ELLA Inspires (December 2020) by ELLA Inspires Magazine

PHOTO: CORTNEY DANI PHOTOGRAPHY

IN THIS ISSUE ON THE COVER TIFFANY HENDRA WARDROBE STYLIST TRINA D’ELENA, TMD STYLE BOUTIQUE MAKEUP ARTIST VERONICA VERDAGUER, STYLES BY VERO HAIR STYLISTS COLE MOORE, TONI & GUY SARAI GONZALEZ, TONI & GUY PHOTOGRAPHERS EDITH DUARTE, ELLA INSPIRES MAGAZINE CORTNEY HOSTIN, CORTNEY DANI PHOTOGRAPHY VIDEOGRAPHER BESS MCCULLOCH, BESS OPHELIA FILMS CONTRIBUTORS SUSIE ROBB ELLE WALSH LUCIA MORENO BUSINESS MANAGER JOHN TYRA EDITOR IN CHIEF EDITH DUARTE

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. ELLA Inspires is published by ELLA CREATIVE MEDIA, LLC. Read past issues of ELLA Inspires at www.ellainspires.com.

ELLA Inspires Magazine

Table of Contents ELLA INSPIRES MAGAZINE (DECEMBER 2020)

FEATURE: CULTIVATING COURAGE BY TIFFANY HENDRA

PAGE 10

Tiffany Hendra is a wife, tv personality, empowerment life coach and founder of The Coaching Sanctuary™. Whether it is one-onone with clients, as host of #SOTHRIVE, a season one star on Real Housewives of Dallas, or on social media -- her mission is to help women live their most lit up and confident lives.

MINDSET REMODELING 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.

MUJERES APOYANDO MUJERES BY LUCIA MORENO

PAGE 28

Lucia Moreno is Venezuelan and a passionate Digital Strategist. She is the mother of a 10-year-old vegetarian girl and co-founder of Bossladies Rocking; a community for Latina entrepreneurs. She is an enthusiastic Spanglish content creator.

COOKING VEGAN ON A BUDGET BY ELLE WALSH

PAGE 36

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.

ELLA Inspires Magazine

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 and 2020: 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 2021 and thank you for being part of this amazing journey! Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re only getting started. ---

Edith Duarte, Editor-in-chief

ELLA Inspires Magazine

PHOTO: @PHOTO.GRAPHY_BY_ABBY

ELLA Inspires Magazine

On The Cover Tiffany Hendra is a wife, tv personality, empowerment life coach and founder of The Coaching Sanctuary™. Whether it is one-on-one with clients, as host of #SOTHRIVE, a season one star on Real Housewives of Dallas, or on social media -- her mission is to help women live their most lit up and confident lives. tiffanyhendra

PHOTO: CORTNEY DANI PHOTOGRAPHY

Cultivating Courage FEATURE BY TIFFANY HENDRA

I was born and raised in a lower middle-class town on the

Back then people smoked, chewed tobacco, drank beer, but

East side of Houston, TX; my younger sister and I were

went to church every single Sunday.

born to two hard working ‘salt-of-the-earth’ parents. When I think back to my childhood and where I grew up, many

FAI T H

mixed emotions arise. But ultimately, I feel a deep sense of

My mom worked as the church secretary throughout our

gratitude.

childhood. Much of our family activities revolved around My folks were high school sweethearts, got married at the

the church and varied from summer camps to learning the

age of 20, had me at the age of 21, and are still married

piano. I even led a youth group band and attempted to

today. My statuesque mom, with model cheekbones, is from

sing on occasion. (Now, I definitely leave the singing to my

a Czechoslovakian background and aptly called ‘Rocki.’ She

hubby! Not my strong suit.) My heart is full of gratitude for

truly is the ‘rock’ of our family! My dad, Glen, was born in

the humble beginnings and for the deep sense of faith my

Japan to an American soldier and Japanese mother and they

mother instilled in us early on. Regardless of my exciting

moved to Texas when he was 5. My first home was in a trailer

global adventures, I always remember and appreciate where

park, complete with a tire swing and plenty of yard to run

I came from. Like everyone, I faced challenges as a child, but I

around in. It was the perfect setting for this precocious little

choose to focus on the wonder and magical moments of my

tomboy. It was not in my nature to sit still long and I wanted

childhood. For years, I played the victim and blamed everyone

to be outdoors exploring, playing with bugs, or playing sports

else for my circumstances. As Dr. Dyer said, ‘Change the way

with the boys. Channelview was a small town mixed with a

you look at things and the things you look at change.’

suburbia feel where everyone knew everyone.

ELLA Inspires Magazine

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would not be the woman I am today without both the dark and the light, the struggles and the victories, the scarcity and the abundance, the fear and the courage.â&#x20AC;?

Aside from instilling faith, my parents instilled a strong work

we would help her in her garden, play in her makeup, learn

ethic in me, for which I am immensely grateful. My parents

to cook, clunk around in her special occasion heels and she

retired a few years ago and it’s mind-blowing that my dad

even taught us origami. I can remember always wanting to

worked at the same place for 44 years. My mom worked at

play ‘school’ in Memaw’s guest bedroom with my sister and

the church for about 15 years then was at her next job for 25

cousins, but I always had to be the teacher. I would create

years. That’s unheard of these days! My mom would wake up

worksheets for them to fill out then I would grade them. I’m

an hour before my dad to read her Bible, drink her coffee and

sure my cousins hated it, but they would appease me! It’s so

apply her makeup to start the day peacefully. The importance

interesting that a huge part of my life’s work now is about

of a morning routine is something I have adopted as an adult

being a teacher. Now, I encourage my clients who are feeling

and share with my coaching clients and community. I rarely

‘stuck’ to reflect on the things that lit them up when they were

heard my parents complain about having to work and can’t

little.

remember my dad ever taking any sick days. It’s in my DNA to work hard and had the entrepreneurial spirit early on. As

It’s crucial to our well-being and empowering as an adult to

a teen, I loved babysitting for all the families in our church. At

continue nurturing our inner ‘little girl.’

the age of 14, I started my first little business creating signs and T-shirt logos for small companies. Later, I was awarded

My other grandmother, Betty Jo, was a tall, loud, opinionated,

an art scholarship to

and sarcastic woman who was

attend

never seen without a cigarette

college;

then

two years later I was given the opportunity to

travel

through

modeling. I grabbed my passport and jumped on the plane with an inner confidence that travel and seeing the world would be my

“That trip opened my young

between her Estee Lauder

eyes to the greater world beyond

#soextra, yet multi-faceted and

my small town and sparked my passion for travel. I knew one day I had to eat beignets in Paris.”

university!

fuchsia painted nails. She was multi-talented! Grandma had an extraordinary green thumb and made an art out of growing African Violets. She was also a talented knitter and all the women in our family have at least one beautiful tablecloth, blanket, or shawl knitted by

A L E G A C Y O F C R E AT I V I T Y

her. I’m giggling as I write this; reminiscing on our sleep overs, playing Uno at her kitchen table, watching her wave away her

Slumber parties at either grandma’s house were the absolute

cigarette smoke. She had an old green parrot named Johnny

highlight of my childhood! We never ever had a babysitter. It

who talked up a storm and sounded just like my Grandma.

was such a blessing to live only ten minutes from both diverse

You didn’t know if it was her calling you from the other side of

sets of grandparents. Hannah, my Japanese grandmother

the house or if it was the bird. I’m positive I got my obsession

we lovingly called Memaw, would make us the most unique

with road trips, bold jewelry and bright colors from her! At

combinations of foods. Even though she filled her sushi

the age of 8, Grandma Betty Jo took me on my first out of

rolls with bologna, Kraft cheese and cucumber slices, we still

state road trip through Louisiana and Mississippi. Seems like

dipped them in soy sauce and ate them with chop sticks. She

it was yesterday sitting with her in the French Quarter eating

was a tiny thing; weighing only about 85 lbs and standing 5’

beignets with powdered sugar all over my face. We have a

tall. She wanted so desperately to be Texan that she always

legacy of creativity, artistry, exploration, imagination, cooking,

wore a pair of Wranglers. Back in Japan, Memaw was a mega-

and appreciation for nature in our family. Memaw Hannah

talented seamstress and designer. She would create us the

and Grandma Betty Jo truly shaped the woman I am today,

most beautiful eyelet Easter dresses and taught me how to

and I am so appreciative for having strong matriarchs pave

use a sewing machine. Going to her house on the weekends

my way.

sparked such creativity in all the cousins. We were all girls so

ELLA Inspires Magazine

She was a disciplined, nurturing athlete that wore pink floral dresses and stood boldly in her feminine power. Aside from admiring my mom and both of my grandmothers, one of the first mentors I looked up to was my basketball and cheerleading coach, Bonnie. She was an independent, striking, tall, brunette with a wicked sense of humor. I spent my first two years of high school at our church’s private school where Bonnie was a teacher and coach. Bonnie spoke life into me and listened to what I had to say. At those important teenage years, I’m so grateful I had a mentor and coach who saw me and heard me. One summer, Bonnie drove a van full of giggling cheerleaders from Houston to Dallas for our big NCA cheerleading camp. I will never forget how she made our small-town, private school squad, feel like we were as important as the big public school cheer teams. She made sure we all had the cutest matching practice outfits for each day of camp. Now, as I mentor women, it’s my deepest intention to always make them feel important, to feel seen and heard.

ELLA Inspires Magazine

Around 15, my mom allowed me to enter a model search at the

When I booked a gelato commercial in Milan (which we filmed in

local mall. A mall model search sounds so cliché, but it was my a gorgeous Italian Castle in Lake Como), it fueled my acting bug path; Neal Hamil, the head of the modeling agency in Houston, even more and set my sights on moving to Hollywood. Quickly, hand-picked me out of the bunch and signed me. Immediately, I landed one of the best agents, booked prestigious modeling I began working for local Houston newspapers, catalogs and gigs, and fell into TV hosting. Hosting was not something commercials. My mom would have to drive me all over town for

I had ever thought of, but it came easy to me because I was

castings and bookings. I loved every second until a scout from a self-deprecating, quick witted, and could improv. When you Japanese agency said that although they liked my Eurasian look, are running from yourself and the pain of feeling validated by I was too tan and my thighs were too big and muscular.

your looks, you become a pro at keeping the trauma buried, numbing it, and staying extremely busy. I was always either in

That was the beginning of my journey with body dysmorphia the gym, on a photo shoot, television production set, or a club which led to several years of disordered eating. A once confident on the Sunset Strip. child quickly became a young woman with an internal battle of low self-esteem. Then, my junior year of high school, the battle became even more destructive. My small private high school closed so I had to attend a much larger public school. I was a #fishoutofwater. One Friday night, after a football game, I was sexually assaulted by a football player. Let’s call it was it is -- rape. Being the perfectionistic ‘good girl’ that I was, I buried it and kept it all a secret until I was 31 years old. After that, self-loathing and low self-esteem became my new ‘modus operandi’ and set me on a path to becoming a chameleon and disconnecting from my true nature. Wearing this metaphorical mask ensured I appeared ‘perfect’ externally to the world of modeling, but internally I was slowly dying. Not only was I an actress on the job, but I began to put on an act in real life. I felt shame, anger, confusion, which led to abusing alcohol in order to numb myself; which eventually led to drugs. This church youth group leader quickly down spiraled into someone she no longer recognized. My modeling career was both a blessing and a burden. I had this deep drive to see the world and get out of my small town and modeling was the vehicle for that dream. It’s such a gift to have been around the world several times over. I may have never had the opportunity to see the Eiffel tower, hike the German Alps,

“II was over-worked, exercising too much, starving, bingepurging, dating toxic men, and abusing drugs and alcohol. The once artistic, free spirited little girl was committing a slow suicide.”

drive on the autobahn, shop in Singapore, and snorkel with Manta Rays in Belize.

ELLA Inspires Magazine

PHOTO: CORTNEY DANI PHOTOGRAPHY

“Please God, don't let me die.”

ELLA Inspires Magazine

PHOTO: CORTNEY DANI PHOTOGRAPHY

I was becoming addicted to opiates and mixing the pills (or crushing the pills and snorting them) with alcohol on a daily basis. That secret I had buried could no longer stay hidden or it was going to kill me. Then in the Spring of 2002, at the age of 31, it all came crashing down on a bathroom floor in West Hollywood. That night, I had to get high just to go to the movies with friends. Afterward, alone in my apartment, a horrific pain came over my stomach like a 100 hot daggers. I saw stars and couldn’t breathe. The sweat wouldn’t stop pouring from my limp body! I blacked out and woke up with my face against the cool tile of the bathroom. Not knowing how long I was out, when I came to the first thing I thought was ‘I do not want to die on this old, dirty bathroom floor. This cannot be the way I go out!’ I prayed for the first time in over a decade. One simple prayer, ‘God, please don’t let me die.’ I began to weep and felt a peace come over me, but my stomach was still cramping. I thought about calling a girlfriend but didn’t want to bother anyone so late. This dark ‘rock bottom’ moment was a gift; not only was I reintroduced to myself, but God also met me on that floor. This is when my long heroes journey began. It was time to surrender, to figure out who I was again, and to nurture that girl. It was time to reconnect to my Higher Power and honor that presence in my life. Now, what was I going to do with this second chance I had been given? It was time to get off that bathroom floor and commit to doing some hard work. I remain a ‘work in progress.’ While I am perfectly imperfect, I no longer live in the prison of buried shame. This is my deep desire for all women to experience and live in that freedom! (Cont p.25)

ELLA Inspires Magazine

Before After

Mindset Remodeling BY SUSIE ROBB Do you have a home that needs some TLC? Maybe for you it’s

keep going. You won’t go back to the way things used to be,

needed renovating since the day you moved in. You had high you’re now committed to manifesting what you want. Bumps hopes for the outdated kitchen, didn’t you? “We can knock out in the road during personal development can look like losing this wall and build a new island here,” you told yourself. “We’ll motivation, wanting to give up, or unexpected life events. The just take down that wallpaper and paint it a nice neutral,” you same is true for a remodel. We can’t always predict what trouble thought. But as the months turned into years and life threw

we might run into, but when we hit that snag, we just have to

its curves, that kitchen remodel never did get done and that keep going and adjust whatever needs to be adjusted. wallpaper is still up. Now you find yourself making excuses like, “Oh, it’s not so bad. I just hide that broken tile with this rug, and I’ve joked that interior designers often serve as marriage we just don’t open that cabinet door cause the hinge is broken…”

counselors. Tensions can get extremely high when working with

You want to make the change; you’ve created the vision boards couples on a home renovation. Many times, I have had to be a (Ie. Pinterest boards) and you promise yourself you’re starting mediator to remind the couple what the goal is and how we can on it soon, but the truth is, every time you look at that room you get there. The same is probably true for your personal trainer or hate it and you just can’t seem to start (or finish).

life coach. Sometimes we all need a little helping hand to push through, but when it’s all said and done, the most common

As a designer I’m amazed at how long people will live with spaces phrase I hear from my clients is “why didn’t we do this sooner?” they don’t like. And the reason they don’t change, is not always When the final product is revealed you forget all the pains financial. Sometimes they’ve gotten really comfortable with the you might have experienced during the process. You couldn’t space and sometimes they are afraid of change (no matter how

really envision this before, but now that it’s here you are just so

much it’s needed). Remodeling is a lot like our relationship with excited! The same is true for before and after photos of your ourselves. We get really motivated at first to make the changes

physical transformations or that feeling when you’ve reconciled

we need to and then when it’s time for the rubber to hit the with that estranged relative. It’s worth it. The work is always road, we settle back into what we’ve known. Remodeling does worth it. require a financial investment, but the principles are the same. If you want something bad enough, you’ll make it happen. You’ll I would encourage anyone who is stuck living in spaces that go get the bids, you’ll set money aside, you’ll hire a professional they just can’t stand to finally reach out and get some bids. Start (if you are not confident in your design choices); but you’ll saving and invest in creating a home that you’re going to love invest your time and your money into creating what you keep and take pride in. That same feeling of accomplishment and joy dreaming about.

will spill over into other areas of your life! If you want to make a change in your personal life, I suggest you start investing in

The parallels to our relationship with ourselves only continue that too. Don’t be afraid. One day you won’t remember what it throughout the remodeling process. When you start a new was like in that old kitchen or in that old mind set. You’ll look at workout regimen or you begin to see a counselor, oftentimes

photographs from the past and think, “Gosh, how did we ever

things get worse before they get better. You’re working towards live like that.” change and you’ve got to look at the mess for what it is. You’ve got to clean out the cabinets so you can demo them, much like

you’ve got to face the traumas you’re trying to overcome. When

Susie Robb is owner of décor shop, From: Susie, and founder of

working with homeowners, so often I see the look of dread when the 626 Foundation, a non-profit interior design firm that offers demolition has started, and the space is a complete wreck! They

no cost services to families effected by tragedy. You can view

often wonder, “Was this a good idea?” The idea of not being her work and read more of her design tips at www.susierobb. able to turn back sometimes overwhelms them, but when the com. demo has started it’s truly too late to go back. I suggest you use -this point of no return as just that! Draw a line in the sand and P H O T O S : C O R T N E Y D A N I P H O T O G R A P H Y

ELLA Inspires Magazine

The Entertainer Being in front of the camera, photography or video, has always been something that came natural to me. I admit-- I was a total ham! (Well, actually --- I am STILL a ham.) Thinking back, it probably all started really young because my dad had a nice Canon camera and we weren’t shy about wanting him to take our pic. When I was 14, my first boyfriend was an aspiring photographer and was always taking my photos. We would create “sets” and I would style myself to look like the latest Elle or Vogue magazine cover. I became obsessed with magazines and still collect them to this day! There are boxes in my parent’s attic filled with magazines from my teen years. Actually, as a graphic artist in college, my goal was to move to NYC and work for a magazine.

“II was destined to be in the ads and photos, not design them.” I so admire Edith, the founder and editor of ELLA Inspires Magazine, because it takes tremendous work to create this piece of art in book form month after month.

THE SPOTLIGHT There are so many pros and cons to living in the spotlight, but I choose to view it as an opportunity to use my voice to help those who feel they don’t have a voice and share my journey and platform for inspiring others. It wasn’t until my experience with Real Housewives of Dallas, that I truly learned BOTH the destructive power of being under a microscope and the wonderful opportunities it can bring. One of the aspects I find the most difficult is people wanting and expecting so much from you, your time and attention. As an empath and former people pleaser, I’ve had to learn the power of healthy boundary setting and unapologetically saying ‘no.’ For my spiritual and mental health, I have set ‘no phone zone’ timeframes for myself on the weekends and evenings. But I am destined to do what I do, and it all comes with some sacrifice. The negatives are part of it, so I choose not to really see them as negatives at this point. I’m an open book and choose to share my life in order to be a billboard for God’s love so when you ‘put it all out there’ -- you’ve got to expect there will be some backlash and resistance. In the past, I wanted everyone to like me and was addicted to approval. (Cont p.31)

ELLA Inspires Magazine

PHOTO: CORTNEY DANI PHOTOGRAPHY

ELLA Inspires Magazine

PHOTO: CORTNEY DANI PHOTOGRAPHY

M U J E R E S

A P O Y A N D O

MUJERES by Lucia Moreno

There you are scrolling through Instagram again, wishing

Recognize, support, and motivate other ladies (like you

you lived someone else’s life. Don’t you think your talent

and I) because we are all fighters. Hay muchas maneras de

and personality are enough? Let tell you something: TU

crecer; las hay mas rápidas o mas lentas, de estas yo escogí

ERES INCREIBLE.

LLEGAR LEJOS.

So many women are constantly fighting with their owns

Cuando se trata de proyectos o negocios hay quienes

complexes, and most of the time just ignoring their potential

prefieren trabajar en solitario, se consideran mucho

and virtues. You have so many reasons to shine.

mas eficientes y hasta cierto punto tienen razón. Pero existe un trasfondo que va mucho mas allá, se trata de la

It’s time to recognize other women as allies, not enemies.

colaboración.

It is super common these days to watch ladies competing and criticizing each other. Stop ladies. Our goal is always to

Collaboration means ‘you give what you have so that others

be a better version of ourselves. Anything that divides and

can grow and then they can help you grow too.’

lacks a sense of collaboration is beneath the first rule of

Bossladies:

At the end of the day, we all win. Isn’t that the point? This

“Una Una Bosslady reconoce, apoya y motiva a otra.”

month with a powerful message for us: we are not alone anymore. Kimala Harris, the first female vice president of the United States, said “Our unity is our strength, and our diversity is our power. We reject the myth of ‘us’ vs. ‘them.’ We are in this together.” It is a new era and I am certain good things are coming! It’s time for bigger and better collaborations among women. ¡Vamos mujeres!

ELLA ELLA Inspires Inspires Magazine Magazine

ELLA Inspires Magazine

But now there is a greater purpose for being in the spotlight and I embrace all of it - the good, the bad, the ugly, the blessings and the burdens. Ali Brown, my wise business mentor and friend, once told me that when you stand for your beliefs and use your voice there will be people who won’t like it. This sounds counterintuitive, but she said to celebrate your haters because it’s proof you are on the right track and taking a stand for something.

The Life Coach As a women’s empowerment life coach, I help women take their power back in areas where they lack confidence, feel stuck, powerless and misaligned with their true nature overall. My company, The Coaching Sanctuary™ is beginning its third year, but my coaching journey really started when I created my YouTube Channel, Sanctuary of Style, in 2010; we’ll call it a ‘side hustle’ while I continued focusing on my television hosting career. My YouTube subscribers started asking if they could hire me to help them with their confidence, low self-esteem and mindset. Then in 2014, when we moved to Dallas, I was asked constantly for advice starting a YouTube Channel or how to start a career in TV hosting. My popular live ‘Rock The Camera’ workshop was born and is now serving women globally as a digital course! TCS combines mindset techniques, spiritual modalities, on-camera confidence, brand building strategies, and overall life coaching. For a while, I shelved my dream of being on another big TV show and graduating my YouTube Channel into a network show. To our surprise, only 6 months after moving to Dallas, I was asked to audition for a reality show about mission-driven, philanthropic women. At the time, it only had a working title of “How To Make It In Dallas” and once we completed filming, we were named RHOD. It was beyond wild to leave Hollywood to come home to Texas and book the biggest show of my career! We can shelve a dream for a while, but never give up on it! Now, I’m excited to announce that I am the host and producer of my own show called #SOTHRIVE with Tiffany Hendra on a powerful new platform called MyWellnessByNature.com. This show embodies all the aspects of body, mind and spirit wellness that I’ve leaned on my journey and currently practice. It’s all with an intention to contribute in a greater capacity and use all my gifts and talents to help heal the world!

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would not be the woman I am today without both the dark and the light, the struggles and the victories, the scarcity and the abundance, the fear and the courage.â&#x20AC;?

Another aspect that makes my brand unique is that I have lived through most of the challenges with which I help women. Women trust me because I’ve lived through it and have done

“Expand in love, abundance, and success as I inspire others around me to do the same.”

the work to empower myself in those areas. Walking my talk and leading by example are core principles I do my very best to live by all day every day. I’m not always on point, but I owe it to my partnerships. I must SHOW UP!

S P I R I T UAL DA U G H T E R S Another wise business coach called herself a “multipassionate” entrepreneur which gave me permission to follow that path. For years, I thought I had to close the door on one career path in order to do another when I actually thrive expressing myself in all the areas I love. For instance, when I was a model, young girls asked me to teach them, but I had always heard that “those who can’t, teach” or “jack of all trades, master of none”. Then, when I was asked to teach people TV hosting, that haunting negative mindset blocked me again. This ego-driven train of thought finally shifted

Recently, a client told me she has worked with various

once I started on my spiritual journey and learned the path

therapists, counselors and coaches over the years, but what

to true fulfillment was being of service. Also, unleashing my

she feels that I provide that is completely different and unique

natural gift of teaching opened up a whole different side of

is a real, raw, genuine spiritual foundation in our partnership.

me that was nurturing and motherly. We do not have our own

(I call my clients “coaching partners”) She mentioned after

biological children, but I’m able to pour into many spiritual

each session she feels truly inspired, motivated, equipped

daughters.

with a strategy and more deeply aligned with God and her own truth. I say that God is our “Head Coach” and I pray with

Had I stayed stuck in ego, I would still be un-fulfilled; I never

my clients before each session and really never do my life’s

would have met the many women out there whom I have

work alone. It is all divinely driven! Regardless of their spiritual

coached.

or religious beliefs, I’ve never had a client who did not want to pray when I offered it.

ELLA Inspires ELLA Inspires Magazine Magazine

A huge aspect of my coaching business is mentorship. I am If I said I was going to do it, I wanted to follow through. After a part coach, teacher and mentor empowering women who are

year of coaching full time, I admit- I came close to giving it all up

already in business and those who want to start, especially the because I needed to learn the business of coaching and how to next generation. I would say my coaching clients are a 60/40 split manage a full roster. I dove into a yearlong training for coaches between women in their late 20s to early 30s and women older and learned how to set boundaries with clients, the hours I than me in their 50s. Again, leading by example is extremely operated at my best, and built my ‘ideal client’ avatar. important to me so as I walk my talk and build my brand with authenticity and visibility -- it inspires the woman looking in under my brand umbrella to do the same through coaching or mentoring. The cornerstone of my social media platforms and private Facebook Group is to provide free mentorship to women who may not have the budget to work with me privately. Carving out time to mentor young women who want to follow in your footsteps is one of the most rewarding ways to give back! If you are a young woman who needs a mentor, find someone who is doing what you want to do and shares the same values. Glean from them, model after them, be curious, speak up, and ask a TON of questions!

B E L I E V E I N YO U R S E L F AN D YO U R AB I L I T I E S Belief in yourself and your abilities is vital to starting your own business! When you are getting resistance from friends and family members, it’s important to advocate for yourself. Knowing your ‘why’ as you set out in business is also crucial to keep you motivated when times get tough for you as an entrepreneur. I remember when I started my YouTube Channel:

“II see it as a great responsibility to pour into the next generation because many young women do not have a close relationship with the matriarchs in their family who, in the past, would pave the way.”

I had absolutely no idea how hard it was going to be. There were no influencers teaching you how to start a channel like today!

F I L L YO U R C U P F I R S T

I flew by the seat of my Spanx but the thing that kept me going Keep honing your craft and business, adjust, tweak, reevaluate was my ‘why.’ I had made a commitment to myself and to the

and check in with yourself. Burning out my adrenals again after

subscribers to show up each week with a new video. (What was I had just gotten to a place of healing was about the silliest and I thinking???) But, I learned that the ‘know, like, and trust factor’ most irresponsible thing to do. We are our business; we are MUST be established in order to be a successful brand and our brand so taking care of ourselves is taking care of business. business.

There is nothing honorable about running yourself (and your business) into the ground. In fact, I no longer subscribe to the

C O M M I T M E N T, C O N S I S T E N C Y, & C O U R A G E

‘hustle hard’ mentality we see on the scroll. I subscribe to ease, grace, and flow!

You must have the 3 C’s -- Commitment, Consistency and the Courage to start and keep going! As I graduated the channel

My philosophy, even well before I started my coaching business,

into a coaching business, I had stamina and my ‘never give up’ is that when you help someone else’s dream come true -- God, muscle had developed a bit. It took me a hot minute to actually the Universe, and others conspire to help you with yours. step in and launch a full-time coaching business that had been Collaboration is an abundance mindset and it is the only way I a side hustle for a long time. I knew the dedication, grit and know to operate at this point. (Cont. p.39) gumption it would take! This is what I call “using your lady balls”.

ELLA Inspires Magazine

Cooking Vegan on a Budget 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. Follow @thevegan.chick

So, you are thinking about going vegan. The

2) Checkout local, international markets.

most common question people ask me when I

We have some great international markets

tell them that I am vegan, besides the dreaded

locally! Depending on what genre of market

“Where do you get your protein from? (Veggies,

you go to you can find tortillas, tofu, soy sauce,

look it up!) is “But, isn’t it expensive?”. I do not

coconut milk, and even curry! Check out your

downplay this question. It is expensive. We live

local international markets! I once found limes

in a society where it is more cost effective to buy

for 2 cents apiece!

foods that are laden with chemicals and GMO’s,

3) Buy frozen.

then it is to buy wholesome foods.

If you love smoothies like me (check out

1) Buy in bulk.

November’s article for my favorite smoothie

Depending on where you buy your groceries,

recipes) frozen fruits are your friend! Look for

you may have an option to buy in bulk. I get

whatever is inexpensive. I use frozen fruits in

many of my bulk supplies at stores like Sprouts

frosting and on top of oatmeal. Frozen veggies

ELLE IS THE OWNER OF THEthe VEGAN BAKERY IN that MCKINNEY, TX and Whole Foods. I buy flours, sugar, oatmeal, these days aren’t sameCHICK frozen veggies

seasonings, rice, beans, nuts, dried fruit AS and WELLour AS moms BEING used AN ALLERGEN CONSULTANT FOR RESTAURANTS. to buy! There are some awesome candy at these stores. Usually, they haveSHE a ISoptions out there. If you willing to spend the BE IN A WIFE AND MOTHER OF are 2, WHO LOVES TO TRAVEL, great product description that tells you all of the ingredients used in the products. Before

extra dollarAND go for the organic brands. NATURE CUDDLE HER CHIHUAHUA, SADIE.

Covid-19, I would just measure out the amount

4) Make it yourself.

that I wanted on the scale but now they have

Do you love ketchup, curry, hummus, ice cream…

everything pre-packed in nifty sacks that are

the possibilities are endless! Most of the time it is

measured by half pounds and pounds.

cheaper to make your own sauces, desserts and

@THEVEGAN.CHICK

dips.

ELLA Inspires Magazine

ELLE’ S C AR AMEL

Popcorn INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

» ¼ cup coconut oil.

1. Preheat oven to 215 degrees Fahrenheit.

» ¼ cup Lyle’s golden syrup.

2. To make the sauce, place a glass bowl on top of a pan of boiling

» 2 tablespoons peanut butter.

water, melt the coconut oil and Lyle’s golden syrup together for 1 minute.

» ¼ tsp cinnamon.

3. Whisk in the rest of the ingredients for about 30 seconds until fully » 1/8 tsp salt. » 1/8 tsp baking soda. » 1/8 tsp cream of tartar.

incorporated and very smooth. 4. Pop popcorn according to directions. Spread popcorn in a thin even layer on a baking sheet. 5. Top with caramel sauce and bake for about 45-50 minutes until the caramel is dry.

ELLA Inspires Magazine

The Lady Baller My all-time favorite accessory and signature piece is the headscarf! I was fascinated with these beautiful scarves my mom always had hanging in her closet and as a young model traveling internationally, I loved the way foreign women styled scarves. I can’t remember the exact time I started wearing headscarves, but I remember I first began wearing bandanas on my head to control my hair in my late teens. Once, on a modeling trip to the Seychelles Islands, I remember I took my sarong and wrapped it around my head. I loved that look! My friends started trying to wear them like I did, but they always complained that they couldn’t get it to stay on properly. That seed to create a headscarf that anyone could wear was planted about 15 years ago. Fast forward to nine or ten years ago. A girlfriend and fellow model here in Dallas had a double mastectomy and was undergoing chemo.

Back them, many wigs did not look

natural plus they were very hot in this Texas heat. The chemo headscarves available on the market were frumpy and made with granny looking prints. So my other friend and I thought of a way to sew hair extensions into a headscarf so she could pop it on and feel cute. It was a huge hit! I scoured the fabric stores in LA and my mom was actually going to sew my first design, but life happened, and the idea was shelved. When I filmed the reality show, I made a point to wear a headscarf in several scenes (there is always a method to my madness). Many fans began asking me on social media where I got my scarves and how I tied them! In the Fall of 2019, a local Dallas designer offered to create my first capsule collection of headscarves. It was a huge hit and the dream was birthed! When COVID hit in early 2020, I quickly created my own signature line under my own name. The first style, ‘The Rocki’ was named after my mom because she loves leopard print. When the salons closed and women couldn’t get their hair done, I kept getting more and more messages from women begging for a cuter option than a baseball hat to cover their growing roots.

“It It brings me such joy when a woman sends me a photo of herself, looking confident and fierce, in one of my headscarves.”

ELLA Inspires Magazine

PHOTO: CORTNEY DANI PHOTOGRAPHY

ELLA Inspires Magazine

The Wife My greatest cheerleader, supporter, spiritual leader, business advisor and prayer warrior is my hot Aussie ‘forever boyfriend,’ Aaron Hendra. After a lifetime of daddy issues and dating the bad boys and narcissists, God knew I needed a strong armor bearer of a husband to partner with on my journey. We were married in February 2004; only a year and a half after I hit rock bottom. Our story is one of serendipity and spirit! One random day in September of 2003, I woke up with this urgency to meet with my manager in Beverly Hills to discuss an upcoming project. As we were leaving her office on our way to ChinChin, I saw a hot guy coming toward me. As he got closer, we both realized we knew each other! I had dated a friend of Aaron’s a few years prior and kept up with Aaron’s band through mutual friends because I loved his music.

“As As we stood on the street and locked eyes, the fireworks went off, the heavens opened up and I felt beyond giddy.” I had sworn off men and wanted to stay celibate as I was healing so I thought, ‘hmmm, how can we stay in touch without it being romantic?’ I had a pen and paper in my hand, so I said, ‘Heygive me your number because I have always wanted to learn the guitar. Maybe you could teach me.’ We eloped down the street and were married 4 months later on the Santa Monica Pier. Aaron had a friend who had been an ordained minister reinstate his ordination for one day to marry us. My sister and manager stood for me and Aaron’s Aussie bandmate stood as his witness. It was such a hard decision, but we felt it was the right thing to do since we couldn’t get Aaron’s parents over from Australia so we didn’t think it was right to fly my parents in. To represent those women, I wore a smokey topaz pendant from Grandma Betty Jo, one of my mom’s rings, and a Tiffany & Co bracelet and brown boots from my bestie. Together, we learned that what we both originally wanted from life in Hollywood - to be rich and famous - was an illusion and completely unfulfilling. As artists and both highly independent, we understand one another and the creative processes and space we need to share our gifts. We know that God gives us all gifts and our gift back to Him is sharing it with others! We both hope our life reflects that.

ELLA Inspires Magazine

PHOTO: CORTNEY DANI PHOTOGRAPHY

ELLA Inspires Magazine

PHOTO: CORTNEY DANI PHOTOGRAPHY

The Advocate & Mentor T R E A S U R E D V E S S E L S F O U N DAT I O N I am honored to serve on the advisory board of Treasured Vessels Foundation. TVF is a residential community in North Texas operating as a clinically therapeutic aftercare program for survivors of domestic sex trafficking.

T E X A S E AT I N G D I S O R D E R C O M M I S S I O N Also, I serve on the host committee of all fundraising events for the Texas Eating Disorder Association. TEDA serves anyone living with symptoms of unhealthy relationships with food including disordered eating, obesity, eating disorders, and more. TEDA offers four different awareness programs to fit the needs of your school or group. These programs, both lecturestyle and interactive, provide knowledge on a variety of topics concerning nutrition, self-concept, and eating disorders; while giving students new tools for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

S I M P LY G R A C E H O U S E Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sober Living exists to provide a safe, structured environment to assist women recovering from substance abuse, helping them to rebuild their lives and achieve long term recovery. From emcee to opening prayer, keynote speaker and host committee obligations, I am honored to spread awareness for Simply Grace and the safe space it provides women as they are healing.

PHOTO: CORTNEY DANI PHOTOGRAPHY

We are so fortunate in our generation to have resources at

#GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso

our fingertips like audiobooks, podcasts, YouTube and social media. My growth and personal development is a TOP priority so I carve out time every single day for reading or listening to podcasts. The list could be a mile long, but here are my top picks. I lean toward the more creative, intuitive resources instead of the masculine or technical ones. Even the men listed here are

In My Shoes by Tamara Mellon

Glambition Radio Podcast by Ali Brown

Marie TV on YouTube + Podcast by Marie Forleo

more spiritual in nature:

The School of Greatness

Think and Grow Rich

Impact Theory

by Napoleon Hill

The Artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Way by Julia Cameron

The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader

Podcast by Lewis Howes

Podcast by Tom Bilyeu

Women of Impact Podcast by Lisa Bilyeu

The Ed Mylett Show Podcast by Ed Mylett

by John Maxwell

How to Win Friends & Influence People

Tim Robbins Podcast Podcast by Tim Robbins

by Dale Carnegie

Everything Is Figuroutable by Marie Forleo

Mastery Sessions Podcast by Robin Sharma

Daring Greatly

The Tim Ferris Show

by Brene Brown

Podcast by Tim Ferris

Written by John and Jane Doe

The Rich Roll Podcast Podcast by Rich Roll

The Woman I Wanted To Be by Diane Von Furstenberg

Wellness Force Podcast by Josh Trent

Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder by Arianna Huffington

Thats A Wrap A woman who is highly competitive and resonating in the energy of scarcity -- meaning there is not enough of the pie to go around -- does not yet fully know herself and is not confident in her unique gifts and talents. Competition is negated when you know what you contribute. There is no one else who can do what you do the way you do it, therefore, there is no competition.

Obviously, the primary way I support women

is through my coaching. Aside from the foundation of my business, I freely and with joy, promote many women owned businesses on social media (as well as purchasing their products and services). Something simple, yet powerful we can all do to support women who are building brands and businesses online is to comment, like, and share our fellow female founders’ posts, videos, product specials and events.

COMING UP NEXT Recently, I launched my new series #SOTHRIVE with Tiffany Hendra so we are planning new interviews and partnerships in the spiritual, wellness and mindset space with lots of fun travel involved as soon as travel bans are lifted more. Also, I’ve got several books inside me and was offered a book deal right before RHOD which I passed on. That was meant to be because so much has happened since then that must be shared in my first book. I’m in the pre-planning stage of possible live workshops again soon which I’m so excited about. The teacher in me loves LIVE events and feeling and seeing the energy of the women!

Meet Elle (Vegan Baker and Caterer)

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. . Support a female-owned business. Purchase Vegan baked goods or book Elle for your next catered event in the Dallas metroplex.

ELLA Inspires Magazine

Contact

thevegan.chick@yahoo.com @thevegan.chick 781.974.2121

ELLA Inspires Magazine

Meet Cortney (Photographer)

“People say I’m a dork with a sweet smile, I’ll take it and I hope at least the latter is true. I do my best to bring joy wherever I can. I’ve been taking photos since my granddad told me it was cool, He’s the reason this all started and I love him for it. I took film classes here in Texas and started capturing professionally in 2011.” Support a female-owned business. Book Cortney for family, portrait, and wedding photography in the Dallas metroplex.

ELLA Inspires Magazine

Contact

www.cortneydani.com @cortneydaniphotography cortney@cortneydani.com 817.366.5815

ELLA Inspires Magazine

Meet Bess (Videographer)

“I’m going to get choked up along with you when you’re sharing these raw and intimate moments with your loved ones because I truly care about you having the best day possible. Seriously, I always cry at least once during all of my weddings because I just get so invested in my couples. I want to create a film that is totally personal, unique, and genuine - just like your love story. I want to be friends with my clients instead of just another vendor, because I AM going to be with you during the entirety of your best day ever.” Support a female-owned business. Book Bess for wedding + elopment videography, music videos, and commercial projects.

ELLA Inspires Magazine

Contact

www.bessophelia.com @bessopheliafilms

ELLA Inspires Magazine

Meet Vero (Makeup Artist)

Veronica Verdaguer is an international makeup artist with over 5 years experience in various areas of the makeup industry. After obtaining her college degree in Economics, Veronica decided to pursue her dreams of becoming a make up artist. Upon completion of her career, she specialized using a very elegant yet soft style, which in time turned into the trademark of most of her looks. At the moment she is part of the Elite Team of Makeup artists for EstĂŠe Lauder and she is also the Lead Beauty Educator for one of the best Makeup Schools in the region. Support a female-owned business. Book Vero for bridal makeup and hair or makeup classes.

ELLA Inspires Magazine

Contact

www.stylesbyvero.com @stylesbyvero

ELLA Inspires Magazine

Meet Maggie (Florist)

I still remember grandmas garden. Her love for flowers definitely rubbed off on me. As kids, we would even try to wear flower prints as much as we could! Despite the challenges we’ve all faced this year, Out of thousands of florists, I was awarded a couples’ choice award by Wedding Wire. I just can’t believe it! Support a female-owned business. Book Maggie for all your celebrations and wedding floral arrangements.

ELLA Inspires Magazine

Contact

www.shopfloraandvine.com @flora.and.vine

ELLA Inspires Magazine

STYLE YOUR

BRAND 62

ELLA CREATIVE MEDIA, LLC

STYLE YOUR

BRAND Brand photography supports your brand and helps express core values to your clients at a glance. It makes them stop, take notice, and spend some time with you. They quickly begin to trust you. The images are used to deliver a consistent message across all your platforms; website, social media, and publications like this one. Brand photography specializes in your specific digital and production marketing needs. We’ve even turned it into a professional (tax deductible) subscription to save you time and money. •

(4) Sesonal photo sessions

•

(1) Initial Discovery Consultation

•

(4) Pre-shoot Planning Sessions

•

Makeup Artist & Wardrobe Guide

•

2-3 Stories (scenes) per session

•

Commercial licensing

•

Photo retouching

•

60-90 web files per session

WE WORK WITH: •

Dallas area Influencers & Personalities

•

Dallas area Corporations & Charities

•

National female-powered product-based brands

A P P L Y

E LELLA LAIN SPIRE S.COM/STYLE-YOUR-BRAND Inspires Magazine

USE CODE ‘ELLA’ FOR

15% OFF

PELUZZIORGANICA.COM

ELLA Inspires (December 2020)

Articles inside

Cooking Vegan on a Budget by Elle Walsh

MUJERES APOYANDO MUJERES BY LUCIA MORENO

FEATURE: CULTIVATING COURAGE BY TIFFANY HENDRA

MINDSET REMODELING BY SUSIE ROBB