How Being Tolerant is Dimming Your Light (and Your Bank Account)

HOW BEING TOLERANT IS DIMMING YOUR LIGHT AND YOUR BANK ACCOUNT
Issue #32: Letter from the Editor

CEO/Founder: Angel Quintana
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari

What if for the next 24 hours you showed up in the world exactly as you are? While this may seem like a loaded question, the results just might astound you. You see, the majority of us dilute our personalities to feel more accepted by society or because we were raised not to be inappropriate or to rock the boat or to do as we’re told. 

But as leaders, what we’re really doing is dimming our light. The cause for that dimming is called: tolerance.

What is tolerance?

The ability or willingness to tolerate something, in particular the existence of opinions or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with.

How long have you tolerated someone’s actions (or opinions) or a circumstance that contradicts who you really are? As leaders in our community, it’s imperative that our light shines bright and when it starts to dim, we know how to course correct.

So here’s an idea, instead of being tolerant all the time, why not shake things up a bit, speak up, and do/say what you want!? Who cares if your red bra strap is showing through your white tee-shirt and if you want to tattoo your body, not even your husband should have a say in that decision. This is your life, you lead it the way it feels best to you. Same holds true in our businesses.

Your social media channels shouldn’t just be a collection of good times and pretty pictures, it’s a sacred residence for you to tell your story. Plus, people really dig that shit.

(I’ll be perfectly transparent here, I’ve spent countless hours trying to figure out how to get my Instagram feed looking just right: not too many colors, only using 1-2 photo filters, and being strategic in my every post— but screw it. I give up. I don’t care anymore. It’s my feed and well, if you like me you might want to follow me. If you don’t, that’s cool too.)

This desire to be picture perfect to everyone but ourselves is not only dimming our light, it’s diluting the individuality of our culture and frankly, it’s gotten me a bit peeved. How are we suppose to lead our clients, fans, and friends to aspire for greatness on their own terms, when we keep editing and re-editing our own story based on what it looks like or how it affects others? We contradict ourselves. So let’s change all that today! 

This month at Holistic Fashionista we celebrate fashion and style, but it’s not all about exterior; we need to be pretty on the inside too— that’s why being tolerant isn’t going to fly anymore.

For example, last night I took a look at my pajamas and was like, “why the fuck am I wearing this to bed?” Bows on my jammy bottoms— so not me. Why does this pair of underwear I’m wearing have zebra stripes on it? I don’t love zebra stripes.

If we took a minute out of our hectic days to track the amount of hours we spend on shit that doesn’t tell our real story, and paid our focus on being a truer version of ourselves, how would our life be different. And more importantly, wouldn’t we be more client attractive to those we’re meant to serve?

I don’t know about you, but I’m on a mission to find out. 

So let’s do this experiment together:

• Make a list of all the time you spend giving a fuck, and then stop doing all of them

• Stop postponing doing something that you really want to do because someone close to you doesn’t approve

• Check your Facebook timeline and write down the last time you shared something vulnerable. If it’s been awhile (perhaps never), then share something that touches your soul today.

• Go through your product offerings and rewrite your sales copy to sound more like how you really talk— stop trying to sound like a sales man

• Go through all your clothes, (skivvies and bralets included) and dump out anything that doesn’t feel like who you really are (hate those paisley yoga pants you got on sale, say farewell) 

• Open your fridge and look at your condiments on the door, toss the ones you don’t use or that only taste so-so (your tastebuds deserve better!)

• Throw away the ugly nail polishes and perfumes you don’t use, yes even the designer ones you paid full price for

• If you purchased a car because it was practical at the time, but you really wanted a luxury mobile, sell it and get what you really want— life’s too short!

• Dump all those nasty lipsticks that don’t make you feel beautiful. Instead create your own shade by playing make-up counter

• Unfollow, unfriend, and delete people from your social media channels who have bad energy, they are affecting you whether you know it or not

• Write a newsletter to your email subscribers telling them you’re about to get real and if you lose a few of them, wish them well and move on. (It’s only a number and they probably weren’t going to buy from you anyway.)

• Say goodbye to being tolerant and say hello to having a voice

• If you hate your thighs, do something about it. Don’t just tolerate something deep down you really want to improve. 

• If you struggle to figure out where being tolerant is getting the best of you, spend more time alone. Dig deep and figure out what isn’t working for you and where your voice has been diluted. Then take massive action!

Clearly, I’ve struck a nerve in my own life as I’ve undoubtedly have been overly tolerant to the actions and lifestyle choices that do not correspond with my deepest desires, values, or self worth. 

So today I’m giving you permission, as I have given to myself, that a life of mere tolerance isn’t a life that is truly aligned with who I am or what I want for myself. And if I want to stand in my power and be the leader I was born to be, tolerance is going to be getting some boundaries, sister!

And when you’ve finally calibrated back to standing in your power and owning your voice, it’s important to reflect. You’re a leader and what you do, say, and post has an affect on people— for good or for not so good. But what’s worse, is a watered-down voice due to tolerating all the crap that crosses your boundaries. It’s going to be incredibly difficult to attract your Kismet Clients and take your business to the next level.

Isn’t it time to say goodbye to tolerance and hello to becoming the leader your tribe needs you to be?

I do. Let's do this.

ABOUT the FOUNDER

Angel Quintana is the founder and CEO of Holistic Fashionista®, a business academy and magazine helping boutique brands get in front of the right customers so they can carry on being awesome! In The Holistic Fashionista Academy she helps clients discover their Kismet Clients®, curate a designer collection of products, and build well-thought out sales funnels so they can change more lives and make more money!

In her book, Funnel Foreplay, she teaches change makers how to quickly warm up cold leads and turn them into buyers. While her tattooed exterior shows her creative tough side and her road to success has been difficult, it is her thoughtful approach to brand building and unique selling approach that has won her thousands of raving fans. 

Isn’t it Time You Got Your SHIFT Together?

Isn’t it Time You Got Your SHIFT Together?

ISN'T IT TIME YOU GOT YOUR SHIFT TOGETHER?

Article by Nikka Karli Salifu
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #31

You know that thing you say you want? That thing that you’ve been talking about with whomever would listen for the past 3 months. Or 3 years. Or 3 decades.

That thing.

When are you actually going to do what needs to be done to make it happen? When are you going to allow yourself to step into who you need to become in order to stand in the power of your “thing”? When are you finally going to do the work?

Because the only way that you will ever achieve the thing that has been searing holes into your soul is if you get out of your own way and commit.

Transformation doesn’t come from dipping in your toes. It doesn’t happen when you limit your message and your truth because you’re afraid of what others “might” say about you.

Real shift happens when you decide you are no longer available for anything less than your worth.

So, what are you deciding in this moment? With your thoughts? Your words? Your actions?

What does the way you are choosing to show up in the world say to your dreams? …Does it say that you believe in them? …Or does it say that you aren’t really sure that you can have what you desire? You might want to start asking yourself what your actions have been saying about you behind your back.

Are you allowing yourself to live in a place of fear and doubt, with your dreams coming in a weak second to your self-imposed limitations?

You say you want real shift to happen in your life, your calling, your art. Well, it’s time to give up the way you think you are “supposed” to be doing this thing called life. And, instead, it’s time to give yourself permission to truly live. To finally surrender and just be. Be your dreams. Be your art. Be your genius. Be the divine light of truth that runs through your veins.

Because there is no magic pill to swallow that will transport you to the land of your desires. You’ve got to be willing to do whatever it takes to get yourself there. And you’ve got to do it every day. There is no letting up when it comes to your dreams.

And no, that doesn’t mean all you do is work day and night without pause. Rather, that you take intentional steps every single day that will move you closer to living the life your soul is so desperately seeking.

You must always remember that with each breath, you are given a choice. With each space between your breaths, you are given a choice.

To believe. Or to give up.

So. Will you choose your dreams today? Will you choose the life you want over the life you have been told you should settle for? Will you choose to show up, day in and day out, and commit?

This breath. This moment. This dream.

Here’s to your Untaming.

Projecting the Culture of Your Brand

PROJECTING THE CULTURE OF YOUR BRAND

Article by John Scardina
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #31

Projecting the Culture of Your Brand

As entrepreneurs we sell our brand, our business and ourselves in order to solve a problem. How we project our business and ourselves to our customers today is of the upmost importance. How our customers or clients perceive us personally and as entrepreneurs is what can make or break us. The difference between success and potential failure.

The most important thing to remember that is we have so many tools available to us.

The days of owning a brick and mortar business, and just running an ad to bring business to us has been over long ago. But we all know that, we have every app, social media and so many other avenues to bring customers and clients to us and we need to project our brand equally through each resource.

I have seen many entrepreneurs project larger than life on the internet and social media only to work closely with a client and not be prepared to provide product or services as stated in this larger than life projection. If we project magic products or project that we are experts in any particular field, then we need back up these events. A customer or client will see right through it, if you are not what you say you are. We need to be real and prepared with every client every time, so the importance of being exactly who you are is important.

Since social media is a huge must have for business owners, we need to be cautious upon how we are perceived to each and every customer or client. I have noticed totally by accident that we all have three personalities when reaching out from behind a computer.

Three personality traits:

Our social media personality.
Our actual personality.
Our perception of our personality.

When we project our brand or image on social media we can sometimes create an image that is much bigger than we actually are. It is so easy while tapping away at your laptop to enhance our product or talents. This is easy due to the fact that we as humans have been desensitized to the event of simple everyday contact, eye to eye contact. The event of being and the energy felt from this type of contact is not always transferable through electronic means.

Those who know us well most likely know our actual personality better than ourselves. They will experience the energy of your personality on a daily basis and can be a great resource in assisting you in informing you on social media events prior to releasing them.

Most people with have a perception of who they are, we live this every day! But when trying to exist in business this perception needs to be real and in close alignment with the other two personalities. When this alignment of all three personalities closely match one another you are projecting your culture properly. We need to be real in all platforms in order to succeed, be conscious of your projection to the world.

Stop Making These 4 Excuses! Grow Your Design Business Today

STOP MAKING THESE 4 EXCUSES!
GROW YOUR DESIGN BUSINESS TODAY

Grow Your Design Business Today

Article by Jennifer Nesbit Holt
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #30

I have two questions for you..

Are you trapped in all the reasons NOT to start that dream design business? Are you still swimming in uncertainty splashing around in the kiddie pool of imagination because its 'safe’?

You know you really want to unleash your design voice! So why not STOP making these 4 excuses and dive off the high-dive into the ocean of success!? Get inspired to move past your blocks so you can grow your design business today.

1.  I don't have enough money

Who does? You could sit in this false mindset all day, every day. This is the most costly mistake holding you back.    

By saying “I don’t have enough” is an example of the “lack” mentality holding you back from attracting abundance and the design career that you are meant to create. You’re simply denying yourself of a higher possibility—a soul goal.  

There is an ancient business idea that all start up businesses need ’funding’. Frankly, this is old-school and limiting to your success. There are 101 ways you can open the doors to your new design studio! Here are some things to consider to determine if you are ready to move past ‘not enough’.

*Are you resourceful? Who do you know and how can you cut corners in the beginning?

*Are your sights set TOO high? Think about if you have a tangible plan. Is jumping strait to the idea of having a fully staffed, design firm with 100k+ clients really feasible?

*If you say you REALLY want to do this, plan smart and work hard!

2.  I don't have enough time

If you have your clear vision but the excuse of time is holding you back, you’re not alone. I struggled with this mindset before opening my wellness studio. Being a mother, fine artist and teaching yoga full time had me strapped, I thought there was no way in hell I could do start a successful wellness studio but I found the time because I was on a mission and passionate.  

Maybe..

You are in the corporate world and feel exhausted at the thought of launching a new business on the side.  Or maybe you have children and feel “the timing not right” so “I’ll wait it out”. Whatever your current reason, remember we live in an age of “quick and easy”.

•   Within minutes you could have a website up and a pay button added to your site through a Stripe account or PayPal. (This, by no means, means that you’re completely legit as a business entity and there are till details to be ironed out but this is a start!)

•   Get selfish with your time and find hidden pockets in your day you can commit to growing that brilliant design studio. Get off Netflix and wake up 2 hours earlier… BOOM! You’ve got a bonafide part-time gig going!

3.  I don't know how to build a successful, lucrative business plan

Your business plan should evolve and change over time. Entrepreneurs are always finding creative ways to improve and be malleable in order to find success. A formal business plan is time consuming. While it is important to have clear vision and growth strategies, laying out any and all ‘what ifs’ can be depressing!  

Is a business plan important? You bet your bottom! But if you’re using this as an excuse to not move forward, STOP! If you are looking for clarity and momentum, this ends up being the fun and exciting part my clients love and it can be done in as little as half a day. 

4.  I wasn't trained at the best school so I can't start a freelance design biz

Whether you are self-taught

5.  I don't have enough credibility to draw in high paying clients.  

I’ll be seen as a fraud. Clients only hire designers with years of experience. STOP! I want you to take a long deep breath right now….

You are the owner of your own design destiny! Don’t fall into the trap of feeling that you’d have to suffer INTO your new solo career. If you believe in what you do, you’re passionate, open, skillful in your art, respectful and professional you will be seen as an expert worthy of being hired.

I have to confess, I had these limiting beliefs about myself even when my career was taking off. As you grow, so will your client base. While it’s ok to have dreams of climbing to the top in one step. Stay grounded and focused on your current capabilities, do quality work and keep manifesting your design dreams.  

You will be tempted to make excuses because you are a visionary taking exciting risks.  

Return to the feelings of positive possibility and your big ‘WHY’. You will be opening the doors to your new design business soon!

3 Power Habits to Help You Stay Focused

3 Power Habits To Help You Stay Focused

3 POWER HABITS TO HELP YOU STAY FOCUSED

Article by Yetunde Taiwo-Shorters
Photo Credit: Hailley Howard
Magazine: Issue #29

There are so many distractions in our world today. If it’s not hours spent on social media, it’s getting engaged in the lives of others and taking time away from focusing on our own lives.

Here are 3 Power Habits to help you stay focused doing what you love, helping people and building profits.

1| De-Clutter
Spend 2 hours this week going through all your social media profiles and deleting or blocking anyone you know in your gut is not in alignment with where you are about to go. It is important that as you get aligned with your purpose, your power circle affirms your path. Yes some would hurt, and some would even confront you and ask why you deleted them. Your answer should be sincere, respond with love and kindness. I find that a great day to do de-cluttering is on Saturdays. So take out your calendar now, plug it in "de-cluttering my social media". This will prepare you to know those in your power network. You'll need it on your purposeful journey.

2| Intentional Sharing
I invite you to be more conscious of yourself. From today on, anything you say, reply to, share or post online has to be in alignment with your core values and the best version of you. E.g. on Instagram, decide how often you would post, plan out your posts and do your best to stick to it. What this does psychologically to your followers is allow them to identify you with what you do  and it helps with brand association. Be yourself, but above all BE YOUR BEST SELF AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE. Even when people upset you, Think "What would my higher < your name> do?  then do it with love and kindness.

3| Affirm yourself
Yes, we all look crazy when we talk to ourselves in the mirror, but we can all name at least one quote that inspired us. Find your power quote and repeat it to yourself as many times as you can all week. I actually schedule mine for 10am every morning. It pops up on my phone alert. Mine is  "I will be relentlessly helpful to others", "I am grateful for good health and loved ones" and "I am  blessed and highly favored". There is power in words, embrace it and marinate in it unapologetically.

The Secret Wisdom of a Flow Creative

The Secret Wisdom of a Flow Creative

THE SECRET WISDOM
OF A FLOW CREATIVE

Article by Jennifer Nesbit Holt
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #28

The words 'collective consciousness' come to mind when I think about the definition of a Flow Creative. But not in the way you think. A true artist embodies the ability to observe the world and collect a lifetime of data to skillfully see the relations and inner workings of life itself. As creativity pushes you further and further out of the confines of social rules and acceptance, you gain a balanced wisdom and inner knowingness.

Creativity might require a new way of looking at things but don't let times of challenge fool you. You are still a mighty source of creative flow and a true visionary.

So what is a Flow Creative?  

A Flow Creative is someone who wisely accepts an evolution of her life-cycles of creativity, as well as the dedication and persistence of the process itself. Revision, repetition and iteration (Returning time and time again to the creative process to birth a final truth).

Being a Flow Creative means that you create for your message, for your mission.

...and it means being able to find the flow in every second with an endless supply of insatiable curiosity to create.

It's creating pieces of art that has immeasurable and infinite value and energy.

It's being unforgettable when you confidently show up to the world, creating in a way that transforms you and those around you from the inside, out.

Embarking on a quest for artistic freedom is not without sacrifice, but it is in those impermanent, fleeting times your process is preserved and captured taking an, otherwise, intangible idea into a collective reality. More and more wisdom is gained and the bridge between life and art is built. As hard as it is to digest, disturbance is essential to your process. Transformation cannot be planned, yet an acceptance of a breakdown of ideas (and maybe even your psyche) is crucial to producing. These are the times we feel blocked or broken and fearful of our existence as an artist. 

The secret is to ride out the feelings and not abandon the work. Although potentially shattered, remember to continue the simple interplay of your materials, your space and your inner artist. Disequilibrium is just as cyclical as equilibrium, look deeper to discover the courage to continue.

Healing power resides in your art. Your creativity is the source of a therapeutic imagination for the creator, as well as the recipient. You are a Flow Creative!

Elevate Your Workspace With Flowers

Elevate Your Workspace

ELEVATE YOUR WORKSPACE WITH FLOWERS

Article by Jennifer Nesbit Holt
Photo Credit: Angel Quintana
Magazine: Issue #23

As the blanket of winter fades, hope rings forth when the first blooms of spring emerge.  For me, there is a symbolism of warmth, beauty, and possibility born out of the colors and hues of nature. Plants and flowers evoke memories, moods or feelings. These botanical beauties are born of their own sacred region, ancestral family and species.  We are attracted to their fragile, uncompromising nature and unique vibrational healing properties.

Flowers have wisdom :: the power to change your vibration at a petals glance. Flowers have a language :: a story to tell through color and aroma.

You are interconnected with a mystical pulse of life.  By incorporating flowers or the essence of plants and flowers into your workspace you tap into a higher frequency leading to a prosperous flow of abundance.

"How can incorporating flowers into my workspace make me abundant?" When you offer flowers to the alter of your workspace you are offering a higher gift-- enhanced clarity + brilliance.

1| Elevate Your Business with Color Therapy

Color enriches your life. By creating a pleasant view you are immediately enhancing productivity and memory with natural color therapy.  Flowers are a quick way to inject mood into the space.  Next time you want to close that big deal, ask yourself what colors invigorate you, get you excited and think about treating yourself to a bouquet.

2| Elevate Your Business with Aromatic Wisdom

Feeling unmotivated or sleepy?  Tense or anxious?  Do you lack creativity?  Plants, specifically aromatic plants and their essences, have been used for thousands of years and are still considered an important source of medicine.  A quick and easy way to elevate the energy of your work environment is by diffusing or wearing essential oils.

3| Elevate Your Business with Healthy Symbolism

Flowers also offer immediate relief from stressful situations.  Behavioral studies have proven that flowers provide a simple way to improve emotional health – the presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, heightens feelings of life satisfaction and affects social behavior in a positive manner far beyond what is normally believed.  Trust your intuition and treat yourself to a new workspace filled with positive associations and rich symbolism.

Fill your workspace with color therapy + aromatherapy to find expansiveness, innovation, and ideas to grow and prosper.