

Many people, when they hear the word “failure” get upset and think that they can’t do anything right. When I hear the word “failure”, I hear “learning opportunity”. Failure is not a bad thing; you just have to change the way you look at it. Failure gives you a chance to determine the cause of the failure and from there you can create an action plan to correct the process you used, which will in turn give you a different and more positive outcome the next time. Every time you learn from a failure it makes you that much more aware and knowledgeable in every aspect of your business. Learning makes you stronger and there should not be a day that you don’t learn anything new. The biggest lesson which I have learned from failure is to never give up and keep pushing forward.

WHO HELPED YOU GET WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?

There are always many people who help you get to where you are at today. There are 2 main individuals who have helped me in so many ways. My dad, being one of them. Most of time my dad and I don’t see eye to eye and argue majority of the time. He has owned numerous companies for many years and has a lot of knowledge when come to business. I believe that he truly doesn’t know how much I have learned from him, and how much he has influenced me in the way I conduct my business. The second individual who if it wasn’t for her, I would not be here or where I am at today. That person is my mom. She is the rock that keeps me grounded and focused on becoming the best I can be. She has always been there, supported and believed in everything I have done and what I am currently doing. When I need help, she is there to assist and guide me. She is full of wisdom, love, and kindness. Both my parents help me and my business both financially and are 2 of my number best customers. I truly appreciate all they have done and what they continue to do for me, and when they read this, I want them to know how much I love them.

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GROWING UP WITH LEGENDS THEN BECOMING ONE HERSELF

Angela Markusic

RE/MAX Aboutowne Realty Corp.

Interview by: Christopher Mei

I could have spoken to Angela for hours, her passion for life and appreciation for legacy is rather intoxicating. Our conversation started with a biography of her mother’s life. It was a necessary exploration to truly understand Angela.

Her parents founded and owned “Frank and Zora Fashions” in Kerr Village, Oakville, Ontario. They specialized in two things: making the finest detailed bridal wear and building relationships with clients that would last a lifetime. Originally from Zagreb in Croatia, these two masters of design and vision met and married in Munich, Germany. They then move to Canada. Not being able to carry very much for the journey, they made sure that their sewing machines came with them, and those two machines were the only ones they would ever use in all their time in the business.

At the store, they always had young Angela by their sides. First, so that they were always together but later as a large help around the shop. This was a dynamic parenting duo, set on ensuring that their only child felt a part of the team and not left on the sidelines to wonder where her parents were and what they were doing, left to be raised by babysitters and relatives.

As the business grew, its reputation spread, and the geography between Oakville and Toronto seemed to shrink with urban expansion, the little shop got busier and busier. Their clientele list grew to include prominent figures such as Olympian Donovan Bailey and Golfer Sandra Post. Angela would observe and learn the fundamentals of how relationships are developed and nurtured while simultaneously pushing one’s business forward. This would prove critical in Angela’s success later on. The shop would eventually close after forty years as an Oakville retail icon and local bridal shop. Lessons learned and taken to the next generation were soon being applied to the world of Real Estate.

While in her freshman year at McMaster University, Angela was working toward a degree in Economics. She had watched for almost twenty years how economics was applied in the retail world – now she wanted to know how and why it worked from a theoretical perspective. Her mother came to her and said, “you love this so much, you should get your Real Estate license”. Acting on her mother’s keen eye for business and success Angela dedicated the summers after her second and third years at MacMaster to taking all the courses necessary to qualify for the license.

Still, Angela did not pursue her dream right away. Right out of university, she landed a revered position with the Federal Government, in the Department of Citizenship and Immigration. It was a great opportunity, with steady pay and pension. Yet, the pull of her initial dream kept tugging at her and after six years, she left that role to pursue her career in Real Estate and has never looked back. As a single mother to two boys, Angela saw this opportunity as the best way to work “as much or as little as I wanted while also dedicating time to raise and spend with my children”.

Her success is supported by the lessons taught to her by her parents, especially her mother who told her often that “work is not solely about business. It is about relationships.” Cultivating relationships and ensuring that clients feel like extended members of her family are her strongest business values. Before we closed our time together asked what she foresaw her legacy being. Her reply was simply: “I looked up to my mother, she was my inspiration and an inspiration to so many others. If I can cultivate the same work ethic, develop the same strength in my relationships, and have even half the legacy that my mother had, I would be happy.”

CONNECT

WITH ANGELA www.angelamarkusic.com

FB: @ANGELAMARKUSICREALTOR

IG: @ANGELAMARKUSICREALTOR

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Q & A with Maggie Habieda

Fotografia Boutique

Interview by: Jennifer Angers Daerendinger

Maggie with the late Hazel McCallion, Mississauga’s longest-standing Mayor

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HAVE YOU ALWAYS CONSIDERED YOURSELF AN ARTIST?

Always. My whole life. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Since I was little girl, I loved to draw princesses, flowers and all that is beautiful.

HOW HAS YOUR WORK EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS?

I went from painting portraits to photographing them. Changing from paintbrush to camera. From there I started drawing and painting in Photoshop.

WHAT DOES YOUR ART REPRESENT? WHAT STORY ARE YOU TRYING TO TELL THROUGH YOUR WORK?

Photography is like therapy. I love to capture and bring out the best in people and making them feel great about themselves, every face tells a story. I must admit that I am a perfectionist when it comes to editing. It makes satisfying the pickiest of clients a pleasure.

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WHAT MAKES A GREAT ARTIST?

Talent is 5% Work Ethic 95%

You can learn but without the work ethic you won’t succeed. Always follow your passion, listen to your heart, and never give up. You must have perseverance.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE OF WORK YOU CREATED?

My Hazel McCallion legacy portrait. Hazel is the most remarkable person I have ever met, and it was an honor to be commissioned to do her portrait. Hazel lived to 102 years old and was as vibrant as the day we met.

CONNECT WITH MAGGIE

www.fotografiaboutique.business.site

FB: @MAGGIEHABIEDA

IG: @FOTOGRAFIABOUTIQUE

Q & A

with Michele Young-Crook

Keynote Speaker | Entrepreneur | Influencer

Interview by: Ainslee Nellis

WHAT IS YOUR SECRET TO STAYING HUNGRY FOR SUCCESS?

My secret to staying hungry is to provide intergenerational wealth to my children, break the cycles of trauma with money, and know that one person can positively impact future generations.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU LEARNED FROM FAILURE?

Not everything is meant for you. No matter how much you want something or feel that you “deserve” something, it’s better to walk away from what isn’t serving you or helping you achieve your goals. It is better to fail than not try something out of your comfort zone.

HOW DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR CAREER PATH?

I believe my path was chosen for me. When I was in my early 20s, I was married to my first husband, a successful man. I was a stay-at-home wife and mother when we were married. After we separated, I didn’t have an education beyond a high school diploma and zero love for myself. I moved into my mother’s house with my daughter, and at the time, she knew a woman looking for an EA; I had never done admin as my previous jobs were all sales-related (car sales, retail, bartending). I applied for the job and worked with her for about 6/7 years. During that time, she was a founder of an organization that was bettering Indigenous communities in Canada. I volunteered at that organization for six years before becoming a full-time employee and, from there, became the President and CEO. Early this year, I was wrongfully terminated, which affected my mental health more than I imagined; from the darkness, there was light. A dear friend of mine was looking for help for her organization, and from there, I started consulting. In my previous role, I did everything at the charity, so I knew the ins and outs of running and operating a successful organization. Since last May, I have had the opportunity to work with over 15 great companies that all have the lust for success for future generations.

ON THOSE TOUGH DAYS, WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO GET UP AND START YOUR DAY?

1 2 3 4 CONNECT

My incredible family, I have three wonderful children and a husband who has always believed in me and has always supported my initiatives no matter how outrageous they were. Their love is the most motivating thing to me.

IG: @M_YOUNG_CROOK

TW: @MYOUNGCROOK

TT: @MYOUNGCROOK

is getting hung up on art

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Q & A

with Rob Amado

Amado True Professional Hair Care

Photo credit: www.studiophotography.com

Interview by: Paige O’Keefe

HOW DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR CAREER PATH?

I always knew i wanted to work with my hands and own my own business. I owe everything to my parents for suggesting my career path. My mother was a hairstylist for a short period of time and my father a ship builder, so I’m going to assume that a lot of my traits and mindset came from them, hard work mixed with friends and family was just an everyday thing around our family home. It was my father who had suggested I take on a hairstyling career (it probably had a lot to do with me being so particular on how my hair looked way back in the day) and so I enrolled into cosmetology. Since that day I have never looked back. I love challenging myself to excel, from being an award winning stylist, multiple business salon awards and giving back to the community and helping those in need . My career keeps advancing with my latest development of Amado True Professional Hair Care and having my first award winning line of products along with numerous magazine publications. There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t thank God for blessing me with my hands to create and my mind to develop and continuously improve and giving this world a little something more.

WHAT IS YOUR SECRET TO STAYING HUNGRY FOR SUCCESS?

There are so many factors in creating a business and brand, but at the end of the day, it’s the people that stand behind me that constantly keeps me striving for success. Having my fingers on the pulse of the future of the AMADO brand and being able to develop Amado True Professional Hair Care was success in itself. Having naturally derived ingredients, being able to make hair products vegan friendly, cruelty free and made in Canada was a must for making a better product for everyone I know and so many Canadians across the country. It’s always about the next step and making sure everything falls into place. Being able to get my hands into it and making sure that the products are not only healthy and beneficial but also being able to have the performance to deliver. It always keeps me wanting more and keeping those little secret ingredients alive in order to making sure it’s a success!

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ON THOSE TOUGH DAYS, WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO GET UP AND START YOUR DAY?

My family is definitely a huge part of what keeps me going and plays a huge part in my day to day but also, I’ve always concentrated on building relationships and friendships with people to understand their needs and wants, to make them look and feel their best. It’s the “what more” in the to day that motivates and kickstart’s my day, watching each day unfold into the evolution of what tomorrow may bring. If I can put a smile on someones face then my tough day no longer exists.

WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL OR FAVOURITE MOTTO?

It’s really quite simple. My focus and vision has always been about giving something more. It’s everything that I’ve always believed in. I am a self-made hairstylist, entrepreneur and hair product, brand developer and there hasn’t been a day where I don’t think about “How can I make this world a better place?”

My personal motto is this .... the best way to predict the future is to create it...and that’s what makes Amado.

CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL

FB: @ROB.AMADO.5

IG: @AMADO.SALON

SHOP ONLINE: www.amado.ca

Showing your home beautifully staged will ensure you get its highest market value

HOW TO BUILD A STRONG COSMETIC BRAND

Oyéta Kokoroko

CEO & Beauty Mentor, Okoko Cosmétiques

Let me share with you a few steps on how to get started.

START WITH A STRONG MINDSET

To make any project successful, you need a strong mindset, a growth mindset. A growth mindset is a skill critical for every entrepreneur. Being an entrepreneur and building a business can have its loads of challenges, so it is important to know your why and have a clear vision. As you plan your project, clearly define the reason why you want to do this, what motivates you and what is the impact you want to make. Having a growth mindset encourages you to overcome obstacles and view setbacks as opportunities. Also, it is important to surround yourself with a strong support system of people who believe in you and can add value in your journey.

IDENTIFY A NICHE FOR YOUR PRODUCT AND TARGET MARKET

Identify a niche for your product that offers growth opportunities. To do that, start by conducting a little survey or market research to validate the interest for your product and the demand for your product. With your brand, you want to serve an unmet need or solve a universal problem.

By finding a profitable niche and positioning yourself there as the go-to brand (or expert) who exclusively serves its audience, you can establish your credibility and get your business off the ground much more effectively.

The key is to identify a profitable niche market in which you can evolve, make yourself known, and which has a large enough audience to guarantee the profitability of your business.

INNOVATE YOUR PRODUCT & PROVIDE DISTINGUISHABLE QUALITY

Innovate your product and make it stand out - your R & D, ingredients selection, materials you use and choice packaging with environmental/sustainable ethos are great ways to set yourself apart.

Think about your process and production method - are you growing your own botanicals? Or using proprietary craftsmanship, slow artisan methods or science-based technology? If so, make it part of your unique differentiation.

Think about the impact you want to have - is your brand giving back or empowering a specific group of people? Nowadays, many consumers want to buy from brands that are doing good, be one of them.

Creating a compelling brand story about why your business exists will help to create a connection with your customers.

INVEST IN YOUR BRANDING

Invest in your brand image whether it’s your product, your company, your website, or yourself. Having a professional brand image brings a greater perception of your product and what you have to offer. Get help from professionals with expertise in areas like branding, photography, and website design. I highly recommend investing in a small creative direction team with specialized and experienced skill set to help make your brand memorable. They can help you deliver a professional brand presentation that helps you stand out and leave a strong impression.

DEVELOP YOUR DIGITAL PRESENCE

After developing your product, you need to build a marketing strategy plan and be visible on social networks, so that people can discover your brand, find your product, and buy it.

Building your brand on social media is essential to connect with your audience, grow your community and attract new customers.

1. Share interesting content that educates and shows your product in action

2. Think about your brand messaging: story, ethos, and mission

3. Collab regularly with other accounts to increase your visibility and reach new audiences

4. Work with influencers who can promote your products

5. Create a sales strategy that can convert prospects into buyers

6. Build strong social proof by getting your work featured in the press and applying for awards

WANT TO KNOW MORE? CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO JOIN OUR NEXT MASTERCLASS

FB: @OKOKOCOSMETIQUES

IG: @OYETA.KOKOROKO

Q & A

with Andrea Barone

Crystal Hills Organics

Interview by: Jennifer Angers Daerendinger

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WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE THAT IS EXPERIENCING A ROADBLOCK IN THEIR JOURNEY?

Keep visualizing your end goal. There will be many times that you doubt yourself, make mistakes, or feel frustrated. You may work endless hours and still not see the results you desire. Everyone experiences some type of roadblock along their journey. The key is to not abandon your dreams. Take the time to reground yourself and focus on the good things you have created in your life. Allow yourself to get into that state of gratitude and not get distracted by a negative mindset, just envision your dreams. You can achieve it all.

HOW DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR CAREER PATH?

After my twin boys were born, I started paying more attention to the ingredients on labels, not only for our food, but also our skincare products. Fortunately, with a background in biosciences and occupational health and safety, it made this a little easier for me. There were a lot of hidden chemicals and fillers in the products we were using. Additionally, my children were diagnosed with a variety of allergies when they were little, so I found it challenging to find natural products that were safe and that took allergies to gluten, dairy and nuts into account. As a result, I started making my own herbal salves and various skincare remedies to use on their skin.

WHAT ACTIVITY INSPIRES AND MOTIVATES YOU TO BE YOURSELF AND DO WHAT YOU LOVE?

Taking the time to pray and meditate on a regular basis allows me the opportunity to get into a more positive state and eliminate that mind chatter that I think we all experience. In this elevated state, I can focus on what I want to create in my life as well as my business.

Over the years as I developed my spiritual practice, it not only helped me to heal things that happened in my personal life, but it also helped me transform my business, so the emphasis was on providing intentional beauty products. I wanted to help women feel empowered so they could manifest their dreams. The gratitude I feel when I receive messages from clients who tell their stories about how they were able to manifest more love, confidence, and abundance from being intentional in their self-care practices further inspire me to keep going.

WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF EMPOWERED?

To me, empowered means that you have made a conscious decision to take charge of your destiny. That you have found your inner strength and are drawing on your own personal power while making positive choices in your life.

CONNECT WITH ANDREA

www.crystalhills.com

FB: @CRYSTALHILLSORGANICS

IG: @CRYSTALHILLSORGANICS

TW: @CRYSTALHILLSORG

Lynda Moffatt

visual artist

lyndamoffattsstudio artist.lynda.moffatt

lyndamoffattfinearts5435

www.lyndamoffatt.com

HOW TO ART

Lynda Moffatt

As you may know, Art can take on many forms. So, I reached out to you on Social asking what you may want to hear from me on this subject and what a great response it was.

Many questions came up that we’ll try to answer here.

There are several avenues in the art world to venture down. Keeping focused with an open mind has allowed me to grow as an artist. You see, I love Art in General! Always, romanced it since an early age. From the artists, their works, the life style to the camaraderie!

Painting outside at least once each season, renews my spirit and opens up all my senses. This is called Plein-Air painting. I’ve really always painted alone up North and now venturing with new colleagues grows my spirit.

I begin with developing my sketch and taking some reference photos. The light or weather may change and work on the painting may cease on location, needing to be completed elsewhere. I then, may need to take the painting back outdoors to capture its freshness again.

Traditionally I am trained in oils, painting Still Life, Portraits, Wildlife and Landscapes in Realism. I’ve Learn the fundamentals, studied with many great Mentors while continuing to work on my skill set.

• IS IT TRULY PAINTING THAT IS YOUR CALLING OR DO YOU PREFER SAY PHOTOGRAPHY OR MIXED MEDIA SCULPTURE.

• TAKE THE TIME TO LEARN THE FUNDAMENTALS OF YOUR CRAFT AND ALL THE RULES. LEARN ALL YOU CAN.

• TRY YOUR HAND AT DIFFERENT VENUES AND FEEL WHAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU.

• USE YOUR OWN REFERENCE MATERIAL (DO YOUR OWN LEGWORK). PRACTICE BEING ETHICAL, WORD GETS AROUND.

• HAVE FUN IN THE STUDIO MAKING YOUR CRAFT!

• SPEND YOUR TIME WISELY WHILE ENJOYING LIFE AND THOSE YOU LOVE.

• ASK FOR HELP FROM THOSE YOU ADMIRE.

• SHARE YOUR GROWTH.

• STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF!

My hope is this has helped you think about Art and what’s right for you.

Looking forward to delving deeper into this discussion and answering many more of your questions over upcoming Podcasts and more articles.

CREATE ON MY FRIENDS AND CONNECT WITH ME

WEB: www.lyndamoffatt.com

BLOG: www.lyndamoffattartist.blogspot.com

FB: @LYNDAMOFFATTSSTUDIO

IG: @ARTIST.LYNDA.MOFFATT

YT: @LYNDAMOFFATTFINEARTS5435

What feels good?

What excites you?

What makes you feel vibrant and exuberant?

Book Your Complimentary Pampering Session

instagram.com/hnightingale1

Heather Nightingale

h.nightingale1

Heather Nightingale

heather@mismack.com

www.mismack.com

Trust your instincts and intuition, follow your passion, go get what you want in life. Just do something new that is not comfortable–step out do what you want!”

These are the best life lessons that internationally acclaimed makeup artist Heather Nightingale has learned in her more than 20-year career.

After studying art at Alberta University of the Arts and Emily Carr University of Art + Design in Vancouver, Heather transferred her art, skills and knowledge to enhancing the natural beauty of the human face, using skin as her canvas. She also studied makeup artistry at Blanche Macdonald–#1 school in Canada.

Heather Nightingale, Makeup Artist & Educator

“A few years later, I elevated my performance of artistry by going to Paris to study with Dany Sanz–the worldrenowned creator for the brand Make Up Forever. This is when I bloomed!”

Asked what fires her up the most in her work, she says, “I get fired up when I get to create and enhance the skin and meet the most incredible people. Nothing beats being an artist when your canvas is alive with energy and passion.”

When it comes to good style, Heather believes the most important aspect is confidence and understanding yourself.

Photo + Words by Lia Crowe

Photo by Deanna Milligan

Photo by Helena Lines

Photo by Helena Lines

Q & A

with Sara Au Yeong

Amaterasu Beauty

Interview by: Ainslee Nellis

WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL OR FAVOURITE MOTTO?

“The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.”

~ Einstein

I have the privilege of studying with some of the most loving, kind, and wise souls. I learned if we want change in our lives, we need to change the way we do things and especially the way we think about any situation that is holding us back.

WHAT ACTIVITY INSPIRES AND MOTIVATES YOU TO BE YOURSELF AND DO WHAT YOU LOVE?

Drawing and painting with my little one brings me back to my childhood. It reminded me that creativity has no limit, and it gives me a sense of absolute freedom to create. When I am having one of those stuck days, meditation reminds me of the infinite possibilities the universe holds for us. My passion to innovate and to help others solve problems continues to be a huge motivator.

HOW DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR CAREER PATH?

I’ve always wanted to be a fashion designer and received a scholarship into fashion design, later started producing fashion shows. In one of the shows, I met Rena Hutchison (then Makeup Director at John Casablanca).

She asked: What type of looks are you looking for? I said: Oh, you know...dark eyes and red lips. She said sternly: Look, if you want to succeed in this business you have to learn to use proper terminology.

I realized I’ve so much to learn and there is no better person than Rena. I asked when her next class was and told her I will be her next best student. The rest is history! I pivoted and went into the world of makeup and loved it even more. Rena was a huge inspiration; she was so confident and darn talented.

After makeup, I went on to complete my business degree and worked as regional manager, then national executive and trainer for several international beauty brands. Thereafter, I became a consultant to many natural skincare and beauty brands and eventually started my own line.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU HAVE AS AN ENTREPRENEUR OR IN BUSINESS?

As an indie brand, I choose to allocate my budget to creating the best quality and clean ingredient product. I do believe if we do things with the right intention people will naturally share their love. This was what happened with Amaterasu Beauty. I was very lucky to have the top indie boutiques retail my brand. Through word of mouth, key artists and celebs ended up mentioning us during interviews and this led us to being featured in Elle, Flare and

The Zoe Report. One day a good friend called me up to say: Congrats! I saw you in Vogue today. It was a fantastic feeling.

CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL

FB: @AMATERASUBEAUTY

IG: @AMATERASUBEAUTY

TW: @AMATERASUBEAUTY

SHOP ONLINE: www.amaterasu.ca

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6 TIPS FOR THE BEST SKIN, BODY & MIND HEALTH

Heather Haslam

Heather Haslam CHT is the owner of True Spirit Healing Arts and works on various projects throughout the lower mainland in British Columbia pertaining to health, beauty, education and general wellness. She attends to clients needs at Sunja Links Body Shoppe on Main St, Okoko Gastown and Absolute Spa at the River Rock Hotel, and does Clinical Hypnotherapy via Zoom all over the world. For more info see her website www.truespirithealingarts.org or follow her Instagram @truespirithealing. Check out her new education project helping the women of Afghanistan by creating a school in Pakistan @www.oasisrescue.com

Start with a visit to a professional esthetician to have your skin expertly assessed and help guide you on your skin care journey with the best treatments available for your skin needs. We are passionate in helping people with their skin issues, and usually have a number of classes and training under our belt along with many years of experience. Some of the hottest skin care treatments with the best skin rejuvenation effects that people are looking for at the moment are Micro Channeling with Growth Factor’s, Laser Skin Rejuvenation, Intra Oral Facial Massage, Microcurrent, Dermaplaning and Hair Growth and Scalp Treatments.

Having the correct home care to suit your skin needs is imperative after having those professional spa treatments and proper products enhance treatment effectiveness. Some gold standard ingredients are high quality Vitamin C products that help with hyperpigmentation and aging, Retinols which are amazing for anti aging and help with breakouts, Beta glucans or Hylauronic acids to plump and add moisture to dehydrated skin,Glycolic and Sal Acids to exfoliate the skin, Skin balms to apply at night to help seal in moisture, and Last but not least SPF of 30 (minimum) to finish and protect your skin daily.

Don’t’ forget your body while you are treating the skin on your face! Ask to have the neck and chest included in all of your skin care routines. Currently body treatments including Body Wraps made of Seaweed, Clay or muds are well known to have healing and detoxification properties, making for a relaxing and result oriented service. Body brushing is also popular for home and spa use - an alternative to scrubs this helps cell turnover by exfoliating the dead cells, leaving invigorated skin ready for absorption of creams and other products. Body sculpting and contouring treatments along with Lymphatic Drainage and Relaxation massage are becoming popular on all spa menus.

Meditation is one of the most impactful things in my life in the last 10 years. I was invited to a 1 week retreat to try it out and the results were amazing for myself and others that were there. It helps greatly with centering yourself, being in the present moment, overall relaxation and gives you the tools to help with many issues like pain management, anxiety, and energy releasing. After a 1 week meditation class you could see the difference in people’s faces, and their physiology changed to being lighter and more relaxed in their bodies. Since then I’ve said if you want to glow and look and feel younger and healthier get yourself to meditation retreat and see the difference for yourself.

Hypnosis is great for calming the mind, and has been especially helpful the last few years for many people with a variety of issues. Hypnosis helps by creating change in the subconscious mind to ease anxiety, release phobias and fears, removes blocks and create new pathways in your thought process to help you become the best version of yourself. Believing in yourself and becoming more in tune with your intuition and body, and removing the years of clutter and past experiences (and especially trauma ) creates a powerful form of therapy that has lasting results everytime! Some of my favorite work has been with near death experiences and finding the healing from that has been amazing for people who have experienced this trauma.

Energy work is becoming more and more popular for releasing emotions, balancing the body’s energetic system and creating deep relaxation. Some popular methods include Reiki, Pranic Healing, Quantum Healing and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and can be combined with crystal energy as well for extra healing and clearing benefits. These holistic practices work by activating the body’s subtle energy systems and channeling universal life force energy into a client to help restore balance, flow and harmony within the bodies energy systems. These are great stand alone treatments but are now also mixed with hypnosis, facials and skin care and massage for overall healing.

Q & A

with Jennifer Domville

Rodan+Fields Executive Consultant

Interview by: Jennifer Angers Daerendinger

2 3

WHAT IS YOUR SECRET TO STAYING HUNGRY FOR SUCCESS?

Humility has maintained my staying power & vigor for success. With a grateful heart I am able to see my success as a journey & not as a final destination. I continue to embrace the certainty that with my sincere, focused driven efforts success is bound to come my way. I also remind myself, on a daily basis, why I am pursuing my goals & why they are worth persevering. I have an insatiable desire to improve and achieve which has outpowered any fear I may have held @ the onset & continues to fuel my faith in my abilities.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU LEARNED FROM FAILURE?

From failure I’ve learned resiliency. It’s actually quite easy to fail, it’s the getting back up, dusting yourself off & trying again that takes courage. It’s important to celebrate a willingness to try & to acknowledge that this same spirit will fuel you to move forward to try again. I will not catastrophize my failures, I take them as they are, no more, no less.

WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART ABOUT GETTING STARTED? HOW DID YOU RESOLVE IT?

The hardest part about getting started was knowing where to start. I was entering the unknown... a platform that I knew nothing about & in some ways felt emotionally traumatized. The fear of

failure, the fear of getting it ‘right’ was profound. I had to acknowledge these emotions & feelings as a necessity & was openly willing to work to move beyond their reach. We can’t grow if we are comfortable, it is here we slow down, stop moving & kill our momentum for achievement. I had to push myself beyond this zone, allow myself to be afraid and to do it anyway.

4

WHO HELPED YOU GET TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?

I am going to go all out & give myself credit where credit is due. I am where I am today due to the courageous decisions & choices I have made throughout my journey of life. Attaining a university degree as a young, single parent, choosing Sobriety 17+ years ago, raising my grandkids as addiction continues to plague our family, starting a business so as to positively impact our stability... all of these decisions dramatically impacted my life & helped forge me into the women I am today.

CONNECT WITH JENNIFER

jdomville.myrandf.ca

FB: @JENNIFER.DOMVILLE

IG: @JDOMVILLE69

Q & A

with Jenny Gough

Interview by: Ainslee Nellis

HOW DID YOU DEVELOP A CAREER AS AN ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER?

I studied chemical engineering way back when ‘environmental engineering’ wasn’t yet a discipline – but have always had a keen interest in the environment – so I sort of pinballed in that direction.

I’ve done a lot of different types of environmental work over the past 25 years, and my passion evolved in the direction of remediation, as well as deconstruction, demolition, and restoration. Bringing ecosystems back to health, restoring natural habitat, being able to work with the land and the water, and to help it heal… those are the projects that I truly love.

2 3

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE PROJECT YOU’VE WORKED ON, AND WHY?

Many of them could qualify as a “favourite”, in different ways. Projects that I am truly proud of are those are environmentally or historically significant, and which feed my soul, inspiring me to do better by the Earth - from protecting sensitive environments, remediating contaminated sites, and seeking innovative solutions to environmental problems. At this stage in my career, I am focusing only on these types of purposeful environmental projects.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE SEEKING A CAREER IN YOUR FIELD?

The environmental field is widely faceted, and the available knowledge has grown considerably since I started out. I wish I knew then at least half of what I have learned along the way!

My best advice would be to explore different topics and pursue the one that pulls your interest as strong as the moon pulls the tide.

3

Also - don’t lose sight of creative pursuits, even while immersing yourself in science and engineering – I learned the hard way how critical creativity is to one basic human need – JOY!

4

WHAT KIND OF CREATIVE ACTIVITIES DO YOU PURSUE?

“Work” was my main priority for many years, but I found myself on the wrong career path, and had lost sight of my goals. Having no creative outlets, my work nearly killed me.

Now, creativity is an integral part of everything I do - imagining what once was, acknowledging what currently is, and visualizing what CAN be – whether I’m working, writing, renovating houses, or playing music. All of these pursuits revolve around remediation in some way - whether restoring the environment, bringing an old house back to life – and even healing personal stumbling blocks, what I think of as “soul remediation”. Creative restoration is immensely satisfying!

DISCovering YOU

DECODING DIFFERENT PERSONALITY STYLES AND COMMUNICATING FOR SUCCESS

Do you ever wonder why you don’t ‘click’ with certain people? And despite your best efforts to make a connection, it still goes awry?

We are often repelled by someone’s approach (body language, tone of voice, word choice) rather than the message they are trying to convey. If their personality style is contrary to ours, we may not understand them.

As an example, if you tend to be reticent and introspective, an interaction with a loud, direct personality may be uncomfortable for you. You may perceive what you’re seeing as arrogance or indignant and here’s where things go off kilter. You are ascribing an incorrect intention to their behaviour.

WHY IS THAT?

Our view is uniquely shaped by our own lens. We see outward, but not necessarily inward. We’re not always aware of how we show up to others because A, we know what we are thinking and feeling (aka our intentions) and B, we don’t have a mirror reflecting our demeanour back at us.

So, it’s very possible that the direct personality doesn’t know that they’re coming across aggressively. Conversely, the introspective person may appear aloof and uninterested to the more assertive personality.

Now, imagine the impact of this in the workplace. You can see how a minor misunderstanding in approach could potentially derail a conversation.

As a Team Facilitator, I often start my sessions by asking the participants to guess the key predictor of a team’s success.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IT IS?

If you said, communication, you are correct!

It turns out that patterns of communication are more important than factors like intelligence, education, ability, combined.

So, while communication may be a ‘soft skill’ it turns out to be an essential skill.

To hear more about decoding different personality styles and communicating for success, you can check out my podcast, DISCovering You on all podcast players or by clicking here:

CONNECT WITH ME

WEB: www.discoverwhatworks.org

PODCAST: Pod.link/1609255605

IG: @discoverwhatworks

Q & A

with Trevor Phillips

Ebon Aves Art

Interview by: Paige O’Keefe

1 2 3

NAME A PERSON OR PEOPLE, PAST OR PRESENT, WHOM YOU ADMIRE OR LOOK UP TO AND SHARE WHY.

I admire and look up to quite a few people. Obviously, I admire my mother, but my artist friends Like Katsumi Kimoto who is an amazing painter and gave me my first gallery experience, and Melvin Yap, an incredible photographer who is always giving me advice and inspiration. My artist aunt Liz Mantle who paints and rocks out in her punk band “The Shit Talkers”.

I look up to artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat for his rise to becoming one of the greatest contributors to art. Andy Warhol, who popularized the use of art as a reflection of society and as social commentary.

WHO HELPED YOU GET TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?

My mother was always encouraging and supportive throughout my upbringing. She was always making us our Halloween costumes from scratch. I’ve had a lot of people in my life help me get to where I am today. They initially made me who I am, but it wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for my own perseverance and determination to make it happen.

WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL OR FAVOURITE MOTTO?

“A mess to success”

~ Liz Mantle

4

HOW DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR CAREER PATH?

I feel like this path chose me. I have been creative since a very young age. I was always in the top of my art classes in school. It just always felt natural to me, and I enjoy making art. I’ve picked up a lot of skills along the way like drawing, graphic design, screen printing, and painting. It’s helped me through a lot of tough times and it’s a part of me and who I am.

CONNECT WITH ME - EBON AVES ART

www.ebonaves.com

IG: @TREVORAMONPHILLIPS

TW: @EBONAVES

photo credit: Sarah Bowman Portraits

êêêêê LIFE OUTSIDE THE BOX

...There is no better guide to follow than one’s own inner voice.

– Michele

”

THE WISDOM OF LISTENING

...This book not only gives you insight into the varied lives of its subjects but, through Marilyn’s reflections, shows how we each walk a similar spiritual path.

– Red Bird

...It’s vulnerable & courageous. An inspiring read!

– Nadine Sands

You are exactly as you are meant to be. Your quirks are your talents and will lead you to your purpose.

Q & A

with Marilyn R. Wilson

Freelance Writer | Passionate Interviewer | Published Author | Speaker

Photo credit: Kristy Powers Photography

Interview by: Jennifer Angers Daerendinger

HOW DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR CAREER PATH?

Honestly, it chose me. I literally fell into this career by answering a Craigslist ad on a whim. So many things came together when I began to pursue this career - a love of hearing people’s stories, a desire to write, a racing mind that proved an asset when interviewing and a desire to help people (not only by promoting their work, but sharing the wisdom they handed me in interviews.)

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU LEARNED FROM FAILURE?

Failure is never an end game, it’s a chance to learn and grow. I would never have become a writer, author, magazine co-owner, poet and speaker if I hadn’t leapt with blind faith and learned to fly. That meant making mistakes and for me that meant making them in the public eye. It wasn’t fun, but it was a trial by fire where I honed my skills.

ON THOSE TOUGH DAYS, WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO GET UP AND START YOUR DAY?

Fifteen years into this career I made a discovery. The secret to success and longevity is simply showing up. Every day, whether I am inspired or not, I show up and write. Every opportunity to connect with other writers, to learn something new, to expand my skills - I show up. Every opportunity to share what I do - I show up. When it comes to producing new work, that meant creating a habit which pulled me to the computer every single day automatically. I found the book Atomic Habits helped me figure out where to place this new habit in my day.

WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL OR FAVOURITE MOTTO?

Every interview over the last 16 years offered a new inspiring motto. One still stands out. “There is no secret, just do and be brave!” This was handed to me in an interview with Canadian tap icon, William Orlowski. He was brilliantly talented. As he aged, he began to struggle with Dystonia which limited the amount he could work. Despite the limitations, he still found a way to create new work, to paint, and to perform. His creative to-do list was so long, he admitted he would never finish it all. No matter what question I asked about how to deal a difficulty, this was his response. I repeat it often and every time he comes to mind.

CONNECT WITH ME

www.marilynwilson.com

IG: @MARILYNWILSON_OFFICIAL

TW: @OLIOBYMARILYN

TOOLS YOU NEED TO HANG ART

Jennifer

Angers Daerendinger

I received my first red metal toolbox from a group of friends when I was 24 years old as a birthday gift. I had been donned the nickname “Jen Vila”, referring to home handyman icon Bob Vila from the good old 80’s. I was always taking on a home project. Any self-serving woman needs to have the basic tools to get stuff done. I am thankful I started putting mine together early so I had everything I needed when I became a home and gallery owner.

If you don’t already have a toolbox, then here is a list of what you should own so you can hang anything on your walls correctly.  If you splurge now, you will have them forever. Make sure that you put your name on everything or have a way to identify things. I put florescent pink duct tape in all the handles of my stuff.

IN

NO PARTICULAR ORDER HERE IS A LIST TO GET YOU STARTED:

1. TAPE MEASURE

Don’t buy a dollar store one as they will break, and you will need to keep replacing them.

2. DECENT HAMMER

You should never have to buy another.

3. A DRILL

Make sure it will be compatible with any other power tools you buy so you can share the battery packs. I like Ryobi and own 2 drills, a circle saw, a leaf blower and a hedge trimer. They all work off the same battery pack. You will also need a set of drill and driver bits that will take care of pretty much any job you will need them for.

4. 48” LEVEL

A small one is useful as well; you can get at places like Ikea.

5. SCREWS AND ANCHORS

Get them in every size. You can buy premade kits.

6. A GOOD ASSORTMENT OF NAILS

Know the difference and have drywall, plaster, wood, all of them.

7. MULTI HEAD SCREWDRIVER

This is the best Investment you can make. Picquic has some great ones and if you are needing a drill bit you always have one on hand.

8. A TOOLBOX

Last but not least a toolbox to keep everything in. My dream one is a red metal chest of drawers from Master Craft or Uline.

Enjoy shopping!

You will thank me for this someday!

All women need tools and here is a list that I compiled that will not only make hanging anything on your walls easy, but they are pretty much a necessity for any home dweller.

Q & A

with Sharley Neill

West End Renegade

Interview by: Ainslee Nellis

2 3 4 5

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST SACRIFICE YOU’VE MADE STARTING OR RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS??

Can sanity be one? Because I feel that in my soul some days! If I’m being serious though, it’s often the time away from the people who matter most in my life. My friends and family who don’t get all of me because I’m running marketing ideas in my head while out for dinner or coming up with new product ideas when I should be enjoying a family weekend. It’s both a blessing and a curse. I hope that one day I can find balance.

WHAT IS YOUR SECRET TO STAYING HUNGRY FOR SUCCESS?

I want to inspire others. Success is great in a monetary way, but I also want it to mean something. Not in a “look at all my achievements” kind of way, but in a way where my kids learn by watching, and others who aren’t sure they can take an idea and turn it into something they can be proud of, can think “if she can do it, so can I.”

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU LEARNED FROM FAILURE?

That depends on how you define failure. For me I either succeed or I learn. One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that I’m never going to be all things to all people. I spent a good amount of time in the beginning of my journey trying to people-please my way into the market. It was an approach that had me accepting clients I knew were not a good fit, would some days have me in tears, and other times nearly quitting. I’ve had to learn it’s ok to say no. In fact, my advice to anyone is to get good at it.

WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART ABOUT GETTING STARTED? HOW DID U RESOLVE IT?

Confidence. I started my business out of survival, not necessarily intention. Starting a business from scratch was the most overwhelming challenge I’ve ever had, but with each success I gained a little more confidence and with every flop a new lesson. At first, I turned to books, blogs and business articles. Now I love an opportunity to network and get around like minded people who fuel my drive to keep going in this industry. I’ve learned my confidence comes from accomplishment. I must be in a constant state of learning.

ON THOSE TOUGH DAYS, WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO GET UP AND START YOUR DAY?

Caffeine and bills. (Seriously.) We all have days that suck and to be transparent, sometimes the tough days win and I take a personal day. More often than not though, I focus on the big picture. Where do I want to be 6 months, 12 months, 2 years from now? In order to accomplish that, I have to get up and get after it. It’s not always easy, but it’s almost always necessary. Time to rise and grind!

West End Renegade

Specializing in home cleaning, organizing and decor.

I want you to love your home again!

Go From Business Overwhelm to Ease!

5 Benefits of Having a Virtual Assistant

5 Benefits of Having a Virtual Assistant

1 1

You can delegate work... so you focus on high impact, high quality tasks that produce a higher income!

2 2 They can be highly skilled & do things you don't know how to do or want to do!

3 3 They can help you move your business forward & help you scale!

4 4 You'll be able to focus... on strategy, goals & planning!

5 5 You'll get time off..for a break, vacation or emergency!

Are you procrastinating passing off tasks to someone else? Do you have worries about delegating work to others? Then grab your copy of "THE 5 CRITICAL PROBLEMS TO AVOID WHEN DELEGATING..." (so you can maximize your time & increase your profits!)

HOW TO BE CONFIDENT WITH YOUR GOALS

Diane Rolston specializes in coaching female business leaders to have more confidence and success, while living a balanced life. When she’s not hanging out with her husband and two kids, she’s running her Virtual Assistant Agency, leading events for the Dynamic Women® Global Club, speaking on international stages or hosting the Award-Winning Dynamic Women Podcast.

Diane Rolston

Many people think that making goals is important. It is! But being confident you’ve made the best goals is what will give you the success you’re looking for.

SOLUTION 1: BE PROACTIVE IN PLANNING YOUR FUTURE

Make sure that instead of being reactive to other people’s agendas and goals, you’re proactive in the planning of your own future.

Start by thinking about where you want to be. Then ask yourself, “What’s the fastest way I can get there?” Not just what opportunities have come your way, what people have suggested you do or what other people are doing. Instead, what’s the most direct path and the main goals that will help you reach your dream future. You do that by implementing solution 2.

SOLUTION 2: LOOK AT YOUR IDEAL LIFE AND HOW YOU WANT THINGS TO BE A YEAR FROM NOW

If you want a clear picture of your future, then you need a proven process to follow to figure it out. To kick start it, answer this question: “What do I want in my life?”

The answers will help you to set the right goals to get you to that picture. To go through it fully then get the 3 Simple Steps to Figure Out What You Want Booklet using the QR code.

SOLUTION 3: HAVE SOMEONE ELSE WORK WITH YOU ON THIS

Solution 1 and 2 can be intimidating so the key part is to have someone else coach you through it. When you have someone else work with you, they can fight off your limiting beliefs, expand what you think is possible, and bring new ideas. Les Brown says, “You can’t see the picture when you’re in the frame.” You might have your blinders on, or it could be that you didn’t even know it was possible.

One of the things I love to do is show people how to reach more than one goal at the same time because it helps you be more productive, makes things easier, and keeps more profit in your pocket.

Apply these solutions, especially the 3 Simple Steps to Figure Out What You Want Booklet and reach out if I can support you in any way.

www.DianeRolston.com