Fighting Keeps You from Enjoying your Life

FIGHTING KEEPS YOU FROM ENJOYING YOUR LIFE

Article by Antiqua Lisha
Photo Credit: Tamar Swartz
Magazine: Issue #27

When you were a kid, did you have to have to get angry/upset or hurt before you get what you wanted? 

This is common habit and belief for kids. To GET what we WANT, we have to get angry. This is one BIG limiting belief. That keeps us separated from our joy, happiness, money and fulfillment. Today I will help you get this belief/habit out of hiding and out of your way.  

I am going to be a bit vulnerable here and share a deep piece of my heart. If you don’t know me, I work with survivors of abuse to reclaim their power, own their stories and move from surviving to thriving by creating profitable and world-changing programs, events, and books. For the past 20 years. 

I have a BIG desire to see people claim their worth and share their gifts. I had this limiting belief that I had to get angry to get what I wanted. So, the more joyful, calm, happy and aware I have become the less angry I have been and the more this childhood belief has kept me from my BIG dreams. I had a deep seeded belief that was so deeply sealed in my subconscious mind I did not even know it was running my life. 

Here is what it sounds like

• You have to fight for what you want. 
• You have to get angry before you can have what you want. 
• You only get what you want (after a fight)

Here is how this played out as a child for me. I got lots of negative attention, spankings, etc… and this was love. SO guess what happened before I got this negative attention, a fight.  

I was also taught, as have many of my private clients, that you have to dig deep and fight for what you want; nothing comes easy. One blessing of my family growing up was our horses and workout schedule, we ran as a family and raised horses as a family. What I learned is that you always get back on the horse, no matter what and win the fight. I also learned that when running you DON’T give up when it get’s hard you dig deep and fight your way through the “pain.” = Don’t be a sissy. 

I also saw my parents fight and then reconnect. I also experienced this pattern fight and then connect. I did this in my previous marriage as well, fight and then make up and get what you want. 

Uggg WHAT A CRAP WAY TO LIVE. WHY, are so many of us FIGHTING for our dreams? 

Because we have a belief with ourselves that LOVE, ABUNDANCE, JOY, HAPPINESS, CONNECTION only comes with a fight. THIS IS not how life is. Your destiny, your truth your abundance comes with ease and peace, in alignment with what you believe. 

To allow your BIG dreams to come to you with more ease, start by ending the fight within yourself, and reprogram your beliefs by recognizing all the ways you receive love, money, support and pleasure easily. This new perspective WILL help you both get what you desire and NOT have to put up a fight for it.

It's Time to Makeover Your To-Do List

Makeover Your To-Do List

IT'S TIME TO MAKEOVER YOUR TO-DO LIST

Article by Priscilla Wainwright
Photo Credit: Nancy Schoenmakers
Magazine: Issue #27

Most of us have to-do lists of some kind or another. Maybe it’s a goal list or activity list on your work planner. Perhaps it’s a tick-list of things you want to get done around the house or other personal things.

Are you a “list person”? Many of us are. I have a girlfriend who is so organized, she has a “list of lists”. She’s a human dynamo, but she still grouses to me that she hasn’t got enough time to get it all done. While she won’t admit it, she sees her life as one interruption after another. Do you fall into that category by any chance?

Do you have any time or activity on your list for your personal enjoyment, or development of a pleasurable nature? How about time for reflection or some other quiet time or Spiritual practice?

We women can be gluttons for doing, serving, and multitasking. (Supposedly we typically do the latter better than men.) I’m sure you’ve heard the old saw, “Men work from sun to sun; women’s work is never done.” This is often so true. Finish a hard day at work, come home, and who’s gotta cook, clean, take care of the kids? This can all become very draining after a while.

Proper self-care is critical to your physical, mental, and spiritual health.    Are you factoring personal nourishment (other than meals!) into your daily schedule? Every athlete knows that constant practice can lead to burnout and that periods of relaxation, especially prior to a match, improve performance.

Look over your to-do list and your daily schedule. See where you can insert a calming, relaxing practice, or maybe a gym workout. That ultimately will refresh you as well. Whatever you choose, do something that will lift your spirit.

If you’re new to this, you might need to deal with guilt or self-imposed demands, or felt pressure to accomplish. Determine a practice that you can live with over time, and commit to stick with it for 30 days at least.   By then, it should be a habit, and you will find new levels of energy.

Go for it, Tigress. You’re worth it!

HOLISTIC FASHIONISTA RECOMMENDED!

Want help defining and living into YOUR innate feminine glory?  Come onto our site and join Tigress Tribe, our online community. Since our community is new, you’ll be a Charter Member. In our Forum, you’ll get personal attention and help, and can help others as well.

What to Do When it All Falls Apart

What to Do When it All Falls Apart

WHAT TO DO WHEN IT ALL FALLS APART

Article by Nikka Karli Salifu
Photo Credit: Nancy Schoenmakers
Magazine: Issue #27

Have you ever been out, hanging with your peeps, shaking your groove thang at the baddest club in town? Looking smokin’ HOT, sipping your delish, rarely-been-seen-before, Carrie-worthy, beyond-fantabulous cocktail? Your skinny jeans are putting in WORK, calling all the gorgeous and consciously-evolved boys to the yard? You know, the total life of the party?

Only to realize that, despite all your best efforts and pretty freakin’ exquisite {ahem} bottom line, you aren’t actually enjoying yourself?  Like, at all? As in, you are actually completely and miserably unfulfilled, unsatisfied, and (if you’re being honest with yourself) unsure of how in the world you’re going to FIX the situation? Ugh.

Or how about this. There you are, cruising along to your favorite 80’s movie soundtrack. Tunes are hot. You’re singing at the top of your lungs (maybe even somewhat in-tune). Hair looks fly. Outfit is on point. And then out of nowhere, your phone dies (taking your beloved tuneage with it). Your voice starts cracking like a Vegas sidewalk in the dead of summer. Your hair is frizzing like nobody’s business (and you now look like YOU belong in an 80’s hair band). Oh. And you spill your venti soy chai (extra hot, no water, no foam) all over your sweet new maxi.

Ever have one of those days? Ever have one of those years?

Everything is good. I mean, SO GOOD. And you’re happy. Like willing-to-overnight-babysit-your-bratty-whiny-spoiled-niece kind of happy.

But then the bottom falls out. And it falls so far that you think it’s probably traveled all the way to the core of the earth by now. As in, there’s no possible hope of ever seeing that bad boy again.

What’s an up-and-coming visionary to do? Throw in the proverbial towel and give up on your dreams of making an impact and building a global platform of change? Or slap some gel in that wayward hair of yours (big hair is kinda in right now anyways), grab your spare leggings and crop combo from the back seat (because a girl’s always gotta have a backup), and decide that you’re just going to have to bootstrap your life together?

The latter of the two above options? Those are the kind of people who make it. They are the ones who see their dreams turn into reality. It is these driven and ambitious souls who- despite the world seeming to fall apart around them- are motivated to actually see their umpteen years of labor come to fruition.

So, which one are you? The one who crumbles in the face of resistance? Or are you the one who rises above? The one who knows that YOU choose the course of your life and that only you get to determine your own destiny?

Yes, of course there will be hard times. Some of them will be so ridiculously hard that you may wonder if you will ever get to see the light of day again. And some of them will threaten to break you into a million pieces of shattered hope and obliterated dreams.

But, if you make the decision that- no matter what- your dreams are not optional, you will succeed. You WILL actualize your vision. You WILL overcome the battle that rages.

“But how?” you ask…

• By unleashing the power of your inner genius, your intuition, your fullest potential.
• By making a pact with your soul that you will never again back down in the face of adversity when it comes to your dreams.
• By giving yourself permission to free your power, that sacred energy of truth and wisdom that you have kept dormant for way too long.
• By not caring what other people think of you and your journey.  Like, EVER.
• By- regardless of distraction, resistance, or fear- fully committing to your brilliance and going ALL IN on what you say you want.
• By being of service.
• By loving yourself more and owning EXACTLY who you are.

And, once you make the decision to commit, you must then take action. Daily, consistent, MASSIVE action in the direction of your goals.

You must keep your eyes focused on the horizon of your vision. You do not let your focus waver. Not for one second. (And then, when it inevitably wavers, you brush that shizz off and get right back to chasing down your dreams.) You must endeavor to always be both persistent AND consistent.

If your passion is there, your actions will follow.

So, when in doubt, follow your passion. Take balls-to-the-wall action day in and day out. Let no one and no thing deter you from your purpose. You must no longer rely on anyone else to make your dreams come true. It’s all up to you, Gorgeous.

And the funny thing about it? It always has been. Here’s to your Untaming.

Featured Interview: Dianna Esteves Vieira

FEATURED INTERVIEW: DIANNA ESTEVES VIEIRA
Eco Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist

Photography by: Nancy Schoenmakers

Why were you drawn to eco-friendly makeup?

Several years ago, I was battling some heath issues, and decided to completely change my lifestyle. I switched to a Macrobiotic diet and upon my research, I stumbled across many articles stating disturbing claims regarding toxic chemicals used in various personal items and cosmetics as well. I immediately tossed out my various high end makeup products in my kit, and never looked back :)

How did you get started in the industry?

I actually started out as an Esthetician, trained in Toronto at the prestigious Edith Serei School of Advanced Esthetics. I had a passion for skin care, however with the minimal makeup training received in the course, I realized I had a bigger passion for everything pertaining to makeup application. . I honed my skills over the years, becoming virtually self taught.

Can you tell us about your business? Are you freelance or how does it work?

Yes I do freelance. Everything from working at several events, shoots with different photographers, fashion films, indie film projects etc. and I have an awesome relationship with Photogenics Media, I mainly work with their models. Along with freelancing I am the resident makeup artist at Nitespa. My business is comprised of using non-toxic and cruelty free products. I educate women and pre-teens on the utter importance of using clean ingredients on the skin. I m a huge advocate for animal and human justice and welfare. I volunteer for a couple of different organizations, and began my own mission called Project SoulFarm. I teamed up with celebrity photographer Dan Santoni to educate many on the ills of factory farming. We choose celebrities who refrain from eating meat and who have a big heart for the plight of these amazing creatures without a voice.

Photography by: Nancy Schoenmakers

What piece of advice would you give an entrepreneur who is looking to start in the beauty industry?

I'm still figuring it all out myself! Be informed, be genuine and kind! Much needed when dealing with others in the fashion and entertainment industries :)

What is the most important thing to you about green products?

That they are ethical. Nothing matters more to me. My company motto is "If we could choose non-toxic & cruelty free beauty without hurting others...why wouldn't we"? There is no other option, nothing else makes sense to me.

What are your go-to makeup or beauty products?

Vapor Organics Stratus Soft Focus Instant Skin Perfector, Satin Matte Foundation by Alima Pure, Realist Invisible Setting Powder by W3ll People, , A Fine Romance Multi-use Stick by Ilia Beauty, Purely Simple Face Cream by Osmia Organics, coconut oil, Clairisonic Mia Cleansing Tool..

What is your #1 beauty tip?

Just one? Lots of alkaline water!

Learn more about Dianna at www.DiannaEstevesVieira.com

A Successful Business Starts with a Conscious Mind

THE LAW OF INTEGRITY:
{a Successful Business Starts with a Conscious Mind}
Issue #27: Letter from the Editor

CEO/Founder: Angel Quintana
Photo Credit: Nancy Schoenmakers

Photography by: Nancy Schoenmakers

You can lie to yourself and you can lie to others, but the one thing you can never truly lie to is your conscious mind— that is unless you’re a sociopath, but let’s leave those people out of it. There are only two ways to run a business, ethically or non-ethically— either way, eventually things catch up with you for better or for worse.

This month here at Holistic Fashionista we are celebrating originality. And let’s face it, who knew that originality would come with its consequences. As Coco Chanel said, “If you want to be original, prepare to be copied.” Being copied is never a good feeling even if “copycatting is the sincerest form of flattery,” I assure you, it most certainly is not.

The more well-known your brand becomes, the more someone wants to jump in on that gravy train and take a piece of the pie for themselves. 

But then there is that little lingering after thought: it’s call the conscious mind. Whether we choose to listen to the little voice on our shoulder that says, “I wouldn’t do that if I were you” or you get tangled up in the fear-based subconscious mind who persuades you to believe, “No one will ever find out” it’s a double edge sword— do the right thing or try to push it down so far so you never have to deal with it.  

Photography by: Nancy Schoenmakers

One way or another, the result will be the same. You will have to deal with it at some point, so why not just deal with it now? Why add unforeseen costs, annoying stress, and extra baggage to a business decision that could have been resolved in minutes had you just acted with integrity.

As I write this, I cannot answer that question— for I speak for myself and my clients when I say, we don’t run our businesses this way. Running a business with integrity means you settle your debts, you swallow your pride and you do what’s right… Because if you don’t it will catch up with you sooner or later; or worse, it will eat away at your soul and your sanity bit by bit. And there is nothing more distracting that running a business with an unclean soul.

With an unclean soul, originality cannot be birthed, for originality breeds on introspection and is the mother load of creativity. Without creativity, a business cannot sustain without problem-solving and if copycatting is your forte, eventually your business will drown in Universal debt and that’s a payment plan you don’t control its maturity.

Perhaps the subconscious mind can fool you from time to time to believing there is a shortcut to success, but I assure you, the only shortcut to success starts with your original idea, putting in the time and effort needed to bring that vision to fruition, and building a brand based on a fundamental Universal Law: integrity.

ABOUT the FOUNDER

Angel Quintana builds holistic brands. She is the CEO and Founder of Holistic Fashionista, a marketing and consulting agency for holistic leaders looking to start and grow designer businesses. Acclaimed for her renowned Signature System©mentoring programs, Angel helps over-achievers launch strategic sales funnels to sell high-end, holistic products. Her non-traditional consulting style focuses on asking hard questions and listening attentively to clients in order to: write compelling sales copy, creative problem solve, launch killer marketing plans, and attract their Kismet Clients™.

While her tattooed exterior shows her creative tough side, it is her thoughtful approach to brand building that has won her thousands of raving fans. She is also the author of Funnel Foreplay, the little black playbook of sales strategies for a new generation of internet marketers who celebrate the art of business-to-consumer relationships without jumping into bed with cold leads. To learn more about Angel, visit www.AngelQuintana.com.

The Truth About People Who Piss Us Off

THE TRUTH ABOUT PEOPLE WHO PISS US OFF
{...and why we need them!}

Article by Jentana Lee Dabbs
Photo Credit: Nancy Schoenmakers
Magazine: Issue #27

Bless the people who piss us off in our lives, you know those people, we all have them around us, our close friend, sibling, parent, love relationship, the person who you may have just recently blocked on Facebook.

Most of the time (not all the time) those people are in our lives to help us become aware of something deep inside that we may either not be aware of or we are in just plain denial about.

What do I mean?  
The other day, I was speaking to a friend of mine (I’ll call her Anna) and she expressed to me that she had been upset all week at her father, therefore she was doing all she could to stay away from home as much as possible and avoid speaking to him since she lived with her parents. She opened up to me about how much he had hurt her because he was criticizing her and he told her that she was greedy. Anna said that being called “greedy” hit her the hardest, because she had been so careful with money.   Anna couldn’t even be around her father after that and she was so angry with him. I did a little probing and I asked if there was some fear deep inside her of being greedy? At first she was in denial, then I probed a little deeper and sure enough, she did have some deep fear of being greedy and she had extreme guilt around money, which reflected in her business and her life to the point where after 5 years of being a coach, she was still giving away her service for free and living at home.

The invisible signals we send
Many of us are unaware that we either send or receive unconscious signals that those close to us will pick up or we will pick up from them. The closer we are to a person and the longer we have been around them, the more they will pick up our unconscious signals and most likely throw those signals back at us in some way. In addition, we will attract whatever unconscious signal we are sending out. For example if a woman is constantly attracting relationships that are abusive in some way, then chances are high that she has been beating herself up inside for many years and the only way to stop this cycle is through self love and becoming continuously conscious of when she beats herself up inside until the point that she has full control over her own self abuse and stops it.

How it works
Lets say you write a book and your hubby says to you “your book will never sell” or you get involved in a relationship with a man and he begins to call you “superficial” or “self-centered” anytime you express a desire to go out more. Rather than getting upset at the person for being unsupportive or an absolute jerk, really get honest with yourself, I mean DEEPLY honest with yourself and ask yourself these questions:

•    Is this this how I really feel inside?
•    Is this a deep fear I haven’t been willing to face?
•    Is this an unconscious belief that has been blocking me and is now being revealed to me?
•    What am I going to do to change this belief, starting now?

Once you’re clear and conscious on what is really going on deep inside, then silently give gratitude to the person who pissed you off and then get to work on fixing this personal issue you have because once you do that you will notice a few miraculous things happen:

•    The person close to you who normally criticizes you, will either leave your life or become more loving and supportive
•    The blocks that you had towards some of your goals will begin to lessen and vanish
•    You will have an increased awareness in yourself and the world around you
•    You will become a more confident and happier person, because you are consciously aware of your own crap and you quickly do something about it!

Be aware that, there are true jerks out there who just get pure joy by bullying others and the great thing is that you will become so aware and strong in your personal truth about yourself, that not only will they not affect you, but you’ll be able to just smile and gently release those people from you life, while continually be able to recognize and be grateful to ones that are there to piss us off for our highest good!

HOLISTIC FASHIONISTA RECOMMENDED!

Reaching your dreams takes guts, uniqueness, persistence and an assertive attitude that many women were never taught how to have. You want success? You want to lead? You want to be happy? It's time to put your big girl panties on and step into the spotlight with confidence, to make it happen on YOUR terms! No amount of business and marketing training is going to bring you success until you say “good bye” to the good, little girl attitude and “hello” to a woman on fire attitude! Download your FREE 3 part video training to “Ignite Your Assertive Power and Kick-Ass Confidence for Success, Leadership & Happiness.” This 3-part video will show you how to stop doubting your greatness and start living in your badass power, helping you create the money, relationships, career and general all around awesomeness you so desire. Download your FREE video today and start living!

Consciousness: Building a Brand with Permission to Fail!

Building a Brand with Permission to Fail!

CONSCIOUSNESS: BUILDING A BRAND WITH PERMISSION TO FAIL!

Article by Sophie Mihalko
Photo Credit: Nancy Schoenmakers
Magazine: Issue #27

I used to get out of bed and look at my to do list. I would get dressed, get the kids ready for school and with a hot cup of coffee set out to do the best I could with what I got. 

I would deal with the problems, find the solutions, and feel somewhat accomplished to have solved things. I would take small steps toward growing a business I loved, knowing it was normal that it took so long since every one else was going through that growth process. 

But inside me was that gnawing feeling that something else was possible. 

Consciousness includes everything and rejects nothing, says Gary Douglas, Founder of Access Consciousness®. This means that being successful has as much value as failing. It means not feeling like doing something may create as much as doing 10 things on my list. It means NOTHING is bad nothing is good. Everything is allowed. 

When I first understood the true meaning of Consciousness I felt very uncomfortable. I had no more points of reference. But it also meant total freedom. I could make any video, write any blog post, create any product and if no one ever saw any of it, or bought any of it, I could no longer judge myself.

Wow! it gave me so much more room to create. The joy of my business was in the creation process, not in the result. I did not look at the analytics, at the receipts or any kind of result.

I was having fun, creating more than I ever knew and most of all I had so much more energy than before! I had never realized how much energy it took to do things right. Now, I was sleeping less time, ate less and felt much more energized. 

I am sure you know what follows. The money is in the bank and the people love how “crazy” I am.

Consciousness is the most expansive space to do business in. It allows me to be everything I always wanted to be, and everything I did not know I wanted to be. 

How does it get any better than that?

HOLISTIC FASHIONISTA RECOMMENDED!

Celebrities are getting paid for being themselves. Is it time you do?

Learn the easy, practical tools they use to get there, from someone who left her job and started making 3 times more money within a month of choosing to get paid for Being Her.
 
This e-course consists of an audio class and PDF, and was created by Sophie Mihalko, CFMW. How does it get any better than that? Get it now!

3 Keys to Owning Your Niche

3 KEYS TO OWNING YOUR NICHE
{and Being a Badass Entrepreneur}

3 Keys to Owning Your Niche

Article by Marinna Rose
Photo Credit: Nancy Schoenmakers
Magazine: Issue #27

When someone asks me the fastest way to discover his or her Highest Self, I tell them start your own business. Become the biggest badass entrepreneur out there in your niche!

Yes, you heard me, I did not say go work with some Guru, or meditate for two weeks in silence, or do a 30 day cleanse…I said “Become a badass Entrepreneur.” It sounds so simple doesn’t it? Well, it is. Put one foot in front of the other, it’s that simple.

The secret benefit to being a “Badass Entrepreneur” is that it is the fastest express train to your Highest Self! The self-discovery process you will go through is the most life changing experience you will likely ever have.

Below are some Keys to show you how to unlock this Secret!

Key #1- Discover Your Purpose. 

• What are you passionate about?
• What are you so good at it feels like you are not even thinking about it when you’re doing it?
• What comes so naturally to you, but to other’s it’s difficult?
• Now take some action! How can you turn your passion into your business?

The key to becoming a “Badass Entrepreneur” starts with unleashing the fire burning within. You must love what you do as an entrepreneur or you will fail just out of the gate. Also, that is the whole reason you take this path, to be able to do what you love!

Key #2-When your business is not succeeding, do not look at everyone and everything on the outside …

• You must seek within when you are recognizing issues arising in your business. You can try to blame this person, that technology, this copy etc, but until you can look at YOU, your business is going nowhere.
• When your business is not succeeding it is the literal mirror of your soul.

Key #3- Resolving issues of Value

• When your clients are not willing to pay the value you are asking for your services, you must look within and ask “How do I value myself?”
• Look at your life. Evaluate how you treat yourself. Do you treat yourself to extra things, massages, pedicures, house cleaners, yoga class etc… Or are you the type of person that always passes over yourself and allows others to benefit for example: Husbands, children. If you are like so many of us and find yourself saying, “Hmmm yeah, I actually always spend the money on them first because I don’t really need it.” Think about the energy that comes from you doing that…are they are worth more than you? I think not, than why are your actions reinforcing this imbalanced value?
• For women especially “value” is the biggest issue I see over and over, like a broken record. As women we were instilled to care for others first and go without.  Men suffer much less from this issue because society up until now has supported the value in the masculine. It is just now coming into balance-thank goodness! But we woman still have a lot of layers to peel away first.

When you dive into the big deep ocean of “Entrepreneurship” you will be surrounded by some highly introspective like-minded individuals feeling more supported, more crazy, having more questions about life than you ever imagined!

Think about the result you have from diving into this ocean. Not only do you find yourself on the express train to your highest self, you find yourself helping others at the same time!

I look at it as the best prescription the doctor could ever give you as medicine when you have a visit. You need to be prescribed some “Badass Entrepreneur”, be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle:

• Do not stop taking this pill no matter how bad it makes you feel, just give it some time. It will feel bad, sometimes even real bad and you will question why you are continuing. Trust me it gets better if you persevere.
• Do not keep adding more pills onto this like more certifications, more skills, just K.I.S.S. Keep it Simple Sweetie. Don’t complicate things or else the prescription won’t work. You must allow it to stand-alone and trust in it’s power!
• Don’t start questioning the power of the pill when you start looking around and no one else is taking the same pill as you. This is what you want, you must stand out and be the black sheep in your business or you will not be seen and you need to be seen to have success! 
• If you know anyone else that can benefit from this pill, please recommend to the best Doctor that will prescribe them the same “Badass Entrepreneur Pills.”

Here’s to getting some “Badass Entrepreneur Pills.”