Woman Wednesday: Megan

*Note: Woman Wednesday is a part of our blog. Each Woman Wednesday post will feature a woman who would like to share information in the hopes of inspiring and motivating other women. Comments are welcome below. 

 


Q and A with Megan, Baltimore, Maryland

“The future. Earth’s governments have fallen, succeeded by a unified military order. An elite group of soldiers, the Sentinels, protect Cotarion from marauders and neighbors alike. Within, shadowy forces at the highest levels conspire for the power they need to enact a mysterious agenda.

But now, something has changed.

Men and women have emerged, displaying superhuman abilities powerful enough to threaten the established order, and the High General commands Sentinel Cameron Kardell to track a superhuman gone rogue. A superhuman who holds the key to these powers’ origin. Who happens to be Kardell’s best friend. Who will reveal the truth of Cameron’s own origins.

The Altered now wake.” –Megan Morgan, Author of “The Altered Wake”

 

 

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: Stories are definitely my passion! I love reading them, writing them, and listening to them. I love figuring out what makes a story work and picking apart why some stories don’t work. I love discussing what stories mean to people. They’re everywhere, and we are all telling ourselves stories all the time about who we are and how we impact the world. They’re almost so ubiquitous that we often don’t realize just how important they are.

That impact of stories on our personal and larger social psychologies are why I’m so focused on writing stories that defy conventions. As a kid, I read a lot of science fiction and fantasy, and I loved how these kinds of stories could invert our perspective of the world. A lot of the main characters in the stories I read were male, and women usually had supporting roles. Things are better these days, but I still crave women as leading characters who drive the narrative of the stories they’re in, so that’s what I write. In fact, all of my characters defy stereotypes, or at least, that’s what I hope.
Now that my first novel, “The Altered Wake”, is out, I’m working on the second in the series, “The Altered Rise”. And like a lot of storytellers I know, I have more story ideas than I will ever have time to write!

image2

Q:What is something valuable you’ve learned that you’d like others to know?

A: I’ve been an army wife, and later, a single working mom to two awesome kids while writing my novels. I’ve written during ideal circumstances and completely awful circumstances. I’ve written when the words were easy and when they were hard. I’ve received heartbreaking rejection letters and even an email from a friend who was devouring my novel in a dental office. I boxed up all my manuscripts and put them on a shelf more than once. And eventually, I made the decision to get my work out into the world, even if I had to do it myself.

 
If there’s a lesson in all that, it’s that you just never stop. Surround yourself with people who believe in you. And don’t be afraid to work your butt off on what you believe in. Keep that little ember burning in the dark times, so that when there’s some kindling, it can ignite.

image1 (1)

 

Q: What were your younger years like?

A: I grew up in Fairmont, West Virginia, which is a really beautiful place. As a kid, I spent a lot of time catching frogs and swimming. My mom loves to read, and so she took my siblings and I to the library on the weekends. My dad was a schoolteacher, and he read us books every night before bed with the most amazing voices. I was so lucky to grow up with two parents who believed in the value of reading and who encouraged me so much as I began to write my own stories.

In junior high, I started writing longer mini-novels for my friends, and as they devoured the chapters I supplied to them, I was hooked. I could make my own narratives, worlds, and characters. Then other people would believe in them. I found that, for me, it was the best way to reach other people. And sometimes, putting words down on paper is the best way for me to understand myself.

image2 (1)

Q: What would you like others to learn from your story?

A: I think it’s really important to pay attention to the stories we tell ourselves and the stories we surround ourselves with. Not just books, TV shows, and movies, but the stories that are there in our minds. We all have narratives about who we are and what our value is, and we can absolutely change ourselves for the better by nudging those stories in different directions.
I had a college professor who, day one of class, talked about how we introduce ourselves to other people by telling them stories about our lives so far. It’s sort of how we package and present ourselves. I think it’s a good idea to look at those tales we’ve curated and see what they say about us, and also, to realize that the stories society tells us impact which narratives are worth keeping.

Question that!

 

Q: What does feminism mean to you? 

A: Feminism means (to me) that people can be who they are without shame or ridicule. To me, it means we all have opportunities to fulfill our goals. The idea is that we have an even playing field, and “feminine” qualities aren’t ridiculed, and men aren’t shamed for having complex feelings. I see it as equality.

So, feminism means that my daughter can play in the mud (or not, as she prefers), and my son can paint his nails. We can be the complex people that we are. I think that’s good for everyone.
perf5.500x8.500.indd
Here are links to my social media places and the Clickworks Press site for the book! All the links for purchasing the book are right here:
My Twitter:
And the Facebook site for the novel:

 

 

Megan & My Lilianas would love to hear from you! Comment below! 

Follow us on Instagram.

Connect with us on Facebook.

 

Woman Wednesday: Raquel

*Note: Woman Wednesday is a part of our blog. Each Woman Wednesday post will feature a woman who would like to share information in the hopes of inspiring and motivating other women. Comments are welcome below. 


 

Q and A with Raquel, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

“You never really know what someone is going through despite their outward appearance or your depiction of them.”

 

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: I would say I am passionate about many issues and problems, but I am most passionate about freedom for farmed animals. I have always been a huge animal lover, and dogs have been my best friends in my life when I felt alone. I always fought hard to raise awareness for the cruel dog meat trade in Asia and never realized I was being hypocritical when it came to my diet. I became vegan once I educated myself about how these animals are abused and tormented and how selfish it is for me to decide my taste buds are worth more than an innocent being’s life. Pigs are more intelligent and just as emotional as dogs, if not more, so who am I to take their life? My passion has driven me to decide to one day have my own animal sanctuary for these innocent beings once I am successful enough in the modeling industry to support these animals.

Click here to watch a short video on the similarities between animals and people. 

 

DSC02300

Pictured: Raquel modeling My Lilianas. Photography by Ollie Productions. 

 

My interests include mostly spending time with my family and dog, going on long walks, sewing, and helping others when I can.

I work as a full time model and travel, which has been amazing so far!

 

E442694A-1F87-43EC-9F2B-D0BC98D2DC1A.jpeg

Pictured: Raquel and her younger sisters.

 

DSC03294

Pictured: Raquel modeling My Lilianas. Photography by Ollie Productions. 

 

Q:What is something valuable you’ve learned that you’d like others to know?

A: I have learned to truly not judge someone for what I think their life seems to be. You never really know what someone is going through despite their outward appearance or your depiction of them.

 

 

DSC03148

Pictured: Raquel modeling My Lilianas. Photography by Ollie Productions. 

 

Q: What were your younger years like?

A: My childhood has been something that was hard at the time, but now I am so glad that I went through these things to build who I am today. My dad was never a great father figure, and he was not home most of the time. If he were, it was just miserable. I became an extremely anxious person which has stayed with me. In high school, I did not have many real friends, and it was really hard for me when it came to lunch time. I always sat alone or in a teacher’s room, because I hated being alone in the library or lunch room. It really killed me emotionally, at the time. My mom has always been there for me helping me everyday when I feel like everything is spiraling, and I am forever grateful for her impact and support in my life.

 

B48B6AF9-F747-4407-95D8-7758220CE604.jpeg

Pictured: Raquel and her younger sisters.

 

586A3030

Pictured: Raquel modeling My Lilianas. Photography by Ollie Productions. 

 

Q: What would you like others to learn from your story?

A: I would like others to educate themselves and truly research how corrupt the meat and dairy industries are and how this hell is ruining the environment, their health, and torturing millions of animals each year. Animals are no lesser than humans and deserve to roam happily. I would also like people to take away that you never know what someone is going through.

586A3214
Pictured: Raquel modeling a faux blanket and My Lilianas. Photography by Ollie Productions. 

 

Check out Raquel on the My Lilianas Commercials:

 

 

 

Follow Raquel on Instagram! Click here.

 

Raquel & My Lilianas would love to hear from you! Comment below! 

Follow us on Instagram.

Connect with us on Facebook.

Woman Wednesday: Rachel

*Note: Woman Wednesday is a part of our blog. Each Woman Wednesday post will feature a woman who would like to share information in the hopes of inspiring and motivating other women. Comments are welcome below.


Q and A with Rachel Armiger, Leading Actress in Butterfly Kisses, Los Angeles, California

“I just hope that whatever it is that people dream of doing, they really go for it, so that none of us have to look back at our lives and wonder what may have been if we didn’t take the easier road.”

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: On a base level, I’m passionate about my family and my friends. They are important to my life, and I never want to take them for granted. I’m incredibly passionate about my work in the film and TV industry, and I hope to one day produce my own shows and films. I’m just trying to live my best life, and I feel so fortunate to be working in this industry and to be living in Los Angeles. I am currently wrapping up a feature film as a coordinator, and I just had a horror movie come out that I had the honor of acting in, “Butterfly Kisses”. I cannot wait to see what the future brings!

45091060_201669137394382_3390707793487986688_n

Family bonding time with my dad at the Biltmore Estate

Q: What were your younger years like?

A:  This is so funny, my coworkers were just asking this! It’s a sign! (Ha). I told them I was just like I am now, just less laid back. Basically, I am more wacky! I always tried to be a friend to everyone. The most impactful part of my childhood I would say is that I was home schooled, and I had the opportunity to take a drama class. My teacher there was very encouraging, which eventually led to me pursuing a career in film and TV. There have been so many encouraging people along the path that have helped me out, and I’m so thankful for them all.

44932906_2209260415785947_8722300609274839040_n

My crazy friends and I  😊

Q:What is something valuable you’ve learned that you’d like others to know?

A: I recently wrote a letter to Sherry Lansing, a retired film executive who ran Paramount Pictures until about 2004. She’s my role model. I was so excited when I got an email back from her! One of the things she said is:
“Be persistent. Never give up. Success doesn’t come easily, but hard work always pays off.” If she rose to the top in this crazy industry, that advice must have worked for her, and I really value it.

45045100_279040672719884_8556881979683897344_n

Q: What would you like others to learn from your story?

A: I don’t know that I’m really someone that people should be learning from necessarily, but I just hope that whatever it is that people dream of doing, they really go for it, so that none of us have to look back at our lives and wonder what may have been if we didn’t take the easier road.

45025650_346851745889586_6219502692062986240_n

Out in LA

Check out Rachel on the movie, Butterfly Kisses on Amazon Video

Amazon Video : Watch the full movie by clicking here!

Director, Erik Kristopher Myers, says, “I wanted to show a woman in the director’s seat, being that film students are by and large male; those who aren’t tend to struggle harder to have their voices heard.  This is as true in film school as in the industry at large.” 

 

Amazon Video : Watch the full movie by clicking here!

 

Rachel & My Lilianas would love to hear from you! Comment below! 

Follow us on Instagram.

Connect with us on Facebook.

 

Woman Wednesday: Kerry

*Note: Woman Wednesday is a part of our blog. Each Woman Wednesday post will feature a woman who would like to share information in the hopes of inspiring and motivating other women. Comments are welcome below. 

 


 

Q and A with Kerry, Baltimore County, Maryland

YouTuber, Towson University Senior, and Journalist

 

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT KERRY’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL! Don’t forget to subscribe!

 

“I want others to know that it’s okay to be different; it’s okay to not fit into traditional molds. Your story is still just as important, and people will most definitely listen to it. You just have to believe in yourself enough to share it.”

Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I am extremely passionate about self-expression. I think that everyone should be able to have a platform in which they can truly be themselves and celebrate their identities while broadcasting it for the world to embrace!
Growing up, I loved any form of expression I could partake in. I love writing poetry, especially when I’m in a bad mood, because it helps me let off steam. I was highly involved in performing arts growing up, from dancing to theatre to orchestra; my YouTube channel is my baby! I love being able to create content and interact with others on topics that interest me.
unnamed
Self-expression is also why I’m obsessed with makeup and work as both a beauty influencer and makeup artist. Makeup allows for so much to be said without any words at all! I think expressing myself is my own form of therapy. It allows me to be more aware and accepting of myself, others, and just life in general. I think all of these things are what ultimately led me to wanting to be a blogger and journalist. With that as my career, I get to use my voice while also lifting and highlighting the voices of others, and it’s the coolest thing ever.
kerry_makeup
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: Oh gosh, young Kerry Ingram was something else! I grew up in a suburban setting with two older sisters and fantastic parents, but my sense of identity was something I sort of struggled with for the longest time.
My mother is Puerto Rican, and my dad is African American. Having two parents with completely different backgrounds exposed me to diversity within my home, but in school, that wasn’t quite the case. I went to schools where the majority of students were either 100% black or 100% white, with very few mixed or Latino children, so it was confusing for me growing up and not knowing who to identify with. I dealt with the classic mixed-kid scenario: not being “black enough” or being “too black” or just “odd” in general. I was still able to make friends in elementary school, but middle school is where it got rough. I definitely dealt with some bullying, but I think that it shaped me into who I am today. It taught me the importance of self-confidence and speaking up. It drove me to want to learn more about myself so that I could be there for myself.
I was totally still an insecure and lost teen when I started my YouTube channel, and I started it with the sole purpose of me being able to feel more comfortable with myself. It ended up turning into a large part of my identity. I’ve learned so much about myself throughout my time blogging. I couldn’t image how my life would be without it now!
Kerry_grl
Q: What would you like others to learn from you?
A: The main thing I always try to communicate to others is to love yourself. Honestly. Loving yourself doesn’t equate to arrogance, it just means being able to be real with yourself, own up to your mistakes and flaws, while also embracing them, and being able to live your best life. Treat yourself the same way you would treat your significant other, your best friend, or your mother. Be nice to yourself. Do fun things. Find peace in doing things alone. Spoil yourself rotten. You deserve it.
I want others to know that it’s okay to be different; it’s okay to not fit into traditional molds. Your story is still just as important, and people will most definitely listen to it. You just have to believe in yourself enough to share it. 🙂
s

Kerry & My Lilianas would love to hear from you! Comment below! 

Follow us on Instagram.

Connect with us on Facebook

Woman Wednesday: Mary

*Note: Woman Wednesday is a part of our blog. Each Woman Wednesday post will feature a woman who would like to share information in the hopes of inspiring and motivating other women. Comments are welcome below. 

 


 

Q and A with Mary, Baltimore County, Maryland

 

“If you find the positive in every day, you will be so much happier. Also, when you have goals and put them into the universe, you are speaking them into existence. Finding the positives and putting them out to others will get you into the right mindset to achieve your goals.” 

 

25551913_10100697185857789_585804707705977548_n

Meet Mary: Elementary Teacher, Business Woman, & Make-up Artist

 

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: I am passionate about children, fitness, health, and empowering women. As a full-time elementary teacher and beauty advocate, I find time for all my passions. And I try my best to come through in all I do.

Something that I love about my beauty business (besides our products) are the causes we support. Our new foundation line, the Defend Innocence line, is dedicated to empowering parents, caregivers, and community members to help end child sexual abuse. I love that this line helps connects two of my passions while continuing to protect the innocence of children. I am currently promoting the Defend Innocence brand to continue to raise money for the cause. Ultimately, what will be raised will allow for more women to attend the Haven Retreat to receive the healing they need. I began my beauty business through Facebook, and I continually meet new people with it.

 

33248986_10155875840244081_1803473054106386432_n

Pictured: The young bride, Mary, and her flower girl on Mary’s wedding day. 

 

22007526_10155255916149081_2545148600083421944_n

Mary smiling and modeling the make-up she loves to wear and share with other women. 

 

36601490_10155973924684081_34513609866346496_n

Don’t you just love Mary’s Fourth of July look? 

 

Q: What were your younger years like?

A: I grew up in Annapolis my whole life, and I always wanted to be a teacher. I was definitely a tomboy until I was in high school (and even less in college). I was an athlete my whole life, and I still run these days.

 

29542929_10215758480544451_5599681415212781276_n

Pictured: Mary & her family representing the O’s! Proud O’s Fans! 

 

35530601_10155933878089081_7634742859031117824_o

Pictured: Mary, her husband, & their fluff babies.

 

Q: What is something you have learned that you would like others to know?

A: I have learned how to be positive and grateful for anything and everything life has to offer. If you find the positive in every day, you will be so much happier. Also, when you have goals and put them into the universe, you are speaking them into existence. Finding the positives and putting them out to others will get you into the right mindset to achieve your goals.

 

40337686_10156107205579081_6881894332526231552_n

 

Whatever you have a passion for, you will find time for. We are so busy in life these days, but if you have a passion for it, you have to find time for it. Make it a priority! Children, and now, beauty, have become huge passions of mine. And I have found “jobs” that bring these two together. I never feel like I’m working, because I love what I do. ❤️

 

 

If you would like to get in touch with Mary about her experiences, beauty tips/ products, or you’d just like to say hello, connect with her online via her shop by clicking here . If you purchase any products via that link, you will be supporting Mary and her cause.

 

 

Mary & My Lilianas would love to hear from you! Comment below! 

Follow us on Instagram.

Connect with us on Facebook