3 Tips to Taming the Emotional Chaos that is The Entrepreneurial Ride

3 TIPS TO TAMING THE EMOTIONAL CHAOS THAT IS THE ENTREPRENEURIAL RIDE

CEO/Founder: Angel Quintana    Photo: Chanelle Sladics    Magazine: Issue#35

Ever wonder when your big break will hit, when clients will pour from an insatiable well, and business becomes a walk in the park? I’ve been there. I think every entrepreneur on this planet has mosey’d down roller coaster lane, wondering when will it finally work out for me? And the worse part, is most people will have no idea why you’ve been pounding the pavement day and night trying to get your business off the ground— that’s because they’re not an entrepreneur.

“Nobody said it would be easy, but it will be worth it.” Right?

You see, being an entrepreneur isn’t just about starting a business or even hosting a webinar trying to sell your stuff; it’s so much deeper than that. It’s like deep sea diving in the middle of the ocean and when you finally come up for air, your ship has sailed. And then what? You’re left feeling like, Oh shit! I’m going to die without anyone knowing the treasure I just found buried deep inside the ocean.

What a crappy feeling. Welcome to the emotional chaos that comes with being an entrepreneur. So what now? 

You were born different, have a mission that yanks at your heart daily, and things are not moving along as quickly as you’d like— and the people around you have no idea why you’re so bloody ambitious. They think you’re nuts!

It’s a lonely place to be. So I’d love to share with you my top 3 tips for picking yourself up, even on the days you feel like throwing in the towel:

1) Make You a Priority.
I made a promise to myself today that self-care needs to play a bigger role in my entrepreneurial adventure. Yes, I’m talking about spa days, facials, foot rubs, green juice cleanses, and an extra heaping spoonful of magnesium in your daily practice. You have to stay sane. The easiest way to recharge your batteries is to put YOU first, even if you’ve got 3 small children and a long laundry list of to-do’s. Make a promise to yourself today that without vibrancy, your entrepreneurial adventure will lose it’s luster and then nothing will get accomplished… and then think about all those lives you couldn’t impact. That’s not going to fly!

2) Share Something Positive.
Every time you feel Negative Nelly creeping her devilish head, post something positive on your social media feed to show her the door. Remind yourself how crazy good your “big why” is and talk about it often. Talk about why you’re passionate about what you do and do so by speaking to just one person: your Kismet Client. You will be shocked at who shows up at your virtual door with flowers. Positivity always wins the race.

3) Revisit an Old Friend.
I know what you’re thinking— sometimes you’re just too busy to pick up a new book and sink your teeth into it. So instead, pick up a book you’ve already read and skim a page or two. Since you’re familiar with the content, it’s kinda like visiting with an old friend. You get together for coffee or tea and explore a topic on a deep level. You have an ah-ha moment, and then you make plans to do it again next week. After all, tomorrow is another day to visit with another friend. You don’t have to read a book in its entirety or stick to the same book every day. As long as you get your mind back to focusing on the prize, you’ll never feel like throwing in the towel. That’s how you win the race!

You can’t impact others’ lives when you’re feeling beat down. You can’t take care of the world when you aren’t taking care yourself. And when you’re feeling Negative Nelly peeking her little head again, that’s when you need to invite support and protection to the ball game. Ask for help.

Check out my list of book recommendations if you’re looking for a fresh perspective or need inspiration. And when you’re back in the swing of things and ready to share something positive, consider joining us in The Club. Afterall, an entrepreneur community will be your best kept secret to staying sane and inspired as you move through the ebbs and flow of the surly roller coaster ride.

Have a beautiful day!

ABOUT the FOUNDER

Angel Quintana is the founder and CEO of Holistic Fashionista®, a business academy and magazine helping philanthropists build boutique brands so they can help change the world. In The Holistic Fashionista Academy, she helps clients discover their Kismet Clients®, develop a product collection that represents their cause, and build well-thought out sales funnels to change more lives and make more money! 

In her book, Funnel Foreplay, she teaches change makers how to successfully 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. Angel and her businesses have been featured on: Apparel News, Examiner.com, Law of Attraction Radio, and spoken on stage at Digital Marketing for Business, At The Helm, and Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, CA.

Could Health be the Cause of Hair Loss

Could Health Be The Cause Of Hair Loss

COULD HEALTH BE THE CAUSE OF HAIR LOSS

Article by Melva Williams
Photo Credit: Victor of Valencia
Magazine: Issue #35

So many people are unaware of how their health can cause hair loss. Some of us have not made the connection of how our medical issues and hair issues are related. Anything that affects your blood stream is going to affect your hair. Most people see hair loss as an external problem; things that cause external hair loss such as too tight weaves, braids, and chemical over-processing. But there are internal reasons why we lose our hair as well, such as poor diet, hormones, stress, medications, over exercising, and hydration. All these things have to do with internal issues that can lead to hair loss but often over looked. 

The roots of your hair are nourished by tiny blood vessels called capillaries. If the circulation to these blood vessels is disrupted, they can fall or break. It is for this reason that the internal issues can cause hair loss. 

Hair growth is regulated by hormonal changes in the body. These hormones can affect not only how much grows, but whether growth stops and new hair grows.

The hormones with the most direct effects on the hair growth are androgens, the male sex hormones that include testosterone. Changing your diet, avoiding excessive caffeine, and exercising. This reduces stress and gives you balance. When it comes to medication and medical issues, always check out the side effects yourself to see if they list hair loss. These drugs interfere with the hairs normal growth cycle allowing the follicles to go into a resting phase for a longer period of time. Consult with doctor for any changes in medication if you notice hair loss. For strengthening your hair, talk with stylist or hair care professional about protein treatments that build up your hair.

Then there are the stress factors...

Severe stress causes white blood cells to attack the hair follicle, stopping growth and making the hair fall out.

Emotional or physical stress pushes large numbers of growing hairs into a resting phase, after a few months the affected hairs suddenly fall out when combed or shampooed. Last, the irresistible urge to pull hair from your scalp (picking in head); this is a way with dealing with anxiety, tension, loneliness, fatigue or frustration.These that I have outlined are just a few, but there are many other reasons for internal hair loss causes. 

I see so many women today going natural for various reasons. One of the concerns is that I heard some say it’s the stylist or the chemicals that brought out my hair. The truth of the matter is it could be one of those or neither. It could very well be what’s going on with your body that's causing your hair loss. When going natural the whole idea is to go back to the basics. Taking it back to the roots, so to speak. For some this works, for others it may not if there are issues lying dormant. So what happens when you go natural and your hair is still not healthy, not growing, or you’re still having hair loss? 

We can’t continue to cover up what’s going on with our hair. It’s ok to wear wigs, weaves, and braids as an extension of ourselves. What happens when you can no longer wear chemicals because of hormonal issues or high blood pressure medication because your body is reacting with the chemicals? When you’re tired of all this and finally decide, I want to wear my own hair! 

This is where you must educate yourself, whether client or stylist. You must expand your knowledge of the internal things that cause hair loss. First, by knowing your body, giving an honest account of where you are in your health, diet, and fitness regimen. Next, are you on any medications or have medical reasons that cause hair loss? What is your stress level, any hormonal imbalances, or anemia? Last, are you hydrating yourself properly? 

I have given you information on some of the internal cause of hair loss. Have you begun to connect your dots of how your medical issues and your hair issues are related? Remember, whatever is going on inside will eventually show up on the outside.

How to Become Completely Turned on by Your Body {and your Life}

HOW TO BECOME COMPLETELY
TURNED ON BY YOUR BODY
{and your life}

Article by Nikka Karli Salifu
Photo Credit: Sajas Minrah
Magazine: Issue #34

When was the last time you were actually turned ON by every area of your life and were completely in touch with the wisdom of your body and all of her power?

A while?

We spend so much of our time here on this planet trying and forcing. TRYING to be who we think we are supposed to be in order to not rock the boat, to save other’s feelings, to be a part of our tribe. FORCING our lives, our work, our relationships, our health.

But what if there was a different way?

One where you actually could love your body, speak your truth unapologetically, and be deliciously fulfilled on every level?

Well, Gorgeous, you’re in the right place because I’m about to share some fabulous tips to set you onto your path of smokin’ hotness.

1 :: Give Up The Idea That You Need To Look Like Someone Else In Order To Be Beautiful
Who cares what that one chick in the magazine looks like or how perfect that fitness competitor’s ass is while she’s maxing out in the squat rack?... Oh wait. You do. And that’s why you’ve been beating yourself up about how you’re not ready to follow your purpose, meet your soulmate, speak on sold out stages, start your tv show... Because you still think you need to be something other than you are to live your dreams. Hint: You are already more than enough and it’s time to own your freakin brilliance.

2 :: Release Your Hold On Your Old Habits And Limiting Beliefs Surrounding Soul Care
What do you think is going to happen if you start taking exquisite care of yourself?

…Unwanted attention?
…You’ll be spending all your money at lulu?
…The chicks at the yoga studio are horrid creatures who will judge you and call you names?
…Taking a bath is just a waste of precious time that you could/should be spending making money?

Whatever B.S. you’re telling yourself about why you shouldn’t go to yoga, start running again, meditate, or shake your gorgeous groove thang is all just resistance standing between you and your most lusciously confident self.

So stop worrying about why you shouldn’t nourish yourself and start making it happen.

3 :: Cultivate A Mindset Of Commitment And Discipline
We’re so used to living below our potential. We spend a bunch of time and energy thinking about the things we DON’T want in our lives and not nearly enough on the things we actually desire.

Begin taking a deep look at the things you are currently committed to… Your mediocrity. Your people pleasing. Your TV. Your addiction to struggle.

And now think about the things you need to be spending your time and energy focusing on if you want to become the smoking hot, turned on, sensual goddess you know you want to be.
And then- here’s the kicker- start becoming that woman. Act as if you already have what you desire. Think the way she would think. Cultivate the daily discipline towards your dreams and freedom. Show up as HER and commit to her way of living.

4 :: Tap Into Your Gratitude And Love Multiple Times A Day
If you are always waiting for something to happen before you are happy, before you love more, and before you appreciate your life, you will never be satisfied. Never be turned on. Never be fulfilled.

And, in turn, you will not become the paradigm-shifting leader you were placed on this planet to be. Show gratitude for your journey, blessings, and miracles you’re manifesting every single day.

5 :: Give Yourself Permission To Receive Pleasure
Pleasure. In all of her glorious forms. Orgasms. Dancing. Kissing. Yoga. Laughing. Watching the sunrise. Sitting under the moonlight. Release the automatic “no” that seems to escape your lips when someone offers you a joyous and delicious experience. Feel into it. Let it sit with your body. And then say “yes” to everything and everyone who speaks to your soul. Without shame or guilt or fear.

6 :: Trust In Your Desires
If you always second-guess what you want, who you are, and whether or not you are provided for by the Universe… you will always remain on the other side of your greatest passion in this life.

You can have what you desire, but only if you believe. Trust in who you are and trust that you are enough to have what you are asking for. When we lack trust in ourselves, we also lack trust in our partners, our creativity, and our own success. Give yourself the space to heal the wounds that are holding you back from accepting your desires and pleasure.

So, Lover, if you want to be turned on, you must turn yourself on. With the way you show up in the world. In the way you carry yourself in your conversations and relationships. With every thought you allow in that incredible mind of yours.

Only one go round in this life.

Why spend one more day as anything less than the beautiful, sexy, kickass woman you were born to be?

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.

3 Reasons to Meditate as an Entrepreneur

Three Reasons To Meditate As An Entrepreneur

3 REASONS TO MEDITATE AS AN ENTREPRENEUR

Article by John Scardina
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #30

Meditation has been around forever and we all know the benefits of its practice. The mindful relaxation and clarity that it brings to our mind, body, and spirit.

As entrepreneurs, we often struggle through our day looking for that mindful peace, and seldom make time for it. After all, there are clients, products, marketing, and at least thousands of other fruitful projects bouncing throughout our mind. As a business owner, you do not have the same mindset as your regular nine to five employee. We push, we strive, we plan, we conspire (in a good way); all of this to become successful. We do not run at full speed only eight hours a day and go home and try to forget the previous hours- we sometimes wake up in the middle of the night and start a project or new business plan. Because it is fresh in our mind and now is always the right time.

We become our business and our business becomes us, it is a spiritual journey always evolving into what our minds have created prior to any physical action. After all, we are the power that is regarded as inspiring a poet, artist, thinker, or the entrepreneur.

1| Seeing your business from the inside or with your inner self
During meditation you are removing all external noise and forces that will conflict during your normal day. While meditating and mindfully bringing your business into your relaxed quite thoughts, you can process each individual component of your business and bring it to the forefront and evaluate it without stress. This allows you to really see the life or energy that each portion of your business holds clearly viewing in what direction it will grow or which direction you choose that it will grow.

2| Gain mental clarity for major decisions
We all struggle with major decisions from time to time. Making these decisions quickly during the normal course of an extremely busy day is not always the best time to act or decide. These quick types of responses will always carry energy that is already part of your day and may not be the energy you want attached. Meditating on major decisions will allow you to be in a relaxed state and bring a calm clarity to all factors affecting your choices prior to making any decision.

3| Combine your business into your being, don’t just leave it as something you own or run
Meditating on all aspects of your business can create a bond that creates an energy between you and your business that will eventually become one living organism. This, once achieved, balances out all future ventures and decisions, as you will start making decisions about the business easily and not as an outsider. 

Admittedly this does take practice, and sometimes most of us think we are short of time, but the result makes you your business, and your business you. One cohesive force that is firmly connected, nurtured, and in tune with your future success. Try it!

Unleashing Your Inner Muse: Questions to Enhance Self-Love and Inspiration

UNLEASHING YOUR INNER MUSE:
QUESTIONS TO ENHANCE SELF-LOVE AND INSPIRATION

Article by Michelle Bennington
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #30

Unleashing Your Inner Muse

"I am my own muse.
I am the subject I know best.
The subject I want to better."
-Frida Kahlo

The journey in search of inspiration is always a deeply personal one. From the face of a stranger, to the soothing sounds of nature, it can truly be uncovered anywhere. While keeping your eyes open to the endless possibilities surrounding you, it is also essential to look within. Have you ever considered that YOU are your greatest work of art? Do you view your life as your ultimate masterpiece? Contemplate the following questions and challenge yourself to unleash your inner muse.

 :: What do you adore about yourself?

Perhaps you love your sense of style, your ability to make people laugh, or the way you can always liven up your own day by dancing! These traits aren’t anything to sweep aside and are exactly what muses are made of. Inspiration is found in the smallest details and it’s imperative not to exclude your own appeal from your attention. Focus often on your gifts and be mindful of everything you have to offer. Certainly there's a physical trait you prefer over the others as well. Do you have your mother's lips, hands that remind you of your best days, or an unbelievable booty!? Take a quick Polaroid and add it to your vision board as a quiet reminder to love yourself daily.

 :: Are you living in alignment with your beliefs?

Whether it be eating for health, conserving energy, never saying "no" to a golden opportunity, creating artwork often, or not supporting other people's negativity-- you have beliefs you’re deeply passionate about. When you ignore these beliefs in your everyday activities you are thrown out of alignment with your true self. Not honoring the sincere callings of your heart discounts your convictions and in return weakens the bond with your inner muse. Be conscious of your daily decisions and ensure they aren't contrasting your core beliefs. You’d be surprised how much this can affect you unknowingly.

 :: Are you being genuine in your interactions?

The quickest way to lose connection with your inner muse is to censor your existence to fit some sort of pr­e existing societal mold. There's no need to put on a mask for others and it doesn’t help anyone to pretend you are someone you aren't. Genuine connections are rich in truth as well as acceptance from both sides and simply cannot be duplicated by falsities. Relationships built with the background of fabrication will by no means enrich your life and honestly aren’t worth a minute of your time. Perhaps by showing your true colors you will lose a few untrue friends but you will gain so much more, and you will surely encounter your inner muse.

 :: How can your personal story inspire growth and change?

Undoubtedly you've endured misfortune and come out stronger on the other side. You've fought some serious hardships and you've WON! It's so easy to overlook your own accomplishments while focusing on what you still want to achieve but take a second to step back and just admire the work of art you’ve already created. Your life is one-of-a-kind and no one else could have done it precisely like you. Consider every lesson you’ve learned and how you can share those lessons to help others overcome similar obstacles. Be willing to view yourself as the hero of your own story and open to allowing others to do the same.

 :: How can you help the world today?!

So much of becoming your own muse is extending yourself into the universe and inspiring others even in the most basic of ways. Think about what the people you know may need and don’t be afraid to reach out if you think you can help. Often the effort alone is enough to brighten someone’s day. Smile at strangers. Pay it forward at the coffee shop. Text an old friend. Ensure no one you pass feels invisible today. In return you'll also feel seen, more alive, and more in touch with your inner muse.

3 Empowerment Tools for Better Business Practices

3 Empowerment Tools for Better Business Practices

3 EMPOWERMENT TOOLS FOR BETTER BUSINESS PRACTICES

Article by Sophie Mihalko
Photo Credit: Hailley Howard
Magazine: Issue #29

There was never a better time than now to guide people out of the murkiness of the news, depressive moods of the economy and judgements of their bodies. 

Today, more than ever, the world needs the bright lights that we are. Here are 3 simple ways to being the brilliant star you are meant to be in your business:

1 :: Listen to your body
Your body knows everything about you, what you are capable of creating and even what other people need from you. So when looking to be the brightest star you could ever be in your business, ask your body questions like:

“Body, who can I call today that I can contribute the most to?”
“Body, what can I do different today to create more in my business right away?”
“Body, what do you want me to know about me that I am not acknowledging?”

Any dis-ease, illness or potential problem with your body is a sign that your body has been talking and you have not listened. Ask more questions. The first thing that pops is what your body wants you to know.  

2 :: Do that thing you think is wrong
Being the brightest star you are meant to be does not mean you can ever reproduce what someone else has created. Your light is different, it’s unique and that’s why it is required in the world. But often, being you, being different feels like the “wrong” thing you do. I mean, if it was the right thing, wouldn’t everyone do it? WRONG!!! No one can do what you do the way you do it so doing what feels like you, even if it feels wrong because it’s so different than what everyone else is doing. 

I am French and I like to make people laugh so I often include jokes and funny faces or funny ways of saying things (with my Frenglish) in my business videos. It’s not necessarily the “right” thing to say but when clients choose to work with me they are aware there will be laughter, I don’t take their stories of limitations seriously and my accent is strange. It makes them want to know me even more.

So what if what you think is wrong about you is actually what is right about you?

3 :: Know that you know
I often see people hesitating when they are talking about themselves or their business. I do not mean hesitating in finding their words, no, because they have rehearsed enough, I mean hesitating in choosing what to do, what to say, what to wear, who to talk to, what to put on social media, etc....

The truth is, you know everything there is to know. How many times did someone asked you a question and you knew the answer even though you never “studied it”. Everything that pertains to your business and the services you provide, you know about it. Therefore, everything that pertains to the people who require and are ready to receive your business and your services, you know about it. If you stopped second guessing yourself, you will see how true this is.

Doubt is the most paralyzing thought. I don't even try to get away from it anymore. Instead, I ask: "What do I know about this that I am pretending I don’t know?" I can always go back to doubt 10 seconds later

The world needs the light of the star you bring. Don’t rob us from it. Use these three tools and let us all see it shine!