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IN THIS ISSUE ON THE COVER ALICE LAURA PHOTOGRAPHER KATE MARIE PORTRAITURE GOWNS DALLAS GOWN RENTALS MAKEUP ARTIST OLIVIA BELTRAN FLORALS FLORA & VINE VENUE THE SPACE ON WEST MAIN CONTRIBUTORS ALICE LAURA MICHELLE SNELL MARTHA ESCOBAR BUSINESS MANAGER JOHN TYRA EDITOR IN CHIEF EDITH DUARTE
ELLA Inspires is an online & print magazine that celebrates business and entrepreneurship. In each issue one featured 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. Access past issues at www.ellainspires.com.
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IM AGE S // K AT IE M A R IE PHOTOGR A PH Y V ENUE // T HE SPACE ON W E S T M A IN GOW NS // DA L L A S GOW N R EN TA L F LOR A L S // F LOR A & V INE
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ELLA Inspires Magazine
ELLA Inspires Magazine
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On The Cover Alice Laura is the Founding Executive & CEO of the Modeling & Premium Staffing Agency of “Alice Laura Models.” Her agency goes beyond pretty faces. She is all about encouraging young women and men to focus on more than just their looks. __alicelaura__ alicelauramodels
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Table of Contents ELLA INSPIRES MAGAZINE (FALL 2021)
FEATURE: MODELING FOR GOOD
Page 18
BY ALICE LAURA sun ray earrings bougie wristlet
dreamy leather
FALL TRENDS
Page 24
it's sweater weather!
BY EDITH DUARTE
fall must haves!
Page 30
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4 PARKS TO EXPLORE THIS FALL BY MICHELLE SNELL
STRESS & SKINCARE BY MARTHA ESCOBAR
WOMEN TO WATCH BY LIZBETH PATIÑO
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Page 40
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From The Editor The creation of ELLA Inspires Magazine
flawed - yet - fabulous professionals,
and the ELLA brand itself was the direct
entrepreneurs,
result of taking tiny steps forward at
teachers,
crucial moments. In an effort to improve
artists, celebrities, and many others.
the brand visibility for my then web
These women shared one common trait:
design clients, I formed a magazine.
the courage to pursue their dreams and
Then, to create a unique experience for
take life by the horns. Thank you for
the women being featured, we formed a
sharing your lives, your stories, and your
#beautysquad to help women look their
triumphs with ELLA.
influencers,
beauty
queen’s,
mentors, makeup
best during their photo shoot. In order to include even more women into our
Here’s to another 25 covers! We are
mission, we started partnering with local
eager to show you what we have planned
studios and venues to host those photo
for and thank you for being part of this
shoots. After that, we reached out to local
amazing journey!
women-owned businesses to sponsor products in exchange for photography. In this issue we celebrate the TWENTY FIFTH cover of ELLA Inspires Magazine! Writing that seems like a dream to me. Our indie magazine has now featured TWENTY
FIVE
inspiring,
powerful,
Edith EDITH DUARTE
EDITOR + FOUNDER
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Kate Marie Portraiture
K AT I E G R A B O W S K I // K AT E M A R I E PORTRAITURE
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ELLA PHOTOGRAPHER
K AT I E G R A B O W S K I , K AT E M A R I E P O R T R AT I U R E I specialize in creating timeless and elegant portraits filled with light and love. I believe that photography is meant to be tangible; That our photographs are meant to be printed. Shared. Cherished. That our memories shouldn’t live on hard drives and be forgotten about. My 20+ years in the photography industry has provided me with an incredible wealth of knowledge that I infuse into my business and client experience. K AT E M A R I E P O R T R A I T U R E
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S T E P H A N I E W I L L I A M S // T H E S PAC E O N W E S T M A I N
S T EPH A NIE WILLI A MS V I A SPACEONWES T M A IN.COM
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ED I TO R IAL PAR T N ER
STEPHANIE WILLIAMS,FOUNDER T H E SPACE O N W E S T M A I N “The Space on West Main focuses on creating an intimate ambiance. With its exposed brick, charming white ceiling tile, and oil bronzed chandeliers our 1920s historically renovated landmark is the perfect location for your wedding or event.” SPACEO N W E S TM AI N
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Makeup by Olivia
O L I V I A B E LT R A N // HAIR & MAKEUP ARTIST
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ED I TO R IAL PAR T N ER
O L I V I A B E LT R A N , F O U N D E R MAKEUP BY OLIVIA Olivia Beltran is a make-up artist offering special event makeup, makeup classes, headshots in studio, and tips for makeup artists. M A K E U P_ B Y _ O L I V I A
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Dallas Gown Rentals
K E L LY M A R O N // DALLAS GOWN R E N TA L S
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ED I TO R IAL PAR T N ER
K E L LY M A R O N , F O U N D E R DA L L A S G O W N R E N TA L S Dallas Gown Rentals was created to give everyone access to amazing dress that make you feel absolutely stunning. Plus sizes available! DA L L A S G O W N R E N TA L S
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MAGGIE BROWN FOUNDER FLORA & VINE
I was born and raised in Dallas, TX. Me, my wonderful husband, and two pups now live in our little forever home, where our garage doubles as my floral studio. Love for flowers is definitely in my genes. My grandma, mother, and father greatly enjoy talking about and growing flowers. So flower names and flower arranging have always been second nature. Despite my upbringing, starting my career in flloral design was a total fluke. It was a wedding that started it all! A dear friend asked me if I could do the flowers for her wedding. I was very reluctant to do such an important event, but she assured me she trusted my floral eye wholeheartedly. Ever since then by word of mouth, wedding after wedding I have rapidly built a floral portfolio. I absolutely love what I do!
FLO R A . AND.V INE FACEBOOK .COM/ FLOR A ANDVINEDESIGN
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ELLA Inspires Magazine
I M A G E S // K AT I E M A R I E P H O T O G R A P H Y V E N U E // T H E S PA C E O N W E S T M A I N
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ELLA Inspires Magazine
ED I TO R IAL PAR T N ER
FLORA & V I N E
I M A G E S // K AT I E M A R I E P H O T O G R A P H Y F L O R A L S // F L O R A & V I N E
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toggle & layered chains
Fall
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Trends Fall accessories we can’t live without! What is your favorite fall trend?
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SUNNI
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fringe is in! 04
Mini Hoop Earrings You’ll love our 14K gold dipped sun hoop earrings! Sturdy and stylish, get ready to rake in the compliments. $30 05 02
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SANDRINE
Fashionable Wristlet The optional crossbody strap allows you to dress her up or down as a clutch, wristlet, or crossbody. Genuine Leather. $310
PALER M O
SoHo Leather Tote Luxurious, roomy, gorgeous, and handcrafted of 100% Italian, vegetable-tanned leather. $1280
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PENELOPE
Layered Necklace Double layered necklace with circle pendant set with rhinestones. $22
FRENCHIE
On-trend Fringe Earrings The Frenchie metal round dangling earrings feature rhinestone details and fringes hanging from a hammered metal stud. $26
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sun ray earrings 05
bougie wristlet
dreamy leather it's sweater weather!
fall must haves!
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leather totes
ELLA Inspires Magazine
Pumpkin spice& evertyhing nice
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COVER FEATURE BY ALICE LAURA
Modeling for Good I grew up in the western part (Bergisches Land & Rhine Ruhr
Prague is a political, cultural and economic center of central
Metropolitan Region) of Germany. According to Wikipipedia,
Europe with a rich history. The city has more than ten major
“the “Bergisches Land” (Berg County) is a low mountain
museums, along with numerous theaters, galleries, cinemas,
range region within the state of North Rhine-Westphalia,
and other historical exhibits. It was very normal for me to
Germany, east of Rhine river, south of the Ruhr. The
go to the theater, opera, exhibits and classical concerts in
landscape is shaped by woods, meadows, rivers and creeks
buildings that were sometimes over 600 years old.
and contains over 20 lakes. It is a very beautiful region.” I used to spend hours in the woods taking long walks with my dog. During these long strolls in the summer, I enjoyed walking barefoot to ground myself and to become one with nature. My dog, Hector − a Labrador & German Shepherd mix, always was my loyal companion. I did not even have to use a leash. He would follow me everywhere and together we would enjoy the beautiful views and the smells of trees and plants. My father is originally from Czech Republic, but fled from Soviet Communism at the age of 19 to Germany. My mother is completely German. I have one brother who is 2 years older than me. As a child we used to visit my Czech part of the family several times per year and for that reason I would say that Prague and its people has also had a big influence in me growing up.
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“The city has more than ten major museums, along with numerous theaters, galleries, cinemas, and other historical exhibits. It was very normal for me to go to the theater, opera, exhibits, and classical concerts in buildings often over 600 years old.”
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“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.”
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This had a great impact on me growing up and has made
programs as possible and, while my main university was in
me appreciate art, classical music and history. We used
Berlin, I had the privilege to study and volunteer in different
to take long walks in the historic city center of Prague. My
countries for several years. The time abroad after high school
father would tell my brother and me one interesting historic
(Gymnasium) and later, while in university, has taught me
story after the other. Stories like that of Charles the 4th,
way more than school or university ever did. Living abroad
the first King of Bohemia, or Jan Huss a Czech theologian
was the best school of life.
and Church reformer and the inspiration of Hussitism, and a seminal figure in the Bohemian Reformation. If you have
As a child, I fondly remember
ever been there you will know that walking through Prague
grandparents and parents in the northern part of the
going camping with my
is like taking a walk through history.
Netherlands in a town called “Julianadorp.” The town is located by the North Sea and is well known for its lovely sandy
GROWING UP
beaches, nearby dunes and tulip fields. My grandparents used to own a mobile home at this camping site and we went
Although I was born and raised in Germany and have a
there every summer. We used to bike on the dunes and I
German mother, I never felt completely “German.” Thanks
could spend hours playing with my brother and other new
to my father I was raised with a different perspective and
friends who I had met at the camping site or at the beach.
culture. This made me identify with other children from
I had beautiful adventures there, loved being in nature and
immigrant families and opened my mind to different cultures
breathing the fresh coastal air. I also enjoyed the community
and to not only accept
aspect of it. Everyone knew
but also embrace them.
each other and helped each
Two during
major
set-backs
my
childhood
made me grow up and mature very fast. One was the divorce of my
“All the experiences and
other out. People barbecued
adventures I lived abroad shaped
of amazing children’s events
me into the person I am today.”
etc.) that filled me with joy. I
parents at the age of 7
together and there were a lot (Mini Playback Show, Bingo loved taking part in all these fun events, being outdoors
and the other one was a
and playing with the other
severe illness I had at the age of 14. These events made me
children, even if we did not speak the same language. It was
wiser and more mature. They taught me that sometimes the
like a home away from home.
most important lessons in life are the ones we learn the hard way. It definitely made me think differently about life and
G L O B AL C I T I Z E N
how fast it can all be over. Therefore, it is very important for me to do what I love, to enjoy every moment, and to find
All the experiences and adventures I lived abroad shaped
a sense of fulfillment in my work. Health, since then, has
me into the person I am today. I have learned how to live in
become my priority and I am even more aware of the fact
the moment and to appreciate my own country, background
that without a healthy body and mind we are not able to do
and the privileges I have/had thanks to growing up in
anything at all. Nowadays, I am grateful for this illness since
Germany. At the same time, I was also able to see my own
it was a wakeup call and redirected my focus to the essential
country from a different lens and to learn from different
things in life.
customs and worldviews.
YO U N G E X P L O R E R
Now, I would definitely describe myself as a global citizen. Thanks to my personal setbacks as a child, I lost my fear of
After curing my illness I was even more excited to live life to
leaving my comfort zone. I fell in love with being alive again.
the fullest. Therefore, from an early age, I had the desire to
So far, I have lived in six countries. Every place I lived in has
see the world. After high-school, I studied, worked and lived
shaped me differently. Still, I am always extremely happy to
in different countries. I tried to get into as many exchange
return “home” to the “Berg Country” in Germany.
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Yellowstone Answer the Call of the Wild
White Sands Feel the sand between your toes this Fall!
Take a deep breath and inhale the clean air
4 National Parks To Explore This Fall by Michelle Snell If you are like many Americans, at least one of America’s National Parks is on your bucket list.
Established over 100
BIG
BEND
PA R K
|
TX
Spread out over 800,000-acres, Big Bend is a National Park that is big enough and tough enough to call
years ago with a mission to promote, “the
Texas home.
enjoyment, education, and inspiration of
dangerous” environment, Big Bend is full of harsh, vast
this and future generations,” the National Park Service manages 63 National Parks across the United States. Choosing which park to visit can be daunting, so I want
Known for being an “unforgiving and
countryside. Do not let that deter you from visiting Big Bend though. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking and more in this park. One of the most popular trails is the 1.7-mile round trip hike, Santa Elena Canyon Trail. This trail rewards hikers by immersing them in the 1,500-foot limestone walls of the Rio Grande.
to help you out by introducing you to four of my favorite National Parks!
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N AT I O N A L
ELLA Inspires Magazine
WHITE
SANDS
N AT I O N A L
PA R K
|
NM
One of the unique National Parks, White Sands National Park, can be found just outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico. People flock to White Sands to explore the 275 square miles of white gypsum sand that remained after a lake evaporated in Ice Ages. While there is not one particular area or attraction within the park to visit, the fun is just experience the vast sand dunes. Visitors love to ride sleds down the dunes, do a photoshoot here, or just spend the day hiking. No matter what you choose, White Sands is definitely worth a visit!
R O C K Y M O U N TA I N N AT I O N A L PA R K | C O Established in 1915, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is located in one of the country’s most popular mountain ranges, The Rocky Mountains.
Known for deep valleys,
Michelle Snell @thattexascouple
gorgeous mountain terrain, and an exceptionally diverse ecosystem brimming with a wide range of plant and animal life. Visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park should definitely be on the lookout for wildlife while in the park. Elk, bison, moose, bears, bighorn sheep, and more all call the park home.
YELLOWSTONE
N AT I O N A L
PA R K
|
WY
While the majority of Yellowstone National Park is in Wyoming, this 3,500-mile park also spreads into Montana and Idaho. The world’s first National Park, Yellowstone’s claim to fame
Michelle Snell is a travel writer, history buff, wine lover, and culture enthusiast. A professional educator by day, her passion for travel has her jet setting all over the world in her free time. Michelle enjoys bringing places to life through her informative writing style on her blog, That Texas Couple.
is thanks to the unique and dramatic geologic features that formed this beautiful landscape. Of course, everyone knows Old Faithful, the park geyser that gained it worldwide attention, but there is so much more to Yellowstone than just Old Faithful. A visit here allows you to explore forests, rivers, canyons, hot springs, geysers, and more. Of course, an abundance of wildlife calls Yellowstone home also. Be on the lookout for bears, elk, bison, deer, wolves, and antelope. Honestly, you cannot go wrong with any of America’s National Parks, so get out there and get exploring! There are so many great places just waiting for you!
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I look for young women and men that are hard-working, good looking, classy, elegant and willing to grow and learn constantly.
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ELLA Inspires Magazine
BUILDING HER EMPIRE I launched my agency in Dallas around 5 years ago, but have been in the industry since I was around 16-17 years old. While in university, I worked for major modeling & premium staffing agencies on many national and international conventions, fashion shows and premium events throughout Europe and Latin America. It was a great side income to have as a student and allowed me to finance my travels. Thanks to my modeling jobs, I was able to focus more on my university studies, since I did not have to work a “fixed” job. Especially, the work at international trade shows and events allowed me to gain insight into all kinds of different industries, network, learn and grow with every job. While working as a model myself, I noticed the need for intelligent, beautiful and hardworking people. Many times, models would just stand around and smile, but would not create value for the company. With my agency, I want to provide value for the companies we work with. I want our models to help our clients with sales, lead generation, translations, etc. Beauty is great and opens doors, but one has to be able to hold a conversation, be educated and have a good heart to really make an impression. (Cont. P.41)
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Stress & Skincare by Martha Escobar
Have you experienced sudden acne breakouts or eczema flares up during stressful times? We all experience stress, and for most of us, 2020 was very stressful. According to a survey conducted by Morneau Shepell, in April 2020, 49% of respondents reported having more mental stress. It is no surprise that feeling stress is bad for our well-being. Stress also wreaks havoc on our skin. When we are under pressure or experiencing uncertainty, skin problems such as acne, dryness, or irritation may arise, making things worse.
EFFEC TS OF STRESS ON YOUR SKIN Our bodies are brilliantly designed and created to survive. There’s a beautiful and powerful connection between our brain and skin; they are constantly communicating. When we are under stress, our adrenal glands produce steroid hormones, including cortisol, the “stress hormone.” However, when cortisol levels are too high, it stimulates oil production leading to an oily complexion, clogged pores, and acne. It decreases the production of hyaluronic acid and collagen, which leaves skin dry. It weakens its natural barrier, resulting in loss of moisture and reducing the function to self-repair. Also, chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema worsen causing flareups.
HELP YOUR SKIN IMAGE: MARTHA ESCOBAR
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There are many lifestyle changes to help reduce stress and its effects. Unfortunately, a survey conducted by Mental Health America reported that 63% engaged in unhealthy behaviors to combat work-related stress. One of them can be neglecting our self-care and skincare. Sometimes the last thing we think about is our skincare regimen. However, following our daily skincare regimen helps prevent and decrease the adverse effects, including combating stress-related cortisol. If you are having a stressful week or day and following a skincare regimen feels overwhelming, the best thing to do is keep it simple. Keep your skin
ELLA Inspires Magazine
IMAGE: MARTHA ESCOBAR
BEAUT Y ORGANICA
cleansed, moisturized day and night, refreshed, and protected by applying appropriate products according to your skin needs. It is simple and yet effective in keeping your complexion protected from the effects of stress and keep it looking beautiful.
CO M B AT S T R E S S W I T H P L A N T S Skincare should be naturally nourishing; our skin is exposed to many stressors and pollution every day, so it’s best to avoid synthetic and toxic ingredients. Instead, when shopping for skincare products, look for the following whole-plant elements for a symphony of nutritional components to strengthen the skin against the effects of stress and preserve your skin’s health and beauty.
ADAPTOGENS Adaptogens minimizes the effects of stress, increases the skin’s intuitive defenses, and protect from environmental stressors. Adaptogenic herbs include: • Ashwagandha • Turmeric and ginseng root • Echinacea • Reishi, Chaga shiitake, and Lion’s Mane mushrooms
ANTIOXIDANTS Antioxidants prevent cellular damage that causes premature aging by blocking oxidation from excess free radicals found in pollution, UV radiation, stress, and unhealthy lifestyle.
Martha Escobar Founder, Peluzzi Organica ELLA Beauty Editor www.peluzziorganica.com PELUZZIORGANICA
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Oils and Herbs rich in antioxidants include: • Rosehip fruit and oil • Sunflower • Rose • Camellia (green tea seed) oil • Sea buckthorn berry and oil • Pomegranate seed oil • Marula oil
Blend all ingredients into a paste, add more water if needed. Massage onto face and neck using circular motions. Rinse after 15 minutes.
Relaxing Bath Soak Relax muscles, soothe skin irritation and soften skin • 2 cups of Apple cider vinegar • 5 tbsp of dried Rosemary (10 Tbsp fresh rosemary) • 2 cups of hot water
A N T I - I N F L A M M ATO R Y Soothe inflamed itchy, irritated, and skin discomfort caused by stress, hormonal fluctuations, or other factors. Help promote skin’s ability to heal, purify, and balance. Soothing and Anti-inflammatory: • Pomegranate seed oil • Calendula • Aloe Vera • Chamomile • Chickweed • Rosemary • Turmeric • Gotu Kola • Hibiscus
Step 1: Pour hot water over rosemary and cover. Step 2: Steep for 15 minutes and strain. Step 3: Add vinegar and tea to bathwater.
SOOTHING HERBAL TEA Did you know sipping a cup of freshly brewed herbal before bed can lift tension and soothe the nerves?
S t re s s a n d A n x i e t y C a l m i n g Te a 1 tsp chamomile tea 1 tsp lemon balm
R EL A X ING HOME SPA
1 tsp lavender
Plan and reserve the perfect time and day for your pampering session. Then, in the comfort of your bathroom, you can create a relaxing retreat by lighting aromatherapy candles, prepare a soothing tea, and set the mood with relaxing music. Have your soft towels, robe and slippers, and materials ready. Here are naturally nourishing recipes to include in your pampering sessions.
Honey or maple syrup 1 cup of water
• Pour hot water over and cover • Steep for 10 minutes. • Strain, add honey or syrup, and ENJOY.
MAKE YOUR OWN MA SK Indulge your skin with a relaxing mini facial mask in the comfort of your own home. Reserve at least 20 minutes every week. You’ll need a small porcelain or glass bowl to mix ingredients to create your mask and discard any leftovers.
Purifying and Moisturizing Mask
Slice of lemon
FINAL REMINDERS Always treat yourself with love and kindness, especially under stressful times. Following a daily and weekly relaxing self-care regimen purifies and supports your well-being and growth. Make
4 tsp powdered oats 1 tbsp of mashed green banana 2 mashed strawberries 1 tbsp of distilled water or milk
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it a habit to reserve time to relax your mind and body away from stress. You, your skin, and your body deserve the best of care, love, and peace.
ELLA Inspires Magazine
BEAUT Y ORGANICA
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Our agency focuses on more than just pretty faces. While we
we are planning will be to raise funds to buy land in the rain-
also do the typical fashion, print and commercial modeling
forest in order to protect it. I am very excited about this initiative
jobs, our main niche and target markets are high-end events,
as it has been one of my childhood dreams to help protect the
corporate events and trade shows. For these jobs our models
lungs of our precious planet.
need to be more than just beautiful. They need to be of value for the client, be hard working, highly professional, reliable and
GETTING HERE
real team members. Our models need to be willing to take great care of guests at events, help with registration, translations, product launches, lead generation and anything else the client might need help with. Most of our models speak at least 2 languages and have a university degree. Some even have doctorate degrees. Working at these events and trade shows is a unique networking opportunity for our models. They learn about different industries and make valuable connections for their future careers. I want the jobs to be a stepping stone for them into other opportunities. As a matter of fact, it has already been a great opportunity for many of our models. A few of them have launched their own businesses and are collaborating with me as business partners. We only work with direct clients and bookings. This is a huge privilege for our models since they do not need to go to a lot of castings/auditions and compete with other models for jobs. We have worked with clients such as Teri Jon, Sam Edelman, UBeauty, Ese Azenabor at events and international trade shows like People Magazine Launch Party, IFA Berlin, BSC Expo London, AAHOA Dallas, Modefabriek Amsterdam or SIAL Paris, to only name a few. In Dallas we have organized shows and events at the most beautiful sites such as The Hall of State or the Perot
"To To be honest, I never planned to manage an agency. I actually studied to be a diplomat."
Museum. We often collaborate with artists as well since we love to support their thought- provoking work. We have placed our models at several incredible artistic film projects and events. One of the films was even selected as a finalist for the European Cinematography Awards.
I did my Master studies in Political Economy and International Relations and received several scholarships to study abroad. I learned six languages fluently in preparation to work in an international atmosphere and live and work all over the world. The agency happened more organically. I started it while in Germany
AN A G E N T F O R G O O D
when I was still working as a model myself and later launched it in
Another unique aspect about our agency is that we ultimately want to use the agency for doing “good.” We want to be able to choose our clients and support ethical businesses and social entrepreneurs. Before the pandemic, we launched the project “Models for Good” and our models used their social media influence to educate others about different topics related to living a more Eco-friendly and sustainable life. We have also supported many charity events and organized charity fashion shows. Our plan is to expand this aspect of the agency even more and to use our influence wisely. We want to have a positive impact on people and our society. The next event/fashion show
Dallas around 5 years ago. Fortunately, the agency has allowed me to work remotely and, before the pandemic, we placed models for events and shows all over the US and Europe. I am very passionate and grateful about what we are doing and am constantly trying to incorporate all I have learned in my studies and while living abroad. I think we can have a huge impact on changing the narrative of models being only beautiful but empty shells. Due to my background I have such a different approach to the industry. Alice Laura Models is ‘not your typical modeling agency.’ (Cont. P.48)
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D P I C N I C // L U X U R Y P I C N I C S
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ELLA Inspires Magazine
W O M E N TO WATC H
L I Z B E T H PAT I Ñ O, F O U N D E R D PI C N I C
I was born and raised in Mexico City, I come from a humble family, where I learned that success does not come from luck, rather from passion, constancy and hard work. When I was little, I spent the summer at my grandparents house. My grandmother was a swimming athlete, I remember the top of her fireplace filled with so many medals. I always wondered how strong you would have to be to get all of those. My grandma was also an independent woman; always working on her side hustle, knocking on doors to sell products and meeting people to create more relationships. I learned from her the desire to step outside my comfort zone. From this memory, comes to my mind my auntie, because when I was a little girl, she used to tell me: ‘Think outside the box, try to do different things and go places that others do not go. And when you feel that is not enough, always look for something else that makes you feel happy, money will not always be the answer.’ At that age, I really did not understand the real message. When I was 8 years old, I sold catalog products and set out candy tables out of my house or sell burgers to my neighbors, family and friends and invested my earnings intermittently until I graduated from University and started working as a trainee.
Later on I had the opportunity to move to San Antonio, Texas. Which is one of the greatest, unexpected, yet difficult opportunities I have ever had. Leaving my country, my culture, my family and friends plus learning a new language presented challenges than I never imagined. I met new people, made new friends, and tasted new foods but the biggest challenge for me was learning to speak English and being away from my loved ones.
BECOMING A FOUNDER I founded ‘D Picnic’, an event planning company that mainly offers Luxury Picnic setups indoor and outdoor, and other services options to help customers planning intimate events, surprises, casual events. D Picnic is focused to the whole family. My mission is to turn lifetime moments into unforgettable experiences through sincerity and integrity. My goal is materialize my customer needs to exceed their expectative and delivery them what they pay for, made them feel that they do not have anything to be worried about. With D Picnic I look forward to create partnerships with small businesses and customers to build strong relationships that allows me to go further.
I am a Mexican wife and mama of a two year old boy. I have a professional degree in Business Industrial Management and currently work full-time as a Management Consultant. I am also a Yoga student and most recently founder of ‘D Picnic,’ a small event planning and luxury picnics company that allows me to indulge my passion for design, colors, and nature all in one.
WWW.DPICNICTX.COM
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MENTORING WOMEN I believe the agency allows me to mentor young women every day. It is actually an incorporation of just that. I consider my models as my sisters and brothers. I ultimately want to guide and protect them. I really hope while working with us they are inspired to work on themselves intellectually, network with different clients and even be inspired to start their own businesses. I love seeing my models do exactly that and I got some amazing feedback from parents and models thanking me for my work. A lot of our models started to learn new languages, others started their own businesses and some got internship opportunities or actual jobs. My best advice for women is to just start and to believe in themselves. If you believe in yourself, others will do so as well. It is not always easy and as a business owner you work a lot, sometimes 24/7. But if you love what you do and it is your passion, it does not feel like working. You are able to materialize your thoughts and visions. This is the great privilege of being our own boss. Go after your dreams. We only have one life. Do whatever makes you happy and never forget what is most important in life: your health and your loved ones. Never sacrifice your health or your family for work. It is not worth it. You need to be satisfied, happy and have a balance. Do not stop enjoying life. Stay young in your heart and mind. Dance, sing and travel as much as you can. We are young only once and we will not be able to enjoy life the same way once we are old. Do not just live for your pension.
“Dance, sing and travel as much as you can. We are only young once and we will not be able to enjoy life the same way once we are old.” 46
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While living, studying and working abroad I have a met a lot of elderly people who just left their country and started traveling for the first time. I remember one elderly couple telling me: “Alice, you are doing it right. Please do not make the same mistake we did. We have worked our whole lives for our pension and are just now starting to live and enjoy it. Unfortunately, we are too old now to really enjoy and live the experience. The world is so beautiful and we just now started to realize it. Please do it while you are still young and not when it is too late.” I will never
“II feel that in working with other women entrepreneurs there is another level of trust.”
forget what they said and am trying my best to live by it. After all, we live for the beautiful moments and experiences and not for accumulating things.
Personally, I prefer working with other business women. I know that there is no ulterior motive other than business or friendship and I can be comfortable meeting and collaborating with them.
M Y AD V I C E F O R W O M E N
I feel that in working with other women entrepreneurs there
WhIle it is not easy, you need to love what you do and you need to be persistent. There will be a lot of ups and downs. In the beginning you will not earn much, or may even lose money. In the first year of my business, I personally did not earn anything and was working basically 24/7. See it as an investment, stay focused and positive. Take some days off to recharge and get back to it after. Do not give up and if it is really what you are passionate about and you can be your authentic self, you will be successful in the end. People need to see that you are real. Do not fake anything, stay humble and be diligent. Be respectful to everyone who
is another level of trust. There is enough out there for all of us and we are much stronger and can grow much faster if we work together. I enjoy working with many other woman-owned modeling agencies, modeling schools and other businesses. We have organized some amazing networking events together and we are in constant communication and collaboration. I think that this is the best way to grow and to stay human at the same time. As human beings, we need to think more collectively in general since we all share this planet and, in the end, all want the same: to live peacefully with our loved ones, have financial security and freedom.
works with you no matter the position or social class. My persistence and flexibility were tested once more when the pandemic hit. Last year was hard for all of us and it was particularly so for our agency because of our focus on premium event staffing. One after the other booking suddenly got cancelled due to the Pandemic. At first, I was really sad since the agency had just been starting to grow very fast. I thought of all the time we spent in building the business and the hard work and time that we invested in securing the bookings. But then, I changed my mindset and decided to make the best out of the situation. I took advantage of all the free time I suddenly had, focused on self-improvement, improved my languages, studied Ayurveda, travelled all over Europe and spent a lot of time with my family. Furthermore, I changed my business strategy and focused on Influencer Marketing and “Virtual Modeling” during this time. In the end, it is all about your mindset and we need to
F I N AL T H O U G H T S Next for me is hopefully getting back to doing events in Europe and other cities all over the US once this Pandemic subsides. My main focus will be Dallas though. I really like this city, its people and how welcoming they are to entrepreneurs like me. There is so much opportunity and great people who will mentor and support you. I am extremely thankful for being here and for all the support. Furthermore, I would like to start launching a YouTube channel for the agency showcasing the work we do even more and to tell the inspiring stories of our amazing models. Moreover, I would like to continue growing the “Models For Good” Project and maybe even start my own ethical fashion or organic cosmetic label. There is a lot more to come and I am excited about the future.
learn to fall and get back up again.
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Inspired by Women MEET FEMALE MAKERS FROM ACROSS THE US
Inspired by Women highlights the stories of creative women, working hard to build legacy wealth for their families with sustainable, organic, high-quality products made right here in the United States. Shopping from them ensures your dollars support a family business, fund a college education, and cultivate job growth in their respective communities. Read their stories here. Follow their brand on social media. Shop small. Shop female.
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INSPIRED BY WOMEN
NAME
Kristy Bottle
T H I NG S I L OV E A BOU T FA L L
Mocha frappuccino, farmhouse country style, neutral colors... my favorite color is vanilla!
BIO
I’m a wife and mother of four amazing kids. I am a creator by nature. My mom lived by and taught me the motto “If I can DIY it, why buy it”! I’ve sacrificed a lot to stay home with my kids for many years, but reached a point that I HAD to go back to work. I finally found something that I can do that allows me to work from home, help support my family and I’m working towards someday bringing my husband home to work too!
KRISTY’S CRAFT ROOM
MY FORMULA FOR SUCCESS
Our subscription craft kits get custom designed wood cutouts that are exclusive to them, we don’t even sell them in our own shop. We offer them a private community where we can get to know them better and they can get to know us, we share behind the scenes content about our wood shop and our lives with them, it really feels like we are a big crafty
KRISTY BOTTLE, FOUNDER
IMAGE: BROOKE GENAW PHOTOGR APHY
, y ll i s , creative d e n i m r e t & de
family.
KRISTYSCRAFTROOM_OFFICIAL
KRISTYSCRAFTROOM
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NAME
Natalie Bradley
T H I NG S I L OV E A BOU T FA L L
Pumpkin Spice Lattes!
BIO
Natalie is a wedding planner turned watercolor artist, mother to daughter Reese, married to business partner Edward, and loves to laugh! Over the years the definition of success has changed for Natalie. After many years as a successful southern wedding planner, Natalie followed her heart to becoming a full time artist. Natalie Bradley Home is a family business, owned by husband and wife team Natalie and Edward Bradley. We sell our art and handmade items
N ATA L I E B R A D L E Y H O M E
MY FORMULA FOR SUCCESS
You are an achiever so you have to work to find balance in all you do. Slow down. Enjoy life. Stop comparing yourself to everyone else around you. We’re a husband-wife team and we genuinely love what we do. Every single day we are so excited to begin the next project and share with our customers. My love for architecture, plants, nature and just appreciating the every day is expressed in my watercolors. Edward’s passion for working with his hands to create beauty is evident in every piece he makes and refinishes.
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N ATA LIEBR A DLE Y HOME
N ATA L I E B R A D L E Y, F O U N D E R
IMAGE: WE DO PHOTOGRAPHY @WEDOPHOTOGRAPHY
, c i t e g r e n e , y l b bub & loving
along with other retail lines throughout Georgia at various locations. Our greeting cards, map illustrations and prints are taking off and we are thrilled.
NAME
Kim Edwards INSPIRED BY WOMEN
T H I NG S I L OV E A BOU T FA L L
Anything with salted caramel!
BIO
Kim is a widow and mother to a young son. She has had her share of hardships and loss but what has given her the strength to keep moving forward is her faith in God, reading His word and surrounding herself with encouraging Christian women. Kim’s desire through her subscription box, Overflow of Blessings, is that it will reach subscribers in the midst of their busy day and give them encouragement as they strive to live the life God has laid before them and in turn, they will overflow into those around them. OVERFLOW OF BLESSINGS
, e v i t a e r c , n a i t s chri e v i t i s o p &
KIM EDWARDS, FOUNDER
MY FORMULA FOR SUCCESS
I enjoy spending time with my son and we live very close to South Padre Island so we take a lot of weekend trips to the beach. Slow down.....God has a plan and it is perfect! There is no need to rush and try to figure out what to do next.
OV ER F LO W.O F. B L E S S I N G S
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The Fall Collection FALL #INSPIREBOX PRODUCT GUIDE
Our curated collection features soft, feminine beauty and spa products we know you’ll love! As always each product comes from a fremale-led business right here in the United States. We verify the quality of each item in your box and make sure it is something we use ourselves! We are especially proud to feature new products like the delicious hydration spray from Earth Harbor along plus jewelry pieces from our own online retailer. It is our sincere hope you enjoy this introduction to female brands and support female-led businesses independently.
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1.
Tidal Rose Crystal Hydration Toner A natural toner, hydration-enhancer and makeup setter, Tidal Rose infuses nutrient-dense Seaweed with highvibration Rose Quartz Rosewater, antioxidant-rich White Tea Extract, and beautifying Persian Lilac Extract.
2.
NCLA Call My Agent Nail Polish This vibrant and shockingly bright red cream reminds pursuers to think twice before wasting your precious time. All NCLA nail lacquers are proudly made with love in California, 100% vegan,Cruelty Free, and 7-Free.
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3.
Vitamin E Infused Cuticle Oil The vitamin e extract paired with sunflower seed oil revitalizes and hydrates your cuticles and nailsnourishes your nails and locks in moisture.
4.
Rose Bay Balancing Facial Soap A luxe facial soap with a silken texture and calming aroma. The enriching effects of Australian Pink Sea Clay, Moroccan Rose Extract, and Coconut Oil gently purify and remove build-up without stripping your skin.
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5.
ELLA EXCLUSIVE: Custom Blank Cards We designed a custom blank greeting card collection featuring four designs based on images taken from our Fall photo shoot. Images by Kate Marie Portraiture @ katemarieportraiture
6.
Matte Attraction Lipstick (Mini Lipstick) Matte Attraction Lipstick Collection delivers intense, long-lasting color with a velvety, powdery finish. In high concentration, this moisturizing lipstick formula delivers intense hydration and full coverage pigment.
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7.
Microfiber Twisted Hair Towel This soft, super absorbent & light microfiber hair towel is a perfect simple solution for wrapping and drying your hair with ease. Great for after shower or wash face. Great for fizzy hair to calm down.
8.
Nourishing Cream Cleanser Offering lasting hydration with her Aloe Leaf Juice and plant oils of Olive & Coconut, this non-foaming cleanser that softens, renews and brightens skin. Dry, sensitive, and mature skin will adore her serene cleanse during nightly skincare rituals, too.
9.
Straw Fringe & Knit Flat Clutch This is an absolute must have ring has a straw fringe & knit flat clutch bag design. Great for any occasion and casual event!
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Luxury lifestyle products made by female makers wrapped up into one gorgeous box.
RESTORE & REJUVENATE
MADE BY FEMALE MAKERS
ELLA INSPIRES MAGAZINE
Indulge and unwind knowing that each spa and beauty product is carefully selected for being ethical, cruelty-free, organic, and clean ingredients.
In Texas alone, more than 860,000 firms are owned by Women! This subscription box contains luxury products sourced by female makers and artisans.
Each box contains the latest issue of ELLA Inspires Magazine! Look for a detailed product guide toward the back of each issue.
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SHOP FEMALE. VISIT ELLAINSPIRES.COM
