IN THIS ISSUE ON THE COVER ANNA LEIGH WILSON PHOTOGRAPHER ABBY LEARY HAIR & MAKEUP ARTIST OLIVIA BELTRAN GOWNS & ACCESSORIES GOWNS BY ELLA BUSINESS MANAGER JOHN TYRA EDITOR IN CHIEF EDITH DUARTE
ELLA Inspires is an online & print magazine that celebrates business and entrepreneurship. Each issue highlights powerhouse women and tells their personal stories 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. Access past issues at www.ellainspires.com.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS ELLA INSPIRES MAGAZINE
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SUMMER MODEL SPOTLIGHT: MEET ANNA LEIGH WILSON
INSPIRING LATINAS MEET YADIRA RAMIREZ-SANTANA
ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT: KATE PETERSON, THE NOW MASSAGE
ELLA Inspires Magazine
A LA MODE: ESE AZENABOR
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EDITORIAL BY EDITH DUARTE
TOP 5 CLEAN BEAUTY PRODUCT PICKS
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FROM PACIFICA.
7 LESSER KNOWN BENEFITS OF
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STRENGTH TRAINING
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From The Editor The creation of ELLA Inspires Magazine
Our indie magazine has now featured
and the ELLA brand itself was the direct
TWENTY EIGHT inspiring, powerful,
result of tiny steps forward at crucial
flawed - yet - fabulous professionals,
moments. In an effort to improve the
entrepreneurs, influencers, mentors,
brand visibility for my then web design
teachers,
clients, I formed a magazine. Then,
artists, celebrities, and many others.
to create a unique experience for the
These women shared one common trait:
women being featured, we formed a
the courage to pursue their dreams and
#beautysquad to help women look their
take life by the horns. Thank you for
best during their photo shoot. In order
sharing your lives, your stories, and
to include even more women into our
your triumphs with ELLA. We are eager
mission, we started partnering with
to show you what we have planned for
local studios and venues to host those
and thank you for being part of this
photo shoots. After that, we reached
amazing journey!
beauty
queen’s,
makeup
out to local women-owned businesses to sponsor products in exchange for photography. In this issue we celebrate the TWENTY EIGHT
covers
of
ELLA
Inspires
Magazine! Writing that seems like a dream to me.
Edith EDITH DUARTE
EDITOR + FOUNDER
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MEET THE COVERGIRL Anna Leigh Wilson is a Speech Therapist turned travel influencer and storyteller on a mission to check off her bucket list and help others travel the world in the most unique way possible!
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LESSONS FROM CHILDHOOD When I was a little girl I clearly recall my mom saying “let’s go to Jamacia” on a Thursday night....& without question we booked our flights and went! It was one of my times that my mom saw an opportunity and took it. I definitely get my adventurous spirit and zest for life from my mother. She was quick to say “YES” to opportunities and always reminded me that doors open up the second I step away from my comfort zone. She also taught me that you can figure anything out if you simply look at life as being simple. One of my favorite qualities about myself is one that i’ve also found in my mom, to fly by the seat of my pants, don’t take life too seriously, and simply say YES! My grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimers disease when I was younger, and seeing a human go from designing space suits for NASA to forgetting to eat was a tough pill to swallow. One night my mom looked at me and said “Let’s take her on her last trip.” Off to Paris my grandmother, my mom and I went! Though my grandmother could not recall parts of the trip, my mom & I got to watch her smilie as she watched the Eiffel Tower sparkle in the night, dance along with Moulin Rouge, and eat all the baguettes she could! Getting to be a part of her very last trip was something I will never forget. BECOMING During my lunch breaks at the hospital I would scroll on instagram and see a girl sitting on a beach in that exact moment sipping on a fresh fruit drink. I kept seeing these people living my dream life and knew deep down knew I was not created to work a 9 to 5 and live only for the weekends!
MODEL SPOTLIGHT
I grew up in Frisco, Tx where I developed a love for Texas and all that this state has to offer. My grandmother worked for NASA & my mother worked for America Airlines, so travel has always been a huge part of my life, I just wasn’t quite sure how to make it my profession. I grew up riding horses and playing volleyball just as all of my peers did. After following the traditional route of college, grad school, work life I remembered asking myself ‘THIS IS IT?’ I knew I was destined for more, so I decided to begin my entrepreneurial journey of finding a career I loved. I quickly learned that half the goal is finding something you’re passionate about, and the other half is helping others find theirs, so this led me to teaching others how to pursue seeing the world one destination at a time and moving away from the mindset that you are limited to the industrial age of work/lifestyle. This is where I developed “The Bucketlist Vagabond.”
ANNA LEIGH WILSON
TURNING POINT
Deep down I knew I was not created to work a 9 to 5 and live only for the weekends! I bought the book called Everything is Figuroutable (highly recommend) and decided to figure out how to make this my reality too. I knew instagram was a highlight reel, but I knew that if bobby sue was sitting on a beach on a Monday afternoon, then I could do it too! T H E B U CK E T L I S T VAG A B O N D I serve those who want to see the world and check off their bucket lists. I help others find cheap flight tickets, teach them how to work with brands/hotels, how to grow and organic following, and how to ultimately escape the 9-5 and pursue the life of their dreams! I grow my following through a genuine community. I engage on accounts that I love and help support my friends as well as competitors and they support me right back! I believe that everyone has a unique story, but it’s up to you to share your uniqueness! If you constantly hide behind what you think others want to see then you won’t stand out from the crowd! be different, it’s more fun!
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STAY TUNED..
I am so excited to announce that “The Bucket List Academy” is launching MAY 1st! This course completely spills the beans on all things related to becoming an influencer from branding, SEO, website set up, pitching to brands, negotiations, templates, rate calculators, emails, mindset, key word research and so much more secrets that took me YEARS to figure out.
I realized that I needed to become the person that I needed back when I started, so I put every single piece of knowledge I have into this course! Like I said above, there is room for us all at the top. I created a one- stop-shop to gather all the information that is needed to begin your career as an inf luencer!
@THEBUCKE TLIST VAGABOND
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I pitch myself through showcasing what I can provide to a brand if they work with me. I tend to take my time with each partnership so that I can have enough time to create a thoughtful and thorough story that engages my community. Sponsorships began as simple product exchanges, but developed into long term partnerships as I learned what brands/ companies are looking for. I also make sure to maintain partnerships that align with my niche. I will not accept fashion partnerships, for example, as it would not serve my audience.
THE BUSINESS OF LEARNING My biggest mistake was trying to create content like a competitor. The comparison game is a thief of joy. If at all possible, avoid comparison like the plague! Put your blinders on, hone in on your skills and what YOU bring to the table, and eliminate all other distractions. It can be really hard to forge your own path. But in order to attract your tribe, it’s so important to authentically YOU! Remember that building a life around others dreams and goals will never motive, inspire, or fuel you with enough passion that it will actually take to succeed! Dig deep, find out who YOU are, and chase your dreams based on that!
that determines those who fail and those who succeed.
COMMUNITY I fully believe that there is room for everyone at the top! By supporting your competitors, you are growing the environment in which you both need to thrive, attracting more potential customers, and in turn creating more opportunities for the both of you. Recently I helped a friend get into a new profession. I gave her resources, provided her with contacts, helped with her resume, and she landed her dream job. Later down the road I was looking for specific help with a new side job, and guess who was the first to offer assistance. Things come back tenfold when you accept the idea that there is room for us all at the top! Human beings are survivors, first and foremost. We will always finds ways to adapt and to push through when things get hard. Through all of my trials and errors, I have had to dig deep and truly support myself. Of course my family is always there rooting me on and for that I am so thankful, but at the end of the day if you don’t genuinely believe in yourself and say positive things to yourself, you will ultimately fail. Be the best version of yourself, for yourself. When you do that, others will support you as well!
CHALLENGES ALONG THE WAY On my journey I have overcome failures. Gosh, I started a blog three times before one ever took off. I used the wrong platforms and invested in the wrong courses that cost me over 10K. It’s frustrating to know something is out there that is meant for you, but not being able to find any of the answers. But I tell myself that no successful person ever made it to the top without failure. They simply viewed it as a learning opportunity and refused to quit. This is the mindset
There is a family known as The Bucketlist Family that I completely adore and look up to. They are so free spirited and the mother proves to the world that it IS possible to show your children the world. Another woman I look up to is my mom. She has a tenacious drive and desire to pursue her dreams and it’s so inspiring to see someone chase what they want. When I feel stuck I often think about her persistence through hardships and the ultimate goal she fights for.
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INSPIRING LATINAS INTERVIEW WITH YADIR A R AMIRE Z-SANTANA
Yadira Santana is a William S. Boyd School of Law graduate. She is currently studying to take the Nevada Bar Exam at the end of July. After the Bar Exam, Yadira will be clerking for a Dependency Judge in Family Court. She plans to practice Family law with a focus on domestic and dependency law.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? I knew at a young age that I wanted to become an attorney. As a first-generation Mexican-American, I grew up seeing a lot of injustice. I wanted to become an attorney so I could fight back against this injustice and help defend the individuals who did not know how to defend themselves. However, this was not an easy task. In order to get into law school, one must have a Bachelor’s degree, have taken the LSATs, and apply to law schools. All of these requirements take time and a lot of money. I finished my undergrad with an English Literature degree despite the financial struggles. My subsequent struggle was taking the LSATs. The LSATs are a law school admission test. I had to take this exam twice and each time I performed horribly. After I received my second results, I questioned whether I was meant to become an attorney. However, with the support of my family and my mentors, I decided to apply to law school. I applied to approximately 10 law schools and got into most of the schools I applied for. I have since graduated from law school and am currently studying to take the Nevada Bar Exam, a two-day exam that will determine whether I can practice law in the state of Nevada. This is my current struggle and I have found myself falling into imposter syndrome. However, I
know that with hard work and determination, I will be able to overcome this struggle
Latinas make up less than 2% of the attorneys within the legal field. As a result, the Hispanic community goes under-served in many different areas of law. WHAT HAS BEEN IMPORTANT TO YOU AS A MEMBER OF THE LATINO COMMUNITY?
As someone who is about to join this 2% of Latinas in the legal field, I believe it is important to uplift and support other Latinas who are interested in pursuing a career in the legal field. Not only for those who wish to join the legal field but also to just support and uplift fellow Latinas to follow their dreams and reach for the moon. I have been constantly underestimated, discouraged, questioned, etc. solely because I am a female Hispanic. However, I always had a support system that constantly reminded me that I am capable of accomplishing my dreams if I put in the work and effort. I wish to give back by being this support system for others who may need it.
INSTAGRAM @yayas15
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NO-CHURN SALTED CARAMEL PECAN ICE CREAM BY ELLA STA FF
Have you avoided making ice cream at home because you don’t have an ice cream maker and you can’t justify buying another piece of kitchen equipment you’ll only use on occasion? If so, you’ll want to give this easy 2-ingredient method inspired by the kitchn.com (see link below for attribution). This recipe builds upon their technique by adding a delicious salted caramel sauce and some chopped pecans. The results? Fantastic! If you love ice cream and a bit of salt in your snacks, you’ll want to give this one a try!
ICE CREAM BASE INGREDIENTS
• 1 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 t. vanilla extra [optional]
• 2 cups cold heavy cream
•
S A LT E D C A R A M E L S AU C E I N G R E D I E N T S
• 1 cup white sugar • 2 T. water • 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 T. unsalted butter • 1 t. Fleur de Sel salt
INSTRUCTIONS
1. To prepare the salted caramel sauce, add heavy cream to a small saucepan and set the heat to low. The goal is to slightly warm the cream because you don’t want to add a cold dairy product to hot liquid. Over medium-high heat, add the sugar and water to a heavy-bottomed saucepan and stir to combine. Stop stirring and bring to a boil. 3. Continue boiling until the mixture turns a deep amber color, then slowly whisk in the warmed cream until thoroughly incorporated. Remove from heat and add salt and butter. Stir until butter is totally incorporated into the mixture. Transfer to a serving dish or storage container and allow to cool while you prepare the ice cream. 4. For the ice cream, pour the sweetened condensed milk into a bowl and add the vanilla extract, if desired. Whip the heavy cream in a large bowl with a hand mixer or immersion blender until still peaks form. 5. Add one scoop of the whipped cream to the bowl of condensed milk and mix it in. Then gently fold the rest of the whipped cream into the now lightened condensed milk. Thoroughly incorporate the whipped cream into the mixture, but do not overwork it to the point it loses its airiness. 6. Pour half of the whipped cream/condensed milk mixture into an 8” loaf pan. Drizzle the cooled salted caramel sauce over the milk mixture and spread the chopped pecans evenly over the entire surface. Top with remaining whipped cream/condensed milk.
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RECIPES
Use a butter knife to incorporate the caramel sauce and pecans throughout the ice cream by pressing it down into the mixture and making sweeping “cuts” back and forth across the entire length of the pan. Cover with wax paper and press down to remove any air pockets. Place in freezer for a minimum of 6 hours, but preferably over night. Will last up to 2 weeks in the freezer. Store any remaining salted caramel sauce in an airtight container for up to one week.
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VANILLA ICE CREAM SODA P R E P T I M E : 15 M I N U T E S
|
COOK TIME: 3 MINUTES
SERVES: 2
INGREDIENTS
• ½ c. water • ½ c. white sugar • 1/3 c. unsweetened dark cocoa powder
INSTRUCTIONS
• 1 t. real vanilla extract • 1/8 t. salt • chopped and divided
1. To prepare the chocolate syrup, combine the water, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt in a small skillet set over medium heat. Whisk vigorously until the sugar is dissolved and the cocoa powder is thoroughly incorporated into the mixture, approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
SODA
• 1 c. club soda • 3 c. vanilla ice cream
2. Add a large spoonful of chocolate syrup to each serving glass and top with enough club soda to fill each glass halfway. Divide the ice cream between the glasses and top with additional chocolate syrup 3. To serve, top each ice cream soda with a generous amount of whipped cream, mini-chocolate chips, and a maraschino cherry. Enjoy!
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RECIPES
VANILL A ICE CREAM SODA
VANILL A ICE CREAM SODA
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UNGPLUG & UNWIND ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT: KATE PETERSON THE NOW MASSAGE FRISCO
Moms everywhere! Now that I am a mom, I have a new respect for all moms - working moms, stayat-home moms. It’s the hardest yet most beautiful job in the world.
Kate Peterson
WORDS TO LIVE BY
First and foremost, always be kind regardless of the situation at hand. Kindness always wins. My parents taught me the importance of prioritizing your physical and mental health. I grew up watching them being active, working out, running races, biking, practicing yoga (before it was trendy!) I am my best self when I am consistently working out and taking time for myself. Becoming a mom has tested this, but my son will not be my excuse to not be able to get in a workout, he is MY REASON. I always say, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
The NOW Massage Frisco will of fer a space to escape the daily pressures of life and recharge through the healing b e n e f i t s o f m ass a g e th e r a py. A n o asis f r o m to d ay ’s d i g i t a l l y d r i ve n s o c i e t y, o u r g o a l i s to o f f e r h i g h - q u a l i t y, a f f o r d able massage services in an inspired setting. 30
Prior to being a business owner, I was in the Marketing & Public Relations world for 12 years. I most recently served as the Director of Marketing for a dental company overseeing 70+ dental clinics throughout the state of Texas. I decided to “pause” my corporate career and focus on being a full-time mama once I got pregnant with my son, Beau. While being a stay-at-home mom was always a dream of mine, I soon realized I needed something for me and I craved getting back into the working world, but on MY time! My husband and I moved from Dallas to Frisco and opened The NOW Massage in November 2021.
WHAT ARE SOME ASPECTS THAT MAKE YOUR BRAND UNIQUE? The NOW Massage is a new-concept massage boutique in the heart of Frisco, TX. From the moment you walk through the front door, you are transported to that vacation state-of-mind. Once you step into our “Journey Room” it’s a jaw dropping experience; the dimmed, woven basket lights floating above with the sounds of crashing waves, there’s really nothing quite like it. I like to refer to The NOW as your oasis within the city. We offer a space to escape the daily pressures of life and recharge your energy and spirit with the healing benefits of massage therapy. And in today’s world, everyone could use a massage!
WHAT SPECIFIC ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUNG WOMEN WHO WANT TO BE THEIR OWN BOSS? Trust your intuition, let it lead you through the noise, fear, confusion, etc. You have a personal mission to embrace your path, so lean in and hopefully you can discover what makes your soul happy. Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone, that’s where the growth happens. In fact, be intentional about getting uncomfortable!
HOW DO YOU SUPPORT WOMEN? Collaborating with like-minded individuals, especially women, has been the highlight of my new endeavor. To be a small business owner, you have to have drive, grit and hustle. Meeting and partnering with local women in this arena has been extremely inspiring for me personally and professionally. It’s an incredible community and I’m extremely grateful to be a part of it!
WHO INSPIRES YOU? My grandmother will always be someone I admire and she inspires me daily. She was a true trailblazer for her time. She worked her way up the corporate ladder in a male-driven industry when most women did not work. She became the president of the bank in her small Arkansas town and retired at age 75. When I would visit her in the nursing home, the first thing she would ask me was “Are they paying you enough at your job?” She was the definition of a determined and hardworking woman.
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SHOP FROM ELLA
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SUMMER statements CHECKOUT OUR NEWEST COLLECTION OF STATEMENT JEWELRY AT SHOPFROMELLA.COM
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A LA MODE ESE AZENABOR’S FASHION SHOW REVIEW BY EDITH DUARTE, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
I had the absolute privilege of attending Esé Azénabor’s fashion
Fast forward to July, the incredibly successful Father of the
show in Dallas on May 1st. While, the studio setting was more
Bride remake on Netflix rightly named Ese Azenabor among
intimate than your typical fashion show, this invitation-only
Vera Wang and Zuhair Marad as the top wedding designers
experience was nothing short of spectacular. Esé is known for
of our time during in a key movie scene; further establishing
her impeccable taste and exceptional attention to detail. As
our favorite Dallas-based designer as a pop culture icon. We
the models made their way down the shiny runway, each gown
can’t wait to see where Esé goes next; we hope you’ll follow
shone more brightly than the one before. I snapped away
along with us!
and wondered how I got lucky enough to get an invitation. Every cell phone documented each flawless gown. A few key members of Dallas glitterati had assembled together and I could hear the sound of cameras click, click, clicking furiously! To me, there was more to this exquisitely-styled event. My eye suddenly became focused on the people seated just a few seats down from me in the front row: Esé’s little girl, mother, and adoring husband. I snapped a few candids to give to Ese later and began reflecting on Esés success and it’s significance for female business in Dallas. To put it very simply she is a selfmade entrepreneur with mad skills. As if the evening was not perfect enough, Ese’s little girl donned a child-sized couture version of her mommy’s dress that dazzled us all. The mood in the room felt hopeful as many of us had only now started to venture out to public events. As Ese put it, ‘today [marked] her “first fashion show in Dallas in two years!’ The pandemic had halted most in person events but Esé managed to keep her thriving business alive through social media, online sales, and COVID-friendly trunk shows held in cities across the US.
Esé Azénabor Couture pieces have been seen on celebrities such as actress Taraji P Henson, Tara Banks, Michelle Williams, country singer Kelsea Ballerini, Latin pop star Thalia, Vivica A Fox and so many more. The Brand has been published in Huff Post, People Magazine, Vogue, Cosmo, Essence, Munaluchi Bridal, Morden Luxury Weddings, and CEO Moms to name a few.
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E S E A Z E N A B O R Evening
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M O D E L : R E N ATA VAC U LOVA
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VEGAN COLLAGEN COMPLEX SERUM
This concentrated bioactive serum is a next-generation support system built for a healthier, dewy appearance. $22 Pacifica | Target
COCONUT PROBIOTIC SPORT SUNSCREEN
Streak-free formula offers protection and hydration. Contains Sunflower seed oil and Rosemary leaf extract. $16 Pacifica | Target
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KIND TINT
Tinted Serum, 29 ml Makeup meets skincare: hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and niacinamide to hydrate, even and brighten. $14 Pacifica | Target
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KALE SMOOTHIE
Refining Lotion, 50 ml A smoothie for your face designed to fight redness, minimize large pores and improve skin texture and tone. $16 Pacifica | Target
Clean beauty is not just a trend, its an 05
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ELLA Inspires Magazine
VEGAN COLLAGEN
Hydro-Treatment Patches Bio-degradable biocellulose eye patches deliver a dose of vegan collagen and hyaluronic acid for an instantly moisturized appearance. $6 Pacifica | Target
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SPONSORED ARTICLES women to watch A new story highlight series for up and coming female entrepreneurs on the edge of professional greatness. Open to to professionals from any industry.
artist corner The Artist Corner is a new interview series for up and coming artists. It is open to female makers and artists M A K E U P A R T I S T /from / @mirrorsbygizem all creative spaces. M O D E L / / @itsjkboss R E T O U C H I N G / / @retouch_tina
ask the expert Answer a commonly asked question in your field and tell us why you're the expert on the "Ask the Expert" series for professional women and entrepreneurs.
product review Get creative with a product review of your product to help consumers experience your product more closely through images and detailed product info.
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pricing
double spread | $300 This four page feature will include your logo, up to 5 images, and an article of 850 words. Includes one free copy of the printed issue and mentions on our social media.
full spread | $149 This two page feature will include your logo, up to 3 images, and an article of 500 words. Includes one free copy of the printed issue and mentions on our social media.
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ella ask the expert
W H AT I S B O DY S C U L P T I N G? Body Sculpting helps reduce pockets of stubborn fat. There is different techniques used during a body sculpting session. For example, Cavitation helps break down fat cells below the skin by using ultrasonic waves that helps dispose of fatty acids. Radio frequency also known as skin tightening helps reduce wrinkles, cellulite, and helps skin laxity. Radio frequency energy warms up the collagen present within the deep layers of the skin. It produces more collagen to help the elasticity of the skin. Wood therapy helps support the lymphatic draining, cellulite reduction and helps with stubborn fat.
before
WHY SHOULD WOMEN GE T BODY SCULPTING? Women should use this service if they are struggling with a certain body areas that the gym is just not helping to reduce. For example, the abdomen or extra loose skin due to having children or weight-loss. Body contouring can help benefit your life by eliminating fat, shaping areas of the body and tightening skin. The procedure is non-invasive, painless and requires no down time. It also helps you loose inches. W H AT S H O U L D YO U BODY SCULPTING?
CONSIDER
BEFORE
GETTING
Women should consider that this is not a one time session. Consistency is key
after
to obtain optimal results . The more sessions you do, and by following instructions, you will get the results and reach the body goals you want.
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WORDS TO LIVE BY
Keep working hard to achieve my goals for my business and help expand it in the future . Sharing my knowledge and expertise. Continue to help women along the way by helping them become the best version of themselves.
before
ABOUT ELL A BODY Samantha Martinez is a Certified Body Sculptor Specialist and Mentor. She is located in Oak Cliff Dallas TX near elmwood and bishop arts. My goal is to help inspire other women into reaching their body goals without the requirement of surgery. Body sculpting is completely non-invasive and requires no downtime, therefore becoming more beneficial to those that are scared to go under the knife. Most importantly it helps with any stubborn fat that will not go away no matter how hard you try. I have been in the industry for 10 months. Prior to this I worked a 9-4 job and becoming an entrepreneur changed my life.
after I N S T A G R A M @_ellabody www.facebook.com/ellabody
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7 LESSER-KNOWN BENEFITS OF STRENGTH TRAINING Lifting weights is the natural choice if you want a broad back and bulging biceps. However, you might be surprised to learn that it’s also effective for a much wider range of fitness goals. Less than 25% of American adults exercise regularly. Even fewer make strength training a central part of their routine. If that sounds like you, you’re missing out on more than bigger muscles. Incorporating the power of resistance into your workouts can help you get more impressive results in less time. Learn more about what strength training can do for you, and how to get started.
CONDITION YOUR HEART Aerobics may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about exercises for your heart, but strength training works too. That’s because it helps reduce abdominal fat that causes inflammation and other health issues.
LOWER YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE Hypertension puts you at higher risk for stroke and heart disease, and there are often no symptoms to warn you. Along with taking any medication recommended by your doctor, physical activity can help you stay within a safer range.
LOSE WEIGHT
MODEL: KARLA GOCHENOUR
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Muscle burns more calories than fat even when you’re sitting on the couch. As long as you avoid eating more, you may find it easier to shed excess pounds.
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FITNESS
H O W T O G E T S TA R T E D
PR E V EN T FALL S Enhancing your balance and posture makes you steadier on your feet. Weight-bearing exercises also thicken your bones, so your injuries may be less serious even if you do slip.
INCREASE FLEXIBILITY Lowering weights affects your body in much the same way as static stretches. That extra flexibility reduces stress and gives you greater freedom of movement.
INCREASE YOUR ENERGY
MODEL: KARLA GOCHENOUR
Getting Started P R O C E E D G R A D U A L LY
Daily tasks require less effort when you reduce your body fat and learn to use your body more efficiently. You may find it easier to keep up with your children and grandchildren.
Start with light weights and work your way up as your body adapts. As a general rule, expect to increase your load by 10% or less at any one time.
BOOST YOUR OVERALL WELLBEING LIF T HE AV Y Research shows that exercise can be as effective as antidepressants for some patients. In addition to looking fit, you’re likely to feel happier and calmer and may even reverse cognitive decline associated with aging.
At the same time, you’ll progress faster if you use the heaviest weights you can handle safely. That usually means you can just barely complete your last repetition.
TA K E DAY S O F F
“A toned body looks great, but strength training offers so much more. Take care of your body and mind with a well-rounded fitness program that will help you enjoy a long and active life.”
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Your muscles actually grow during the time you spend resting in between workouts. That might mean relaxing or doing other activities like hiking or swimming.
ADJUST YOUR LIFEST YLE Adopt healthy habits to go along with your physical activities. Eat a balanced diet and aim for 8 hours of sleep each night. Manage stress and cultivate mutually supportive relationships.
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SHOP FROM ELLA Summer is here and we’re getting barbecue and beach ready! We rounded up our favorite gift sets from shopfromella.com perfect for your mother, sister, best friend, or bridesmaid!
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PERSONALIZED TOTE BAG SET ($64) Lightweight personalized canvas tote (black), Lace robe (blush), Personalized canvas makeup bag (blush)
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BURLAP BEACH BABE GIFT SET ($84) Floral Silhouette Burlap Tote, Tropical pink round towel, Floral swimsuit cover up, Personalized sun hat.
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SUN GODDESS GIFT SET ($140) Palm leaf swim coverup, Boho round towel, Personalized sun hat & jute beach bag, Pom pom keychain, Retro heart sunglasses
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PERSONALIZED PAJAMA SET ($64) Monogram sleep shirt, Personalized jute bag, Satin sleep mask
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THE PINK BOX ($64) ’She believed’ mason jar candle, Canvas cosmetic bag, Diamond pen, Monogrammed ring dish, Rose gold glitter bath bomb
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ARONIA BERRY SMOOTHIE A DA P T E D BY M A R Z I A PR I NC E
Aronia Berry Smoothie SERVES 6 - 8
Did you know that the Aronia berry is a superfruit that has major antioxidants, anthocyanins, resveratrol, and proanthocyanins. It is one of the most nutritionally dense fruits on the planet. One daily serving has the antioxidant power of 10 servings of fruits and vegetables. It has 4X the power of Acai berry. It is not a sweet berry, it is tarter. You can serve with sweet fruit like banana and dates to mask the tart taste. It can be added to smoothies, oatmeal, and desserts. You can find them in the frozen produce section. INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup frozen Aronia Berries • • • •
1 banana 2 handfuls of greens 2 TBSP ground flaxseed 1 scoop of your favorite plant protein powder
• 2 cups water
INSTRUCTIONS
Blend all ingredients together until smooth. Add more ice for a colder and thicker smoothie. Enjoy!
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RECIPES
ARONIA BERRY SMOOTHIE
ARONIA BERRIES
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