Woman Wednesday: Melissa

*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 Melissa, Utah 

I learned very early on that I could either be a victim of circumstance or I could take those challenges and grow from them. I try really hard to be a force of positivity and a problem solver.”

 

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: I am most passionate about my family! My husband and I have been together for 6 years, and he has a son who is 7. And just last year, I had a beautiful baby girl. She is actually the reason I started my business. After finding out I was pregnant, I knew I wanted to be around for all those precious moments and I knew I could never afford childcare making the money I was at the time. So after thinking about my skills, I decided being a virtual assistant and social media manager was the best type of business to start. After I started, I realized I was more passionate about working than I had ever been, plus I was good at it!

 

Aside from business and family, I am actually super passionate about fitness because it has helped shape me into the woman I am today and has helped me deal with my depression. I enjoy having goals that I can work towards and fitness has provided that in my personal life! 

 

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Q: What were your younger years like?

A: As a little kid, I was a competitive figure skater and a cheerleader in my later high school years. I was always good at school and remember enjoying it very much up until my senior year of high school. I even graduated early because I hated high school so much! I think this particular event helped me grow up quickly though and all the competitive sports I was in really helped shape me into a go-getter! 

 

I grew up in a very conservative family but have always been super loud and outspoken. This caused issues when I was a teen and I did lots of things to push boundaries (sorry mom and dad). I was diagnosed with chronic depression at about 12-13, but I think this mental illness is a huge reason why I am successful today. I never once let that define me and only let it push me to work harder and stay busy. 

 

 

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

A: I learned very early on that I could either be a victim of circumstance or I could take those challenges and grow from them. I try really hard to be a force of positivity and a problem solver. I think if you take anything from my story it’s that you are in charge of your life! No one can force you to do anything, be anything, or act a certain way. You make decisions every day, so why not decide to grab life by the horns? Start a business, go to school, or travel the world. But whatever you do, make the decision to give it your all every day.

 

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Q: What does feminism mean to you? 

A: Feminism to me means equality for all. I know feminism is often synonymous with mainly white women and their rights, but I think as women, it is our responsibility to make sure that we are sticking up for women of color as well who don’t have the same level of privilege we do. I think feminism means the equal representation of all women in business and government. I feel like, as women, we are a force to be reckoned with and I would love to see us supporting each other in all things!

 

Business Facebook: The Worry Free Assistant  (sentence caps–no hyphen!)

Website: https://melissagamarramanagement.com/homepage31194097

 

 

Connect with me! I’d love to chat with you! 

Comment below!

Woman Wednesday: Stacy

*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 World Traveler Stacy (traveler of over 40 countries), The Sunshine State of Florida

“My favorite quote is “There’s a sunrise and sunset in every single day, and they’re absolutely free. Don’t miss any of them.”

 

 

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: I’m passionate about seeing as much as possible of the Earth and sharing it with others. I love exploring new places, seeing nature, and being in a new culture. Sunrises and sunsets are my absolute favorite! My favorite quote is “There’s a sunrise and sunset in every single day, and they’re absolutely free. Don’t miss any of them.”

 

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I currently work for a large school district in Florida and love my job.

Being able to work with kids, I’m able to instill my love of travel and inspire them from an early age.

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Q: What were your younger years like?

A: We didn’t travel much as a family when I was young because of financial issues. When I was in my early twenties, I began exploring and found my true love for travel. I’ve never looked back! I would say my big trip in my 20s was Ireland. It was my first non-tour or “family” trip and opened my eyes to all the ways of exploring the world.

 

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Q: What does feminism mean to you? 

A: Women and men being equal to each other. Same rights, same pay, etc.

 

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Having explored more than 40 countries on an educator’s budget, I always look forward to my next solo or group adventure. Check out my blog to join me on a memorable journey as we experience breathtaking views, authentic eats, and inspiring moments. Plus, get the ‘best of’ travel tips without breaking the bank. Transform your wanderlust into reality at sologatortraveler.com.

 

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Let’s connect! 🙂

Click here to check out my travel blog, learn tips and tricks, and follow me on my travels: sologatortraveler.com

Facebook: facebook.com/sologatortraveler

Instagram: instagram.com/sologatortraveler

 

 

 

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Woman Wednesday: Ellen

*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 Ellen, Pemberton, British Columbia

 

“I have learned that not making a choice is a choice in itself. If you want something specific and you have a vision for your life, just take some action. Take small steps towards that vision…even if you’re not 100% ready. If you wait until you’re ready, you will forever be waiting.”

 

 

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: I’ve always had a drive to create and express myself in different artistic ways. I’ve had a blog, dabbled in acting, singing, drawing, writing, and am a huge yoga lover! Finding my purpose inside of those things that alight my soul has been so important to me.

 

When I became a mom to my one little guy, I stayed home from building my career as a hairstylist. I’ve always had a drive to build something of my own. So, I started exploring ways to build a business from home. Everything is starting to transition into the online space! New ways of marketing is a hot need for businesses now! So, that’s where I found my place. I’ve been building a thriving digital marketing business for almost a year now, which has also opened up so many other doors of opportunity and ideas to expand my business and my brand.
I have been able to help other beautiful women reignite from within and harness their confidence and power to be their own boss and build businesses online alongside me. We are very supportive of each other and keep in contact almost daily in our mastermind group chats. Keeping in regular contact in group chats and through video calls, where we can share our journeys and lessons, has been probably one of the most important factors in each of our own successes and growth as entrepreneurs!
I initially started my own business for myself but only did I start to see it really take off when it stopped being about me and started being about sharing the opportunities out there with other women, connecting and really learning that we are all so much more connected than we are aware. The internet has been the most amazing way to meet each other and become great friends and biz associates!

 

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

A: It’s taken me many years of trial and error to get to where I am today. I’ve been through many business ideas–none of them really sticking until I found affiliate marketing, where I’ve finally been able to build a secure, sustainable business from scratch!

 

I have learned that not making a choice is a choice in itself. If you want something specific and you have a vision for your life, just take some action. Take small steps towards that vision…even if you’re not 100% ready. If you wait until you’re ready, you will forever be waiting. We’ll always find an excuse that it’s not the right time to start that business, quit that job you hate, move to a new town, et cetera. I used to roll my eyes when I heard that, until I had to live it myself.

 

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There will never be a better time than the present. If you’re unable to get a dream out of your head…go get it. Maybe it’ll take some time! But what’s a couple years rather than waiting your whole life for the “right time”? And the right time, if no action is taken towards something–will never come on it’s own.

 

Q: What does feminism mean to you? 

A: In my own mind, I would rather call it women’s empowerment.  When I think of what it means to me, it expresses itself as more of a feeling deep-rooted inward. To me, it means giving women the right to be themselves–to be what and who they want to be. I believe when we step into our own power by following our hearts and our passions that we are taking back our power to be women and human beings. If we tap into our own inner strength, that there’s not much if anything that can stand in our way.

 

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As women, we have a strong and unwavering tie to the Earth and its power. To heal, to regenerate, and to be able to withstand pain and suffering that the outside world can impose upon us. I believe when we stand up for ourselves, our beliefs, our rights in whatever setting, we keep that momentum moving forward as a collective consciousness for women everywhere.

 

I feel such a strong connection to all of the women I come in contact with. We have a deep-rooted connection to each other and should support and stand up for one another in any way another may need. We are stronger when we are supportive and work to empower one another. It starts with us being able to see each other as we are, without judgment, and to see one another as a different form of ourselves. Then will the rest of the world follow our lead.

That’s what feminism means to me!

 

Let’s connect! 🙂 Follow me on Facebook! https://facebook.com/ellenjbarbeau/

 

 

 

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Woman Wednesday: Sona

*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 Sona, Orange County, California 

 

“Don’t dull your shine for someone else.”

 

 

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: I’m passionate about teaching women how to manifest their dreams with flow and ease. There are a lot of women that are trying to manifest desires, and they are stuck. I provide guidance on how to truly manifest anything you want. I help others continue the mindset.

 

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

A: I’ve learned that people’s opinions of you don’t mean a thing. Don’t dull your shine for someone else. Be true to yourself. Be honest with yourself and others and find peace within. 

 

Q: What were your younger years like? 

A. I’m going to be honest…I didn’t have a good childhood. I grew up in a bad neighborhood where my mom had a government job and stepdad sold drugs out the door. I was a live-in nanny to my half-siblings. I’ve suffered lots of abuse–mentally, emotionally, and physically. As a small child, I vowed that my child would never go through this. I got abused by my ex-husband. But I got the courage to walk away. My mom that adopted me was my rock; she taught me how to really stand on my own two feet. I have two licenses in skincare in two different states. I have two bachelor’s degrees, one in business and one in marketing. I was a single mom at 30 years old. I left my husband when my son was 2 years old. I was not happy, so I got the courage to live my life on my own terms. Yes, I made a lot of mistakes on the way, but I don’t regret it at all.

 

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Q: What does feminism mean to you? 

A: Feminism means we should be equal to men. But in this day and age, we are not. God created man, but a woman can create life, nurture the baby in her womb and bring it forth, men can’t do this. I feel women should be empowered, not put down by men. A woman can do the same job as a man, probably even better. That’s my take on it.

 

Connect with me! I’d love to chat with you! 

 

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Woman Wednesday: 50th Post!

*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. 


 

For our 50th post, we’re taking a look at some of our best advice from 2019 (so far)! We’ve selected some of the best words of wisdom from our past featured women from our 2019 Woman Wednesdays! Enjoy! 

 

 

Our dreams can change over time. Whether they do or don’t, enjoy the ride! Life is about the journey to the destination; not the destination itself. 

Katie, Madison County, New York 

“In high school, I thought I would be married, making good money at a reliable job, and adopting a couple horses by now. None of those things have happened so far, and I’m actually very happy that they haven’t! I have changed course so many more times, and it’s felt very hopeless and confusing at a couple points along the way. In the course of all of that turmoil and changing directions though, I have grown immensely. The setbacks have taught me strength and opened my eyes to ideas and opportunities I would have never imagined before recently. I am always looking forward, always feeling hungry for more.”

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Anything is possible. Travel is achievable.

Justine, Somerset County, New Jersey

People always ask me how I can afford to travel as much as I do at this age. Something I’d like others to know is that whatever you want to do is possible if you really want to make it happen. I make traveling and seeing the world a priority. This isn’t to say that I spend an extreme amount of money on it either. I budget it into my expenses just like groceries. I need to see the world. And while I love my job, I always feel a constant urge to know that the world and my life is bigger than sitting at a desk or on a train. It’s always worth it, and it is totally possible!

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Don’t let fear stop you from following your dreams.

Author, Dee J. Stone 

“Don’t be afraid to put your work out there. It’s very daunting at first, but it’s so rewarding when people read your book and tell you how much they love it. What makes us feel good is when we get a message from a reader telling us how she had a pretty hard day and our book made her feel better.”

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Mistakes are lessons. Learning from them is key. 

Jess, Howard County, Maryland 

“If you have a setback in the process of achieving your goals, and you feel as though you’ve failed, take a moment to reflect on why you weren’t successful and what you can do to ensure that you won’t make the same mistake(s) again. Then forgive yourself and get ready for another try. Self-improvement is not an endgame; it is a constant process.”

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Find the things that give your life meaning. 

Angela, Hunterdon County, New Jersey

“Before I was an esthetician, I had a different job that I thought was my “forever” job.  However, I was let go from this job with no warning and on Valentine’s Day!  And to make matters worse, we were right in the middle of buying a house and getting qualified for a mortgage.  At the time, I was so upset and couldn’t see past what was happening. Just a short time later, I landed the receptionist job at the wax studio, and now I am a licensed esthetician doing work I absolutely love! If I had not been let go from that other job, I never would have found my true profession, nor have the enjoyment in a job that I have now. Looking back, I can see how all the pieces fit together and it makes sense, but at that time, I had no idea. So, no matter what is happening at the moment, continue to push forward and do your very best.  What seems like the worst thing in the world can be a blessing in disguise.”

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Failure is necessary. 

Leire H., Barcelona, Spain

“Time has made me realize that it is good to try to be the best you can be and give the very best you can, but failure is permitted. And it is failure that made me learn many times.”

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Don’t change yourself for anyone or anything.

Chanel, Annapolis, Maryland 

“Staying true to yourself is important in any industry. It’s easy for others to laugh or joke or not take you seriously, so try and tune out those voices. No one else is responsible for your happiness or life successes.”

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There will always be choices. You are in charge of your happiness. 

Amiee, Lake County, Indiana  

“”What I’ve learned in my journey is that life is a journey full of hills and valleys. I used to believe that I was a victim to life’s circumstances, but what I had to be awakened to is that I also had choices in the decisions I was making in my life.”

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Don’t go it alone. Show your team some love!

Tabatha, Washtenaw County, Michigan

Having a team is the cornerstone to success.” 

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Focus on improving yourself a little each day.

Jessica from Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada  

“We are human. We can only learn from that and try to be better next time.”  

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True happiness will be found when you step outside your comfort zone. 

Sarah, Seattle, Washington

“Sports have been a passion of mine since I started playing soccer at 4 years old, and I have been coaching for 15 years. In addition to being a soccer player, I have now joined the Seattle Majestics football team to try my hand at something new. As a rookie this year, I am excited to step outside of my comfort zone, learn to tackle, and hopefully win a championship with the impressive women who make up this team.”   

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Make time for what you love. Schedule it, if you have to! 

Ioana, Cluj, Romania

“What I would like everyone to know and apply is passion! Find something that you love doing and go for it. Take time for it, show what you do to other people, involve your loved ones in your passion. Whenever you feel completely disappointed, desperate, and that life is completely pointless, turn to that color or canvas, pot or music, or whatever makes you feel joy.”   

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Positivity. Positivity. Positivity. 

Kelly, Toronto, Canada

One thing I’ve learned is this: You cannot control what happens in your life, but you can control how you react to it. I think if I continued to sulk and think negatively, nothing significantly positive would’ve happened in my life. Changing my perspective and immersing myself in hope and positive thinking only resulted in positive changes in my life.”   

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Realize you don’t know it all. Great work takes time, feedback, and the right mindset to keep going! 

Carly, Melbourne, Australia

I used to give up on projects too early without enough feedback to see it through, and I attribute my giving up too early mostly to self-limiting beliefs. You can have the best business model and the best-looking website and great marketing strategy, but if you don’t believe in yourself first, you will fail every time. So for me, first and foremost is get your mindset right in the beginning, and set the foundations to build an amazing life for yourself and stick at it! The only way you will stick at anything is self-reliance, discipline, and self-belief.”   

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Use the “negatives” in your life as your fuel! 

Q and A with Julianne, Hartford County, Connecticut

“It’s all up to us whether we decide to use our broken pieces as a weapon or as a crutch.”   

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You’re harder on yourself than anyone else is. Be kinder to yourself.

Q and A with Idoia, Barcelona, Spain 

“Once you are on stage, there is this magic, that it makes you shine even though you are under pressure. If you miss a step, the key is to continue no one is expecting you to be perfect but you! It about forgiving yourself and continuing. A mistake is an opportunity to grow.”

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