Q and A with Archie from Elisa D. from Northern Virginia, United States
“…life dealt me a tricky hand, but I reshuffled the deck. You can, too.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I’m about growing, sharing my knowledge, and helping folks ace their money game. Teaching people how to handle cash, invest smart, and hustle for extra income lights my fire. I kicked off a Facebook gang called WealthWave-Money Tips. We’re all about making that moolah work for us, learning savvy spending, and grabbing that sweet freedom. In this crew, we dish out tips on money moves, saving hacks, and time management to make a bank. We’re a bunch of money mavens cheering each other on. Whether you’re new or a money whiz, we’ve got your back on the road to financial freedom.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: My younger years were far from easy. I grew up in a pretty unstable home, where my mom struggled with addiction to drugs and alcohol. But that didn’t stop me from excelling in school. I was a total star student and attended every day possible, relishing learning opportunities.
But it wasn’t just about academics for me. I also discovered a passion for athletics. In high school, I joined the track team and found my calling. Running, jumping, and pushing myself to the limit was pure bliss.
Those formative experiences set me on a path of resilience and determination. I genuinely believe in the transformative power of education and personal growth. Despite the hardships I faced, I never gave up. And that perseverance has led me to where I am today.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: Life’s thrown some severe curveballs at me, but here’s the lowdown: I turn those terrible moments into rocket fuel. If I play the victim, well, guess what? My life’s a rerun of that story. But if I snag a positive from a crummy situation, bam! It’s fuel for my success and growth and helps others, too.
Check this out: I could’ve been written off based on my past. I don’t play by those rules. I saw potential in myself and hustled hard daily to make my dreams happen. I’m still figuring out where I want to be, but I love where I am. So yeah, life dealt me a tricky hand, but I reshuffled the deck. You can, too.
Q: What does feminism mean to you? A: Feminism? It’s about grabbing the mic when they say you don’t belong, owning your strength, and kicking butt in everything you do. It’s turning my struggles into a force for good and giving others the power to speak up, too. It’s all about leveling the playing field for more fairness.
MORE ABOUT ELISA D.: I’m a whole lot more than what’s behind me. I’m a child of God, an Army vet, a proud mom of five, a college grad, and now rocking it as a grad student and entrepreneur. I’ve got strength, power, honesty, and a work ethic that won’t quit. God’s been my game-changer, pulling me out of tough spots and being my rock-solid provider. I am grateful every single day for that.
“Every obstacle, every tough moment, is a chance to discover your inner strength and capabilities.”
Q: Hi! Tell us about yourself.
A: Hello, I’m Archie Gonzales, the proud owner of Create with Archie & Co. I’m also a proud mom, taking care of my beautiful 9-year-old daughter. Balancing the responsibilities of entrepreneurship with the joys and challenges of motherhood has added a unique dimension to my journey.
I’m deeply passionate about a few key aspects that have shaped both my personal and professional journey. Firstly, I’ve always been driven by a thirst for personal growth and learning. This passion led me to establish Create with Archie & Co., a freelance virtual assistance business. I noticed the challenges faced by start-ups and small to medium-sized business owners who often find themselves juggling multiple roles within their enterprises. My goal became clear: to provide comprehensive virtual assistance that allows these entrepreneurs to focus on their core competencies while I handle the rest. Creativity is another cornerstone of my passion. I believe in infusing every project with a touch of innovation and originality. This belief translates into the ethos of my business: going beyond the routine and mundane to deliver unique and impactful results.
Currently, I’m channeling my passion into a new venture, ‘SocialMedia Pro by Create with Archie & Co. Link is here: https://www.createwitharchie.com/socialmediapro.’ Recognizing the time constraints and creative challenges faced by business owners in creating their social media presence, I’m launching a subscription-based service. This service provides a monthly supply of carefully curated and engaging social media content. Business owners can opt for flexible packages, ranging from monthly subscriptions to 6-month or 1-year plans. The goal is to empower entrepreneurs with a hassle-free solution for maintaining a vibrant online presence with our content, allowing them to focus on what they do best. In essence, my passion for personal growth, learning, and creativity is the driving force behind Create with Archie & Co., and it’s my pleasure to extend this passion to fellow entrepreneurs through my business.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I’m from the beautiful Philippines, born and raised in a household characterized by strictness and conservatism. This upbringing significantly shaped my approach to life, instilling in me values of resilience, determination, and independence. Tragedy struck early in my life when my mother passed away when I was just 15. Growing up without her presence was undoubtedly a challenge, but it was during this time that I found strength and guidance in my father, who emerged as not only a parent but a great mentor. His lessons about life and perseverance continue to resonate with me today. Despite the difficulties, I excelled in academics during my younger years, demonstrating a determination to rise above the circumstances. Financial struggles were a constant companion, and I vividly recall moments of financial scarcity, eagerly anticipating birthdays for the joy of indulging in delicious meals and cake. Life’s challenges taught me the value of hard work and resourcefulness. I engaged in various jobs, from selling goods and street foods to working in a restaurant under minimum wage, experiencing the demanding graveyard shift in a call center, and even teaching English as a second language to Chinese kids. Reflecting on those experiences, I see them as a crucial chapter in my life—a period of growth, resilience, and the forging of an unyielding work ethic. Each of those roles contributed to my development, providing insights that now shape my entrepreneurial journey. Looking back, I appreciate the progress I’ve made, recognizing that the challenges of the past have played an instrumental role in shaping the person I am today.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: One of the most valuable lessons life has taught me is the transformative power of resilience. In the face of adversity, it’s our ability to bounce back, learn, and adapt that defines our journey. Growing up in challenging circumstances, facing financial hardships, and the loss of my mother at a young age, I learned firsthand the importance of resilience. It’s not about avoiding difficulties but about navigating through them with determination and a positive mindset. I’d like others to understand that setbacks are not the end of the road but rather opportunities for growth. Every obstacle, every tough moment, is a chance to discover your inner strength and capabilities. Embracing challenges, rather than fearing them, can lead to personal and professional breakthroughs.
I hope my story conveys the significance of hard work and perseverance. Life may not always be fair, and success may not come easily, but the journey itself is a profound teacher. Every experience and every job I undertook, contributed to my growth and shaped my entrepreneurial spirit. In essence, I want others to embrace resilience, view challenges as stepping stones, and recognize that their unique journey, no matter how difficult, has the potential to shape a remarkable future. Life’s hardships are not roadblocks; they are opportunities for resilience to shine and illuminate the path forward.
Q: What does feminism mean to you? A: Feminism, to me, is the belief in and the pursuit of a world where individuals, regardless of their gender, have equal rights, opportunities, and treatment. It isn’t about favoring one gender over another; it’s about dismantling the constraints that limit the potential of all individuals. It’s about recognizing and challenging ingrained stereotypes, biases, and systemic injustices that disproportionately affect women.
Q and A with Lyudmyla from Ukraine, living in New Jersey, United States
“In the pursuit of looking good, people often succumb to quick-fix treatments, merely masking their “well-being wrinkles,” only to find themselves in need of another remedy within weeks.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: One fateful day, as I gazed into the mirror, my heart sank with disappointment. The relentless saga of acne breakouts persisted, echoing a series of disheartening incidents from the past. I had delved into the realm of countless over-the-counter remedies and sought the expertise of a dermatologist, all in vain. The battle for clear skin seemed to elude me. What cut deepest was the irony of my situation—I was a Licensed Skin Care specialist, yet I grappled with the inefficacy of caring for my own skin. Determined to break free from this relentless cycle, I adopted a more aggressive approach, turning to a doctor and resorting to antibiotics. Little did I know that this decision would spiral into a severe allergic reaction, necessitating the intervention of steroids. It was a wake-up call; I needed a better way. Fuelled by a desire for a solution that wasn’t just a fleeting fix but also safe and holistic, my journey led me to the realm of health coaching. Here, I unraveled a profound truth: the skin is not an isolated entity but a reflection of our overall well-being and life experiences. The skin care industry, a multi-billion dollar domain with a myriad of treatments and products, seemed to miss this crucial connection. In the pursuit of looking good, people often succumb to quick-fix treatments, merely masking their “well-being wrinkles,” only to find themselves in need of another remedy within weeks.
My philosophy pivots on a different axis—an approach rooted in long-term, strategic skin care. Even at the peak of a healthy diet and consistent exercise routine, I grappled with persistent skin issues. Juggling the demands of motherhood to two young children, building my business, and managing my husband’s primary care clinic left me overwhelmed. I realized that achieving a radiant look transcends beyond topical treatments and nutritional choices—it’s an integral facet of self-care, life balance, and stress management. My personal breakthrough in both appearance and life materialized through the fusion of natural, safe skin treatments, healthy life habits, and profound exploration into stress management. As a Heartmath Certified Stress Regulation Specialist, I seamlessly incorporated these principles into my skin care protocol. Now, I empower busy, professional women to recharge, rejuvenate, and reclaim their glow—the radiance they truly deserve.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: In the heart of Ukraine, amidst the challenging 80s, I embarked on a childhood filled with dreams, surrounded by the love of hardworking parents. As the only daughter, their dedication to providing me the best education became the cornerstone of my story. In a quaint mountain township, life unfolded like a cherished tale. Fun-filled summers were marked by laughter, cold river swims, and the exhilaration of skiing through winter wonderlands. Here, I stumbled upon my first high school love, now my forever partner and the love of my life. However, the winds of change beckoned, and my parents, brave souls seeking a brighter future, led us to the land of dreams—the United States.
Leaving the post-Soviet struggle behind, they paved the way for me and my husband to pursue higher education and grasp the opportunities that lay ahead. From the picturesque landscapes of Ukraine, I carried a passion for skincare, a treasure I vowed to share with my new community. The seeds of my holistic skincare journey were planted, and nurtured by the lessons learned in that small mountain haven. Fast forward to the joys of motherhood—two precious babies later, the spark of entrepreneurship ignited. With courage as my compass, I embarked on a path close to my heart, opening my own Holistic Skin Care Shop. It wasn’t just a business venture; it was a testament to resilience, dreams, and the pursuit of radiant well-being. Each facial treatment, every moment spent nurturing the skin, carries echoes of my journey—from the riverbanks of Ukraine to the thriving community in the U.S. Today, I am not just a skin care practitioner; I am a storyteller, weaving tales of self-love and glowing transformations.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: Here’s a dose of simple but powerful advice: You’re one of a kind. Embrace everything that makes you, you. Your quirks, your dreams—they’re what make you special. Fear is okay; it’s a sign you’re growing. Don’t shy away from challenges; they’re stepping stones to something amazing. Be brave. Be you. Don’t follow the crowd if it doesn’t feel right. Be brave enough to be yourself, and amazing things will follow. Keep learning. Life is a continuous learning journey. Whether in school or through experiences, never stop soaking up knowledge. Surround yourself well; choose friends who uplift you, support you, and inspire you. Your circle matters. Take care of you. Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a must. Take time for things that make you happy and keep you grounded. Mistakes are okay. Everyone makes them. Learn, grow, and move forward. You’re stronger than you think. Define your success. Success isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Figure out what it means to you and go after it. Speak up. Your voice matters. Don’t be afraid to share your thoughts and stand up for what you believe in. Kindness wins: In a world where you can be anything, be kind. It’s a game-changer. You’ve got this! Your journey is yours, and it’s going to be amazing.
Q: What does feminism mean to you? A: To me, feminism is about empowering women to chase their dreams, break barriers, and define their own narratives.
Connect with me!
Visit my website to uncover the secrets to long-term skin vitality, rooted in natural, safe treatments and stress management. Discover how you can recharge, rejuvenate, and reclaim your glow, just as you deserve. https://getglowingskinnaturally.com/
Phenix Salon Suites, 1540 Nixon Dr, Moorestown, NJ 08057, Suite 639
A: I am passionate about travel and video. Both kinda blended so well together throughout my career that I never really imagined I could actually turn them into my job.
The first time I went abroad (without my parents) was on a trip to England and I caught the travel bug so bad, it made me study English, study abroad, volunteer in international organizations, take an internship abroad, go on a working holiday, and then I kinda stumbled into freelancing through video creation, photography, and my passion for sharing travel tips.
Still to this day, I could talk for hours about all the ridiculous and exciting experiences I’ve had over the seven years I’ve lived out of my suitcase (before a certain pandemic-you-know-what hit), all the cool video shoots I have set up (many of them spontaneously, aided by the trusty wigs I carried). And I cannot wait to return to a semi-nomadic work lifestyle again.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: In my childhood, I was the classic type A: overachieving, people-pleasing “good girl.” I tried to fit in so badly, but I truly lost myself and am still unlearning a lot.
What impacted and shocked me awake the most, however, was travel. And I realize that it’s a skill in itself, that it truly teases out excitement in my soul and challenges me in all kinds of different ways.
I remember having to do a quiz while on my school trip in England and despite being the shyest person, I absolutely loved chatting up random strangers on the street and making up stories to fill into the quiz. I won. And I honestly didn’t recognize this person even at the time. Who was she? I was impressed. Travel can be eye-opening like that.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: Everyone (and girls/women in particular) SHOULD go on a solo travel trip at least once in their lives. Yes, it’s utterly uncomfortable the first time. It will feel lonely, awkward, confusing, etc. But bear with it for the first few days, follow your gut, stroll aimlessly, talk to fellow solo travelers (hostels are great for that; you can get a single room if you don’t like dorms), take yourself out to dinner/museums/shows, etc., and really treat yourself like you would want to be treated. It will change your life. And if you realize it’s not for you, that’s totally ok. But it helps gain clarity if you ask me.
Q:What does feminism mean to you?
A: Feminism means dismantling a lot of the toxic structures, institutions, beliefs, and systems that societies have taught us over the past centuries. To see people as equal and treat them in a way that uplifts everyone. To include everyone. To be intersectional, to question everything and do better, to take responsibility, and actively (un)learn. This includes all genders because no society can fully thrive if it keeps discriminating and placing shame.
My passion for video developed parallel to my growth as a freelancer and traveling the world.
A friend challenged me once to package “all that” (I talk very animatedly) into videos because text and photos just didn’t cut it. Videos help portray multidimensionality, they can tell stories so succinctly, with so much emotion, and to me, they are just a huge playground. I can be whoever I want. Editing, framing a shot, and arranging clips all have such a huge effect on the end result, which is why I pivoted more towards helping fellow female entrepreneurs with their video endeavors rather than talking solely about empowerment through travel.
Videos do the same and you have so much control here. It’s perfect for introverts like me. It’s like sending out a clone into the world as a stand-in for all the digital introductions. Have a video explaining yourself and your business and those people that like your vibe, will stick with it. Those that don’t, will leave. Perfect! So, I now direct, edit, and film videos for entrepreneurs. Because video is its own language and little world.
Thank you for reading!
You can contact me and find video examples on my portfolio website:
Q and A with Valeria, born in Budapest, Hungary, living in Costa de Sol, Spain
“I will spend the rest of my life with myself, so self-care and wellness for “my time” both physically and mentally have become a focal point.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: Awe my passions! My passions embody different paths: First, about my and your health, functional fitness, and how we can all age gracefully…I know it is a huge challenge for all of us to stay fit, flexible, and healthy. I am an avid hiker with my puppers, and I love my CrossFit classes (both of which tighten and shorten my muscles and ligaments). My yoga really helps to balance it out and reverse the harmful effects of aging, but with that said, I am more interested in taking ownership of the health and aging of my body and mind (than nailing the perfect headstand or arm balance). I have been doing yoga for the past 25 years and teaching for the last 15 years and have been fortunate to have studied under Baron Baptiste, Ana Forest, John Friend, and my beloved teacher, Shiva Rea.
Teaching yoga led me to study to become an Ayurvedic practitioner. I owned a yoga studio in Vancouver, Canada (I lived there for 30 years), and after classes, I had students come up and talk about their health concerns. As a yoga teacher, I could only help so much, so I decided to embark on the journey to become an Ayurvedic practitioner. Ayurveda can be traced back some 3,000 years and is the sister science of Yoga.
My second passion would be about animals, by way of example my pets serve as a comforting escape like they do for so many of us…almost meditative at times. Lots of work, but also immense fun! And a third passion would be as simply articulated as “my time.” I will spend the rest of my life with myself, so self-care and wellness for “my time” both physically and mentally have become a focal point as does continuing forward with a work-life integration (more realistic than a work-life balance in my mind).
As far as what I’m working on, my focus has been to create affordable, accessible, and easy-to-follow yoga classes and Ayurveda recommendations that we can all do in the coziness of our own spaces. As the on-demand membership continues to grow on my website, I now continue “spreading the word” about my on-demand yoga classes (yin–restorative–flow) and Ayurveda articles to help you and me with a work-life integration; after all, “We are all in this together, stay strong, healthy and flexible.” Also, as I get quite a few questions about how to begin yoga as a counter-balance for training from runners, swimmers, cyclists, bodybuilders, CrossFit participants, physique contestants, I have started to bring together a six-part, three-video yoga series aimed at beginners, those coming off an injury, in rehab, or those who just want to revisit some of the fundamentals.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: Growing up in communist Hungary meant we could not travel at all, but my dad was a diplomat and so, we were stationed in different countries (Russia and Iraq). We were privileged to see different parts of the world. I really think that was such an advantage compared to many of my friends living in Hungary. For this, I feel I had a very lucky childhood. I was privileged to meet and have fun with other children of different races and nationalities–a formative time of innocence to shape a young mind that has embodied my life to this date. That really opened my eyes and framed, I am sure, some of my passions and formed the yogic idea of acceptance in varied forms at a young age. My dad, now 91 and still plays tennis every day, is very open-minded and loving like my mother.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: I got quite sick at the age of 45; that’s when I discovered Ayurveda. Ayurveda is preventative medicine. The great thing about Ayurveda is that its treatments always yield “side benefits, not side effects.” What I would like others to learn from my story is to stay fit, flexible, and healthy, and find for yourself your own work-life integration toward your own self-care and wellness in whatever form it takes shape–and remember to enjoy the journey despite the ebbs and flows.
Q:What does feminism mean to you?
A: To me, feminism is that we all need to find our own individuality. We can accomplish and enjoy a lot on our own, but of course, it is beautiful to be in a relationship to share your life with somebody.
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