Tag Archive for: Inspiration

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International Women’s Day x Goldfaden MD

March 8 is International Women’s Day—and this year’s theme is #ChooseToChallenge. The Goldfaden MD team talked to five incredible women who are navigating life’s challenges: juggling building businesses and finding time to take care of themselves.  We asked them about their own personal challenges and how they find balance, inspiration, and most of all, support (with a little skincare sprinkled in).

ALICIA EASTER:

This year’s theme for IWD is #ChooseToChallenge. What does that mean to you? 

Allowance. We always have the right to change our mind, grow, set boundaries which allow us to be our full, loving, and honest selves. Too often as women we play small in order to be understood while neglecting the very important component of innerstanding ourselves, first. As long as we know our core intention and is not causing harm to ourselves or the collective, then do you! I like to say, “Stay Brave in Your Pursuit of Joy!” 

Who/What/Where do you look for inspiration and support? 

First and foremost I look to God, my mother, and teachings of Yoga. I am inspired by humans who choose everyday to put one foot in front of the other and not give up. I am inspired by my own journey as an entrepreneur, teacher, daughter, sister, friend and who I yet to become. I could have made the decision to quit on life a long time ago, but I didn’t, and for that I will always keep God first and believe in myself to follow the path He laid out for me. I am constantly inspired by all the elements: earth, sky, fire, air, and water. I might sound a little woo, but I no longer require much to fill my cup and to be inspired. If I get to wake up to a new new day, look at God, what a beautiful gift!  Anything after that, dear friends, are all excellent bonuses…my work, family, friends, students, clients and my beloved teachers. 

What is your hero Goldfaden MD product?

I mean, do I have to only pick one?! Well, I love Bright Eyes, FLEURESSENCE, and the Doctors Scrub but GFMD really does make magic in their products. Do y’all use Baby Unicorn Tears of Overflow, or something?! LOL!

AMBI SITHAM: 

This year’s theme for IWD is #ChooseToChallenge. What does that mean to you?

Honing in on the causes closest to my heart and supporting these through donations, raising awareness, and fighting the good fight. There are many causes that I support, but one that I feel deeply  connected to is that of maternal mortality. The data exposes the racial and economic disparities that mean so many women unnecessarily die during pregnancy or childbirth, or suffer tremendously in the post-partum period. As a new Mom, I feel passionately about this and support a variety of organizations whose mission is to make pregnancy and giving birth an equitable process and making post-partum care accessible for all women, both across the world and here in the USA.

I am also choosing to challenge myself to become more financially literate. Although I am well educated in many ways, I feel I missed out on this vital component that would have better equipped me to deal with some of life’s challenges. I feel that all women can be empowered by having true financial literacy and this is fundamental to achieving equality. While I am engaging in this process myself, I am also supporting organizations that help women all over the world to do the same.

Who/What/Where do you look for inspiration and support?

My Mom and my sister in law are pretty amazing strong women who inspire me with their feats and my  Mother in law is one of the most compassionate people I have ever met. I feel lucky to be able to look to my family for both inspiration and support. Also, my close girlfriends. From my childhood friends of 30 plus years to strong friendships I have formed since moving to LA., I am grateful to be both inspired and supported by my tribe in our collective mission to do good and bring justice and equality to our world in our own unique ways.

What is your hero Goldfaden MD product?

Ah, it’s hard to name just one but I cannot live without the Facial Detox mask. It is a must in both my skin and self-care regime!

Mariah K. LYONS:

This year’s theme for IWD is #ChooseToChallenge. What does that mean to you?

#ChooseToChallenge to me means having the courage to think, act and create differently than in the past or what you might have been taught. It is challenging the status quo and choosing to create your own path and life. It might always be easy, but it’s always worth it. 

Who/What/Where do you look for inspiration and support?

Nature is my constant inspiration and support. 

What is your hero Goldfaden MD product?

Plant Profusion Night Creme (my absolute favorite creme I’ve ever tried!)

SHANNON SOLLER:

#ChoosetoChallenge- What does that mean to you?

For me, #Choosetochallenge is the continual reminder as a female founder, wife, mother, daughter that as women we must never stop pushing boundaries,  calling out inequities when we see them, thriving to continue to educate ourselves and empower our children to become informed about making a positive change in our world. I’m personally involved with advocating for Dyslexia and Literacy being a basic civil right for all. 1 and 5 people are dyslexic and yet children are not being taught to read in schools. It is my mission to raise awareness, and advocate for those without a voice. 

Who/What/Where do you look for inspiration and support?

This past year has challenged us all in more ways that any thought possible. I am so grateful for the neighborhood I live in and the diverse group of women who have become my closest friends. Aside from being able to literally borrow an egg from my neighbors, these women have become my rocks and support system as we aim to raise mindful children, navigate marriage, keep our mental health in check and provide each other the overall fuel to get these trying times.

 What is your hero Goldfaden MD product?

I am a huge fan of so many Goldfaden products but my personal hero product is the Fresh-A-Peel Mask. The Lactic acid and fruit enzymes work in 2 minutes flat. My skin feels smoother, brighter and my pores clearer. I wish I had more time to mask and pamper myself and this product gives me that perfect glow every time!

WHITNEY TINGLE:

This year’s theme for IWD is #ChooseToChallenge. What does that mean to you?

It’s both important and powerful to challenge the views of others — and of ourselves. During this time of reflection, we are both looking at ourselves, the beliefs we carry out into the world, as well as the beliefs we are holding about ourselves.  At Sakara, we believe in challenging these limiting beliefs on a daily basis. The mind is a funny thing, often telling us we’re not good enough (not smart enough, pretty enough, thin enough, rich enough, whatever enough). But when we are able to move past these fears and insecurities, and embrace ourselves, there we are able to uncover our true power. Though it can be difficult, we each have the ability to choose the thoughts we think. And to challenge any thoughts that aren’t serving us. Believing in ourselves is the first step for each of us to start shining our lights a little brighter. And when we’re all shining our brightest lights, we light up the world for others. So, in this year’s theme, we are choosing to challenge our own thoughts and beliefs, and hope others join us in doing so as well. We each hold the power to transform, to make an impact, and create change–  it all starts within. 

Who/What/Where do you look for inspiration and support?

Finding support is crucial — especially as a new mama. I feel blessed to have an incredible group of women around me – both personally and professionally– who I look to for inspiration and support on a daily basis. Professionally, Sakara’s Leadership Team is composed of 9 women, all who are mothers as well. I was actually the last in the group to become a mother (just gave birth last fall), so I look to them for inspiration and advice on how to hold both roles of Mom and businesswoman.  This group has shown me how we can rework the “typical” culture for working mothers by showing empathy and compassion for each other as we all balance family life and work. And show each other that it is absolutely possible to be both hardworking and nurturing. They truly are an amazing group of individuals, who inspire me every day to be a better mother and entrepreneur!

What is your hero Goldfaden MD product?

My favorite Goldfaden MD products are the Doctor’s Scrub and Firm Believer – I’m obsessed! I’m a new mama and am busier than ever, so as of late, my ideal form of self care is taking 10 minutes at the end of the day to wind down and do a full skincare and body care routine. Both products leave my skin feeling so nourished and hydrated and it’s such a nice way to wind down at the end of the day.

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Female Founder: Nikki Bostwick, Founder / Editor-in-Chief of The Fullest Magazine 

Name:
Nikki Bostwick, Founder / Editor-in-Chief of The Fullest Magazine
What are you most passionate about (what excites you the most – content)?
I love content that has me stretching my mind — rethinking my current beliefs and keeping me open to new possibilities and ways of thinking. This is just as important when speaking about or reading up on health and wellness, as it is on politics.
What inspired you to create The Fullest?
The Fullest was created out of a need to share content that inspires readers to stay balanced, consistent, and live a well-rounded life. We want to empower others to be more mindful of the media they consume. I noticed that most platforms were filled with click bait headlines, branded content not aligned with their mission or the interests of their audience, and meaningless information that filled up the precious space in our heads. The Fullest was created in an attempt to bring integrity back to media by producing intentional content with a holistic approach to everyday topics.
What does your typical Beauty Routine look like?
I am big on face oil right now. It has truly changed my skin from the inside out. In the morning I use a hot washcloth to exfoliate my skin, and an oil based serum to hydrate prior to applying makeup. I use Vapour Makeup for foundation, cheek stain, and mascara. And in the evening I take my makeup off by using an oil cleanser, wiping it all off with a hot wash cloth. Lastly, I apply the oil serum again and keep it on for the night.
A big part of my routine is also taking salt baths — pink salt, baking soda, and a few drops of essential oils. I aim to do this a couple times per week, but especially after flying to help me unwind, de-puff, and detox from the airplane radiation!
What motivates you on a daily basis?
I’m motivated from an internal desire to continue learning, growing, and striving towards living a more full, well-rounded life. I am inspired by my husband, my family, and our team at The Fullest. I’m motivated to continue tapping into our creativity to produce genuine content.
How do you balance life and keep wellness top-of-mind?
Wellness is just a part of my day to day life. It’s a priority for me. I know that in order to feel great about myself and have the energy I need to spend time with my loved ones and run a business, I need to take good care of myself. That includes setting aside time to go on daily walks, practice yoga, and do acupuncture to help my stress levels and overall energy. Wellness is what keeps me balanced and enables me to live a full life.
Biggest pregnancy craving?
Organic raspberries and blueberries. I basically smell them at the store and leave with boxes of each. It’s a craving that has stuck with me from the beginning. My body is definitely getting in those antioxidants!
 What was the last book you read?
I read Your Baby, Your Way by Jennifer Margulis. It was a comprehensive look at the protocols behind pregnancy and childbirth. I loved it because it empowers us to make our own decisions regardless of what is routine in our hospitals and our culture. I highly recommend it to anyone planning to give birth or raise children!
Perfect day… is?
My answer to this question is always changing. As a pregnant woman, I would say my perfect day is a long morning walk by the beach with my husband and our dog, a pilates class, relaxing with a book, and ending the night with a salt bath. There’s nothing sweeter than taking time to relax!
When you need to destress what is your go to?
The first thing I do is listen to Kundalini mantras. That puts me back into a place where I can reconnect with myself and move from a place of fear, judgement, and anxiety to a sense of being supported by the universe and knowing that things will work out the way they are supposed to.
What is your favorite room in your home?
I love our living room because it’s a great big room where our kitchen, dining room, living room, and patio is connected. It’s nice because you can do your own thing but still be in each other’s company — whether it’s just my husband and I, or with our family and friends.
Favorite Interview?
Diane Sawyer and Whitney Houston. It was intense, genuine, and refreshing. And where we learned the term “show me the receipts.” (Which always comes in handy.)
Where does your inspiration come from?
It’s something internal that is alive within myself, and amplified when I go to a contemporary art museum, travel, learn about ancient rituals and healing modalities, and mostly when I see others protesting for their basic rights as individuals all across the world.
First thing you do when you wake up, is?
Drink two cups of room temperature water and take the dog out!
Last thing you do before you go to sleep, is?
Read a few pages of my book without falling asleep. I’m getting better at this!
Any tips/advice for people looking to start their own business that you’ve learned along the way?
It can be a hard, lonely road. It looks glamorous, but it’s also taxing, tests your confidence, involves many late nights, losing sleep over decisions that can make or break your company and all your hard work, and affect others that have taken a chance by coming to work for you and alongside you. The list goes on and on.
That being said however, it is also the most fulfilling and rewarding experience. It’s inspiring to see others jump along to join and support you in going after your vision — to have the opportunity to create something that might outlive you. And to tap into your creativity and learn more about yourself than you would ever have known. My advice is to surround yourself with people who genuinely want the best for you, who believe in you, and who will be there for you to bounce ideas off of. Go for it. Because its better to try than wonder “what if?”.
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Highlights from Art Basel week

Art Basel has been touted as the most prestigious art show in the world. Located in Miami, Florida, the fair brings together more than 200 leading galleries from across the globe and showcases over 2,000 pieces of the most influential modern and contemporary art. The exibiting galleries feature highly curated work by both renowned artists and also cutting-edge newcomers on the art scene. The show is such an experience for art lovers alike, fashion aficionado’s and artists themselves (the people watching is absolutely incredible – you have got people from every end of the earth all on a small island for four days – the most beautiful fashion, specs and shoes – can you imagine?!?!) because the fair showcases the most sought after rare and distinguished museum pieces and also new trends/developments in the modern and contemporary art circuit.

Being the 12th year, I have seen this show grow in big ways every year. I make it a point to always be in Miami during this week; it’s definetely my favorite week there – filled with a so much energy from basel-ites that are all rushing to spend their moola on the most coveted piece of art being displayed!  This year, there was a tremendous emphasis on highlighting the works of the very talented street artists (Banksy + Shepard Fairey + Invader, to name a few). Wynwood walls, an area in Wynwood, Miami where murals by renowned street artists have covered the walls of the Wynwood Walls complex since 2009, and to create more canvases and bring more artists to the project, Tony, the founder and visionary, opened the Wynwood Doors in 2010 with 176 feet of roll-up storefront gates. The painted exteriors and interiors of the doors reveal a portrait gallery. Murals have also been commissioned for Outside the Walls through 2011, in key locations outside the park itself. LISTEN UP: If you have not already seen the film, Exit Through The Gift Shop, do yourself a favor a rent this movie tonight. It will really change your outlook of how you look for and appreciate art outside of the “typical” gallery.

The infamous work by Banksy, arguably the most well known of the street artists, was displayed all throughout ART MIAMI (also one of my favorite show’s this year). Shepard Fairey, an graphic designer/illustrator who emerged from the skateboarding scene, most known for OBEY and the Barack Obama “HOPE” poster, also had a lot of his political and controversial work at Basel this year. His “POWER” piece is my favorite – part Warhol, part political, represents populism and emPOWERment.
Art is always so subjective and expresses such deep meanings woven throughout the work. This sounds so cliche, but all art is beautiful in some way, shape, form or another – even the freaky rat peeing into a scull. What moves you? I am already counting down the days until December 2013 so that I can get my high-energy art fix once again.
xx

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