WILD MAG #1 June 2022: Rhonda Swan

ISSUE 01 I june 2022

20

women to watch in 2022 why women make better entrepreneurs tronus breaks new ground in the sportswear market how to become a wild author

MASTERING THE FEMALE MATRIX

rhonda swan // swank a posh // iceshaker // beauty kitchen

volume 1 / june 2022

Publisher Rhonda Swan Editor In Chief Nigel Simmonds Creative Director Stuart Sullivan Graphic Design Adi Mika Sales & Marketing Brian Swan President UBA (Bali) Neleke McDermott Las Vegas Representative Heather Marianna Los Angeles Representative AJ Schmidt NYC Representative James Clark

Rhonda Swan photographed by Ryerson

Unstoppable Branding Agency 7940 Front Beach Road #1126 Panama City Beach, Florida 32407, USA Email: support@unstoppablebrandingagency.com Tel: +1 (808) 746-7466

Anselmo for Costes Portrait. www.costesportrait.com

© No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

WILD Magazine is published by the

France, America, and more) in related

women everywhere. As a child, Rhonda

unleashing their voice is of paramount

Unstoppable Branding Agency, a

fields such as digital marketing,

grew up in a turbulent home and

importance in order to attain success.

forward-thinking public relations and

graphic design, UI/UX, and content

struggled with her self-image and an

branding company based in Bali with

production as well as publishing. For

eating disorder that lasted for almost

This is the launch issue of WILD

influence and followers internationally.

its employees, degrees are not the

10 years.

Magazine, a publication which seeks to

prerequisite – instead, it is experience,

leverage the company’s faith in women

UBA utilizes storytelling, SEO, and

knowledge, and skill which matter to

When she overcame her struggles,

and their partners across all countries

brand messaging to grow its clients’

the company.

Rhonda realized that she wanted

and nationalities.

to help other women achieve the

personal branding. It employs experts from all over the world (from

Unstoppable Branding Agency was

same success. The drive behind the

We feel privileged that you are taking

countries such as Malaysia, New

founded upon Rhonda Swan’s firm

Unstoppable Branding Agency is to

the time to read our publication, it

Zealand, Germany, the UK, Singapore,

belief in the importance of empowering

empower women by showing them that

makes what we do so worthwhile.

so here WE are IT’s been a wild couple of years, and yet a collection of innovators and instigators who are leading on the world stage to redefine traditional power structures and forge lasting impact in every industry and sphere of influence have emerged.

They’re using their power and their platforms to scale global business, solve the world’s most intractable issues, transform cultural narratives and make significant strides toward advancing equality.

Their accomplishments are formidable on their own, and even more so given how difficult it can be to establish inroads into industries and job titles long-dominated by men, especially in tech, online marketing, PR, defense, venture capital, and Hollywood.

Over the past 10 years, the ability to create influence and power has evolved – and this is especially true for women. We’ve witnessed an unprecedented groundswell of momentum that’s upended traditional power structures and ignited a global reckoning around gender inequities.

Social media continues to break down traditional barriers to power.

Women leaders are now paying their power forward, with the advancement of gender equity at the forefront, rather than a footnote, of their efforts.

As we continue to the close of the current decade, how has women’s power advanced over the past 10 years? Where have we seen the biggest strides made? And where is the most work still be done?

Women Gone Wild authors are going to crack that question open.

It’s time to crack this open.

Rhonda Swan, CEO Unstoppable Branding Agency

4

contents

28 20 Adriana MONIQUE Alvarez

BLAIR KAPLAN Life began with the word, and so it continues for storyteller Blair Kaplan Venables.

industry. Read on ...

DANA KAY

epigenetic code to reprogram for your best life.

this gifted guru for setting new

32

standards in modern treatment.

Heather Marianna

22

Heather is all about her all-natural, plant-based skincare product line, Beauty Kitchen, which delivers a

DIANA WENTWORTH

luxurious at-home spa experience

Diana Wentworth is the

affordable price.

with simple ingredients at an

powerhouse behind the Chicken

tarryn reeves Entrepreneur and go-getter tarryn Reeves built a thriving publishing business with a little help from the universe ... and a series of soaring eagles.

6

Rhonda Swan

48

She’s the powerhouse mother to

SHAR MOORE

much more. Rhonda’s story is one

Female-forward companies like

new life of freedom that’s led her to

Feminessence – created by Shar

a position of gratitude.

Hanalie and wife to Brian ... and so of overcoming adversity to create a

communities of women leaders.

shares with us her secrets for a

24

60

Moore – revolve around building

Soup For The Soul series. Here she best-selling book launch.

Genevieve Searle helps break your

with ADHD, you can thank

author and business consultant transforming the book publishing

44

genevieve searle

If you’re a child or parent struggling

Wall Street Journal bestselling Adriana Monique Alvarez is

56

Check out her story in WILD

38 Why women make the best entrepreneurs It’s not news to us, but there’s a thousand reasons why women make better players in the business and entrepreneurship world than men.

Here’s a few of them.

Magazine ...

66 EBONY SWANK

52

She saw a gap in the market based

LEAH STEELE

innate business savvy. And then

Say hello to The Wealth Witch Leah Steele, and change your paradigm from the old news set to something more befitting your goals.

on her own experience and her built Swank A Posh.

contents

82

98

barbie layton

MICHELLE BELTRAN

Want to boost the global economy by $5 trillion? Support women.

She’s the perfect mix of science and

Starting a remote business is no

women better access to investment

beauty ... Taryn uses vibrational

easy thing ... the biggest factor in its

knowledge to advance your goals.

success is you.

70 taryn lee

The Frequency of Gratitude ... it’s time to fall in love with yourself again says Barbie Layton.

88

Guys, it aint rocket science. Give funds and let us get on with it.

84 76 Ania Halama Ania carved out a life as a nomadic

karen whelan Karen builds networks and develops friendships that help overcome negative limitations to let you bloom.

world traveler ... and now she teaches others how to do it too.

90

102

Stefanie BRUNS

WILD NETWORK

Psychology meets experience for

Check out who’s in your support

this mentor in life and business.

network and what they are doing

Meet Stephanie Bruns...

in each of their channels. Let’s get Wild!

86 78

KORTNEY MURRAY

April Ryan

people, says Coastal kapital’s

Build an empire with your favorite Kortney Murray.

Hands down the most interesting nail artist who overcame an impoverished childhood to blossom

96 camberly gilmartin Here’s why getting off your device and returning to nature can help reshape your future.

in the world of beauty.

9

network news

PULLING AT THE HEART STRINGS A NEW charity venture is bringing

Being a Mother, and living on Bali

music to the ears of underprivileged

for the last six years, Rhonda’s

children in Bali.

heartstrings were pulled when she learned that there are thousands of

“The Heart Strings Project is a vision

children living on the streets and

created by musician Ryan Whitewolf

dumpster sites on Bali and hundreds

and myself,” said co-founder

in orphanages needing help.

Rhonda Swan, “after a conversation we had about the impact music and frequency can have on the development of the human spirit,

“We wanted to do something, so when myself and Ryan learned about S.O.S Children’s Villages

especially children.”

Bali and their work we presented

“Essentially we were looking

of a charity initiative to help give

to empower orphaned and underprivileged children in Bali with the gift of music, potentially giving them a skill to support themselves in the future, and a tool to express themselves and transform their emotions into art,” she added.

Ryan Whitewolf has personal experience to draw on. “I was fostered and taken away from my mother at the age of six weeks old, so this is definitely a heartfelt project for me,” he said. “My experience brought up a lot of emotions and music helped me transmute those emotions into depths of beauty within, so I wanted to give that opportunity to others.”

an idea to the King of Kerambitan orphaned kids the chance to play and learn music. The Heartstrings Project was born,” she said.

The venture’s first fund-raising event brought in close to $20,000.

The funds went to purchase new instruments for the Sundaram String, a local string quartet that has pledged six months of guitar and violin lessons for S.O.S children.

The program will focus on a curriculum based on old traditional Balinese songs, recomposed.

All online sales of Women Gone Wild: The Feminine Guide To Fearless Living are donated to charity, including the Heart Strings Project. www.heartstringsprojects.com

Top: Ryan Whitewolf. Above: The Swan family.

10

network news

GO WILD

IF the book series Chicken Soup

Women Gone Wild: The Feminine

one, as well as Diana Wentworth, a

unconditionally, or Yamilca

for the Soul and Vogue had a baby,

Guide to Fearless Living share an

New York Times best-selling author

Rodriguez, a world traveler,

it would be the new book called

unapologetic approach to living life

who was the first co-author to ever

adaptation expert and freelance

Women Gone Wild. Among its

on their own terms.

publish with Mark Victor Hansen

builder of businesses, these women

and Jack Canfield in the Chicken

are all overachievers in every sense

Soup for the Soul book series.

of the word.

Tremper O’Brien, a retired attorney

Not only is Swan the owner of the

You may be intrigued and

and self-described country club

Unstoppable Branding Agency,

rightfully so. In a recent interview,

wife working on her second act

and the founder and driver of this

Leah Steele, another co-author,

as an artist and thought leader, to

book, but she is the proud mother

spoke about what being a wild

These ladies have “gone wild”.

Ondi Laure, a Wyoming rancher

of Hanalei, who also co-authored

woman meant to her. She said:

overseeing hundreds of cattle

the book at just 14 years old,

“As women, we are programmed

Rhonda Swan, one of the original

who has recently married and

exhibiting wisdom beyond her years

and conditioned to contain our

founders of the movement, defines

just released her first novel after

as a regular speaker in front of

wild feminine nature. We are

“wild” as fearless living, while

discovering her inner writer.

hundreds and even thousands.

continually told to be quieter, less

There’s also Isabel Fagan, a onetime

Whether it’s Kathi Tait, who has

California pageant queen and

been branded the bald woman

aspiring actress who turned editor-

warrior with tattoos in several

in-chief of her own magazine and

places (including her head) and

publisher of books, including this

has helped women love themselves

diverse co-authors, the youngest is a teenager and the oldest is in her 70s.

These women live in half a dozen countries on half the continents around the world and come from all walks of life. So, what exactly is the one thing they all have in common?

another co-author Jodi Vetterl attributes it to being a free spirit.

Regardless of their personal takes on the concept, all 22 co-authors behind the No. 1 best-selling book

The book features an eclectic cast of women writers, from Sandra

emotional and more ladylike. This creates fear around showing our authentic selves. I have spent years deconstructing my programming and conditioning around what it

13

network news

join the club.

means to be a woman. Today I am

Path,” Loretta Wetzel on “Giving

she was working on a personal

the Feminine Leader. It wasn’t until

free from the social constructs

Gratitude” and Celinne Da Costa on

passion project behind the scenes

Swan and Fagan had rounded up the

that attempt to contain me and

“Courageous Not Fearless.” Anniece

coincidentally called Women Writing

first few chapters that he pitched

extinguish my flame. I show up

Acker offers words on “True

Wild.

the controversial title, Women Gone

fully and unapologetically.”

Awareness,” while Vetterl takes on

Kendra Davies, another co-author

and Allison Lewis explores “The

Speaking about her involvement, Wentworth said, “I don’t usually

Wild, to capture the free-spirited and unapologetic outlook each coauthor exhibited.

Authenticity Effect.”

write forewords for books, nor have I co-authored in any major capacity

Although Swan loved it, the two

Among the other fascinating

since the Chicken Soup for the Soul

knew the title could potentially be

powerful tool I have in serving

reads, there’s Bella Lane’s “Purity

series, but when David, a close

a little too edgy. The first meeting

others. From an eating disorder to

Consciousness,” Katrina Sawa’s “The

friend, told me what Rhonda, Isabel

for the book had more than a few

addiction to homelessness, my life

Power of Focus,” Camille Robb’s

and all of these women were doing,

women co-authors questioning

was going up in flames fast. Still,

“Education Is Opportunity” and

I was fascinated. When I heard

the direction, but in the end, they

that fire forged something different

Allison Larsen’s “Fem-Intuition.”

the name of the book and I knew I

gave Swan their trust. And, thank

as I let it burn something newer

Lilith Moon, a shamanic healer

was meant to be a part of this. As

goodness they did. Women Gone

and brighter. Sober for 21 years, I’m

and teacher, is also featured in a

a matter of fact, I haven’t been this

Wild is now a series of events and a

now a wholehearted mother and

chapter that talks nothing short of

excited about a book series since

network — with more books in the

successful business owner living

saving the world, and Doria “DC”

Chicken Soup for the Soul. There

works.

without fear knowing I can rise

Cordova wrote the chapter “The

really is something special about it

again and again from the ashes like

New Definition of Wealth,” which

and I’m excited to be a part of future

the phoenix of old.”

has been turned into her own book

editions as well.”

Fagan for USA Today. Women Gone

Another interesting side note

www.wgwbook.com.

of the book, said: “We rarely start out as wild women and I am no exception. My story is the most

In each of their respective chapter,

14

the “Reclamation of Discovery,”

releasing soon.

co-authors share their stories

As luck would have it, when David

was the original name of this

and inspiring insight, including

T. Fagan called to pitch Wentworth

women’s anthology was supposed

Kathy Gibson on “Discovering the

to write the foreword for the book,

to be Design to Lead: The DNA of

This article was created by David T Wild is available on Amazon or visit

network news

TRONUS

Santia Deck.

“I JUST think about all the young

owned by a professional female

Instead of tabling her passion and

sells athletic footwear, apparel,

people, especially girls and people

athlete. Santia, who was at one point

drive, Santia once again made a

equipment and private-label

of color, who will see this as proof

an Olympic hopeful, had learned to

major pivot after learning that the

merchandise for numerous sports.

that impossible dreams can come

channel dashed dreams into fuel for

pandemic would delay the WFLA’s

The company was founded in

true,” says Tronus CEO Santia Deck

an even bigger impact.

first season. She and her mother,

1980, went public in 1995, and has

Cynthia Cureton-Robles, launched

operated as Foot Locker’s direct mail division since 1996.

in the wake of yet another milestone partnership secured to sell her

After learning that the rugby route

Tronus during the height of the

futuristic footwear brand.

she’d started after college might

crisis. The demand for the first shoes

not pan out as she hoped, Santia

they offered for pre-order crashed

Owner, Santia Deck spent several

This disruptive start-up began taking

turned her sights to American-style

their website in the first 24 hours.

years developing the sleek futuristic

pre-orders when it launched in July

football. No clear path for women in

of 2020. The company created a buzz

this heavy contact sport existed, but

“I may not get any medals,” says

to your foot, creating an almost

and made a name for itself while

Deck was determined.

Deck, “but I get to show everyone

euphoric ‘walking on air’ experience.

that their dreams can bring home

The bold look draws you in, and the

the gold.”

feel will get you hooked. Tronus,

customers anxiously waited for the first-ever boxes of Tronus sneakers

Fast forward to the top of 2020, when

to arrive on their doorsteps. Now,

Santia was awarded a multi-million-

customers of all ages – including

dollar deal to play the sport she

This is the type of determination

reminder that we are all worth the

celebrity supporters – are becoming

loved with the newly formed WFLA.

that landed Santia a seat at the table

royal treatment.

loyal Tronus fans.

Santia had made history and a new

with one of the largest retailers

lane for herself all at once, and then

in the world, Eastbay, a sporting

the pandemic began.

goods mail-order company that

Tronus is the first sneaker company

16

sock-top sneaker designed to mold

which means throne, is a timely

www.tronusofficial.com

Beauty Brand Coaching By Heather Marianna Want to start your own beauty

my skincare brands public, I can

because I was constantly being

The accelerator program is open

brand? Beauty Kitchen’s founder

give you the coaching, motivation,

approached by people – celebrities

to anyone. “We provide everything

and CEO Heather Marianna has

and map to success that you’ll need

or our customers – who asked me

they need. I guide them through the

started a program to teach and

as you create your dream skincare

for advice about how to start their

preliminary stages of developing

help women succeed in the beauty

line. With me as your go-to girl

own beauty brand,” said Heather.

the brand, from sourcing and

business. “We’ve helped over 100

on all things skincare (branding,

brands launch through our private

marketing and manufacturing), I

“I already have the manufacturing

manufacturing, all the way to

label and bra Heather Marianna

can turn your ideas into a reality.”

and marketing capabilities in place,

marketing and selling.

formulation of their products,

so I provide full, turn-key coaching

and incubator program and we can Along with running two successful

that can get someone started from

businesses, Heather also runs a

conception to production and retail.

“From someone who started reading

brand incubator and accelerator

That can really go a long way in

skincare articles in magazines as a

program. “I started the brand

getting someone off the grounds

ten to someone that’s taking one of

incubator ad accelerator program

with their own product line.

help you.”

www.beautybrandcoaching.com

Amigos Of Costa Rica When people travel to Costa Rica, they arrive with visions of rainforests, monkeys, and tropical beaches. As they travel the country, however, they encounter a treasure that is perhaps more beautiful than that sunset over the Pacific: the friendliness and kindness of Ticos.

By the time they are heading back to Juan Santamaria to fly home, just about every tourist feels as though they’ve made a friend in Costa Rica.

Is it any wonder then that so many people want to help out in what is one of the poorest countries in the world? Many who have visited as tourists have established great friendships among the locals in Costa Rica – yet the eternal question is: how best to help? One way is through

Amigos of Costa Rica, which helps you find the best way to support the cause that most interests you. With over 20 years’ experience, they help connect you with vetted non-profit solutions.

These are no slouches: in 2020 Amigos of Costa Rica raised over $4 million for the second year in a row. Increasing from 1,500 to 5,000 donors, more and more people engaged in supporting the nonprofits of Costa Rica during the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

All online sales of Women Gone Wild: The Feminine Guide To Fearless Living are donated to charity, including Amigos of Costa Rica. www.amigosofcostarica.org

17

young guns

“TIMES are changing.”

There have long been debates about what

were particular about monitoring Hanalei’s

be when you grow up”? And most times, people

personal growth.

are asked when they are done with a particular

Two years before Hanalei was born, her mother

people accept the notion of classroom teaching

had vowed that she wasn’t going to be the

– a form of conventional education we’re all

constantly busy mom whose child practically

But for Hanalei, the case was different. At seven

used to. But is it the only way?

lived in daycare. Rhonda decided she would

she was asked what she wanted to be at that

leave her corporate job and start her own

moment. The question expanded her horizon

business alongside her husband.

and changed her perspective on the possibilities

The rate of school drop-outs is increasing by the day. In the United States alone, over 1.2

School.

she could explore. She realized she didn’t have

million students drop out of high school every

“I made a vow to her that I would never put her

year. That’s around 7,000 students each day. It

in daycare, and planned her birth with a perfect

would be foolish to believe that conventional

system. The thought of going back to a 9-5 and

education is for everyone.

putting my daughter in daycare crushed my

“When I was seven years old, my mum recorded

soul ... we wanted to raise her from experience,”

a video of me on a beach in Costa Rica telling

Rhonda says.

her that I wanted to be a fashion designer and

Hanalei Swan is the author of How To Be & Raise An Unstoppable Kid, written after her parents took her travelling around the world at the age of just one in a bid to start a digital nomad life.

Homeschooled and now aged 15, she is a fashion designer, author and entrepreneur who’s life defies the idea that conventioanl education is the only way to go.

to wait to pursue her dreams. Then and there at the age of seven, she started her fashion brand.

an artist,” says Hanalei. “But I think my parents The couple decided to start a digital nomad life

never imagined that my passion would evolve

after the real-estate bubble of 2008 when they

the way it did. To many, I am a different kid

lost almost everything. With two laptops and

because I’ve grown up differently from most

surfboards in hand, they took a leap of faith to

children, but to me it’s pretty unusual. Every

tread a new career path.

day of my life has been an adventure, and there was always space for creativity. I believe these

Hanalei says: “I was one year old when I started

experiences have become part of who I am and

Homeschooling As An Expat Kid

travelling. I left the USA to go abroad with my

why I have am both an artist and a designer.”

The idea of homeschooling dates back to the

not from the pages of a book. Plus, my Mom

1970s, and yet it has stayed relevant till the present day. The essence of homeschooling can’t be underestimated, as a child’s development is carefully monitored through different stages of learning. The child is also shielded from bullies and negative relationships that may dampen their self-esteem.But then,

parents. They wanted me to learn from real life, wanted to be the main influence in my life over having someone else raise me every day”, she

Hanalei went to school in every country they

bounce back from shortcomings and know how

visited, but only for a short time. She says: “Most people think I have grown up differently than other kids my age but I think it’s pretty

For sure it remains a mainstay, mainly because

Brazil, Panama, Peru, Mexico, Spain, the USA

the curve for each individual is different. Some

and Indonesia. I’ve had the opportunity to

may choose to not attend school and still be

see some incredible places and meet amazing

successful. Others may attend school and be

people.”

normal. I’ve attended schools in countries like

Rhonda says: “Our daughter Hanalei has more stamps in her passport than most adults, and

With homeschooling, the possibilities are

she is seeing and doing things that she would

endless. And such is the case of Hanalei Swan,

have only ever learned about in a textbook”.

the founder of HS styles – an eco-friendly and sustainable fashion brand she started at the age of 11. Her parents, Rhonda and Brian Swan decided to not put her into daycare but instead have her learn through life experience. They

No career path is ever entirely smooth, as there are both rainy and sunny days. Hence,

can conventional school be ruled out?

depends on the abilities of each child.

Against The Odds

says.

better off than their peers who didn’t. It all

18

phase of life, or when they are done with High

education is and is not. And for the most part,

as a career chaser, it’s necessary to be able to to prevent such occurrences in future.

Overcoming difficulties or shortcomings in career paths helps to grow a thick skin against such happenings in the long run. It also fuels the dream, which allows more room for growth.

Hanalei says: “My passion has always been art and fashion. My goal is to help women and young girls love themselves and feel beautiful in their skin. I have always wanted to help people. And that’s exactly what my message and collection will do. Make people happy. I want to inspire women and young girls to live their

“So, what do you want to be now?”

dreams now.”

The stereotypical way of asking what anyone

www.hanaleiswan.com

wants to be in life is often “what do you want to

hanalei fashion designer hanalei swan has defied convention and built a successful fashion brand - aged 15.

swansong.

19

publishing

Adriana

Wall Street Journal bestselling author and business consultant Adriana Monique Alvarez is transforming the book publishing industry into a place where female entrepreneurs can claim their stake.

a publishing tour de force

20

AS a long-time digital business coach, Adriana

publishing house is 68 years old. She was

“Teaching people how to hit number one on

Monique Alvarez is not in the habit of waiting

a minister her entire life until she saw the

Amazon is not the point. The point is that

for permission to seize an idea and develop

opportunity and knew that releasing a book

through this process, a client figures out who

it. Several years ago, she identified hundreds

was the next phase. Another lady was recently

they are, what they stand for, and why they are

of her clients talking about writing their

diagnosed with a brain tumor, and she wanted

doing this work. Through the writing, editing,

books and saw they needed someone to show

to do something big for herself and leave a

and launching, you are building a community

them how to do it. The concept of helping

legacy for her children, and her business went

that likes what you are doing, and that

women move into publishing as entrepreneurs

straight up.”

community helps you grow your business and sell your service. It is a legacy and can create

triggered her to launch her own publishing house, Adriana Monique Alvarez (AMA). It has

Adriana’s twelve years as a world-leading

generational wealth from women who are seen

become an immensely successful publishing

business coach and consultant have a strong

and heard and tell people why it matters. That

company that has established more than 120

connection with the publishing industry. Here

is what I do,” she says.

bestselling authors within two years.

is what she had to say about how she is making a positive impact within the industry. “When I

Compiling and distributing an impactful

Professional women claim vast swathes of

look at something, industry or business sector,

message is easier said than done. When

employment in the book publishing industry,

I take a forensic lens and see the gaps to be

discussing how profitable a book launch can

encompassing editors, agents, marketing,

filled. I examine how books establish authority

be, some graduates have netted $75,000 from

and accountants. However, it is still a male-

for the writer and where to position their story,”

a single book launch and can earn a monthly

dominated industry, with female publishing

she says.

revenue ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 abound.

She marries publishing and finding niche

Adriana Monique Alvarez has tutored more

Adriana Monique’s mission is to change the

holes that are waiting to be filled by her savvy

than 2,500 women, and their stories are often

status quo. She is already rattling the cage of

graduates, who include ordinary women doing

deeply personal. She understands that trauma,

the old model where agents and publishers

crucial things such as life coaches, healers,

abuse, and tragedy can lead a person to

throw out more negativity in rejections than

therapists, and business consultants. Thus, she

discover their path from her own experience.

they do to support writers. She does not

helps create an entirely new business from a

subscribe to the concept of a starving artist and

book.

percentages being as low as 23.3%.

Adriana experienced her terrible loss with the stillbirth of her baby daughter, Nina, while she

actively works against it.

“The publishing world has never nurtured

was traveling in Albania at the age of 40.

“On the backend of a book, I teach my clients

entrepreneurs as clients to turn a book into

how to promote high-end services that generate

a growth business. That industry is only

“I saw that I could grow life and create life.

hundreds of thousands of dollars off the back

concerned with sales,” Adriana says.

Now I had that experience of doing the same with death. Nina was the biggest gift that I

of that book through coaching and public speaking. Books can produce generational

She believes that when authors pitch to an

have ever had. She gave me the full spectrum

income that is a lasting legacy. My clients are

agent or publishers, they wait so long that they

of experience. I know what it means to go

not content to let self-help gurus like Tony

end up feeling they are not good enough and

through loss and to be heartbroken. Having all

Robbins be the only one on the stage.”

have nothing worthy to say.

the success and optimism in the world is only

By running their own publishing companies,

“People do have something important to

all part of the picture. My daughter came and

AMA’s students overcome the traditional

contribute, and I show them how to skirt

is still with me. I am taking women through

hurdles presented by the old publishing model.

the traditional system and make it happen.

a deep process, and if I hadn’t swum in those

Our method has nothing in common with

deep waters myself, I couldn’t do it,” Adriana

“I have had many hugely successful women

vanity projects rather than self-publishing to

adds.

who I have mentored, and it crosses a full

create the vehicle my client needs to launch a

spectrum of society. I have coached Millennials

business.”

As a publisher, AMA now accepts only

projecting their businesses at seven figures for

Adriana is frustrated by the common belief

Times bestselling authors. However, Adriana

the end of this year. These women caught the

that reaching number one on Amazon’s best

generously funnels new talent to her graduates

vision and have run with it. They are go-getters,

sellers list is the end game. She knows how to

that have already built successful publishing

and they are on fire.”

get to the top of the list, but she believes that is

and coaching businesses. The circle of women

just part of the journey to success and financial

empowering women continues.

part of the picture. Grief, sorrow, and loss are

established Wall Street Journal or New York

from corporate backgrounds who are now

Adriana also had this to say about some of her students: “My oldest student to start a

freedom. www.adrianamoniquealvarez.com

21

publishing

LADY DIANA DIANA WENTWORTH IS THE POWERHOUSE BEHIND THE CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL SERIES. HERE SHE SHARES WITH US HER SECRETS FOR A BEST-SELLING BOOK LAUNCH.

Adding A Unique Edge To Your Sales Funnel

Often overlooked and assumed to be a complex,

strategy being a success. The first is utilizing a

time-consuming process, writing a book and

precise timing window to ensure the Amazon

a best-selling book isn’t something many

algorithms are optimized within the first 48-72

Every high-converting funnel begins by knowing

entrepreneurs consider. However, few things

hours. Niche category selection is the second key

the problem it aims to solve and clearly speaking

compare in terms of gaining credibility in your

component with the importance being placed

to it with targeted copy, and a lead generation

niche, and one could argue that becoming a best-

here on doing your research. Find categories

piece. This is where your book comes in. Your

selling author is the best unique strategy to reach

with minimal competition at the time of launch

book serves as the bridge your ideal clients will

millions of new customers.

to repeatedly ensure a better chance of hitting

walk between points A to Z. Consumers are

number one in that category. Thirdly, the process

demanding more value upfront, and the addition

Co-authoring a best-selling book is a noteworthy

of intentional collaboration prioritizes careful

of a book to your funnel will give it an edge over

achievement by any standard. From a business

consideration with whom you co-author your

your competition.

perspective, it is one that has been shown to

book, knowing that if there is a unified topic,

dramatically increase brand credibility and

albeit in different niches, increases the chances

Beyond the importance of writing in a way that

sales funnel conversations. A recent study led by

of far greater sales in the first 48-72 hour best-

evokes an immediate emotional connection with

‘Grammar Factory’, showed that entrepreneurs

selling window.

the reader, having a water-tight strategy and team to support you in pulling off your book launch

increased their earnings by 34% after having their work published.

The fourth is including an affiliation program,

will immediately increase your brand credibility,

encouraging affiliates to support your launch is a

along with sales and opportunities for further

Diana Wentworth is the author of seven best-

lucrative way to leverage book sales and it allows

collaborations across a range of media streams.

selling and award-winning books. Wentworth

you to offer exclusive bonuses for their clients as

was invited to collaborate with Jack Canfield and

an incentive.

Guide, with four of her books consistently

Mark Victor Hansen on two of their best-selling books in the series, Chicken Soup for the Soul,

Alexa West, the founder of The Solo Girl’s Travel

Increase Your Brand Credibility & Searchability

reaching top-five best-sellers in their niche, West says: “If your goal is to be famous, you’ll never

which has since sold over 500 million copies.

Your reputation will precede you. A best-selling

be a bestselling author. On the contrary, if your

She recently wrote the foreword of Women Gone

book amplifies your reach, extends your network,

goal is to write books that solve a problem for

Wild: The Feminine Guide to Fearless Living which

and boosts your revenue. Generally, a co-author

thousands of readers, best-seller status will come

tugged on the heart-strings of women all over the

cohort will consist of upwards of 12 authors,

easily as readers share your solution and your

world. Creating a platform for co-authors means

multiplying your network many times over. The

book with anyone and everyone who will listen.”

building a community, to Diana being part of

more that people search your name, search the

a female movement was a purposeful mission

book title, share it on social media, and engage

With an impervious best-selling book strategy

to bring together the authors and inspire the

in the comments, the more your searchability

coupled with the means to create a leveraged

readers. “People aren’t inspired by the things you

increases. Your brand will commence ranking in

community, businesses who add this edge to

have done, they are inspired by how you make

keyword searches for your niche, search engines

their content repertoire and brand profile will see

them feel,” Wentworth shared.

and social algorithms will push your content and

new demand for their products and services.

website up in the feed.

Within 72-hours of launching the book, it hit

www.chickensoup.com

multiple best-selling categories on Amazon and

One of Diana’s co-authors and a best-selling

is now preparing its second volume. Wentworth

author herself, Kendra Davies shared how having

shares her strategies and the advantage she

her anthology piece published catapulted her

found in becoming a best-selling author.

brand into an area of people with more notoriety.

“Writing a book with other authors really allowed

The Elements To A Successful Book Launch

me to lean in and feel supported, without competition. It also made the process of writing

There are four key elements to consider in

which can otherwise be challenging, much

strategizing a best-selling book launch on

easier,” Davies said.

Amazon, the first step being critical to the entire

22

This article first appeared in Forbes magazine.

soul sister diana wentworth.

23

publishing

tarryn reeves built a thriving publishing business ... with a little help from the universe.

FOR some people, childhood inclinations are like powerful magnets to

The Struggles Of Young Adulthood

the mind – you can’t run away from them. Imagine the kid who won all the races going on to become a world-class athlete. The neighborhood

When Reeves was an eight-year-old girl growing up in Harare, Zimbabwe,

songbird landing massive record deals at 18. The unofficial ballet teacher

she launched her first “business” running a small library for the

launching a dance studio fifty years later.

neighborhood kids. She’d charge her friends small sums to hire books, and being an ardent book lover herself, she believed there was a solid impact

It gets even more inspiring when the popular bookworm grows up to

in encouraging other kids to read.

become the CEO of a book publishing firm. Australian businesswoman and book coach, Tarryn Reeves, hadn’t taken a business or publishing

She later went on to college to acquire a criminology degree in Australia.

course in college. However, after years in the corporate world, she found

While studying, she took up a job handling management and procedures at

her way back to what she truly loved. Reeves is the founder and CEO of

the railway. However, it was a male-dominated field and the career hurdles

Four Eagles Publishing and The Publishing House Concierge, a publishing

eventually overwhelmed her.

firm committed to turning authors’ ideas into best-selling books to expand

24

their businesses and grow their foundations.

“I had a spectacular burnout,” Reeves recalls. “I had quit my high-flying

Reeves is a USA-Today bestselling author herself and has published over

PTSD, chronic depression, and major anxiety. This was also a result of

41 authors who attained best-selling status. Her journey to building a

being born in Zimbabwe, a war-torn country in Africa. Growing up there,

stronghold in the tricky industry of publishing was never easy, but a

I witnessed a lot of political violence and we lost pretty much everything.

faithful outlook made a world of difference.

We lost our homes, our farms, our livelihoods – everything. I was 15 at the

job overnight and I found myself in that dark hole, being diagnosed with

believe.

25

tarryn.

26

time when we fled to Australia.”

the road in front of me. They were different from the first one but I still wasn’t convinced. I stopped at my mom’s on the way home and in the

Eight years after she landed in Australia, from an outsider’s perspective,

living room she had National Geographic on and there was an eagle on the

Reeves seemed to be doing remarkably well for herself. She had a house,

screen. I was like, ‘Oh, okay, this is all I need’.

a car, and a six-figure job – everything society cumulatively terms “success”. However, her different diagnoses told a different story. After

Reeves quit marketing her coaching and virtual assisting business

quitting her first job, she got another roster management position in a

almost immediately. She set about making fresh business plans, laying

healthcare facility, but it didn’t work out and she was laid off, exactly one

out financial goals, writing, and publishing books intended to offer

week before she discovered she was pregnant.

straight-up information that people needed. She eventually launched the company and named it Four Eagles Publishing, a tribute to the universe

And then, her awakening began.

for making the leap of faith worth her while.

“Nobody would hire me because I was pregnant, even though they were

Forging Ahead

not allowed to say that,” Reeves narrates. “When I first found out I was going to have a child, the news just set this laser clarity and I told myself,

The major difference between people who achieve remarkable business

‘I’m not doing this anymore’. I didn’t want this to be the path that my

goals and others who stay average is simple – courage. It lies in the

daughter would have to face. It was not an acceptable way for a human

boldness to decide that this decision would be best for you, your family,

to live. As far as I know, we only get one chance at this. And there I was,

and the future you want to build.

doing it wrong. So I decided it was time to switch things up.”

Over time, Reeves has grown her business into a six-figure firm with Finding Her Path

a wide range of services including book coaching, writing, content creation, full publishing services, book marketing, and more. She runs a

As her pregnancy progressed, Reeves decided she was completely

team of dedicated people bringing authors to the limelight and fostering

done with not being in charge of her own life. Her daughter deserved

a community of best-selling creative minds.

better, and after she had her baby, it was time to step up and make some changes. She immediately realized that she could only service a finite

Reeves believes that one of the most powerful strategies to building a

number of clients at any time, so she expanded her business model into a

successful business is to ask oneself the important questions and receive

virtual assistance and web development agency.

foundational answers – the bits that truly matter. She recommends taking each step and breaking it down into smaller bits, to avoid getting

“I then got a bit bored,” says Reeves. “This was because there wasn’t much

overwhelmed by the enormity that is entrepreneurship.

to do as I would usually set all the systems up to run pretty much on their own. Then I added business coaching to my setup because I’m good at

“Okay, using my business as an example, I want to be bigger than Hay

that. I know how to help people break a big picture idea down into very

House one day. How do I get there? I need to build a team, have funnels

doable, implementable things.”

in place, and have something to sell. I need to position myself and have my brand message on point, right? If you look at it like that, it can seem

Everything was going well at the time, but Reeves still had a part of her

really overwhelming because there’s just too much to do. Well, it’s okay

yearning for something more. An opportunity came to invest heavily in

because it’s all long-term. We just have to break it down into parts. You

the publishing business and reconnect with her old love of books. Reeves

have to gradually put one foot in front of the other and this is how we get

considered the option but she was stuck at an impasse where she couldn’t

to where we need to be.”

decide which path to face – continue with the current business which now bored her or delve into a whole new world of possibilities.

Reeves admits that it won’t be an easy journey, no matter how passionate you are about the path you’ve chosen. You’d experience those peculiar

She needed a strong sign, and at that point, she let her faith in the

moments of frustration where anger seems like the only outlet. However,

universe take the wheel. She went down a road that most people wouldn’t

you do what you have to do and get your head back in the game. Also, you

have taken seriously, but in her case, it led to the birth of Four Eagles

can depend on your network because you will meet people along the way

Publishing.

who will become a part of your support system.

“The eagle is my spirit animal,” Reeves recalls of her remarkable

Reeves has a few words for aspiring authors: “If you’ve got a message,

revelation. “I said to the universe, ‘Okay, show me an eagle if I’m going

you’ve got something you want to pass on, even if it’s just one sentence a

to do this’. Eagles aren’t common where I live, and so I added, ‘You

day, a paragraph, you need to sit down and write it. Get started and work

have to show it to me within the next 24 hours.’ After that declaration,

toward finishing it.”

I went down the road to get food for my chickens. Suddenly, this huge eagle flies across the road in front of me, and I was like, ‘No, that’s just

www.tarrynreeves.com

a coincidence’. As I drove back home, two separate eagles flew across

27

storytelling

Blair BLAIR KAPLAN VENABLES HAS MADE STORYTELLING HER LEGACY

SOCIAL media has become indispensable. Telling your story is one

Learning The Art Of Storytelling

thing. However, telling it well is an undeniably powerful way to take a marketing strategy to the next level. Blair Kaplan Venables learned

Through the lens of truth-telling, your audience will relate to you

about the power of authenticity when utilizing storytelling resulted in

on a whole new level. Stories open up a direct line of conscious

her most profitable months in business yet.

communication with those impacted by the words, inspiration, and information you are sharing.

Storytelling is an innate human ability, honed through thousands of years of human evolution. It was a way of passing down wisdom

Getting your story right is simply about sharing your truth, speaking

through generations and connecting people across the globe. In

to your life hurdles, and creating relatability and rapport between you

modern times, that connection translates to relatability, a cornerstone

and your audience.

in the most influential brands, companies, global leaders, and influencers.

While writing her #1 Bestselling Book, Pulsing through my Veins: Raw

Blair Kaplan Venables is a Social Media Marketing Expert, the

husband was rushed to hospital for an emergency quadruple bypass.

President of a British Columbia-based PR Agency, and best-selling

That challenge was followed by a miscarriage, the loss of her father-in-

author. Yahoo listed Blair as a top 10 social media expert to watch in

law, and the sudden passing of her mother.

2021 and is considered a pioneer in her industry. She brings 15 years of experience to her clients, helping them grow their followers into tens of thousands in just one month, increase their income, and win integrative marketing awards. Here are some of her best-kept secrets on how she does it:

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and Real Stories of Entrepreneurship, Blair lost her grandfather, and her

“In my darkest times, when I was burying my mom, I still wanted to show up. Speaking and sharing all of me, my humanness, and the pivots my business was being called into, called my people to me. It was the greatest gift during my grieving. To know that my voice and

“We all have a story and I empower you to share it with the world.”

29

“Being imperfectly human is the most magnetic thing you can do...”

30

my story were able to be of service. Serving allows us to get through

them voice messages, comment on their posts, and always reply to

anything. “We are in the age of conscious marketing and being

every comment on your posts.

imperfectly human is the most magnetic thing you can do in the online space of social media. Humanizing your content is what will

Pillar 7 - Realistic Goals: Build the roadmap to your vision, 12

set you apart from your competition.

months out. Break each year down into Personal, Health, and Professional Goals. Work backward, build out each macro and micro

The 7 Pillars Of Social Media Empowerment

map to ensure you know where you are going.

Setting yourself aside from common superficial trends is essential

Your Story Becomes Your Legacy

and Blair encourages people to identify how to build relationships with strangers. Blair explains her seven social media empowerment

Experiencing storytelling as a healing tool, Blair made it her mission

pillars within her programs to tell your story on social media from a

to empower others with their stories. She then founded the “I Am

marketing perspective.

Resilient Project”, an online community where users share their experiences overcoming life’s most challenging moments.

Pillar 1 - Edutain: Tell, don’t sell. Powerful stories are what connect and sell. “Social media is like your brochure. It’s like you are creating

It started from the journey she had with her father, who lives with

a space for your potential customers to window shop.”

addiction. They had a rocky relationship and reconciled. “And then a couple of years ago, I learned he was terminally ill. And now he’s at

Pillar 2 - Money: Ensure your story is reaching your niche. Set a daily

the end of his life, and we decided, telling our story helped us heal

budget with a minimum of $10/week to boost and advertise your

and was helping other people heal. I was like, let’s write a book. Let’s

content to a broader audience.

make this a legacy piece,” Blair shared.

Pillar 3 - Personas: Always know who you are writing the story for,

The mission to build this platform as a legacy for other inspirational

speak directly to that one person, and invite them to make contact

characters will now be printed in their upcoming hard-cover book,

with you.

featuring resilient stories from around the world.

Pillar 4 - Other Players: Know your competition, study them, get

“We all have a story and I empower you to share it with the world.”

curious about their offers, and use what is working for them as inspiration to innovate inside your own business.

www.blairkaplan.ca

Pillar 5 - Wins: Be a Peacock. Share your wins confidently and know that each time you do, the Law of Attraction is working in your favor.

Pillar 6 - Engagement: Humanize your social media, get out there and invest intentional time to connect with your audience. Send

31

secrets

KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

Heather Marianna skyrocketed to fame with her Beauty Kitchen YouTube series, in which she showcased simple DIY beauty recipes made with common kitchen household ingredients. Today she’s all about her allnatural, plant-based beauty and skincare product line, Beauty Kitchen, which delivers a luxurious at-home spa experience with simple ingredients at an affordable price.

We figured it was time for a chat.

32

heather’s secrets.

33

HEATHER, thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dive in, our readers would love to learn a bit more about you. Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

Growing up in California I had an innate awareness of healthy living that translated itself into a passion for beauty and skincare.

My grandmother who raised me encouraged my creativity and at a young age, I was already blending homemade face masks. In 2011, after relocating to Las Vegas I became a marketing consultant for a food and beverage company.

But as successful as I was in the position, I quickly realized that corporate work was not for me. Because I had helped a lot of friends with skin concerns with my natural recipes, they all encouraged me to produce my own skincare.

At that point, I realized I had been spending a fortune for years and all that time, I didn’t even really know about these chemical ingredients that I was putting on my skin. I began to seriously look into all-natural alternatives. In 2012, I launched my YouTube series where I demonstrated how to concoct beauty treatments using everyday ingredients anyone can find in their own kitchens.

In a few short months, my channel was drawing millions of views. I also began gifting close friends with some of my blends and everyone just loved them. I knew I wasn’t the only one who wanted all-natural beauty, and in 2013 I finally launched my own company, Beauty Kitchen by Heather Marianna.

Are you able to identify a “tipping point” in your career when you started to see success? Did you start doing anything different? Are there takeaways or lessons that others can learn from that?

That’s a difficult question to answer because success can mean a lot of different things to different people. Many equate success to

34

popularity like maybe celebrities using our brand or how many followers you have on Instagram.

For example, some of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills used our eye gels in their last couple of episodes, but that doesn’t necessarily translate as success. I do think I feel most successful when I see my products being used and our customers appreciate what they do for them.

None of us can achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person to whom you are grateful who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

My grandmother has always served as my most enduring inspiration because she has always supported my ambitions and encouraged me to be brave and go for my dreams. But I literally couldn’t do all of this alone. I remain grateful to all the people who helped me along the way to the people I work with day in and day out. Even those who have nothing to do with my work, friends and other personal relationships contribute to what I do. For instance, I’ll hear a friend complain about some kind of skin concern and I immediately start thinking of a solution and a new product.

And of course, there are the loyal customers as well as beauty industry reporters and others who have supported us and spread the word about the brand. I’m very blessed to have all of them.

The global beauty industry today has grown to more than half a trillion-dollar business. Can you tell us about the innovations that you are bringing to the industry? How do you think that will help people?

At the core of my brand is the use of natural ingredients. Much of our innovation lies in creating new and effective blends of ingredients that can provide the same, if not better, results than those expensive products loaded with chemicals and synthetics. But beyond that, we do find other relevant ways of making our customers’ lives easier. During the quarantine, for

baking hay while the sun shines.

35

example, we introduced an online scanning tool that allows people to customize their skincare from the comfort of home. Now that people are coming back to brick-and-mortar stores and wanting to get out and about, however, it hasn’t been used as much. But we never stop trying to come up with new ideas and new products.

One product we’re excited about is our new body masks as I want our customers to get more into skin tightening all over the body instead of focusing simply on the face.

out your best beauty. Personally, one thing that I need to start doing is taking my own advice.

Because lately, I realize I really need to get more sleep and drink more water. And yes, I do drink a lot of water but the sleep thing has been crazy for me lately as I haven’t been sleeping much. I also feel that affirmations and telling yourself that you’re worth it and you deserve it makes such a big difference as well. It works to feel beautiful from within and have it manifested outwardly.

Can you share 3 things that most excite you about the modern beauty industry?

Can you share “Five Things You Need To Know To Succeed In The Modern Beauty Industry”?

Please share a story or an example, for each.

*More and more people understand the importance of using natural, sustainable, cruelty-free products. *Fewer people are equating price with quality.

Not everyone can afford a $400 jar of face cream.

Just because it’s tingling doesn’t necessarily mean it’s working! *That there’s more work to be done to bring inclusivity into the industry – from within and in addressing customers. We are finally recognizing that people have different skin concerns and can and should have solutions that work for them.

Can you share 3 things that most concern you about the industry? If you could implement 3 ways to improve the industry, what would you suggest? *It would make a difference to have better oversight on ingredients and labelling. Better disclosures educate the industry and the customers. *There’s also this thing in the business where companies charge brands fake certifications that can mislead people into thinking those were gained by merit. And there doesn’t seem to be any oversight on those. *It comes down to how there are entities that can basically peddle products that are passed off as being effective when really they’re just snake oil.

You are a beauty expert. Can you share a few ideas that anyone can use “to feel beautiful”?

Unfortunately, whether by choice or circumstance, many of us still fail to understand how our well-being is tied to beauty. It all starts there. Taking care of yourself is how you bring

36

*You have to truly embody what your brand stands for – In beauty (like in fashion), you can’t just clock into work and then leave it all behind when it’s time to go home. It’s a way of life that should permeate your every day. You need to believe in what you’re doing and have an understanding of what the brand means to you because that’s the only way you can effectively communicate that message to your customers.

Don’t just believe your own hype. Use your own products! Get to know their strengths and weaknesses so you’re in the best position to sell them or make any kind of changes that might be necessary and ultimately for the better. *You need to possess a strong sense of determination – To succeed in the modern beauty industry I believe you need to be able to weather a lot of ups and downs. You need to realize that working with other people doesn’t mean they’re all going to be the nicest people in the world who want to work with you. And that’s okay. We all have our own agendas and priorities so with whatever triumphs you experience be just as gracious in accepting defeats. The key is not to give up and keep soldiering on. *Stay attuned with the entire industry – Keep your ear to the ground and be constantly up-todate with trends, changes, and innovations. Just because something isn’t there one day doesn’t mean it can’t be the next big rage the next day.

You don’t live in a bubble where you think your work is the only thing that matters. Sometimes, you can get inspiration or ideas from something that’s happening around you. And the industry itself is populated by creative individuals whose contributions may indirectly prompt you into new directions. *Be transparent – Any business has its share of

unsavoury people who are only in it to make a quick buck and they can often resort to all sorts of shady things to get what they want. If you want to maintain a consistent trajectory toward success, it is in your best interest to maintain a sense of honesty and integrity about what you are offering because those are the seeds that will reap the biggest rewards. *Keep your eye on the big picture ¬– Working day to day, it’s very easy to get lost in the details of the moment. Sure, you can spend days or weeks trying to solve a problem or create a product. But now and then you need to remind yourself why you’re doing what you’re doing and why you decided to do all this in the first place.

Certainly, it’s great to think that maybe someday the endgame is to have a major company buy you out so you can move to Africa and volunteer full time. But I also try to remember that I started this because I had bad skin and that in making my own facemasks, I came to understand how chemicals are often used as quick fixes that don’t necessarily deal with the real problem. And if I can make a difference in someone else’s life who’s had to deal with these kinds of problems then that’s good enough a reason for me.

Ultimately, making it in this business is far more complicated than most people realize – from conceiving proprietary formulas to sourcing and finding the right manufacturing facility. And that’s why I’ve started a Brand Incubator and Accelerator Program to help others who want to launch their own brands but don’t know where to begin. I’m including full turnkey coaching, retail-ready manufacturing, and making it affordable. I have nearly ten years of experience and I can help anyone in the program get onto wholesale sites, retailers, and so much more.

How can our readers follow you online?

On Instagram: @heathermarianna, @ beautykitchenboutique, @beautykitchenjunkie, @askheathermariannablog, @mariannanaturals Thank you so much for joining us. This was very inspirational.

First published in Authority Magazine in an interview with Jilea Hemmings. www.beautykitchen.net

beauty and confidence.

37

global trends

Why women make the best entrepreneurs We knew it all along.

DESPITE the entrepreneurship gap between men and women,

tends to make businesses more democratic and inclusive to

it is widely considered that women leaders in business have

everyone involved.

specific qualities that make them better entrepreneurs than men. If you go through business and entrepreneurship blogs

Women Are Not Afraid To Ask For Assistance Oftentimes,

and magazines, there is a recognition of female leadership

male business leaders will refrain from asking for assistance

being slightly different yet very effective. Why is that?

because they want to appear in control. Women, on the other hand, are more willing to understand that asking for

Women Don’t Take Unnecessary Risks Although risk-taking

assistance is better than making a mistake that can damage

is usually a defining quality of an entrepreneur, many

the enterprise. If women are unsure of something, they

business owners overestimate their ability to cope with

prefer to consult with experts who might guide them through

failure. Women, on the other hand, tend to second-guess

the process. Women are not afraid to put the needs of their

themselves. Although at times this may lead to hesitation,

business ahead of their ego, and that can make a tremendous

it also allows women to analyze the situations properly

difference.

before taking action. Rather than chasing any opportunity available to them, women leaders are more likely to choose

Women Leaders Are More Determined And Ambitious

an appropriate course of action. Yet, they actually take more

Although women are usually considered to be more

risks than men – just not unnecessary ones.

restrained than men, research suggests they are actually more determined and pursue their goals very seriously.

Women Want Everyone To Feel Included And Engaged

38

Women business leaders are more likely to include their

Perhaps because women know they will have to work twice

fellow co-workers and staff in decision making. They

as hard to achieve the same goals as men, when they decide

are usually more supportive and inclusive of people who

to invest in a business they really want to succeed. Also,

are making an effort to improve their work and are less

unlike men, women tend to boast less about their success and

judgmental, willing to accept different points of view to build

always think they can do better. This way, they keep pushing

a common vision shared by all. In short, women’s leadership

themselves to achieve their goals and beyond.

“It’s a bird...it’s a plane... “ 39

40

“A study that analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Dow Jones and the Harvard Business Review, among others, found that women-led businesses fare much better than men’s in key areas.”

disruption...

41

what’s your superpower?

42

“Women have a more holistic approach to success and are not solely focused on the numbers...”

Women Do More With Less Interestingly, because access to

provides a lot of women with the necessary flexibility to balance

finance and investments are so difficult for women, a study

work and family life. Furthermore, although women tend to

showed that women only need about half of what a man needs

have lower confidence than male entrepreneurs, once their

to start a business. Women are not willing to back down, even

businesses actually become successful they feel much happier.

if they have fewer resources (ok we are generalizing, but it

By feeling more confident about their abilities to achieve their

remains true). As female entrepreneurs are used to having less

goals, women’s happiness and self-esteem also improve. We

opportunities and money than men, they often come up with

should also keep in mind that starting a business is for many

different plans and strategies to guarantee they can still reach

women the only way possible to reach leadership roles, so the

their goals. Women-led businesses tend to earn less and be

lack of a “glass ceiling” for women entrepreneurs may also be

smaller, but women are not scared to start a business even if

important.

they know it will not be as large as they wished.

Yes, Women Are Better Entrepreneurs In 2021, a study that

Women Take A Long-term View For many men, the most

analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Dow Jones

important thing is to grow their business as quickly as possible.

and the Harvard Business Review, among others, found that

They are more susceptible to getting caught in short-term

women-led businesses fare much better than men’s in 5 key

goals, while women plan long-term. Women prefer to invest

areas:

in sustainable growth that generates revenue and that allows them to keep investing in their business, rather than hurrying the expansion of their enterprises. This focus on long-term planning might explain why women, despite having fewer opportunities and money, manage to keep their businesses afloat.

Women Define Success Differently For women, success is not only about profits, although it is obviously a major concern.

The legacy of their business for the next generation is very important for women to feel successful, as well as the social impact of their enterprises. This is one more reason why women generally make better social entrepreneurs and are more likely to start a social enterprise – it is not all just about the money. As such, women have a more holistic approach to success and are not solely focused on the numbers.

Women Entrepreneurs Are Actually Happier In the U.S., women entrepreneurs are actually happier than men. As

1. Female-owned firms generate higher revenues, while maleowned businesses have higher survival rates; 2. Female-owned firms create more jobs than their male-owned peers; 3. Women executives significantly improve startup company performance; 4. Women are more effective in Senior Leadership roles; 5. Women have a larger appetite for growth.

In short, women in business are more profitable, create more jobs and are more effective (woo-hoo!). Considering how much women still struggle to make it in entrepreneurship, this kind of data should contribute to key changes in policy-making to encourage more women to become their own bosses.

women tend to start businesses later in life, entrepreneurship

43

kids

To Dana Kay, founder and CEO of Our Road

things were great. He began to become a little

his behavior changed completely. This was a

to Thrive and the creator of the ‘ADHD Thrive

calmer. He started sitting and playing with his

massive step for my son, and we were so grateful

Method 4 Kids’ program, nothing mattered more

brother, and it seemed like we found our solution.

to see such drastic change,” she says. Motivated

than having a normal life. But as her son started

However, that didn’t last long. The doctor

and knowing there was more to the picture,

to grow, she realized that something was a little

increased the dose from 5mg to 10mg, and then

Kay took this as a sign to undergo functional

bit different with him.

15mg and again to 20mg.

lab testing. “We wanted to see just what was

Now a Board Certified Holistic Health and

But then, he couldn’t sleep. He started losing

Nutrition Practitioner, she’s dedicated to helping

weight. He started to get extremely anxious.

families reduce their children’s ADHD symptoms

Instead of halting the prescription, my son was

After a stool sample, the results indicated that

to restore calm and normalcy back into their

given even more drugs. They added another

not only did he have a parasite and candida

family life. But before she was able to help any

medication for his sleep problems and then a

overgrowth, he also had leaky gut,” Kay recalls.

other family, she first had to start with her son

booster dose for the afternoon as the other ADHD

Taking things further, Kay identified that her son

and herself.

medication started to wear off.

had compromised detoxification pathways and

Life Before the Journey

Don’t get me wrong; medication has its place.

“When I had my first child, I wasn’t always this passionate about nutrition and neurodevelopmental disorders. My field of expertise was far from it, in Business and Accounting. And for the longest time, I felt like a magician: I was effortlessly balancing a corporate career and a healthy family life. But when my son was 18 months old, and we moved from Australia to Singapore, I began to question whether there was something different with my son. He had an abnormal amount of energy compared to other kids and would have these huge tantrums frequently. I’d often ask his teachers whether this was normal for those his age, and they assured me, ‘Yes, he’s just a boy, it’s normal. He’ll grow out of it.’ But despite their reassurance, I still believed that something wasn’t quite right. I just didn’t know what it was.”

of strong amphetamine medication, and to add additional medication to treat the symptoms that the other medication created, doesn’t feel right to me. By the time the doctor suggested the fourth medication to treat the symptoms of the other three medications, I was done. We could no longer continue on this path. There had to be a better way. And that’s how I started this journey.”

his body.

multiple food sensitivities that may have been aggravating his ADHD. “I knew that I needed to take out damaging foods or they’d continue to break down his gut. What people don’t know is that 95% of your serotonin, and 50% of your dopamine, is made in the gut,” Kay explains.

“These hormones help regulate your emotions, maintain your mood balance and your cognitive function, something that kids with ADHD have trouble with. If your gut isn’t functioning well, you are not able to produce these critical

Her Startling Realization

neurotransmitters.”

In an effort to help her son’s symptoms the

The first thing that Kay did was implement a

natural way, Kay began to pursue lesser-known options: The ones that she was never told about.

“As I delved deeper into it, I realized that there were other options - they just weren’t being presented to me. I started researching and educating myself. I got my holistic health degree and obtained multiple specific certifications

specific protocol for her son that revolved around diet, rest, exercise, stress management, and supplementation. “I knew that there was not just one thing that was going to help my son and that I needed to take a multifaceted approach.

We committed to restructuring his diet and reducing his external and internal stress. It was a long, arduous path. But within four months,

After moving to the US when her son was 4, she

to help me specifically in this area. I read and

sought out a professional assessment from a

studied everything that I could possibly get my

developmental pediatrician. “After the evaluation,

hands on. I worked around the clock to feed

the doctor diagnosed him with ADHD,” Kay

myself with as much information as I could to see

recalls. “He said there’s no doubt about it. My son

what other options are out there.”

years. He’s doing great at school, and his teachers

She started by cutting gluten, dairy, and soy out

behavioral issues. He’s 11, and he’s thriving.

was on the floor wrapped around the table leg while they were having the assessment. I always knew that ADHD was a possibility, even if nobody in my family had previously been diagnosed with it. Without a second thought, the doctor prescribed a stimulant medication. Not knowing what I know now, I agreed with the specialist’s treatment plan. I didn’t know any better. At first,

44

But to be constantly increasing a child’s dose

contributing to his ADHD symptoms from inside

of her son’s diet, as she read multiple studies and journals that cite their negative impact on gut, brain, and body health. According to Kay, the

his symptoms subsided and I was able to take my son off of medication completely. Fast forward to today, and he hasn’t been on medication for don’t even consider him to be hyperactive or have

Having undergone my journey, my passion is to help other families through Our Road To Thrive

results were miraculous.

and the ‘ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids’ to achieve

“Within two weeks, he was a different kid. His

and calm to their house and enjoy a normal

body calmed down, and from one day to the next,

family life. It took me years to get to where I am,

the same results for their child, bring back peace

ADHD: A Mother’s Journey To Helping Her Child Take Control And Thrive Naturally

food for thought.

45

family focus.

46

building off of each and every experience and

don’t have a solid foundation, your house will

of grateful parents. One parent shares their

each and every certification. It was so hard for

fall down. Your body is exactly the same,” Kay

experience, “Our son’s attitude has changed

me to get to this point, and I am determined to

explains. She believes that any medication, any

almost 180 degrees. He’s able to engage with us

help as many families as I can. It doesn’t need

supplement, and any plan will be a waste of

and his brother and sister peacefully, whereas

to be that hard for other people.”

money without also making a crucial lifestyle

before, it was hard to even talk to him without

change in the way that you eat.

him blowing up. His defiant behaviors are

Having been through it all, Kay reflects on just

now almost non-existent. Kay is great, super

how far her family has come. “When I was in

“There are other options out there besides

the thick of it with my son, all I wanted was

medicine. Medicine has its place, but it doesn’t

to be able to bring peace back to my family

have to be the only way. In my webinar,

Kay believes that if you have the right person by

life. We have that now. We don’t have to worry

“The Four Secrets That Finally Reduced My

your side leading you hand in hand, you’ve got

about what drama is going to unfold next or

Son’s ADHD Symptoms,” not only do I detail

the greatest chance of success. She notes, “My

worry about receiving another call from his

the exact dietary changes necessary for the

community helps people realize that they’re

teacher about what my son has done this time,”

natural relief of symptoms, but I encourage

not the only ones going through this. I used to

she says. “My husband and I used to dream

participants to book a free breakthrough call

feel so isolated - my family and friends were

about going out for dinner and having a family

with me afterward to discuss their journey and

supportive, but they never truly understood

conversation without electronic devices, and we

their struggles. All we want to do is help people

what it was like to have my child as a son. To

now do this all the time. We’ve got it good, and

fight their child’s ADHD symptoms in the most

promote that sense of unity and understanding

it’s all thanks to making these dietary changes

effective and natural way. We’re not trying to

in a community of people who can trust and

and following the path towards self-healing.

sell. We just want to listen and be there for

open up to each other has been endlessly

What I want people to know is that there are

families in distress.”

rewarding. I used to lay awake at night, wishing

other options out there. So many are suffering — all I want to do is get this out to everybody who wants a better life for their children and their family.”

A Better Life For Families In an effort to make a lasting difference, Kay offers a step-by-step solution for those ready to reclaim control over their child’s ADHD.

Kay also offers support through her free-to-join Facebook group, the ‘ADHD Parent Nutrition

responsive, and helps every step of the way.”

I had somebody who could take me by the hand and surround me with support.

Support Group.’ It’s an online community

As fate would have it, that’s now what I’m doing

with over 12,500 members and counting. After

for others. What I have is what I used to dream,

speaking with countless parents in situations

and that’s what I want for the families I help

similar to her own, she reflects on just how

every day. My ‘ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids’

deeply parents struggle when they don’t have

step-by-step plan helps parents and children

the right support.

fight ADHD symptoms without the stress, and without the length of time that it once took me,”

“The main way I serve families is through

“What I’ve learned over the years is that parents

my program, ‘ADHD Thrive Method for Kids’,

can’t help but feel that, ‘This is not the life I

which provides all the tools and knowledge

dreamt that I would have.’ They start feeling

For those looking to make a change and

necessary to make dietary changes and fight

guilty, and they can’t control it. This is how I

improve their children’s lives, Kay is a bastion

symptoms with food and a natural approach

used to feel, too. I would say to my husband,

of hope for families everywhere.

over a period of 12 weeks. While they’re going

‘I don’t like my son. I love him, but I don’t like

through the program, I am there every step of

him.’ And as a mother, it’s so difficult to admit

the way — I hold their hand, answer all their

that to yourself. But I share this with people

questions, help them through all the obstacles

because I want them to know they’re not alone,”

and guide them towards success.”

she says.

According to Kay, diet is the foundation of

Having helped families across the world, Kay

everything. “If you’re building a house and you

has received shining reviews from no end

she says.

www.adhdthriveinstitute.com

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female forward

FEMALE-FORWARD COMPANIES LIKE FEMINESSENCE – CREATED

BY SHAR MOORE – REVOLVE AROUND BUILDING COMMUNITIES OF WOMEN LEADERS AND SHOWCASING THE RESULTS BY LEADING FROM THE HEART.

48

shar moore. shar.

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IN the First World fourth-wave feminism era, women manage

Active listening plays a crucial role in how we conduct business with

companies, sit on boards, and are encouraged to become financially

others, form important relationships and make better decisions. A

independent. However, given these luxuries that were traditionally

woman’s ability to slow down, understand and empathize with others

allotted to men, women are expected to give up something in return –

can help them build stronger partnerships and negotiate better

their feminine characteristics.

contracts. It can also have a healthy impact on their relationships with their employees, leading to strong company culture and

A crucial message that prevails across traditional media is that

retention.

women must have domineering personalities, be ruthless, savvy in business and work twice as hard as anyone else. Women who don’t

Shar did more than listen but brought the “unheard voices of

adopt these masculine traits remain at risk of being left behind in the

women” to the surface. She did it through beautiful and intentional

competitive world of business.

magazines. Going against the contrary of magazines profiling celebrities, Shar chose to lead her company towards the direction of

Time and time again, the world has witnessed the atrocities that

showcasing the accomplishments of everyday women – and to her

happen under bad leadership, whether in politics or business. A world

surprise, it became a tremendous success.

that runs on zero emotion and a hundred percent conquer-mindset has led to more crises than successes.

Attracting The Right People Into Your Life

It is time for women to cease suppressing their inherent

Upon meeting someone, we generally have a gut feeling of whether

characteristics. Instead, they should embrace the fact that these

we resonate with them or not. If we can better trust our intuition,

might be the very solution to unlocking and improving some of the

rather than being swayed by status, authority, or money it can open

world’s top companies.

the doors for collaborators that can help actualize our vision.

Here is how women in business can use their intuition to fast track

Having a coherent vision in a company is important for its longevity.

their success.

When we ignore our signals and invite people that don’t have the best

Use Intuition To Unlock Unique Business Models

intentions or alignment with our values, we’re allowing for the slow deterioration of the companies we worked so hard to build.

As natural caretakers and empaths, women tend to look for ways to

“Our internal GPS system is very strong”, Shar asserts. “More times

improve the world. They start with the lives of the people around

than others, when we don’t follow it, things come back to bite us in

them. There is a reason why Earth is personified as Mother. It

the future”.

symbolizes the feminine ability to nourish and sustain all forms of life.

This reflects a sentiment that women tend to ignore because they’re used to being told how they should be or what they should do.

The desire to take care of others can often inspire and drive women to

Instead, female-forward companies like Feminessence revolve

design businesses that can help others.

around building communities of women leaders and showcasing the

Born into a traditional Indian family, Shar Moore was expected to

results by leading from the heart.

be married and have children by the age of 16. Instead, she relied on

The more confidence we gain leading with our intuition, the more

her intense feminine intuition to guide her through various business

likely people are to come into our lives. These people are particularly

ventures. Today, she’s a mother of three, public speaker, TV Show

those that share our dreams, paving the way for fruitful and

Host and CEO of Feminessence. It is a magazine and book publishing

successful collaborations to initiate.

empire dedicated to bringing the most inspiring regular women to the light. The company was born out of Shar’s strong desire to “help

A woman’s innate traits and abilities do not undermine success in

women tap into their essence”.

business. Instead, more women can benefit from looking to their

Facilitate Better Leadership Decisions Women have long been denied the right to make important decisions and to lead publicly. Numerous studies have highlighted that women are, for example, better investors. That’s because they’re less impulsive and more averse to high-risk decisions.

intuition to help guide them along important decisions. This pertains to everything from constructing their business idea, to connecting with important people that can help them launch their ideas. Women can also build on their intuition to facilitate better leadership decisions on a higher level and create strong internal infrastructure under their guidance. Shar Moore is helping them. www. sharmoore.com.au

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the essence of femininity.

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feature

“HAS SOMEBODY BEEN TELLING YOU A LIE FOR YOUR ENTIRE LIFE?” LEAH STEELE – A.K.A THE WEALTH WITCH – UNPICKS THE PROGRAMMING THAT CONTINUES TO DIVIDE US.

TO find yourself is a universal journey, yet to

Unlocking Wealth Consciousness Steele is known as The Wealth Witch, a nod to

successful, says Steele. “We go along with this

the label many emancipated women have faced

because we feel it’s our only choice,” she says.

Rigid thoughts, malicious conditioning and self-

throughout history, and today she helps women

“We are worthy and deserving of so much

limiting patterns have long held society captive,

deconstruct their life programming to reclaim

more, of having everything that we desire.

but Leah Steele, holistic wealth strategist,

financial sovereignty.

Nevertheless, we are conditioned to be little more

the right questions.

thought leader, badass intuitive mystic and

than compliant commodities.

the founder and CEO of The Leah Steele brand,

“From the moment we’re born into this world,”

believes we already have the answers to free

she says, “we’re taught to believe that life is a

“The lies that we’ve been told serve an elite group

ourselves.

sequential process. We’re taught that society

of people that control our governments, financial

operates in a certain way, and that those who fall

institutions and regulatory agencies. They do

out of line deserve to be outcast.

not have our best interest at heart,” she says.

“You already hold all the power,” she says.

“Through connection to your infinite divine

“Never forget you are the most powerful creator

immortal soul, all you need to do is to set your

“We’re told to study hard, get good grades and go

intention and speak it into existence. Follow the

to university, even if it means taking on a student

guidance you receive from The Universe and

loan and getting into serious debt. We’re told

cultivate a connection with the highest version of

that this is the way we can go on to get a ‘good

To see the programming and manipulation that

yourself.”

job’, one that will ultimately see us working a 40-

plagues society, we must stay in a constant state

hour week and will see us go home emotionally

of curiosity, says Steele. Especially about the

In order to connect with her highest self, escape

drained and physically exhausted. We’re

things that we’ve always believed to be true.

her own social programming and become a

conditioned to be grateful for a 9-5 existence, and

Steele says that this can be some of the hardest

wealth-conscious individual, Steele committed to

to be thankful for the opportunity to trade away

work many will ever do. “In each moment,

moving into a higher state of fluidity. This is how

our time for money.”

ask yourself whether what you have always

she did it.

52

As long as we work hard, support the system, and leverage ourselves to the hilt, we’re considered

reach that destination you need to ask yourself

in your reality. Trust yourself above all else, and question everything.”

believed to be true is actually a lie. Consider

LEAH.

53

WEALTH FIRST.

54

who would benefit from telling you that lie, or

Steele offers guidance and mentorship to her

Steele explains: “I’m always telling people to just

getting you to believe that lie. Then ask yourself

community both through her social media

decide. Sometimes they come back to me and say,

if the lie benefits that other person, institution

community channels and ‘The Wealth Witch

‘I decided. So why didn’t I manifest the thing I

or organization financially. If it does, it’s time

Podcast’, a top wealth and entrepreneur podcast

desired?’ My response stays the same: you did not

to start changing those beliefs. We have been

for women. One of the most impactful changes

actually decide. You did not fully, energetically

conditioned and programmed for so many

she regularly recommends to her audience is

accept that no other option was available to you

generations that these lies can be passed down

practicing daily wealth consciousness.

except the result that you wanted. When you

from a grandparent, a teacher, or even your own parents. These are often the things we need to question the most: has somebody been telling you a lie for your entire life?”

The Power of Practicing Daily Wealth Consciousness

fully buy into and realize that you are the most powerful creator in your universe, you will begin to see things radically shift and change.”

“A daily wealth consciousness practice is a

Manifesting is all about the quantum field,

While we may uncover uncomfortable truths,

moment in which we question our long-held

says Steele. It’s doing less and making more. It’s

we must take action not from a place of emotion,

beliefs around wealth, abundance and implicit

about not following any rules, because there

but from a place of logic and reasoning, she

programming,” says Steele. “After years of

are no rules in the new timeline. “If anyone tells

maintains. “Part of the programming and

conditioning by society to keep you in a

you that there are rules, run for the hills,” she

conditioning is to divide us from each other. That

regressive mindset of wealth scarcity, it takes

says. “The foundations of 2019 and 2020 are long

is done by manipulating our emotional states and

work day-by-day to reconfigure one’s mind.”

gone, and right now, we’re moving into the age

triggering fear in us to get us to turn us against each other.” As Steele explains: “Always consider whether the other person’s viewpoint is actually causing harm to you in this moment. This is one of the most difficult things to do. You must bring it back to your actual experiences. Are you being harmed by that person’s beliefs? If not, focus on yourself. Stay in integrity. Question why you believe you have to stay divided from parts of the collective. This is the work: deconstructing the programming that has been handed down to you for generations. It takes a lot of discipline to break through it, but now is the time to do it.”

Escaping the insidious wealth unconsciousness collective is not something you need to do alone, says Steele. “We’re more than capable of shifting the baggage and programming out of our lives by ourselves,” she says, “but receiving guidance from a mentor can help you get there faster. Your soul already has all of the answers within, so mentorship does not serve to provide an answer sheet or walkthrough in life.

“There is no other energy signature that matches your own, and as a result, what you need to activate is your own abundance, which is different for everyone. The purpose of mentorship is to get help in finding these things within yourself. In doing so, this will accelerate the journey towards your destination

Steele speaks of her own wealth consciousness practice. “I listened to things that inspired me on repeat. I read them over and over.” After making consistent affirmations and committing to restructuring her mindset, Steele has been able to undo the damage that much of modern society falls victim to.

Today she shares that practice with the world.

Steele uses this simple daily practice to help people rediscover their purpose work and reclaim their financial destinies.

“I knew that the power of both repetition and accessibility could help others reach states of overflow and call prosperity into their lives.

That’s why I provide my community with daily content that keeps them questioning their beliefs and committed to manifesting an abundant, prosperous life,” she explains. This way, her community doesn’t need to search endlessly for the right questions to ask. Steele creates an environment in which it’s easy for her community to reflect introspectively.

One of the prompts that Steele uses is in the power of conviction. “As a sovereign being, it is your responsibility to usher in the change that you desire. But to do so, it all starts by making a decision.”

of Aquarius. It’s all about worthiness, certainty, and fluidity. Your wealth paradigm shifts because you decide it is going to. Your financial reality drastically and dramatically changes for the better because you decide that it is going to.

Achieving alignment is your decision. Decide that no other option is available to you.”

Steele shares these concepts and more in her upcoming book, The Wealth Wisdom Oracle. It’s a 365-page mantra designed not to be read in sequence, but to be opened on a page of your choice each and every day. “You have the answers within, so the page you choose does not matter,” she says. “Trusting yourself and using your intuition to connect with the oracle does. The prophetic guidance you receive is sourced from the universe and is what you should follow to reach flow states and fluidity.”

Steele adds “By being in the flow, you allow things to be easy. You trust in the universe, follow its guidance, and make a promise to yourself that you’re available to be wildly financially abundant.” These seemingly simple lifestyle changes can change the direction of your entire life and replace rigid social programming with freedom and liberation. Leah Steele is showing us the way. www.theleahsteele.com

and identify any blind spots from an entirely new perspective.”

55

feature

genevieve searle helps women Crack their Epigenetic Code to Discover Health, Wealth, and Purpose.

cracking the code.

56

57

genevieve.

58

HAVE you ever looked at someone lean and

carry ancestral treasure, inherited via our

wellness experts by looking into their

naturally athletic and said, “Hey, you’ve got

DNA’s expression. It’s like a vast library

ancestry, hacking their environments,

great genetics!” It’s like winning the lottery

of resources we carry inside. Rather than

(workspaces, homes), habits, and behaviors

at birth. But genes can influence more than

existing in a vacuum, we’re part of a greater

to better support their body type, mind,

just our physical appearance. Epigenetics –

context. Resources and information have

and emotions. Often, we think only of

the study of how genes work – demonstrates

been embedded in our bodies, going back

our physical inheritance, but whilst we

that they affect behavior, thoughts, life

to the dawn of humanity, and are woven

were in our mothers’ wombs, and through

choices and so much more.

into our unique epigenetic tapestry.”

childhood, we acquired a hormonal profile

Epigenetics has proven that changes can

Epigenetic Profiling Provides You With

occur in the way our bodies ‘read’ DNA

The ‘Big Picture’ Of Health

sequences. Unlike a ‘genetic change’, where the gene starts making a different material, epigenetic changes only influence when and how much of the current material is produced. Normally, this is triggered by some kind of external catalyst and can result in genes being switched on or off.

Whilst the health industry has spawned hundreds of ‘innovations’ aimed at improving fitness, strength, and muscle

that has dominated our physical, mental and emotional development. Different parts of our brain function in certain ways, and different people are dominant in different brain areas, which goes some way to explaining our mental and emotional

growth, epigenetics doesn’t often list high

uniqueness.”

on priorities. Searle describes the current

Maximize Your Wellbeing With Simple

fixation with a myriad of complex, and ultimately unhelpful, side issues as the

Exercises

A good example is the Dutch winter

“microscopic level” approach to wellbeing.

As well as her more advanced techniques

famine, 1944-45. Pregnant mothers, who

Rather than getting bogged down in minute

that help amplify the results of epigenetic

were exposed to the ordeal, experienced

detail, she advocates the need to step back

profiling, there are certain health-giving

epigenetic changes that were passed on to

and assess everything from a birds-eye

exercises that Searle prescribes for

their unborn children. Much later in life,

view.

everyone.

“With epigenetic profiling,” Searle

Breathing is of paramount importance to

explains, “we can remove about 80% of

wellness. Searle advocates slow, controlled

the ‘guesswork’ and complexity from

breaths through the nose – four seconds

the children were predisposed to certain illnesses. There are other studies that point to significant changes being passed on to multiple generations.

your personal wellness program. We can

in and six seconds out, with a two-second

Can Epigenetics Help You Optimize

determine the kind of foods that you should

hold on the outward phase, for stress relief.

Your Life?

be eating, the type of exercise you should

Make sure that the breath goes all the way

do, how many times a week you should be

into the belly. But don’t ‘gulp’ the air.

Wellness Reclamation Mentor and TEDx speaker Genevieve Searle, is unsurprised

exercising, and how intensely.”

The key is to try and make each breath

by such findings. Known as The

What’s your particular body type? What

calm, quiet, and light. Some practitioners

Optimisation Queen, her work involves

daily rhythm best suits you? The best way

refer to ‘hiding’ your breath, avoiding

creating individual epigenetic profiles

to de-stress and how to make the best of

aggressive movements that cause your

for her clients, helping them understand

relationships. It’s all about understanding

chest and abdomen to expand rapidly. 10

their unique epigenetic makeup, and

your epigenetic makeup, what is going to

minutes of slow, nasal breathing is known

guiding them to become experts in their

work for you, and then applying that in a

to give your nervous system enough time to

own wellness and life. The results of the

logical fashion.

rebalance and harmonize, offering a host of

profile empower individuals to shape their health, strengthen relationships and find a fulfilling purpose in life.

Searle affirms: “Your DNA is in constant communication with the world around you. While society obsesses about material wealth, we don’t realize the mine of unfathomable riches we’re all sitting on – our epigenetic inheritance. We all

Hack Your Environment; Change Your Life For many, epigenetic profiling alone is eye-opening, offering a glimpse into hidden traits and propensities. However, Searle amplifies its usefulness by applying her own hard-won experience.

health benefits.

It adds up to a different approach to wellness, one that is empowering and emancifying. And one that Searle know all too well. www.theoptimisationqueen.com

“I overlay all my learning, gained over 23 years. I train people to become their own

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feature

Rhonda She’s the unstoppable branding powerhouse who’s put her daughter on the global stage and helped transform the lives of hundreds of women through empowerment.

Images: Ryerson Anselmo for Costes Portrait.

unstoppable

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Rhonda Swan’s life has been far from easy. we sat down with her to talk success, growing up in a troubled family and dreaming of a better future for women.

Rhonda, you’re known as

nearly 10 years. I yearned to feel

old baby off at daycare, it

a successful branding and

supported and acknowledged

was a difficult morning.” The

marketing expert with a

by my parents and not have to

woman apologized, but Jane

And then in the process of

dream life in Bali … but it

be the “adult” making decisions

wanted nothing to do with it.

trying to make it all work we

wasn’t always like this, was

all the time. It took years for

it. Tell us how you grew up.

company would be so difficult.

invested the last $125,000

me to break free from all the

“If you want to keep your job,

left from my husband’s dad’s

stories I was telling myself and

you’ll never be late again.”

life insurance policy into

I was born in Detroit, Michigan

realize that I was born into my

to a naive 19-year-old mom

circumstances for a reason: to

and an unreliable 20-year-

help women struggling with

old father who used me

property that we thought was Something inside me snapped

going to change our whole

– I realized that if I wanted

family’s trajectory, instead it

self-worth step into their power.

to be a mother one day, I

put us into deep bankruptcy.

steal and cover up his drug

When did you begin to

raise my child just so I could

We had built up massive

addiction and derelict ways.

realize there could be

fulfill my need for success.

wealth for my family and

My turbulent childhood was

another way for you?

and my mom as decoys to

then we lost everything, That day, I made a vow to

and so we left America 12

My first job post-MBA was

replace my income and never

years ago with $12,862 and

at one of the largest Pharma

put my child in daycare.

72 cents to our name and a

peppered with moving houses, car accidents and jail visits.

couldn’t have someone else

Although today I attribute a

corporations in the world,

large part of my drive to my

where I was responsible for

chaotic upbringing, growing

over half a million dollars

up I was plagued by a deep-

in advertising and sales

rooted fear that I would turn

campaigns each quarter. I

out like my father unless I

thought it was a dream come

maintained absolute control

true, until one Monday morning

over every area of my life.

when a meeting with my boss Jane turned my life around.

I channeled my insecurities into becoming a gifted

Jane was the impeccably

athlete so I could excel and

groomed top executive that

get noticed. I got a full ride

I dreamed of becoming one

scholarship to college, played

day. We all know this woman:

for the USA Women’s National

her hair and nails were

Softball Team and competed

always done, and her bag

as a bodybuilder. I was

matched her shoes perfectly.

obsessed with staying in peak performance and controlling

Ten minutes into the meeting,

others’ perception of me.

an employee tried to quietly enter through the back. “You’re

From the outside I looked

LATE,” Jane startled us as

perfect, composed, and like

she yelled across the room.

I had it all together; but deep inside I was angry, scared,

“I’m sorry Jane, but I just

doubting myself, and struggling

returned from maternity leave

with an eating disorder for

and had to drop my six-week-

Three months later, I’d left my

vision to travel as a family.

six-figure corporate position

In the end it became the biggest

with a vision to build a business.

blessing we ever had because we

I maxed out every credit card

wouldn’t be doing this and be

and poured $24,700 into a

here today in Bali if we hadn’t

direct sales company where I

gone through that collision.

could license and sell personal development programs and

So is it safe to say your idea of

build my brand along the way.

what it means to be a success in life has changed drastically

I thought this was my ticket out,

since giving up corporate life?

but life took a different turn.

How so?

I went hard with my vision to create a new life that would allow me to work from home and raise a child. I called 3,000 leads in those first three months and never made a sale.

I was devastated and started

Certainly. In America you grow up with the idea of keeping up with the Joneses and trying to be like everyone else, and it doesn’t help. It doesn’t give you fulfillment, it doesn’t make someone love you any more, it doesn’t actually even make you feel better, it’s a hollow goal.

to second guess my decision

So I think that growing up in

to leave corporate. After

America everyone is just trying

experiencing so much success,

to battle and create something

I didn’t expect running my own

better for themselves, but in

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62

always a dramatic entrancE.

63

reality they are not connected

think about yourself and the

ever made. At the Unstoppable

What advice do you

to the source, they are not

mission you’ve been on?

Branding Agency we give away

have for people who are

8 to 12 percent of everything

struggling financially and

They’re actually just connected

The week away was quite eye

we earn to charities, to help

emotionally at this point?

to the things that they have.

opening. I went from living in a

to elevate other people’s lives,

connected to themselves.

space where everything I do is

to build homes or schools

I would say stay connected

You are mother to Hanalei, and

seen and are measured by others

and to educate and empower

to family, stay connected to

you’ve coached and taught her

to a place where it was only me,

women. Money and success

community and focus on what

from a very early age to be a

no phone, no people, no labels,

have never been the main

it really is that you need. We are

success in business – why?

no image … I got very connected

focus, however to have money

hunkering down, even though

to who I am as a person. This

allows you to help others.

our family does quite well

When I quit my job to make sure

kind of isolation gives you the

that I could raise Hanalei and

chance to look in the mirror

What do you have

we are putting any assets we

be the primary influence in her

and really love that person.

planned for 2022?

have into hard assets, like

a parent and a mother to show

It was a very heart-connected

As a family our focus at the

actually hold their value, as

her that she could make her

moment for me to just sit with

moment is really about planting

opposed to just a fiat currency.

own choices, that she could be

myself and Mother Nature,

roots. We’ve been in Bali now

sovereign. I wanted to show her

the creator, and give gratitude

for five years, we are building a

But if you are emotionally down

how to take care of herself and

for everything that I have. We

new home on the top of Uluwatu,

at this point I would say get

to help others, how to navigate

sometimes forget how supported

we have a new foundation called

really connected to yourself,

a capitalistic world – how

we are as human beings – nature

the Royal Family Foundation

your source. One of the things

to be creative, how to think

gives us everything we need.

that’s helping build sustainable

that I realized during my time

homes in Bali and helping to

alone recently was that I can

create a water filtration system

control how I feel. What’s

for people so they always have

happening in the world right

access to the fresh water.

now is not your fault, you can’t

we are staying very focused,

life I set out with objectives as

on her feet, how to serve.

real estate and things that

After your experience alone,

I taught her early on to be an

do you still think money

entrepreneur because the trap

and success are the most

that everyone is in right now in

important things in life?

to see what the government

I actually never thought those

more women to take a stand,

will do for them, but sadly the

were the most important

to know who they are and

government only does what’s

things in life, however that

become sovereign, to help

good for the government and

may appear to people watching

them get what they want out

the people just have to take it.

from outside. But certainly it

of life, not just in business but

Entrepreneurs are among the

reminded me that life is not

truly becoming fulfilled.

most giving people on the planet

about the money that we have

because we learn how to make

when we die, it’s about the

I’m launching a book in March

something out of nothing.

lives and the impacts that we

called Design To Lead, The

can make to those around us.

DNA of the Feminine Leader,

You have just come back from

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control it, but you can make sure I’m also working to inspire

society is that people are waiting

really helping women step

spending a week on your own

Every step along my way that I

into their strength and into

in a beach bungalow in Bali.

have built wealth or success I

their self so they can become

How was that and how has

have also given back, equally,

sovereign and share their voice,

that changed the way you

and sometimes more than I

whatever level they are at.

that it does not control you.

Rhonda, thanks for your time.

My pleasure. unstoppablebrandingagency.com

power plays.

65

feature

swanK EBONY SWANK TRIED AND FAILED. SHE PICKED HERSELF UP AND LEARNED TO FOCUS ON HER MARKET. TODAY SHE RUNS A $40 MILLION CLOTHING EMPIRE.

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confidence is key.

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posh spice.

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BEING your own boss is a dream for many people but making it as an entrepreneur often takes trial and error. High school dropout Ebony Swank held a variety of jobs before she met someone in a hair salon who was selling clothes door-to-door. She tracked down the production source and tried opening her own shop. It failed.

She started again with a store called Swank A Posh, this time with a focus on jeans for trendy girls, and grew it from one store in Detroit to a $40 million business.

Throughout her journey, Ebony learned the hard way what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur. Now she is teaching her daughters

products and keep her customers engaged.

“When collaborating with influencers, we don’t look for a certain image,” she says. “We search for all kinds of girls of different sizes.

Not only is it more relatable and real but it also shows it’s okay to be confident with who you are and we love that.”

Swank firmly believes that success hinges on a willingness to embrace creativity.

Learn From Your Mistakes

those valuable lessons and making it her mission to show others

No matter how much business experience you have, you’re always

that if she can do it, anyone can. These are her top tips for new

going to encounter problems and even some failures on your

entrepreneurs.

entrepreneurial journey. Failure is part of the learning curve and

Cash Management Is Crucial New entrepreneurs need to have a clear understanding of their finances. A budget is essential to manage expectations and avoid pitfalls in the future. It’s also important to understand where your capital is coming from and having a well-defined game plan for how you plan to increase profits. “I’ve always viewed my inventory like money in the bank,” says Swank. “With it being an asset, we need to turn it into cash. So every strategy I use is to market and move products, that’s my sole focus. My advice to other entrepreneurs is to set goals that will result in revenue.”

Know Your Customer There is no one-size-fits-all blueprint for how to run a business. The

can contribute to your success if you take the time to learn from your mistakes.

“When I opened my first store, I was more into the excitement of owning a store and the presentation than marketing to customers,” says Swank. “After it failed, I knew that if I wanted to make my next store work, I needed to focus on inventory and marketing. Don’t be afraid to fail because it can actually make you stronger.”

It’s Not Just About The Money Money is a great motivator, but at the end of the day, entrepreneurs need to understand what it is that drives them. This is what keeps you going on hard days and gives you something to strive for that is larger than yourself.

key is to truly understand your target market. Who are you selling

For Swank, this was the realization that she was helping thousands

and what are their unique needs?

of people change their lives for the better. “Giving back is extremely

Get inside the minds of your customers, and once you have a comprehensive idea of who they are, you will understand what they want to buy. “When I opened my second store, I saw that young black girls were spending the most at my competitors, but there was

important to me because I need people to know it’s obtainable. I want people to know that no one is going to hand you anything, but that your dreams are reachable. Part of my mission is to give someone a chance at making it, because I know I did it.”

a huge demographic being overlooked,” says Swank. “Big girls were

Becoming an entrepreneur in fashion retail is not as easy as you

lacking the confidence to buy from companies that marketed to thin

think. You need experience, to be business savvy, and intimate

consumers. I broke the barrier by marketing to the everyday girl

knowledge of your customer base in order to start your journey to

regardless of their size.”

financial freedom.

Play Up Your Creativity

Ebony Swank shows she learned how to do it and how you can do it

By studying what her competitors were doing, Swank was able to identify a gap in the market and create new products that fit her

too. www.shopswankaposh.com

specific target. She also came up with unique ways to promote her

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feature

Taryn good vibrations resonate with great success, says healy brand builder taryn lee.

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physician , Healy thyself.

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TARYN Lee is that engaging mix of science and spirituality that matches brains and beauty – attributes she employs as twin superpowers to help empower women in business to live a high vibrational life.

“I’ll admit I am an odd blend,” says the Australian and founder of conscious lifestyle companies Evolve and Awakin, both dedicated to putting enlightened living and business into practice.

Upon meeting her, it’s clear she’s a business leader that has embraced her Bali lifestyle, wrapped up as a jungle-island goddess.

“I am all about making business and spirituality coexist in the new age,” she says. “In 2021, we officially entered the Age of Aquarius. We have reached pivotal conjunction and moment in time. Science and spirituality are merging to give way to disruptive technologies and exciting opportunities in medicine, health and wellness are taking centre stage.

With a BSc in Health Sciences and Marketing and a Master’s degree in Population Health, Taryn spent 12 years working for major corporations in aviation, mining resources and investment banking.

But she wasn’t fulfilled.

“I worked long, gruelling hours in the world of corporate health, yet ironically I let my health fall by the wayside,” she says. “I completely lacked the fulfilment, contentment and satisfaction that I yearned for in my career.”

The pressure of corporate life took its toll. “I had crippling anxiety every single month, and my entire body would shake for days. I couldn’t sleep, I had blackouts and a loss of feeling in my arms and face. The symptoms were so severe my doctor eventually diagnosed me with MS. Fortunately, it turned out to be a misdiagnosis, but it was certainly a wake-up call.”

Committed to reclaiming her time, health and finding true success, Lee knew that she had to escape the repetitive corporate cycle and find a new path – one that led to both financial freedom and spiritual growth.

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“I still helped people in my previous career, but not in the meaningful, personal way that I had always intended.

I grew more depressed and became disconnected spiritually. Despite all outward appearances, I was disillusioned with my health, and lost.”

So when a friend suggested she try Healy, a wearable holistic wellness device used to interact with the body’s energetic field and activate self-healing through frequency, she jumped at the chance.

“I wouldn’t say I had a spiritual awakening as such,” she says, “but my body reacted positively and there was certainly a connection between science and spirituality. I’ve always naturally understood energy and vibration ¬– well before it started to trend, and been drawn to quantum physics and how elements of ancient wisdom seem so logically embedded within it.”

The device clicked on another level, too. “I’ve long been a fan of Nikola Tesla,” she says of the Serbian-American physicist engineer and inventor famous for his work on electricity and energy. “Had we followed his advice all those years ago,” she says, “we would have free energy today and the world would look a lot different.

“It was also Nikola Tesla who famously said, ‘If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration’. What I love about living and working in this space is that I feel like I’m playing with the secrets of the universe. Frequency is the language of energy,” says Lee. “And energy is all around us, in fact, energy is us.

“When the right frequency code resonate with our energetic field it affects our physical body as well as our feelings and emotions. Focus on that field and frequency becomes essential to how we engage with everything in our lives – get it right and it’s like singing a song to your body that brings us back into harmony. When you’re living in harmony, incredible things happen. This is the frequency where you get to engineer your life with the synergy of your highest aligned knowing to create success and accelerated results.”

Invigorated by her awakening, Lee began to see how she could create freedom in time and money for both herself and others. “When I began to understand how energy works, I

rise and shine.

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sitting pretty.

74

didn’t have to look too hard to uncover some of those secrets.

As cliched as it may sound, the answers were within me.

As they are within you. I began to better align my beliefs, thoughts and emotions with the life and world I truly desired.

My vision became clear, and my fears became irrelevant.”

With renewed certainty and clarity surrounding her purpose, Lee became a digital entrepreneur, traveling the world teaching others, equipped with her newfound high vibrational secrets and nearly two decades of expertise in global wellness.

“I started to see it was possible to take an alternative route to creating freedom and how that freedom enabled people to move into their areas of genius, joy or purpose. I saw that through my experience I could help others to step into a higher vibration – which, by the way, is where the magic happens – and not just for the individual. Magic happens for the collective too because good vibes change the energy of the world.”

Today Lee combines her corporate experience with her love of people, biotechnology and brand creation and has become an international leader in helping women and conscious entrepreneurs develop freedom and wellness through frequencies.

Founder of conscious lifestyle companies, Evolve and Awakin, and a brand partner to Healy World, she is dedicated to helping people navigate the new world of high vibrational wealth and wellness.

“Evolve is about living a high vibrational life,” she says. “It’s a progressive movement, vision and conscious orientation towards freedom, wealth creation and wellness. It’s a belief that we are constantly evolving as we enter into a new era of business; one that aligns people’s values and strengths with what is truly beneficial to humanity.”

she says, “that’s the more logical business aspect. But people often forget to ensure their own personal elements of joy are reflected inside their business or brand. If you love what you do, it resonates within everything you do.”

“With my clients,” says Lee, “we identify how we can help them resonate at a high vibrational level by reflecting on what brings them joy. We consider what value they have to offer to the world, and then package that up so they profit – not only in a way that serves themselves but in a way that serves humanity. That is a north star that guides them to a specific location beyond just making money.”

Dedicated to creating high vibrational leaders, Lee believes that the most successful businesses and brands are built by people who understand the power of joy, community and gratitude, fueled at the optimum vibrational level and aligned with these values.

“The world needs more purpose-driven businesses and heartled leaders to step up, innovate and drive change,” she says. “It’s bigger than marketing, operations, products, or sales. It’s tangible energy your clients will feel. It’s a dedication to put so much positive energy, power and love behind your business or brand that your customers can’t help but feel inspired by the essence of why you do what you do. And when they get inspired by the force within you, it awakens and inspires the force within them too”.

Finally, when asked for the key to her success, Lee states: “Each of us has a unique set of codes, a unique set of success frequencies. Unlocking them is simply a process of trusting your instincts, prioritizing the health of your energy and tapping into your inner guide to follow the direction of your dreams. www.taryn-lee.com

Lee believes three key elements bring success and fulfilment within wealth creation – value, profit and joy. “Value and profit are obvious in creating a successful business or brand,”

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spirituality

“I wanted freedom. I didn’t grow up with the life that I wanted, I created it.” Ania Halama travels the world spreading her source of a life well lived.

ANIA.

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Following Your Voice

ANIA Halama is a world traveler

(and problems) with the world,

Law of Attraction into effect. Using

and spiritual entrepreneur who

coming from an “empowered place

the example of masculine and

has mentored thousands of heart-

rather than a wounded place”.

feminine energy, she describes

The last tip Ania shares is the

why having a balance of these

importance of finding your

with their ideal clients, and to

In order for your business to

improves flow. Masculine energy

authentic self and purpose. This

attract money and wealth, using

grow, you have to have absolute

is the hustle mentality, whereas

could be through exploring the

the R.E.B.E.L. Entrepreneur

belief in what it is you’re doing.

feminine energy is what actually

avenues you loved as a child.

attracts clients to us and lets them

She argues there’s a reason

in versus chasing after clients

why we’re attracted to certain

and wondering “when the next

things, nature, astrology, space

dollar is going to come from”.

etc, when we’re young.

have to say. You are the face of

Using spirituality to improve our

Hobbies or interests that bring

Reiki and Law of Attraction.

your business and when you come

energy will attract the right type

us joy can spur the motivation to

to the stage with high and vibrant

of clients, partners or coaches to

start something. When you have

Overcoming Fear And

energy, the audience can sense it.

your business. Flow, according to

the right combination of good

Ania, happens when we connect

flow and inspirations to work on,

with frequencies of happiness and

you may be well on your path to

joy. We don’t need to work 40, 50,

creating a successful business for

60 hours to live beautiful lives.

yourself; one that feels intuitive to

Thus, when we are freer in our

your natural adeptness and values.

centered entrepreneurs to align

Method. Her experience and skills are focused in bridging the gap between what is perceived as normal and what is truly possible, through opening new pathways for her clients via EFT, Meditation,

Limited Beliefs

Think about the people who invest in and support your business as clients; a big part of why is because they believe in what you

Ania recommends practicing

Doing something that goes against

getting in front of an audience and

the status-quo, like starting

training yourself to be comfortable

an online business, can invoke

speaking in public. Although it

a lot of fear. The fear of being

might incite nerves worrying

judged and self-doubt can hinder

about what people might think

us from pursuing something

of you, your focus should be on

greater than what we have now.

yourself and the bigger mission.

Removing self-doubt requires us to work very hard on ourselves; lifting the negative energy that is weighing us down. Most people have experienced some kind of trauma, and when these traumas go untreated, it can block us from meeting our full potential.

As a transformation coach, Ania frequently observed the difficulty her clients have in overcoming their traumas. She explains that to be 100% present in your business means you have to heal these traumas first. In so doing, you can become fully confident in sharing your ideas

Blending Spirituality And Business: The Law Of Attraction “We don’t need to work 40, 50, 60 hours a week to live beautiful lives,” says Ania.

Business energetics is a psychotherapy practice that utilizes EFT tapping, where energy is “tapped” on a person’s body, releasing negative emotions like anxiety and improving a person’s flow. Flow allows the person to gain wisdom and identify the challenges they are facing. It is through improved flow, Ania

own minds, free of negative or irrational fears, flow comes more intuitively. Being more connected to people allows us to gain a larger audience and support system, all of which will help grow the

Manifesting a successful business requires a deep level of selfreflection and hard work. It is not enough to simply have a vision of what you want to achieve, but

business in an organic way.

you must put in the work to set it

“Energy is more important

practices into your day-to-day

than strategy, showing up

operations can help clear up the

creates attraction,” she says.

negative emotions or hurdles

into motion. Employing spiritual

that are holding you back from In order for the law of attraction

taking your business to the next

to work, there needs to be action

level. Following her own path to

behind the intent to drive “…those

healing from deep trauma has

manifestations into motion”. It

allowed Ania to manifest the

is important that you show up to

career of her dreams, and in so

the work you set out to do every

doing has empowered others to

day; it is this consistency that

achieve the same results.

creates a ripple effect, which turns a vision into an actuality.

www. aniahalama.com

argues, that we begin to put the

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beauty

april Russian-born nail artist, influencer, and owner of a seven-figure business April Ryan has experienced first-hand the struggles of growing up poor.

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art of life.

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HAILING from Salsk, a small town in the

In 2014, April decided to sell her business and

20 different types of nail bits, files, inks,

south of Russia, April Ryan has always had

move to America. She boarded a plane with

and tips. Her gel products are eco-friendly

to create her own opportunities. And her

zero English in the hope of starting a new and

and were developed together with chemists.

determination and hard work have paid off.

less stressful life. It was not long before her

One of April’s most popular offerings is her

Today, the 30-something is the owner of Red

skills caught the eye of an owner of a salon in

subscription boxes that include between five

Iguana, a multi-million dollar company that

Beverly Hills where she began doing nail art

and 10 nail products each month.

sells nail products and silicone hands for

for celebrities such as the singer and actress

practicing nail art.

Kelly Rowland.

Born to working-class parents, April was the

Even though April enjoyed her work at the nail

is slated to reach $5 million by this year.

youngest of three siblings. She was also one of

bar, she knew that she was destined for bigger

“Whether it’s promoting products or making

the poorest kids in her class. “My mum would

things. She started making educational videos

silicone hands, I have always put quality

sew my clothes because we didn’t have enough

about nail art for social media and created

before everything else,” April says. “I believe

money to buy new ones. I would also wear

multiple new nail techniques. “Within six

that’s why my products have been such a hit

hand-me-downs from my brothers,” April

months, I had companies asking me to review

with customers.”

says. “We had to grow our own vegetables

their products,” she says. Sometimes she

because we didn’t have enough money to buy

would produce up to five videos a day.

business has made $3 million in sales and

“There have been a number of companies that tried to jump on the bandwagon by

them at the market.”

There was one problem, however. April was

replicating my silicone hands, many of them

While she was drawn to the beauty industry,

using her own hands in the videos. “I was

in China,” April says. “This doesn’t worry me.

April had little prospect of ever becoming a

working with a UV lamp and soon realized

I take it as a compliment. It means that I have

beautician. As a teenager, she did not even

that this had a very bad effect on my skin,” she

created a good product that I can be proud of.

have enough money to buy makeup to practice

says. “I tried using fake plastic hands but they

Plus, those other products are of much lower

her skills. Luckily, there was something

were too ugly, so I decided to make my own

quality.”

else she could afford – nail polish. “My nails

prosthetic hands.”

April realizes that the path from poverty

became my canvases,” April says. “And while my designs were popular with my classmates,

April did not have to look further than her

to prosperity is usually a difficult one: it

I realized that it would be difficult to become

own hands for inspiration. “My hands are my

demands determination, courage, and

a certified nail technician in a town without

favorite part of my body. I have long, skinny

passion. Born in a Russian town that offered

even one salon.”

fingers that are perfect for demonstrating

few opportunities, April had to rely on her

nail art so I decided to use them as models for

skills and tenacity to achieve her goals.

Luck was on April’s side. When she was 18, an

my prosthetic hands,” she says. “It took me

Nevertheless, she does not believe that she is

independent beautician arrived in her town

around six months to come up with a detailed

special.

to run vocational classes with job placement

prototype, down to the tiny scars.”

“Anybody can make their dreams come true.

for the top student. April’s talent for nail art It did not take long for her viewers to start

I always say, ‘Start right now. Stop thinking

asking about the silicone hands. They

too much. Educate yourself.’ Once you start,

After six months of working 12-hour days, the

mostly wanted to know where they could be

things are much easier than they initially

ambitious girl was able to move to a bigger

purchased. And April was all too happy to

appear,” she says. “And don’t stress. Even if

city and open her first salon – The Red Iguana.

oblige.

you are not the best at something, there will

landed her the position.

always be a piece of the cake.”

By the age of 23, April was running three nail bars. During this time she participated and

She currently distributes over 2,000 hands

won multiple professional nail competitions

per month in five countries. These come in

that helped her business grow.

full and half hands, single fingers, and six skin colors. The hands are available in a soft,

The challenges of doing business in a tough

flexible version and a poseable option that can

environment made her reassess her approach.

be fixed in the desired position.

“Running a business in Russia comes with a

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Just three years after launch, April’s online

lot of problems,” she says. “There is a lot of

April’s e-commerce store also stocks more

jealousy and danger due to that jealousy”.

than 300 professional nail products including

www.red-iguana.com

april ryan.

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self esteem

self-compassion brings rewards.

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the Frequency Of Gratitude it’s time to fall in love with yourself again, says barbie layton.

THROUGHOUT the last couple of years of global pandemic, many celebrities

job performance and help us to do more than we ever thought possible, both

have opened up about their personal struggles and how they are pivoting to a

privately and professionally.

different mindset, choosing self-love over previous behaviors.

Step Two: Practice Extreme Gratitude

In a recent interview between Oprah and Adele, the singer stated that she loved herself and had become open to loving and being loved by someone

“Firstly, you have to tune into a frequency of gratitude. Native Americans

else. “Everything is timing … You have to get clarity on what you really want

would offer a prayer of thanks for the three hundred hands that had brought

in the soul of yourself.” When Oprah asked her, “What do you really want?”

the food to their table. When I cook, it’s the same thing. I say thanks for the

her response was, “Peace of mind and stability.”

beautiful ingredients laid before me. I thank inanimate objects like my car, fridge or microwave because they carry an energetic frequency. And they’re

Given the toll that job losses, health problems and a worldwide pandemic

there to support me. I’m acknowledging that everything is working with me,

have had on society’s well-being, self-care has certainly come to the fore.

and for me, as opposed to against me.”

Whilst some have balked at the term – saying it evokes a sense of narcissism – it’s been proven that a dearth of self-love can seriously affect your health.

Barbie explains: “Extreme gratitud – as I call it – enables me to fall in love with the world around me, allowing me to easily shift out of a negative

Low self-esteem, caused by a negative self-image, is linked with depression, poor physical health and a lack of mental well-being. Since depression is an increasingly common and destructive blight on modern society, self-love might be the ‘antidote’ that we all need.

mindset and into a positive one.”

Step Three: Be The VIP Of Your Own Life Turning that science into an art-form, Barbie believes that everyone should

Host of the TV channel, ‘You Are Amazing’ on The Best You TV, and co-

act as the ‘VIP’ of their own life. She explains: “Loving yourself means

founder of ‘The Infinity Life’, Barbie Layton – aka Intuitive Barbie – has

occasionally treating yourself to the better things in life. It’s not about

devoted her career to helping others literally fall in love with themselves.

consumerism, or spoiling yourself, but it’s an attitude that says, ‘I deserve the

According to the renowned author and motivational speaker, self-love

best.’

is a powerful emotion that opens one up to a new realm of personal and professional possibilities. As a vocal advocate of learning to appreciate

With pandemic-related job losses still affecting the economy, it can be easy to

oneself, she offers some practical advice.

get into a ‘make do’ mindset where you never really put yourself first. Barbie

Step One: Fall In Love With Yourself Where You Currently Are

you are worthy of good things. Not only will it change your life but also the

says, “It doesn’t have to be something huge. Love yourself and act as though atmosphere around you, shifting people from a mindset of lack and fear to

Whilst falling in love with the world, and yourself, may be the first step

freedom and abundance.”

towards self-acceptance, further action is required to see a monumental life-change. A common complaint amongst adults is that they have no time

Barbie continues, “If you listen to a frequency of 528 HZ on the Solfeggio

for themselves. Kids, careers, and chores conspire to subjugate dreams and

Frequencies, which sounds like Hyuuu Throughout the last couple of years of

aspirations. There are so many other pressing duties.

global pandemic (the tone of creation, love, and DNA) for thirty days, it can play a small part in opening up your energies to love or ‘above’ frequencies,

But Barbie maintains that transformational self-love must ‘reanimate’

which is the frequency where manifestation occurs. YouTube contains many

old passions, whether it’s music, singing, painting, or something entirely

free tracks. We have all watched people go through metamorphoses like

entrepreneurial, like starting your own business. Part of appreciating

the caterpillar that becomes a radiant butterfly. Above all, stay in childlike

yourself involves bringing your dreams to life and then carefully nurturing

wonder and suspend disbelief that things can get better. Thank everything

them.

that supports you now and step into a better version of yourself every day just by shifting your perception.”

According to recent studies, repeated bouts of self-compassion are strongly linked with resilience and success. The mood-enhancing effects can improve

www.youareamazing.online

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self esteem

A song of self healing karen whelan offers Five actions to achieve better self-love and confidence so you can live your best life.

karen whelan.

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FOR many of us, self-acceptance and self-love might be hard concepts

experiences, you may subconsciously fear commitment or perceive

to grasp. The act of being overcritical and unaccepting of who we are,

yourself as a bad public speaker. Again, these thought patterns derive

what we’ve done, and how we were raised, could lead to a plethora of

from trauma and hinder our abilities in our adult lives.

problems. This includes self-doubt and low self-esteem at the lower end of the spectrum; depression, eating disorders, and self-harm at the higher end.

Body Practices To Heal Trauma “Everything we learned as a child, we learned viscerally,” says Whelan, therefore, relearning how to love and care for ourselves can be done through the body. There’s a trove

Accredited psychotherapist, Karen Whelan, is a proponent for achieving

of activities we can engage in to bring out the joy factor from the child

greater self-love. Whelan posits it as a solution for individuals struggling

archetype. Most importantly, to unleash the negative stories that we hold

with low motivation, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and forming

in our bodies. These include shamanic work, dance, and breathwork to

healthy relationships.

create balance, harmony, and alignment.

Her unique coaching style has been featured in Los Angeles Weekly, Times,

Getting Out Of Your Own Way Many of us go through life with an

Yahoo News, Thrive Global, and more. She provides five tangible actions to

unquestioning gaze of why we do things. How often is it to meet

achieve better self-love and confidence to live a more optimal life.

social expectations, rather than because we truly want to do them?

Heal The Inner Child The “inner child” is a concept used in analytical psychology, traced back to the works of psychiatrist Carl Jung. This archetype is used to describe experiences and memories of innocence, playfulness, and optimism.

Early experiences, whether positive or negative, have a significant effect on our behavioural patterns in the future. Thus, connecting to this inner child can be a way of altering those behaviours. Re-inviting those

Getting stuck in obligations and routines that don’t internally satisfy us can lead to self-doubt, depression, burnout, or just general looming dissatisfaction with life.

If there’s a nagging feeling to pursue a different career path, there’s most likely an intuitive reason why. The only person who is getting in the way of making that change is ourselves. Often it’s the fear of change when we perceive we’re already doing the “right” thing.

amicable feelings of bravery, confidence, and joy into our lives can act as

Whelan recommends that to live the most optimal life, one needs to take

a catalyst for us feeling better about ourselves.

charge of discovering our authentic selves and needs, which will lead us

Because painful or traumatizing life events can damage our “inner child”, healing becomes paramount to our development as self-loving adults. For example, if we were mistreated or untaken in some aspect as

to craft the type of future that will cultivate more joy and pride. When we live and create with alignment to our true selves and values, our confidence and the love we have for our lives can increase exponentially.

children, we are more likely to experience that lack of love and nurturing

Tap Into Your Wisdom Learning to love yourself means also learning

in our later life.

how to trust yourself. The truth is that we hold all the keys to our own

Reparenting Ourselves Healing, according to Whelan, begins with

problems.

acknowledging those pain points and finding ways to nurture ourselves,

Allocating the time to work on ourselves is imperative to better

our “inner child”, as adults so that we may transform those feelings of

understand our patterns, obstacles, and unlock the key to self-love, says

angst and lack of attention to patience and tender love.

Whelan. When we begin to trust our intuition, decisions pertaining to

This means being there for yourself when you go through adverse life events or daily feelings. Learning how to soothe yourself and be kind to yourself when you experience painful feelings (grief,

our personal and professional lives may become clearer. This might mean we make that career change, take on more challenges and responsibilities or leave a toxic relationship.

loneliness, embarrassment, anger). Becoming our parents can help us

Taking ownership of our own futures, and not letting them be dictated

reclaim ownership of our care and resolve the unloving tendencies we

by our fears, our paths, or social expectations is only possible if we learn

experienced through our developmental phase.

how to trust and listen to our own wisdom.

Heal Wounds & Trauma The majority of us have experienced some form

“The moment you take your energy off of worrying about what others’

of wound or trauma. This doesn’t mean we’ve all been through abusive

perceptions of you are and put that energy onto your inner peace, your

situations or have gotten into accidents. Emotional wounds can develop

life will transform”, Whelan asserts. Self-love is not selfish, nor is it

from the smallest things and leave a resounding mark on the way we

a clique, but is such an important tool for us to overcome the mental

behave or perceive ourselves in the future.

roadblocks that are hindering us from living the most optimal and

This can range from experiences like watching a divorce go through, to “messing up” on stage in front of an audience as a child. From these

joyous life. www.soulutiontherapist.com

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GROWTH FACTORS

close calls Build An Empire With Your Favorite People, says COASTAL kAPITAL’S KORTNEY MURRAY. IMAGINE starting a new company with

has become a part of my ‘family’. We co-create

had not asked those probing questions at the

your best friend. For many, the idea of

vision, we have fun, and we share in the fruit

outset, I would have hired her for sales!”

working closely with someone they know

of our success. As we grow, I add to the team

sounds appealing – the perfect recipe for

those who feel like the ‘right fit’.”

entrepreneurial success. For others, it sounds like a recipe for disaster.

Despite the differing opinions, history has provided examples of high-profile partnerships that have worked tremendously.

Think Ben and Jerry’s or Hewlett-Packard.

Friends Understand The Vision Given that friends already understand each other’s subtle signals, there is less chance of being offended, or surprised, by someone’s communication style. Friends can detect and read intentions with greater ease. Moreover, companions tend to have ‘history’ – whether from working in the same industry, sharing

Marriage

Company?

Balance, like most areas of life, can be

Working with friends does have its unknowns.

have the tough conversations with people you

How will people act or perform in any given

know, without jeopardizing relationships. To

scenario? To avoid this, some specialists

keep potential friction to a minimum, Murray

advise ‘dating’ a prospective employee,

advocates “being sensitive to employee needs”.

running through a number of business

She explains: “I don’t like to micromanage.

scenarios in an attempt to gauge strengths

They respect my business; I respect their time.

and weaknesses. Whilst Murray describes

It’s a mutual agreement. If you have to finish

her approach to people as ‘empathic’ –

up early because you have family matters to

understanding needs and reading emotions –

attend to, it’s fine as long as we maintain that

she has also invested in a highly sophisticated

level of trust and respect.”

screening tool that measures one’s ‘culture inde x’.

difficult to achieve. As the ‘boss’, how can you

For any would-be entrepreneur, the toughest challenge must be working with family

life experiences or educational paths –

Murray explains: “The index provides a deep

members. Business spats can quickly spill-

which gives them a particular outlook, and,

insight into natural ability, creativity and

over into home life and place added strain on

therefore, the ability to agree on the direction

best-fit within the organization. It highlights

relationships. Murray is quick to point out the

of the business.

stress points and helps me to anticipate

reality of growing a business alongside her

when someone might feel stretched. The

husband: “We’ve had 12 years of marriage;

mathematical index is based on sound science

10 of those in business together. He probably

and removes much of the guesswork, so I

takes on more than he should; I should allow

don’t have to try and be ‘psychic’. I can focus

him a little bit more space. Although we work

my energy on growing the company, whilst

well together, I want to find time to date my

getting the best from each employee.”

husband again. In some ways, our business

Emerging research suggests businesses founded by friends in the start-up sector are more likely to prevail under financial pressure. When companies go through financial loss, or lack of funding, existing partnerships within management help to solidify the team. Conversely, teams

Never Assume You Know What Others Are

composed of ‘strangers’ were found to be less

Thinking

likely to endure financial storms.

Assuming you know what someone is

Kortney Murray, CEO and Founder of Coastal

thinking, planning or feeling is one of the

Kapital LLC – a commercial equipment and

most common mistakes when it comes to

asset-based lending company – has become

teaming up with friends. Murray, for example,

a leader in the financial services industry

would once have described her best friend

by building her core team with friends and

from college as being “the same person”.

associates.

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Is This Person The ‘Right Fit’ For Your

Preserve Friendships And Prioritize

“We are so vibrant, excited, and constantly

“My company is molded around the people

laughing,” Murray continues, “but, in fact,

that I care for most,” says Murray. “Although

she absolutely can’t stand sales or being on

I’ve never had children, my management team

the phone. She’s timid in her approach … if I

has taken away from our personal life.”

Murray continues: “Entrepreneurs are often guilty of forgetting about themselves. You ask everybody about themselves, but sometimes people don’t ask you about you. You have to be the strong one. I’m really trying to make time for myself. If I’m thriving, it’s going to have a positive impact on others.” www. coastalkapital.com

kortney murray.

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remote working

STARTING A REMOTE BUSINESS IS NO EASY TASK. THE BIGGEST FACTOR IN ITS SUCCESS IS YOU, SAYS MICHELLE BELTRAN.

THE growing pre-pandemic

Michelle believes that creating

firm hours and was no longer

mind and the road gets rough, the

trend of remote work has only

a strong team culture means

available after those scheduled

entrepreneur still sees a path.”

accelerated in popularity due

creating a system of meetings,

hours. She took breaks, lunch

to the policy of movement

habits, and events that keep

breaks, and ended her day on

restrictions to curb the spread

everyone communicating.

time.

Discipline

of Covid-19. Adopted by many

“Adaption was the name of the

companies and individuals,

game,” says Beltran. “Since I

Michelle also believes finding a

Starting a remote business is no

working from home has proven

couldn’t just walk up to a co-

way within yourself to release

easy task. And the biggest factor

to have numerous benefits from

worker’s desk any longer to talk to

the need to prove yourself in your

in its success is you. As a former

better work/life balance to a

them, I had to find new tools for

remote working environment

professional cyclist, Michelle

lower carbon footprint. For many,

my office.”

matters. “It’s an unnecessary

says she learned a great deal in

pressure we place on ourselves to

sports that she applies to her

work structure and starting

Michelle embraced video

prove our work or contribution.

business. Michelle believes that

location-independent ventures has

conferencing and it quickly

Beltran says, “If we would simply

there’s nothing more important to

taken some adjustment.

became the go-to means of

view remote working as the new

business success than discipline

however, losing the classic 9-to-5

communication — the superpower

norm we would be leaps and

and intention. “With discipline

Embracing the new trend of

for personal, face-to-face

bounds ahead.”

and intention at the helm, success

remote work is about much

connection. “But there were some

more than putting in the hours.

ground rules,” says Michelle. “It

And nobody realizes this more

would be important for the remote

than Michelle Beltran who has

team to bond, so in addition

bootstrapped a six-figure location-

to normal work-related topics

independent business. An award-

discussed in video conferencing,

winning author and former United

portions of our video meetings are

States Air Force servicewoman,

for non-work topics, team bravos

Michelle mentors her students

for awesome contributions, and

about the intricacies of embracing

just old-fashioned catching up,”

change and cultivating the type of

Beltran explained regarding her

location independent success that

way of creating a new kind of

can have a meaningful impact on

social culture.

the world.

Set Rules And Boundaries

Here are Michelle’s four strategies

must prevail. No exceptions.

Quiet Your Mind And Listen To

These are not things we just call

Your Inner Voice

upon or that come to us in a burst of emotion. They are sourced from

Michelle believes that

within, breathed into the business

introspection can help individuals

day in and day out, becoming the

experience new depths of living

foundation,” she explains.

and remain productive in the everchanging world of remote work.

For Michelle, success is about

She specifically recommends

inspiring, teaching, and feeling

taking time to quiet your mind

internal satisfaction from

and letting go of the incessant

knowing that her work helps

mind chatter, ongoings, and to-

aspiring business people reach

dos of life.

a better place. With everything moving online it allows a global

For Michelle, the fastest way to

reach more than ever.

for embracing the rapid paradigm

Remote working is something

connect with her inner self is

shift from the eight-hour-per-day

to embrace but having clear

through meditation. “When the

Remote working has been a

world of corporate life to location-

boundaries around unplugging

mind is quiet, clear intuitive

game-changer for individuals

independent work environments

from your day goes a long way.

messages emerge. They can’t

and companies in many ways.

present to a racing mind that is

According to Michelle, the balance

“When I started my business, I

busy with thoughts of the next

of life is more achievable with the

would get up at all hours of the

thing that needs to get done,” she

flexibility that remote working

night to meet with clients who

says. “In your daily meditation,

provides. “Freedom and flexibility

Remote working brings with it a

were in different time zones

even if it’s just five minutes a day,

became the staples of life,” she

cultural shift. Social interactions

across the globe. At the time it

be sure to quiet your logical, left

says.

change and with that comes

worked, but it wasn’t a realistic

brain. Agree with your left brain

a need to create new ways of

pace or schedule.” Michelle then

to reconvene at another time –

communicating.

established some rules. She set

when you’ve learned to quiet your

and businesses in 2022.

Embrace The New Social

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Set An Intention And Draw On

www.michellebeltran.com

embrace the paradigm shift.

89

mentorship

Positive Technology And The Cosmic Mission:

Stefanie is a quantum psychologist, business mentor, and mother of 4 children with over 20 years of experience in coaching ultrasuccessful people. Are you ready for your next quantum leap?

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go with the flow

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TRANS-humanism is not merely some

devoted to acknowledging the risks of

letting past behaviors and actions define

geeky tech subculture, nor a futuristic

digital technologies, the question of how

us, we rob ourselves of the energy needed

daydream, but a pervasive phenomenon

computers could be used to improve people’s

to grow. But regression and victimhood

that is already impacting our humanness

well-being has been much less explored.

will work against you in manifesting

itself. We’re talking about the merging

This was the main motivation for

the life of abundance you envision. If

of human beings with technology, and not just at the physical level, but possibly a merging that encroaches upon the most intimate dimensions of the soul.

you see yourself in these patterns of

area – Positive Technology – which

negativity, it’s time to create a new story.

aims at investigating how ICT-based

Up until now, we have been on our own

applications and services can be

to deal with these emotions. But there are

And energy is the currency of the soul.

used to foster positive growth of

promising indications that AI can help.

Without it, stressors can overwhelm you,

individuals, groups and institutions.

leaving self-doubt and anxiety in control.

Emotion regulation – a person’s ability

Positive technology – or technology

to effectively manage and respond to

designed to improve the quality of our

an emotional experience – is a key

lives – has boomed over the last few

aspect of psycho-social functioning

years. Now we have everything from

and well-being. How could digital tools

Stefanie Bruns, the founder of Business

happiness apps to physiological sensors

be used to support this process?

Flow Academy, believes that states of

that detect stress to digital objects that

high energy are paramount in finding

remind you to practice gratitude.

A study titled, “New Technologies for

fulfilment in life. A psychologist and

Through a discussion with Bruns, it became

Intervention of Emotion Regulation”

clear that while technology, particularly

addresses this discusses the potential of

artificial intelligence, is often used to

integrating technologies such as AI-enabled

benefit mental health or business success

virtual reality, wearable biosensors,

separately, by combining the two use cases.

smartphones, and biofeedback for

Reaching Your True Transformation

improving understanding, assessment,

But by raising your field of energy, you live an elevated life: one of true transformation, high achievement, and success.

business mentor for 16 years, Bruns has dedicated herself to helping successful people break through their self-limitations and soar to new heights in business.

“People buy into your level of energy. It’s not only about your marketing strategy or your gift,” she begins. “Sometimes, people want to stay in the aura of an expert. If you raise your energy, you elevate your life.”

However, with transhumanism comes potential risks to our mental health, and therefore a potential dampening of our vibrational frequency. We have already seen this with the unintended negative impacts of screen-time, social media, and more advancements have on our lives. This is where positive technology comes in.

Although many scientific efforts have been

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the development of a novel research

People rely on their past experiences to dictate their future actions and give unlimited gravity to the words of others.

“There are chains of the past. And when you get free from the past, you can create a better future,” Bruns explains.

“Everybody tells themselves a story, and it’s our duty to find out whether the story is useful or dysfunctional.”

Whether we hold on deeply to what we were told as a child or allow negative thoughts to sow seeds in our lives, this behavior can be highly damaging to our mental state. In

the Understanding, Assessment, and

and intervention of emotion regulation.

“Every thought, and every action, has a special electromagnetic energy. If you tell yourself or others who you are every day, you will become that person,” Bruns says.

She believes that people in any stage of life can fall victim to this. Despite a successful career and an abundance of wealth, a lack of guidance can be all that stands between you and greater states beyond high achievement.

Whether you’re a business owner, a coach, a doctor, or otherwise, AI has shown promising in developing

transformative.

93

stephanie bruns.

94

a new perspective to overcome your

In another example, clinical research

disorders largely rely on physician-patient

doubt and elevate your life.

psychologist Dr Alison Darcy created

questionnaires that are most of the time

This all being said, a human touch will

Woebot, a Facebook-integrated

inaccurate and ineffective in providing

computer program that aims to replicate

a reliable assessment of symptoms.

conversations a patient might have with

These limitations can, however,

always be needed. True spirituality is and has always been the exploration of the wider field of reality; true spirituality cannot be other than true humanness.

“Everything starts with you. If you have guidance on this path, you can reach your goals easily. Even with years of expertise, we all have blind spots where we fail to self-reflect. You need a mirror to explore your blind spots and find areas to grow and improve. A mentor can be that mirror for you,” Bruns explains.

The Path of Joy Bruns believes that overcoming doubt has everything to do with your personal identity: a crucial detail that many disregard when building or expanding their business. People may create a website, produce a product, and find the right price point, but in stepping into the vast field of marketing, they begin to get lost. “On the surface, many people appear to have everything they need to build a successful business. But when we dig deep, step in and find their weakest point, we often discover that there are limitations in their personal life that manifest in their business,” Bruns says. “If your electromagnetic field is in a bad place, you won’t be ready to work when you wake up – even if you slept for eight hours or more.”

This is why it is crucial for all business leaders to implement a positive integration of human and technological support.

For example, Rocky.ai is combining the strengths of a virtual assistant and a leadership coach and brings this together in a soft-skill training application, which is available at all times.

his or her therapist. Woebot is a chatbot that resembles an instant messaging service. The digital health technology asks about your mood and thoughts, “listens” to how you are feeling, learns about you and offers evidence-based cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) tools.

If psychology pertains to the connection between our emotions, psychiatry explains their involvement in our biochemical processes. Our microbiome has a significant involvement in the bio magnetic field of our body, and every cell needs a special voltage. Without the right level of energy, our cells don’t have that voltage and fail to operate at their maximum potential.

The consequences manifest in all areas of our life, from our emotional regulation and wellbeing to the manner in which we make decisions. Bruns believes in the importance of seeing our mind, brain, and energy field as one, but many are unconsciously able to do so.

be overcome by applying artificial intelligence (AI) to electronic medical database and health records. This indicates that we can aggregate data from our everyday lives to eventually eradicate negative thought patterns.

Bruns explains, “People are still making unhealthy divisions in their life. Often, people repeat and reinforce negative outlooks and behaviors and justify them by saying, ‘It’s only a thought.’ But however intrusive or untrue it may be, our thoughts still have electromagnetic voltage,” Bruns explains. “Every emotion has a special vibration. If you feel guilt and shame, your vibrational energy is very low. If you feel unconditional love, it’s much higher. But you can’t access these higher planes of emotional vibration if your body is not in good condition. You can’t use antidepressants or wait idly for the problem to go away on its own. You have to step deeper and heal from within

There are definite signs that machine

to raise your field of energy. Then, and

learning, algorithms, and data can be

only then, will you follow the path of your

utilized to effectively align these aspects

joy and serve your cosmic mission.”

of being in a way that was previously

We are energetic beings. Ancient cultures

left for us to do on our own. In other words, AI can speed up the process of energy and life enhancement.

have held this truth far longer than any modern civilization. And as energetic beings of light, each and every cell

AI in psychiatry is a general term that

has an electromagnetic field to keep in

implies the use of computerized techniques

alignment. As Bruns observes, “This is

and algorithms for the diagnosis,

not new knowledge; this is old knowledge.

prevention, and treatment of mental

But we have new evidence.”

illnesses, and could be applied similarly to enhance our lives. For example, current approaches for the diagnosis of psychiatric

www.businessflowacademy.com

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mentorship Here’s Why Getting Off Our Devices And Returning To Nature Can Help to Reshape Our Future.

IN many ways, the over-reliance on technology

to creating wealth and abundance for the

can lead to problems that impact our mental

community.

health and productivity.

Most kids these days spend more time in front

To her, wealth is beyond the material aspect

of the screen than they do playing outside – and

Removing ourselves from digital distractions

and includes cultivating an abundance of love

many of them will never know where their

in small increments can help us reconnect

and energy to facilitate positive impact. It’s

food comes from. This disconnection to nature

with nature, feel more connected, and use this

about being able to reduce food security in

can be dangerous in ways such as developing a

renewed energy to create a positive impact on

her local community, while simultaneously

sense of carelessness for the environment.

ourselves, our communities, and the world at

enriching and building community through

large.

shared spaces.

Technology was created to facilitate

Reclaiming the connection to the Earth and

of connection to nature, nourishment, and

communication faster and make our lives more

to members of our ecosystem can enrich us

relationship-building. This is how the garden

convenient. In many ways it has. However

mentally and bolster our power to pursue

was able to grow to the size it is today – which

an over-reliance on technology can lead to

valuable innovations. Here are a few ways

feeds more and more people across the greater

problems that impact our mental health and

that disconnecting from our phones and

Seattle region.

productivity.

reconnecting with nature can help us achieve

The average person will spend 145 minutes a day on social media. That’s more than twice the recommended amount of exercise. Although the purpose of social media is intended to help us stay more ‘connected’ to our communities, the further we delve into the digital sphere, the further away we can drift from the true connection and intimacy we desire. Studies show that adolescents who use more social

deeper meaning, joy, and connection in our life.

“Wholeness” Leads to Abundance In ancient traditions and beliefs of indigenous cultures, a spiritual connection to the physical elements of the earth and to other animals bore significant importance in shaping individuals and community life.

Specifically, by getting the younger generation involved, Camberly wanted to integrate a sense

Her belief persists that it is through this increased participation and connection, that as a collective society we will become more protective of our environment. Taking time off our devices and relocating that energy to form healthy bonds with others, as well as physically growing healthy sustenance and fueling our bodies properly, can increase the abundance of not only physical crops but also increase the abundance in our minds.

media have an increased chance of developing

Before doctors, there were healers who

depression, anxiety, and experiencing higher

possessed the unique power to heal members of

levels of loneliness.

their community. These powers were not only

Wealth can exhibit itself in many forms. By

inborn but derived from an intense connection

definition, to be wealthy implies that you

to elements of nature.

have a surplus of something of value to give.

Less Internet Connection, More Innovation?

Besides these factors, the energy that is consumed by e-mails and social media posts could be incredibly distracting, especially if you are trying to accomplish big things.

The first medicines were created from herbs, which help revitalize a person from a state of malignance to a state of health. A connection

A New Definition of Wealth

Helping communities become healthier, more abundant, and more connected to one another, can be a form of wealth.

to nature can help an individual overcome

The community garden Camberly has helped

Ironically, the top technology companies in

the ailments and pressures they face from

grow is a prime example of how this type of

the world like Facebook, Apple, and Amazon

the physical world, and to come to a place of

wealth can be diffused throughout different

have installed “green” break rooms in their

healing and inner peace.

generations and duplicated across different

headquarters. Numerous studies have exemplified the positive impact nature has on the human brain and productivity. Just like the top innovators of the world, an average person can reap the benefits of nature to connect to their creativity and inspire solutions to make the world a better place.

A thought leader in this area is Camberly Gilmartin, Active Change Advocate for parents, teens, businesses, and the planet, and a partner in a community garden project, The

A state of wholeness and connectedness comes

communities.

with increased emotional bandwidth to take

Camberly envisions “a global community where

care of others or the environment. Camberly

people care deeply for themselves, others and

had always intuitively felt a strong connection

the planet, and by doing so, become an example

with nature. This translated into more

and inspiration for others to do the same”.

volunteering at the community garden, which implanted in her, like a seed; a larger vision of shifting the paradigm of food security.

These are grand lessons that can inspire us to put away our devices from time to time and get outside not only so that we may reconnect

Sharing Lessons of Abundance With Younger

with nature’s abundance, beauty, and joy – but

Generations

also so that we may reconnect to that same

Bellevue Urban Garden (TBUG). Camberly

A large proportion of the outcomes our world

has experienced first-hand the power of

faces in the future will be determined by the

reconnecting with nature, which translated

actions of younger generations. This is one of the reasons why stringent focus is put on

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quality education and nutrition for kids.

abundance and creativity that also exists deep within ourselves. www.linkedin.com/in/camberlygilmartin

natural feelings

Gilmartin

camberly gilmartin.

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global trends

Want to boost the global economy by $5 trillion?

Support women. closing the gender gap and improving access to investment funds will bring huge benefits to world economies, writes Shalini Unnikrishnan.

WHAT if we were to tell you that there is a sure-fire way to add $5

Philippines – have managed to buck the global norm; more

trillion to the global economy — that companies around the globe

women than men launched startups in these countries in 2016.

are underutilizing a vast opportunity?

•

In 50% of the 100 countries studied, the gender gap in startup activity is narrowing, with the biggest gains occurring in

Such a catalyst does exist today: women entrepreneurs.

Turkey, South Korea, and Slovakia.

New analysis by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) shows that if women and men participated equally as entrepreneurs, global GDP could rise by approximately 3% to 6%, boosting the global

•

In 40% of countries, however – most notably in Switzerland, Uruguay, and South Africa – the gender gap is widening.

economy by $2.5 trillion to $5 trillion. However, unleashing the power of women entrepreneurs will require action from a range

Although the gender gap in startup activity is fairly consistent

of groups, including venture capitalists, nonprofit organizations,

across most countries, the gap in long-term business success varies

and corporations. These efforts must address a critical and at times

more widely. In the Middle East and North Africa, for example,

overlooked issue: the lack of networks that effectively support and

women’s businesses are about half as likely as men’s to remain in

mentor women entrepreneurs.

operation 3.5 years after creation, while in Latin America, women’s businesses lag in that sustainability measure by 11 percentage

The Gender Gap in Entrepreneurship

points. In all regions except North America, women-led companies have lower sustainability levels than companies led by men.

To understand better the entrepreneurial gender gap – and how much progress is being made toward closing it – BCG analyzed

The Power of Networks

female entrepreneurship data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), regionally and country by country. This analysis

What can countries do to help women-led businesses survive and

yielded the following findings:

thrive?

•

Across all regions, the percentage of working-age men who

Unequal access to financial support plays a significant role in

start a new business exceeds the corresponding percentage of

the gender gap, particularly for women starting new enterprises.

working-age women by roughly 4 to 6 percentage points.

According to a BCG analysis of data from MassChallenge, a USbased global network of accelerators, investments in companies

•

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Four countries – Vietnam, Mexico, Indonesia, and the

founded or cofounded by women averaged $935,000, which is less

breaking down barriers is key for women in business.

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female networks are vital.

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than half the average of $2.1 million invested in companies

• Inclusion. Next, choose participants carefully. The

founded by men entrepreneurs. This disparity exists despite the

best networks have a highly dedicated founder, an active

fact that startups founded and cofounded by women actually

membership and a diverse membership base, including a mix

performed better over time, generating 10% higher cumulative

of new entrepreneurs and more established business owners,

revenue over a five-year period: $730,000 for women compared

ideally with varied cultural backgrounds.

with $662,000 for men.

• Interaction. Finally, structure the network to facilitate both Access to startup capital is not the only problem, of course.

formal and informal interactions. Formal training has its place;

Women entrepreneurs also need to overcome the sustainability

but informal, peer-to-peer interactions are crucial to building

deficit and a growth deficit (the greater tendency of woman-led

trust and ensuring that the network stays relevant over time.

companies to stagnate over time).

Online platforms can be critical to success in this area.

Our research shows that while there are many reasons for these

It is no exaggeration to say that women’s entrepreneurship has

deficits – including differences in access to human capital, social

the power to change the world – and the benefits go far beyond

capital, and ongoing financial resources – a key factor is women’s

boosting global GDP. Closing the gender gap in entrepreneurship

relatively limited access to robust support networks. In low- and

and fueling the growth of women-owned enterprises will

middle-income countries, for example, greater availability and

unleash new ideas, services, and products into our markets. And

use of entrepreneurial networks are linked to smaller gender

ultimately, those forces may redefine the future.

gaps in business sustainability. Peer-to-peer networks encourage women to set higher aspirations for their businesses, plan for growth, and embrace innovation.

In Nigeria, the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, with support from the ExxonMobil Foundation, piloted the Road to Women’s Business Growth, a collaborative venture that helped women business owners boost their business knowledge and gain access to financial institutions and new markets. An independent evaluation of this program found that some of its greatest benefits came from the peer-to-peer and professional networks that it facilitated. As one woman put it, “If you’re facing any challenges or you need some contacts, you just say it and your sisters come to your help. We call ourselves sisterpreneurs.” The women’s financial performance also improved, with median profits increasing by 31%.

www.bcg.com Shalini Unnikrishnan is the Global Lead for Societal Impact in the Consumer and Social Impact practices at Boston Consulting Group.

Shalini’s work at BCG is focused at the intersection of the private, public, and social sectors. She is the co-author of “Total Societal Impact,” which explores how companies can gain business and societal value through their core operations.

Shalini is a recent Presidential Leadership Scholar, a selective program led by former President George W. Bush, and she has written and published extensively on various topics in societal impact including a TED talk on new models for tackling humanitarian crises. She currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Tony Blair Foundation.

In our experience, the best networks are built on the principles of intent, inclusion, and interaction: • Intent. Start by defining the network’s purpose. Networks should be much more than a glorified Rolodex. What can women gain by joining the network? Will they get access to human and financial capital, as well as social capital? How can the network help women achieve tangible business goals?

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Adriana Alvarez

Cat Stancik

Genevieve Searl

102

Ania Halama

April Ryan

Barbie La y t o n

Crystal J acks o n

C a m b e r ly Gilmartin

Dana K ay

Ginan Tabb o u ch

H a n n ah Reiter

Bella Ma r e e La n e

Blair Kaplan V e n ab l e s

Elena Cardone

Eb o n y Swank

Heather Ma r i a n n e

Kortney Murr ay

Brené Brown

Callie K atz

E r i ca Ma r i sca l

G abb y Bernstein

K athi Ta i t

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WIL D NETWOR K

Keryn Rose

La u r a Johnson

Nicole Crowley

Ondi La u r e

S ha n n o n Rose

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L e ah Steele

Rh o n da Swan

Ta n i sha Jamison

M i ch e l l e Belt r a n

Ta r r y n Lee

Ta r r y n Reeves

M i ch e l l e Pa t r i ck

M i ch e l l e S ha e f f e r

Nina Cruz

Va l e r i e Cripps

R e b e cca Butler

Sandra O’Brien

S ha r Moore

Ta r sh A sh w i n

Isab e l D o n ad i o - Faga n

Karen Wh e l a n

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