Woman Wednesday: Lyudmyla


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.


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.

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

Woman Wednesday: Lesley M.


Q and A with Lesley
from Goodyear, Arizona

“…it’s never too late. I didn’t start my business until I was in my 50’s.”


Q: What are you passionate about?

A: My passions include helping women in business with their marketing by implementing SEO strategies to improve online visibility, drive organic traffic, and increase sales. I love figuring things out and finding solutions to move forward in business. As an entrepreneur, you wear many hats and possess many skills. But not all skills come as naturally as others. When I first got started, I thought I was going to be a copywriter – because I love writing and communicating in any way shape, or form. As I was writing for clients and building my business, I discovered that in order to truly get seen and heard online, you also had to incorporate SEO – search engine optimization. I was being told I needed to improve my online visibility, but I needed to figure out how to do it. When I started learning about it, I was confused and overwhelmed because there are so many moving parts including keywords, on-page SEO, off-page SEO, and analytics, let alone having the ability to create and manage a website.

I did what I always do; I dove headfirst into all things SEO and learned, practiced, tried things, failed, tried again, experienced success, and learned some more all as a means of just moving forward. I soon realized that if I can do this as a woman in business, so can others. They just need the right resources and support to do so. Hence, SEO Inkwell Solutions was created for women pursuing their own dreams and passions. I’m now an SEO and Content Consultant who provides resources, online support, courses, consultation, and more in order for women to level up their marketing.

Personally, I’m passionate about making the most out of life, finding joy in small moments, and being grateful every day. I advocate for mental health and wellness constantly encouraging others to do what’s best for their physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, and financial health. I love coffee far too much, enjoy wine not as often as I’d like, spend mornings walking or hiking outdoors, and throw tennis balls to my two dogs daily. I have an incredible husband who supports all my endeavors, two amazing adult children pursuing their own passions, and a future son-in-law I adore with my whole heart.

Q: What were your younger years like?

A: I grew up in Minnesota on a lake before moving to Arizona in my junior year of high school. The move was the first time I ever experienced real, significant change. It was difficult leaving everything I knew and loved to a place that was so very different and quite foreign to me. What I learned is life is always changing, relationships come and go, and the only person I can ever really rely on is myself.

I taught at a public high school and community college for 26 years. Nothing brought me greater joy than helping young people improve…at reading, writing, research, analytic thinking, and life. The pandemic and changing social dynamics facing young people made it difficult to continue, however, and I opted to retire from my teaching career.

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

A: Perhaps the most important thing I’ve learned about being an entrepreneur is you MUST be true to yourself first. I spent an entire year working on myself, my mindset, my self-worth, etc. to overcome the imposter syndrome I was experiencing. I also had to learn how to give myself grace and no longer hang on to guilt. Guilt for doing what I want to do, pursuing my dreams, and living each day on my own terms.

Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: Feminism to me means you can live your life unapologetically. You live knowing your gifts, goals, and opportunities are endless and it’s up to you to pursue them knowing you are wholly capable of achieving every dream you have for yourself. It means no longer apologizing for wanting to do your own things and needing to be 100% authentically yourself. I think as women, we’ve been conditioned to believe our purpose is to nurture, serve, and submit to those we love. But the one who deserves that more than anyone is ourselves. Having passions, desires, goals, and dreams is not selfish. Rather, it’s necessary in order to live our best life.

MORE FROM LESLEY: If there is one thing I’d love women of all ages to know, it’s never too late. I didn’t start my business until I was in my 50’s. I loved being a teacher. I thought I was only ever going to be a teacher. But life happens. Things change. And the ability to adapt and overcome whatever obstacles life throws our way is a skill anyone can learn at any time.

Lesleymeekagency.com

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Woman Wednesday: Latasha G.


Q and A with Latasha G. from
Milledgeville, GA

“You can have all the money in the world, but character and integrity are most important.”


Q: What are you passionate about?

A: I have always had a passion for helping people. I was always the business-minded person in my family so I decided I wanted to do for more people. I started my virtual assistant business Meridian Giles~Virtual Assistant right before the pandemic. It was helping people get jobs and those who lost jobs and decided to open their own businesses. During this time my sons (I have five boys) who were working were having a hard time finding decent jobs so I birthed the moving company Lady and Sons Moving Company. I am currently working on doing some “survival skills” workshops for teens and young adults in my area. Which will help them be ready for life situations. From job searches to interview training.

Q: What were your younger years like?

A: As a child, I grew up being raised by my father and grandmom, since my mom died when I was two. We didn’t have much, but when I had my kids, I struggled to survive. I was diagnosed with cancer in 2018 and again in 2020, so my goal is to have something I can leave my kids and grandkids.

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

A: I learned that it’s never what you do or say to a person it’s how you make them feel. I love to make people laugh and feel good about themselves. You can have all the money in the world, but character and integrity are most important.

Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: Feminism means empowering yourself to know there is no limit to the things you can achieve. It’s about using your voice to speak for the women before us and the ones after us to be heard in this world that has been a male-dominated one for so long.

https://bossladee8.my.canva.site

Woman Wednesday: Jennifer


Q and A with Jennifer from Deer Park, NY

“[Change] can mean no longer fitting in where you fit in before. [Change] can mean judgment from friends and family, and [change] can mean it may get really hard before it gets simple.”


Q: What are you passionate about?

A: My name is Jenn Fasano Holgerson. I am the owner of JFC, a business consulting firm for female entrepreneurs. I own and operate Babes in Business Long Island, a networking organization that hosts events, workshops, retreats, and more for women in business. My passion is simple; it’s to show women that anything is possible in their lives.

Q: What were your younger years like?

A: From my very first job experience all the way through my corporate career, and now in entrepreneurship, I have assisted women in not only looking and feeling confident and beautiful but also encouraging them to chase their desires and follow their own passions. I never went to college, but from the moment I graduated high school, I found myself in a leadership role. I always knew I was meant to lead people, but at a young age, I wasn’t quite sure where my strong desire to lead would take me. After having my second child in 2013, that high-demand career with long hours, travel, and rigid schedules started to just not work for me. Simultaneously, I stumbled across the network marketing industry and quickly saw I could follow my passion for leadership, which is what I recognize now as my entrepreneurial spirit. I actually got fired from my corporate job while building my side hustle in NWM, and it was the best thing that ever happened to me! It allowed me to follow my passions and help more people, all while being home with my kids and ultimately led me to where I am now.

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

A: One thing I have learned is that change is good. Although it can be scary, we can never grow unless we change. And change can mean a lot of things. It can mean no longer fitting in where you fit in before. It can mean judgment from friends and family, and it can mean it may get really hard before it gets simple. But it’s all worth it if, in the end, you show up as the best version of yourself!

Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: Feminism, to me, means being proud to be a leader and a woman. It means knowing that, as women, we are told to wear many hats, and we do, but it doesn’t mean we have to do it in angst. We can do it with pride and confidence. And do it on our own terms.

A fun fact about me: I ran the New York City Marathon in 2017.

https://www.babesinbusinessli.com

https://jennfasano.com

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Woman Wednesday: AnnaLisa


Q and A with AnnaLisa from Spanaway, Washington

“I learn by and through mistakes and failures, and when I take care of myself, I have the strength I need to get through all of life’s challenges.”


Q: What are you passionate about?

A: I’m a neurodiverse creator and I love everything art! My hobbies include gardening, permaculture, urban gardening, learning everything about everything, sculpting, budgeting, home decor, painting, printmaking, and sewing. I just love making, creating, and growing. I love doing research!

Q: What were your younger years like?

A: I grew up in different places around Washington State. I’ve been an artist and entrepreneur for as long as I can remember. I spent most of my downtime drawing or creating as a child. I’m a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. My faith is a huge part of my life, my choices, my self-worth, and my community. I spent much of my time in my youth doing church service, activities, and learning about my divine worth. My mom is very creative. As a child, she made many beautifully crafted decor for our home. She spent a lot of her time learning new crafts. Painting, crocheting, sewing, woodworking, you name it she did it. I loved watching her create things she wanted. Money was tight, but she didn’t let it hold her back. I found this inspiring. I wanted to be just like her. She was my mentor and my example. She inspired me to create. I loved making things.

When I was in the third grade, I made some little potholders to sell. I wanted to be independent and getting a job was my ticket. As I got older, I started teaching myself to oil paint with my mom’s old kit. I would spend hours in the basement painting flowers, planets, and whatever I found interesting. One year I got it into my head that I needed a job and asked the local flower shop if I could apprentice. I was 14, she said no. I was devastated but I didn’t give up. I got myself a babysitting job and that satisfied me until I was old enough to really get a job. Art being my passion, I spent a lot of time learning about different styles. I fell in love with impressionism and decided I wanted to study art in France. I began studying French and learning the different possible ways I could travel. I tried getting into a foreign exchange program, but I found it was way more expensive than I would be able to earn. I shifted gears and focused on my art. I took every class I could in high school, received the most artistically talented award, and decided I would study art at university. Service is an important part of my life. In high school, I volunteered at the local food bank, served as a school senator, volunteered in a program that helped the students who didn’t focus on sports to gain recognition, and served in a mentorship program.

I met my love in high school and after he served a full-time service mission for our church, we got married. I received a bachelor of arts in art education, studied French, traveled to Europe, married my high school sweetheart, and started a family. My Europe experience was incredible. I lived with a French host family and taught at various locations throughout Brussels, Belgium. I had so many adventures and during the two weeks I had vacation from my teaching job, I backpacked to Western Europe. I made my way through Bruges, Paris, Versailles, London, Rome, Venice, and Geneva. I visited every museum I could find and took some incredible reference photos. Young family life was quite challenging. My spouse and I started with $2,000 in our pockets and worked hard to get scholarships and finish school while having children. After we both graduated, we moved back to Washington to live with my parents while we looked for work. My husband got a job in Washington, and we have been here ever since. My master plan was to start teaching art when I had all my kids in school, but since life doesn’t always do what is expected, I found myself needing to homeschool my four kids. I didn’t know if I would have four neurodiverse children, or how much of my time and attention they would need. I decided I could give them the support that I couldn’t afford to get them. I couldn’t get the support through the schools that they needed, and I dove in with both feet to learn everything I could about how to support them. I helped my son with speech therapy and learned all about ABA therapy to support my daughter until I was able to get an actual therapist. I’m so grateful I had the comprehension and ability to learn so much and offer support that I wouldn’t otherwise have had access to. Now the kids are older, I have two in school and two at home. This gave me a little extra time to start my art business. So, three weeks ago, I launched my art website and got into my first exhibition. I have been making art and networking on social media with all my downtime.

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

A: Through it all, I have learned how not to sweat the small stuff. Life is full of things beyond my control. Being prepared is better than worrying; I learn by and through mistakes and failures, and when I take care of myself, I have the strength I need to get through all of life’s challenges. I cannot have more time, and the only thing I truly have is the present.

Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: Feminism, to me, is believing women can be whatever and whomever they need to be. We are only limited by our goals and imagination. Feminism is embracing our ability to nurture, love, and take care of our needs.