Tarot Reading: Six of Pentacles in Reverse

TAROT READING:
SIX OF PENTACLES IN REVERSE

Reading by Yeshe Chodron  
Photo Credit: Ready Gypset Go
Magazine: Issue #11

Six of Pentacles in Reverse

The message of this month’s card, the six of pentacles in reverse, can be likened to breathing. It calls our awareness to giving out, and bringing in, and giving out, and bringing in. When we breathe out, most of us don’t fear that there may not be enough air for the next breath in.

We simply use that exhalation to move our bodies forward, to speak, to make room for that next inhalation. We trust. In this way, the shining pentacles (or coins) that appear on this card remind us that they are ours to give out...completely. And we must offer them out, to move our lives forward, to express ourselves, to create a reason or a space for that next coin to come into our lives. We can trust, says this card’s presence. 

Now, add to this vision, the idea that pentacles or coins on a tarot card represent money--material wealth and abundance. Think of how you give and spend money.

Do you offer it freely, trusting that the next inhalation will be there?

Do you spend in ways to move yourself forward, knowing that there is no question as to whether or not there is a next breath of wealth? ...of abundance? Are you free of doubt, to the extent that your joy knows no bounds, regardless of what’s in your wallet? Unless you are able to say ‘YES’ to these queries, the card this month encourages you to address the beliefs that back up your story of why you cannot.

Employ the assistance of a guided mediation, a coach, a trusted mentor, a wise friend, a divination tool, or your spirit guides. Lift the rug and see what’s piling up underneath. Inner integrity is paramount, here--be honest with yourself about which beliefs are moving you forward and which ones are like quicksand. Moving into the dark corners with the assistance of a light source, removes the darkness; and, reveals the nuggets of gold! So, do what needs to be done; and, move into the darkness to receive your gold. Then you can go ahead and freely exhale. 

How to Use Pinterest to Build Your Brand

HOW TO USE PINTEREST TO BUILD YOUR BRAND

How to Use Pinterest to Build Your Brand

Article by Eliza Ceci  
Photo Credit: Anum Tariq
Magazine: Issue #11

So many times when I’m on the phone with my clients, talking with friends or making new ones, the concept of desire comes up. It’s so easy to know what you want from an analytical standpoint. That is really valuable.

But more than that, I want to know how do you want to feel and will you be ready for it when it shows up?

The perfect way I’ve found, especially if you’re a visual person like me, is to use photos to capture the feeling of what you want to create. It gives you a visual to focus on and helps you tap into those feelings that anchor you to take action.

I know we’ve all heard about vision boards and manifesting, this is slightly different. I think movies like The Secret only got it half right. Vision boards are only half of the process, the other piece is connecting with the reason you want to have or experience ‘the thing’ and then look at what action you’ll need to take to move you closer to it. 

The real purpose of the vision board is to allow you to tap into these desires and give you a jumpstart on what you’re ‘calling in’. Make sense?

You can’t possibly know where you’re headed without a bigger why - a passion, a gut feeling, a deeper purpose, a dream – and that all happens when you tap into the deeper facets of creating a lifestyle that fits your unique dreams. You’re not a one-size-fits-all barbie and your dreams shouldn’t feel fake like that either.

To get you started, one of my absolute favorite tools to begin feeling into your vision is using Pinterest. Photos enhance our feelings so the more aligned they are with what you want to create the better you’ll feel and the more you’ll attract. But don’t forget to take that aligned action to ensure you are headed in the right direction!

Remember, like anything this is a process so take it one step at a time and be gentle with yourself. Explore and create so you can expand in the ways you are meant to. And above all else have fun with the process! Once your boards are created make sure to print them out, add them as your desktop background or showcase them somewhere you’ll get to see them and feel the benefits often and feel inspired to take those baby steps toward your dreams.

Your dreams are there for a reason. Listen to them. Cultivate them. Shine love and positivity on them and watch ‘em grow.

Find Your Balance With A Secret Place

FIND YOUR BALANCE WITH A SECRET PLACE

Article by Denita Austin  
Photo Credit: Pamela C. Wills

I believe that everyone needs a secret place that is close to your heart and that no one knows about. We are sensitive to our environments and with that being said, we should always make it a priority to visit places that bring out the best in us. We want to experience a high vibration of total happiness at our secret place of bliss.

Where is your favorite place to be? Is it a beach house with the perfect view of the ocean, a hidden nook in the Forrest that brings you closer to nature or a cute bungalow tucked away in the mountains? Be free within your space and take this time to appreciate all of the wonderful things in your life. Visit this secret place as often as possible to gather your thoughts and to become balanced.

My secret place is a hidden cove tucked away in the rain forrest . I absolutely love this place because it allows me to be creative within my thoughts. I’m able to journal and take long walks to clear my mind. I love sitting by the fire pit as the sun sets to relax and unwind. The weather is always amazing and I love connecting with my surroundings. Do some research on places that peak your interest and plan a visit. You never know what you will discover in your new secret place of choice. 

Fashion Editorial San Francisco Photo Shoot: Drought

SAN FRANCISCO FASHION EDITORIAL PHOTOSHOOT: DROUGHT

Article by Lisbeth Yekaroma Card  Photo Credit: Joseph Phillips

Photographs by Joseph Phillips
Styling and Production by 
Yekaroma Card, Marisa Llamas and Alex Venegas
Starring model Vanesa Dzevdetbegovic
Hair & Makeup by Martin Mendoza 
Photographer Assistant - Kira Thompson

There, where the sunrise brings a promise of a new start; where the breeze of the ocean whispers good things to come; where the sunset kisses you and holds you in its arms; there, is the hidden gift waiting for a glance of our sight.

Everyday, I wake up wishing for a better world; a place where human beings are more connected with nature and each other; a place where words like ‘love’ and ‘compassion’ are more appreciated. Everyday, I strive to develop goals that will make a difference and positively impact our world; a world that continues to fall apart; a world that needs more love and attention from all of us. 

As a fashion stylist, I search for inspiration through my surroundings and environment, as most artists do. Even the most insignificant, less appreciated things have the ability to give you the most beautiful and groundbreaking ideas.

One day, my fellow friends and fashion stylists, Marisa, Alex, and myself, decided to put together a low-budget fashion editorial that communicates one of the most harrowing issues our planet is facing today; drought. We were inspired by David Bowie’s brilliant performance in the 1970’s classic film, The Man Who Fell to Earth. The story follows David Bowie as an extraterrestrial who visits Earth, seeking a way to ship water back to his dehydrated planet. We loved the story and believe it tremendously relates to today’s reality. Life on Mars, arrival on Earth, and searching for water, the latter being incredibly symbolic to saving the planet, are the three elements behind the story of our editorial.

The editorial was shot in the abandoned remains of Sutro Baths in San Francisco, California. The location is a reminder of human materialism and destruction. 

Our model, Vanesa Dzevdetbegovic, was styled in earthy, sleek lined, monochromatic clothing, to appeal to the modern and down-to-earth, yet edgy audience.

It may be unclear as to how drought and fashion relate, but I believe we can use a fashion editorial as a wake up call by delivering important themes and worldly issues to an audience, using not only photography and styling, but emotion, mood, and story, as well. I believe the resources we have at our disposal today will become scarce and potentially obsolete for future generations, if we do not take care of our planet now. We must love our home in order for it to love us back.

What is a Signature System and How It Can Benefit Your Business

WHAT IS A SIGNATURE SYSTEM AND HOW CAN IT BENEFIT
YOUR BUSINESS?

Business Coaching

Interview by Rheba Estante  
Photo Credit: Holistic Fashionista

Just call her Angel, of the morning profit report. Angel Quintana is the innovative and brilliantly creative entrepreneur's entrepreneur. She is the founder of Holistic Fashionista magazine and an elite coach whose signature mastermind coaching program, Signature System, brings on the power of the profits.

Her motto and method is simple: be true to you and allow your real self to shine and express itself through your business and brand. So far, the results are heavenly. Angel explains more in the following interview.

In a nutshell, what is the Signature System Coaching Program all about?

Signature System is about taking all your talents, expertise, education, and life lessons to create a unique combination of steps to solve an urgent problem in the marketplace that only YOU can solve.

How did you take all the best advice out there for entrepreneurs and incorporate it into your own customized coaching strategy?

This is a really brilliant question! I just pulled out the strategies that I was truly interested in and wanted to master. I left out anything that felt was too boring or mundane to me and just kept it about what made ME tick. I figured if I was interested I could master it. You should only teach things you are passionate about and what you are a master in.

Define individuality, your concept of it, and how does it work as a major principle in the Signature System?

In my own words individuality is the pinnacle of good branding. It is the core of who you are and what vibe you give off into the world. It is also the main ingredient to discovering your Signature System because it is how you will differentiate yourself from the rest of the people out there selling something similar. Even if someone is selling a similar service or product, it will never be quite like yours because no one is you; no one has your unique combination of expertise, education, talents, and life lessons.

How did you Beta test this coaching style when you launched it? What elements did you look for when refining your method before it officially launched?

Beta testing is just like any beta version of a software or testing period. You have to test your product to see if it produces results. Beta clients are a necessary step to discovering if your product/program actually works--- I beta tested 3 clients and each of them produced results. I didn't refine any part of my method because it was working. However, I did eventually launch a Product-Based Business version of Signature System to help wholesalers and retailers about a year later.

What kind of knowledge and skills gaps did you want to fill for entrepreneurs when you were developing the method to improve the bottom line of your clients?

I am particularly obsessed with branding and made that my primary focus as I helped clients develop their Signature System. For me, branding was the New Sales Pitch--- I teach my clients that selling is actually a combination of your relationship with money and your branding. If you have a good relationship with both, hard-selling (or desperate selling) is unnecessary.

Any particular case studies of Signature System clients that really transformed and stood out in your mind as a "Cinderella story"?

I've had numerous clients get their first batch of clients before finishing the Signature System program. My 4th step in my Signature System is all about money and marketing, which is when my clients get the green light on how to market their products + services. A lot of my clients are coaches in the making and most of them charge $3000 or more for a coaching program. It's a Cinderella moment for me when I receive an email about their first big sale. It's the most amazing feeling in the world.

How does the Signature System fit into the Holistic Fashionista philosophy?

The most important part of the Holistic Fashionista philosophy to take away is to get comfortable in your own skin. There will always be haters who don't like you no matter what face you decide to show to the world-- so you may as well embrace your individuality. The sooner you can be okay with who you are and actually show that in your branding, a magical shift will happen in your business-- that's the essence of Signature System. A true Holistic Fashionista exudes qualities of a rebel, tastemaker, and visionary. She never copy-cats. She doesn't care what people think of her. And most of all she understands the value she brings to the world and charges accordingly.

When working with clients what approach do you take in order to help them capture their unique essence for branding purposes?

I'm a listener at heart. Because I am an introvert, my creative process happens when I am alone or when I am being quiet. During Signature System I never try to talk someone into doing something-- I wait. I listen for them to get excited. Then I internalize it and decide if it's something someone would whip out their credit card for. My favorite part of helping them capture their unique essence is when I get to show them visually what their brand could look like-- the logo, the color story, the tagline. A vibe is created when visual interpretations of your brand create a feeling and that happens with an excellent brand image.

Tell me about your personal story that inspired Holistic Fashionista and Signature System?

After getting certified as a nutritional consultant and holistic health practitioner, my education turned on a huge light bulb in my head. What I learned astounded me about who the power players are in our society and how they are weakening our immune systems, keeping us thinking small, and numbing our creativity! After changing my focus to branding and marketing, I decided I would help the holistic community build their brands so I could create positive change in the world faster. I'm a highly impatient person and while that is usually not such a fabulous quality in this instance I believe it is.

What's next from Angel Quintana in terms of products and services under the Holistic Fashionista?

Holistic Fashionista is simply a platform I use to continue to serve my clients. I want to continue to bring them opportunities to showcase their Signature System, expertise, awesome products, and killer services. There are so many women in our tribe who are truly shaping the world and bringing about positive reform. It has always been my intention to build a tribe of leaders who will make the world a better place to live-- as grandiose as that sounds, I won't stop trying until I'm six feet under.

For more on Angel Quintana, Holistic Fashionista, the Signature System, and becoming one of her creative partners, please visit: www.holisticfashionista.com

Personal Branding: 6 Things That are Killing Your Business Image

6 THINGS THAT ARE KILLING YOUR BUSINESS IMAGE

Article by Marlo Wright  
Photo Credit: Pinterest 
Magazine: Issue #11

Personal Branding and Brand Image

Just because you are a grassroots company doesn't mean you have to look like one. With all the affordable applications available for marketing, branding and publicity, there is really no excuse for any small business to look like one. 

Often times, we lie to ourselves, take shortcuts, misallocate funds, in efforts to make the most out of what we have. Taking shortcuts can be detrimental to your branding.

Here are examples of things killing your business image:

• Free business cards - the floppy texture is unappealing and screams novice
   
• Professional email  - the world of free is appealing, but professional email addresses are so cheap, it's worth the investment. 
   
• A phone line for business - you can easily get a free phone number to distinguish business from personal calls, so you don't answer like your mom or bestie is calling.
   
• No elevator pitch-  articulate, and be courteous. Give enough for them to want more.
   
• Confidence - no one knows you just started your business. 
   
• Professional Attire - Please dress accordingly - regardless of what of your industry. Just as much, an unkempt presence is as undesirable. 

Don't know where to begin? Ask! Asking professionals that have already done it in your industry is a great way to get the creative juices flowing. They may approach things differently, but can be a resource to get you pointed in the right direction! 

Research! As the business owner, it is imperative and your responsibility. Remember most new small business owners have more time than capital. 

Read! The most important part of business is continual learning! Reading, listening to topics, watching documentaries. 

Being in business is challenging and full of unforgettable experiences that will make or break you. As a grassroots business owner, you have so much freedom to test the waters and defining greatness for your company. Enjoy the ride!

Change Agent: Bethany Mullins, The Spiritual Trendsetter

CHANGE AGENT CONTEST WINNER: BETHANY MULLINS

Interview by: Angel Quintana

Change Agents Instagram Contest

Bethany Mullins, a Spiritual Trendsetter, was the winner of our April Change Agents Instagram Contest! Join CEO/Founder of Holistic Fashionista, Angel Quintana, in an exclusive interview with Bethany Mullins. We are honored to speak with such a bright, young, and creative entrepreneur!

Tell us about your business?

I work with women who struggle with emotional eating. I believe how we treat food directly mirrors how we feel about ourselves. And that's where self love comes in. I'm a self love junkie! Too many women are working so hard for others and need to share some of that love with themselves. While others are in an abusive relationship with themselves. I help women to get those butterflies in their stomach from just a glance in the mirror, to be utterly enamored with themselves and their bodies so they can come out sexier than ever!

Can you tell us about Unleash Your Lioness?

Unleash Your Lioness is a group coaching series I created to empower women to manifest pride and reward their deepest desires. I'm launching Part 1 of this series, Unleash Your Lioness / Tame the Emotional Eater Inside You on May 11, 2014. In this program I'll be working with 10 women in a four month intensive to address the emotional eater inside of them. They may feel like they've lost control and can't figure out why they reach for the cookies. Instead of battling with our emotional eater, we're going to hear her out. Give her the love she needs and identify our crutches so we can reinvent patterns that serve us. We will help her to unleash her lioness; because a lioness gets what she wants.

You are a young entrepreneur, when did you first learn that you wanted to work for yourself?

About 4 years ago I was managing a retail store. Under distant management with little hours and low pay, I was giving my all and yet struggling to believe in upper management. I learned early on that if I don't believe in it and they don't believe in me, then I'm worthless to them. I found the Institute for Integrative Nutrition that led me to my own destiny. I could build an empire that I believed in and that others believed in too, and that would be enough.

What is one piece of advice you would give to other young entrepreneurs trying to start a business?

You're an entrepreneur now, so you don't have to follow anyone. Take away everything you ever thought should be your business, and look at your business as a breeding ground for everything you create. It can be anything. And there is a market for it. There's a market for everything!

How do you describe your personal style?

I would consider my style to be comfortable but classy. I like my neutral palette with the occasional pop of color or print. I tend to keep my staples classic and use trendy accessories to style with to save on money. Most of the time you'll find me sporting a denim blouse with tan oxfords in my ray ban knock offs and red lips.

Bethany Mullins Winner of Change Agents Instagram Contest #2

Bethany Mullins is a spiritual trendsetter, a raw humanistic blogger, a challenger of dreams, fears and passions, kitty snuggler enthusiast, and a sucker for all things made and born with love. She's dedicated to working with women to transform their emotional eating into a love story through the frightening and delicious journey of self love. Graduated from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, she quickly became part of the powerful movement that grounds people through the rich and colorful relationship with body and life. Learn more about Bethany at www.BethanyMullins.com.