Category

Women Worldwide

Category
France

Success the Worldwide : The One that took the leap with Lauren Forcella

Lauren Forcella was a natural born artist, gifted from her early years and thanks to a friend that believed in her, she kick started her career with her own studio. Self taught, Lauren has the ability to bring the magic of nature to life through her paintings.

Her career has taken her on many paths but she feels like she returned back home when she was back doing what she loves, creating art. Here, we spent some time with her to find out more…

Tell us the journey that led you to launching your brand, Lauren Forcella Artist…

It’s hard to explain how extremely close I was to Nature growing up. Home was tumultuous, so I had my own “homes” in private magical places in the woods. To give back for this great fortune, taking a stand for the planet was my top priority, so my first career, I was a hydrogeologist. After seven years of politics trumping science, I retooled in the human potential movement, and eventually had my own family of four kids and founded a critically-acclaimed syndicated advice column, Straight Talk Advice, with contributions from youth panelists around the US [2004-2016]. While this was full-time work, I never stopped painting after the life-changing event that marked my personal discovery of painting, my “sudden onset”.

I was literally talked into going with a writer friend to someone’s art studio. I was very busy with my four kids at this point, they were all in a row, the youngest still a baby, so it was only after months of my friend’s begging that I begrudgingly went. I picked up the brushes and can’t describe my utter astonishment. It really was as if a secret door opened and I entered a parallel universe. Though my technique keeps improving, it emerged as an already-developed skill, literally a “sudden onset” experience. A few months later, another friend saw the paintings and without a word, went straight out and rented me an art studio. Since that time, I painted a lot, but it was always on the side of kids and the writing career. I was never sure how to make a go of it. After all, art is a challenging career choice, even a silly one, no? That was my conditioning. It was not till 2017 (the kids now grown), that I ditched everything and took the leap.

You’ve naturally gravitated back to what you most loved doing as a child. Do you have days where you don’t enjoy what you do for a living, if so, how do you overcome this?

Though I never painted or took art classes, I loved coloring and writing and being outside in special magical places. It is wonderful to have made my way back and in the process discovered my true talent as a painter and colorist — still with Earth as my muse. Because I am building my business from the bootstraps, I do my own marketing and administration, and I can’t say I enjoy this part, although I am decent at it, and I love interacting with fans. I push on, knowing it’s essential. I also live in gratitude for my most wonderful future assistant!

How do you want people to feel when they see your designs?

I want people to be inspired to love the earth more. I want my paintings to stimulate an emotional connection with nature. And to live more harmoniously because of it.

How often do you launch new designs and what’s the process behind that?

I work wet-on-wet, alla prima, which is French for “first coup” and is how many of the early impressionists worked. What this means is that I strive to place each generous, paint-laden brushstroke right where I want it the first time. No letting the paint dry and adding layers. Once I start a painting, I work on it each day until it is finished. One painting at a time. I love the immediacy and intimacy of working this way, it let’s me translate not only the subject, but also the emotional life of that subject. I generally complete two paintings per month, sometimes more — once I have my assistant, definitely more! I choose my designs based on what in nature has inspired me most recently. When I’m outside, I fully immerse myself in the experience, taking reference photos, walking barefoot, napping directly on the earth to fully absorb and connect.

What’s the best advice you have ever received?

When I first made the decision to go after my art, I knew I was damaged goods, filled with doubt, not believing in myself, etc. So I hired a Bob Proctor-trained coach, Tessa Manning, and worked with her for nine months. Two revelations stand out: One, you have to choose what you absolutely love to do, because it will be so difficult and will require such unimaginably hard work that if you don’t love it enough, you will never keep working that hard. That was a huge revelation for me because I do have that love for it. When the colour is going on the canvas in front of me, there is nothing like it. And when I’m in Nature, I literally can weep over how beautiful it is and how much unconditional love I feel coming from Nature. So to combine painting with Nature I knew would be an unstoppable combination. Upon understanding this, I was sorry I didn’t go after art earlier.

The second revelation: Do not have a Plan B.

How do you manage your time as a mum of 4 and entrepreneur?

Raising my kids with no TV was my biggest success secret. They listened to me, there was no blather competing with my voice and values. I was fully in charge and I was fair, so they respected me. I had three boys in a row, followed by a daughter, so this was no small feat. It was a mutually supportive household, we championed each other. My other secret was dispensing with the concept of “me time”. I had a powerful epiphany early on that every bit of my time was ‘’my’ time. That changed everything. While I did write the column full time, it dovetailed with raising them, in fact, they were all involved with it. Though I never stopped painting once I discovered it, it was on the side. Once the kids were launched, I realised I didn’t love the column enough to keep struggling with it. I did it out of love for them. (If you know about publishing, my particular interval, 2004-2016, was about the worst it ever was for this disrupted industry.) I let it go, got myself a coach and went full tilt into art.

What has 2020 taught you that no other year has?

That beauty and nature matter more than ever. I’ve been pretty sequestered due to Covid, but focusing on beauty every day and being able to be in nature has kept me balanced. And thank God for telephones!

Since launching the brand, is there anything you would do differently?

I would start with a ton of money. This starving artist thing is stressful! But who knows? My writing business ironically gave me the courage to be an artist. I mean, I was already starving, it couldn’t get worse.

To date, what has been your proudest moment?

I’m most proud of my job as a mum. My kids, now successful adults, are my best work. Okay, I’m also pretty proud of diving headfirst into an art career with no plan B. That took some guts.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?

I would love to go to Japan, both in fall for the foliage, and in spring for the cherry blossoms.

Where can we find out more…

Thanks for asking! At my website https://laurenforcella.com/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/laurenforcellaartist/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LaurenForcellaArtist

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/laurenforcellafineart

by
Keep Reading
Greece

Women Worldwide : The One that helps you Be, Feel and Heal with Teri Gosselin

Teri Gosselin has turned her own pain in to power. As someone who has had to overcome grief, she has turned her negative life experiences in to helping other people be, feel and heal.

Her story is one of courage and inspiration and we couldn’t wait to spend some time with her to find out more…

Tell us the story and inspiration that led you to launching your brand, Soul Glow & Alchemy.

After enduring the sudden loss of my younger brother, Joey, just three weeks before my wedding day in 2008, I soon lost who I was, consumed by anxiety and overwhelm, and deep sadness and bitterness. For years, instead of honouring, acknowledging and truly healing, I suffered from unresolved grief and grief related trauma, and had turned so far inward, I was dying inside.

In 2016, I had begun receiving nudges that I was here for something larger than myself, and after a thyroid cancer scare that summer, it was as if that was the wake up call I needed to begin to truly heal and explore what these soul nudges were.

With therapy, intense inner work with coaches and healers, and the exploration and expansion of my soul, my spirituality and my gifts, I not only embarked on my own healing journey, I recognized the call to be a beacon and guide for others who are ready to acknowledge their own call to heal and rise.

While my title and business has evolved over the last several years with my own healing work, the mission has always been the same.

To help as many women + men as possible feel safe to share their authenticity, receive the gentle encouragement and guidance they need to BE, FEEL and HEAL fully, and truly live a beautiful life after loss. This alchemization of pain, grief, trauma and overwhelm into the reclamation of personal power, the ignition of passion and activation of purpose is the sacred mission of the Soul Glow + Alchemy brand.

You’re an inner peace alchemist, can you tell us more about this?

Mmm, yes! This title was a shower download a few years ago, and it just felt so natural.

As a scientist by training and a healer by soul, the blending of the human soul’s desire to release internal chaos and be fully present and at peace in the now with the science of transmutation (or alchemy) embodied not only my mission deeply but my actual purpose that I had trained for my entire life.

Essentially, the healing work I guide others through opens my client’s up to unraveling the shadows and “lower vibrational” emotions that they have held onto for so long, taking space to fully acknowledge, feel, and express those emotions, and then transmuting those emotions into finding what inner peace feels like to them.

You help women + men reclaim a life of inner peace, joy and passion and unconditional love, following loss. How do you achieve this?

It is definitely a partnership in healing to reclaim these pieces of inner peace, joy, passion and love that slipped away while in the throes of unprocessed grief and trauma, and activated levels of anxiety and overwhelm, and having a safe container to do so.

The work we do is highly energetic in nature with a deep spiritual influence. The energetic healing work we do will shift heavy emotional and physical energy, activate pieces of wisdom from departed loved ones, spiritual guides and Ascended Masters, and continue to open up areas to heal around any physical dis-ease they may be suffering from, emotional processing, ways to shift certain limiting patterns and conditions in their mindset and thoughts, and new ways to embody the activation of inner peace, joy, passion and love in all that they do.

This work is deep healing of the mind, body, energy, soul and spirit, and is a deep remembrance of their wholeness, their soul essence, their worthiness to create and have a powerful and beautiful LIFE after loss without guilt and judgement to do so.

You mention FEEL to HEAL and doing so safely as a massive part of your mission to help others with. Can you share more about this?

Yes! My brand is also a movement, the Soul Glow + Alchemy Movement to be exact – to safely feel, express and heal those formerly unprocessed lower vibrational emotions of grief, trauma, overwhelm, anxiety and others, and have offer a platform to make it SAFE and SACRED to share those emotions without judgment and shame, and fully allow themselves to be seen, heard and witnessed as they are, which opens up the ability to heal more fully and activate new levels in their life.

From my experience, we have been brought up in a society that shies away from discomfort and pain. We would prefer to move forward quickly, and even when we feel compassion and empathy, it’s all in that moment, not beyond.

During my early grief journey, I was surrounded by love for a little bit, and then everyone else’s life continued on and I felt like my world had been turned upside down and I wasn’t ready to move forward, and rather than inconvenience others, I began internalizing my grief and pain, and it became an unhealthy pattern.

I think many feel that society shames them if they feel perceived negative emotions, and we become conditioned to please others and make them feel safe, at the expense of our own emotional, mental, physical and spiritual safety.

We are souls having a human experience which includes experiencing the shadows in life, so we can fully appreciate the light.

The containers I offer are deeply sacred with safety and space held for my clients.

I have also created a talk show called EVOLVE with Teri Gosselin which gives a platform for women + men to share their transformations and healing journey’s in a safe space and inspire others to do the same. An exciting goal of mine is to also have this platform available on stages around the world to watch and witness a massive healing ripple effect, releasing taboo and creating healthy conversations about emotions, grief, and trauma.

For anyone struggling with inner peace, what advice would you offer them?

You are not alone, my friend.

We all experience struggles around fighting the internal chaos within, whether it be due to grief, trauma, anxiety or something else entirely.

We are constantly evolving, a work in progress, so I invite anyone struggling to give themself grace. Grace to be where you are, without judgement and shame.

To simply take a moment from the chaos, from the analyzing of it, from the validation of it, and simply breathe.

Below is a quick exercise you can do when you are caught in the spiral of chaos, of overwhelm, of struggle:

I invite you all to drop into your hearts and check in with yourself right now.

Place your hands over your heart.

Breathe in deeply, and out through your mouth with an audible sound. Do this 3x.

Feel your body begin to relax, and your mind clear.

As you drop into your heart, simply observe and listen.

You will find so much peace just being in that very moment, and this will allow you to create the space, to begin that healing journey!

What does self care mean to you?

I love this question!

Self care to me is about finding WHAT works for YOU! Each person’s needs and desires for tending to themselves may differ each day or moment, and to me it is choosing what FEELS good to you in the moment, and experiencing that!

Some days this looks like deep breaths at my computer, or watching the clouds in the sky on my back porch.

Other days it is a delicious latte and a pedicure with a book to escape the world.

Most often, it is the allowing the pressures and thoughts to fall away while I come to the present moment.

My advice is to choose what feels good, and choose something daily It does not need to be something that takes hours or costs a lot of money, so give yourself permission to explore different self care practices and tools that allow you the opportunity to reconnect, rejuvenate and relax!

During 2020, what have you learned about yourself that you didn’t already know?

Ahh, 2020 looked nothing like what I imagined but has brought enormous growth, expansion and blessings with it!

Here are some of the things I have learned about myself this year!

  • I am magical! I have stepped deeper into my own energetic and spiritual practice and I have realized how powerful my connection with Spirit and my gifts to facilitate healing for myself and others are!
  • I love my family so much, and this year has given me more time to spend with them and make beautiful intentional memories. It has also reminded me of the importance of solitude and self care for myself because we cannot serve from an empty cup, whether to our kids or clients, so putting your own oxygen mask first is essential!
  • I also witnessed my own deeper healing and evolution this past year, which has shown me how big my mission truly is, and how important and necessary this purpose work is in the world, and that even during a pandemic, beauty, magic and love can occur <3

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?

My favorite place in the world is Greece. My soul literally feels like it belongs there.

Although I have been twice, it has been for nearly enough time to explore other places throughout the country. I would love to own a home in the islands, and explore the country, introduce my children to the place my soul craves, and make incredible memories!

Where can people find out more?

I would love to connect!

You can join me over at:

FBPage:

Teri Gosselin, Inner Peace Alchemist + Spiritual Channel

https://www.facebook.com/soulglowandalchemywithteri

Instagram:

Instagram.com/soulglowandalchemywithteri

Email:

soulglowandalchemy@gmail.com

My website is under construction but will be ready soon and will be shared on the channels above!

by
Keep Reading
Italy

Women Worldwide : The one that Empowers female entrepreneurs

Here at House of Coco, we’re all about living your dream life, whatever that means to you. Susan Francis knows all about that because she understands the real fundamentals of what it takes to truly create a dream life. Deeply understanding your vision and having determination and a world class work ethic isn’t enough. To deliberately create the life you desire you must uncover the resistance and blocks that hold you back and release these. It’s the inner work that is key, it’s always a mindset game.

Susan has more experience than we can shake a stick at and quite frankly, she’s the ultimate Bossbabe, and she looks good doing it! We just had to spend some time with her to find out more…

Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching your brand…

The journey that led to launching my own brand was not a straightforward one. It was so challenging and tested me in so many ways, but it has been so rewarding.

I spent 20 years in the fashion and jewellery industries and never had plans to start my own business, that was until the birth of my daughter. I know other mums will get this. Your perspective completely shifts once you have a child.

I had always been ambitious, hard working, and financial independence had always been so important to me, but the thought of working 50 hour weeks while my daughter was in childcare just didn’t sit well with me.

A stint in Network Marketing led me down the path of personal development and I became obsessed with learning all about the Law of Attraction. I wasn’t achieving what I desired in the NM biz and I knew that I was holding myself back.

The search for me to clear my own blocks led to studying NLP and Timeline Therapy and then to launching my own coaching business. I really struggled for the first several months and It wasn’t until early on in 2020 though that I finally felt like I found my true calling and stepped into Mindset, Manifestation and Business coaching.

All of my life I had been doing what I felt was the right thing to do. It wasn’t until I really listened to the internal pulls and followed my heart that I really found my life’s purpose and launched my own brand.

You help females entrepreneurs to create more impact and income, how do you do this?

By helping them connect to the truth of who they are so they can fully step into their own power. So many female entrepreneurs are following a very masculine approach to doing business; they follow the strategy, work hard, and eventually believe it will pay off. They focus all their effort on action.

My focus with clients is 80% mindset and energy work, 20% action. We live in an energetic Universe and we all create what we believe and expect. I work with clients to align with their desires, to clear all of the doubts, fears and worries that hold them back so they can manifest their dream business.

The only reason that someone isn’t able to double their income and impact right now is the limits that they have placed on themselves.. There is nothing outside of you stopping you. Any stories you have are just the limits that you place on yourself. When you learn to become a vibrational match to your desires and follow your intuition magic unfolds.

I love helping women take Quantum leaps. What most of society calls realistic, I call limitations. Shifting your thoughts, beliefs, emotions around you business rapidly transforms the results.

The action comes easily.

How do you want women to feel after working with you?

Empowered. Unstoppable. Limitless.

In love with their business and excited to create the next level. Feeling like they can create anything they want with ease and flow. Full of confidence, joy, abundance.

Have you had to make any pivots during 2020, if so, what?

I pivoted at the start of the year, but not due to any external circumstances, but because I finally found my calling and decided to uplevel. I believe we create our own realities and my business has absolutely exploded this year. In the last 8 months I have made 18x what I made in the 8 months prior. We are all capable of so much more than we can imagine.

What have you learnt about yourself this year that no other year taught you?

That I have everything I need within. I have discovered a whole new level or self worth, confidence and certainty that I have never had before.

It’s all about going within. We are all such powerful creators and when you learn how to shift the limits that have been holding you back anything is possible.

This has honestly been one of the best years of my life.

When lacking motivation, what quote do you like to read?

If you have the ability to imagine it, the Universe has the ability to give it to you. Abraham Hicks

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?

Cinque Terre. I absolutely love Italy and have been a few times, but never to the Cinque Terre. We actually went most recently when I turned 40 to Sicily and Rome which was stunning. I love everything about Italy, the architecture, the food, the people, the culture. I can’t wait to go back.

Helping women create a life of their dreams is something you do, what does your dream life like?

Time and financial freedom would be at the top of the list. For me it’s not just about building a successful business, but one that allows me incredible time and location freedom.

My dream life is a work in progress and I am getting closer and closer all the time, although I’m sure it will always evolve.

Buying our dream home is at the top of the list, something with lots of natural light and space. (we will be ticking this off the list soon!) Being able to wake up every morning and have the time to exercise, meditate and relax with family over breakfast before I start my day.

Working a few hours from home, connecting with amazing clients and helping thousands of women expand their life. Then being able to collect my daughter from school and spend some quality time together.

Being able to travel overseas frequently for extended periods with the family, work from anywhere, and have a holiday house by the beach are all on the cards. It’s important for me to always be personally expanding and growing so always investing in my own mentors is a must, and of course running a business that continues to expand and thrive and is making a positive impact in the world.

I love variety and so my dream life is ever evolving.

What advice would you offer to anyone thinking about starting a coaching business?

Follow what you’re being called to do. Don’t follow what you think you should do, follow what lights you up. When you follow what you absolutely love doing then life and business becomes so much easier, it simply becomes an extension of who you are.

Definitely invest in a coach or mentor, but not one that tells you what to do, not one that tells you their way is the only way. One that helps you shine, that helps you connect to your power, to your confidence, one that empowers you to become all of you and helps you to do things in a way that feels amazing for you.

Looking back since you started, what has been your proudest moment?

Definitely helping clients have amazing wins has been the most rewarding part and what I am most proud of. I’ve had clients come to me that have never signed clients in their own coaching business and then went on to sign 3 clients in 2 weeks, women that have rapidly scaled from $10K months to $35K months in 60 days, and women that have manifested $10K in 48 hours.

It’s so exciting to watch other women really let go of what has held them back and make profound shifts in their life. I love watching the magic unfold.

Is there anything you would do differently?

I truly believe life is a journey and all of our mistakes, failures or speed bumps are an important part of that. Do I wish I would have discovered my true calling and started making money in my business sooner, absolutely! But without the lessons along the way I may not have arrived at where I am now.

The only thing I would have done differently is hired my own coach sooner. I kept telling myself that when I started earning some decent money I would hire a coach and that kept me stuck. My business exploded when I started working with the right coach so I definitely wish I had done that sooner.

Where can people find out more

My website is the best place to go to find out more. I also have a weekly podcast women can tune into called Soul Aligned Business Babes. My favourite place to hang out is my facebook group, Soul Aligned Business Babes, where I share a lot of content and do free live trainings. You can also find me on insta @iamsusanfrancis. Youtube and my FB business page.

by
Keep Reading
United Kingdom

Women Worldwide : The One With Shar Schmidt the Survivor

Shar Schmidt is a powerful, strong woman that survived cancer and launched her brand during her recovery after finding out about the healing powers of crystals. Her story is one to be admired and if anyone can inspire you to follow your passion, the Shar is that person.

Stunning, creative and humble too, Shar is way more than what she has been through. We spent some time with her to find out more…

Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching your brand, High Vibrations By Shar Schmidt…

I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in 2017 when I was 35 years old, with no prior family history of cancer. I had to do chemotherapy and radiation, and had a bilateral mastectomy. I also did genetic testing, and I’m BRCA1+. That means I have a genetic mutation that makes me more likely to get cancer, so I had a prophylactic hysterectomy as well. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever been through. Thankfully, I’m a survivor! But cancer treatment is so hard, physically and mentally. It does so much to your body! I started looking for other ways to heal, and that brought me to crystals. I loved the way crystals made me feel, and I wanted to offer that healing to other people as well. I made bracelets for my friends, and they liked them so much, they asked why didn’t I sell them? I started small, just selling a few bracelets, but I make crystal and gold pieces as well now. Crystals have immense healing power, and I believe everyone should have the opportunity to heal without taking more medication.

Since launching the brand, what has been your proudest moment?

I think my proudest moment is probably seeing celebrities wear my pieces. Selma Blair and her son wear my jewellery. It’s always fun to see my pieces worn!

How do you want people to feel when wearing your bracelets?

I want people to feel good energy when they wear my bracelets. There are a lot of good vibes that go into making my pieces, and I want people to feel that. I want people to benefit from each crystal, and crystals can do so much for our bodies and our emotions. Even if one doesn’t necessarily believe in crystals for healing, I definitely want people to enjoy wearing them for their beauty. They’re gorgeous; wearing something nice makes everyone feel good!

Your story is so powerful and you are such a strong woman, how do you pick yourself up on the harder days?

I think everyone has days that make them feel like crawling into bed and pulling the covers over your head – I know I do. On those tough days, I look at my son, he is always in such a great mood and has so much energy. He’s very loving. I draw strength from that.

What’s your favourite quote?

One of my favourite quotes is from Coco Chanel: “It is always better to be slightly underdressed.” I love dressing up, but LIVE for dressing down! It gives me an opportunity to dress up my jewellery without looking too overdone.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?

I’ve always wanted to visit England! I’m obsessed with British tv, and I’d love to spend a month exploring everything England has to offer.

You turned your anxiety in to a business and your story is amazing, what advice would you offer others that suffer from anxiety?

Anxiety is nothing to be ashamed of. There are so many varying degrees of anxiety and all of them are normal. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and taking time to heal is helpful. That can be through self-care, crystal healing, music, whatever helps you.

What does self care mean to you?

Self-care is doing whatever makes you feel good – that can be reading a good book, taking a bubble bath, getting a manicure, or eating your favourite meal. I like to run a bath, light some candles, grab a glass of wine, and relax with a good book.

Find out more and follow Shar…

People can find out more about my brand on Instagram, @highvibrationsbysharschmidt, or by visiting my website, www.highvibrationsbysharschmidt.com.

by
Keep Reading
Australia

Women Worldwide : The One that is Amazingly Specific with Reverend Stephanie Wild

Stephanie Wild has been described as ‘amazingly specific’ and ‘actionable and thrilling.’ With a description like that, we were so intrigued to find out more. Reverend Stephanie is sought after for the way she brings the Spirit world down to earth in the service of joy.

By connecting to Spirit in several ways, she helps her clients find a personal and practical way to take control of their own happiness so they can live peacefully every day, no matter what is happening. Spoken of highly by her clients, we couldn’t wait to find out more…

Tell us the journey that led you to launching your brand, Reverend Wild…

I think it began with me changing my name to Stephanie Wild! I have had 4 different names. The first three were men’s names: my father’s and then my two husband’s. Finally, I had had enough, so I decided to choose my own damn name. The first spirit person who ever spoke to me was Eliza Jane Wild, my great-grandmother ,(when I was about 9 years old). She was bold and confident – she didn’t marry until her 30s, back in the early 1900s. She knew herself and how to make herself happy.

Soon after I had legally changed my name to Stephanie Wild, I became ordained and added the “Reverend”. It fits me perfectly – I live life wildly and reverently at the same time. As I expanded into it, and wrote my first book, I got fired. Oops! Too empowered for corporate America; too intent on protecting my team from abuse. Of course, at that point I was terrified because I was a single mother in Manhattan with no family nearby. All I could do was lean into my meditation practice and connect to Spirit even more closely. I’d been doing tarot readings and hosting seances at home for fun for some time, but at that point I started charging properly. Then I jumped into writing my second book. I just kept going!

Since my career had been on Madison Ave in advertising, I simply whipped up my own branding and advertising. Pretty soon, other lightworkers started asking me for help with theirs. So, I coach light workers in branding and marketing essentials on the side. It’s really fun to see them blossoming and becoming irresistible to their own ideal clients.

You bring the spirit world down to earth in the service of joy, what does this entail?

I am a conduit between the Spirit realm and the Earth realm. I transfer and translate information in the form of messages, insight, and healing so that my clients can evolve spiritually and therefore move closer to joy.

Sometimes that entails setting up a conversation between my client and a loved one who has died; sometimes it means clearing their house of annoying spirit entities or stagnant energy (for this I bring in my Shaman partner); sometimes it entails taking a peek into their future or tuning in to the feelings of a person in their life so they can make informed decisions; sometime it entails passing on guidance from their spirit guides (such as clarifying their purpose for this lifetime) or their Akashic records; sometimes it entails leading them in meditation to dissolve a specific resentment; sometimes it entails doing some thought work (understanding the ego), sometimes it entails answering questions about life, the universe, and everything.

Basically, I hook my clients up to Spirit!

Over the years, you must have dealt with a lot of doubters. How do you deal with that?

Good grief, yes! Many doubters come across my path. I answer direct questions if they ask, but I don’t try to convince anyone of anything. There are so many people who are eager to get closer to the Spirit world that spending time on doubters would be unethical, really – I can do more good serving those who are ready than trying to change those who are not.

Who’s your ideal client and how do you want them to feel after spending time with you?

My ideal client is someone who has that inkling that there’s ‘something more’ to existence but for whom organized religion doesn’t feel quite right or quite complete and for whom new-age woo woo stuff feels hokey or insincere. After spending time with me, they’ll feel relieved of their issue, excited to expand their consciousness and curious to explore spiritual reality. People usually come to me when they have an issue in their life that they can’t think their way out of; they sense the need for that spiritual part. Often they’ll come with just one question, like “is my spouse cheating?” or “should I take this new job?” and that opens up a whole new world of spiritual growth and happiness.

Tell us about your best selling book…

I actually have two internationally best-selling books: The Art of Forgiveness, and The Art of Romance.

The Art of Forgiveness began as a memoir about my abusive childhood and how I managed to scramble my way to happiness. My publisher suggested it might help people more if I turned it into more of a handbook. So that’s how it ended up. I’m really proud of it because it’s very very practical. So many spiritual teachers tell us that forgiveness is important but honestly, I can’t name one who tells us HOW to go about it step by step. I do that. And it doesn’t mean letting anyone off the hook!

The Art of Romance was a natural next topic. I noticed so many heterosexual women coming to me with questions like, “what is he thinking?”, “why hasn’t he texted me?”, “Is he the one?” So, I wanted to give people a method of creating a dating and sex life that made them happy. Just a heads-up – it’s very explicit, so don’t pick it up if you’re offended by the f word.

Looking back since you started running your own business, is there anything you would do differently?

I would start sooner!

If you could speak to your 18 year old self, what advice would you give her?

Stop drinking alcohol and follow your bliss.

What has 2020 taught you about yourself?

2020 has taught me that I can trust myself to sleep and eat and work as my intuition guides me. My happiness is not increased by a rigid schedule.

What does self care mean to you?

It means giving myself enough water, enough rest, and surrounding myself with plants, with pets, and with people who say, “I love you” easily and often, without conditions.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?

I crave my homeland. My grandfather lived closely with the native Australians in the Great Sandy Desert, so I want to go there and reconnect with his spirit and with the spirits of the land. I want to take my children so they can awaken that connection in themselves, too. I imagine starting at Uluru (which I’ve not in fact visited) and making our way toward the coast and ending up at a small tropical island I have in mind. I like slow travel; I like to spend at least a few months wherever I go, if at all possible.

Talk us through an average day in your life…

I sleep until 9am because I have to manage my adrenal fatigue (decades of working on Madison Ave and before that, an abusive childhood). I stretch and get my blood flowing. I do a live psychic mediumship demonstration hour free to the public at about 10AM, and then I have a few private client sessions. I go into deep meditation in the afternoon or spend some time in nature (Central Park if I’m in New York, or the beach if I’m in Florida). After that, it’s business time…. working on my next book, or soon-to-be-launched online course, or attending to finances and so on. In the evenings I’ll hang out with my kids or my girlfriends or lead a spirit circle and meditation for clients. I often go to sleep around 9pm and wake up again at about 3am. I don’t mean to, it just happens. I usually immerse myself in some metaphysical lesson (book or podcast or show) for a few hours and then go back to sleep.

Find out more…

www.reverendwild.com

by
Keep Reading
France

Women Worldwide : The One that Leaves no Curl behind with Kinsitry

Angela Fité is the founder of Kinsitry, a brand that caters to the curly haired girl looking for quality hair extensions. After struggling to find hair on the market that matched her gorgeous curls, she realised there was a gap in the market and set out to launch her now successful hair care brand. It’s more than just hair, it’s a movement.

We spent some time with Angela to find out more…

Tell us about the story that lead you to launch your brand, Kinsitry.

Finding quality kinky curly extensions was an issue for me as a consumer. I discovered through conversion with friends that was also an issue for them as well. I launched Kinkistry out of a need for better quality kinky curly extensions at a more reasonable price.

You’re on a mission to change the world, one curl at a time. Why is this important to you?

As an African American woman and mother to an African American daughter, it’s important for her to see a varied representation of skin tones and hair textures because that’s the world we live in. We deserve to see images that depict women of color in every hue and curl type. Our uniqueness is what makes us magical!

It’s so refreshing to see a hair extension brand that caters to tight curls, how do you plan on changing the in the haircare world?

I want to show the beauty industry it’s ok to embrace texture. Textured curls aren’t bad, inappropriate or hard to maintain. My goal is to spotlight the versatility of textured hair.

Talk us through an average day in your life…

Right now, life is far from average! I have a 13-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter who are currently attending school virtually because of Covid-19. Their school routine takes up a good chunk of my day. My husband is in the Army Reserve and has recently been deployed to the middle East. Life is definitely different for us these days. As far as Kinkistry is concerned, I’m blessed to have great employees who manage day to day activities.

It’s amazing to see a beauty brand representing black people. Aside from the work you do, how much do you think the haircare and beauty industry is doing this and what work can be done to make more strides in this area?

Representation of our community has increased a bit in the beauty industry, but there is still more ground to break. In beauty specifically, the spending power of black women in the US is $7.5 billion. We definitely are not featured and represented enough in comparison to how much we spend. We as consumers must demand change and black owned businesses must lead this charge.

What’s been your career highlight since launching?

I have many, but one of my major highlights is this year Kinkistry’s turns 5 years old. In today’s climate, I realize I’m very fortunate to have a thriving and successful business.

Looking back since launching the brand, is there anything you would do differently?

The challenges I have experienced since Kinkistry began have all been great lessons that created growth. They’ve molded and shaped my brand and how I conduct business. These lessons have been invaluable and I would not change a thing.

Who is your ideal client and why?

Our ideal client is unapologetic about the curl of her hair and the tone of her skin. She embraces her natural journey whole heartedly and knows it’s not trendy to be natural. Being natural shouldn’t be viewed as a statement. It’s not a fad. Being natural is loving everything about yourself and feeling confident in your skin.

How do you deal with procrastination?

I tend to hold on to too many things I should delegate. I’ve been delegating more out of necessity. I shouldn’t feel as though I have to do everything and I have incredible employees who are more than capable. Delegating has been how I deter procrastination.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your travel bucket list?

Africa is at the very top of my travel bucket list. Before Covid-19 I was scheduled to travel to Ghana. I pray 2021 will be a year full of travel for us all!

For any aspiring entrepreneurs wanting to launch a hair care business, what advice would you offer?

START. You must start. It’s not enough to want to start. Where should you start? Start with research. Research the market and products you want to sell.

How have you had to pivot in 2020?

Beauty products have been an outlet for many to feel a sense of normalcy this year. We have been fortunate because we have not had to pivot. We have provided ways for women to do their own hair from home with our clip-ins and drawstring ponytails. Many women still had to work from home and attend zoom calls. Our products gave women an easy do it yourself protective style that they could wear for work and for general self-care.

What has this year taught you about yourself?

This year has taught me that life can change instantly. A simple thing like going to the grocery store could put your health at risk. Life is to be lived to the fullest and not to be taken for granted.

Where do you hope to see your brand in ten year’s time?

In 10 years Kinsitry will have expanded to Africa, France and the UK. We will become a manufacturer, not just a distributor.

Follow Angela and her fab brand at www.kinkistry.com

by
Keep Reading
United Kingdom

Women Worldwide : The One Changing the World One Facebook Ad at a time with Jennifer Spivak

We’ve heard so many stories over the years about people who can turn a negative situation in to something positive and rewarding and that is certainly true for Jennifer Spivak. CEO and Founder of #TEAMSPIVAK, Jennifer was subjected to a pretty horrendous ordeal that was life changing. With the success of her brand, where empowering women who have been involved in domestic violence ordeals is at the forefront, she is not just changing her life but many other women’s too.

We spent some time with Jennifer to find out more about how she is building her brand with impact and we delved deeper in to her life…

Tell us about the story that lead you to launch your brand, Jennifer Spivak…

Nearly 10 years ago, I was in an incredibly violent abusive relationship. At the end of it all, with the help of a domestic assault lawyer, my abuser went to prison and I had a chance to restart my life with the $1500 I had secretly saved. Not long after, I got involved in domestic violence advocacy work, and learned very quickly just how crucial that $1500 was to my relatively seamless (all things considering, of course) escape. As it became crystal clear to me that so many women who were in my situation have to choose between safety and a roof over their heads, often finding themselves homeless, in a shelter, or worse from having returned to their abuser for financial reasons, I knew that putting more money into the hands of more women would become my life’s work and purpose. Combining this insight with my skills in marketing… my agency was born! Today I am the CEO and Founder of #TEAMSPIVAK, a Facebook and Instagram advertising agency with financial empowerment for women as the cornerstone of everything we do. We hire only women, work primarily with female entrepreneurs to help them increase their income and impact, and we’ve developed a long-term partnership with FreeFrom, an organization “whose mission is to dismantle the nexus between intimate partner violence and financial insecurity.”

You’re on a mission to change the world, one Facebook ad at a time. Why is this important to you?

Facebook Ads are the vehicle, but they aren’t the point. They’re a phenomenal tool that, when used correctly, can be the source of consistent and predictable revenue growth for businesses. We see this as the greatest way to impact the financial situation of female entrepreneurs; the best way to ensure that women are financially empowered and in charge of their own lives. Financial empowerment = personal power = never needing to be beholden to anyone, and never having to choose between safety and access to money.

Talk us through an average day in your life…

I’m not a fan of morning routines, as I find they often feel like a trap to me! But I do love to create as much ease as possible in the mornings, with at least an hour or two between when I open my eyes and when I sit down at my laptop. Sometimes this means meditating or journaling while burning my chakra incense… and other times it means hanging out with my cats while mindlessly scrolling through Facebook. From there, it’s lots of Slack communication with my team, checking results for clients, and taking sales calls with prospects for the agency. I tend to be a bit of a night owl when it comes to work! It feels really good to me to have less of a structure to my day, knowing I might take a 2-hour nap if I feel like it, but then work until 10pm… rather than having a hard stop time.

I love how you are authentically you in your marketing, does this come naturally to you?

I joke that I have a character flaw, in that I genuinely don’t know how to be anything else but myself! It does come naturally, and it’s also an intentional choice that I make everyday. Authenticity feels good to me, and I make as many decisions about my life and business as possible, based on what feels good. It also doesn’t hurt that this seems to go a long way in terms of making competition irrelevant. There are thousands of people out there who do exactly what I do, but the authenticity and transparency in my marketing allows for prospects to connect with me on a deeper level than is considered “normal” in business. This makes sales feel super effortless, as leads are already pre-sold on who I am as a human being before they even get on a call with me.

What’s been your career highlight since launching?

The first 12-month period where we generated over $1 million. And getting featured in Forbes!

Looking back since launching the brand, is there anything you would do differently?

I could probably list a few things, but I know every experience, good or bad, is all part of the journey. It’s hard for me to believe anything else other than, it’s all unfolding exactly as it should

Who is your ideal client and why?

We love to work with clients who are already doing at least low to mid six figures in their business, with a proven and validated offer, messaging, and funnel. Everybody wants Facebook Ads to be a silver bullet, but that simply isn’t the case. Facebook Ads should be fuel to the fire on top of what’s already working. Before you invest in ads, you want to already have a good understanding of who your ideal client is and how to speak about your product or service to them in a way that entices conversion. Facebook Ads success is near guaranteed when these foundational things are already in place!

How do you deal with procrastination?

I’m honestly someone that works really well when it’s down to the wire! Procrastination fuels me

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your travel bucket list?

Next year I’ll be traveling to Necker Island to spend a week with Richard Branson; I’m told its luxury beyond your wildest dreams – literally.cannot.wait.

For any aspiring entrepreneurs wanting to launch a coaching business, what advice would you offer?

Prioritize only money-making activities until you hit your first 6 figures. You don’t need a fancy website or PR or tons of followers on social media — you need to be resourceful, and you need to be scrappy. Be willing to do whatever it takes to validate your offer and messaging until you get to the first $100k. Then it’s time to start outsourcing and hiring experts. Know that $100k/year is NOT hard. Take that on, and make it happen.

How have you had to pivot in 2020?

2020 has been good to us! When COVID shut down the entire world, clients and prospects looked to us to tell them what to do next. It was our job to be a thought leader, providing assurance that it was in fact ok to continue to run and promote their businesses. Creating comfort in this way, in a time where the world seemed to reveal chaos around every corner, allowed us to have our best month ever and hire four people in the middle of a global pandemic.

What has this year taught you about yourself?

If you can manage your energy, you can manage your life. I’m 100% in charge of my reality. (Not a new lesson, but one that I get at a deeper and deeper level each year…)

Where do you hope to see your brand in ten years time?

I see the brand moving more and more towards empowering women, and being less and less about Facebook Ads. I see multi 7-figures per year without the hustle, and me being in a true thought leadership role. I hope there’s a book in there somewhere too!

jenniferspivak.com

by
Keep Reading
Tanzania

Women Worldwide : The One with Tai Lite, the Clean Loving Skincare Brand

Tai is the founder and ultimate girl boss behind her brand, Tai-Lite. A skincare based makeup brand that is made for everyone and almost everything! Tai comes from an editorial background so creating vibrant and fun looks was always at the forefront of her work and now that translates in to her brand.

As a black artist, Tai educated herself on the different pigments so that she could tailor to all women and all complexions whilst making sure she was producing the best of the best with only clean ingredients. Her life story is something to be admired and she is really making waves in the beauty world.

We spent some time with Tai to find out more…

Tell us about the story that lead you to launch your brand, Tai Lite…

Throughout my career as a makeup artist, I have always loved to experiment and create fun vibrant looks. As a black artist I found that the beauty industry was limited when it came to products suitable for all complexions. So I dabbled in finding new ways to get the results I wanted. It started off by mixing different products together and using things outside of their intended purpose. I would do things like use eyeshadows as highlighters etc.

As my career grew I started to educate myself on clean beauty and its benefits. I was mindblown when I learned what we having been putting on our faces and bodies and the effects it could have overtime. I take my skin and skincare very seriously so I thought it was only right to extend this to my clients. I started experimenting with different clean ingredients and revisited my hobby of making highlighters, still keeping in mind that I was not only creating something that was good for the skin but suitable for deep to fair skin tones. But this time I wasn’t just mixing products together I was formulating what is now known as our glow pigments. A product that is not only clean and skin-loving but created with the deepest complexions in mind.

Our glow pigments are a multi-purpose product that can be used as a highlighter, blush, eyeshadow, or however you see fit. It is Formulated with 5 skin-loving ingredients that help promote healthy glowing skin, contain antioxidants that help fight free radicals, promote natural healing, and have antimicrobial properties. In addition to our skincare benefits, our pigments are bright, colorful, and versatile.

Creating products that are clean and natural is something your brand stands for, why was this important to you?

Creating products that are clean and natural is important to me because if you going to be using something on a daily basis you want to make sure that it is good for you. I believe that makeup should be benefiting your skin as well as enhancing. That’s why our ingredient list is at the forefront of everything we do. We want you to know exactly what you using and why/how those ingredients promote healthy glowing skin. Tai-Lite truly is an extension of your skincare.

How often do you launch new products and what’s the process behind that?

Being that we launched in December of 2019 we have not launched new products yet, But we do have some exciting new things comin in 2021 that we cant wait to share with all of you!

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your travel bucket list?

Traveling to Tanzania is at the top of my bucket list. Just seeing photos and talking to my friends who have traveled there before it seems to be so beautiful and freeing. I would like to visit multiple places in Africa but starting there is on my bucket list.

You’re a New Yorker, what’s the best thing about NYC to you?

The best thing about NYC is the ability to do exactly what it is that you love. I am not saying doing it is easy or you won’t have to do other things in the meantime but the city has a certain energy of creative freedom that will lead you to what it is that you want to do. In addition to that its great that I am surrounded by people who are doing the same which creates a community of creatives to lean on and work with.

For any aspiring entrepreneurs wanting to launch a brand in the beauty world, what advice would you offer?

My advice would be to just start wherever you are with whatever you have. Don’t be afraid to learn things as you go and ask questions.

If you are developing your own product I advise you to take your time with the formula, trial and error and research are important.

How have you had to pivot in 2020?

After launching I had planned to get most of my exposure through vending at different markets and events. I had to switch my focus more into e-commerce. So I took a 6-week course on Marketing/social media to educate myself further. I had more time on my hands than ever, at first I was sad that I couldn’t do makeup but I soon saw it as a blessing because I had time to focus and grow my business.

What has this year taught you about yourself?

This year taught me that I am capable of much more then I could’ve imagined

I learned that I can depend and rely on myself for the things that I want out of this life.

I learned that I can actually do it, all of it.

I learned that there is no reason not to chase your dreams every day. And everything your desire is already yours.

Where do you hope to see your brand in ten years’ time?

In 10 years I see Tai-Lite as a global brand. I see Tai-Lite as a one-stop-shop for all things CLEAN skincare, beauty, and body care.

We can’t wait to follow Tai and all of her successes! Check out her site and follow her on Instagram for my fabulous updates!

by
Keep Reading
Norway

Women Worldwide : The One with the bright Jewellery by Kinchadesigns

Here at House of Coco we are always on the hunt for inspiring women that are making a name for themselves in their industry and Kinchadesigns was one of them.

Kincha is the founder of Kinchadesigns, a jewellery brand that will add some brightness in to your life with their Caribbean inspired pieces. Kristiana is a creative with a positive outlook on life and although her business is relatively new, she’s already achieved amazing success and been recognised by the likes of Vogue.

We went along to find out more…

Tell us the story that lead you to launching Kinchadesigns…

Since I was a kid, I wanted to have a jewellery business. My mom is a jeweller, so making things runs in the family. When I met my boyfriend, a musician from the Carribean, he taught me to love colour and I wanted to wear bright things to his shows. From there, I noticed that there isn’t a lot of brightly-coloured jewellery around right now, so I started to make my own – and so Kinchadesigns was born!

Since launching the brand, what has been your proudest moment?

To get the email from Vogue, and other big publications, asking to be showcased in their magazine! Selling my first product is up there too.

2020 has been an unexpected year, how have you had to pivot your business to survive?

It’s still the start for Kinchadesigns. At the beginning of the COVID pandemic, it was pretty much on a standstill, so I started to concentrate more on online sales. It was a slow start, but now everything is picking up. A year of unexpected events for everyone, but still some unbelievable opportunities for Kinchadesigns.

To any aspiring jewellery designers, what advice would you offer to those just starting out?

I’m not too far from the start myself! The most important thing, I think, is to never give up, and not to wait until everything is perfect. Just start and keep going – ‘perfection’ will come in it’s own form.

How often do you launch new designs and what’s the process behind that?

Every time I have a new idea! My collections aren’t static – I add styles to existing collections every week as the inspiration comes. Then I release new collections a few times per year.

How would you describe your personal style?

An imperfect geometry.

It’s same as in nature: we see geometry everywhere, but in nature it’s imperfect. Man-made items are driven too heavily by the idea of perfection. I try my best to stay on the side of nature!

Looking back since launching the company, is there anything you would do differently?

I always think I’d have done more but, looking back, I don’t think I could have!

When lacking motivation, what quote do you like to read?

You can’t win if you don’t try.

Where can people find out more?

On my Instagram @kinchadesigns, on my website kinchadesigns.com and everyone is welcome to visit us in Upmarket, Brick Lane, I’m there most weekends and if you have any questions email me or message on Instagram.

by
Keep Reading
Brazil

Adriana Chede on Creating Timeless Classics and Why Simple Doesn’t Always Equal Boring.

From quintessential bands to emerald stoned chains, Adriana’s work takes blueprint designs and forms them into contemporary statements, minus the fuss.

To produce responsible and practical jewellery that still imitates the glamour of classic bijouterie is a complicated concept for most. That is, unless, you have a lifelong vision like Adriana. After studying Jewellery Design at Parsons Paris – in addition to sporting myriad career experience under her belt – São Paulo-born, Adriana Chede, knew that her eponymous label would become an extension of her own perspectives and values from the outset.

Describing her brand as “timeless jewellery with Brazilian soul”, Adriana took her heritage overseas when choosing to settle in London, with the intention of creating something universally classic and wearable that still honoured her roots.

As the fine-jewellery market finds itself within the midst of an outpouring of demand for precious pieces that last a lifetime, Adriana’s designs are curated with both beauty and functionality in mind, proving that easy to wear moulds shouldn’t have to compromise on aesthetics. But shoppers are now searching for something that runs deeper than the surface level adornment; enter, sustainable treasures that are kind to the environment. Though customers needn’t be sceptical about Adriana’s approach towards ecological ethics; every order is individually handmade from 100% recycled gold, tapping straight into this new wave of earth-aware consumers.

Recording every step of the design and production process for her Instagram following, Adriana proves how behind even the simplest of craftsmanship is a highly-skilled maverick. And with the option of personalisation for the more cherished moments, the brand epitomises everything that jewellery should be for an individual; private, revered, and authentically intimate.

What / who are your influential drivers behind the brand?

“I started the business when I was 18, I knew nothing about being an entrepreneur, but I knew jewellery was a passion. Coming from a half-Lebanese family allowed me to experience moments where jewellery was used to celebrate love and our achievements. They would also be passed down to other generations, taking with them the stories they hold.”

How do you wish your customers to feel when wearing your jewellery?

“I design pieces that should be worn every day as a kind of second skin or little talismans. The jewellery is delicate yet timeless, made to last a lifetime (if not longer). I want my jewellery to make women feel their best, to empower their qualities and accompany them to all their activities.”

What does jewellery mean to you?

“I love jewellery. I love creating pieces that will be used and carried by women, and therefore become part of their lives. That feeling of creating a new piece or making each one of them by hand is really special to me.

To think that they are a part of nature – the metals and the gemstones – and we shape and mould them into something wearable is so beautiful. Because I see them this way, it’s also so important for me to do it in the most conscious and sustainable way as possible.”

How was it navigating a small business during a pandemic?

“Well, it asked for creativity, like finding new ways, adapting, and being more present online, but it was also very positive! I feel like it helped me to see new opportunities and use them to make my ideas work.”

What would your advice be to women in the small business sector?

“To be patient and constant. I feel like there is nothing like hard work and time. If you put the right amount of work and passion, then the results will come.

There were times where I felt like it was going slow, but I never thought about giving up. If you want something, you got to give all of you to make it happen. And good things happen.”

by
Keep Reading