“If you truly believe in yourself, and if you’re willing to put in the work, then you will get what you want.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I have always been interested in helping others learn how to be more successful in their careers, but it wasn’t until recently that I realized how much value there is in coaching. I know what it’s like to be in a position where you don’t know how you’re going to achieve your goals. It’s hard to keep up with everything when you don’t have the tools or resources that are needed to succeed at something. I believe that coaching is a powerful way for anyone to reach their full potential, regardless of their current state. In order to help others achieve this, I offer both one-on-one coaching sessions as well as group coaching, workshops, and training. My goal is to create a space where you can learn from other people’s experiences, become more knowledgeable about your own body language and mindset, and continue growing into a more confident person.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I grew up with enough privileges to have a good education, but my parents never gave me all or everything I wanted. I always knew I had to work myself for my wishes. I started teaching younger kids when I myself was in 8th grade. Since then, I have been related to teaching and coaching in one way or another. Before I started my own business coaching, I worked as an executive assistant for 6+ years. During those years, I was mainly working with coaches and taking their workload while they grew their businesses. I had been through the journey of coaches with success after success and with those who failed again and again. This gave me true insights into what works and what doesn’t. Now I am able to differentiate the patterns in the businesses that would lead to fully booked launches or just crickets. I was underpaid and overworked, but the knowledge and experience I gained from all those years are so much more valuable. Some of my clients trusted me fully with the systems that I wanted to implement while working as an executive assistant. They made $7k, $8.5, and $15k in their first month. That was my ah-ha! moment. I knew I could help a lot more people with my experience. And that is what we all are here for.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: If you truly believe in yourself, and if you’re willing to put in the work, then you will get what you want. If you don’t think that this is possible for you, then I’d recommend going back to square one and starting over with a different goal. But if it’s something that really matters to you and is important enough for you to spend time and energy on—if the goal is worth it to make sure it happens—then keep at it!
Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: I don’t believe in superiority or inequality between genders, but I do believe in equality of opportunity for both genders. Feminism is about giving everyone an equal chance at success—and this means that everyone should have access to the same opportunities as anyone else. Feminism isn’t about male-bashing or misogyny; it’s about empowering all genders to realize their full potential by supporting each other in achieving equality.
Thank you for reading!
I am passionate about learning and am always taking new courses. I love how learning can keep you challenged and engaged. There is nothing more important than taking care of ourselves and developing ourselves as individuals. One of the best ways to do this is through personal development. It is something that can often be neglected, but it is so important. I am team tea; there is always a cup of tea on the desk.
When I started my business, I wished there was someone to help me organize everything and streamline my workflow. Having a partner to help carry the weight and be a shoulder to cry on would’ve been amazing. They could’ve helped me focus on the right things and prioritize all of the other bright and shiny ideas that can wait. If you need someone to help you with YOUR business, then I’m your girl!
A: I am most passionate about creativity. My life is defined by creating, making, and living my best life with intentionality. Over the past two years, while developing my Color Affirmation Program, I led a weekly meeting and podcast, the Global Art Café, where people from all over the world gathered over Zoom. I hosted artists, authors, and entrepreneurs and enjoyed many wonderful conversations. It provided a safe space for conversations and connection. I am passionate about sharing knowledge, creativity, and information in the arts. I believe by sharing our creative souls, we can find the healing we may not even know we need. I am currently taking a break from the Global Art Café as we get settled here in Arizona.
A photo from Colossal Cave Mountain. I am calling this my “EPIC” series of photos; I’m embracing the joy in manifesting my dreams!
I am currently working on my latest and biggest vision! All my past experiences in love, life, and work have brought me to where I am today. My husband is my biggest cheerleader and is the truest partner one could have. I am excited to be building this place that incorporates both of our skills and allows us to pursue our dreams and cultivate our creative pursuits. Our big vision is to provide a place for people to come and find rest. We are building a Wellness Center with a Healing Arts focus. The name is still under discussion! We are just getting started! I recently shared this on a Facebook post:
A place to recharge their souls with peaceful vistas.
A place to walk the labyrinth to release daily stresses.
A place to meditate in nature.
A place to listen to that still small voice inside.
A place to find yourself again.
A place to ignite your inner passions.
A place to stimulate your creative senses.
Come…
WALK THE LABYRINTH
TAKE THE JOURNEY
SPIRAL IN, SPIRAL OUT
FEEL THE CHANGE
BE THE CHANGE
COME, renew your true self under the shadows of Mica Mountain.
Find rest in the morning’s cool breezes here in Vail, Arizona.
The Labyrinth at our Dailey Ranch Retreat Center for Healing Arts and Wellness, official name to be announced. We are located in Old Vail, an unincorporated town of Tucson, Arizona.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I grew up in what I think is considered a traditional American family with a mother and father with one sibling. We lived in a nice house, in a nice neighborhood, and we had two cars and a cat. I was able to pursue my passions of playing cello and piano through private lessons. I played in a youth orchestra for many years which helped me grow as a musician and person. I eventually attended a private liberal college with multiple scholarships.
Leaves of Grass, pen and ink, 2020
Growing up, I was most impacted by the elderly neighbors who became my mentors as a young woman. To this day, they bring back my fondest memories of sharing ice cream or getting soda while listening to their stories. One neighbor, in particular, was the one who funded my private orchestra experience, paid for my first car, and shared stories of her youth and the importance of knowing how to read the stock market and much more. She was a constant supporter of my dreams and talents. I lived a block from my grandparents and spent lots of time with them too. From sleepovers to learning to sew, can fruit and vegetables, trips to the cabin, the county fair, and much more, they were a big part of my life!
My mom and dad were my biggest supporters, and I lacked for nothing. My first job was as a newspaper carrier for the Star Tribune. I started delivering them in the afternoons and over time had two routes that I delivered every weekend from the time I was 16 through graduating high school. My dad would go with me and I learned to drive a car during this time. We delivered when it flooded, we delivered when it was icy and when there were blizzards. I sprained my ankle falling down a steep set of stone stairs, I permanently damaged a front tooth collecting payment for the paper from customers, when I flew over the front of my bicycle…. and many times in winter, I walked the route with my eyes frozen shut because of the frost on my eyelashes.
We vacationed at the neighbor’s cabin on the shores of Lake Superior and also up in Park Rapids at a little cabin on 6th Crowing. Nature and time outside were a significant influence on my life. My dad taught me to fish and showed me how to take pictures. Later, we set up a dark room in our basement where I learned how to develop photographs. I also had my own workbench in his wood shop where I got to play around and build things. This definitely influenced my creative side. My mom taught me how to bake and cook and while out on walks, would point out all the details, kinds of leaves, trees, and flowers. I feel like I have the best of both of them in me.
Faith and music were really the backbones of our life. Spirituality often comes up in conversations. I do identify as a Christian and whether it is obvious or not, my motivation and foundation come from that belief system. I am open to discussion about it and often am in conversation with others about their faith walk. I aim to serve and be a light to those seeking peace and comfort in this world. We always had music, whether it was piano, cello, orchestra, or church choir. At college, I attended chapel daily and studied religion. I sang at a Billy Graham Crusade and have played cello for church events and on worship teams over the years. I’ve led bible studies, and women’s groups and even organized women’s retreats. It’s a big part of my story. All these things contribute to where I am now, building a Wellness Center with a Healing Arts focus with my husband.
Watercolor as the new year approached (2022) A stone cairn reminding me of what is ahead…ME. CREATE. US. RENEW. LET IT FLOW. It all starts with me and a reminder to let my dreams flow! I will find renewal along the way.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: Start manifesting and DOING what you love. The rest will follow. Believe in yourself. Do what it takes and never give up on your dreams.
Inspirational watercolor: It’s okay to be selfish. “Be selfish….Take the time you need to discover who you truly are.”
Q: What does feminism mean to you? A: To me, I have always seen feminism as a movement to gain equality for women in a world that has been predominately male-driven. I tend to steer away from political and highly charged religious discussions, but there are times I choose to use my art to create statements on feminism and political topics. I believe that women deserve to have the same opportunities as any other gender. I do believe that a woman should be allowed to make and take whatever actions she needs regarding her well-being without any discrimination or laws impeding her progress.
A Wellness Coloring book I created that is now available on my website along with a coloring book featuring my pen and ink drawings.
I think being a “Minnesota girl” has wired me to be more private about these views. That does not necessarily mean I don’t have opinions. I welcome one-on-one discussions or in-private forums where people are willing to be open-minded about a variety of topics.
MORE ABOUT LISA: I am originally from Anoka, Minnesota, USA. I grew up there and graduated from Anoka High School. I went to Augsburg College in Minnesota and graduated with a BA in art studio, German, and was a performance major, studying cello. I also spent a semester abroad at Heidelberg University in Heidelberg, Germany. I recently moved to Tucson, Arizona, with my husband. We have three adult children; two live in Minnesota and one lives in Wisconsin. We have one cat, Ted, who made the cross-country move with us.
*UPDATES* I will be offering color sessions, color coaching, and certification and releasing TWO new color affirmation decks at more accessible pricing, including one that will be just for kids!
*Announcements about our creative wellness/healing arts center will be coming soon, like the name and website!
40 foot labyrinth
2 private guest rooms
Shared full bath
Private art gallery featuring artists from US and Abroad
Color gardens, serenity path
Open spaces for yoga, tai chi, and meditation
Personal and group retreats
Art classes
Wellness retreats
Color path sessions
Private coaching
MY BIG PASSION, and dare I say the core of what will be my lifework. Over the past couple years, I have been developing my signature program, the Color Affirmation Program. I have created a healing arts coaching program that includes private Color Path Sessions, an online course, and an online certification course for licensed practitioners and professionals. I also offer private sessions to learn about your life path color and how you can transform your life.
The “I Am Colorfully Made” Deck is a 72-card daily inspirational deck that fuses art, color psychology, and numerology with original art and affirmations. Enjoy Kindle’s bright and colorful mixed media pieces along with daily affirmations to inspire positive action in your life. Promote inner well-being while reflecting on what it is you truly want for yourself. Kindle believes you can truly “empower yourself with color!”
I am currently creating two new decks that I will be releasing. One will be a special “kids” edition!
I have received testimonials from practitioners and other users about its impact on their lives.
A mindfulness coach from New York, USA says, “I love Lisa’s deck! It gives me simple directions for the day. The focus on color helps me connect to other aspects of my being. It helps me to live a vibrant, colorful life! –Raditia, Mindful Being LLC
A creativity coach from the UK says, “Lisa’s card deck is inspiring and exciting. I did a deck with my 6-year-old daughter and we spent a lovely time together talking about colors, and how it makes her feel. She designed the cards on her own while I found affirmations for her. Lisa’s material is clear and concise and is a great blueprint to create your own cards and feel inspired. I highly recommend buying this for you or a loved one.” –AJ, UK
A sampling of the affirmation cards found in my art & affirmation deck, “I Am Colorfully Made.”
I will be releasing my second deck, the “Color Affirmation Deck” soon and a third deck based on this program especially for kids!
A: I’m passionate about living a peaceful and purposeful life. I love helping others create this in their lives as well. I’m very intentional with the things I do. I love to learn and expand while also being mindful of the importance of rest and relaxation. I allow myself to have fun with everything. I recently decided to learn to play tennis and it’s been really fun. I’ve had lots of people ask me why I want to learn tennis (honestly they ask me that for most of my hobbies) and my answer is always why not? Why not have fun and try something new that I may grow to love? I believe that we should have the choice to live lives that we absolutely love and are grateful for. This is the reason I started mindset coaching. I’ve met lots of people who felt that their true desires weren’t within reach. They were only doing things out of obligation instead of enjoyment. Mostly due to limiting beliefs put on them by others or self-doubt that had developed over the years.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: My younger years were very balanced. My father believed in structure and discipline while my mother was a bit more carefree and lenient. I grew up spending time with friends and family while also studying, reading, and doing self-care and personal development things. I was fascinated with making myself smoothies, doing beauty treatments at home, writing out my goals, and shopping. I even went to cosmetology school during high school. I was always pretty organized and have always had a lot of interests. However, my interest in self-improvement has remained constant.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: How you do one thing is how you do everything. I heard this and it really stuck. I could easily see how this saying resonated in many areas of my life. My behaviors and habits in one area oftentimes pour into other areas. For example, if I am too tired to take my makeup off at the end of the night, the next day I might skip my workout because I just don’t feel like it. The chances of me skipping or giving leniency to something else dramatically increases. I’ve learned to look at my behaviors and habits from the place of the future version of myself, which I call “The Best Version of Myself.” I always ask myself, “Would the best version of you do this?” This helps to keep me disciplined and in alignment with what I ultimately desire for myself. I also find that it keeps me accountable. Of course, I use this ideology with my best judgment. I listen to my body and allow myself to be guided by my intuition because sometimes I do need to take a break.
Q: What does feminism mean to you? A: To me, feminism means that women should have the choice to choose various aspects of their lives. It’s not a one-size-fits-all. Not every woman wants the same things out of life, but I think it’s safe to say that we all want to live fulfilling lives. For one, that may look like having a thriving career, while for another, it could look like having a family to care for. And let’s not forget about the women who want both. I think that we should support each other’s wishes even if we want different things for ourselves.
Thank you for reading!
I’d love to invite everyone to connect with me on TikTok @bremichellexo. Also, you can email me directly at bre@bremichelle.com or schedule a time to chat.
Q and A with Marcela born in Bogotá, Colombia, and living in Sydney, Australia
“Learn to believe in yourself more than anyone, keep pushing, and surround yourself with people who support you.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: Finding my passion wasn’t easy as I was not fixed on one specific subject or a collector. I always dreamt of finding my “passion,” trying different tests, people, books, etc. I was lucky enough to finally find my passion after my third baby. She inspired me to keep fighting for her and my sanity to find real and long-term life solutions to help mothers and babies sleep better. This is how Lulo was born. It’s a sleepy baby koala with a compilation of the best science-based sleeping methods to help your baby get to sleep. Find out more at www.kalmbaby.com. I am passionate about motherhood, my family, baby sleep, “me time,” and having a balanced life. Currently, we are working on refining our mother and baby daily guide routines; these are full-day routines from 0 to 3 years old.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: Growing up, I loved playing sports with my younger brother. We had the best time together. My dad was very strict, and there was zero room for mistakes. He taught me lots of manual stuff like fixing the iron or stove when they were not working at a very young age. I think I was 12 years old when I aimed to open a TV, and I was fascinated with all the cables, electronics, etc. I remember breaking the bulb inside… luckily, there was a spare TV. And it was a secret between my brother and me. I grew up in Bogotá, Colombia, where I had my first baby at a very young age. He is now 19 years old. Then I moved to Australia in search of a better life for my son, who I had to leave in Colombia for two painful years until I managed to bring him to Australia and achieve a massive and life-changing goal. I have been living for the last 14+ years in Australia. I met the love of my life, who I married and we had two kids together (ages 4 and 2 years old). He supports me every step of the way, and I am extremely grateful to God for giving me such a unique and special husband.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: Learn to believe in yourself more than anyone, keep pushing, and surround yourself with people who support you. I have learned that healing yourself internally is possible with God’s help and the people he puts on our paths. Everything has a reason. It may be something that you don’t think you need, but time covers our pain and time will uncover them again.
Q: What does feminism mean to you? A: To fight for equal gender benefits. We are still seeing many industries where there is a salary gap between women and men.
“There is one skill I value the most and that is asking for help.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I am passionate about helping others by providing motivation, inspiration, and emotional support. I’ve always said that my purpose found me when I was a sophomore in college in 2012 when my grandmother was killed by a car. My line of work involves helping individuals by providing direct care services and providing counseling. I am currently working on planning my Self-Love Tour and building up a Sisterhood Community dedicated to self-love and self-care resources. I help women on a self-love and healing journey by providing coaching services, self-love brunches, retreats, and training sessions.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: I have been through a lot growing up. I’ve always felt feelings of abandonment and rejection due to not having an active father in my life. I’ve always been self-driven to accomplish my goals. I have been able to complete undergrad at Mercy College in 2015 with a psychology degree and grad school at St. John’s University in 2017 with a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling.
After my grandmother was killed in a car accident, I went through anxiety issues, times of hyperventilating, and felt guilty for not seeing her as much as I could’ve. I had to learn how to regulate my emotions, and I learned early on to ask for support. I felt like I was always viewed as being the strong one and to finally allow myself to lean on support helped me through it all. Also, I felt led to go into the social science field after a few months after the accident. I finally made the decision even though I wasn’t sure, and now here I am ten years later operating with my gifts.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: I want others to know that it’s okay to not be okay. It’s important to process emotions and thoughts and learn the necessary skills to overcome them. Also, I would encourage others to stay encouraged and make use of asking for help. There is one skill I value the most and that is asking for help.
Q: What does feminism mean to you? A: Great question. It means being able to be empowered and overcome the challenges society places on women.
MORE ABOUT KEKE: My favorite color is purple, and I love to sing.
The Woman Wednesday Blog 