ELLA Inspires (August 2020) by ELLA Inspires Magazine

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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

ON THE COVER VERONICA VERDAGUER WARDROBE TRINA D’ELENA, TMD STYLE BOUTIQUE MICHELLE TORRES, VIVIFY BOUTIQUE HAIR & MAKEUP VERONICA VERDAGUER STUDIO ASSISTANT ABBY LEARY PHOTOGRAPHER EDITH DUARTE COLUMNISTS WENDIE BARRAGAN ELLE WALSH MARKETING MANAGER JULENE WENGER 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.

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Table of Contents ELLA INSPIRES MAGAZINE (AUGUST 2020)

FEATURE: FLOWER OF THE ANDES BY VERONICA VERDAGUER

PAGE 10

Veronica Verdaguer is an international makeup artist specializing in bridal makeup. Her work has been published in world-renowned magazines and exhibited in South America, New York, and Paris. She is part of Estée Lauder’s Elite Team of Makeup Artists. 5 TIPS FOR VEGAN COOKING WITH KIDS BY ELLE WALSH

PAGE 32

Elle Walsh is the owner of ‘The Vegan Chick Bakery’ in McKinney, TX and restaurant allergen consultant. She is a wife and mother of two who loves to travel, be in nature, and cuddle her Chihuahua, Sadie.

MY FAVORITE SUMMER SIP BY WENDIE BARRAGAN

PAGE 42

Wendie Barragan is a self-proclaimed taco connaisseur and mother of two who loves the outdoors and Texas wine tasting.

ELLA Inspires Magazine

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! Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re only getting started.

edith 8

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PHOTO: @JOEBAKERPHOTOGRAPHY

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On The Cover Veronica Verdaguer is an international makeup artist specializing in bridal makeup. She has worked with international photographers, models, and media. Veronica’s work has been published in world-renowned magazines and exhibited in South America, New York, and Paris. She is part of Estée Lauder’s Elite Team of Makeup Artists.

Andes

Flower of the

Feature by Veronica Verdaguer I grew up in Ecuador in a picturesque and very busy

possible to visit these diverse regions within a matter of

port city called Guayaquil. Guayaquil is the largest city in

a few hours.

Ecuador, and while it is not the capital of the country, it is the most important industrial and commercial hub. When

When I think of my country I often think of the delicious

people think of Ecuador, they think of the very small

food. Despite very little international recognition for

country in South America off the Pacific Ocean. What

Ecuador’s food, if you have visited Ecuador you can attest

many do not realize is that, while it is a small country, it

to a variety of food packed with so much flavor; simply

is also one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world.

talking about it makes my mouth water! Just as diverse

Ecuador is also very diverse when it comes to geography

as its landscape are Ecuadorian people and culture. And

and climate. The coastal region is hot and humid (perfect

while the political and socioeconomic situation of the

beach weather). The central region is graced with the

country is not ideal, most people you meet in Ecuador are

majestic Andes mountain range, snow-capped mountain

happy, generous, and extremely friendly. It is definitely a

peaks, volcanoes, and a colder climate. The Amazon

country worth visiting.

region, with its spectacular sights, includes cloud forests,

amazing wildlife, huge rivers, and a warm, hot and rainy

As far as my personal experience growing up in Ecuador, I

climate all year round. And finally, the insular region

can tell you there were many times we complained about

known as Galapagos Islands, is a ‘bucket list’ destination

the circumstances that surrounded us. Little did I realize

with beautiful beaches and lots of friendly wildlife ranging

what a blessing it was to grow up in such a beautiful

from sealions to giant tortoises. And the best part is that

country, surrounded by a large family, and great friends

all this diversity is packed into a small country, making it

whom I hold so close to my heart.

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When I think of my country I often think of the delicious food. Despite very little international recognition for Ecuador’s food, if you have visited Ecuador you can attest to a variety of food packed with so much flavor; simply talking about it makes my mouth water! Just as diverse as its landscape are Ecuadorian people and culture. And while the political and socioeconomic situation of the country is not ideal, most people you meet in Ecuador are happy, generous, and extremely friendly. It is definitely a country worth visiting. As far as my personal experience growing up in Ecuador, I can tell you there were many times we complained about the circumstances that surrounded us.

“Little did I realize what a blessing it was to grow up in such a beautiful country, surrounded by a large family, and great friends whom I hold so close to my heart.”

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I love my parents very much, and I am thankful for they helped me to become the person I am today. To talk about my parents is to talk about two very different people with very distinct personalities; yet they complimented each other so well. They did everything within their power to teach my siblings and I good values from a very young age. I definitely get the urge to be adventurous from my dad. My dad is a retired Naval Chief Engineer, which gave him the opportunity to travel the world. I grew up listening to his stories at sea as well as his visits to Europe, Asia, and North America; he had so many stories to tell, and he had seen and experienced so much. I have come to admire how knowledgeable and interesting he is because he travelled the world. At a young age this instilled in me the desire to see the world and experience other cultures firsthand. I was blessed to find a husband who loves to travel as much as I do! My dad also taught us to be kind and generous with everyone. I can remember times when the economy at home was better than others, yet, he always a had a very big heart and was ready to help those in need. I hope to follow in his footsteps and to be as generous with my time, knowledge and resources.

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My mom on the other hand taught us to be brave and positive. She had a difficult childhood; she grew up with very limited resources and was raised by a single mom. Nothing came easy for my mom who had to struggle for things most of us take for granted. Yet, she was brave, resourceful and always positive. She never settled for less than she deserved. Also, as I previously mentioned, my dadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s job required for him to travel often which meant he had to travel sometimes a few months at a time. While my dad was gone, my mom was our everything; our mother, our friend, our tutor, our provider, and our protector. Up to this day, I cannot understand how she did it all. I can proudly say is she overcame all those challenges with grace and boldness. She taught us not only with words, but also with her exam-ple what it meant to be brave and positive. I am also very meticulous in organizing and cleaning thanks to my mom. I can honestly say I have NEVER met someone as organized and clean as my mother; she makes it look so easy. I mean, she had a place and a system for everything, and she made sure we kept things neat and tidy around the home. This has proven to be so helpful over the years in my home and my business. Of course, there were things where my parents very much agreed on and were non-negotiable at our home such as education, moral and family values.

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At one of point of his career, my dad only within Ecuador, which in turn allowed him to spend more time close to the family. We would travel each week to pick him up from the beach then wave goodbye when he left.

“We spent so much time at the beach it almost felt like and endless summer.” It was very normal for us to pack our books and do homework beachside waiting for my dad to arrive. We would try to finish our homework as fast as possible so we could go play in the ocean. This also meant we got to spend the weekends at hotels which was so much fun. Even now I am beach lover… there is really no place I’d rather be. When we were not at the beach spending time with my dad, we were back home busy with school and afterschool activities. My siblings and I were involved in so many programs. My brother ran track and played soccer. My sister went for cheerleading, and I tried it all; basketball, swimming, cheerleading, and dancing. I have no idea how my mom was able to support all of those activities, but she was there for all of us. She would also take us to each other’s practices if we were not doing any other activities. Once again, we would sit there on the benches doing our homework, while the other would finish doing what they had to do. We had a great support system: we had each other.

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ROLE MODELS Our neighbor Mrs. Sandra Vazquez, ‘Mrs. Sandrita’ as we called her, was the epitome of a ‘girl boss’ before the term was coined. She balanced between being a dedicated wife, loving mother, good friend, great architect, and a very savvy businesswoman. As a friend she was always there for our family and always encouraged us to reach our full potential. Even now she is always rooting for us.

“Throughout the years I have met many inspiring people who shaped my personality in one way our another. I learned the value of having balance in my life Mrs. Sandrita. While my career and my business are important to me, they are not the most important things in my life. I have my priorities in place: my spirituality, my relationship with my husband, my family, and then everything else comes after.”

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VIVIFY BOUTIQUE www.vivifyboutique.com @vivifyboutique

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short, I decided I wanted to look into learning makeup

BECOMING A MAKEUP ARTIST

instead. Not long after that, he signed me up for a makeup

I currently work as a bridal makeup and hair artist. I am also a national makeup artist for Estée Lauder, one of the biggest beauty brands worldwide. I also teach classes to those who want to become makeup and hair artists. After graduating high school, my parents asked me what I wanted to study. I said I wanted to be a fashion designer; to which they replied ‘No, you don’t! You want to be an economist.’ So, I went to school and obtained a degree in Economics and Finance. I decided to pursue jobs in my field, and while I was enjoying what I was doing, my creative side wanted to come out. Around that time, I married the love of my life. In one of our early conversations, I mentioned that as a kid I had wanted to be a fashion designer. He immediately offered me his full support and started searching options. To make a long story

class and surprised me with a large amount of makeup. The class was not long, but it was enough to pique my interest. I figured I could do makeup as a side gig so I started offering my services to my friends and family while I was still learning. My friends started referring me to other friends and my weekends were quickly becoming fully booked. Yet, I was still far from comfortable with my skills. My husband surprised me once again and he booked flights and tickets for us to attend my first Makeup Show in New York City. He also booked some makeup classes for me in New York- this is where my career took a twist. When I saw all those artists working on what they love, working with different brands, and sharing their knowledge and creativity, I decided that was also what I wanted to do.

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I decided that would be me the next time I went back to New York. I continued working part time as a makeup artist while I had my regular job back home, but also took as many makeup classes as possible. I was so busy and felt like I was working 7 days a week. My husband really believed in me and he would insist I should just have my own studio and quit my full-time job. It was only after I moved to the States, I decided to pursue makeup artistry as a full-time career. Looking back to the moment I took on my first client while I was still learning, I can say it has been a wonderful eight years of my life.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;In time, very artist develops their own style, in my case, I decided to specialize my technique using a very elegant and soft style.â&#x20AC;?

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5 Tips for Vegan Cooking with Kids by Elle Walsh

If your children are anything like mine, they consider easy,

3) Get the kids involved.

and quick fix meals, like mac and cheese, their favorites.

Let the kids help you cook. It takes longer and it can be messy,

Unfortunately, ‘easy and quick’ doesn’t always mean healthy.

but the memories last a lifetime. Their joy when they get to eat

We have been plant-based for nine years now, and in that nine

their masterpiece is precious. If kids cooking in your kitchen is

years, I have learned some great tips and tricks to guide my

not your jam, share your recipes with them. Let them pick which

children to make good, healthy food choices. Here are my top 5

meals you will make. Let them pick the eggplant, or the zucchini

tips on how to go plant-based with kids!

out at the grocery store. Sometimes, they just need to be a part

1) Plant-Based doesn’t have to mean cooked. My kids love raw fruit and veggies. No matter what meal of the

4) When in doubt, hide it.

day it is, they have fruit and vegetables on their plate. Their

If your kids love any kind of sauce, its so easy to hide fruits and

favorites are strawberries, cantaloupe, cucumbers, and carrots

veggies in them. I put pureed cooked vegetables in all of my

with hummus. Stick to the basics and give them what they like.

pasta sauces, soups and even mac&cheese. Works for picky

2) Make it fun.

husbands and wives too.

Try a new fruit or vegetable every week. Everyone can rate how

5) Healthy doesn’t have to mean salad.

much they like or dislike what you tried. Not only are you doing

Do you know what my family’s favorite plant-based meal is?

something together but you are learning what their favorite

Pizza!! We add a ton of vegetables, herbs and spices. Take their

fruits and vegetables are. Once they find a vegetable that they

favorite meals and just add in what they like. These tips and

enjoy, try cooking it in different ways (steam, grill, bake) to find

tricks have worked for us and I hope that they can help you too!

what everyone likes the best!

of the process.

VEGAN BROWNIES WET INGREDIENTS » 2T ground flax seed

» 1C+1T of raw cane sugar

» 6T warm water

» 1 ½ t vanilla

» 1C non-dairy chocolate chips

» 7T non-dairy butter, softened

DRY INGREDIENTS » 1t salt

» ¼ C cocoa powder

» 1C all purpose flour

» 1t baking powder

DIRECTIONS 1. Make a flax egg by combining flax seed and water and let sit for five minutes. 2. Melt chocolate over low heat in the microwave or stove top. Cream

ELLE IS THE OWNER OF THE VEGAN CHICK BAKERY IN MCKINNEY, TX

together the butter and sugar with a whisk until smooth. Add in

AS WELL AS BEING AN ALLERGEN CONSULTANT FOR RESTAURANTS.

all wet ingredients and combine. Add in dry ingredients and whisk

SHE IS A WIFE AND MOTHER OF 2, WHO LOVES TO TRAVEL, BE IN

until just mixed. 3. Pour into a parchment paper lined brownie pan and cook at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.

NATURE AND CUDDLE HER CHIHUAHUA, SADIE.

@THEVEGAN.CHICK

When I first started, I thought more in terms of creativity so I played with a lot of different colors and styles. To me, there is a time and a place to let it all out, like fashion shows or editorials. The bridal industry, however, calls for a more classy and graceful style (which has now become a staple of the work I do). I also have a wonderful team of artists who have been handpicked and trained by me to ensure every one of my clients has the same experience and end result.

C O M I N G T O T H E U N I T E D S TAT E S But things haven’t always been easy. The most challenging time for me was when we moved from Guayaquil to Dallas. This is not just because everything was new for me but also because I did not speak the language. In my hometown, I had built a good portfolio and a good reputation as a makeup artist. In Texas, however, I did not have any connections in the beauty industry. I realized I needed to handle everything from marketing strategy to payment methods differently. This

GETTING SETTLED When you live in the same city and country your entire life and then you leave, you never feel like a stranger. When I moved to the States, I felt like a total stranger; everything was new to me. I even felt like talking to other Spanish speakers was challenging due to the difference in vocabulary and culture. This was my opportunity to be adventurous, yet I felt like some of the differences were a little bit of a barrier. But it wasn’t long before I started coming out of my shell and embracing my new surroundings. As the months went by, I started to feel Texas was my new home. I could not have done it without the help of my husband and friends. People often ask me if I have been discriminated against, and I would have to say ‘Perhaps.’ But, for every unpleasant person out there, there are several others who are kind and supportive. I choose to focus on those individuals and not pay attention to the bad qualities in others.

may be basic knowledge to

others,

but

was

completely new for me. When we first arrived, I did not know where to start. I

“When we first arrived, I did not know where to start.”

think back to how I initially

blessed

surrounded by friends and coworkers who make me feel included and support me because of who I am not

entered into the beauty

because where I am from.

industry. With the help of my lovely husband we created a new website and business cards. We also developed a new social media strategy to aid with marketing. He even helped me to contact as me people I could find from the industry; I started knocking different doors. Some of them replied immediately while others waited to see my work. One day, I decided to get dressed, do my own makeup flawlessly, and go to North Park mall in Dallas,TX. My goal was to find as many potential customers as possible and share my business cards. After walking around for two hours, I finally met someone browsing in a store. She complimented my makeup and I immediately gave her my information. Two years later, I did her makeup on her wedding day. Looking for contacts was not easy and communicating with them was even more difficult but I knew what I wanted. With husband’s help we created a plan of action and executed it in spite of my fears.

L E AR N I N G T O S P E AK E N G L I S H One word: Difficult. I knew that learning English was critical for my success. I arrived to this country four years ago, not knowing more than a few words in English. I quickly realized if I wanted more opportunities I needed to start speaking the language. When I first interviewed for the Estee Lauder, I had only been in the country for ten months. I had to work up my courage, so I wrote down a script of what I wanted to say. When asked questions, I just read the responses from my script. I almost didn’t go to the interview even thought I had practiced so much; I just did not feel prepared. I was so surprised when I got the job. I still feel frustrated at times; I have lost track how many times I have cried in front of the mirror, unable to pronounce certain words. At the moment I am taking some private classes with a tutor because I feel I am ready for a next chapter in my career.

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INSPIRING WOMEN There are so many amazing women that have influenced my career. I want to start with one woman from my hometown. When being a makeup artist was not a popular career in Guayaquil, Priscila Rendon paved the way for many women (myself included). Against all odds, she opened a beauty school and now owns one of the most reputable beauty schools in South America. Nowadays, I am surrounded by amazing and confident colleagues and team. These women continue to persevere in order to grow their businesses. This has inspired me to be more excited about the journey that I have ahead of me, I have gained knowledge from many people and experiences during my entire life. This wealth of knowledge has influenced who I am today. Reading about the life of wonderful, female entrepreneurs is a great source of inspiration. In my case, I love reading about Mrs. Josephine Esther Mentzer; otherwise known as Mrs. EstĂŠe Lauder. She was a pioneer in the beauty industry and a visionary who was able to run one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most renowned beauty companies. Her legacy continues to be a source of inspiration to many in the industry.

H O W T O B E YO U R O W N B O S S Create A Plan of Action I personally promised myself I would be my own boss by the age of 30 and I knew I could not leave that goal up to fate. I had to sit down, write down specifically what I wanted to do, and how I was going to get there. I came up with strategies, deadlines, and budgets for everything. Also, because I am very visual, created a vision board to remind myself of where I needed to be. If you have thought about creating a vision board, please know it is a wonderful idea. However, always ask yourself: what am I currently doing that will get me closer to that goal, and what is my plan so I can get there?

Discover What Motivates You Why do you want to accomplish your goals? What and who are you doing it for? Why do you do what you do each day? For many, their motivation begins with their children. For others, it may be their spouse, or their parents. For others still it may be to have a sense of fulfillment. In my case, what motivates me is having the freedom to spend time with my husband helping others develop a personal relationship with God, or their spirituality. That is MY why. I have pictures of my husband and I participating in such activities, and I mark those photos as my favorite on my phone so I can constantly see them and remind myself of who and what motivates me.

Invest in Your Education No matter your industry, there is always someone who is better than you are so learn from the best! Never think you have reached a level where you cannot continue to learn from others. When we make that mistake, when we lack the humility to learn from others, we stop growing.

Save your Money My other piece of advice, and this is the Economist in me talking, please save money and plan to be broke at least for the first semester you open your business. Even if you are making profit, keep saving as much as you can. The goal is to keep investing to keep growing.

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Have fun and enjoy the journey!

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My Favorite Summer Sip by Wendie Barragan

The long summer days and cool summer nights are just around the corner. My favorite part of the summer season is the summer vacation. My kids play all day and enjoy a break from the daily hustle to and from school. During the school year, I make sure that they have all they need: lunches, outfits, and supplies. But mama needs a break! During the summer vacation, I let go of the daily rush and fully enjoy my break from organizing and packing lunches. Our days are filled with bike rides, water balloon fights and hours lounging at the pool.

This year, things look a little different and parties will not be organized. However, virtual Zoom parties are a big hit right now! While we social distance, we have hosted game nights and couples date night. We sit on the couch or at the dinner table and set up our phones, but a party is not complete without a margarita or cocktail in hand. I put on my Pinterest search hat to find some yummy drinks and found this great wine-based cocktail; so refreshing and easy to make!

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White Wine

moji to

ABOUT

A fragrant and minty white wine mojito. Delicious and super easy to make! Wendie Barragan is a self proclaimed taco

SERVING

connoisseur and mother of two who loves the outdoors and wine tasting. @Wendie_in_Dallas.

1 Glass

DIRECTIONS

1. Chill the wine and lemonade. Once chilled, pour the servings in cocktail or highball glass with ice. Add the juiced lime to the wine and lemonade and add the dash of sugar (optional). Stir.

INGREDIENTS » 2 ounces of white wine ( Moscato, pinot grigio, Riesling ) » 2 ounces of sparling limeade » ½ lime, juiced.

2. Mince the fresh mint.

» ½ ounce of honey simple syrup.

3. Add the minced fresh mint and garnish the rime with a sliced rime and sip!

» 2 sprigs of fresh mint » Tiny dash of sugar. » 2 sprigs of fresh mint (garnish)

BEHIND THE SCENES Due to COVID-19, we kept our team to a minimum. Veronica did her own hair and makeup for the photo shoot!

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ELLA Inspires Magazine is an independent magazine for professional women based in Dallas, TX. Each issue follows the featured story of one inspiring woman in business. We market to affluent, professional women and entrepreneurs living in the Dallas metroplex and around Frisco, Allen, Plano, and McKinney.

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ELLA Inspires (August 2020)

Articles inside

My Favorite Summer Sip by Wendie Barragan

5 Tips for Vegan Cooking with Kids by Elle Walsh

Feature: Flower of the Andes