book-review – Page 10 – The Woman Wednesday Blog

Woman Wednesday: Apryl

July 24, 2024Posted in inspiration, Uncategorized, womenTagged achieving your dreams, advice, art, beauty, blog, blogging, book-review, books, building a business, building something, business, business blog, business woman, businessowner, businesswoman, candles, Challenges we learn from, Challenging, cool, emotional blog, empowerment, equality, feminism, fiction, gender, gender-equality, hard work, healing, health, inspiration, inspirational blog, inspirational stories blog, inspire, life, life experiences, lifestyle, literature, meaningful business, mental health, mindset, motherhood, overcoming negativity, photographer, photography, poetry, postpartum, reading, resilience, SEO, sharing stories, sharing stories blog, stories, stories blog, success, travel, travelling, wcw, woman, woman wednesday, women, women empowered, women empowering, writing2 Comments

Q and A with Apryl from Lake Forest, California

“I see so many people scared to embrace creativity, playfulness, or spontaneity. They fear embarrassment, humiliation, rejection, or failure. It is my wish to help people unplug from those fears…”

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: I can tell you that I am so passionate about living each day of my life sprinkled with creativity. Every single “today” is a good day to learn something new, try something new, and create something new. I find it interesting as I reflect back on my 45 years of living this life that my interests in marketing, graphic design, theatre, music, coaching, spirituality, and personal development all intertwine with each other, although it may seem like they don’t go together at all.

Somehow these interests bring me a great deal of joy, gratitude, and balance. I do experience struggles just like everyone else does, yet I tend to look at those as opportunities I get to experience, learn from, and grow from. My mantra is “Everything that happens is for my benefit.” Like many other entrepreneurs, I had to make a pivot in 2020, that is when I began working with some amazing mentors and digging deep to identify how I could make money doing something I love. I began producing plays online, hosted Zoom sessions with the actors, and streamed the plays on Facebook and YouTube.

Last year, we finally got back on stage for a live production of the Broadway musical “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.” We had 6 nominations with Broadway World Los Angeles and went on to win Best Special Event. When I am not working on plays, I help entrepreneurs create marketing content, pitch decks, graphics, social media posts, swag, and banners for live events, video editing, and book publishing. I also teach people how to use PowerPoint and Canva.

Q: What were your younger years like?

A: I was born in Utah and had many cousins growing up to play with. My family and I moved to Southern California when I was 8, and that is when I met my best friend, Scott. We have been pretending ever since; he is my theatre partner and he is the actor as I am more behind the scenes. We loved sketch comedy shows like SNL and MadTV and would often put on our own skits for our friends and family. I became a teenage mom in high school and stayed in school till I graduated. I took some vocational classes in video production while working in a movie theater. When I was 19, Scott and I went to work at Disneyland in the character department. I enjoyed portraying Mikey Mouse for several years before I got myself a grown-up job in mortgage. That was the best job I ever had, it just didn’t pay a livable wage.

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

A: I’ve been told that when you are creating something you are connected to divinity. I see so many people scared to embrace creativity, playfulness, or spontaneity. They fear embarrassment, humiliation, rejection, or failure. It is my wish to help people unplug from those fears and hold a safe space for them to have the experience and joy that comes with creating something, making art, making music, writing a book, or anything else creative.

Q: What does feminism mean to you?

A: I can see this from a few different perspectives. I would like to think of feminism as being unapologetically myself, as a woman. Loving myself unconditionally. Embracing what makes me a woman. Celebrating my body, my hormones, my emotions, my choices, what brings me peace, and what completes me. Building communities with loving, wise, caring, nurturing women to heal and grow with. I don’t see feminism as a way to tear down or exclude men, but I can see how some may interpret feminism that way.

MORE ABOUT APRYL: I have spent several months preparing for a 5-day marketing and design bootcamp that I have coming up, the first one on July 22, it is my goal to host these once every 3 months. I find this is a great introduction to tapping into creativity in a non-intrusive way. I want to express my thanks to Samantha for asking me to share my story today.

Here is the link for the 5-day boot camp: https://yourcompleteagency.com/5day

Thanks for reading!

Woman Wednesday: Cindy

July 17, 2024Posted in inspiration, Uncategorized, womenTagged achieving your dreams, advice, art, beauty, blog, blogging, book-review, books, building a business, building something, business, business blog, business woman, businessowner, businesswoman, candles, Challenges we learn from, Challenging, cool, emotional blog, empowerment, equality, feminism, fiction, gender, gender-equality, hard work, healing, health, inspiration, inspirational blog, inspirational stories blog, inspire, life, life experiences, lifestyle, literature, meaningful business, mental health, mindset, motherhood, overcoming negativity, photographer, photography, poetry, postpartum, reading, resilience, SEO, sharing stories, sharing stories blog, stories, stories blog, success, travel, travelling, wcw, woman, woman wednesday, women, women empowered, women empowering, writing4 Comments

Q and A with Cindy from Surprise, Arizona

“We can teach people how to treat people by being an example of strength, love, and positive attitudes.”

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: I am passionate when it comes to helping others. Educating people to help them with informed decisions is my passion. I wish someone taught me half of what I have recently learned. Being single with no financial help, I learned over the years to empower myself and others. Now, I have the tools to take that to a greater level and it starts with a FREE financial analysis. I want to empower people to help themselves in their hard work. I am also a Realtor and love helping families find a home. I volunteer at my church as well.

Q: What were your younger years like?

A: In my younger years, I grew up in a good community of friends and family. I was very active in hiking, biking, cheerleading, dance, drill team, volleyball, softball, basketball, roller skating, and bodybuilding. My parents divorced when I was 14, and I grew up fast, taking on adult responsibilities.

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

A: I have had many challenges in life and worked through them. I have had my car stolen, my home broken into, a stalker (very dangerous), blood clots in my lungs (survived), and a husband who put me in debt thousands of dollars.

I have learned that life is not fair; however, you can change your circumstances. I choose to thrive not just survive. Life happens and you cannot change that, but how you react makes all the difference. I have a village of people. I wanted a fun and friendly neighborhood, so we had a block party and got to know each other. I wanted good friends, so I became a good friend. I found a place of work that has similar values, so we built each other up. I volunteer at church, so I can give back. I make it happen. Life is hard enough. We can teach people how to treat people by being an example of strength, love, and positive attitudes.

One of the greatest gifts I have been part of was giving a child up for adoption. It was the hardest decision I have ever made. I gave the baby as a gift to two wonderful parents.

Q: What does feminism mean to you?

A: Feminism is being the beautiful person you are that is unique, embracing the strengths you have, and continue growing. We all have a different gift, and we need to empower each other to use it for good. That is why we build the village by utilizing one another’s strengths to lift everyone up.

Thanks for reading!

Woman Wednesday: Giliane

July 10, 2024July 11, 2024Posted in inspiration, Uncategorized, womenTagged achieving your dreams, advice, art, beauty, blog, blogging, book-review, books, building a business, building something, business blog, business woman, businessowner, businesswoman, candles, Challenges we learn from, Challenging, cool, emotional blog, empowerment, equality, feminism, fiction, gender, gender-equality, hard work, healing, health, inspiration, inspirational blog, inspirational stories blog, inspire, life, life experiences, lifestyle, literature, meaningful business, mental health, mindset, motherhood, overcoming negativity, photographer, photography, poetry, postpartum, reading, resilience, SEO, sharing stories, sharing stories blog, stories, stories blog, success, travel, travelling, wcw, woman, woman wednesday, women, women empowered, women empowering, writingLeave a comment

Q and A with Giliane from Minneapolis, Minnesota

“The obstacles I’ve encountered have taught me more about my craft, my business, and myself than any success ever has.”

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: My passion for photography ignited from a simple desire to capture the fleeting, beautiful moments of life. It’s grown into a lifelong journey of documenting the tender first days of a newborn, the loving glances of a family, and every precious moment in between. My work is more than just photography—it’s about preserving memories that last a lifetime.

Aside from my professional life, I’m deeply engaged in urban gardening and actively participate in the local arts community here in Saint Paul, Minnesota. These personal pursuits enrich my creativity and keep me connected with my surroundings.

Recently, I’ve expanded my focus to include mentoring and developing an educational platform for photography. This new venture allows me to give back to the community by sharing my knowledge and experiences with aspiring photographers. I’m currently creating a series of online courses and one-on-one mentoring sessions designed to help photographers at various stages of their careers. Whether they’re just starting out or looking to refine their skills, I’m here to guide them. It’s incredibly rewarding to see my students grow and succeed in their own photographic endeavors. In all, my work and personal interests are deeply intertwined, each feeding into and enriching the other, creating a fulfilling circle of creativity and community engagement.

Q: What were your younger years like?

A: Growing up, my world was full of color and creativity, thanks to a family that loved all things artistic. I remember getting my hands dirty with paint and clicking away on a small camera I was gifted. These weren’t just hobbies; they were my first steps toward seeing the world through a creative lens—literally and metaphorically.

School played a big role, too. It wasn’t just about the grades; it was where I learned to look at problems and think, ‘There’s a different way to do this.’ That kind of thinking is what I bring to my photography business every day—looking for the unique angle or the untold story.

I also spent a lot of time helping out at community events, where I’d often be the unofficial photographer. It was more than just taking photos; it was about capturing the spirit of the moment. Those early snaps of community gatherings weren’t just practice; they were my first lessons in storytelling.

All these threads from my past—art, education, community involvement—wove together to guide me to where I am now. They taught me the importance of not just capturing images but capturing stories and emotions. And that’s what I strive to do at Giliane E. Mansfeldt Photography, LLC. It’s also why I’m so passionate about mentoring and teaching photography—to help others learn how to tell their own stories through the lens.

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

A: One valuable lesson I’ve learned through my journey with Giliane E. Mansfeldt Photography, LLC is the importance of resilience and adaptability. In the world of photography, and business in general, things rarely go exactly as planned. Whether it’s a sudden change in the weather during an outdoor shoot, unexpected technical issues, or navigating the highs and lows of running a business, being able to adapt quickly and stay focused on your goals is crucial.

I’ve also learned the significance of staying true to your vision while being open to growth and new ideas. This balance has not only helped me refine my craft but also expanded my business into new areas like education and mentoring. I encourage others to remain open to learning and evolving, no matter how established they might feel in their career or personal life.

From my story, I’d like others to learn that every challenge is an opportunity for growth. The obstacles I’ve encountered have taught me more about my craft, my business, and myself than any success ever has. I hope my journey inspires others to embrace their challenges as stepping stones to their dreams.

Q: What does feminism mean to you?

A: To me, feminism is essentially about fairness. It’s about everyone having the same shot at success and happiness, no matter their gender. This idea influences everything I do, from how I frame a shot to how I run my business at Giliane E. Mansfeldt Photography, LLC.

In my studio, it means creating a space where everyone—clients and staff—feels respected and valued. It’s about capturing photos that truly reflect the person’s strength and spirit, whether they’re a CEO, a stay-at-home parent, or a high school grad just starting out.

Feminism also drives my commitment to mentoring, especially for women who are often underrepresented in our field. I want to help open doors for others that were once closed and create opportunities for all aspiring photographers to thrive. At the end of the day, feminism to me is about striving for a world where everyone has the freedom to be themselves and the opportunity to succeed. That’s the world I envision through my lens and in my actions every day.

Connect with Giliane: Website: www.giliane-e-mansfeldtphotography.com
Contact info: info@giliane-e-mansfeldtphotography.com
Studio phone: 651-273-0905

Thanks for reading!

Woman Wednesday: Jai

July 3, 2024Posted in inspiration, Uncategorized, womenTagged achieving your dreams, advice, art, beauty, blog, blogging, book-review, books, building a business, building something, business blog, business woman, businessowner, businesswoman, candles, Challenges we learn from, Challenging, cool, emotional blog, empowerment, equality, feminism, fiction, gender, gender-equality, hard work, healing, health, inspiration, inspirational blog, inspirational stories blog, inspire, life, life experiences, lifestyle, literature, meaningful business, mental health, mindset, motherhood, overcoming negativity, photography, poetry, postpartum, reading, resilience, SEO, sharing stories, sharing stories blog, stories, stories blog, success, travel, travelling, wcw, woman, woman wednesday, women, women empowered, women empowering, writing2 Comments

Q and A with Jai from West of Melbourne, Australia, in a little town that means “red ground” in Indigenous Australian language.

“Taking action leads to clarity–it’s either the right step or a lesson learned. Inaction paralyses. One small step can make all the difference.”

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: The short answer is women. The long answer is women!

Truly the thing that lights me up the most, aside from sparkles, cuddles, and all things business, is when I see transformation in the women that I work with. To see them go from cloudy, unsure, and worn out, having lost their zest for life to certain, clear, and energized with a sense of direction and peace. My passion is helping women fall back in love with themselves (and more importantly stay there) and regain their mojo again. That is what makes life worth living for me.

I think my whole career to date has been helping women feel better about themselves whether on the outside or in my career as a makeup artist, beauty therapist, and global educator for many beauty brands.

Or on the inside with the Reiki plus personal breakthrough and mindset and business coaching work I do. The modalities I use are truly magical and the transformations are long-lasting and profound.

This iteration of my career is more personal because I went through a personal transformation myself, leading me to re-evaluate and start again. Completely.

This gave me a unique perspective, remembering to be back at the beginning again, but with the experience of years on this planet. I feel so blessed to have had the life I have, and now to help others along their journey too.

Q: What were your younger years like?

A: As a young child, I moved around a lot, from country to country, leading me to foster coping skills as an introvert who had to be more extravert so that I could fit in.

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

A: Oh my goodness, I am hopeless at remembering the “golden nuggets” when I am asked like this! Let me think of a few things :

Finally from my own life, I would say it is possible to pivot; or even start again when things change. Embrace the change. Life is richer for it. And always remember “This too shall pass,” most unpleasant things are temporary, and that the world is here for you. The universe wants you to succeed. You are never alone.

Read. It changes your perspective, opens your world, improves your imagination, and enriches your life. Audiobooks changed my life!
I have a reading list of books I’ve curated if anyone would like it https://boards.com/a/oY5kQ.OZscJT
And also have a “Storytime with Jai” on my YouTube channel where I read a chapter from some of my favorites–you can find the link at the link above.

Journaling has made a huge difference in my life. Getting the thoughts from your head to the page serves you.

Taking action leads to clarity–it’s either the right step or a lesson learned. Inaction paralyses. One small step can make all the difference.

A smile can shift your emotional state. It’s true. Try it now. You can’t help but be a higher vibe.

Compliment others and carry out random acts of kindness–it’s those small gestures that can really make a difference in someone else’s life with minimal effort on your part. Be genuine. Kind and honest.

Be willing to be willing–sometimes when we meet resistance within, it might be too much of a leap to do the thing. So, I say be willing to be willing, and that gets you one step closer. Being vulnerable and asking questions moves you closer to your goals as well. I always ask lots of questions until I fully understand.

Be curious.

Q: What does feminism mean to you?

A: I only just realized that I could be classified as a feminist! Though I have always been for women, men, and children–my entire life. I believe in equality and strive for that balance in my life, beliefs, and actions.

Women have suffered inequity throughout history and still today. And as a feminist, I will always highlight inequities and fight for change.

Recently, I have been diving deep into the Burning Times during the Witch Trials and I have come to believe that the Witch Wound is a real thing, having social, economic, and personal ramifications. It’s a fascinating study that reflects often in life today.

Connect with Jai:

You can find me at :

Email:

jai@howcanihelpbiz.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/jai.harveyyin

Facebook Free Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gratitude.attitude.joyous.abundance.with.jai

https://www.facebook.com/groups/gratitude.attitude.joyous.abundance.with.jai

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/jaihy

https://www.instagram.com/reikilove_jai

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaiharveyyin/

TikTok

@jaihy

Website:

https://www.reikilovejai.com/

Https://www.jaihy.com.au

Book a Complimentary Clarity Call

Buy the “Write Less, Discover More” Journal on Amazon: https://amzn.to/48vZyAC

https://amzn.to/48vZyAC

Thanks for reading!

Woman Wednesday: Sashane

June 26, 2024Posted in inspiration, Uncategorized, womenTagged achieving your dreams, advice, art, beauty, blog, blogging, book-review, books, building a business, building something, business blog, business woman, businessowner, businesswoman, candles, Challenges we learn from, Challenging, cool, emotional blog, empowerment, equality, feminism, fiction, gender, gender-equality, hard work, healing, health, inspiration, inspirational blog, inspirational stories blog, inspire, life, life experiences, lifestyle, literature, meaningful business, mental health, mindset, motherhood, overcoming negativity, photography, poetry, postpartum, reading, resilience, SEO, sharing stories, sharing stories blog, stories, stories blog, success, travel, travelling, wcw, woman, woman wednesday, women, women empowered, women empowering, writingLeave a comment

Q and A with Sashane from Portmore, Saint Catherine, Jamaica

“It does not matter what your color, shape, or size because it is about you and your purpose.”

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: I’m passionate about motivating and empowering people, especially late-blooming women like myself. I was always motivating and encouraging people from a young age, but when I looked at my struggles as a later bloomer, I realized that I could use my story to empower and motivate other women.

I love spending time with my family, especially my girls, watching anything about women empowerment and romantic movies, and just chilling at home. I am currently a full-time office manager, and I am a serial entrepreneur, published author, and an advocate for late bloomers. I am currently working on my second book and developing my motivation merch clothing line.

Q: What were your younger years like?

A: I was a late starter, but I never quit. I completed an associate of science degree in hospitality management, and I have certificates and diplomas in entrepreneurship, general administration, early childhood education, and coaching.

I came from a single-parent home with other siblings.

I always loved volunteering as a teenager. I am a former vice for the Portland Aides Committee Youth Group, Secretary of the Ascot Basic School, and Mentor with HEART/NSTA Trust and Women of Destiny Big Sister Little Sister mentorship program. This volunteering prepared me for where and who I am today. Because I’m more passionate about giving back. Today, I’m a part of the Women of Destiny family as an assistant mentorship coordinator.

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

A: I have learned that no matter how hard your journey gets, never give up on yourself because, with God, nothing is impossible once you put your mind and soul into it.

Never ever give up on yourself because you are here for a purpose, and your purpose will never die until you die. Keep going no matter what.

Q: What does feminism mean to you?

A: For me, feminism is about owning your space and claiming it BOLDLY. Confidence in oneself is key. It does not matter what your color, shape, or size because it is about you and your purpose.

MORE ABOUT SASHANE: I have been married for 10 years with three beautiful girls, aged 16, and twins seven years. My husband is my tower of strength, we are business partners, movie partners, prayer partners, and most of my go-to person.

My book link is: www.amazon.com/author/halfabreadsashaneharrisanglin

Connect with Sashane:

www.instagram.com/sashaneharrisanglin6
www.instagram.com/designsby_lhk

Thanks for reading!