inspires
ANRES ACISSEJ 0202 REBMETPES
alle
ELLA Inspires is an online magazine that celebrates
business and entrepreneurship. In each issue one woman will share her personal story of life, lo e, and business. 1
2
3
ON THE COVER JESSICA SERNA WARDROBE TRINA D’ELENA, TMD STYLE BOUTIQUE MAKEUP OLIVIA BELTRAN PHOTOGRAPHERS EDITH DUARTE MEREDITH MCCARTY WRITERS SUSIE ROBB JULIA MANGANARO ELLE WALSH LARA AUSTIN BUSINESS MANAGER JOHN TYRA EDITOR IN CHIEF EDITH DUARTE
EDITORIAL OFFICE 1720 Bray Central Dr. | Suite 100-U | McKinney, TX 75069 1-877-262-3552 | Hello@EllaInspires.com ELLA Inspires is published by ELLA CREATIVE MEDIA, LLC ELLA Inspires is an online magazine that celebrates business and entrepreneurship. Each month one woman will share her personal story of life, love, and business. ELLA is a modern woman; unafraid of paving her own way. She is strong despite overcoming many trials before reaching her own version of success. Subscribe to ELLA Inspires at www.ellainspires.com.
4
ELLA Inspires Magazine
Table of Contents ELLA INSPIRES MAGAZINE (SEPTEMBER 2020)
FEATURE: MY CURLY ADVENTURES BY JESSICA SERNA
PAGE 10
Jessica Serna is a full-time travel blogger who focuses on weekend getaways for the Texan traveler. She uses her platform to inspire others to live the travel lifestyle by looking local and finding magic in their own backyard. PILLOW STYLING 101 BY SUSIE ROBB
PAGE 22
Susie Robb is owner of décor shop, From: Susie, and founder of the 626 Foundation, a non-profit interior design firm that offers no cost services to families effected by tragedy. You can view her work and read more of her design tips at www.susierobb.com. B IS FOR BLOOMING BY JULIA MANGANARO
PAGE 30
Julia Manganaro is a mother of twins, teacher of music, and lover of exploring. GOT MILK? THE BEST NON-DAIRY CREAMERS REVEALED
PAGE 34
BY ELLE WALSH
Elle Walsh is the owner of The Vegan Chick Bakery in McKinney, TX and a restaurant allergen consultant. She is a wife and mother of two who loves to travel and cuddle her Chihuahua dog, Sadie. 5 SURVIVAL TIPS FOR NEW HOMESCHOOL PARENTS
PAGE 46
BY LARA AUSTIN
Lara Austin is a former kindergarten teacher who now homeschools her 3 children while helping her husband run a small heath and wellness business in their community.
ELLA Inspires Magazine
5
From the Editor Edith Duarte, Editor-in-chief
The creation of ELLA Inspires Magazine and the ELLA brand itself was the direct result of taking tiny steps forward at crucial moments. In an effort to improve the brand visibility for my then web design clients, I formed a magazine. Then, to create a unique experience for the women being featured, we formed a #beautysquad to help women look their best during their photo shoot. In order to include even more women into our mission, we started partnering with local studios and venues to host those photo shoots. After that, we reached out to local women-owned businesses to sponsor products in exchange for photography. Then, two regular columnists were asked to write columns every month. All of these tiny movements propelled us forward and formed the brand you see today. If you are reading this, you are part of a growing community of women supporting women. To the women that were featured on the covers in 2019: we admire your courage and we are thankful you trusted us with your story and your hearts. We are eager to show you what we have planned for 2020 and thank you for being part of this amazing journey! We’re only getting started.
edith 6
ELLA Inspires Magazine
PHOTO: @JOEBAKERPHOTOGRAPHY
ELLA Inspires Magazine
7
On The Cover Jessica Serna is a full-time travel blogger who focuses on weekend getaways for the Texan traveler. She uses her platform to inspire others to live the travel lifestyle by looking local and finding magic in their own backyard.
8
9
MY CURLY ADVENTURES BY JESSICA SERNA
PHOTO BY MEREDITH MCCARTY
10
I was born and raised in San Antonio! Although I always thought there was nothing to do and couldn’t wait to get out and explore the world, I’ve been a Texan my entire life. I was such a bookworm growing up. At first, I started with fiction books; eventually moving over to biographies and other nonfiction books. One particular book inspired me the most: In the story, the main character is told he would never amount to anything and was called the dumbest kid in school. His family suffered from poverty and he had no one to believe in him. One day his mom set out to change this by making him read several books a week. He learned about Geology and science and anything that would interest him. He soon rose to the top of his class and eventually went onto medical school. I was so inspired by the way his entire life was transformed by books and the way knowledge is readily available to us all by means of libraries. I learned so much from his biography; we are not forced to stay in our current life circumstances. And if we do not feel smart or good enough, there is a free solution out there. Even in high school, when I didn’t understand subject material, I would seek out a book that would help me to understand. I didn’t have exposure to what careers might be out there and available to me, so I read about everything until I found what would interest me. Even now, I use books to teach me about everything I need. My family always instilled in me a strong sense of independence. They always wanted the best for me and wanted to make sure that I was working hard to pursue those goals. Essentially, college should have been unattainable for me because of the high tuition costs. However, my family always encouraged me to find a way.
11
PHOTO BY MEREDITH MCCARTY
12
Even before high school, I was focused on doing my best to
Even though I got a full-ride scholarship, I knew the journey
get scholarships. I spent summers in math camp so I could
was not over if I wanted to land a job. I sought out a research
get ahead and to earn free college credits in high school. I
position (typically those weren’t offered to people until their
participated in as many high school extra-curricular activities
Junior year). I took extra classes to make sure I soaked up
as I could. I worked a part time job, which served to support
all the knowledge I could. During the summer, I worked
my family and save up for college. In my free time, I did
a job to pay my bills while also taking on summer classes
all the free SAT practice tests I could find. I couldn’t afford
and unpaid internships. I even graduated early and was
those expensive SAT prep courses, but I could afford the
able to take some masters classes and received a master’s
free SAT practice books at the library; I poured over every
certificate. By the time I graduated, I had multiple jobs,
single one of them. Nowadays, there is so much more free
volunteer opportunities, leadership roles, and internships
information available to us online!
under my belt. I don’t think there was any more room to fit experience in the schedule I had. I was so convinced that I
Because my parents didn’t let our situation make me feel
had what I needed to land a job!
limited, I felt empowered to seek out every opportunity possible to me. After two years of working constantly, and
S T U D Y AB R O AD
saving just about every penny from my job, I still didn’t even have enough to cover half a year’s tuition. I could have felt
One of the great and unexpected opportunities that came
downtrodden, but my family kept telling me something
with my scholarship was the chance to study abroad. As a
was out there. In the end, I received a full scholarship to a
Latina who didn’t speak Spanish, it’s been my life’s goal to
college in Dallas that changed my life.
be able to comfortably speak it (and one day spend time
However,
I
was
also
armed with backup plans if things didn’t work out.
THE Y E AR S
COLLEGE
“Because my parents didn’t let our
living in Mexico and connecting
situation make me feel limited, I
was a program to study abroad
felt empowered to seek out every opportunity possible to me. ”
more with my culture). There learning Spanish in Spain, and people
recommended
I
go
because of how cheap flights were to other countries when you’re in Europe. It was that trip
that really opened my eyes to the beauty of travel. Studying Those college years were formative for me. As part of my
abroad meant I got to live with a family and immerse myself
scholarship, I was introduced to a community of other hard-
in the culture. I was forced to speak another language.
working individuals. Even to this day, they continue to grow
With all the time I was there, I got to go beyond being
and flourish despite limiting circumstances. I was exposed
just a tourist and discovered hidden gems and places off
to different cultures, different world views, and different
the beaten path. Most guides will tell you about the most
career paths which I had never known.
popular beaches in Spain, but I can tell you about the ones where you’ll feel like you have the place all to yourself
Initially I studied Psychology. I wanted everyone to have
and some of the most beautiful waters. I returned home
access to opportunities and believe they could shape their
inspired and dreaming of traveling the world in a way that
future the way they wanted. I read books in high school,
allowed me to dig into those special spots and learn about
such as Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, that
the culture.
helped me see how important mindset was in overcoming obstacles.
ELLA Inspires Magazine
13
14
ELLA Inspires Magazine
12 STORIES COFFEE | FARMERSVILLE, TX
“I finished up school that next semester, excited for the opportunities ahead. I didn’t know how I would make travel work, but it was always in the back of my mind.”
ELLA Inspires Magazine
15
16
17
18
19
20
PHOTO BY MEREDITH MCCARTY
A DAR K P L A C E
I started applying to jobs everywhere. Yet despite all the experience I had accumulated, it still wasn’t enough. I was turned down for job after job until I started losing confidence in myself. I was working at a local coffee shop where my primary job included refilling coffee beans, taking out trash, and cleaning restrooms. While working in a coffee shop was something I enjoyed, it wasn’t part of my long-term plan. I convinced myself it was the only future I could expect for myself and spent some time in a really dark place. (Cont. pg 25)
“I convinced myself it was the only future I could expect for myself and I spent some time in a really dark place.” PHOTO BY MEREDITH MCCARTY
ELLA Inspires Magazine
21
We’ve collaborated with Texas- based designer, Laurel & Blush, to bring you pillow covers that are timeless and oh-so-chic!
Be sure to check out the new pillow collection online! www.shopfromsusie.com.
22
PILLOW STYLING 101 BY SUSIE ROBB Did you know that throw pillows are the easiest, most inexpensive way to freshen up your décor? When you’re ready to add holiday flair, switch out your throw pillows. When you’re bored with your décor, switch out your throw pillows! You can change your textiles with the seasons or keep them year-round, but their colors and patterns have so much potential to add dimension and coziness to your space! A lot of my interior design clients will buy all the throw pillows but still feel like they can’t quite style them right. Well, I want to give you my tried and true tips to make the most out of these versatile accessories and get your pillows to look like they do in the magazines! GO BIG OR GO HOME! You need to have at least two large pillows to serve as your foundation when you begin to layer accent pillows. I recommend size 22” x 22” as your base. The pillows you can stack in front of that can be 18”x18” and a smaller lumbar in front of that. However, if you try to start with smaller pillows in the back, you won’t be happy with the look. MIX TEXTURES AND PATTERNS Consider combining a leather pillow with a faux fur pillow and a patterned pillow with a solid, linen pillow. Mixing materials will add depth to your décor. Pair plaids with florals and stripes with polka dots. Just be sure to use a solid pillow in there to tie it all together. OVER STUFF YOUR PILLOWS! I always recommend buying pillow covers separate from your inserts because they store easily when you want to switch them out. You will need to buy inserts that are one size bigger than your pillow cover. This means a 22” x 22” insert for a 20” x 20” pillow cover. Just go up one size! You can find great pillow inserts on Amazon. IT”S ALL IN THE DETAILS Pillows can make a statement. They can be a pop of color and added visual interest. When you’re layering pillows, you might include one with tassels, or maybe one with embroidery. You can also play with the pillow shape. This is especially true in a kid’s room. THE FINAL CHECK Make sure the zippers are down. Hide the tags and zippers by placing those at the bottom. Fluff the pillows frequently by shaking the stuffing around and punching the filling back into the tops and corners. And don’t forget the Karate Chop! Pull the top corners of the pillow taut and then karate chop down the middle. -Susie Robb is owner of décor shop, From: Susie, and founder of the 626 Foundation, a nonprofit interior design firm that offers no cost services to families effected by tragedy. You can view her work and read more of her design tips at www.susierobb.com.
ELLA Inspires Magazine
23
24
ELLA Inspires Magazine
Meanwhile, my friends landed prestigious jobs in their respective career fields. I was afraid to report back to those who believed in me, only to have to tell them I had gotten nothing but rejections.
L I G H T AT T H E E N D O F T H E T U N N E L A little while later a friend told me about temp agencies. I was told it would be higher pay and a foot in the door, so I signed up immediately. I got a call for a job just a week later. Doing data entry for an investment company wasn’t what I had dreamed of, but it was a step in a new direction. The boost of salary and consistent hours was a start. One of the perks was that while inputting all this data I could listen to music, or in my case: podcasts and audiobooks!
“I devoured anything and everything about running a business, self-development, finance, and anything of interest that would also help me be a better person. I valued getting paid to learn.�
ELLA Inspires Magazine
25
There was even talk about growing within the investment company. I had never been exposed to this field so I never knew it was something that interested me. However, one of the biggest things that came from this was a renewed sense of self-confidence. And although I enjoyed the job, it still wasn’t what I wanted to do, and it still wasn’t perfect (the pay was under a livable wage and I came home with awful headaches every day.) I continued to apply for relevant jobs in my field. To me, education was the gateway to financial freedom; I searched for those jobs that would allow me to invest in others. One day I finally got a bite. I thank my previous job for this because I felt so much more confident walking into the interview. In previous interviews, I was desperate. This time, I knew that if I didn’t get it, there was still a job waiting for me where I could later move up. After completing the interview process, I got the job! All that hard work had finally paid off! I spent a year going on and on about how it was the perfect job and I couldn’t be happier. I finished the day with energy and looked forward to going into work every morning. (Cont p.32)
“It was a dream come true. Little did I know there was something out there bigger than I could dream up.”
26
PHOTO BY MEREDITH MCCARTY
ELLA Inspires Magazine
27
28
TMD STYLE BOUTIQUE https://trinadelena.cabionline.com/ @tmdstyleboutique
ELLA Inspires Magazine
29
Photo: Shea Perry @sheasopranox
B is for Blooming by Julia Manganaro
Before COVID, I liked my town of Albuquerque, New Mexico just fine. It had plenty of indoor trampoline parks, breweries with playhouses and Legos for your restless little ones who didn’t actually want to go.
gir lband
There were two Build-a-Bears for when you just really wanted to spend $75 on a customized stuffed animal. So many things designed for me to zone out on Instagram after a 12-hour day. B is for banality. When I was working, I always told myself I didn’t have time to go on a walk and be in nature. Quarantine made me fall in love with all of the incredible things in and around my town. One of the biggest staples of Albuquerque is the Bosque on the Rio Grande River. The word “bosque”
JULIA MANGANARO IS A MOTHER
is Spanish for “forest”. While it doesn’t look like the forest most of us are
OF TWINS, TEACHER OF MUSIC, AND
used to (large pine trees and mountainous terrain), large cottonwood
LOVER OF EXPLORING. MOM_ALL_HARD
trees and coyote willows create a haven for the almost 500 species of animals who call it home. The girls and I have frequented the bosque throughout quarantine. We have seen cranes, beavers, ducks, and their favorite: rollie pollies. We have sat by the bank as I attempted to re-learn how to interact with my children after years of working 6 days a week. We have jumped on logs and stumps, ran through paths covered by willow branches, muddied our feet, and built sandcastles. We have had dinner on a fallen tree as we watched runners huff by and ducks waddle to the water. We have cried on the long walk back to the car; their tears for tired feet, mine for a tired spirit. We have watched the sunset standing ankle deep in the water; lifting our dresses as we splashed. B is for bewildered. For years, the beauty that was all around me was second place to paying someone for entertainment. If by a miracle society goes ‘back to normal,’ I know that we won’t. There isn’t a life where I prefer a Chickfil-A play place to a forest along a mighty river. This river is our new normal, our old friend that always has something magical to show us. B is for bosque, babies, balloons, and blooming. Always blooming.
30
ELLA Inspires Magazine
Photo: Julia Manganaro
Photo: Julia Manganaro
ELLA Inspires Magazine
31
M Y C U R LY A D V E N T U R E S
Suddenly the ‘gears’ started turning, and I realized there was a potential to make my travel passion an exciting side hustle.
That passion for travel was still there. However, with a
I started digging into everything I could about blogging and
nine to five job, I couldn’t just jet set around the world. So,
social media. Just as I had learned about everything else,
instead I looked locally. I realized I could go sand surfing in
knowledge was out there if you are willing to search (although
Monahans. I enjoyed visiting our own Texas wine country in
this time in the form of posts about blogging, networking, and
Fredericksburg. I was enchanted by the English gardens in
more podcasts).
Weatherford. All of these were weekend trips that I would take two to three times a month and would post on social
I launched a blog and spent all my free hours pouring into it!
media just for fun. The thing that I did not expect was that this side hustle would Soon people started asking me about these trips and how
start taking more and more of my time. I couldn’t keep up with
I was able to travel so much. They were shocked to find we
campaigns, emails, and all the work that came along with it
had all these gems so close by. I began to gain a following
and also do my job. I had also come to a point in my job where
and then one day a bike company reached out to me and
I had completed what I needed to do and had created a solid
offered to pay me in exchange for posting about their bike.
strategy and funnel that made me feel like I wasn’t abandoning
I figured it couldn’t hurt, and sure enough, after I posted a
my job. I questioned whether or not I could still create an
picture to my Instagram, someone paid me.
impact with my job as a “Content Creator/Blogger/Influencer” or whatever you want to call it. However,
32
ELLA Inspires Magazine
“I realized I could use my platform to share my story, inspire others, share resources, and advocate for causes for which I am passionate.� (Cont. Pg. 37)
ELLA Inspires Magazine
33
Got Milk? The Best Non-Dairy Creamers Revealed by Elle Walsh Let’s talk coffee creamers! An important thing to remember
#5 nutpods Almond + Coconut Creamer (Original)
when finding the best non-dairy alternative is that not every one is created equal. It’s a game of taste and see until you
I liked that this had a very light flavor and I could still taste the
find the one that suits you. So, I picked six different non-dairy
robustness of the coffee. I did not like that the consistency was
creamers to compare. I mixed them into separate small glasses
very watery and the flavor itself was rather bland.
of iced coffee. All brands were between $2.99 and $3.99 but the cartons varied in size. I purchased every brand’s original
#4 Califia Better Half Creamer (Original)
flavor, except for one almond/coconut brand that came out with a cinnamon swirl flavored oat creamer. I thought it would
This is a coconut cream and almond milk blend. I liked that the
be interesting to compare the two different types of creamer
consistency was smooth and that the nuttiness of the almond
from the same company.
flavor was prominent. I did not like that it was very sweetened,
#6 Silk Dairy-Free Soy Creamer (Original)
sugar and 1g of saturated fat per serving.
I was surprised to find that this creamer was my least favorite,
#3 nutpods Oat Creamer (Cinnamon Swirl)
as soymilk is often my go-to creamer at cafés. I liked that this
This is an oat-based creamer. I liked that the consistency was
creamer had a smooth consistency, you got a big size for
smooth and soft, the cinnamon flavor was delicious, and it was
the money and the look resembled regular coffee creamer.
not too sweet. I did not like the overwhelming ‘oatiness’ and it
Unfortunately, the taste did not. I found it to be watery, with a
was not creamy. It looked more like a coffee with skim milk in it
sickly-sweet taste and after taste. This contains 1g of sugar and
rather than a creamer.
0.5g saturated fat per serving.
34
and the original flavor tasted like French vanilla. It contains 1g of
#2 Milkadamia Macadamia Creamer (Unsweetened) This is a macadamia nut and coconut cream blend. I like that it had a creamy and smooth texture and the consistency reminded me of regular cream. The flavor was bland compared to others, but it still tasted great.
#1 SO Delicious Organic Creamer (Original) This is a coconut-based creamer. I loved the flavor of this creamer. It did not have a coconut flavor, it was nuttier. It was creamy, soft and a little textured. Overall, it just has this great rich taste and by far was the most memorable. It contains 1g of saturated fat per serving.. THE VEGAN CHICK
I hope you get the opportunity to try these coffee creamers and
ELLE IS THE OWNER OF THE VEGAN CHICK BAKERY IN MCKINNEY, TX
experiment on your own!
AS WELL AS BEING AN ALLERGEN CONSULTANT FOR RESTAURANTS.
Don’t be afraid to try new-to-you non-dairy products!
SHE IS A WIFE AND MOTHER OF 2, WHO LOVES TO TRAVEL, BE IN NATURE AND CUDDLE HER CHIHUAHUA, SADIE.
@THEVEGAN.CHICK
35
36
Transitioning to working for myself has meant more to me
difference. So often we will work together to promote each
than I could have imagined. I’ve spent the past three years
other’s accounts or businesses, and that cross-promotion is
as a full-time travel blogger. A lot of this involves traveling
incredibly valuable!
around Texas and documenting all there is to do. I get to come back and use my social media platforms and blog
M Y AD V I C E T O W O M E N
to promote the destinations. It’s exciting to know that my blogs help people find couples getaways, family trips, and
If a woman is looking to start or grow her business, my
all types of local travels. I’ve heard all kinds of stories of
biggest advice is to just devour information; read books and
people who didn’t realize there was so much to do nearby;
listen to podcasts. Read anything and everything remotely
even surprising personal stories of the positive impact my
relevant to what you’re interested in. I spent hours listening
blog has had on their life. Along the way, I’ve also gotten to
to the - Pat Flynn, Smart Passive Income podcast - to inspire
continue to promote the causes I’m passionate about and
me and help teach me the mindset of running a business.
connect people with resources to help them achieve their
After that, I recommend looking into top business and
dreams.
financial success books. The more you read, the more certain mindsets and skills are reinforced across multiple
While travel blogging is nothing new, most bloggers were
books. Each time I read a book, I learn something new that
sharing about destinations all around the world. Many
I can apply to my life.
people working a nine to five job cannot travel to multiple countries a year, but many
W O M E N T H AT I N S P I R E M E
can travel to nearby cities. By focusing on local spots, I have been able to create a brand and product that is
“When we work together, we all grow together. ”
greatly needed for Texans.
There are so many women who have been a great influence in my life. I can’t write this without of course talking I
about
learned
the
my
mom.
power
of
resilience from her. When
L E S S O N S I L E AR N E D
I was in college, she also went to college. I watched her graduate and then grow in her career and succeed. This
There have been so many learning curves along the way.
gave me so much hope for my future. I look back and can’t
I had to learn about computer coding, how to sell myself
believe all that she gave up for me! In addition to my mom,
as a businesswoman, and how to do all the small (behind
I feel like I look up to every woman who I have encountered
the scenes) tasks involved with blogging. I’m so grateful to
in my life in some way.
all those who advised me to treat my blog as a legitimate business, hacks I didn’t think about, and how to value
I think of the girls in my scholarship group who I got to watch
myself.
succeed and how they each had a different skill that I admired.
SUPPORTING WOMEN
I think of the leaders in my community who I’ve gotten to meet who are doing incredible things; while also showing compassion
As women, it is so important to help each other out! When
and constantly finding ways to give back.
we come together, we strengthen each other’s weaknesses. There are also so many opportunities to collaborate and
I think about the ladies who I get to blog with. Each has her
I constantly watch for those. There are times when I have
own passion, her own skill, and I’m seeing them breaking
an opportunity, and rather than just holding onto those
down barriers, lifting others up, and showing the power of
for myself, I see if I can bring others into the circle. Other
collaboration.
people have done the same for me, and it makes such a
ELLA Inspires Magazine
37
If there is a woman out there who wants to be her own boss, my biggest piece of advice is to not give up. Focus on what you love and dig into that. I believe the more you focus on the passions you have, one day it will just click and come to you. When I was listening to the Passive Income podcast, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I felt so confused because I knew I wanted a side hustle, but I didn’t know what it would be. Eventually after listening to all those stories and while pursuing things I loved, it just felt like a lightbulb went off. Although I couldn’t see it, gears were turning behind the scenes that would later reveal this business. It felt like that revelation of my then-side-hustlenow-career came from nowhere. In reality, all that I had learned and listened to was building up to help me reach this conclusion. One day things will click!
MY SUPPORT SYSTEM I absolutely could not do this without my husband. The term “husbands of Instagram” is not lost on me! He is not only my biggest hype man, but he is so often working behind the scenes to help my business succeed. My mind races a million miles an hour, and he’s the one who keeps me focused and helps when things start to get overwhelming. There are times when I feel downtrodden and wonder if I made the wrong decision. Every step of the way, he reminds me why I started this, why what I do matters, and shows me how hard we’ve worked for this. I think of all the late nights he’s put in and all the things that wouldn’t have happened if he didn’t encourage me to do them. He doesn’t get enough credit for how critical he is to our business.
2 0 2 0 : O V E R C O M I N G O B S TA C L E S This past year has been full of new surprises. Being a travel blogger during a pandemic wasn’t something I had planned for. My husband and I had built out one of the most extensive travel schedules and were so excited for the progress we had made. Suddenly all of our trips had been cancelled, we were advised not to leave our house, and all of our opportunities had disappeared. Once again, I learned about the power of resilience. I looked to my community and discovered they needed budget friendly destinations.
38
BOTTLES AND BOARDS 442 MIX • MINGLE • WINE • DINE 1 0 6
M C K I N N E Y
S T
FARMERSVILLE, TX 75442
39
So, I used my newly free time to write a magazine styled book 50 Texas Trips Under $50, as a resource for those who had been financially impacted but still wanted to travel. The response has been overwhelmingly positive and really solidified the sense of community I had created with my audience.
UP NEXT It’s hard to know what’s in store next with all that has changed in 2020. I want to continue to build up local travel resources and continue to repurpose content to help those traveling in and to Texas. I also want to start adding more travel experiences and destinations in Mexico. Since it’s so close to Texas, it makes for easy getaways. I also want to use it as a chance to learn more about my culture. I hope I can share the magic of Mexico the same way I’ve gotten to share the magic of Texas. Whatever is in store, I’m excited to continue to look forward.
“I hope that others can use my story as a reminder to continue to persevere. Sometimes what’s around the corner is more than one could have ever dreamed of.”
40
PHOTO BY MEREDITH MCCARTY
41
42
43
The Murchison Honaker House is a victorian bed & breakfast offering a chic retreat space to host relaxing stays, weekend getaways, photoshoots, & creative gatherings.
The Murchison Honaker House 109 College Street. Farmersville, TX. 75442 themurchisonhonakerhouse.com
44
O U R H I S T O RY The Murchison Honaker House started as a four room home built in 1870 in the town of Farmersville, TX by Rory Murchison as a wedding present to his son who was to be wed to a Miss Like. Unfortunately, the son died before the marriage could take place. The house was then rented out until 1884 when Henry Dickenson Honaker and his wife, Mary Bain, purchased the home. It was located directly across the street from her mother, Anna Melissa Hick Bain. This home, (the Bain-Honaker House) has a historical marker and was donated to the Historical Society of Farmersville. In 1894, the Honaker family picked a home design called “The Lone Star� design, moved the original 4 room house Rory Murchison built slightly back on the property, and added the current floor plan we see today. The wrap around porch was the pride and joy, as was their children and family. Four generations of the Honaker family lived in the home until 1968. 45
5 Survival Tips For New Homeschool Parents by Lara Austin
New and different things can be overwhelming, scary and stressful (especially when unplanned). My guess is many of you are homeschooling or distance learning with your children this Fall for the first time; overwhelming to say the least. Don’t worry, because you aren’t alone! Here are my top 5 survival tips from a former-teacher-turned-homeschoolmom on how to have a ‘successful’ homeschool year. (By successful, I mean your children are learning, they are well cared for, and you all stay sane in the process).
op or online group of families with children in similar age and grade to yours. Surrounding your family with others in the same situation can be encouraging, helpful, and provide you with socialization.
Start your learning time with happy, uplifting, and
Look into several options and choose what will work best for you and your child. There are so many options when it comes to curriculums, co-ops, learning programs, help and advice for homeschooling or distance learning. So many in fact that it can be overwhelming, but please realize there is no ‘one size fits all’ way to learn. So, choose what will be the best or easiest for you as the parent to teach or facilitate. You can also keep in mind your child’s learning style and preferences when making your choices. Whichever option you choose, know it’s not set in stone for the rest of your child’s educational career. You do have the ability to change, tweak, and modify as need be.
2. Be Flexible And Give Yourself Grace Anytime you start something new, there is a learning curve and some trial and error. Remember to give yourself and your children grace; especially in the beginning. Also be prepared to be flexible. Even as a seasoned homeschool mom and former teacher, I have learned things don’t always go as planned. Some lessons may take longer, some may take less time, some lessons may flat out fail, or sometimes unexpected things may come up and you
46
If you are homeschooling or distance learning, find a co-
4. Start Your Day On A Positive Note
1. You Have Options
get nothing accomplished. It’s OKAY!
3. Find A Community
encouraging ways! Write a sweet letter to your child, read or write daily affirmations, read a devotional together, or any other positive learning activity as a family.
5. Quiet And Alone Time In the middle of your school day, take a break and be quiet for at least 30-45 minutes every day. My favorite quiet time activity for my kids is independent reading time in their favorite spot in the house. Preferably by themselves while I read or do something restful for myself. Parents, even if you just have 10 minutes of quiet and alone time, it will help recharge the rest of your day. Then, you can spend the rest of quiet time taking care of household chores or work-related items; or spend 1 on 1 time with older children. If you have young children or babies, plan to have your quiet time while they nap. --
Lara Austin is a former kindergarten teacher who now homeschools her 3 children while helping her husband run a small heath and wellness business in their community.
ELLA Inspires Magazine
47
48
49
ADVERTISE
inspiring stories of powerhouse women
WHO ARE WE? ELLA Inspires Magazine is an independent magazine for professional women based in Dallas, TX. Each feature follows the story of one inspiring woman in business. We market to affluent, professional women and entrepreneurs living in the Dallas metroplex.
90%
Ads in magazines stimulate reader interest, prompting them to take further action such as visiting the company’s web site or calling in for more information.
Female Audience
4.4K
SUBSCRIBE
Instagram + Facebook
1.5K Website Visitors
1-877-262-3552 1720 Bray Central Dr. Ste 100-U. McKinney, TX 75069 www.ellainspires.com 50
ELLA Inspires Magazine
"ELLA Inspires features women who are inspirational because of what they have accomplished professionally, how they have encouraged others, and how they have supported other women. Each issue is beautifully pulled together, and leaves you feeling motivated and restored. Highly recommend for all women at any stage of their life!" Heather Abshier
ELLA Inspires Magazine
51
the 'ville studio
A natural light studio for photographers & creatives
204 McKinney Street. Farmersville, TX. 75442 thevillestudio
52
