Tag: health

Q and A with Nicole from Los Angeles, California, living in Atlanta, Georgia

“A quote I like is: Feminism in travel is about empowering women to explore the world freely, breaking barriers and stereotypes, and discovering the strength within themselves through every journey. – Unknown”

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: I am passionate about God, family, and travel.

My love for travel started at a young age when I was fascinated by different cultures and destinations around the world. I think I went to Mexico when I was just a few months old (so, really, it’s my parent’s fault [Nicole laughs]). I love helping others create memories. So, I became a travel agent 16 years ago, and eventually launched my own host agency, Art N Soul Escapes, six years ago.

Let’s go back a little ways, so you can get a glimpse of why this journey is so important. In 1999, I was in a plane crash (military) that changed my life forever. I won’t go into the entire story, but I was not supposed to walk away from that accident. I had switched seats with one of the airmen who passed away just before takeoff. From that moment forward, fear took over my life. It took about 10 years to “jump back on the horse,” and even now, I’m extremely afraid to fly—but I try to live by​ the words tattooed on my arm, “Walk by faith, not by sight.” I knew from then on, I had a purpose. What that was, I wasn’t so sure. What I began to realize, was part of that purpose (is) to face my fear, and help others face theirs. I feel extremely blessed, and if I can inspire one person to have a tiny bit of courage, then this journey is all worth it.

Currently, I’m working on organizing unique and affordable bucket list travel packages for 2025 and 2026. One of my most requested trips is my Mystery Trip. My goal is to empower more women, especially women of color, to break the stereotype and venture beyond their 100-mile radius to explore other countries. I want my clients to know that they can afford these experiences, and our payment plans help make it possible. Often, we need a little courage to take that leap, either because we don’t think we can afford it, or because we don’t have friends that can go with us. And that’s where my agency steps in to help.

As a host agency, my focus is to give those new or wanting to get into the industry an opportunity to have the personal support that you don’t always get in a larger host agency. I strive to provide them with the tools that I wasn’t given when I got into this industry. There wasn’t a person I could pick up the phone and talk to when I needed help walking through a process, or anyone showing me the ins and outs of putting together group trips. I had to figure it out alone. That is not what our agency is about.
In the travel industry, the money can be great, especially when you niche down and know who your clients are. But for me, it’s about more than just the money I make—it’s about building up a sisterhood and being able to explore things and make memories that our ancestors weren’t able to do. It’s about showing up for people who thought they couldn’t afford to go to places like Dubai or the Maldives. And once you connect with people, their word of mouth is confirmation that I’m doing what I’m supposed to do.

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Q: What were your younger years like?

A: I grew up in a close-knit family that valued education and exploration. My parents always encouraged me to pursue my interests and instilled in me the importance of hard work and resilience. I was involved in various activities, from sports to student organizations, which taught me teamwork and leadership.
I am the youngest of four children. My siblings enlisted in the military before I even went to high school, so it was almost like being an only child. As long as we got good grades and stayed out of trouble, my parents really let me make my own decisions. My dad’s mindset was, “If I tell you no, you’ll sneak out and do it behind my back. I’d rather you lead with the truth.” And honestly, you think that would be the greatest deal ever, to get to do what you want—but it was the opposite. It actually made me more self-aware of the choices I made.

As a teenager, I had the incredible opportunity to travel abroad to places like Russia, Germany, Belgium, and England. These experiences exposed me to different cultures and ways of life that I didn’t see back home in California. It definitely gave me a deeper appreciation for home, but it also ignited my desire to join the military. The military allowed me to visit places I would have never seen otherwise. Travel is very empowering, and those early experiences abroad shaped my desire to help others explore the world and appreciate the diversity and beauty it has to offer. After getting injured in my plane crash, I went into personnel, and later into human resources.

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

A: One valuable lesson I’ve learned is the importance of perseverance and finding joy in the journey, not just the destination. The first few years of building my host agency were challenging (due to the pandemic), but staying committed to my passion and adapting to changes allowed me to succeed. I want others to know that pursuing your dreams may come with obstacles, but the experiences and growth you gain along the way are invaluable. It’s also crucial to surround yourself with supportive people who believe in your vision. Success looks different for everybody. Remember, there is room for more than one person at the top. Don’t let someone else’s success discourage you from going after yours. This may be their time to shine, but don’t fret; yours is coming too, sis!

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Q: What does feminism mean to you? 

A: Feminism, to me, means advocating for equality and empowerment for all genders. It’s about breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for everyone to succeed, regardless of their gender. As a minority, veteran, and woman-owned business, Art N Soul Escapes embodies these values by promoting diversity and inclusion in the travel industry.

We are very focused on women’s safety and providing safe and empowering travel experiences. We ensure that solo travelers who don’t have anyone to go with feel like they’re at home with our group experience. For us, that means providing secure accommodations, safe transportation, and knowledgeable agents who understand the needs of women travelers.

Our agency is all women, and we encourage those interested in joining a great boutique agency to reach out to us to be a part of something empowering. Additionally, we try to collaborate as much as possible with women guides, women photographers, business owners, and other female professionals to help level the playing field. I believe in supporting and uplifting others, especially women, to achieve their goals and make their mark in the world. Feminism, for me, is about creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and feel empowered in their journey.

MORE ABOUT NICOLE: While Art N Soul Escapes may not be the largest agency, we pride ourselves on our unwavering commitment and consistency. Our journey began with a group trip, which was a fortunate accident, and it revealed the immense potential of full dedication. Even working part-time, we reached our goal of six-figure sales in our first year and have continued to achieve this milestone every year thereafter, reflecting the trust and satisfaction of our clients. The only person I am in competition with is myself. This mindset drives me to continuously improve and innovate in the travel industry. My goal is not just to succeed, but to empower others to succeed as well. I believe in building a sisterhood and creating opportunities for everyone to explore the world, make lasting memories, and achieve their dreams. My advice to those on the fence about pursuing your passion—​take that leap. Put your fears aside, and just go for it. If you fall down, dust yourself off and start over. The closest people to you may be the last ones to support you, and that’s okay! Keep going, and show them why they should have believed in you from day one. ​

Thanks for reading!

I’m originally from Los Angeles, California, but my military travels have taken me all over the world. I have settled in the Atlanta Metro Area for the past 14 years.

Thank you so much for reading my story, 🙂

Website: www.artnsoulescapes.com
My email: info@artnsoulescapes.com
Phone: 678-779-8544
Mention “Women Wednesday” for $100 OFF if booked by October 31, 2024.***

Follow us on social media @artsoulescapestravel

Q and A with Lima from Cherry Hill, New Jersey

“Life’s challenges can be formidable, but with determination and the right guidance, they can be transformed into stepping stones for success.”

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: Passion is the fuel that drives my journey, and my heart beats for transforming lives through real estate, coaching, and speaking.

From turning adversity into opportunity in real estate to empowering women and speakers to unlock their full potential, my work is a blend of personal triumph and professional expertise.

Currently, I’m working on a dynamic array of projects from a high-impact women’s empowerment event to a best-selling book collaboration called Rebirth, Stories of Unyielding Courage. The spark for these passions ignited when I transitioned from being a schoolteacher to a real estate mogul, driven by necessity and a relentless spirit. Today, my mission is to help others harness their inner strength and achieve their dreams.

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Q: What were your younger years like?

A: My younger years were a blend of nurturing love and educational rigor. Growing up in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, my family instilled in me the values of hard work and resilience.

Education was a cornerstone, and my journey as a schoolteacher laid the foundation for my later successes.

Activities that profoundly impacted my life include my early forays into real estate, guided by a mentor during challenging times when my son needed multiple brain surgeries.

These experiences not only shaped my career but also fortified my resolve to help others navigate their own paths to success.

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

A: One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the power of resilience and the importance of mentorship. Life’s challenges can be formidable, but with determination and the right guidance, they can be transformed into stepping stones for success.

My story is a testament to the idea that setbacks are not the end but rather opportunities in disguise. I want others to learn that with the right mindset and support system, they too can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness.

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Q: What does feminism mean to you? 

A: Feminism, to me, is about equality, empowerment, and breaking barriers. It’s about creating opportunities for women to thrive in all spheres of life, be it personal or professional. It’s also about supporting each other, sharing knowledge, and lifting one another up.

In my work, feminism translates into empowering women through real estate, coaching, and speaking, helping them find their voices and claim their spaces in the world. It’s about showing that women can excel, lead, and inspire, all while balancing multiple roles with grace and strength.

MORE ABOUT LIMA: In addition to my professional endeavors, I’m also deeply committed to giving back to the community. Whether it’s through my global mentorship programs or my involvement in local initiatives, I strive to make a positive impact. Another aspect close to my heart is continuous learning and growth—I’m always on the lookout for new knowledge and skills to better serve my clients and community.

Thanks for reading!

Q and A with Linda from Norway, living in Dana Point, California

“…without your health, you have nothing. Take care of yourself and your health.”

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: I’m passionate about health, fitness, nutrition, and all things wellness. From having amazing health to being active and strong, consuming healthy foods, and taking care of yourself from the inside out.

In 2006, I lost my only brother to a sudden heart attack at the age of 45. He is my “why” as to why I’m so passionate about helping others improve their health and reduce or eliminate medications.

I’m the Founder and CEO of LTLTE–Learn to Love to Exercise. I’m a certified nutritionist, online health and life coach, expert weight loss coach, and a certified positive psychology coach for women over 50.

I love helping my clients better themselves, grow their confidence, and feel amazing and strong as they grow older and learn to prioritize themselves.

Daily, I work on myself, being active, eating healthy, challenging myself, practicing gratitude, and learning. I am an early riser at 4:30 A.M., and I love it.

In my free time, I love to travel and explore the world and vacation at the Ritz-Carlton and Waldorf Astoria.

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Q: What were your younger years like?

A: I was born in New Jersey and grew up in a small town in Southern Norway with two siblings and my parents, surrounded by lots of other family.

My parents were healthy and my mom made us homemade, healthy, organic foods daily.

My mom was my best friend and always very healthy and petite. I got her started in the gym when she was 57 and she grew very strong. She was an inspiration to many of my clients. Unfortunately, I lost my mom in March of 2022 to a horrible lung disease due to having bronchitis and pneumonia several times. It’s been a devastating journey without her in my life as we were extremely close and she was pretty much my only close family.

Growing up, I wasn’t into sports, but in my early twenties, I started working out in the gym. I’ve gone consistently five days weekly ever since and I love it so much.

Last year, I lost my cat, Pumpkin, who was with me for 22 years and 2 months, and I miss him tremendously.

12 years ago, I met my man, Dan, and we have a great relationship together. I have no kids and I’ve never been married.

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

A: You are the most important person there is, and without your health, you have nothing. Take care of yourself and your health.

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Q: What does feminism mean to you? 

A: I believe that women are entitled to the same political, economic, and social rights as men.

Thanks for reading!

Follow me here:
Instagram: @fitwithLinda
Facebook: Linda Terjesen
Facebook group: LTLTE
Website: www.LTLTE.com

Q and A with Jasheena from Indianapolis, Indiana

“When we care for each other, we are only making our community stronger.”

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: I am very interested in the healing power of the arts and artistic expressions. The influences of my uncle—an architect, and my father—a cartoon artist, helped to develop my passion for creative expression, especially during high-stress times. I am also passionate about supporting my community. I currently serve as a point for the Women’s Ministry at my church; helping to build community and hold space for each other. I also have my own business, Jasheena Shelton Enterprises, where I lead a team of personal life trainers to come beside our clients, utilizing our nine signature programs, to get them from goals to manifestation.

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Q: What were your younger years like?

A: I was raised in the small rural town of Louisa, Virginia, and now live in Indianapolis, Indiana. I was a child who was constantly in the local library and highly immersed in community programs. I was raised primarily by my maternal grandmother and we were a dynamic duo during my formative years. She made sure that I was with her everywhere she went when I was out of school, which led to some interesting adventures across local farms, churches, businesses, libraries, and government centers. Between my grandmother and my mother, there was a time when I was in some sort of school or training seven days a week. I was on college campuses at a young age, at the feet of some academic giants and political leaders. I was active in church weekly and allowed to soak up all the spiritual wisdom available from my community.

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

A: I was highly influenced by “the village” that took an active role in my upbringing. I want others to look around and see the child in their neighborhood who may need a listening ear, a soft shoulder, or gentle reminders that they are important. I want others to see the grandparents who may be raising another generation of children and offer them occasional support. When we care for each other, we are only making our community stronger.

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Q: What does feminism mean to you? 

A: Feminism, to me, is more than equal pay for equal work. It is treatment rooted in respect for a job well done.

MORE ABOUT JASHEENA: I have a new book set to be released this fall, that highlights the growing loneliness epidemic and it’s called, Our Neighbors Cry. This is a collection of poetry that highlights some conversations I had while serving my community as a crisis specialist. This book also includes space for reflection and a call to action for the readers. I hope that whoever reads this book takes the time to look around them and see what need they can meet for another member of their community.

Thanks for reading!

Connect with me here.