WITH CATHERINE MACGREGOR
Name: Catherine MacGregor
Age: 35
Job title / company: Holistic Esthetician at Aura Beauty in Schererville, Ind.; Reiki Practitioner; Enagic Distributor; 10X Health Affiliate
Town / city you’re from: Chicago, IL
Town / city you live in now: Cedar Lake, Ind.
Describe your family:
I’ve been with my gentleman, Clay, for a little over seven years. We each have 13-year-old daughters from previous relationships (born just two months apart) and also share a 4-year-old daughter
Do you have a license or degree?
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism from Columbia College Chicago. I am also a licensed esthetician and certified Reiki practitioner.
Describe your professional background:
I have a pretty diverse professional background that spans across different industries, showcasing a blend of creativity, people skills, and adaptability. Over the past 15 years, I've worked as a server and bartender on and off in various restaurants throughout Chicago and Northwest Indiana. When I worked as a former community liaison for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and a home health agency, my primary responsibility was to educate potential patients about the facility’s services following their hospital stay to receive continued care before returning home. My role involved building and managing relationships between the facility and community hospitals and raising community awareness. I held this position up until 2020 and truly loved it. Over time, I no longer felt the same passion for the role which eventually led me to what I do today.
As a holistic esthetician, I prioritize promoting skin health by focusing on the body as a whole, integrating wellness, natural remedies, and skincare education. I believe that skin health is a reflection of overall well-being, so I consider factors like diet, stress, lifestyle habits, and emotional health in every treatment. My approach is personalized, creating skincare routines tailored to each individual’s unique needs. I emphasize long-term health and sustainable results rather than quick fixes.
I exclusively use Éminence Organic Skincare products, which are organic, non-toxic, and eco-friendly—truly heaven-sent. I’m a firm believer that chemicals aren’t necessary to resolve skin concerns. Additionally, I incorporate energy-healing techniques like Reiki and tuning forks into my facials to release tension, pain, and stress from the body.
Balancing my roles has been incredibly rewarding. I get an immense sense of fulfillment from educating people on practical, sustainable practices that can help them live their healthiest, most optimal lives.
How did you discover your passion?
During my final year as a community liaison, I began having serious doubts about continuing in the position. The stress and strain were taking a toll on my body, manifesting in physical symptoms. Clay asked if I’d ever heard of “The Secret,” which I hadn’t at the time. One day, while driving between facilities, I decided to listen to it on Audible. I listened to it repeatedly and soon found myself telling everyone about it because it made me feel better. A few months later, I faced another tough situation, I was let go from my position in healthcare. After a couple of months of self-pity, I realized enough was enough. I believe this was God’s way of showing me that healthcare, at least in that form, wasn’t my path. It was time to take a step back and discover my true purpose.
It took about nine months of reassessing my life and the direction I wanted to pursue, which ultimately led me to where I am today. I continued listening to The Secret and, without realizing it, my spiritual journey had begun. Once I started applying its principles, my entire mindset shifted. I became more aware of my thoughts, words, the things I was consuming, and the conversations I was having. Gradually, I started eliminating anything that no longer served me.
What mark do you hope to leave on your industry?
As a healer in the holistic beauty industry, I aim to leave a mark that goes beyond the surface, focusing on helping people in any way I can. I want everyone to achieve true balance and wellness. My goal is to redefine beauty by promoting self-love, natural remedies, and sustainable practices, showing that skin health and overall well-being are deeply interconnected.
Being a mom of three, I want to inspire my children as well as others to see skincare as a form of self-care and healing, encouraging them to embrace a holistic lifestyle that nurtures their body, mind, and spirit.
What are you most proud of in your life personally and/or professionally?
Beyond all my accomplishments, struggles, and victories, I am most proud of my willingness and ability to make the changes in my life that have shaped me into the person I am today. While these changes can be challenging, they are both achievable and essential if I want to become the person I aspire to be. Transforming old habits that have developed over the years is not easy, it often feels like breaking up with your former self to move toward a better version of you.
I learned a great deal from my past self and my old ways, and I wouldn’t trade those lessons for anything because they’ve contributed to the incredible sense of well-being I feel today. I’ve come to realize that we have full control over our lives and the events within them.
Thoughts become things, and if you remain in a constant state of fear, worry, sadness, or anger, you will attract more of those feelings into your life.
It has taken time and practice, and I’m still learning, but the changes I’ve experienced since I started this journey are rewarding on so many levels.
What advice would you give your younger self? Another woman on the path to finding her calling? Trust your journey. Understand that everyone’s path is unique, and it’s okay if your journey doesn’t look like anyone else’s. Trust that each experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to your growth. Change can be a wonderful thing. Be willing to step outside your comfort zone as it often leads to new opportunities and even discoveries about who you really are. And of course, prioritize self care. You only get one body in this lifetime. Take care of it, listen to it. Often, our inner voice is what guides us toward what truly makes us happy.
Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing?
I have been modeling on and off for the past 12 years. In my 20s, I engaged in a lot of promotional modeling for Ark End Models and Umbrella Girls USA, specifically for brands like YAMAHA, Ducati, and Monster Energy. I also appeared in an episode of Chicago PD and was cast as an extra in Empire, though my scene didn’t make it to the final cut. Currently, I’m signed with Heyman Talent Agency and Lori Lins LTD, where I’ve completed several commercials and print projects. Modeling remains a passion of mine, and I’m focused on collaborating with the right brands that resonate with my values—those that reflect meaningful connections and diverse representations in their work.
Anything else you'd like to include. Self-love is not selfish, it’s essential to prioritize yourself above all else, even before your children or spouse. If you’re not in a good place, you won’t be able to support anyone else effectively. Take five, 10, or even 20 minutes to yourself. Close the door, clear your mind, and incorporate some breathing exercises. When you return to your tasks, you’ll notice how much calmer and better you feel.
Photo credit: Jeanie Stehr
SELF CARE with
When you take a step outside, you will quickly observe that the tree leaves have turned and faded, and the once warm and breezy air is now chilly and crisp. If you go to the store, you are almost guaranteed to find a perfectly color coordinated set of dinner plates that reads, “Thankful for You”, or a perfectly sculpted holiday tree with string lights a few aisles away. These are typically tell-tell signs that we have officially entered the holiday season. While this time of year brings excitement to some, it also evokes feelings of apprehension for others. The holiday season can present its own set of challenges whether you are celebrating with family and friends or embracing the holidays alone. Either way, you should be prepared to approach the holiday season with one thing in mind – maintaining your mental and emotional well-being. Here are a few tips on navigating the holiday season:
First thing first, remember to BREATHE. When we experience emotional disruptions, we can also experience symptoms of stress, sadness, or anxiety that lead to changes within our breathing patterns. Focusing on breathing can assist in lowering your heart rate and/or blood pressure. A simple fix to regulating your breath is to practice intentional box breathing. Box breathing is a deep breathing technique that can help with relaxation, grounding, and recentering. Here’s how to do it: Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of four seconds, hold your breath for a count of four seconds, exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of four seconds, and hold your breath again for a count of four seconds. Repeat this sequence as many times as you would like.
The holiday season can create a sense of pressure to hustle and bustle to make every dinner and party for the sake of pleasing everyone who invited you. Let this be your reminder: YOU CANNOT BE EVERYWHERE AT THE SAME TIME. It is crucial to prioritize both your to-do list and personal itinerary this holiday season. To do this, you must consider your limits. Ask yourself, “What do I have the capacity to do without overextending myself?” You may be able to attend one or two events and that is okay.
If you are anxious about spending the holiday season alone, find creative ways to embrace connection. If you do not live close to your family and friends, schedule time for a video or phone call. You can also embrace the community around you by volunteering. Identify local shelters and agencies in need of volunteers to serve during the holidays. Not only will you experience a sense of connection, you will also have the opportunity to give back. Afterall, the holiday season is about giving, not receiving.
The best thing for any relationship, whether it be a friend or family member, is boundaries. Boundaries not only protect you and your energy, but they also protect the energy of those connected to you. The beautiful thing about boundaries is that there is no set blueprint for how they sound look or sound – you get to create them for yourself. Reflect on your previous holiday seasons and identify boundaries you wish you would have set in place back then. Are there certain topics you would like to keep off the conversation list? Are there certain games you absolutely do not want to play? Is there a dish you do not have the time and energy to cook? Create a boundary for it! After you create the boundary, set it. This could sound like, “I do not have enough time to make a main dish. However, I can bring a side dish or bring a dessert.” 19
Intimate family gatherings and holiday social settings may increase the risk of you feeling overstimulated and/or socially fatigued. If you know that spending time in certain environments will create a sense of unease, proactively create your exit strategy prior to the event. Identify a few ways to remove yourself from the environment or situation to give yourself time to take a break and breathe. If you find yourself hosting, identify a “safe space” within the home that is off limits to everyone. Utilize this space to slip away and take some time to regroup and recenter before rejoining your guests.
The joys and stress of the holiday season can consume a large amount of mental space and energy. It is important to set aside intentional time to sit with yourself to identify and explore your feelings. One way to do this is by journaling. Writing down your thoughts gives you the opportunity to separate yourself from your thoughts in a way that creates increased mental space and decreased levels of stress. Set aside a few minutes at the end of each day to write down whatever comes to your mind.
The biggest treat you can give to yourself is the gift of self-care. While we have glamorized the practice of self-care, you must remember that self-care is not limited to a trip to the masseuse or a visit to your favorite nail salon for a fresh manicure and pedicure. The essence of self-care is to engage in intentional practices to care for your physical, mental, and emotional health. Self-care can be as simple as putting on your favorite lotion or lighting your favorite candle after a long day. During this holiday season, be mindful of small and practical self-care activities to engage in when experiencing higher levels of emotional distress or discomfort. Make the effort to engage in these practices on a routine basis without feeling guilty for taking care of yourself.
Lastly, practice gratitude. Looking at the glass as half full is not an error proof way to improve things. However, focusing on what is going right can decrease the stress and anxiety you may experience about the things that may go wrong. At the end of each day, utilize your journal to note three to five things you were thankful for during the day.
Above all, the holiday season happens once a year and only last for a few weeks. Let this holiday season consist of doing things that help you feel good and centered. Be gentle with yourself and others when experiencing stress or discomfort this holiday season. While these tips do not serve as a quick fix for the complete elimination of holiday stress, they serve as proactive measures to managing the stress and eliminating its possible effects. If you believe you are in greater need of assistance with navigating the holiday season, you may also seek emotional support by going to a mental health clinician.
Kaylyn E. Gyden is a marriage and family therapist associate, emotional wellness coach, adjunct professor, podcaster and writer committed to assisting people understand and navigate the complexities of feelings and relationships. She works with people experiencing unhealthy and/or difficult relationships with themselves, romantic partners, family members, and peers. She is effective in assisting couples and families create new meaning and tradition after experiencing an emotional disruption. Additionally, she assists individuals struggling with self-esteem, anxiety, grief/loss, and boundary setting. Gyden practices in Northwest Indiana offering in-person and telehealth services to Indiana and Illinois residents. She graduated with her master's degree from Purdue University.
WITH SARA BUSTOS
Dark Faerie Hot Chocolate
Winter will be here before you know it, and I have the most decadent hot chocolate for you to make and savor. Dark Faerie Hot Chocolate combines the velvety richness of bittersweet chocolate with tart blackberry with a lingering warmth. This magical concoction is for those who crave something different this winter—a little dark, a little dangerous, and thoroughly enchanting. It's the perfect cup for those cold, starlit nights, where the lines between reality and fantasy begin to blur.
Ingredients (for one serving):
• 1 cup whole milk (or your favorite dairy alternative)
• 2 tablespoons bittersweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon blackberry syrup (or few mashed, fresh blackberries)
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to taste, and if you use fresh blackberries)
• Whipped cream and fresh blackberries (optional, for garnish)
• A pinch of edible glitter (optional, for extra magic )
Instructions:
• Warm your milk of choice in a saucepan over medium heat, be careful not to let it boil.
• Add the bittersweet chocolate chips and stir until they’re fully melted and combined with the milk, remove from heat.
• Stir in the blackberry syrup (or your mashed blackberries) and smoked paprika. Taste and add sugar if you prefer a sweeter drink.
• Pour your hot chocolate mixture into a mug. Top with whipped cream, and garnish with fresh blackberries. For an extra faerie-like touch, sprinkle with a tiny pinch of edible glitter to make the drink shimmer under those holiday lights ;)
May you all stay safe and warm this holiday season! Cheers!
Sara Bustos aka the Potions Master grew up in Lansing, Ill., where she is now raising her son, Elijah. She had a childhood dream of opening a cafe, and that dream came to fruition in the midst of a global pandemic. Brewing magical coffees and teas that help heal the soul and tickle tastebuds is her specialty. She loves learning about and educating others on coffee. Leaving the medical field behind her, she opened Coven's Cabinet with her business partner in Dyer, Ind. In her free time, you can find her horseback riding and traveling Europe with her son.
with
Attending conferences can provide numerous benefits, from learning new skills to hearing industry experts speak. These events can also take you to new cities, offering a change of scenery. However, one of the biggest advantages of attending a conference is the opportunity to network. Establishing connections and building relationships with other professionals at these events can open unexpected doors or create opportunities that elevate your career.
However, networking at conferences can be challenging for many people. For some, it feels too forced and unnatural, while others may find it challenging to initiate conversations with strangers. The good news is that you don’t have to follow a traditional, cookie-cutter approach. Networking doesn’t have to be daunting; it can feel natural and enjoyable when you have a clear plan in place. By embracing strategies that align with your personal preferences, you can confidently connect with others at a conference without resorting to cliché tactics like generic elevator pitches or handing out business cards to everyone you meet.
Successful conference networking should actually begin long before the event doors open. First, establish your networking goals by identifying what you want to achieve. Are you looking to connect with people in a specific field, find job opportunities, or simply meet interesting people? When you are clear about your objectives, it becomes easier to approach the event with purpose.
Next, do your homework. Most conferences provide information about speakers and attendees beforehand on their website or social media. Research relevant participants and identify a few people you want to connect with. This doesn’t mean you have to plan every conversation, but it helps you be more intentional about whom you approach.
Consider engaging on social media ahead of the event. Follow the event hashtag, join relevant conversations, and interact with potential contacts. This can help break the ice and make in-person interactions easier.
A key part of networking is how you present yourself. Instead of a traditional elevator pitch, focus on key points about your background, skills, and goals. This allows you to share your story and aspirations more naturally, adapting your message based on who you speak with.
If traditional networking settings intimidate you, think about how to set yourself apart. Plan to wear a clothing item or accessory that reflects your personality and sparks conversation, encouraging others to approach you first. Instead of only attending networking receptions, consider organizing a small meetup with attendees who share a common interest or are part of an online community you belong to. Ask each person to bring a “plus one.” This informal gathering can create a comfortable environment that makes networking feel less daunting.
Prioritize meaningful conversations over meeting as many people as possible. Attend sessions that align with your professional goals, and be open to connecting naturally, whether during a Q&A or while waiting in line for coffee.
If large networking events or mixers make you anxious, don’t feel pressured to engage in them. Strike up conversations before or after a session concludes when people are more relaxed and focused on shared learning. Ask thoughtful questions and show genuine curiosity about what others do. Open-ended questions like, “What brought you to this event?” or “What are you most excited to learn?” can spark meaningful dialogue and allow you to connect on a deeper level.
Body language plays an important role, too. Being approachable and offering a warm smile can make it easier for others to approach you. Also, it’s easy to get caught up in what you want to say next, but asking questions and letting others share their thoughts makes them feel valued. Plus, asking questions takes the pressure off you to come up with more things to talk about!
During the event, use the conference app, LinkedIn, or a digital business card to connect with people immediately after you meet them. You can send a short message to remind them where you met and mention something memorable from your conversation. This approach helps solidify the connection and provides a starting point for future conversations.
While networking ends when the conference wraps up, true relationship-building begins with follow-up. Networking creates initial connections, but those connections only turn into meaningful relationships when nurtured over time. Many people collect business cards or connect on LinkedIn but miss the opportunity to deepen those relationships by failing to follow up.
Within a week of the conference, reach out to those you met. While LinkedIn is a valuable tool for follow-up, don’t overlook email, as not everyone uses it. Personalize your message by referencing your conversation. For example, you might say, 'It was great meeting you at [conference name]! I enjoyed our discussion about [specific topic] and would love to continue the conversation.'
Set reminders to check in with your most engaging new connections every few months. Keep it simple by sharing articles related to their work or providing your career updates. You can also add value by sending relevant articles, webinars, or making introductions. Engage with their social media posts, comment on their updates, and celebrate their achievements.
As Keith Ferrazzi highlights in Never Eat Alone, these small efforts—what he calls "pinging"—are essential for keeping relationships warm. If there’s genuine mutual interest, invite your new contacts to a virtual call or suggest meeting in person if you’re in the same area. The goal is to stay in touch without being bothersome. Remember, some relationships will deepen while others may not, and that’s okay.
Conferences are an excellent way to build meaningful professional relationships, but you don’t have to approach networking in a one-size-fits-all way. By setting clear goals, preparing thoughtfully, and engaging in ways that feel comfortable, you can create lasting connections that extend well beyond the conference. When you focus on networking in a way that feels right for you, putting yourself out there becomes easier, more enjoyable, and ultimately more rewarding.
Dr. Uzoma F. Obidike is a Career Transition Coach and founder of She Leads Beautifully. Her mission is to teach women in stagnant careers how to tap into their networks to access dream career opportunities. Dr. Uzoma's expertise extends to her role as a career development professional at National Louis University, where she prepares college students for their successful career journeys. Beyond her professional roles, Dr. Uzoma enjoys spending time with her husband and 4-year-old daughter, listening to podcasts, and playing The Sims 4.
What was your inspiration for this piece/pieces?
I purchased an abandoned house from the City of Gary in 2015 and transformed it into an art studio where I enjoy oil painting, making mosaics and melting various plastics into forms. After acquiring and cleaning up the adjacent abandoned property, the entire project slowly revealed itself to be a huge public art installation. The house is private but the garden is open to the public during the day. My hope is that it inspires curiosity and the belief that we can do better,
