Fresh Magazine Issue #41

MAGAZINE a n t i - a g i n g , b e a u t y, l i f e s t y l e

h e a l t h ,

f i t n e s s

&

n u t r i t i o n

i co n

Issue 41 • JULY/AUGUST 2017 freshmag.ca

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Contents Issue 41 • July/August 2017

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by Erin Crooks and Holly Decker

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Q&A with Dr. Allison Sutton

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Crystal Carson Report

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Heat wave

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7 myths about being big and fit (and why they’re completely untrue)

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“I’m Not an Oxygen Cover Model. I’m a Warrior”: Interview with tosca reno

Makeup by Holly Decker

by Louise Green

by Kristin van Vloten

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Women Inc.

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Beauty Buzz 411

40 41

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Focus on Women: Elly Mayday

by Crystal Jensen

Why Adults Get Acne

by Leah Lavanway

Fountain of youth

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A Smile for the ages

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Mindfulness and everyday success

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Entrepreneurs are called to be socially responsible

by Dr. Kelvin P. Mah

by Dr. Lisa Ferrari & Dr. Carla Fry

by Genicca Whitney

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

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elcome back, summer. We all yearn for your long days, your patio parties, and of course, your heat. Speaking of hot, our cover story this issue is on Tosca Reno. Tosca became an icon amongst fitness models after the age of 40. Her quest for sharing her steps towards wellness with the world and her struggles while taking over the family business, have made her the woman she is today. Read Tosca’ story and discover the power within us all. On the subject of power, we would like to direct your attention to Women Inc, This is our feature on women-owned businesses that you deserve to know about. World changing, innovative and conscious, these brands showcase the power of a woman in charge.

We review some very cool products this time around and dispel some of the absurd myths about being big and fit. Sit back and enjoy ladies, this issue is for you!

Shelly Lynn Nellis Publisher shelly@freshmag.ca

Publisher Shelly Lynn Nellis shelly@freshmag.ca ..........................................................................

EDITOR-AT-LARGE Crystal Carson carson@cncconsultinginc.com ..........................................................................

Art Director Flora Leung flora@freshmag.ca ..........................................................................

National Account Manager Kristal Barrett-Stuart kristal@freshmag.ca ..........................................................................

Contributors Erin Crooks, Holly Decker, Dr. Lisa Ferrari, Dr. Carla Fry, Louise Green, Crystal Jensen, Bonnie Koehn, Leah Lavanway, Dr. Kelvin P. Mah, Dr. Allison Sutton, Kristin van Vloten, Genicca Whitney ..........................................................................

Cover Photo Credits: Photographer: Liz Rosa Producer & Stylist: Crystal Carson Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist: Vanessa Parto

EDITOR’S NOTE

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ummer is a time of high energy and lots of activity, which is why Tosca Reno was the perfect fit for the cover of our July/August issue. One of the themes this year for our cover women is the idea of constantly evolving rather than aging, and never allowing age to be more than a number. After spending the day with Tosca on set, I was inspired by her beauty from the inside out, her unlimited energy, and her stunning body. Life has thrown Tosca some serious challenges that mirrored many of my life experiences. I felt an immediate connection and an urge to learn from her, and I’m excited to share her story in this issue of Fresh!

Crystal Carson Editor-at-Large carson@cncconsultinginc.com

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Stylist Assistant: Bailey Kilburn Location: Suquet Interiors Yaletown Tosca wears: Striped button down by Theory (Holt Renfrew) ..........................................................................

Fresh Magazine publishes six issues per year. Please send all questions, comments and inquiries to: Fresh MAGAZINE Suite 451-15216 North Bluff Road White Rock, BC, Canada V4B 0A7 Tel: 1-877-905-7771 Fax: 604-591-1989 Email: info@freshmag.ca www.freshmag.ca Fresh Magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect those of Fresh Magazine publishers, editors or staff. Readers are encouraged to consult with their health professional before embarking upon exercise, medical or nutritional changes. Contents of Fresh Magazine are copyright 2017, all rights reserved. Fresh Magazine may not be reproduced in whole or in part by any means without written permission of the publisher.

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Beauty is the best possible version of yourself on the inside and out.

The Skin Spin Roller is the most effective and most diverse anti-aging skin care tool on the market. It doesn’t just improve the appearance of the skin but it also improves the health and function of the skin creating long term results.

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www.skinspin.com

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FOCUS

ON

W O M EN :

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aised outside a tiny Canadian town of 50 people, Elly moved to Vancouver to follow her childhood dreams of travelling, meeting new people, and becoming a star. She loved working as a flight attendant and took up pinup modeling as a hobby. The young flight attendant was on the verge of fame as a plussize model when she got the shock diagnosis of advanced ovarian cancer. But it was what she did next that really made everyone sit up and take notice.

At 25, Elly understandably thought she was still at the beginning of life. She had big plans ahead of her—she’d moved away from home to the big city, landed her dream job as a flight attendant and another career as a plus-size model beckoned. But then, after three years of irregular lower back pain and bloating that had been dismissed as nothing serious by doctors, she was suddenly diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer.

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Her prognosis wasn’t good and it would have been easy for her to curl up and retreat from public life, but Elly refused to give in.

Instead, she forged ahead and posed in many shoots, bald and scarred. One in particular, a campaign for a sports bra shot by the local lingerie shop, Forever Yours Lingerie, which grabbed the attention of many. With her chin up, bald-headed and bearing a long surgery scar down her front, she posed in underwear in a campaign that went viral around the world. At the time, she didn’t know whether she’d survive to see the end of the month.

Elly says, “I wanted to show you can be beautiful when you are going through hell.

You’ve just got to keep your head held high and remember, no matter how bad it gets, people have gone through even worse. You don’t know how strong you are until you are backed into a corner. I worked really hard

on all my shoots because I knew I was doing something that would help others facing cancer as well. Whether I made it through the year or not, those images would always last.”

She made it through her difficult year. She now has a following of over 500,000 world wide on social media. Since September of 2013 she has been a part of a ground-breaking documentary called “A Perfect 14” which highlights the lack of diversity in the media for plus-size models as well as her and two others journey through the industry. She has traveled to Australia, Montreal, San Francisco, and New York for work and has recently signed with Dorothy Combs—a major modeling agency with years of experience. She speaks at schools to encourage body positive mentality and her inspiring story of living and modeling through cancer. Follow her journey as she continues to inspire us all.

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“I wanted to show you can be beautiful when you are going through hell.”

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E l l y

M ay day

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Why do we need to protect ourselves from the sun?

Sun exposure damages the skin leading to premature ageing, wrinkles, freckles and skin cancers. In Canada, the incidence of skin cancer is rising and we need to do everything we can to protect ourselves from the sun.

DR. SUTTON’S TOP TIPS TO KEEP YOUR SKIN HEALTHY THIS SUMMER WEAR SUNSCREEN Sunscreens absorb or reflect the sun’s UV rays away from your skin.

All sunscreens are labelled with an SPF or “sun protection factor”. This number tells you how well the sunscreen blocks UVB rays. An SPF of at least 30 is recommended daily and 45 or higher should be used when you know you’ll be outdoors like at the beach, park, or in the yard.

To check if a sunscreen will also protect against UVA rays, make sure the bottle says “broad-spectrum” or has the symbol “UVA + UVB”.

Q&A WITH

Make sure to apply your sunscreen 20-30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours. If you’re swimming or sweating then you need to reapply more often. “Water resistant” sunscreens are formulated to stay on longer in the water, but they still need to be reapplied frequently while you are in the water and again after towelling off. Don’t forget about your lips – apply a lip balm with a minimum SPF of 30 multiple times daily.

What about if you have sensitive skin? Choose a sunscreen that says “chemical free”, “physical” or “mineral” on it. These terms mean that the sunscreens are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These sunscreens reflect the sun’s rays by sitting on top of the skin, making them less likely to cause a reaction. You can also look for products that are fragrance-free and made for sensitive skin.

WEAR SUN PROTECTIVE CLOTHING Don’t forget to wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, ears, scalp and neck and UV protective sunglasses to protect your eyes. If possible, wear clothing to cover as much of your skin as possible. Tightly woven fabrics reflect heat and help you to stay cool. There is also sun protective clothing available that can block 93% or more of UV rays.

AVOID MID-DAY SUN AND SEEK SHADE

Summer is here and with the change in weather, people are spending more and more time outdoors. We’ve asked Dr. Allison Sutton, a Dermatologist in Vancouver, BC, to tell us how to protect ourselves from the damaging effects of the sun so that we can enjoy the summer safely.

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Remember that the strongest UV rays are between 10 am and 2 pm so it’s best to seek shade or go indoors during that time period. Also remember that snow, water and light-coloured sand reflect the sun’s rays significantly increasing your UV exposure. So, on the water and on the ski slopes, it’s extremely important to protect yourself. Sun exposure is also more intense closer to the equator, in the mountains and in the summer. _______________________________________________________ Dr. Sutton is a Board Certified Dermatologist with specialized cosmetic training.

She received her medical degree from the University of British Columbia, completed her residency in Dermatology at the University of Toronto, and did a fellowship in Aesthetic Dermatology in San Antonio, Texas. She is both a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada as well as a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. freshmag.ca | FRESH MAGAZINE | 13

2017 FOR DEI G HTON CU P UIDE G ACCESSORIES

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n the height of summer heat, Deighton Cup is the fashion event of Western Canada. As the Style Stakes Best Dressed Awards Director, I have seen some of the most fabulous looks over the year. This year, I wanted to show the accessories that can save the day when you’re attending this fabulous event.

LOO K 1 : B LUSH

PHOTOGRAPHED BY Alyssa Dawson / Makeup by Ana V / hair by Emily ROOP

TI P S • Go with a thicker heel or platform as there are areas with grass.

Blush Silk Dress by Cynthia Rowley (Mine & Yours) / Patent Blush Purse by Aldo / Platform Heels by Aldo / 18k rose gold plated designs featuring semi-precious gemstones by Bronzallure Collection

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• Have a handbag that has a strap so you can be hands-free to hold your champagne while dancing.

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LOO K 2 : HAT

TI P S • When choosing a big hat, find one that has some structure to it as the floppy hats can be frustrating and limiting to your view while enjoying the event.

• Make sure you bring shades if you aren’t rocking a big hat.

Floral Straw Hat by Bertacchi Italian Hatcrafter / Rock it Tortoise Shades by C4 x Susie Wall / Black Patent Handbag by Chanel (Mine & Yours) / Lace Dress by Self Portrait (Mine & Yours) / Necklace & Cuff by Lux Jewels Suman Bakshi AIR collection

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LOO K 3 : HA V E FUN

TI P S • There are many local milners that can create a custom fascinator that will complete your look and you are sure no one else will have something similar.

• You don’t have to wear a dress. Mix and match with separates!

Custom Feather Fascinator by kirstenley.com / Purple feather skirt by Pink Tartan (Mine & Yours) / Black bodysuit by La Senza / 18K white gold diamond necklace / 10.50 carats of round brilliant colorless diamonds / 18K white gold diamond tennis bracelet / 7 carats of ideal cut colorless diamonds / 19K white gold pink cocktail ring / 12 carat pink pear shaped Kunzite / 0.68 carats of round brilliant colorless diamonds

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B RAIN V ICHY UNI V ERSITY : S K INCARE FOR YOUR

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urious what this means? I was sure was when asked to attend the Vichy University. As it was my birthday month and my four-year countdown to 40, this was a welcomed opportunity. We were swept away to a stunning island enclave for learning and relaxing two-day retreat at Galiano Oceanfront Inn and Spa. I realized with summer fast approaching and my sun-worshipping ways, I had to make some changes to my skincare routine. Here are my top picks and why!

ID É ALIA RADIANCE B OOSTER SERU M K EY B ENEFITS • Antioxidant rich formula • Corrects the first signs of aging • Restores ideal skin quality and recharges skin with glow

ID É ALIA P EELIN G RADIANCE ACTI V ATIN G NI G HT CARE K EY B ENEFITS • Leaves skin smoother and more vibrant • Gentle enough for daily use • No rinsing required • Reactivated glow • Healthier-looking skin • Resurfaces and unifies skin overnight

M IN É RAL 8 9 MINÉRAL 89 is the one that really blew me away as it is the first product to be able to hold 89% Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water, born in the French volcanoes, and associated with natural hyaluronic acid.

Literally locking in moisture and protecting your skin like no other product available on the market.

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K EE P U P W ITH CRYSTAL CARSON Website: CrystalCarsonReport.com Instagram: @CrystalCarsonReport

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EYES: BODYOGRAPHY Pure Pigments in Naartjie, Mac cosmetics Haute and Naughty mascara in brown / Face: BODYOGRAPHY tinted moisturizer 1, BODYOGRAPHY skin perfecter concealer

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HEAT WAV E Photographed by Erin Crooks Makeup by Holly Decker Model: EMILEE

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EYES: The Estée Edit Fluid Metal EyeShadow in Sparked / Lips: Mac cosmetics clear lipglass in clear / BODY: Prtty Peaushun in plain / HAIR: Schwartzkopf sea salt spray

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EYEs: MAc cosmetics EYESHADoW IN Purple haze and Hepcat / LIPS: bodyography lip lava liquid lipstick in Candy / Brows: Billion dollar brows brow powder in taupe

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MYTHS ABOUT BEING BIG AND FIT (AND WHY THEY’RE COMPLETELY UNTRUE)

By LOUISE GREEN

BIG GIRLS CAN’T BE FIT. To society at large, a big body equals unhealthy, lazy, and unmotivated. But my daily experience as an athlete and a personal trainer has shown me that big girls can be fit girls and can wildly excel in athletics.

ALL BIG BODIES ARE UNHEALTHY. Many studies have shown that fat bodies can be fit and healthy. In fact, cardiovascular conditioning and muscular strength are much better indicators of a person’s health than their BMI (body mass index).

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BIG GIRLS DON’T TRY HARD ENOUGH. There’s a misconception that if your body remains big throughout your fitness pursuits, you’re not reaching success. This is because we’ve been conditioned to believe that success equals thinness—not because it’s true. Weight is not, and shouldn’t be, the only valid measure of success.

BIG GIRLS EAT TOO MUCH. The calories in and calories out method of weight control isn’t ideal for many people. Many big girls have dieted for most of their lives. If this model actually worked, we’d all be thin!

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Big girls should stick to “easy” sports, like yoga and swimming.

First of all, yoga and swimming can be really challenging, so this stereotypical recommendation for big girls is totally off-base. Big girls can do any form of exercise. The important thing, no matter what your size, is to listen to your body along the way.

BIG GIRLS CAN’T BE SUCCESSFUL ATHLETES. I think Olympians like Sarah Robles and Michelle Carter would disagree. Big girls can be found at Ironman finish lines, marathons, and sporting events around the world.

BIG GIRLS SHOULDn’T RUN. This is another stereotypical assumption about big girls.

But the truth is, if we train and condition appropriately, big girls can cross any finish line we set our mind to.

Louise Green is a thought leader in creating a world where every “body” can realize their athletic potential, regardless of their size. As a sought after trainer, speaker and writer, she lends her expertise to media, professionals and brands who are open to a new paradigm of fitness and health. Green’s work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Huffington Post, Refinery 29 and Upworthy. Her upcoming book, Big Fit Girl, challenges society to ponder a more inclusive fitness culture and helps women realize that living their athletic dreams can happen in the body they have now.

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I ’ M NOT AN O X Y G EN CO V ER M ODEL .

When Tosca Reno became a fitness icon after age 40, it was only her first milestone in a decade of waging a war of wellness. Today, as the leader of the Eat Clean® Movement and a woman building resilience in the face of tragedy, she’s still fighting the good fight.

By Kristin van Vloten Photographed BY LIZ ROSA Produced & STYLED by Crystal Carson Makeup ARTIST & HairSTYLIST: Vanessa Parto Stylist Assistant: bailey kilburn Location: Suquet Interiors Yaletown

Ribbed Black Dress by The Group Babaton (Mine & Yours)

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sk Tosca Reno a question, get an answer. The New York Times best-selling author, columnist, and fitness and nutrition expert is a furiously competent teacher. Interested in knowing about the fundamentals of “Eating Clean®,” the nutritional approach for which Reno is famous? You’re going to get paragraphs of clear, well-ordered information, delivered in her lively yet commanding voice. After talking with Reno for half an hour, you’re likely to go straight to the kitchen, down a few glasses of water, and pour your soda right down the sink.

It’s no wonder that Reno has created an empire out of sharing her knowledge. Her gravity-defying abs might have attracted the gaze of a global audience, but this 58-year-old dynamo knows how to hold its attention.

Reno’s passion for wellness has fuelled an incredible body of work. 15 books about nutrition and fitness, including the best-selling Your Best Body Now and the Eat-Clean Diet® series. A life-changing Nutritional Therapy practice. A tendency to pop up on shows like Dr. Oz and Good Morning America to drop bombs of wellness wisdom.

Essentially, Reno is the most friendly and relatable science nerd ever to appear like an untouchable goddess on the cover of a fitness magazine.

She wants to make healthy living simple and joyful for all people, and she’s determined to tell them whatever they need to know about it.

But Reno is just as forthcoming when you ask her about the almost inconceivable challenges she has faced since 2010. Since then, illness, death, debt, and the destruction of treasured beliefs have all touched her, transforming her life. At age 58, she’s adding resilience to her repertoire of specialties. And she’s happy to tell you all about it.

You tend to describe your Eat Clean® philosophy as being “simple”. How do you summarize Eating Clean®?

Eating Clean® is a lifestyle where you learn (or relearn) the basics of how to feed yourself. You eat clean, whole, nutrient dense, minimally processed, well-sourced, properly prepared foods. Basically it means you’re eating a lot of plants, drinking a lot of water, and going back to embracing healthy fats.

When people adopt these changes, what benefits tend to kick in?

Usually, I make clients start with a Strike Sugar campaign, which means eliminating sugar from their diets. That means they’re detoxifying their bodies of all of these “non-food” toxins, since sugar is really not a food. There’s an increase in energy, less irritability, less inflammation, and they even experience immune system benefits.

Sugar also has a depressing effect on the brain, so people can get a profound mood boost from going sugar-free. Cravings disappear.

Mood swings stop. Three to five pounds of weight loss in a week isn’t unusual. Sometimes people who couldn’t get pregnant conceive after doing this. People have healed themselves of Type 2 diabetes.

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Do you spend a lot of time coaching clients one-onone lately? Any recent inspirational stories?

Recently, I was working with a father of two who was obese and on high blood pressure medications. He was completely sugar addicted, and basically didn’t know what a vegetable was. He drank a case of Coke a day. Now, people can very easily get into a state of overwhelm when you come at them trying to change everything. So we started with one change: I cleaned out the soda and we put a water cooler in the kitchen. Over time, this person rid himself of his sugar addiction, learned to cook healthy meals, shed the weight, stopped his medications, and completed his first triathlon. Now he feels like a man again.

I had another client who didn’t realize she was addicted to sugar.

She is in this high-powered position at work, but she was always dragging her feet in the afternoon, and never felt sure she could perform at the highest level. But when we put her on a Sugar Strike, she felt what it was like to be free of sugar. It made a huge difference in her work life and gave her a higher state of mental clarity. When you’re in a position of power, you can doubt yourself. But just take out sugar, increase hydration, and see if you don’t feel more capable. This is what I mean by simple and practical. We just forget these things.

Why have we forgotten so many basic things about how to take care of our health?

The word is mindfulness. We have lost touch with what we know in our DNA to be true. That’s left us susceptible to being seduced by corporations. We believe, “This protein bar will give me energy” or whatever they’re telling you. We believe things that are too good to be true. We forget we already had these instincts for taking care of ourselves. Sometimes I feel like I’m going back to learning from primitive people, who knew how it should be: eat lots of plants, some protein, and plenty of healthy fats, and drink lots of water.

Social media has gotten pretty crazy when it comes to spreading a lot of conflicting or even false information about health around. How should we cope with the overwhelm that comes from misinformation?

Whenever you’re seeking out information about your health, make sure it’s from credentialed sources. Once you have that information, I also highly encourage people to talk to their doctors. Talk to more than one, because every doctor will have a different take. My preference is for naturopathic doctors, because I know they spent five to six years studying nutrition whereas conventional doctors haven’t. Plus, know that since each one of us is biologically unique, one person’s answer won’t be the same as for another. You have to take responsibility for your own journey to wellness. Go back to the principles: you eat three macronutrients, plus micronutrients, and drink water. Anybody who can explain that platform for nutrition is probably going to be a reputable source.

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Black and Blue Houndstooth Dress by Victoria Beckham (Holt Renfrew) / Gold and Silver Heel by Brian atwood (Mine & Yours)

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You have to look at the whole package to make healing happen… I always say that wellness is never a fixed point on a line; it’s a continuum.

Can you explain what macronutrients and micronutrients are?

What’s your advice for incorporating mindfulness into a person’s daily life?

Macronutrients are to be consumed to a greater extent throughout day: proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Protein builds and repairs your body. Carbs—simple or complex—supply energy. I focus on what I call “green carbs”: leafy greens and other vegetables. I also include some—but fewer—fruit carbs, grain carbs, and dairy carbs.

I’m the person who at one point was definitely not mindful, so I have a lot of advice to give about this actually. When I work with clients oneon-one, I ask them to commit to journaling ten minutes a day. At first, that exercise feels very much like delivering a weather report: first I did this, then I ate this, then I laid down, then I went for a walk. But then an interest in asking more in depth questions and putting them down on paper develops. I also ask my clients to meditate for ten minutes a day.

Those two strategies have been incredibly helpful for me, especially in the face of a number of challenges I’ve had to face in recent years.

The ratio—how it should look on your plate—should be 30% protein, 30% fat, and 40% carbs, and within that 40% I break it down to 20% leafy greens and other vegetables, 10% fruits, and 10% grains.

But I have to put this out there: if grains don’t suit you well, don’t eat them! You don’t have to.

Micronutrients are vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. While we don’t consume them in great quantities, we need them to remain healthy. For example, if you don’t have Vitamin C, you get scurvy.

You have such a deep knowledge of nutrition, and learning is obviously very important to you. So how do you keep learning?

I’m a self-directed learner. If I could go back to school and do my masters in Human Nutrition right now, I would. Frankly, I’m trying to figure out how! I read a lot, work with people in wellness industry, and attend workshops and conferences. Most importantly, I talk to people and hear their stories. I talk to clients, coaches, anybody with a story to tell about wellness.

How do you reinforce good habits?

Each of us is different. Some clients are happy to jump in head first, others less so. My belief is you must have a powerful driving reason to make a change in the first place. No two of us have the same reason.

Mine is my beautiful children and grandchild. I want to be my best for them because I want to experience life to the fullest with them.

The way we nail down basic changes is choosing the one thing you can commit to. Wellness is built on the back of hundreds of healthy habits, not just one or two. Drinking water could be the thing you master over the course of one month. Then you move on. Maybe you’ll detox from sugar, or add movement to your day, or journal your feelings and practice mindfulness. It’s one thing at a time.

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These are all practices that encourage us to not live on autopilot.

Yeah, and I find there’s a vast opportunity to understand yourself.

Because usually somewhere in the complexity of your emotions lives the reasons you got off track. And then you come closer to understanding how to get yourself back on track through the work, the journaling, and the mindfulness.

You have to look at the whole package to make healing happen. The World Health Organization has a definition of wellness I love. It’s not the absence of disease, it’s the presence of the practices you do to be well: your diet, your fitness routine, and how you care for your emotions.

Plus, I always say that wellness is never a fixed point on a line; it’s a continuum. At one end, you’re not doing so well, at the other, you’re amazing, but we’re all moving back and forth on that continuum all the time. One day you’ll have your six-pack and the next day you’ll be facing a challenge that really changes things and puts you somewhere different on that continuum. And that’s ok!

Speaking of challenges, earlier you referred to the fact that you’ve had a few over the past few years. Do you want to talk about that?

Interestingly, I’ve just been going through them in my mind, because I’ve been working with someone to help me with my writer’s block.

From 2010, it’s been a difficult time in my life. That year, Robert [ed: Kennedy, founder of Robert Kennedy Publishing], my husband, received a diagnosis of melanoma, which he overcame. Then in 2011, my stepson (although I always called him my son), passed away at age 24. Then in 2012, Robert passed away due to Stage Four lung cancer.

Then in June—[Tosca’s voice breaks.]

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White Cross Dress by Cushine Et Ochs (Holt Renfrew) / Cream Bow Shoe by Louis Vuitton (Mine & Yours)

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Perfection is actually the limiting set of brakes on your journey. If your goal is perfection, you close yourself off to the joy that the journey brings.

Take all the time you need.

In June 2013, I was forced to bankrupt the family publishing business Robert left behind. I was handed the reigns and had to look under the financial hood of the car and learned the business had been insolvent for five years. I lost all means of income and had enormous debts to pay that were previously unbeknownst to me. Also, bankruptcy requires you to “go dark.” That meant my daughters—who were also working for the family business—and I had to cease all economy and commerce. Our family home was leveraged against our debts to the bank. Our lives were severely impacted. It wasn’t just the loss of Robert; it was the loss of everything we knew.

It’s been humbling, terrifying, messy, and at the same time breathtaking to grasp the enormity of what a human being is capable of withstanding. It’s been a real journey in evolution and self-discovery. I am not an Oxygen cover model any more. I am a warrior, a woman, a student, and a teacher. If anything good has come out of this, it’s been talking to my readers and fans about this process. They ask, “How can you do it? How can you cope?” After all, nobody gets a Resilience 101 course at school. You learn it through fate. I want to write the book that shares that truth. And that’s where I’m at.

learned that none of that matters or helps. But there was that little piece of me that might have been materialistic. Now I couldn’t care less about that. What I want is to be the most evolved person I can be.

Finally, it’s meant admitting I have trust issues…how could I not? I’ve been in so many situations that tested my trust. I’m working to open my heart to receive from other people and that’s really hard.

Probably the majority of people reading this article will resonate with that experience of not knowing how to rebuild trust once it’s broken.

Yeah! And my trust was broken by my lover, by Bob, the love of my life. There were unpleasant things I learned about that felt like betrayals after he died. I learned to say, “Life is tossing another hit at me.” I learned to steel myself at the right time, but soften at other times.

Isn’t that exactly right? It’s a blend of being strong and tough in the right moments and also soft and vulnerable in the right moments. It’s not easy to make those switches.

It takes jumping right into the raw, messy truth of who I am.

I’m really glad you’re speaking about this. This is the kind of thing life deals out to us, so how will be respond? Will we be self-destructive or will we cultivate wellness? What have you learned about resilience?

In fact, the subtitle of my new book is going to be “Resilience Training for Life”, a play on the phrase “resistance training”. What I’ve learned is that resilience is a muscle just like any other in the body. When you work it, you develop it. And working it doesn’t mean doing one or two things, but many things. That includes, for example, eating well so you aren’t suppressed and depressed by things like sugar. It’s exercise that isn’t a punishment but instead is a joyful experience of moving your body. And finally, it’s the emotional journey. For me, this requires me to rip off the band-aids and open myself up to some not-so-pretty things. That’s the biggest piece for me.

What does that look like in your life?

You get naked with yourself. You open yourself up to the “ugly” parts of you that you don’t want to admit live inside you. For example, I had to admit I loved being the Oxygen over girl but that it felt hollow because I knew the truth of what lay behind being an Oxygen cover model. It meant being able to say out loud, “I loved the ride with Rob.” We had money, trips, fame, all of that. And I came crashing down and

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At some point in our lives, we’re all going to have these experiences of needing to fight to keep our heads above water. We’ll be stressed, our cortisol will be spiked, and that’s just how it has to be. How do you practice self-care in those moments when you have no other option but to fight?

The self-care rules I’ve never strayed from are eating clean and exercising, and I’ve added the emotional care piece to it now. But I’ve gone beyond that to add acupuncture, certain herbs, and a meditation group. Every week I meet with a supportive group of women and we all share our success, failures, mistakes, hopes, and truths. I’ve also really embraced massage; I never was into it before. I practice Hatha yoga, which is all about stretching and release.

Finally, I’m really owning up to the fact that I’m human and not perfect. And I’m kind of okay with that. I’m not putting so many demands on myself. When I need to unplug from the world, I do so. Before, I was such I pleaser I couldn’t say no. But I’m learning to say no because, for me, in the “no” lies some freedom, a moment for me, an opportunity to heal. From my challenges, I’m learning how to be a better writer and a better speaker. I’m doing wellness workshops, and working one on one with people. I’ve been doing things I’ve never done before. For example, I’m sharing these truths with Fresh that no one has heard before.

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Perfectionism is such a struggle, particularly for women. I imagine a lot of people are coming to your teachings wanting to “perfect themselves.” That seems to be at odds with self-care in some instances.

I begin every seminar with the same message: perfection isn’t the goal. Perfection is actually the limiting set of brakes on your journey.

If your goal is perfection, you close yourself off to the joy that the journey brings. So I encourage women to accept wherever they are in this moment in the journey. Just say, “Well, I got myself here and maybe I don’t like it but I accept where I am and I welcome what’s to come.” The body is limitlessly capable of rebuilding and healing itself.

Let’s just take responsibility for our wellness and actively participate in it. Perfection implies something that’s static and finished, and wellness is never finished.

Plus it looks like different things at different times of our lives.

Right. At one point I was the Oxygen cover girl. I’m two years from sixty now so my goal has changed. Now I want to be a flexible, strong, healthy fifty-something woman. I’m healthy for my own reasons, not someone else’s.

You have written a book about feeling fabulous at any age. Can you talk about that?

I think I realized when I was in my forties, and becoming noticed for being fit at that age, that I was an outlier, and there weren’t too many others out there like me. So I wrote the book because I wanted people to stop believing that being fit was the domain of twenty-year-olds. I wanted women to feel like they could be healthy, fit, and strong at any age. I see so many women in their fifties who have given up.

Why is the phenomenon of “giving up” so common after a certain age?

It’s belief, it’s mindset, and it’s what you see around you. You see the woman across the street of a certain age who has gained weight or gotten sick and you think that’s just how it goes. But I am going to dash all those clichés against the wall, and believe my own belief, which is that I’m going to live to over a hundred years old. My Oma lived until she was ninety-seven and she was mobile and well, with all her brains intact. What you believe is what you will manifest.

Last question: what do you want your legacy to be?

I’m thinking about that now as I’m about to go baby-sit my granddaughter. I think for my grandchild and those to come after her, I want to leave a legacy of hope. Ninety percent of these devastating illnesses are related to lifestyle. So if we can change our lifestyles we can impact our wellness everyday. I want my legacy to be helping people to understand that it’s simple. These things are within our grasp and we’ve just forgotten them. I want to be the reminder.

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freshmag.ca | FRESH MAGAZINE | 31

Women Inc connects you with women-owned businesses that you deserve to know about. Worldchanging, innovative, and conscious, these brands showcase the power of a woman in charge.

Isabelle Mercier

CO-FOUNDER, Build To Rock™ AND LeapZone Strategies INC. By bonnie koehn

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eet Isabelle Mercier; a ‘nononsense’ dynamo, born to catapult passionate entrepreneurs to build infectious and impactful brands, businesses and lives. As one of North America’s Top Small Business Influencers, TEDx Speaker, best-selling author and TV show host, Isabelle’s sole purpose is to empower one million Entrepreneurs to rock their businesses and lives into shape by creating a worldwide “My Life, My Biz, My Way” Movement.

Fresh caught up with Isabelle to find out what’s behind her passionate drive to inspire business owners.

You’re a Brand Strategist and Business Performance Catalyst.

Tell us what that means.

Yes, absolutely, I teach people how to charge more for their genius by activating and owning their X-factor. I help people

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differentiate themselves so that their prospects and clients say “I would be a fool to work with anyone else but you, regardless of how much you charge”. I do that through business strategy, coaching and brand alignment. We are a branding agency, a marketing agency and a business coaching organization all in one.

How did you get started? What inspired you to create LeapZone and how did you come up with that angle?

I started my first business with my business partner Margarita right out of our teens. I come from generations of entrepreneurs.

It was the norm in my family. I studied scenography, which is set design and special effects for theatre and movies. I have a background of three-dimensional artistry; I’m an artist and a designer. I moved to Vancouver from Quebec City because Vancouver is the Hollywood of Canada. I wanted to work in film, but ended up not liking it as it’s all about hurry up and wait…

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I had a background in Graphic Design and branding, so I started our first business, Scenario Design. We had that business for about 13 years. We quickly became one of the most awarded branding agencies in Canada. By my mid-twenties I had about 20 employees and subcontractors.

As part of having a Graphic Design studio, we started doing a lot more branding, which is building the experience for a company and crafting their delightful experience before during and after a sale.

People came to see us and said, “OK, we need a brochure, we need a website.” And I would ask, “So what are the goals of this? What kind of results do you want to create?” Some would say, “I want to double my sales.”

I would say, “Well, it’s not a brochure that’s going to double your sales. Doubling sales requires implementing some key ingredients; it’s me looking under the hood at the bleeding arteries in your business.

What are the missed opportunities? Where are you leaving a lot of money on the table?

Maybe you’re losing clients as a result of them not knowing why they should work with you regardless of price”.

As a Brand Builder, I know that sometimes you need to start fresh; you need to actually break something in order to create a new perspective. I knew it would be easier for us to sell the business and recreate a new one with a new set of energy and skills than to transition between Graphic Designer and Brand Builder/Business Performance Catalyst.

So in 2006, we decided to sell Scenario Design. We travelled the world for a year to recharge our batteries and quench our desire to learn and explore new things and then when we came back we looked at what we did in our previous business that we loved and that was extremely valuable, and we looked at what we hated and did not want to do anymore. We looked at the components that were within our genius zone; what were we really good at that we did not have the opportunity to leverage in

our previous business? And that’s how we came up with the whole LeapZone concept.

We now help small business owners and corporations become the first, the best, and the only in their industry.

How do you help small business owners differentiate themselves?

I used to work with larger corporations like A&W, HSBC, IMAX, Robeez Footwear, but every time I went to speak at an event there were a ton of small business owners in the audience that needed and wanted what we had to offer. They wanted to know whether we had anything to help them and for the longest time, we didn’t. So I decided to take 9 months and dedicate my time and energy to creating a program called Build To Rock - The Quintessential Step-ByStep Online Branding System For Modern Solopreneurs And Small Business Owners.

Build To Rock helps small business owners who don’t usually take the time to work on their business in the same way that large corporations do. Small business owners often operate by reaction. When client needs something, they react and provide. I realized that because small business owners didn’t have the proper business and brand architecture, they’re not set up to thrive. They’re set up to be in business for a while and then get overwhelmed, overworked, and underpaid.

People are underpaid or undervalued because they don’t have an X-Factor.

They don’t understand what makes them different. For small business owners, the minimum amount of money that I’ve seen being left on the table as a result of not being able to clearly and succinctly say what they do, how they do it, and what makes them different is $25,000, which is a lot of money to leave unclaimed, don’t you think?

If someone is a small business owner and they are not able to clearly identify and communicate their genius, they end up working really hard at getting clients for

“A great opportunity to create a good brand promise is when you roll your eyes at something in your industry.

That’s a cue for you to look at a possible innovation.”

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way too little money. As part of the Build to Rock process I teach them through a series of videos and through weekly live coaching calls what it takes to build a strong business and brand; a brand that is worth bragging about and investing in. I teach them what they need to do in order to get to their X-Factor so that people go “Yes! You’re the person I’ve been looking for all my life.

Where have you been all my life?”

Is that what you refer to as their competitive edge?

Yes! A lot of people say “I’m better than my competitor” or “I went to school longer” or “I have more experience” or “the quality of our product is better”. Those aren’t X-Factors. Those are just basic elements to being in business. I have a process that really uncovers and helps people understand what makes them different. I help them clearly communicate what they do so people can really understand and see the value in it.

Most of the people who take my BTR program have doubled their business within a year… some have tripled. If anything, they’ve generated at minimum $25,000. It’s a minimal investment for the return that they gain, and it’s a super-fun program. Small Business BC has said “it’s a must-do program for anyone that’s in business. It should be a pre-requisite.”

What’s a brand promise and what’s the importance of having one?

A brand promise is your measurable accountability. It’s the thing that is going to create trust and credibility. You look at what is wanted by your prospects and clients, and ask how that is not being delivered right now in the market. You then ask “What am I super-stellar at? What can I promise?

What bridge can I build between a desire that is unmet and my genius?” A great opportunity to create a good brand promise is when you roll your eyes at something in your industry. That’s a cue for you to look at a possible innovation.

For example, as a coach, my promise is clarity, pivotal shifts and momentum. It happens to be what I’m best at providing.

It also happens to be what small business owners need the most but are not getting.

My mission is to leave people feeling on fire and unstoppable. My promise is clarity, pivotal shifts, and momentum. The people I want to attract in my business recognize that this is exactly what they need and want to double or triple their business, while having a blast doing it. freshmag.ca | FRESH MAGAZINE | 33

It’s a funny talk because it’s a touchy subject. Nobody wants to talk about worries.

You don’t want to worry about worrying. I decided to do it in a funny way to add a bit of lightness to it.

This idea started when I was nine years old and being bullied.

I wanted to say no to the bully but I was too scared. My mother said to me “Isabelle, if you can’t say no to what you don’t want, you’ll never have the time and energy for what you do want”. That started my whole obsession with the efficiency and freedom that comes from saying no, and building your life the way you want it instead of the way that other people expect.

The X-Factor is your money-making edge and the one thing that sets you completely apart from your competitors. It’s also called a tipping point. When someone is debating working with you, suddenly the X-Factor on top of an intelligent brand promise, on top of an intelligent mission would tip it over to have them work with you… enthusiastically.

Tell me a bit about your TEDx talk.

The experience was completely amazing yet nerve-wracking. It’s a six- month preparation process. I had moments during the preparation where I just wanted to quit, so it was a huge win for me to have done it.

I never wanted to do a TED talk. I was asked three years in a row and I said no every time. This year I knew it was the right time.

The title of my talk is: “The Power of Zero Tolerance.” As I’ve worked with small business owners I’ve realized that any time a business owner is dissatisfied with anything in their life or business, it causes them to worry. Worrying takes a lot of energy. Over the years, I discovered that if someone is worrying, it’s because they’re tolerating something in their life.

The more you tolerate, the more you will worry, period. The more you worry, the less of your genius you share, the less impact you create, the less you experience in life… it’s a snowball effect.

I give some powerful stats in the talk.

For example: 40% of the things we worry about will never happen. 30% of what we worry about has already happened. 12% are useless worries about our health and 10% are petty worries. This leaves only 8% for legitimate worries. 92% of it is bogus.

Yet a lot of people don’t live their ideal life because of worry.

People want to live a peaceful life, yet they’re not capable of saying no. People want to stand out but they don’t want to ruffle feathers or do anything too out of the ordinary. Well, I am here to tell you that we need to have guts to build a thriving business and a fulfilling life.

If you were to leave us with one thing to remember, what would it be?

That works for your life, your relationships, for your business, for the types of clients that you attract. In my life, it’s either a ‘hell yes’ or it’s a ‘no.’ Anything that I choose to do, I make it a ‘hell yes’ if it’s not already, or I don’t even waste time and energy on it.

Also, we need to treat ourselves as our own best clients, especially if you’re a small business owner. We can still be useful, helpful and generous even if we don’t drop everything for someone else. When I have an appointment with myself to create something for me, I treat it as if it was my highest paying client meeting. If someone needs that spot, I don’t automatically give it away.

We need to take the time to take care of ourselves or we cannot expect to be at our best. We cannot help others if we are not all there. I teach people to put themselves first without being selfish. This helps them understand their own true genius; to own it to a point where they can charge a tremendous amount of money for the value they provide, and feel great about it.

CONNECT WITH ISABELLE Twitter: @LeapZone, #BuildToRock Facebook: BuildToRock LinkedIn: Isabelle Mercier-Turcotte Skype: leapzonestrategies Small Business Owner Differentiating Program: BuildToRock.com

I’m going to say what my mom said to me when I was nine. If you can’t say no to what you don’t want, you will never have the time and energy for what you do want.

“I teach people to put themselves first without being selfish.

This helps them understand their own true genius; to own it to a point where they can charge a tremendous amount of money for the value they provide, and feel great about it.”

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Bonnie Koehn is a Vancouver freelance writer, editor and Huffington Post contributor with a focus on parenting, child psychology, and emotional health. Contact her at bkoehn321@gmail.com or visit BonnieKoehn.com.

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JULY/AUGUST 2017

Lisa Labute OWNER, THE GOODS By bonnie koehn

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otivated by the healing power of a raw organic diet, Lisa Labute of Toronto’s the Goods grew her passion for healthy eating into a thriving food business. In addition to delivering beautiful, nutritious and healing lunches all over Toronto, the Goods offers catering and a takeout location. Below, Lisa talks about what makes her business such a delicious success.

Tell us about the Goods!

The Goods focuses exclusively on functional healing foods. We craft all our meals using single ingredients and make everything from scratch. We create these really beautiful food experiences where you’re maximizing the nutrient impact of the ingredients and also having a delicious, filling, satisfying meal.

Coming out of those principles, our food ends up being gluten free, nut free and vegan. We have never had somebody come into our store that we couldn’t feed. I’m really proud of that.

What was the impetus for your career change from advertising to food?

I was becoming burned out, and turned to food to get myself back on track. Prior to that, I had zero food awareness. I just ate whatever I liked.

So when I had this large influx of raw organic produce it was incredible. I healed myself of a whole bunch of ailments, without even realizing I had been sick. The more I included raw vegetables in my diet, the better I felt. I started researching how food can have such a major impact our own well-being as well as our society. I knew I needed to pursue this.

In 2012 I quit my job and I took a year to travel. I had no idea what I wanted to do with food. I travelled to Indonesia to study under Elaina Love, who is still my teacher. When I came back I was blogging and coaching and doing anything I could with food. Someone said to me: “this is all great, but can you just make me some food and bring it to

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work?” The first week I had four people, the next week 10, then 21. I was racing around creating recipes, buying the food, making it and delivering it. Within six months we were doing 70 meals every morning. We now use Good Foot to deliver our food.

What was the biggest challenge you faced starting the Goods?

The biggest challenge is always where to take the business. There are so many possibilities.

What drives you every day?

The food is always the main driver, but at this point so is the community that has been built around the Goods. I have incredible staff, and our customers are so enthusiastic.

Many of them have stumbled through our doors for whatever reason and remembered what “you are what you eat” really means.

They really keep me going.

What is your biggest dream for the Goods?

I’d like to see our food principles applied to other food industries. I’m going to move the product into packaged goods so it’s available to a wider range of people. I’d also love to apply our principles to baby and kids’ food.

My big dream would be to offer hospital food alternatives.

What is the most popular item at the Goods?

Currently, it’s our Be Well soup. It’s entirely plant-based and all healing. People are obsessed with it, which makes me so happy because it packs such a healing punch. People are realizing that when they feel run down, they can turn to food to make them feel better.

It’s so fascinating to see that shift. Five years ago, everyone thought I was being extreme, but now they understand. It’s very satisfying.

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Charlene SanJenko

FOUNDER & CEO, POWhERHOUSE From running for—and winning—a seat in municipal politics, to building a women-first media empire, Charlene SanJenko is up to epic things. And she thinks you could be too.

By KRISTIN VAN VLOTEN

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harlene SanJenko—PowHERhouse founder and CEO, author, speaker, and Gibsons City Councilor— laughs when she talks about the challenge of explaining what she does. “When you tell people, ‘I use effective communication and coordination for the purpose of collective action among Canadian women,’ they really don’t know what to do with you,” she says.

“Effective communication and coordination” for SanJenko has meant building PowHERhouse: a multi-media platform that includes PowHERhouse magazine, the PowHER TV show, and the PowHERtalks speaker series. PowHERouse is a sprawling creation, but it all flows from a common source: the unshakable passion SanJenko has for Canadian women taking their lead. She defines leadership as “the ability and confidence to do EPIC sh*t”— and that’s something that she knows a thing or two about.

You have been building the PowHERhouse brand for a while now. What’s been your biggest struggle?

I have always known what I wanted to accomplish. What’s been hard from time to time is gaining clarity around the how.

I’ve always had the desire to connect with powerful women in Canada and then connect them with each other. I’ve always wanted to have a positive influence on them, and leave them feeling recognized as the leaders they are. It didn’t matter to me if I was running a chain of Laundromats; I was just focused on the end result.

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The biggest challenge has been balancing growth with purpose. You could stay small and controlled and super on-purpose, but potentially at the cost of growth. And our currency is impact. So we put everything through values-focused filters so we can stay aligned with our highest purpose: redefining the role of women’s media in Canada. But it’s easy to fall into that typical media bucket that isn’t aligned with our true purpose.

What’s that “typical media bucket” look like to you?

I think in many ways, the media has let women down in terms of not becoming the vehicle it could be for empowering and accelerating them. It’s a lot of fluff and advertising. But when we think of what we could do through effective media, it’s mindblowing. I see the ultimate possibility.

When you look back on your life, where did this drive of yours come from?

I can think of three things: being a foster child, working with men, and the experience of comparing the male-dominated investment industry with women’s small businesses.

First, I was a foster baby who was adopted into a family. And I’ve recently learned that I am also half-Indigenous. I think about all of the children who have been in foster care—especially Indigenous children—and I think, “Wow, I was extremely fortunate to not be left in that system.” Now in my midforties, as I try to navigate who I am as a Canadian woman, I have the opportunity

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to positively profile Canadian women, including Indigenous women, who have a strong stigma around them. And I don’t take that opportunity lightly.

Second, I grew up with four older brothers and four male cousins, and I learned from a young age that if you want to play with the big boys, you better keep up. When I got into the corporate world and reached middle management, I was once again surrounded mostly by men. But this time, I was feeling blocked and not knowing why.

Third, while I was working in the investment services industry, the concept of PowHERhouse was born. I worked in a brokerage-house that was a national ecosystem for success. You were ‘housed’ within a national, reputable brand to build your business. You had marketing. You had events. You had training. You got the introductions you needed. I watched many twenty-something young men who weren’t exceptionally smart or overly talented enter the system and be making a really solid income after two or three years. When I started my entrepreneurial journey, I saw women constantly reinventing the wheel in each area of their business. I thought about what I saw in that brokerhouse and wondered, “Would women be open to being part of a national infrastructure that would help them to move forward— faster—without starting every single thing from scratch?”

“I believe there are blocks that originate within ourselves that we need to take complete ownership of and there are blocks that originate outside ourselves. I think it’s important to develop the ability to intelligently remove both types of blocks.”

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Your work has been about giving people—i.e., women—who have fewer advantages a platform for success. It must have been intense to realize that in addition to being a woman, you were also part of another sector of society— Indigenous peoples—that have even fewer advantages.

Yes! I believe there are blocks that originate within ourselves that we need to take complete ownership of and there are blocks that originate outside ourselves. I think it’s important to develop the ability to intelligently remove both types of blocks. I just try to show by example what is possible.

Every woman we profile is a leader. But when you’re the underdog, your acts of leadership become even more epic.

Speaking of positive role models, you are now serving in municipal politics. How’s that going?

I’m in my second term of service in my community of Gibsons, British Columbia, and I’m very driven to ensure more women step into not just leadership roles, but key decision-making roles as well. Every time people say I don’t seem like a politician, I say, “I am one of five people in my community to make really important decisions on behalf of

my community, and I’m the only woman.” I take that so seriously. And the thing is, the highest point of feeling belonging is directly related to contribution. The more you contribute to community, the more you feel a part of it.

You want women to talk about issues that matter to them. What issues are especially close to you these days?

The importance of women speaking up. I think the top echelon of leadership is the ability to talk about it. I see women who are doing amazing things, but for whatever reason, they just don’t feel comfortable talking about it.

When a woman speaks at one of our PowHERtalks or participates in our SPEAK! Canada program, she goes through a very personal process. She expresses, “This is who I am, this is what I’m up to, this is the impact I want to make, and this is my ‘ask’.”

It’s clarifying and scary because women hate to ask for help. But as these women begin to communicate publicly what they are committed to, the opportunities really line up for them. Many women don’t realize the results they’ll get when they can concisely communicate the impact they want to make.

It’s powerful. It directly demonstrates the currency of our success. freshmag.ca | FRESH MAGAZINE | 37

Tips and beauty secrets from consummate beauty pro Crystal Jensen!

Summer Blues With nail trends today, CND is a top contender for fashion-forward colours. Their new “Party Royally” is the perfect blue for summer-time fun! It’s the must-have accessory for beach lounging to dinner rendezvous.

From sunrise to sunset, these fabulous long-wearing shades will be the talk of the party. Your mix and match options are endless at CND.com

ms nnifer Willia photo by Je

Versatile Style So you say you need a product that will protect your hair from heat, help with frizz and flyaways, act as a styling-aid, all with leaving your tresses manageable? Well, Kérastase “L’incroyable blowdry” is like a super-hero when it comes to taking care of your hair from root to tip. The best thing about this cream: it allows you to reactivate your style throughout the day, just by applying a small amount of heat. It’s for all the women out there who love to style their hair! Get ready for hair-play with Kerastase.ca

Calm Down Sensitivity, flare-ups, and redness can be a bummer, “Ultracalming Mist” comes to the rescue. With oats and ginger; skin is put at ease, leaving it balanced and renewed.

This mist is the perfect remedy to refresh throughout the day. You can always count on Dermalogica to keep your skin health in check. Visit Dermalogica.ca today

Dream Tan A Little Goes A Long Way From daytime beauty to night-time glam, NYX Cosmetics has you covered with their “Total Control Drop Foundation”. Start with a few drops for sheer coverage or add additional to build your ultimate smooth finish. Either way, this matte foundation doesn’t leave your skin looking flat, and better yet helps you put your best face forward. Shop now at NYXCosmetics.com

Get that glow while you sleep—yes, please! Charlotte Tilbury hits it out of the park with this beauty. The new “Overnight Bronze & Glow Mask” gives you that dreamy sunkissed skin 24/7 and the natural pigments create a streak-free tan.

This nutrient rich cream hydrates and protects your skin while you zzzz. Get your beauty sleep with CharlotteTilbury.com

Perfect Strokes A good set of brows really does make a statement. I think the thought of tattooing can be a bit nerve wracking at first, but seeing my Mama’s complete transformation first hand was priceless. Whether you are a fairhaired beauty or wanting to make a bold look, microblading is ideal for anyone and everyone. You can go from subtle and natural or take it to the darker side, either way you’re sure to become addicted to the results.

Create your look at BeePampered.ca

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JULY/AUGUST 2017

LUXE for less

By Liliana of Upstage by lili

I

am bringing you four furniture picks for LESS! I think we all like good stuff, but sometimes some of us can’t afford the really nice things without breaking the bank.

As an Interior Decorator, I like to change my home decor often, but spending a lot of money on all of my furniture does not make sense most of the time. This is why I like to find the look of the items I like for LESS and only invest in those pieces I know I would love for a very long time!

These are my picks for today’s blog. Check out these amazing sofas and arm chair at incredible prices. What I love the most about these furniture pieces is that you are still getting great quality furnishings, but for a fraction of the cost. As you can see, for the amount you will pay for one sofa from the Luxe collection, you can furnish the whole living room with these great finds!

Designform Furnishings offers great comfort, quality, and trendy design pieces I personally love!

Liliana McInerney is a Professional Stager & Interior Decorator in the Tri-Cities of British Columbia, Canada. Follow her blog at UpstageByLili.com

ABOUT DESIGNFORM Website: designformcanada.com E-mail: designformcanada@gmail.com Phone: 604-722-8575 Instagram: @designformcanada Facebook: designform furnishings ltd canada *showroom by appointment only* JULY/AUGUST 2017

freshmag.ca | FRESH MAGAZINE | 39

A

cne is a specific type of skin disorder that persists into adulthood in roughly half of all cases. Acne sufferers typically have oily skin that sheds multiple layers of skin cells per day, resulting in clogged pores that often erupt into different types of pimples. For most of us, we get to blame our family as it is an inherited tendency. While acne is treatable, it is important to understand the disorder in order to properly manage it.

Teenage acne is very different from the kind of acne that affects adults.

As you grow older, your hormone levels stabilise and your skin cells age and mature. This ageing process tends to happen from the top down. One interesting side effect of this is that acne moves down your face as you age.

Hormonal fluctuations increase oil secretions, which are produced inside the pore. Normally, this isn’t a problem, however, acne-prone skin sheds up to five times as many skin cells as normal skin. With an increase in oil, a nutrient for bacteria to proliferate on creates the perfect storm for pimples to grow. A number of other factors can also contribute to a breakout including birth control, pregnancy, medications, makeup, smoking, and stress.

WHY ADULTS GET ACNE

By LEAH LAVANWAY

When your pores are clogged by oil and dead skin, a plug will form a protected place for bacteria to grow. Many times, not much will happen inside the pores resulting in small whiteheads and blackheads without too much swelling. As the pore begins to stretch, more oil and dead skin cells get caught under the plug, while bacteria inside the pore are allowed to multiply. If the pore gets too full and bursts, bacteria will spread to the surrounding cells. The result is a red bump of infected skin cells, called an inflammatory papule.

Your body tries its best to fight back when it notices an infection, and it will flood the area with white blood cells, creating pus. These pus-filled pimples are called pustules.

If a pimple gets quite inflamed it can have other names. Nodules are zits that go very deep, while cysts are pimples that are more than five millimeters across. Both of these outbreaks can be painful and tend to scar.

While acne is one of the more common types of skin concerns, there are a number of similar conditions that adults are also vulnerable to getting. Pyoderma faciale is particularly common among women in their thirties and this breakout causes redness and pimples. Several fungal and bacterial infections manifest with acne-like symptoms, including folliculitis and staph. If your acne doesn’t get better with a normal treatment (or if it gets worse), consult a skin therapist to make sure you actually have acne and not a lookalike.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and having a regular skin care routine can work wonders on all adult skin conditions. Moisturising, exfoliating, using sunscreen, and keeping your stress levels low will reduce the chances of most kinds of outbreaks. When you do get breakouts, consider a visit to your favourite skin care provider. You will get professional help to assist in determining the exact cause of your pimples and you will get a chance to learn about all of the latest treatments, products and techniques.

Understanding the root cause of acne (dead skin and oil clogging pores) is vital to combat this skin disorder. Exfoliating helps prevent dead skin cells from accumulating, while antibacterial treatments can prevent clogged pores from becoming infected. By recognising acne symptoms and taking appropriate action, you will be able to minimise outbreaks and keep your skin clear and healthy.

Leah LaVanway is the owner of the award winning Essence of L Medi Spa & Laser Clinic in White Rock. She is a medical esthetician specializing in acne therapies and skin needling. Leah is also the founder of Glow Clinical Skincare, a clean clinical line focused on acne prone skin. To learn more about Leah and Essence Of L Medi Spa visit EssenceOfL.com

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Crystal Hill Organics

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Indulge in luxurious and holistic Crystal Hills Organics bath and body products, including rich body serums, exfoliating sugar scrubs and relaxing bath salts. Each product combines organic botanicals, healing herbs and high-vibration crystals, designed to beautify the body and soothe the soul.

The SkinSpin is a revolutionary skincare tool that rejuvenates and exfoliates the skin while dramatically improving the effectiveness of your skincare products. The Skin Spin is a safe, results driven and cost effective tool that fits into almost any skincare regime.

Visit SkinSpin.com today.

GlowGo Skincare GlowGo spa quality skincare products are currently sold at affordable prices exclusively through Pharmasave Canada (at participating locations) and online at GlowGo.ca

JULY/AUGUST 2017

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photo by ASHLEY DRODY PHOTOGRAPHY

A Smile for the Ages

By Dr. Kelvin P. Mah

here’s something to be said about a mother’s intuition. Many times it takes someone near and dear to us to help lift

up our spirits. I was happy to help a recent patient of mine after his mother referred him to us.

Matt’s dental health had become worrisome but his selfconfidence was even more worrisome to his mother.

Once we finally met, I began to realize that Matt’s mom’s intuition was correct. When I asked him what was concerning him, Matt gave a very broad but telling response. The fact that he would not talk about specifics was a common sign that there was something bigger in play. I pride myself in

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truly listening to my patients. Matt’s needs went beyond dental treatments and everything he communicated to me revealed how important it was for Matt to improve his smile.

It had been eight years since Matt last visited a dentist. He was concerned about his chipped teeth. There was also an obvious issue with crowding. When I asked him about his smile, I immediately felt an affinity for him and set a course to address Matt’s concerns.

Raised by his mom in Regina, Matt moved to Vancouver when he was 19. More and more he became self conscious about his smile. It became obvious when he looked at pictures that he was stifling his smile. Matt believed that his smile didn’t suit his face, so he would do his best to hide his teeth when a picture was taken.

JULY/AUGUST 2017

Overall, Matt felt healthy and had a great attitude so it was difficult to have a smile that he felt “looked” unhealthy and was the antithesis of who he was as a person. The inability to express oneself with a smile has a tremendous impact on one’s psyche. Many of us take for granted the true meaning of a smile. Imagine not being able smile at a joke, a hug, or at another friendly face smiling back at you.

I asked Matt my favourite question, “what do you want?”

He responded, “I want all my teeth fixed up and healthy. I want a smile that I’m proud of…one I can show off in pictures.”

The most important part of any smile transformation is communication. With our initial conversation complete, I accepted the mission presented to me and set out to accomplish Matt’s goals.

First, we gathered all the pertinent clinical information that included x-rays and many detailed photographs.

Upon examination of Matt’s teeth and smile it became apparent that there were very significant concerns with crowded, worn, chipped teeth. The front teeth looked short because of the wear. This really aged Matt because it looked like he had both the teeth and smile of someone 30-40 years older. It had been so long since he had a proper dental cleaning that his teeth were yellow and his gums inflamed and unhealthy. I advised and reassured Matt that we could improve his smile and his health at the same time.

Due to the severity of the wear throughout his teeth, Matt’s bite had slowly collapsed over time. This meant that his upper and lower jaws were closer together than what was suitable for him. It also meant that because his bite was “over closed”, there really wasn’t sufficient room to allow us to treat Matt in a conventional way. This meant restoring Matt’s bite position by redoing his whole mouth. This is a complex treatment that follows a detailed protocol to achieve a healthy, functional, and aesthetically pleasing result.

We began with a series of cleaning visits that promoted good gum and bone health. We then followed a protocol that broke down the complex treatment into precise, predictable steps. The final result can be seen in the pictures below. Matt is a new man, comfortable in his own skin, because he is now comfortable with his smile.

“The inability to express oneself with a smile has a tremendous impact on one’s psyche. Many of us take for granted the true meaning of a smile.”

Before

After

Throughout this process, one thought guided me as it does whenever I’m working on these arguably life changing cases: What did my patient truly want? Does the transformation happen from the inside?

Matt has been with us for two years now. His teeth are brighter but, more importantly, his spirit matches his smile—vibrant and full of energy. Matt now smiles more and this gives meaning and purpose to what I do. Matt, thank you for allowing me to honour my mission of “enriching lives, one smile at a time.”

Dr. Kelvin P. Mah believes in helping people—not merely treating problems—and takes a dedicated interest in the health and wellness of each individual patient. His award-winning Smile City Square Dental practice reflects a zen-like atmosphere of warmth and relaxation. He is also a graduate of UBC’s prestigious Dental School and is an instructor with the Frontier Institute. Discover the transformative possibilities of modern artisan dentistry at SmileCitySquare.com, and visit Smile City Square Dental on Facebook at Facebook.com/SmileCitySquare.

JULY/AUGUST 2017

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MINDFULNESS

AND EVERYDAY SUCCESS

By Dr. Lisa Ferrari & Dr. Carla Fry

W

hat if there was a skill, one almost anyone could develop, that could lead you to achieve greater success in any area of your life—family, career, fitness or overall happiness? We believe there is such a skill, and it’s known as mindfulness.

What is Mindfulness?

While the word ‘mindful’ can have newagey associations for some, research behind mindfulness and its effect on success are impressive and worth paying attention to.

But first, what is it exactly?

the brain to work to more optimally. One added benefit, it increases resilience to stress

Mindfulness and Success Although there are different definitions of success, most agree that success often consists of attaining standards of excellence, accomplishing an aim or purpose, and perhaps leaving a legacy.

For some, that may mean raising happy children, for others it may be achieving professional respect and experiencing the benefits of financial reward, recognition, or power.

Mindfulness is a frame of mind wherein a person is highly-attuned to the way they are currently experiencing of emotions, thoughts and experiences. This can mean being aware of sensory input such as the fragrance in the air, the texture of a sweater or the connection they are experiencing with the person in front of them.

Researchers around the world confirm that people who are more mindful make better decisions, both personally and professionally.

And of course, better decision-making often leads to greater success. (In professional circles, there are some schools of thought that successful people are not necessarily the most talented in the room. They just make the best decisions.)

This mental state features a level of curiosity and self-compassion, it focuses on the acceptance of what is, and it is disconnected from judgement.

Mindful people also have greater emotional intelligence and are calmer, happier and more competent. In addition, they share key qualities with successful people. They have:

Someone who is mindful can see their own behaviour with more perspective and clarity.

They can act on what is, without focusing much on past hang-ups or future pressures that may be fogging up the present moment.

• Better relationships, both personally and professionally.

• More grit—they have the ability to keep going when the going gets tough.

• The ability to learn from their mistakes • The ability to prioritize healthful activities such as adequate sleep, exercise and healthy eating.

• The power to prioritize their down-time with reading and media that helps them positively relax, learn or connect.

Adhering to such an approach allows people to be more intentional about their current behaviours, and more attentive to the impact they have on others. It can help clear the mind from the distractions and unnecessary mental noise that we all experience, allowing

Fostering Mindfulness Mindfulness is a deceptively simple, yet powerful process that can take time to implement in a consistent and meaningful way. When we coach our clients, we recommend setting an intention of living with the 10-80-10 approach: Live 10% in the past, 80% in the now, 10% in the future.

Trying to keep these ratios in mind is key in nurturing a mindful mindset.

Enrolling in a mindfulness class is a great way to help foster mindfulness. But simply making a commitment to notice something new in every moment and in every interaction that you have, is a big step towards living a more successful and mindful life!

Dr. Lisa Ferrari and Dr. Carla Fry are Clinical Psychologists, co-directors of Vancouver Psychology Centre, a busy child and family-centered clinic with offices in Vancouver and West Vancouver and are co-authors of Gratitude and Kindness: A Modern Parents Guide to Raising Children in an Era of Entitlement (2015). They speak locally and nationally to print, radio and television media to connect families with scientifically proven facts in a user-friendly fashion to help children and families to maximize their happiness and resilience. Connect with them on Facebook (Vancouver Psychology Centre) or Instagram (@clinicallyhappy).

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JULY/AUGUST 2017

Entrepreneurs Are Called to Be Socially Responsible

By GENICCA WHITNEY “I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live.”

– George Bernard Shaw

E

ntrepreneurs are one of the most ambitious leaders in our communities.

We have the freedom to design a business and a life of our imagination, and do whatever we can to achieve our vision. This kind of freedom and attitude towards life is adored by many and pursued only by the brave.

Those who are bold and courageous enough to follow a dream are paving the way for many people to have employment, while providing solutions to problems that exist around us, adding huge value to society.

As entrepreneurs, we often deal with an incredible amount of stress and are faced with hard decisions that can leave us in despair wondering, “How am I going to make this happen?”

It’s no wonder why we are put on a pedestal in today’s society, admired for our stamina and vision.

It’s interesting to see how society has put an intense spotlight on the idea of being your own boss and having your own business, even if it means having a side hustle. It seems

that the trendsetters today include the rise of the entrepreneur—game changers that are being followed and admired by many.

For this reason, it is important to address that entrepreneurs with this kind of power and/or influence, need to exercise social responsibility.

Social responsibility is an ethical framework and suggests that an entity, be it an organization or individual, has an obligation to act for the benefit of society at large. Social responsibility is a duty every individual has to perform so as to maintain a balance between the economy and the ecosystems.

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

– Winston Churchill Why is it important that entrepreneurs and business leaders exercise social responsibility?

Since entrepreneurs are creators, they hold the power to make statements that can cause a ripple affect, impacting the masses in a positive or negative way (depending on how it’s being used).

As creators, we can use our social responsibility to rearrange, alter, rearrange, and rotate society and culture in ways that are limited only by imagination. That’s why I strongly believe that entrepreneurs have a duty to exercise social responsibility, every opportunity that we can get.

A socially responsible entrepreneur makes donations for significant society causes—social, cultural, or ecological. We are responsible for activities like recycling, volunteering and mentoring, where time is a valuable resource that should be shared with those who need it most.

Being an influencer in our communities means that it is our duty to make the commitment to embrace and embed social responsibility into our personal values and belief system. By doing so, we become socially responsible in everything that we do.

A socially responsible entrepreneur is proactive with eliminating corrupt, irresponsible or unethical behavior that might bring harm to the community, its people, or the environment before the behavior happens. If we can make it a lifestyle to get out of our own way - and focus our energy on inspiring more people to give back, lead with love and help those in need in our communities, massive progression is possible.

It’s time that we use our creative gifts to strengthen our communities. I am confident that more women will step up to the plate to take on this responsibility. More and more women are harnessing their power to run businesses and follow a dream. These are the women who are prepared to rise thrive and conquer social responsibility in ways that are innovative and empowering.

Genicca Whitney is your Biz Bestie Strategist on a mission to empower spiritual boss ladies to take inspired action in their dream business + create monumental success. The Rise, Thrive & Conquer Collective™ is an online destination + global network for female entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate + communicate with other like-minded women who get-it. It is where personal growth meets business strategy. Rise up, thrive-on and conquer your dreams today! RiseThriveConquer.com freshmag.ca | FRESH MAGAZINE | 45

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