MAKING A DIFFERENCE

CHANGING the WORLD ONE STEP at a TIME

There is no mistaking that change is in the air for many of us. Growth and transitions are part of the natural cycle of life, but they seem more revved up than ever before. From my vantage point, I feel a supercharged energy for change, and many people in my circle seem to feel the same. Meeting so many interesting and memorable people throughout the journey of publishing VIE has been an enriching experience. With this issue dedicated to “change makers” far and wide, what I have marveled at the most is how many people do amazing things for good as they shape and change our world. I stand in awe of their respective endeavors.

We have written about so many people accomplishing good work over the years, and our team is proud to publish their stories. I want to give a special shout-out to one of our Top Ten Change Makers recognized in our hundredth issue last February, on which Julian Lennon graced the cover. Tiffanie Nelson was a young mother who saw a need when she learned that a few of her son’s classmates didn’t have enough to eat. She started by helping six kids each week with simple meals they could take home, which led to her founding her nonprofit organization, Food for Thought Outreach, in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. What an amazing place the world would be if we all helped when we saw a need in our daily walk through life. Tiffanie saw kids struggling and did something about it. Her act of kindness grew, with locations in Destin and Santa Rosa Beach now serving over 3,400 food-insecure children across 34 schools each week. Her decision in 2010 has changed our community for the better and continues to do so year after year. To learn more, donate, or volunteer, please visit FFTFL.org.

Our gorgeous cover girl Mallory Ervin shines as an inspirational influencer. She shares her life and story through her books and social media platforms, resonating with many and inspiring them with her candor about the challenges she has overcome and what she learned through the process. She has grown an extremely loyal following of millions who adore her and are some of the world’s most supportive fans, engaging with her on a daily basis. Her second book, All In, was released last month with sales growing beyond expectations as people can’t get enough of this powerhouse who spreads joy and happiness wherever she goes. Along with her widely popular Living Fully memoir and podcast of the same name, this has given this beauty queen, singer, Amazing Race contestant, wife, mother of three, and best-selling author a megawatt voice across multiple platforms to empower change. Read all about Mallory in Hailey Bethke’s article, “You Were Made for More: The Art of Living Fully.” You will not be disappointed!

Change makers initiate action to solve a social problem, and so many are doing what they can to help. We commend and wholeheartedly thank them for their commitment to leaving the world a better place than it was before. Join us in celebrating many individuals and organizations throughout this issue as they sacrifice to bring forth change with courage, commitment, and resilience.

To Life, Love, and Growth!

Lisa Marie Burwell CEO/Editor-in-Chief

We collaborate with talented photographers, writers, and other creatives on a regular basis, and we’re continually inspired by how they pour their hearts and souls into their crafts. Follow these creatives on social media and don’t forget to check out our account, @viemagazine.

IN THIS ISSUE, WE ASKED THE CREATIVES: WHO HAS BEEN A CHANGE MAKER IN YOUR LIFE AND HOW?

Best-Selling Author and Public Speaker

@torihopepetersen

Her name is Tonya—a woman who stepped in as my mother figure. Because I grew up in an abusive home, I always wondered if I’d ever be a good mom, and I also sought out motherly relationships. Tonya doesn’t go out and change the world. She’ll never be a CEO, but she’s opened her home to our family and treated me like her daughter and my children like her own grandkids. To be so radically loved and welcomed is healing, and her hospitality makes me want to be more hospitable. Her listening makes me want to be a better listener. And her motherhood makes me want to be an even better mom.

the greatest masters of this philosophy. Following Leonard’s growth as an artist and then rebirth in the latter years of his life had a profound impact on my own life. His journey showed me that poetry never ends and the poem is never truly finished.

Mallory Ervin

Best-Selling Author, Living Fully and All In @malloryervin

My literary agent Shannon Marven has been a huge change maker in my life. She heard my story and message in the background as I shared bits and pieces for years, and she single-handedly shifted the direction of my career. This is the space I know I was meant to be in, so that shift was big for me. She always makes time to talk me through significant business and career shifts even though she’s got top authors on her roster and piles of things to do for them. She has believed in me and my message of living fully more than anyone outside my family. She will forever be my biggest change maker and the one who was pivotal in bringing me into a space where I can be a change maker for others. I also just love being around her because she’s a big thinker and one of my all-time favorite people.

ARIX ZALACE

Artist and Founder, The Paper Bear @azalace

I would have to say the biggest change makers in my life have been Jenifer Kuntz (my partner) and Leonard Cohen. Jenifer has always told me, “Life is poetry. All of life, the good and the bad.” When I view the world through this lens, my life becomes richer and more satisfying. Powerful prose, whether shared through a pen, paintbrush, or camera lens, truly is the poetry of life. Jen taught me that. Leonard was one of

DAVE KING

Entrepreneur, SOWAL House @king.daveking

A random encounter with Bill Murray, the actor, completely changed my life. I was stopped at a crosswalk while on the way to my office in New York when someone put their hands over my eyes from behind and said, “Peekaboo.” I turned around, initially thinking I was being mugged, only to see a familiar face. It took me a second to recognize that it was Bill Murray, the quirky deadpan actor from all the ’80s films I grew up watching. He patiently waited for me to register that it was him, then held up his index finger and said, “No one will ever believe you.” A split second later, the light turned green, and he walked off. This was life-changing because Bill gave me the gift of immediate reprieve. Every thought about preparing for work had vanished, albeit only for a few minutes. In its place was simple, innocent wonderment—and a smile. This sense of wonder is what we aim for at every SOWAL House event. Internally, we call them “Bill Murray moments.” I believe they’re more important now than ever because, in today’s hustle culture, we all deserve a few minutes of reprieve.