Change Agents: The Artisans of the World

CHANGE AGENTS: THE ARTISANS OF THE WORLD

Dear Diary,

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As I sit here under my acrylic chandelier facing a wall made of windows in my new home office with Bandit (my 1-year old puppy) resting at my feet, sporting my cabernet red Harley Davidson hoodie, Ugg boots, and parted-in-the-middle hippie hair, I feel a sense of clarity around my accomplishments. I understand how I got here and how it wasn't all my doing. Even with my office still be in a bit of disarray, my staff is strong, my head is clear, and my tribe, well they are ridiculously cool. I feel very fortunate.

While each day presents a new challenge that often feels like a winding flight of stairs that often leads to a door I've never opened before, today I'm standing on top of the staircase with 5 pieces of golden advice.

RESOURCES ARE GOLD
Firstly, you absolutely must have a team or a phone-call-away roster of phenomenal resources, aka as PEOPLE that get you. Without the talent to support you on your journey, you’re really left with a bunch of ambitions that may or may not come to fruition. The stronger the team, the stronger your products, programs, services will be, and the more lives you will touch. It’s finding these people that is the real challenge. I now understand why interior designers hoard their resources, because it took them years of trial and error to find talented people who can help execute their vision. Resources are like BLING. They are gold. Treat them as so.

HUMILITY IS ATTRACTIVE
Secondly, being humble in your business keeps you open-minded. I cannot tell you how many times I ask my interns, assistants, and random (smart) people their opinion on something, even something as small as do you like that “line” there. The details are important, but in the end you must make the final decision, even when it feels impossible. That is why joining a mastermind group or having a small group of friends who share similar goals is priceless. I cannot tell you how valuable being humble can be for your business, and more importantly, finding those special people who you trust to share that humility with.

An artist goes their own way without worrying about what others think, say, or do. An artist allows herself to be vulnerable, thinks for herself, and decides what’s best for her.

YOUR WORK IS ART
Thirdly, every day I get closer to understanding my business through the lens of an Artist. An artist goes their own way without worrying about what others think, say, or do. An artist allows herself to be vulnerable, thinks for herself, and decides what’s best for her. I feel that being an artist is one of the highest forms of creativity, for it is our art that celebrates our individuality, inspires others to be more of themselves, and ultimately creates a planet filled with new ideas and more love. When we accept that we are all different, that acceptance becomes a powerful force for change. I’ve dedicated my life to being a Change Agent for Individuality.

Over the past 13 months in business I have worked diligently to build an incredible team, tribe, and work of art. I trust my instincts. I listen to my inner voice. I fine tune my craft obsessively. On a daily basis, I take action to meet like-minded people who are passionate about their work! I choose to surround myself with smart people who see beneath the phony bullshit of those so-called-leaders who belittle + condescend others to grow their bank accounts. Those very special people who are here to make a serious difference in the world through their art, who feel deeply, and who strive to keep a smile on their face because seeing the beauty is far grander, are people I admire. I refer to these individuals as Change Agents. In fact, I've built a tribe of Change Agents. How cool is that!?

STOP BEING PUSHY
This exclusive group of individuals remind me that being a Change Agent is hard work because it involves a heavy dose of humility. I often wonder if humility has gone out of style or something? Every time I stumble upon a Facebook ad or magically end up on someone’s mailing list, for whom I never subscribed, everybody seems to be preaching about how they have all the answers to your problems, as if they have the magic pill or something. I call BS on that. They aren't Change Agents; those people are pushy salesmen.

I will continue to do the self development work to be a better leader, to be more patient, take deeper breaths, and remember that I am an Artist.

PRACTICE BEING A LEADER 

Being a good leader has become a very important role to me. I know I can improve. I know I can be a better example of the change I wish to see in the world. I will continue to do the self development work to be a better leader, to be more patient, take deeper breaths, and remember that I am an Artist. Even if I don’t paint, draw, or sing on stage, I have an art that is being crafted daily; it’s bringing me closer to my truth, which in turn is bringing me more success that I ever thought imaginable, even though success is a feeling I haven't mastered.

I wonder if my inability to feel successful is a characteristic a Change Agent. Is that why the Change Agents I've met and loved are so humble? Perhaps being a Change Agent isn't about feeling or even being successful; maybe it's truly about changing the world and showing others how important their role is on the planet no matter how we choose to label them. What I do know for sure is I cannot change the world alone. I need a team, a tribe, and a dose of humility to continue to be the leader I wish to see in the world. And that takes practice.

Love,

Angel

Photo Credit: Media Cache

About Angel

Angel Quintana is the Founder/CEO of Holistic Fashionista magazine, the #1 online haven for over-achievers in business. Her extensive knowledge in brand building, search engine marketing, and authentic selling strategies naturally attracts rebels, tastemakers, and visionaries who are ready to ditch the copycat syndrome, play by their own rules, and curate a sustainable and profitable brand using the internet. Her innovative coaching program, Signature System helps business trendsetters develop and market a step-by-step plan that solves an urgent problem in the marketplace using what they already have in their personal toolbox, now being offered at her design+marketing house, The Willow House of Design. To learn more take her Business Trendsetter Archetype Quiz or visit her website for details.

What Acupuncture Has to Do with Finding a New Home Office

WHAT ACUPUNCTURE HAS TO DO WITH FINDING A NEW HOME OFFICE

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Dear Diary,

PART 1

I've had this pain in my left shoulder for over six month now and since I made a New Year's goal to exercise more frequently, I realized I would have to deal with the pain to get me motivated to sweat. I opted for seeing an acupuncturist.

After reading lots of reviews on Yelp, I found a nearby office in Los Angeles' Eagle Rock district. I booked the appointment immediately. While I have done acupuncture in the past (although, haven't been for over a decade), I knew what to expect, or did I? I went in to see the holistic practitioner, she touched my arm, and we were ready to go. 

She began poking me with her slender needles and I jumped a little. The first few needles didn't hurt a bit, until she lifted up my shirt and poked a needle right in the center of my stomach, just above my belly button; I ached in agony. I began crying profusely. Was it the pain from the needle or was it something more? Was her attempt to help redistribute the chi in my body releasing more than just mere pain?

She removed the needle immediately. After applying the final needle to my wrist I laid still listening to the fountain flushing in the background. After 40 minutes I began to squirm. My back started to bother me, which resulted in my moving around a lot, which in turn caused more pain. I couldn't wait for the session to be over.

After I paid my bill I went home.

PART 2

Over the past several months I started to outgrow my current living quarters-- my staff had grown, we adopted another puppy, and with 1 bathroom in the house, I was finally ready for a change of atmosphere. After nearly three and a half years, I decided it was time to look for a larger home to accommodate my spreading wings. My husband was on board.

Annoyed while on the phone with a customer service representative, my husband was shoving his computer in front of my face desperately trying to get my attention. What he had found was beyond (and I mean WAY beyond) my expectations. It was a 3-story modern, eco-friendly, solar powered townhouse with 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms in my dream area of Eagle Rock, walking distance from my acupuncturist (should I decide to ever go back), a Cardio Barre studio nearby, sidewalks to walk my pups, and sunshine on every floor. I wanted to cry; I was SO happy. Had the swanky-boho office I had been manifesting since summer finally come to fruition? I was eager to find out.

We immediately scheduled a viewing for that evening. Already obsessed with the photos online and blueprint of the property, I saw my dream office on the top floor with a balcony where yoga would become a daily routine, I couldn't wait to apply-- I was sold. I couldn't wait to move in!

My happy thoughts dancing around in my head were of designing each room with shag rugs, ethnic textiles, pops of color with Feng Shui simplicity plague my mind and I felt deep inside my soul that this was the place.

And then we waited. And waited. And waited. And I grew anxious. My happy thoughts dancing around in my head were of designing each room with shag rugs, ethnic textiles, pops of color with Feng Shui simplicity plague my mind and I felt deep inside my soul that this was the place. You know the feeling of when you meet the man you know you will marry, it truly was that powerful of a connection. I just KNEW this place was to be mine.

The weekend came and past. My excitement slowly deteriorating and quickly turning to worry; I couldn't wait another second to find out if the Eagle Rock modern home would ours. I grew pessimistic by the hour and the next morning I received a text from my husband that said, "They accepted an application they received before us and they're moving forward with that."

My heart broke into a million pieces and the tears jerked from my eyes just like the needle that poked my belly just 4 days prior. I couldn’t believe it. How could I have been wrong when the vibration was so strong?

My heart broke into a million pieces and the tears jerked from my eyes just like the needle that poked my belly just 4 days prior. I couldn't believe it. How could I have been wrong when the vibration was so strong? Was it really possible there was something better waiting for me?

As I went on with my day and shared my heartache with friends and colleagues, each one of them with brilliant advice and exercises to try to bring my desire to life, I decided to take action. One thing I did was write on a small piece of paper everything I wanted in my new home and office space. The list went like this:

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Stainless steel appliances
Dishwasher
2 bathrooms (1 with a tub)
2+ bedrooms
1100+ square feet
Outside space, patio/yard
White walls
Nice Hardwood floors
Close to shopping, restaurants, etc..
Sunny and bright (lots of windows)
Washer and Dryer
Walk-in Closets
Dog Friendly
Sidewalks to walk the dogs

And then I lit the piece of paper on fire over the kitchen sink and I watched it burn. I returned to my computer, went to Craigslist for one last browse; I even went till the very end of all the listings which were about to drop off, and there the ad read: 

2br/2.5ba - 1147ft² - New community near freeways and shopping! 1 month free rent!

I clicked it and there my list read before my eyes: stainless steel appliances, bamboo floors, washer/dryer, dog friendly, etc… I called them the next morning! The woman who answered the call was kind. She even asked me what my requirements are for my dream place to live! Instead of going over my long laundry list of what I wanted (the ad had already confirmed that was what they were offering), I told her what I really wanted was for the experience of getting a new place to be effortless. I went on to tell her about my heartbreak, she listened and told me the place would be mine if I wanted it; she's be happy to hold it for me.

The pain in my heart finally subsided, the fear that I wouldn't be 'first in line' dissipated, and finally a smile returned to my face.

With all the emotion convoluting my head over the past week, I had forgotten to check my shoulder to see if the acupuncture had produced any results. Firmly distracted by the visualization of home decor and luxe office design that were waiting my Pinterest boards, I moved my arm and the pain had gone, just like the pain in my heart.

Not only did my boho-swanky home office show up instantaneously after burned paper and too many tears, but the pain in my shoulder dulled and should it decide to return, my new home is now walking distance from my new acupuncturist in Eagle Rock. On Monday I plan to sign a lease to my new home office and I cannot wait to spread my wings and fly without any pain in my arm.

Wish me luck!

Angel

Photo Credit: Pinterest

About Angel

Angel Quintana is the Founder/CEO of Holistic Fashionista magazine, the #1 online haven for over-achievers in business. Her extensive knowledge in brand building, search engine marketing, and authentic selling strategies naturally attracts rebels, tastemakers, and visionaries who are ready to ditch the copycat syndrome, play by their own rules, and curate a sustainable and profitable brand using the internet. Her innovative coaching program, Signature System helps business trendsetters develop and market a step-by-step plan that solves an urgent problem in the marketplace using what they already have in their personal toolbox, now being offered at her design+marketing house, The Willow House of Design. To learn more take her Business Trendsetter Archetype Quiz or visit her website for details.

Is Being an Over-Achiever a Sickness or a Gift?

IS BEING AN OVER-ACHIEVER A SICKNESS OR A GIFT?

Dear Diary,

Each morning when I awake I lay there with my eyes closed and in my mind I go through everything that needs to be done in my business. Some times I feel overwhelmed because I think I'll never get it all done and sometimes I get excited, like it's my birthday and I cannot wait for the day to begin to tackle the tasks and challenges that stand before me. But today was different. This morning I just listened and I listened closely to my thoughts. Then I began to worry.

Instead of going over my long to do list, I heard my self talk. What I witnessed was a girl in pain. What I heard was suffering. In Buddhism, The First Noble Truth is all about dukkha. Dukkha is a Sanskrit word meaning suffering, but not in the classic sense of the word. Since dukkha is not totally translatable in English, a closer definition is 'life is in constant change.' It can also mean stress, discomfort, unease, and dissatisfaction-- pretty close the life of an over-achiever. As I went about my morning, Day #4 of my New Year's Cleanse, cut up my favorite fruit- cantaloup; gearing up to make a delicious whip, I finally heard my cry and that dukkha was in full effect.

While I have been making a conscious effort to slow down (it's one of my New Year's goals), I found myself in a personal massacre of people-pleasing. My long to-do list had everyone else written all over it. My desire to please my staff, my clients, my tribe of holistic leaders started to feel like a sickness. Banging my head against the wall trying to make sure all my i's were dotted and my t's were crossed (but even then, I miss a few), shook me to the core. I'd even find myself at times saying 'yes' when my gut was yelling NO!

How many over-achievers does it take to screw in a light bulb, I thought? And I suppose the answer is just 1. The over-achiever thinks she has to do everything by herself because she knows it won’t get done the way she likes it.

How many over-achievers does it take to screw in a light bulb, I thought? And I suppose the answer is just 1. The over-achiever thinks she has to do everything by herself because she knows it won't get done the way she likes it. She has control issues; she has people-pleasing troubles, and she struggles with negative thinking from time-to-time, but in the end who is it hurting?

Being an over-achiever is a habit that I don't think can be broken. It's as if it's an auto-immune disorder that you'll have to care for your entire life, which took me back to the years when I struggled with psoriasis. As an over-achiever with psoriasis I read every book, changed my diet dramatically, tried every holistic measure under the sun, only to find the expectations of having clear skin were unreasonable. Life just didn't feel free; it felt contrived and overly strict, kind of like my illness with being an over-achiever.

Whether you label it as OCD, ADD, bitchy, trivial, know-it-all, rigid, strict, mean, or whatever you want to call that over-achiever in the corner who is making sure it’s just perfect you and everyone else to enjoy— perhaps it’s time to rethink how you judge them and how I judge myself.

So here I sit, waiting for my tasty cantaloup whip to finish vita-mixing and hearing myself loud and clear-- that over-achieving must be nurtured. Whether you label it as OCD, ADD, bitchy, trivial, know-it-all, rigid, strict, mean, or whatever you want to call that over-achiever in the corner who is making sure it's just perfect you and everyone else to enjoy-- perhaps it's time to rethink how you judge them and how I judge myself. Just like a devastated patient who learns she has breast cancer or the teenage girl who battles with depression, aren't we all plagued with a little sickness? Mine just happens to be over-achieving.

If dukkha shows up, I know my heart and health need nurturing. I know that my worries to do good for others comes from a very sincere place. I know that in my heart the pain might be deep, but the intention is always to do better, even if it shows up as anguish. Today I make a conscious effort towards nurturing my sickness, finding a healer to help me when times get tough, and to see the bright side in my efforts to do good in the world because at the end of the day, that's all the over-achiever really wants any way and that's a healthy gift.

Love,

Angel

About Angel

Angel Quintana is the Founder/CEO of Holistic Fashionista magazine, the #1 online haven for over-achievers in business. Her extensive knowledge in brand building, search engine marketing, and authentic selling strategies naturally attracts rebels, tastemakers, and visionaries who are ready to ditch the copycat syndrome, play by their own rules, and curate a sustainable and profitable brand using the internet. Her innovative coaching program, Signature System helps business trendsetters develop and market a step-by-step plan that solves an urgent problem in the marketplace using what they already have in their personal toolbox, now being offered at her design+marketing house, The Willow House of Design. To learn more take her Business Trendsetter Archetype Quiz or visit her website for details.

Does Manifesting Really Work?

DOES MANIFESTING REALLY WORK?

Dear Diary,

So the day has finally come where we say goodbye to another year and open the door to a new one. As I reflect on what has been accomplished in 2013, I feel exhausted just looking at the list. From filming my first documentary, starting a magazine, merging 12 websites into 1, growing a network of partners to over 200+ amazing business pioneers, hosting my first retreat in Palm Springs, developing a business art school, speaking on stage, launching a radio and TV network, and publishing Holistic Fashionista's first book, it was a BUSY year to say the least.

As I wind down, sipping a peppermint tea latte right here in my pajamas where it all started, I feel a sense of peace. All my projects nicely wrapped up and on their way. I finally feel as though my efforts were all worth it. While I said goodbye to a few colleagues and met an exceptional new tribe of leaders, I feel it all happened for a reason. The struggles were part of the journey and a VERY integral part of my personal voyage. I needed to grow. I needed to get burned. I needed to feel the agony of what it truly takes to run a business.

The struggles were part of the journey and a VERY integral part of my personal voyage. I needed to grow. I needed to get burned. I needed to feel the agony of what it truly takes to run a business.

Just when you think you can't get any stronger, that life has already handed you too many lemons, the universe throws you a curve ball, which might bring you to your knees and lead you to tears. However, when those tears are running down your cheeks, smearing your winged black eyeliner and mineral foundation, I look in the mirror and think, "I know there is a master plan."

Being anxious, upset, excited, and anticipating what the universe will deliver to you tomorrow is all part of the entrepreneur's journey. If you are my friend on Facebook, you already know that I ask the universe for what I want on a regular basis and it ALWAYS delivers. It might not show up exactly how I personally envisioned it, and it make take on many twists and turns, but the universe always delivers, every time. No exceptions.

However, when those tears are running down your cheeks, smearing your winged black eyeliner and mineral foundation, I look in the mirror and think, “I know there is a master plan.”

To some the idea of manifesting might be silly, but it works. Gurus might make snide remarks that you cannot build a business simply on wishful thinking, but I wished and it came true. It was my wishful thinking that inspired me to work incredibly hard this year to bring my dreams to light; it was wishful thinking that brought my now husband and I back together again; it was wishful thinking that motivated me to think outside the lines and rebel against the norm; it was wishful thinking that dared me to dream bigger and not be afraid to say what I think; it was wishful thinking that brought me my second puppy, and it was the tears that reminded me that the universe is moving mountains every second to bring me whatever it is I wish for, especially my swanky boho dream office that I know is on the way so I may continue on my quest towards celebrating the individuality that lives inside every human being through the platform that is Holistic Fashionista.

Love,

Angel

About Angel

Angel Quintana is the Founder/CEO of Holistic Fashionista magazine, the #1 online haven for over-achievers in business. Her extensive knowledge in brand building, search engine marketing, and authentic selling strategies naturally attracts rebels, tastemakers, and visionaries who are ready to ditch the copycat syndrome, play by their own rules, and curate a sustainable and profitable brand using the internet. Her innovative coaching program, Signature System helps business trendsetters develop and market a step-by-step plan that solves an urgent problem in the marketplace using what they already have in their personal toolbox, now being offered at her design+marketing house, The Willow House of Design. To learn more take her Business Trendsetter Archetype Quiz or visit her website for details.

A Perfect Blend of Home Office and Fashion

A PERFECT BLEND OF HOME OFFICE AND FASHION

Dear Diary,

In an effort to wind down the year with every single project I started to be completed, checked off, and off to a running head start I had to make some serious adjustments in my schedule. While I could have felt overwhelmed (like a couple of weeks ago), I decided to take yesterday to 'clean house' and I don't just mean sweep up the dust bunnies living under the sofa or mossed over cable cords behind my desk; I mean it was time to get seriously organized.

Since my closet really needs an entire room of it’s own, you should see my shoe collection, my office begrudgingly shares the same space —- not ideal, but I love a challenge.

One of the rooms in my charming home in Los Angeles is my home office. I don't just spend some time in there, I practically live there. As I looked around my office I realized it needed some serious sprucing up, adjustments, and overall, a makeover. Since my closet really needs an entire room of it's own, you should see my shoe collection, my office begrudgingly shares the same space --- not ideal, but I love a challenges. This was a serious task to endure.

I decided to make a floor plan of what I desired for 2014 as it pertains to my office and how I could realistically use my office as a wardrobe room-- a place where getting dressed in the morning was as inspiring as the vision board that lives in a vintage, oversized Rococo style frame I conveniently turned into a cork board and painted white above my josephine white lacquered desk. (I'm obsessed with white, did you know that?) I had to get clever.

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I started with getting everything OFF the ground. No more computer paper. No more shipping supplies. No more random shoes laying around wishing to be put away. I decided I needed a large storage space to hide my work stuff and isolate the mess. But instead, I opted displaying my favorite heels and HIDE the office stuff. Shoes are much more inspirational than shipping supplies.

I wanted to celebrate my accomplishments, I mean, after all this is my office, so I went for printing large prints of some of my favorite magazine covers. Since the women on the cover were my muses, and super amazing individuals with major fashion sense, it made perfect sense to display them over my rolling rack of vintage and super-faves garb, which are now color coordinated. I purchased a beautiful geometric rug with gold and periwinkle accents and threw a couple shag rugs over each of my office chairs.

And wha-la! My new office is cozy, luxe, and inspires me while keeping my visually impaired and creatively dreaming. This year is wrapping up beautifully and I am now in love with my organized, clean, and fashionable work-drobe, where getting dressed in the morning is just as luscious as all the beauty I try to put online. I love being creative! Creative thinking can solve any problem.

Till Next Time,

Angel

 

About Angel

Angel Quintana is the Founder/CEO of Holistic Fashionista magazine, the #1 online haven for over-achievers in business. Her extensive knowledge in brand building, search engine marketing, and authentic selling strategies naturally attracts rebels, tastemakers, and visionaries who are ready to ditch the copycat syndrome, play by their own rules, and curate a sustainable and profitable brand using the internet. Her innovative coaching program, Signature System helps business trendsetters develop and market a step-by-step plan that solves an urgent problem in the marketplace using what they already have in their personal toolbox, now being offered at her design+marketing house, The Willow House of Design. To learn more take her Business Trendsetter Archetype Quiz or visit her website for details.

Balance is Bull for Success, Yet Mandatory for Your Sanity

BALANCE IS BULL FOR SUCCESS, YET MANDATORY FOR YOUR SANITY

Dear Diary,

After 7 full days in Palm Springs, I am seeing a lovely new door opening and perspective that was long overdue. While I missed my oversized computer desktop screen, I was able to find other views to keep my wheels spinning in a new direction while actively still creatively inspired. The difference was my wheels were in desert where life is more simple, less chaotic than the big city of Los Angeles, and where I have a hot tub. The hot tub was a clear indicator how overworked I was.

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The difference was my wheels were in desert where life is more simple, less chaotic than the big city of Los Angeles, and where I have a hot tub.

So that got me thinking. One of the things a lot of people don't talk about when it comes to running a business (at least if you plan to have a successful one), is they fail to tell you that it's going to cost not only a monetary investment, but also a time investment... and a lot of it. Balance is bull when it comes to being successful and I'm not kidding-- I have felt the pain of being a workaholic. My butt totally hurts! I sit way to much!

I was open to letting new doors open and even getting my exercise routine back in order. In fact, it took seven days away from home to my favorite retreat destination of jacuzzi time, shoe shopping, and eating like a queen (health food, of course) to see how bad I had let it get. What I learned is how ridiculously overworked I had become and it was costing me my sanity. Before my vacation, most days I'd wake up and work in my pajamas from 7am-11am before I'd even take a shower. And I wouldn't exercise much at all and sometimes I'd catch myself running to the shower when I heard my husband pull in from a 10 hour day of work. I hadn't had a social life for as long as I can remember and it was getting a little lonely. I was out of control!

I discovered the fine line of what it takes to be successful, but I don't think it really is about balance at all. It's actually about your sanity. You might have to work your tail off to get your business off the ground, but if you don't make time to keep your sanity by getting your butt off the chair, your business is really nothing more than a facade. I had my herbs, probiotics, green juices, and hot lemon water stocked to keep me healthy, but I couldn't clear my mind. In fact, I was exhausted. 

You might have to work your tail off to get your business off the ground, but if you don’t make time to keep your sanity by getting your butt off the chair, your business is really nothing more than a facade.
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I decided after day 6 that it was time for some much needed leg lifts, weights, and crunches to get the ball rolling. I wanted my sanity back. I wanted that desire and hunger I once had for my business to have a rebirth so I could be the type of leader my tribe needs: SOMEONE SANE.

I'm happy to say that shopping therapy WORKS and so does 20 minutes a day of exercising. It absolutely rejuvenated me. When I returned home from Palm Springs I was energized to EDIT. I wanted to pair down and take the weight off my shoulder, plus my wardrobe (and shoe collection) were out of control, so I spent the evening color coordinating my closet, tossing over 10 pairs of shoes and a bag full of clothes, which I happily donated to my 2 beautiful assistants (to make room for the 5 new pairs I scored 2 days before Black Friday) and took a moment to visualize getting dressed in these amazing clothes I'd spent hours of my time searching for! I felt like ME again. I felt my sanity coming back to life. I felt creative!

This morning I was so excited to get up and GET DRESSED-- what a surprise! I did my make-up, put on my cream crochet vintage Angel sleeve wrap knit top and my high waisted skinny jeans and drank my hot water with lemon with a big ole goofy smile. While balance might be bull for success, vacations are mandatory for balance. Yin and Yang are happy again. And so am I.

Love,
Angel

About Angel

Angel Quintana is the Founder/CEO of Holistic Fashionista magazine, the #1 online haven for over-achievers in business. Her extensive knowledge in brand building, search engine marketing, and authentic selling strategies naturally attracts rebels, tastemakers, and visionaries who are ready to ditch the copycat syndrome, play by their own rules, and curate a sustainable and profitable brand using the internet. Her innovative coaching program, Signature System helps business trendsetters develop and market a step-by-step plan that solves an urgent problem in the marketplace using what they already have in their personal toolbox, now being offered at her design+marketing house, The Willow House of Design. To learn more take her Business Trendsetter Archetype Quiz or visit her website for details.

The Success Blues

THE SUCCESS BLUES

Dear Diary,

This month marks the 1 year anniversary of Holistic Fashionista and to be honest, I don't really feel like celebrating. Over the course of 12 months, the road has been anything but smooth sailing. It might be shocking, but behind closed doors it's actually been an uphill battle.

When I started Holistic Fashionista I was full of hope, excitement, inspiration, and dedication. It was a motivation I had felt in the past, like those days as a clothing designer at Sunday Driver. I was like a little kid running through the candy aisle-- high as a kite like an injection of glucose running through my veins. What happened? Where did the giddy little child go?

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Perhaps the dose of insulin has hit my bloodstream and now things are balancing out. The thrill of the chase lost, now that my business is in full effect. Or maybe that burning desire to achieve my goal got satiated... Has the hunger gone forever?

As I grace the cover of Holistic Fashionista magazine in celebration to our 1 year anniversary, I just don't feel like toasting; I feel like hiding. I suppose over the course of 12 months I probably took on too much, launched too many things, and changed my website zillion times too many, but it was those very events that kept the thrill of the hunt exciting and mysterious. So now what? More of the same? I'm bored.

As I head into my second year, I want something different. I want to surprise my audience and keep them on their toes. I want to break-free from anything and everything that has ever held be down in my life-- I'm dying for shock value. Part of me wants shout from the top of my lungs "It's my life! I'll do what I want with it! It's my business, I'll conduct it as I see fit." And I'll change my website and my mind as often as I please.

It’s my life! I’ll do what I want with it! It’s my business, I’ll conduct it as I see fit. And I’ll change my website and my mind as often as I please.

If anything, my 1 year anniversary has me a bit bewildered that what I've created doesn't totally match what I set out to achieve. I built something I thought I wanted yesterday and I made a bunch of new friends along the way. How is that possible that I've worked with some of the most amazing women as clients, made a great living doing it, and I still yearn for that deeper understanding of what success is really about. I think I have the success blues.

So here I sit, at Wholefoods sipping electrolyte water, having just downed a three salad melody of steamed veggies and two flavors of chopped cabbage slaw, one purple, one light green. Am I really that different than I was 12 months ago? I'm still eating the same good 'ole crap. I'm still sitting here typing on my computer talking shop, but why do I feel so different?

Part of me thinks I just don't really know how to celebrate my accomplishments. Maybe the way I celebrate is to internalize and reflect on what it is I truly want. Maybe I want to have a pity party instead of noisy festivity with organic margaritas. Maybe everything I am teaching in my business coaching is who I truly am, and I just need to continue to dig deeper to find the hidden treasures that lay beneath the depths of my soul to continue to expand my personal brand and inspire others to do the same. Perhaps I need to stop judging myself for not doing things the way others want me to do them and accept the fact that Holistic Fashionista is who I strive to be, not who I am now or will ever be. And when someone has an opinion about how I 'should' be running my business, it's okay if I just ignore them.

When it comes down to it, perhaps success is a personal journey. It’s not an accomplishment or destination, or something you get a medal for to display on your trophy shelf.

When it comes down to it, perhaps success is a personal journey. It's not an accomplishment or destination, or something you get a medal for to display on your trophy shelf. Perhaps it's a movement, a voyage into the unknown, a rite of passage that is sacred to your soul moving through the growing pains, sitting alone at WholeFoods and sipping electrolyte water while asking yourself, "what is it that I truly want?"

Everyday I get closer to knowing exactly what that looks like, tomorrow is a chance to visualize it happening, but today is a time to reflect and sit with my success journey and figure out what the heck it is I want for the next 12 months. I'll sit peacefully alone next to this salad bar and digest my accomplishments-- I might even go get a mint tea latte. So maybe I don't feel like celebrating in the traditional manner; I can tell at this moment that this just might be how I celebrate: internalizing and questioning what I want while fantasizing about a mint tea latte. And now I'll go get that latte.

I don’t need a party. I don’t need fan mail or hate mail to know I’m successful. I also don’t need to pat myself on the back or reward myself with some extravagant gift.

I don't need a party. I don't need fan mail or hate mail to know I'm successful. I also don't need to pat myself on the back or reward myself with some extravagant gift. I suppose the real gift is sitting here in front of this computer and choosing to share my truth. I could give two sh*ts about fame. I could give two damns about opinionated bystanders. I could care less about seeing my photoshopped photo on the cover of a magazine. What I care about is getting to know myself better and sometimes seeing yourself on the cover of a magazine helps you see yourself in a new perspective.

That's all I really wanted anyway--a new perspective to keep me motivated to keep going even when my feathers get ruffled. And then maybe tomorrow I'll have that organic margarita with friends because I allowed myself to celebrate in my own way today. ME time is celebration time and I can toast to that.

Love,
Angel

About Angel

Angel Quintana is the Founder/CEO of Holistic Fashionista magazine, the #1 online haven for over-achievers in business. Her extensive knowledge in brand building, search engine marketing, and authentic selling strategies naturally attracts rebels, tastemakers, and visionaries who are ready to ditch the copycat syndrome, play by their own rules, and curate a sustainable and profitable brand using the internet. Her innovative coaching program, Signature System helps business trendsetters develop and market a step-by-step plan that solves an urgent problem in the marketplace using what they already have in their personal toolbox, now being offered at her design+marketing house, The Willow House of Design. To learn more take her Business Trendsetter Archetype Quiz or visit her website for details.