August Edition 2021

ISSUE NO.15 | AUGUST 2021

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contents

PEOPLE WHO JUST BEGIN Meadow Collective Bethany Blanchard Harriet Stubbs Sadith Ulloa Amy Trudeau Thibodeau Cheri Timko

SUSTAINABILITY Is Slow Fashion Always More Expensive?

Low-waste Cleaning Tips and Recipes Composting Guide For Beginners

HOLISTIC LIVING How To Develop Intuition How To Live with Mindfulness How To Cleanse Your Own Chakras Monthly horoscopes by the Tarot Queen

WORKPLACE WELLNESS 5 Ways to Mentally Prepare Yourself After a Year of WFH Through The Lens The Rise of Quarantine-Born Small Businesses

MENTAL HEALTH How to deal with guilt surrounding weight loss Dr. Aisquel Machado: A mother, Entrepreneur, Mental Health and Community Advocate

TRAVEL Mini Guide: Lake Tahoe The World is Your Oyster

BE INSPIRED #SOS CUBA Free the Nipple: One Black Woman’s Fight to End Breastfeeding Disparities

DARE TO BEGIN

just begin magazine

Melly Diaz Editor in Chief

Samantha Diaz Chief Designer & Photographer

Barbara Estrada Creative Partnerships Editor

Miriela Diaz Executive Director

EDITORIAL Anjuli Sharpley Senior Mindfulness Content Writer Anailis Diaz Content Writer Claire Muselman Content Writer

PHOTOGRAPHY Dorian Ash Creative Photography

DESIGN Kaitlin Dowis Illustrator

Eddie Ortiz Content Writer Intisar Seraaj Content Writer Lindsay Francois Content Writer Melissa Cancio Content Writer Rachel Greve Content Writer

INTERNSHIP Ruth Orellana Delcid Creative Strategy Isabella Canizares Creative Strategy Ajhada Gabriel Editorial

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E D I T O R S N O T E

August 2021

Hello and welcome to our 15th issue of Just Begin Magazine!

I am so proud of how far we've come and grown as a brand and community.

To all of our new subscribers and readers I say THANK YOU for taking the time to read what is not only a passion for me but to all of our contributors and interns at Just Begin.

Just Begin is a space for us to come together and be creative and share inspiring stories in hopes of brining some positivity to your day. I hope you enjoy this issue!

JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE SUBSCRIBE TO SUPPORT

With every purchase of our magazine, we will donate $1 to a non-profit of our choice.

For the month of August, we have chosen to give back to the non-profit organizations under www.givetocuba.org.

To learn more about what is happening in Cuba read our article on it in the Be Inspired section of the magazine.

PATRIA Y VIDA!

www.givetocuba.org

FLOWER OF THE MONTH

SIWOD NILTIAK YB TRA

THE ARCTIC POPPY

Arctic poppy offers a cold hardy perennial flower that is adaptable to most of the regions of the United States. Also called Iceland poppy plant, this herbaceous, low-growing plant produces numerous single papery blooms in a wide range of colors. Iceland poppy growing conditions are extremely variable, making this short-lived perennial a natural choice for a variety of landscape situations. Once you know how to grow Arctic poppies, they will grace your garden for decades, as the blooms will self-sow for a constant supply of these lovely flowers.

STPMORP LANRUOJ TSUGUA

JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE

If you were to write a book what would the title be?

What was your favorite song in your childhood and why?

What are your current inspirations?

What social media accounts are you leaving inspired and which ones are you leaving you drained?

What did you do last month that you really enjoyed?

PEOPLE WHO JUST BEGIN PEOPLE WHO JUST BEGIN PEOPLE WHO JUST BEGIN PEOPLE WHO JUST BEGIN

The Meadow

Collective

BY ANJULI SHARPLEY

When opening her successful lifestyle boutique, Meadow Collective, in Pinecrest, Florida three years ago, Meadow sought to create an “off-the-grid atmosphere” that “promoted wellness and sustainability combined with fashion.”

A self-proclaimed creative, Meadow enrolled in fashion school for the sole purpose of creating her own sustainable clothing line, a very small niche at the time. Immediately following fashion school, she launched her own clothing line using only eco-friendly fabrics- organic cotton, bamboo, and tencelmade in Hialeah for nine years.

“I got over greenwashing and wanted to live sustainably,” said Meadow. This decision prompted her to seek a big move, and after successfully running her own clothing line for nearly a decade, she moved to Costa Rica with her four-year-old daughter and husband while pregnant with her son.

“We built a house without walls, electricity, or even a refrigerator with wood milled from our farm with hammers and nails,” said Meadow.

Still dedicated to her industry, she sought a way to connect to the world without electricity or the internet and rented a studio to launch a shop, which she ran for twelve years in Costa Rica. “With the shop, everything flowed abundantly, running a clothing line was like running on a treadmill, you get to a spot, then you’re stuck on a constant machine, a fashion machine,” said Meadow. This experience prompted her to open her wildly successful boutique, Meadow Collective in Pinecrest, Florida.

The name of the boutique is derived from Meadow’s first name and “Collective” refers to the collective of artists and designers featured in her business.

Meadow Collective centers greatly on sustainability,

“I am first drawn to companies by design and if I like the product, I look at their practices to see if they are ethical and sustainable,” said Meadow.

With clothing items, she focuses on the fabrics to verify that they do not contain polyesters or plastics, as she does not allow such materials in her selections. When it comes to gift items, Meadow chooses to support mostly small and female designers who use products with glass or tin containers.

For Meadow, nature is the greatest source of her inspiration, “it is everything, we are nature, we are connected to it; I honor that by having my products be biodegradable and sustainable,” said Meadow. When asked about her favorite items in the store, she expressed her love for the sustainable brands Navone, a jewelry business based in Oregon, and Spell in Byron Bay, Australia.

Since opening, Meadow Collective expanded to become a community in which customers run into old friends and meet new ones along the way. “It’s overwhelming, the relationships created in the store, we are a community of women with this desire to connect,” said Meadow. The store offers events open to community members such as tarot card readings, intuitive art readings, and fairy hair tinsel attachments. “With our internet lifestyle now, we have this screen between us, to have that connection in person, nothing beats that,” said Meadow.

Bethany Blanchard

of We Three

BY MELLY DIAZ

I had the opportunity to speak to Bethany Blanchard, one of the We Three band. You may have seen We Three on America’s Got Talent season 13. The band was a fan favorite and made it all the way to the semi finals.

However, in my conversation with Bethany we get into how she got started in music and what challenges she has faced along the way.

When Did You Start Playing The Bass Guitar?

I was going to go to the guitar after the piano. I had started for, like, a week. And then my younger brother, Manny started playing guitar, and he was better than me. And I was just like, this isn't okay with him so quick. So that's why I picked up the bass. And then I fell in love. Like, I've never just loved an instrument so much as the bass guitar. So that was my journey to bass guitar, which I think is kind of funny.

The siblings have always played music together since they come from a family of musicians. However, the band didn’t officially form until when Bethany was only a sophomore in high school. Once they began taking it more seriously they started playing and booking gigs. “I remember driving back from a gig, and it was like a conversation in the van, the three of us just talking, and that's when we were like, no, Let's actually give this a shot.” said Bethany.

What Music Did You Grow Up Listening to?

So we grew up around some really killer musicians and were inspired by some really amazing bands even learning covers at like, 12. I remember my first cover that I started learning was like, Boston.

Since You Were Trained Classically Do You Ever Have to Fight The Things You’ve Learned to Be More Creative?

That's such a good question. I never felt like I was good enough like in the classical world or the jazz world or technique wise. I just never felt like I had gotten to that place because there are just incredible, amazing things in those worlds. But I think there were things, at least for me, that kind of blocked me from going too far when we started writing. That's really what changed stuff, because, Yes, the knowledge and just kind of, like, knowing the ins and outs of the technique and everything is important but I think we started falling in love with the freedom and the creativity just in a different way when it comes to writing.

On America’s Got Talent the band auditioned with their own original song titled “Heaven’s Not Too Far” which is from the perspective of their late mother who passed of cancer.

@wethreemusic | www.wethreemusic.com

As well as that song they challenge their audience in their music by discussing issues such as mental health and suicide prevention which you can hear on their latest album “Dear Paranoia, Sincerely, Me”.

What is the writing process like when you are writing on such hard topics?

Manny is the main songwriter in the group. I think he's honestly one of the most incredible songwriters I've come in contact with. And now I'm patting him on the back of my brother. But whatever.

Honestly, it's so interesting. Sometimes I try to analyze the process, but for me, that kind of takes me out of it a little bit.

It's really interesting. I feel like I'm in this.

I feel really grateful and really blessed to be in this state of creativity with my brothers. When one of us writes a song, we've each experienced very similar things growing up together and then going straight into a band and working together. The songs that come out, it's really, really beautiful.

What is your relationship like now with your brothers after this success?

Once we really started the band it was hard at first because I think we each were growing into ourselves. We wanted to be taken seriously

Something about working with siblings: it's hard to take yourself seriously and even each other. So at the beginning we really had to work through that together. I don't ever see our relationships ever put at risk anymore because we've gotten to a great place of respect and appreciation.

What Advice would you give someone who wants to start taking their music more seriously?

I don't ever think it’s too late or too early to try. I think you have to listen to yourself. Doubt is such a huge thing.

But that is always going to be there you are going to doubt constantly. But get comfortable with that feeling being there. If you want to do something it’s going to out weigh the doubt. Trust yourself.

Bethany let me know that they are working on their upcoming album and writing a ton of music for their fans.

“We have a lot of time to write over quarantine from not traveling. We have a lot of songs. This our first time that we've had the time and space because since after the show we’ve been boom boom boom. Album, ep, singles, tour and all back to back. This next record we like to say is holding a lot of new emotions and new experiences for us so we are taking our time”.

Women in Music: Harriet Stubbs

By Eduardo Ortiz

When hearing of someone that willfully dives into the hypothermia-inducing waters of the arctic to swim alongside orcas and analyze samples for microplastics you may picture a marine biologist or some form of eco-friendly adrenaline junkie. While I may not be able to dismiss the latter claim, I can assure you that Harriet Stubbs does not have a degree in Marine Biology. In fact, her claim to fame is not her proximity to orcas but a more tame combination of black and white: piano keys. She is a classical pianist whose complexity rivals that of the music she composes and performs. To attempt to define Harriet Stubbs is to attempt to grasp shadows and bottle tsunamis, an exercise in pure futility. However, I think I can provide a general idea.

WHO IS SHE? It would make for relatively easy writing to fill this article with Harriet’s numerous accolades and exhaustive list of institutions in which she has studied and performed, but to me that wouldn’t capture who she is as a person. Harriet has a genuine humility that would be rare in most circles, let alone the world of classical music and at her level of skill. She is an English pianist based in New York City who when asked what she loves the most about classical piano she responded, “I take every opportunity I have to level it, to give it a 3D space, and to put it in a place it’s never been. Giving it to people that feel perhaps that it’s an elitist thing.

People that don’t get it or that aren’t really into it but they’ve never actually had the opportunity to hear it in a space that they’re allowed to feel comfortable in. That’s what I love most, to bring it to people who weren’t there in the first place. I’m much more interested in that person rather than the person that can talk about it for two hours.”

Her first interaction with a piano was at the tender age of three and soon after she was touring. The concept of a child prodigy inspires amazement and perhaps a subtle jealousy in which we find ourselves contemplating the perceived ease at which a skill has been mastered. In her own words Harriet went on to say, “A gift is such an ethereal idea, without the right environment and the right opportunities; now more than ever. Perhaps 30 years ago you could be discovered, have an ability and have nothing else, but now if you don’t have absolutely everything that goes with it and an enormous amount of luck then it doesn’t work.” Which I found to be a very socially conscious take on the prodigy. There are undoubtedly a vast number of talented individuals who may never see their true potential come to fruition due to socioeconomic troubles preventing their access to the same experiences and opportunities.

It is with that in mind that I find a deep appreciation for Harriet’s dedication to placing classical music in venues it has not traditionally entered before.

Her next endeavor in regard to placing classical music in unconventional locations is a concert hosted 100 feet off the shore of the Cayman Islands in January of 2023 for 3500 people. This would combine two of her passions, as she is a supporter of the Central Caribbean Marine Institute on Little Cayman. She assists in the restoration of coral reefs by gluing coral together and scuba diving them down to coral nurseries.

ADAPTING TO THE PANDEMIC We all thought the pandemic would be contained and over within a matter of two short months. In our seemingly neverending quarantine many picked up new hobbies such as starting a sourdough, crocheting, or having children. Harriet however, unintentionally pioneered the first open-air socially distanced concerts. To pass time and out of just regular discipline she spent much of her time seated at her piano, “I can’t not perform, and it’s not just about practice. It’s about the practice of being in performance.” Windows open with wind flowing in and musical notes floating out she played. Soon those isolated by quarantine and shaken to their cores by the very real implications faced by the virus found their frightened souls serenaded by the music that poured forth. Taking note of the exponentially growing crowds she saw each day she began to perform with regularity. She performed seven days a week at the same time everyday and watched as a sense of community grew in what once appeared to be a no man’s land.

She performed one hundred days straight, only taking a week-long break to swim with sharks in the Hebrides. Then returning to perform yet another hundred days until the end of 2020.

When I asked why she did it and with such dedication she explained that people were dealing with crippling isolation and had nowhere to turn. They were deprived of human interaction or even conversation, but with these concerts they had somewhere to be. They had people to talk to, whether or not that be masked and from afar, in her own words, “Even if that’s a single mother with a baby, that’s not going to have an adult conversation that day but now they are.

Or an elderly person who is isolating for their own safety, that’s the only time that they would have a reason to be outside, feel safe and actually see other people.”

The world’s gradual return to normalcy has unfortunately heralded the reduction of these generous performances from daily to weekly but due to a generous sponsorship as a result of the concerts is now out of a bay window in High Street Kensington from a grand piano on a quiet street instead of through an amplifier with a lot of traffic and an upright. In conjunction with relaxing rules, the concerts are now accompanied by champagne and the ability to mingle in a beautiful and calm atmosphere in the centre of London. It has also sparked the question of the necessity for in-person work versus remote work, Harriet postulates that, “It has as many benefits as it does negatives. For example, having the luxury to say it wasn’t really necessary to fly or drive somewhere.

Let’s try to reduce carbon footprint where it’s not necessary and also have the ability to work the hours that work for you and not apologize for it.”

In defence of in-person work she feels that, “There is something much more stimulating about in person high-level meetings, they are of a totally different caliber. As is experiencing life in person, and as a musician you desperately want a live audience. I’ve had one of the rare luxuries that others haven’t during this time, of constantly having an audience that’s giving something back instead of playing to a dead space.”

She identifies yet another opportunity afforded to her which was not available to others.

ADVICE FOR WOMEN ENTERING THE INDUSTRY When I think of the field of classical music I picture aged, white, male, aristocracy, and maybe powdered wigs. Therefore, it felt fair to ask if there was a gender disparity present, to which Harriet agreed, “The oldest parts of the classical music industry are so used to having the power held by old white men. They’re holding onto it like No! It’s our world, we’re not giving it away! And they’re so frustrated that they can’t hold onto it that they lash out more than ever before.”

As a world traveler, I asked if she had felt that the power structures are more cemented in England than they are in America, “”Here you have an aristocracy and you have a very clear set of class and financial barriers. However, they’re exacerbated in the US because the extremities of poverty and wealth are so much larger. Which is further exacerbated by the lack of access to health care and education. So the extremes are more, the poverty is more, the wealth is more, everything is more extreme in America. It’s bigger, larger, more amplified.” She advises those who are hoping to join the industry to hold out hope as these power structures are changing, slowly but surely.

When asked how to overcome those barriers she replied, “The people that we surround ourselves with, that is it.” She urges those who are new to the industry to cultivate supportive friendships that aim to respect and protect one another. “Also, making a conscious effort to be nonjudgemental toward each other, to not turn on each other. I think a lot of women do turn on each other out of the stress of having to cope with the class and social barriers standing in their way.”

This remains true of any industry, as you may have read in my interview with Maureen Langan, women supporting women is vital to societal change and success.

With that in mind I questioned, what would you say to all of the women working in the creative industry if you could? “Always prioritize maintaining the love of what they do, and whatever it means to keep that alive because that inspires the next generation and the generation after that but it also makes life more enjoyable. You can have a role taken away from you or you can have an opportunity not given to you but no one can take away the power of your gift. That is where all the value is even though it may seem that the power is elsewhere.” I proceeded to ask what she does it for? Why is she so dedicated to her craft? ”I feel that I have a duty to do my very best, to nurture, work hard, and respect what I’ve been given out of gratitude and respect for the sacrifices that others have made.”

HER WORK Harriet’s most recent album Heaven and Hell: The Doors of Perception is available on all music streaming services and in CD at Barnes and Noble as well many other outlets globally.

Heaven and Hell: The Doors Of Perception is produced by multi Grammy award winning producer Russ Titelman whose background is in producing rock n roll with the likes of Ricky Lee Jones, George Harrison, Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood.

The album is opened by the iconic Marianne Faithfull known for Broken English, a love of poetry, and Absolutely Fabulous.

The album is based on the concept of The Doors created by William Blake and later taken up by Huxley and rock n roll band, The Doors. The album is about going through the doors of perception and on a Blakean journey from Innocence to Experience through classical music blended with literature, and rock n roll.

Harriet is now working with Bowie’s pianist Mike Garson. A prolific musician, their project has been described as “Bowie meets Rachmaninoff”, the perfect blend of rock n’ roll and classical piano. Rachmaninoff was also a child prodigy so I naturally questioned if she felt any kinship with him.

She replied, “I love him so much, he’s very special to me. I wouldn’t be so arrogant as to put myself there.”

She has released an archive of recordings from throughout her career, so far three volumes are available on Spotify. She is currently working on the soundtrack for a film by Alexis Karl entitled The White Boar.

She has also released a piece entitled Invisible Women in Blakian Mythology for the Blake Society’s Global Conference and journal Vala Will. The piece is an insightful analysis of the way in which Blake provides Mary Wollstonecraft and Catherine Blake fictional counterparts with gifts they could not possess in life. Harriet has also composed and performed the piano solo on The Alarm’s James Stevenson’s solo album, further developing her rock n roll chops.

Harriet is also an avid supporter of the Arthritis Foundation, often playing for their events. When asked if her support was linked to her profession she replied, I’m conscious of it because I am friends with ballerinas and as a pianist, all of us eventually end up with joint problems.

Unfortunately, arthritis is a very real potential endpoint for all of us. If you dedicate your life to some form of athleticism it is a high risk. It really is vital to do as much as we can so that people can remain healthy and pursue their passions.”

Harriet Stubbs, pianist, dive master, environmentalist, and rockstar.

Sadith's Kitchen

By Melly Diaz

For many people finding their purpose takes time, but for Sadith Ulloa she found her passion for cooking at a young age.

Sadith story begins in a small town in Peru. "We didn't have any TV or electricity all day so I would help my mom in the kitchen and learn her recipes" says Sadith.

Her father was a farmer and it was up to her mom and herself to cook food for the family and the farmers. They would cook everything from scratch such as bread, cheese, and even grow their own produce from their garden.

30 years ago Sadith and her family came to the states. She didn't go into the restaurant industry but instead hosting private dinners and catering for special occasions.

Sadith has a journal from over 30 years of recipes she has saved and heard throughout her life always taking notes on new recipes to create. Sadith's style of cooking is traditional Peruvian and her favorite dish to make is ceviche.

She draws inspiration from her recipe journal often which has papers from magazines, cookbooks, and even handwritten notes from her family who would watch the cooking shows for her when she was at work and couldn't watch.

Sadith is almost at retirement at her current desk job but is getting ready to launch her business. She was even featured on Telemundo for her cooking earlier this year.

Her story is very inspiring because you can always begin again. Don't let doubt and fear stop you from pursuing your passion, JUST BEGIN.

THE SAVANNA JEWELS COLLECTION WWW.SAVANNAJEWELSCOLLECTION.COM

BY MELLY DIAZ

SAVANNA JEWELS Meet Amy of The Savanna Jewels collection.

Having a background in cosmetology has brought out her creativity and fueled a desire to craft her skills in jewelry and fashion.

Like many of us during the pandemic we all had to make life changing decisions when it comes to our career.

Can you describe/outline your typical day? (Routines, Rituals, that you live by) coffee every morning with my two rescue dogs so they have quiet time with me before i start my busy day either working on jewelry or leaving and working at the salon.

As for Amy, jewelry came naturally to her. "A day after sitting at the kitchen table making a necklace in memory of my late dog, Savanna who had passed away, a client had complimented on the piece when she saw me wearing it and asked where I got it. Once she learned it was designed and hand made by myself, she asked to purchase one."

What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?

Q&A

What kind of culture exists in your organization, and how did you establish it?

How did the idea for your business come about? my late dog, Savanna passed away and i created and designed a jewelry piece in her memory. I had some interest by others who wanted a piece created for themselves and I had realized while making the jewelry it was not only satisfying to create but therapeutic.

How did you raise funding for your venture? savings, and luckily I have a wonderful career as a salon business owner.

putting my whole heart into something and loosing everything but if i don't try that would be the biggest fear of them all. i keep my expectations very low and i have gone through failures and success throughout life it has given me balance to know that the universe always has a plan.

i want my clients and customers to be happy when they purchase a piece from Savanna Jewels Collection, when I see them walk away and wearing one of the pieces from the collection pleased.

What entrepreneurial tricks have you discovered to keep you focused and productive in your day-to-day busy schedule? if you need a break take it; even if you get a chance to close your eyes and clear your head for a few minutes, take a drive alone and listen to music or read a book, look at a magazine anything besides what your suppose to be focusing on to restart your brain and get fresh ideas. step away from what your doing otherwise you get overwhelmed

MEET CHERI TIMKO WWW.CHERITIMKO.COM

BY MELLY DIAZ

Meet Cheri Timko her mission is to reduce the divorce rate and help all couples have great relationships.

Cheri is a psychotherapist who has had a private practice for twenty years and is a couples relationship coach who started a coaching business this year. Cheri is certified in Relationship Enhancement and is the only Certified Gottman Therapist in West Virginia. In addition to running Timko Counseling Services, LLC, She homeschools her children, raises chickens, and is a traditional foodie.

Q&A

How did the idea for your business come about?

My current business grew out of my expertise as a psychotherapist. For almost twenty years, I have had a psychotherapy private practice where I specialized in working with couples. Within the last couple of years, I have felt called to broaden my reach to work with more couples than I can through therapy. My current business aims to translate that experience on the therapy couch to teaching, coaching and supporting couples in an online setting.ce created for themselves and I had realized while making the jewelry it was not only satisfying to create but therapeutic.

What was your key driving force to become an entrepreneur?

I didn’t set out to become an entrepreneur. In fact, I didn’t think of myself that way until a few years ago. Before that, I knew that I was running a business but thought entrepreneurs were people with visions for big companies. I continue as an entrepreneur because I couldn’t work for anyone else anymore.

CHERI TIMKO

What makes your business unique?

My business is based on the mission of reducing the divorce rate. I believe that all couples have the ability to have great relationships and I want to share that message with everyone.

What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?

I break tasks down into small bites and nibble off the ones that I can handle.

Meanwhile, I am problem solving things in the back of my mind so I will be ready to tackle the activities that cause the most anxiety for me. I have to work through a lot of mindset issues every day. It is hard to step out of my comfort zone to try new things. Yet, being an entrepreneur has been all about stepping out of my comfort zone.

How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?

Being an entrepreneur has worked very well for my family. I am in charge of my schedule so I can adapt my hours to accommodate family activities. For the last seven years, I have even been able to homeschool my kids, which has been its own adventure. It requires that I carefully allocate my time and be very clear on what my priorities are. For me, running businesses and family life fit together like a complicated puzzle, but all of the pieces fit well.

What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?

I love so many things about it. I love not having a boss to answer to, being in control of my own schedule, being able to determine how much I make, and tackling new challenges every day.

If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?

I don’t have many regrets because each step of my career led me here. I wish I had recognized that coaching would be in my future a few years ago. Until recently, I thought I would stay entirely within the realm of mental health services. It took a big shift in my thinking to change that.

What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

Self-discipline, vision, and perseverance.

How do you define success?

For me, success is having lots of opportunities to grow as a person, and being able to count the successes. For instance, I measure my success by money earned, clients successfully served, videos recorded, and colleagues connected with.

What entrepreneurial tricks have you discovered to keep you focused and productive in your day-to-day busy schedule?

I rely heavily on my calendars and to do lists. I set some goals for the week that include some progress on every project I am working on. I know the tasks that will fit into a 10-minute break, so I often will pick up one of those when I unexpectedly have a few minutes. And I have blocks of time to dig into bigger projects.

CHERI TIMKO

What key activities would you recommend entrepreneurs to invest their time in?

I did not have any business training before starting a business. Mostly, I learned by trial and error, which can be an expensive way to learn. I recommend that entrepreneurs take the time to learn the business skills that they are lacking. Even if they outsource a task, they need to know and understand the process so they know if things are on track.

Who has been your greatest inspiration?

I am inspired by those who are motivated by a mission. They have the most passion and often offer the best mentorship. I have met so many great entrepreneurs and coaches who have been generous with their time, energy, and knowledge. It inspires me to be generous in my own businesses and life.

What business-related book has inspired you the most? (or, What is your favorite book?)

I love Mike Michalowicz’s books. “The Pumpkin Plan” was one of the first business books that helped me see myself as an entrepreneur. I have gone on to use the concepts from “Profit First” and “Fix This Next” extensively. If I could have lunch with someone and pick their brain, I imagine that meeting Mike would be amazing.

SUSTAIN ABILITY

SUSTAIN ABILITY

SUSTAIN ABILITY

just begin magazine | 53

IS SLOW FASHION ALWAYS MORE EXPENSIVE?

BY JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE

Some people are reluctant to switch from fast fashion to slow fashion; thinking ethically and sustainably made products is too expensive. I’m here to dispel that rumor.

I started to document my journey to become a more conscious fashion consumer--on a budget! While it’s true that many slow fashion brands can be pretty expensive, so are much fast fashion and non-sustainable designer brands.

For example, did you know that Michael Kors was given the lowest rating in sustainability by Rankabrand.org?

But it is equally valid that many slow fashion brands are affordable or even less costly than fast fashion brands.

WHAT ABOUT THE MATERIALS? Is the fast fashion tee made with better quality materials?

Quite to the contrary, the fast-fashion tee is made from rayon and spandex, which are cheap materials that shrink and lose shape quickly. In contrast, the slow fashion tee is made from 100% organic fair trade cotton, a high-quality material that withstands many wears and washes. Fairtrade organic cotton also uses up to 95% less water to produce, does not pollute the environment with toxic pesticides, and earns farmers a premium to invest in social development projects and fight poverty in their communities.

Perhaps the fast fashion tee costs more to make because it was manufactured in a factory that pays higher wages and has higher safety standards for workers? Wrong again! At least I think so--it’s impossible to know because this brand was rated as one of the companies with the lowest supply chain traceability (0%-10%), according to the 2018 Fashion Transparency Index published by Fashion Revolution, an organization dedicated to increasing ethical standards in the fashion industry. To compare, the slow fashion brand manufactures its products in India near where they source their organic cotton and promises that its factories are sweatshop-free and child labor free.

When it comes down to it, even if the slow fashion tee were the more expensive product, I’d be willing to pay for it because this product will last me longer, which costs less over time. I can rest assured that it was ethically and sustainably produced.

Let us know what your favorite affordable slow fashion brands is!

LOW-WASTE CLEANING TIPS AND RECIPES I spend more time cleaning as a sustainable minimalist practicing ecofriendly living because while I rely on vacuum cleaners, laundry machines, and dishwashers. This doesn't mean that I find this task exhausting. For me, cleaning is also a part of my mindfulness practice. I can be entirely in the present moment, simply focusing on the act of cleaning and breathing deeply while doing this. I love caring for my mind, body, and surrounding with intention.

WRITTEN BY JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE

WHAT I USE FOR CLEANING FLOOR Plant-based wooden broom Quick loop mop Dustpan and hand broom Microfiber towel OTHER SURFACES Organic bamboo rag An all-purpose cleaner (recipe below!)

DISHES Soap bar Castile liquid soap Hemp scrubber or DIY your own Tawashi brush LAUNDRY Scrubba bag Homemade powder laundry detergent BATHROOM All-purpose cleaner Coconut fiber toilet brush Silicon washing gloves Tub cleaner brush Replaceable head brush DIY ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER RECIPE Materials Amber glass spray bottle or any recycled bottle Distilled water or Berkey fluoride & chlorine-free filtered water Organic white vinegar Essential oil (optional) Recipe One part water and one part vinegar!

COMPOSTING GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS Ever thought about starting an at-home garden compost, but it all just got a bit too hard? Well, we’re here to help get you started with this simple step-by-step guide and composting tips for beginners. Trust us; your garden is going to LOVE you for this!

WRITTEN BY JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE

WHY COMPOST? With so many people keen to reduce their household waste, starting a garden compost is a great idea. It’s a relatively low-cost, simple, and eco-friendly way to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills while getting something free for your garden plants in return! Composting is a natural way to fertilize your garden, save money and do your bit for the environment.

Step 1: Choose a bin.

There are a LOT of options out there, and it can get pretty confusing!

A tumble bin is an excellent choice as it means you can turn the bin to mix up your compost. Standalone bins are also suitable and often a lot cheaper. They require a mix every so often (but we’ll get to that later). You can also have an open-plan composting system if you’ve got space. However, in urban environments (and for composting novices), it’s best to have a container system to avoid hungry nighttime visitors, insects and to keep the smells at bay.

Step 2: Decide on a location.

Position your compost in an easy-toaccess spot in your garden. You want it out of the way (because let’s be honest, they’re not the prettiest accessory for your garden) but still accessible, so you’ll use it! Make sure the spot is nicely shaded, on level ground, and has good drainage.

It’s best placed on bare soil rather than concrete or pavers to ensure worms and other friendly organisms can make their way into the pile.

Step 3: Grab yourself a benchtop bin.

Having a cute compost container on your kitchen benchtop encourages and reminds you to use it! It’s best to get a small one because it takes up less bench space and gets full quickly.

This is important because it needs to be emptied daily, especially in summer!

Step 5: Turn your compost.

The final step is to turn your compost to help your scraps break down faster. If you have a tumble-style bin, you need to spin the handle. For standalone bins, please give it a mix with a compost turner or garden fork.

Fortnightly is ideal but whenever you remember is better than never!

COMPOSTING TIPS — KNOW WHAT’S GOOD AND WHAT’S BAD. One of the best composting tips we can give is knowing what to avoid adding to your bin. There are a few fruits and veggies that take an eternity to break down or will make your precious compost soil too acidic, so it’s best to avoid. Here’s our ‘avoid’ list: Citrus — this includes lemons, limes, oranges, and mandarines Onions Garlic Avocado skins and seeds Go easy on the coffee grounds — a little bit is significant, but too much can be a problem. Just like us, your compost shouldn’t have too much caffeine!

Pet waste — this can be harmful to your compost, so definitely avoid it. There are other specific composting pet waste products available at your local hardware and gardening store Weeds with seed heads — they can re-sprout in your compost and come back to haunt you Meat and dairy products — a big no-no. Please keep it simple; use fruit and vegetable scraps!

HOW TO USE YOUR COMPOST Your compost is ready to use once it’s black, damp, and looks and smells earthy or like soil. You can use it on the surface of your garden beds or work it into the soil. However, using homemade organic matter will enrich your soil, and your plants will genuinely love you for it.

Thanks to all your hard work, your garden plants and landscape will grow healthier and more robust.

Information is abundant in home composting, but we hope our simple composting tips have been enough to get you started! So has it encouraged you to get out into the garden and give it a go?

HOLISTIC

LIVING HOLISTIC

LIVING HOLISTIC

LIVING

JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE

HOW TO DEVELOP INTUITION

by Samantha Diaz

How often have you heard about the importance of planning or the power of manifestation? Have you ever wondered if everyone talks SO MUCH about planning, why it doesn't work for you? You probably thought (I did) What's wrong with me?! Don't I have enough willpower for that…? Am I lazy?? (yes, this difficult question…) NO. It is just you are a different type of person. Yes, planning is essential, manifestation is possible and even ordinary for people who mastered a skill of it, but we can choose the way we plan that works for your personality, aligns with your Soul, and makes your heart beats calmly, not crazy when you are in a panic, thinking "HOW can I do it all?

Is there a way of planning and manifesting that fits you? And how can we use our sensitivity not to be worried or overwhelmed but manifest and plan what we want more effectively?

Here where the spiritual ideas and (surprisingly) physics come in handy. Everything is energy. In this perspective, we have to consider feelings and emotions as substantial parts of energy we use to realize and prepare.

We realize a maximum of our potential when we plan with our feelings and sensations, using our minds. Not vice versa, when we mostly try to think what is good but don't feel passionate about it or even don't believe it's even necessary. What does this mean? The core here is very simple. The Universe realizes what we FEEL; our emotions are the impulses to the actualization. Planning and dreaming are good, but what we really FEEL and BELIEVE deep inside us is what really comes true.

Effective planning is all about adjustment with your plan. Any successful coach or powerful book has never said: "Write it down and do it."

They all repeat the same thing: "BELIEVE in your plan and do it." Write it down with the main purpose - to believe in it. Structure your belief so you can act more effectively.

It leads us to the important realization that we need to pay attention to our assumptions. They are the main reason we can't believe with our heart in what we see in our minds. Any technique or boost of willpower can't help in a battle with your own negative views.

This truth is even more powerful for women. For us, everything is based on perception, on the intensity of our emotions and feelings, on our belief in the capacity to transform a dream into reality. All of the most outstanding achievements started from the vision and intense emotion of faith. When we believe with all our hearts, we begin to see steps in the darkness. We program our subconsciousness to look for the answers and find them. We follow a deep feeling of belief that, in other words, I like to call intuition.

Intuition is the core for many successful businesses, for the greatest of books and pieces of art.

Believe in yourself+ believe in the idea + intuitive planning+ action = success.

When you follow your intuition in planning or manifesting, you first open doors in your mind and then in your life. Yes, it is easy to mistaken intuition with somethings else. I hear this concern very often and still repeatedly have it in my mind. So here I want to give a crucial hint: When you try to distinguish whether it is an intuitive feeling or not, ask yourself: Am I feeling it from a place of fear or from a place of trust?

What am I afraid of in this situation? Do I try to run away from something I am afraid of with this feeling? If your answer is yes, it's probably not intuition. As our intuitive feelings always create, not destroy.

HOW TO LIVE WITH MINDFULNESS Yoga has woven itself into my life beyond asana (the physical practice). I’ve carried the joy, peace, and calm I find on the mat into my day-to-day life, and I’ve been able to do this, in part, due to mindfulness. Being present on the mat became a natural state with a regular yoga practice. Off the mat and in life? At first, not so much. The mindfulness I experienced during yoga was, at the time, elusive in life. Many of us persistently wear multitasking and over busyness as a badge of honor. You know the feeling. When life is moving quickly, and we effortlessly kick into autopilot going about everyday tasks. Sound familiar?

JUST BECAUSE YOU’RE BUSY AND DISTRACTED DOESN’T MEAN YOU HAVE TO MISS OUT ON THE DETAILS OF LIFE. I HAVE BECOME MORE CONSCIOUS ABOUT MAKING THE MOST OUT OF EACH AND EVERY DAY.

THE BENEFITS OF MINDFULNESS [FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE] INCREASE ENJOYMENT IN LIFE.

I enjoy life more if I’m present rather than having my mind elsewhere and on things other than that moment.

REDUCE STRESS.

In being present, there are no worries. There is just experiencing all the moment has to offer.

BUILD BETTER RELATIONSHIPS.

When you commit yourself to be with someone, to listen to them, you are a better father, husband, friend, daughter, girlfriend.

You have better conversations. You connect more deeply.

JUST BEING.

Slow down, take a deep breath, and marvel in the feeling of unhurried moments.

MINDFULNESS TECHNIQUES ARE SOME OF THE BEST LIFESTYLE TOOLS WE HAVE TO CONTROL STRESS, IMPROVE SLEEP AND EVEN AVOID ILLNESS. Being mindful in the real world isn’t always easy, but a growing body of research attests to the profound mind-body benefits of getting centered.

WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH SAY?

Practicing mindfulness can change the body and the brain and have positive effects on your psychological well-being.

Researchers at Harvard have established scientific proof that meditation can change the brain’s gray matter.

After eight weeks of practicing mindfulness exercises for an average of 27 minutes per day, MRI scans of participants showed that mindfulness: Stimulated a significant increase in the density of gray matter in the hippocampus, significant for learning and memory; Increased the density of gray matter in other neural structures associated with self-awareness, compassion, and introspection; Decreased the density of gray matter in the amygdala – the part of the brain associated with anxiety and stress.

HOW TO CLEANSE YOUR OWN CHAKRAS

by Samantha Diaz First things first, if you're reading this article and don't know what chakras are, let me keep it simple. Chakras are circulating, concentrated centers of energy that makeup part of your energy body.

The energy body is the part of our existence that's energetic in nature - the sum of energy that makes up our physical and spiritual existences. I like to think of the energy body as the central part of our experience. Chakras are part of that body, like an organ of our energy, and they help govern, regulate, and inform the energy of your spiritual body, physical body, and energy body. Our chakras (energy centers) receive feedback from what's going in our physical body and our spiritual body, which contributes to what's going on with us.

When you cleanse your chakras, you're essentially freeing up stagnant energy that may have gotten stuck there due to a blockage, from something going on in your emotional or spiritual life, or from something going on in your physical life.

It's kind of like an oil change for your energy body - flushing things out to help you function more optimally in all ways.

Because our energy body is connected to our physical and spiritual/emotional bodies, maintaining wellness in the energy body is important for supporting our overall wellbeing.

After all, what we experience emotionally and energetically can often manifest physically, and taking care of your energetic hygiene is just as important as taking care of your physical hygiene!

Clearing your chakras is like giving your energy body a shower or a flush. It's great to do often - you can do it once a week or nightly if you want.

The good news is that it's pretty easy to do on your own.

Everyone has their own ritual and even more complex ones, and this is one that I will often teach beginners.

STEP 1: GROUND YOURSELF

Grounding yourself is an essential first step in all intuitive practices. Learn how to ground here. You'll use the earth energy you pull up during the grounding meditation to run through each of your chakras, so this step is essential.

STEP 2: OPEN CHAKRAS

After completing the grounding meditation, starting with the root chakra, open each of your chakras, one by one. To do this, all you have to do is simply imagine each one opening. I assign a colored rosebud, corresponding to chakra color, for each of the seven chakras and imagine it blooming. That's it.

ROOT CHAKRA - RED - LOCATED AT THE TAILBONE AREA SACRAL CHAKRA - ORANGE LOCATED IN THE PELVIS/LOWER ABDOMEN SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA YELLOW - BELLY HEART CHAKRA - GREEN HEART/CHEST THROAT CHAKRA - BLUE THROAT UP TO NOSE/EARS THIRD EYE CHAKRA - PURPLE CENTER OF THE FOREHEAD, BETWEEN EYEBROWS AND EYES CROWN CHAKRA - WHITE - TOP OF HEAD

Starting at the root chakra, imagine a red rosebud located right at the base of your spine, and then imagine it opening into full bloom. Once in full bloom, that chakra is open, and you can move onto the next, imagining each colored rosebud coming into bloom, one by one, all the way up to the crown. Some people prefer to use colored doors opening, others prefer colored swirling vortices expanding, and others prefer to use a combination. All in all, after completing a grounding meditation, opening chakras should take you approximately 4-6 minutes.

Step 3. Run Energy Through Each Chakra

Returning to the grounding meditation, remember that stream of source energy that traveled up your grounding cord from the Earth? Now is the time to take it a step further. Again, starting with the root, imagine that stream of earth energy now flowing up and out through your root chakra. Imagine it flowing like an open faucet, gallons and gallons of white light energy flushing right through the root chakra. Next, pull another stream, like a cord, of white light energy up through the sacral chakra. Imagine it is flowing fully and flushing energy out through the sacral chakra.

Keep going, one by one, until you have seven streams of white light energy flowing through each of the seven main chakras (If you like to work with other chakras, feel free to include them here).

Step 4. Turn Off the Flow

There's no set endpoint here, no length of time determine for how long this should take. I let the energy flow until I decide it's done. The length of time depends on the person and the amount of energy needed to clear the chakra. It could be 5 minutes, 7 minutes, 10 minutes, or 20 minutes. It's up to you to decide when is the right time for you to stop the flow, and trust that whatever length you choose is the right time for you.

Once that time comes, starting at the crown, begin to pull out those streams of energy like you are unplugging extension cords, one by one, imagining them falling back to the Earth.

Step 5: Rebalance Chakras

After you've ceased the flow of energy, it's time to move on to balancing each of the chakras to an open level that feels right to you. I do not recommend or like having chakras that are open to 100% full blast. I find it draining and a little bit too much. So what we do is adjust the chakras so they feel right to you, not 100% closed and not 100% open, but somewhere at a healthy level for you in between those two extremes.

We start at the crown and imagine a radio knob associated with each chakra, like turning off the energy flow. Imagine turn the dial down to a point at which you feel comfortable. Too low, maybe now you feel a sensation of heaviness, too high, and perhaps you feel a little uppity all of a sudden. Imagine yourself adjusting the dial to the optimal state for you. And travel down the chakra system, changing the dial for each chakra to a state that feels comfortable. This is an intuitive process, and there is no right or wrong way to do it. There is no too open or too closed, and each person has their state of homeostasis, a point at which you feel and are in balance. This point is different for each person.

Unsure of what "feels right"?

That's okay! Pay attention to how you feel and what you experience as you open chakras, as you run energy, and as you adjust the dials. You're learning to sense subtle energy here, and it takes some time. Just try it - open, close, adjust until you feel like stopping, and move on!

Over time, you'll get the hang of it and be able to do this whole process in as little as 15 minutes or less.

Step 6: Clean up

Visualize all the emptied gunk from your chakra piled up all around you. Now, imagine yourself or your Spirit Guides taking a broom and sweeping that chakra clogging gunk into a garbage can until it's all cleaned up. _ That's it! Follow these 6 steps for a simple, quick, and effective way to cleanse your chakras.

H O R O S C O P E S

august 2021

Mi gente this month has plenty of passion, love, creativity and bold energy. Thanks to Leo season, the Leo new moon and Venus in Libra. Pero tambien a little earthy balance inspired by Virgo which peeps in this month. Therefore we can get our life together and truly manifest love with a bit of order as well. I’m a fiery Aries!

What's your sign?! Find it, and accept the bendiciones of las estrellas.

LEO

July 23-August 22

VIRGO

August 23September 22

Leo it's your birthday and you are coming con tremendo fuego! Starting with the new moon in your sign on the 8th.

Supporting us with new love, new ways to be our authentic selves plus stepping into new creative paths. We can truly manifest a romantic reboot or a new creative career!

Mercury in Virgo from the 11th till the 30th adds on to the way we communicate….

Of course the earthy queen will bring a balance to this fiery summer we're experiencing by far. Yes, we can enjoy the Leo new moon (8/8th) to manifest mucho amor but also express how we truly feel. So burn the prepared speech you have and just speak from your corazon! From the 11th till the 30th Mercury enters your sign, we can maybe bring that list back but make it real af! Leo season inspires us to voice our true…..

CAPRICORN December 22January 19

AQUARIUS January 20February 18

PISCES February 19March 20

ARIES

March 21 - April 19

TAURUS

April 19-May 20

Let this summer heat and Leos fuego inspire your next big goals!

The Leo new moon on 8/8 is perfect timing to manifest our new creative paths. It’s also the best luna to manifest the romantic love life you’ve been dreaming about.

On the 11th till the 30th we have Mercury in Virgo, estas estrellas deliver better balance and healthy communication. So don’t worry Leo season isn't burning everything up!

Then Venus in Libra starts on the 16th till Sept.10th el amor once again gets a chance to….

You bless us with a 2nd full moon in your sign on the 22nd but first let love win! The Leo new moon on the 8th is opening up the gate for so much love. Love for the singles and love for the couples to spark again.

Then Venus in Libra (16th-9/10) has all the flirty vibras we need this summer! Cue the Grease scene we all love! Not only can you attract a total flirt but be the flirty diosa yourself! Who knows this can be the season….

Let the emotions run wild all summer long mermaid! Leo new luna on the 8th is the time to manifest the most passionate fiery relationship your dreamy self can imagine. As well as, help you speak your true feelings whether you're paired up or are eyeing a particular galan. Then Venus in Libra (8/16th 9/10) will help us 1: play the love game and 2: give ourselves a lot more love and TLC. Take some days just for you and…..

Let that fire burn freely Aries! Leo season is in full effect and lighting up the sky for us. First with the Leon new moon on the 8th where we can manifest a new romantic journey. Oh lala! Express exactly what kind of partner you’re looking for (unattached, unafraid, and emotionally available). Then Venus in Libra on the 16th - Sept.10 brings flirtatious vibras, so yes everyone is flirting with you. This position too…

Earthy friend just accept the feisty chaotic vibra from Leo season.

Starting with the Leo new moon on the 8th, this moon phase is great to manifest new goals. Amor is definitely one of them but also any creative new projects you’ve had in mind. We will have some balance thanks to Mercury entering Virgo on the 11th till the 30th. This transit brings order to our everyday life. If you’ve been feeling….

GEMINI May 21-June 20

CANCER June 21-July 22

LIBRA September 23October 22

SCORPIO October 23November 21

SAGITTARIUS November 22December 21

Is love in the air this month?

Absolutely! Leo is taking over this summer and it won’t stop. On the 8th we have the Leo new moon which specifically is shining love, but also being able to express our true feelings. Is there anyone you want to approach? This is your moment Gemini! Then Venus in Libra starting the 16th till Sept. 10th will block la toxicas and bring the right people to…..

Heart on the sleeve all month long.

Nothing new for our watery sibling so live it! The Leo new moon on the 8th helps us speak our true feelings for love. Whether it's to the stars to manifest a new amor or to a special someone, just do it! Mercury in Libra on the 11th till the 30th will help you communicate healthy words to ourselves. That’s right, you gotta love you first! Entonces use this shift to manifest medicina de amor and…..

Amor is absolutely here for you my airy friend and with Leo season and Leo new moon there's no way you can fail. On the 8th the Leo new moon is the night to manifest the dream love life you desire. Then Venus enters your sign on the 16th till Sept. 10th thus you can attract plenty of attention and potential suitors. Use this transit too to focus on…..

Scorpio if you’ve been feeling the creative bold vibras, it's all thanks to Leo. Enjoy it some more because it starts right away! The Leo new moon on 8/8 is a powerful night to get creative juices flowing. Be unafraid to connect that night with what your heart desires. Then Mercury in Virgo on the 11th till the 30th brings some balance to the fuego if summer is getting too hot for you. Everything will be moving fast so stay…..

It’s fire season hence everything is more fun and exciting! Starting with the Leo new moon on 8/8 this luna phase can help us in our love sector.

For singles, manifest that passionate partner you dream of and for the taken Sags you can manifest more spice in your love life. Then with Venus in Libra (from the 16th till Sept.10th) focus on using more flirty coquetta energy to multiply your chances. This transit also has a focus on…..

H E R P R A ?AIV

C O T T N A W

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WORKPLACE

WELLNESS

WORKPLACE

WELLNESS

WORKPLACE

WELLNESS

WORKPLACE

WELLNESS

GETTING BACK IN THE OFFICE:

EVERG LEHCAR YB

5 WAYS TO MENTALLY PREPARE YOURSELF AFTER A YEAR OF WFH

Returning to the office after a week-long vacation is one thing; but returning from a year-long quarantine or “shelter-in-place” mandate is a whole other feat to overcome.

While many are ecstatic about returning to the office, many others are feeling anxious =- and overwhelmed.

Office life has a lot of benefits and challenges. On the one hand, you get to see your favorite co-workers, you have a productive space to work, and there are free treats in the kitchen. On the other hand, colleagues can also be distracting, supervisors can be hovery, and that daily commute is no joke.

Now that many companies are welcoming their employees back to the office, you may be struggling with the thought of yet another transition. Fortunately, many of us are in the same boat and we’re preparing to get through it together. Here are a few ways to mentally prepare yourself for getting back in the office after a year of working from home.

If you know your official return date, start switching up your morning routine at least a week before then. Set your alarm as early as you will need it to be for getting to the office on time. Wake up early and spend that “extra” time making yourself a nice breakfast and actually getting ready for the day. Getting yourself back into that morning routine will make returning to the office much easier and seamless.

02. Spruce up your office-wear wardrobe

O1. Start waking up earlier Not having to commute during quarantine has been a game changer for alot of us. For many, it meant getting an extra 30 minutes to an hour of sleep each morning. For others, it meant getting more time to spend on their morning routines. However you’ve spent that extra time, it’s time to start prepping for your return to the office.

Celebrate going back to the office with a fresh new wardrobe. While some may be dreading wearing normal pants all day (okay, all of us are), we can all agree that a new outfit is always something to look forward to.

Psychologist Susan Albers, PsyD, says that “The right wardrobe can help you transition back into your role.” So before your first day back, find some outfits that are not only comfortable but ones that make you feel confident. After all, confidence is one of our best accessories—especially in an office or corporate environment.

03. Establish and practice self-care routines We’ve all gone through alot of change since the start of 2020. But even before then, change can always feel overwhelming and uncomfortable at times. About a week before heading back to the office, start getting yourself into a regular workday routine. Go to bed and wake up at more consistent times. Prep some healthy meals for your breakfast, snacks, and lunch that you can continue when you return to the office to maintain that feeling of normalcy. Set aside five to ten minute breaks throughout the day to get some time away from your computer and return feeling rejuvenated.

The most important thing to keep in mind regarding self-care is to just listen to your body. Be mindful of certain triggers that make you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or unsettled. Finding ways to cope with these feelings while at the office will help you feel more in control when you feel them building up.

Stock your desk with healthy and comforting snacks, an essential oil diffuser, or even a stress ball to help during peak stress times.

04. Reach out and communicate with your co=workers Before heading back to the office, reach out and check in with your colleagues. As some work or office-related relationships may have changed during quarantine, it’s important to try and rebuild those connections. Do you have any questions or concerns about your health and safety when returning to the office? In the days and weeks leading up to your first day back, it’s important to voice any concerns you have with your manager or supervisor.

If you’re in a leadership role at your company, take the time to reach out well in advance of returning to the office to be clear about workplace expectations.

Have health and safety protocols been updated? Be sure to let your team know about these updates and leave room for them to ask any questions or voice their concerns.

05. Go into your office a few days early to prepare your desk space None of us could have predicted that the last day we were at the office was going to be “our last day at the office” for a year or more.

What was the state of your desk before you left? Was it clean or maybe a bit cluttered? Did you have plants or even snacks that were left around your desk?

If you can, try getting into the office a day or two before your first official day back. Tidying your desk or office space after some time away is known to significantly reduce your stress levels and help you feel more organized.

Replace your plants if the old ones have died.

Restock your favorite desk snacks. Throw out any old paperwork or clutter that’s been laying on your desk. Bring in a new desk calendar and updated photos. Wipe things down so it looks fresh and clean.

Returning to a clean, organized, and refreshed desk or office space is the perfect way to welcome you back into the office and ease back into your office routine after a year at home.

If you’re feeling stressed and maybe even a little overwhelmed about returning to the office, know that you’re not alone. We’ve all had a tough year and half or so since our lives were flipped upside down by COVID-19. Whether you’ve started a completely different job than the one you began quarantine with or you’re returning to your work family, we want to make sure you’re feeling prepared and at ease.

THROUGH THE LENS

By Dr. Claire Muselman We have the opportunity to experience life in a multitude of facets. We wear multiple hats to describe who we are, we engage in different personas to figure out who we want to be, and how we are seen is described through each unique experiential lens of another person.

Looking at our lives through a visual experience is an incredible way to reflect on who we are, what we have done, and where we want to go. Social media has amplified this experience through what we share and how experiences are shown to others…and sometimes, how we experience life as well.

How we are seen and experienced comes from our own lens in life. What we have experienced, how we have experienced specific events, tone, conversation, and energy. As the conversation around authenticity continues to arise, how do we look to honor our most authentic selves when the lens of another is experienced?

AUTHENTICITY What exactly is authenticity? Authenticity is the ability to be real, genuine, and legitimate.

It is showing up as your most true self. By showing up in this capacity and being the most real version of yourself, you are then able to cultivate safe and secure feelings in others to bring them along to do the same.

For me, authenticity means owning life.

Shonda Rhimes once said, “Own who you are and what you’ve done.”

This phrase is powerful because it showcases the importance of understanding the good, the bad, and the ugly. All components are necessary for authenticity.

We learn from our mistakes, failure keeps us moving forward if we do not quit, and there is a joy with the wins when we pause to celebrate accomplishments!

There are always going to be people who do not like you. This is a very true fact, and this is where I grant you this wonderful sense of peace knowing those are simply not your people.

One other fun tidbit along these lines is that it is none of your business what other people think of you. Let that one sink in because many times we become fixated on how others think about us from perception, reputation, and the lens of their control.

If you can own your authenticity and show up as the unique version of you that exists every day, time and time again, you can regain your own sense of control which is where your power to be YOU resides.

Earlier this summer when the conference scene opened, I attended an event in Orlando, Florida. I have a tattoo sleeve on my left arm and tend to keep it covered because of perception and what other people may think as a result.

I happened to have my sweater off at one point because it is Florida in June and it is hot! Two comments were made to me during this time by other women: “Oh! But honey, you are smart, why would you do that to your body?” and the other, “But you were so pretty”… eek! When I stand in my truth, I love my art, and it is not new to my body. I choose to show my sleeve when I feel safe because of the lens of perception other people may place upon me. This was a prime example. Can I not have tattoos and be smart? Could both things not be true at the same time? Do having tattoos make me an ugly individual? I personally believe beauty comes from the inside, but my point is illustrated, nonetheless. And these were women. If this is the perception I give off, it caused me to pause and rethink. More to come on this.

TRANSPARENCY There is great communicational power in the ability to be transparent. When you can be honest, forthcoming, and true, safety is the next step. There are times where we are not able to be transparent such as in business or sometimes when we are parenting; however, when we can be transparent, this helps build TRUST. Trust is grown through open and honest communication. The more honest communication we can have, the greater the psychological safety. Psychological safety is the ability to have true, meaningful conversations without fear of retribution, punishment, or humiliation for speaking up with ideas, questions, or comments. People feel more whole when psychological safety exists.

This is true not only within organizations as it frames their overall culture but within relationships across our life spectrum.

Let us revisit the tattoo comments from June. One of the women who made the comment I did not know, the other I did. I decided to push a bit on this and be curiously confrontational to understand more from their perspective and so I asked, “Could you help me understand your feelings?” The woman I knew responded by telling me she thinks that tattoos are not becoming of a lady, and I should know better in the industry. I let her share her feelings and thought to myself what you do next will impact the others who come after you.

VULNERABILITY Vulnerability is a beautiful bonder in partnerships, relationships, and overall humanity. We fall, we heal, we rise. It happens to each of us.

The power existing in vulnerability comes from sharing stories of these feelings with others so people can learn from their own experiences and help others not feel alone.

Exposing ourselves in a physical or emotional capacity where one can hurt or harm us is a big risk, and sometimes they help move us forward. We step into our truths, we shed a layer, and we bloom into a new light because we have owned something about ourselves, we may have not ever shared, or we are able to bond with another person because of shared experiences. The comments from my experience in June hurt. They hurt because humans are multi-faceted, multi-emotional, multi-dimensional and because it just felt awful. These were their feelings. And as I mentioned above, it is none of my business what they think of me.

What matters is how I react because it is no longer about me, but those who come next. How women are perceived is fascinating to me because the research shows we do not build one another up according to Laurie Rudman (1998) in her research on the perceptions of women in the workplace. Laurie also found during her study that women are more likely to tear down other women versus men in the same capacity. Knowing women do this to other women, and knowing the painfulness surrounding how the tearing down feels, we need to change these experiences immediately. I accept the responsibility to do my part.

I exited the conversation stating that everyone has their own opinion and I like who I am. I walked away in glittery high heels with my head held high. I accept the responsibility to do my part. Will you join me?

"IF YOU CAN OWN YOUR AUTHENTICITY AND SHOW UP AS THE UNIQUE VERSION OF YOU THAT EXISTS EVERY DAY, TIME AND TIME AGAIN"

PROFESSIONAL

STILL PROFESSIONAL

"YOU CAN REGAIN YOUR OWN SENSE OF CONTROL WHICH IS WHERE YOUR POWER TO BE YOU RESIDES."

HUMAN CONNECTION The bonds we have with one another are irreplaceable as amplified by the pandemic.

Understanding people through empathy and emotional intelligence are important in acknowledging the human spirit. Taking the time to look at people, situations, and experiences through a new lens, and not one of your own, acknowledging similarities and differences that make us these awesome and unique beings makes all the difference in the world. Most smiles are started by another smile. Go ahead, be that smile to start a ripple. You can impact someone and their day by simply smiling.

I am a firm believer you encounter people and then leave the encounter feeling better or worse.

There is no middle ground in the human experience. People either add energy to your life, or they become energy suckers (think of a vampire) leaving you less charged than you were before you received the text, had the telephone call, or ran into someone face-to-face. The energy exchange is real! How do you want people to feel when they leave you?

Walking away from the enlightening conversation in June, a gentleman approached me after asking my name and shared with me some of his experiences at this conference. He was also from the Midwest and had some challenges early on with fitting in with a group as seasoned as the one we were with for the weekend. He shared information with me, coming through as his authentic self, being transparent with me, and being vulnerable…it created a bond. He overheard the conversation the women were having with me and wanted me to feel acknowledged, valued, and seen. It is important to think about how we show up for one another during unforeseen circumstances. Not all superheros wear capes.

NEXT STEPS Take a moment to pause and reflect on your own life for a few moments. If people knew you, the real you, what would you be willing to share to cultivate further understanding from your lens? If you really knew me… how would you complete the sentence?

Take a moment to reflect and journal on this prompt. This exercise is one that can be utilized with organizations, leadership teams, children, etc. Give people a minute or two to close their eyes and reflect. After the time is up, allow people an open space to share or a time to journal. Keep this psychologically safe, do not force. What happens next will be powerful, meaningful, and will help those around you bloom.

As for the tattoo comment experienced, it is beyond the time I own my authentic self. It is time to stop wearing the sweater or the jacket to be me. I am going to do so. And now I must since I have shared it with all of you!! Please note my employer is also incredibly supportive. Not all are.

I understand tattoos will not always appeal to everyone or be received with the grace one could hope, and that is okay because for the people that come next, and the generations behind us as well as the people who want to express themselves through whatever artistic means they choose, I see you, I hear you, YOU matter. I accept the responsibility to do my part.

THE RISE OF QUARANTINE-BORN SMALL BUSINESSES

By Rachel Greve The impact that COVID-19 has had on small businesses around the world is immeasurable. By March 2020, small businesses across the country were shutting their doors amid the rapidly spreading coronavirus—many of them not knowing if or when they would be re-opening. Many have had to pause operations, layoff their employees, or even close their doors for good.

But for many of those business owners and other aspiring entrepreneurs, this was not the time to give up their dreams. For some, giving up was simply not an option and instead regrouped, got creative, and adapted to the changes and difficulties they were faced with.

I spoke to seven inspiring small business owners, all of whom are familiar faces to Just Begin Magazine, who shared their story and experiences of starting their businesses during the pandemic.

THE SISTER YARD What was the response like from friends, family, and customers when you decided to launch a brand new product during the pandemic?

Well at first, we were doing cooking classes but then we had to stop because of the pandemic. So, from the beginning, our family was actually pushing us to do something else because we were so down about not being able to do what we wanted.

We wanted to make the classes full-time.

The two of us were having to work many other different jobs to help make ends meet, and the classes were our outlet and what we really wanted to do. It was heartbreaking to see it end.

Sisters Yami and Christina Correa began their journey as business partners back in 2014, but it wasn’t until last year that they shifted gears from their original services, re-branded, and launched a totally new product, their famous organic cold brew coffee brewed in coconut water, just as COVID-19 swept through the country.

Q&A When did your business officially launch?

SisterYard launched in 2018, but our cold brew coffee officially launched on July 1, 2020 in the very middle of the pandemic.

So, at that point, our family was telling us to start selling food or “doing this and doing that,” but none of those options really felt like anything we really wanted to do.

And the coffee was something we had already been making for ourselves for a really long time, and we just never thought about it as something to sell. But, overall, the response has been very positive from the people who had been following along, even if they hadn’t taken the classes. We would always get questions on Instagram asking us to launch a product or when we were going to launch a product—and we didn’t want to do just anything… There were a lot of worries and questions that needed to be answered first… But, it turns out that they (the first batch of cold brew) sold out in the same hour on launch day. When we saw the support we were getting from our community and from those who had been following us, it was very rewarding and we didn’t even have to second guess it.

What are 3 qualities that you find the most important to have as a small business owner during the pandemic?

Consistency, especially now… What’s important is just showing up and being there. It’s going to take a lot of showing up and failing before people start to catch on to what you’re doing. Persistence—don’t accept ‘no’ for an answer. There will be waaay too many of those. Determination.

We’ve always said ‘head down, eyes forward.’ We’ve had to give up a lot of things, but we know that it’s going to pay off because we’re working for something that we want to be successful.

What has been your favorite place or way to find inspiration during quarantine?

Definitely when we’re working out and being outside. We even started being runners because of the pandemic, but it was like the only thing that kept us sane.

We were going all over Miami—we were going to the park, around the Perot Museum, the pier, and all the bridges. It always felt so good to go on our morning runs and then come home, make breakfast, have coffee, and then be like, ‘okay, let’s get work done’.

What was the biggest hurdle you faced as a small business owner during quarantine? o many things! Tina was let go from one of her jobs, while her other job had reduced her hours to hardly any before she decided it wasn’t worth it. On the other hand, Yami was working full-time as Head of the Kitchen at a bakery in Coral Gables

So, that was the toughest part. When she had to do early work in the mornings and then come home and work with me. I had to really get myself in a routine and wake up early and get a lot of work done so that when Yami came home, I could just catch her up to speed on what I was able to do throughout the day.

That’s even still a challenge for us, now that we are both working throughout the week and having to keep up with our own business on the side. So, we just plan out our weeks ahead of time and try to stay as organized as possible.

What would be your advice to others waiting to take that leap of faith for their business right now?

Just begin! Nothing will ever happen if you keep thinking that it’s not ready yet, it’s not enough, it’s not going to happen, or worrying about what others will think if you put yourself out there. Who cares if you are putting yourself out there and they are not. At the end of the day, you should allow yourself to see what you’re capable of and just go for it. Our classes did basically fail because of the pandemic, but something new came out of it.

GIRLS WHO DO INTERIORS and around that time is when we thought it would be a perfect time to launch because we were already with all of our friends. We launched literally days before lockdown.

So, we went on the trip, we launched, we came back, and then were told in class that it was our last one before lockdown.

What was the response like from friends, family, and customers when you decided to launch a brand new product during the pandemic?

Founded by four Latina Interior Design students at Florida International University, Girls Who Do Interiors develops and provides interior design, edesign, styling, and branding services to clients while showcasing their lifestyles as students and business women.

Q&A When did your business officially launch?

We started to secretly plan behind the scenes—none of our friends knew. We didn’t really have a set date that we launched, but at the time COVID hadn’t hit yet and we weren’t even in lockdown. We were going on a field trip to Atlanta with our school,

Absolutely! We absolutely did. Basically when anyone first starts their business, there will always be a few of those negative comments. But then, once you get through them and start noticing the positivity that is coming out of it, it’s all worth it. Lockdown was insane for us because obviously our goal was to be together and to be vlogging throughout our days in school. So, we quickly realized that we couldn’t do that anymore. We were trying to Zoom together and do things through that, but it just wasn’t the same.

What are 3 qualities that you find the most important to have as a small business owner during the pandemic?

Patience, confidence, and consistency.

Being consistent is definitely an important one because that’s what is going to make your company work. If you just do something for a month and think it’s going to make your company blow up, then that’s just not realistic. It’s not going to happen that way. But if you put in a little bit of work everyday, then chances are it’s going to end up working—and it’s going to take time, but it will end up the way you want it to be.

GIRLS WHO DO INTERIORS Confidence is also important because you need to have confidence in yourself; and if you’re struggling with that, then at least picture where you want yourself to be in five years from now so you can start making leaps towards that person. You should also be okay with being uncomfortable.

Sometimes, you just have to trust the process and trust in that end goal you’ve been desiring. Change only happens when you have to go through really uncomfortable situations.

What has been your favorite place or way to find inspiration during quarantine?

Yaileen: During lockdown, since I was saving so much money, I was just subscribing to so many different magazines so that I could have the inspiration come to me. We couldn’t travel or go to the nearest cafe, so I think magazines helped a lot for me.

Gabriella: It’s really hard because I pull most of my inspiration from travel and just from going out. So, it was difficult to be creative during that time of lock down. But since I am more digital, I found a lot of inspiration through Pinterest, Instagram—not just following friends and family, but following hashtags and other interior-focused accounts.

Daniela: I like to physically move my location around in the house to get inspired. Being in the same place every single day kind of bores me out. So, I bought a portable desk and would move around so I could have a different view everyday.

Jennifer: As cliché as it sounds, just by opening up Instagram or any social media app you could see people tapping into their more creative side. I was seeing others just being creative and sharing their thoughts and ideas, and so just being there inspired me alot.

What steps did you take to prioritize self-care and avoid feeling burntout?

Lots of spa nights! Honestly, we all kind of picked up new hobbies throughout lock down like gardening, roller skating, spa routines, etc. In a way, quarantine was almost like a blessing in disguise because it felt like an overall reset for everyone. We just got to pause for a second, since we’ve always been very go go go. Before lock down, we just never took that pause and it led to a lot of burnouts and creative blocks. And now, we make it a priority to get that time to ourselves each week so we can do something we love and just reset for a minute.

GIRLS WHO DO INTERIORS We actually have a calendar with all of our days planned and scheduled out, and when any of us need some alone time for self-care, we always block out the time to do that. We just tell each other like “hey, this is my selfcare time so I’ll be ‘nowhere to be found at this time.’”

What limitations has the pandemic set on your business, if any? What steps are you taking/have you taken to overcome them?

Networking and wanting to meet our clients was one of our biggest things. When we first started, we were a little confused as to how we were ever going to get clients during the lockdown. Networking was big because we were so brand new to this industry, we were still students. As students, we had been to a lot of events. But as designers, we hadn’t been to any and it was something we had really looked forward to. We weren’t able to dip our toes in the water and get that exposure that we had planned for. We were missing that connection with new faces and other creators to have conversations with. As for getting clients, we ended up launching edesign services, which became a way to get clients without having to meet them in person, but still do video meetings. It was so difficult to design a space for someone that you couldn’t meet in person. Zoom calls definitely helped, though!

What would be your advice to others waiting to take that leap of faith for their business right now?

You just need to get started in some way.

That doesn’t necessarily mean to go ahead and quit your job tomorrow and go full force because that might be really scary. But at least, take those first steps: think of a business name, create that Instagram, start posting, work on the website—do something.

The more and more you do, the more comfortable you feel doing what you love.

We’ve realized that there’s no real formula to starting your own business. And that’s what we’ve really pushed on our followers and other students. Sometimes they’ll ask us, “But, don’t we have to wait until we graduate?” And we’re like, “No, just do it! Just take those little steps.” Even if it’s just 30 minutes a day, do something that’s on your to-do list. Especially now during quarantine, when you have that extra down time from not being out all the time, just start setting up the foundation so that when everything is back to normal, you feel comfortable with what you’ve set up and feel ready to launch fullforce. You also don’t have to rush your business idea. Just make sure you’re taking it step by step and that your new brand or business is something you really love in all aspects of it.

NUDE VELVET SKINCARE

Nude Velvet skincare is a skincare collection inspired by Madison’s journey to self love, minimalism, and the power of nature’s purest ingredients.

Q&A When did your business officially launch?

When COVID happened in March 2020, I was let go from my job since tourism and hospitality was one of the first industries to really be affected by the pandemic. When that happened, I made a promise to myself that I would continue with my newfound passion and love for skincare. o, I decided that I wanted to recreate a brand that I had previously launched, but never went fullforce on.

My inspiration to do that during such a time that was so uncertain—when I wasn’t getting paid anymore, when I didn’t really have the money to even invest in my business—was telling myself that with the money that I do have saved up, and if I push hard enough and work hard enough, I can turn this in to my new full-time job. My ultimate goal was always to work for myself. So, in March 2020, I completely relaunched my skin care line— from new product to development, new logos, and just everything. I just knew that I had to do this. And especially as the pandemic began and many people were starting to focus more on their self-care and skincare, I knew it was the right way to go. So, I relaunched and it did so well in the beginning.

So much more than I had anticipated, much more than I had seen previously. And I think it was really because I was focusing all my time and energy into the brand. It eventually slowed down and I had to start thinking, “okay, now what?” So, sticking with that entrepreneurial mindset, I thought about ways that I can add more value to my customers and to my brand. So, I decided to go to school to be an esthetician. Within a few months, I had graduated and then I was taking the steps to open my own studio. I would have never become an esthetician or relaunched my brand if it wasn’t for COVID, so in a way, I am glad that I lost my job in order to get to where I am now, even though it was a nightmare and a mess at first. It was such a blessing in disguise.

What was the response like from friends, family, and customers when you decided to launch a brand new product during the pandemic?

I am so very blessed to have such a supportive group of people in my life—my significant other, my parents, my friends. I grew up with the mentality and my parents telling me that I can do anything if I set my mind to it. So, they were very supportive of me going the entrepreneurial and nontraditional route. But at the same time

they’ve also been realistic and logical with me in the sense that this may not be the smartest thing, and that I should be saving the money that I do have. But overall, I think that is what has really helped me understand the risks that I’m taking, and that I need to be careful and smart with all the decisions I’m making. But, for the most part, it has been so overwhelmingly supportive.

What limitations has the pandemic set on your business, if any?

So, in the process of my relaunch, my goal was to redo everything including new factories, new manufacturers, new packaging, new formulas—everything. I wanted to start fresh as if I was starting the skin care line all over again. Before COVID happened, I actually fell in love with this manufacturer in Italy—which, as we all know, was unfortunately hit really badly with the pandemic. And it was so heartbreaking because I was so set on this particular packaging manufacturer after so much research, so much research. As a small business owner, it’s not easy to find those low minimums that I can afford to produce, versus other manufacturers that require you to produce thousands of pieces. So, now that I had found another new manufacturer that was willing to work with me, they also had to shut down due to the pandemic. After that, I just had to put the launch on a bit of a hold.

But in the end, I’m glad that I held off on the launch since I knew the quality I was getting with the manufacturer. So, I would say the biggest challenge for me was trying my best not to compromise the quality of the product due to the challenges I was facing because of COVID.

What has been your favorite place or way to find inspiration during quarantine?

For me, it was really just this discovery of self-love and self-care. During the pandemic, I really took a lot of time to focus on myself and start on this journey to self-love, which really ended up being the driving force behind this brand.

And that’s also something that I really try to portray with my products and services.

When someone books a service, I want them to feel like they’re doing something for themselves, for more than just their skin— you’re giving yourself that time to relax, to enjoy, and to focus on you and your mental health. So, the more I got into my own selfcare routines during quarantine, the more it inspired me to want to help provide products and services that helped other people do that as well.

What are 3 qualities that you find the most important to have as a small business owner during the pandemic?

It’s always important to just keep going, keep pushing. People are going to tell you no. So, persistence is key. It’s always important to go with your passion. So, if you’re passionate about it, do it. Whatever you end up doing, just make sure it stems from a place that you feel passionate about and that resonates with you, so that it can then further resonate with your clients and audience. Also, drive. If it doesn’t drive you or doesn’t motivate you, then it’s not worth your time. I think it’s important that what you’re doing has a purpose deeper within that drives you to want to do something bigger and better. Like I, personally, with my line want to make sure that I’m benefiting the environment, so that drives me to produce products that are safe for your skin but also safe for the environment.

What would be your advice to others waiting to take that leap of faith for their business right now?

I think, truly, just keep going. Life is always going to have those ups and downs, whether we’re in a pandemic or some other situation, not only in the world but in our lives. So, at the end of the day, if it’s something you love and something you truly enjoy doing, then I believe that’s the ultimate goal. You want to be doing something that sparks that passion within you. You just gotta do it—I could scream that from the rooftops!

In all, there is no question about whether or not small businesses around the world have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Now, more than ever, it’s crucial that small business owners use this time to get creative and find new ways to continue offering their products or services.

After reading the stories of these three inspiring small businesses, we also hope that if you’re an aspiring entrepreneur waiting to launch your business—despite all the challenges that the pandemic has brought—it’s time to JUST BEGIN.

MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL

SIOCNARF YASDNIL YB

HOW TO DEAL WITH GUILT SURROUNDING WEIGHT LOSS

PHOTO BY @VISUALS_BY_DUKE

I grew up a medium to a small size pretty much all my life. That was of course until hormones, stress, bills, and boyfriends came into the mix. I started seeing a change in my diet and in my weight. Although I was fit (mainly because of cheer) like many other women, I dealt with body image issues. Like many women today, social media does not make it any better. In the midst of today’s body-positive movement, I have found that my personal issues with body image amongst my friends tend to get side-eyed or an eye roll. Although I am overweight, to many, it’s simply not enough to be considered “a real problem .”

So like I said I’ve always been right in the middle. This led to lots of guilt around my own issues with my weight with the small and plus size community. Being too small to relate to the plus-size community, but being overweight and not technically small at all.

Of course, I am a sexy and confident being, that’s just part of my personality! However, I’ve seen myself and individuals smaller than I, carry the weight of being smaller than someone else and daring to relate to the problem. Truthfully, we’ve all done it to someone else. One complaint about how much weight they are getting, someone smaller chimes in on how they are dealing with the same issues, only to hear “oh please! You have no real problems.” And here comes the guilt… and that can look like many things:

Binge eating with the other person Never discussing my diet or workout routine to spare their feelings Not sharing progress and success in my health journey Tip Toeing on conversations surrounding weight loss Needless to say, it was absolutely draining.

Being able to relate on some levels but not being able to voice it meant I had to go through the low days all alone. A glass of wine and a margarita pizza later, I came out. I did it! I explained the guilt that I felt, how I related but also understood my privilege.

Maybe it was the wine talking but they got it and understood the part they played in it.

Turns out even with a community as inclusive as the plus-size community, it is still in some ways isolating. Even to those who appear to relate the most.

Talking about my guilt as a seemingly healthy individual (who happens to be overweight) was only step 1. Steps 2, 3, and 4 included realizing that the guilt was only mine to deal with but most importantly, I had to acknowledge that everyone’s journey is different. And that’s OK! Instead of focusing on how my progress would make anyone else feel, I started focusing on my own journey and why I wanted to succeed. My friends did not intend on making me feel guilty. I did it to myself. However since this conversation took place, I’ve seen us have a more positive conversation about our journeys. Laying it all out there allows us to share more openly tips and tricks to keep track of our diet. We compromised on how we will work out together since our goals were different. Lastly, we worked harder on keeping ourselves and each other accountable To our goals. Whether you need to lose 20, 60, or 90 pounds, your journey and feelings matter.

If you are feeling guilty in any capacity about your weight loss journey, remember...there’s nothing a slice of Margherita pizza and red wine can’t fix… Oh and an open conversation.

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Dr. Aisquel Machado: A mother, Entrepreneur, Mental Health and Community Advocate

Written by Ruth Orellana Delcid A mother, Entrepreneur, Mental Health and Community Advocate, Animal lover, a professional psychologist, and Psychiatric from Venezuela Dr. Machado has enter the homes and hearts of many people from her hometown all the way to Miami, FL and all over the world, she has become super popular on Instagram, with a following of over 100k. She is passionate and has 2 decades of experience in Psychology and psychiatric and is committed to raising awareness about mental health. She hopes to inspire and break the stigmatism with consulting with a psychiatrist. She hopes to break the stereotype that you are considered crazy when seeing a psychologist as she says in our interview. She has clients such as Carolina Sandoval, a former TV Host on Suelta la Sopa TV program. Dr. Machado without a doubt walks the talk as she already has an amazing morning ritual, she starts every morning to connect with herself and get her day started right. She truly believes that doing that one thing that makes you happy in the morning instead of waiting until the end of the day to indulge yourself before carrying on your day plays a key role in how your day will turn out.

Dr. Machado’s morning ritual is a moment to herself and a moment of truly enjoying the present and the process of modestly making a cup of coffee. For her, making that cup of coffee is a process she enjoys with music from boiling the water in a pot to grinding the coffee to brewing it makes her experience in the morning incredibly rewarding throughout the day. As she mentions, you never know what your day will bring so the least you could do is be prepared with an enjoyable morning, which is something you can totally control to prepare you for what comes. Her routine is so motivational that she has inspired me and many others to follow and I will tell you it makes a huge difference.

For Dr. Machado, her routine takes her back to her childhood memories when her mother will wake her up with music and the aroma of coffee and today she instills this tradition onto her daughters to continue her mother’s tradition and inspire her daughters to have their own morning ritual. After her morning coffee ritual, she spends some time with her family and two dogs.

She is very committed to her local community and provides free consultations in her hometown in Venezuela.

The two local places she gives free consultations are in Hospital Militar Maracaibo, Venezuela and Casa de la Misericordia, Venezuela. She also has her own studio now, which opened due to the pandemic that has been connecting her to new patients that need help during this difficult time.

Her goal is to get to as many people as possible to raise awareness about mental health and create a community for those that are going through it. She wants people to know that it is normal to feel anxious or depressed and to not be afraid to seek help from a professional. Aside from her passion in Psychology, she also loves to cook and has a certificate as an international chef and one summer dream to have enough time to experience herself in hospitality from another spectrum. She also believes goals are continuous and encourages everyone to have projects in their life to try to go against feeling anxious but become curious for the future. To not fear your emotions but be curious about the future and have projects get to know yourself. She also dreams to do the way of St. James, an ancient pilgrimage trail originating in medieval times. Pilgrims travel a trail to arrive at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

Dr. Machado believes in being curious and experimenting in any way you see yourself, for her being in the service sector to serve people is her true passion.

She has had a community of mentors but the ones that truly have had a profound impact are her incredible and passionate psychiatric professors Raul Rodon and post graduate Dr. Lilian Melendez de Nucette and in the digital world, her best friend Maria Gabriela Martinez and journalist where they have big plans for her page next year.

For Dr. Machado her balance to mental health is maintaining her connection close to her daughters, mother, and her routines keep her calm and at ease.

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I learn by trying new things I focus on progress I am ready to ask for help I can get through anything Focus on myself and not others I will keep learning Self-doubt kills dreams It's ok to not know Talent comes from practice

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THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER Written by Melissa Cancio Where do you see yourself in five years has to be the most common question I’ve gotten recently. But why?

Do people really care about your life now? In the future? Ever? It’s a thought worth thinking!

I know most people just care about where you think you’re going and how you think you’ll get there— to instigate.

It could be for your job, your life, or literally anything. It gives them something to talk about.

The world is your oyster.

You can truly see where life takes you when you put forth goals and really stay consistent with them. Try to visualize your life. What type of experiences do you want that will help you grow?

Some that have helped me grow are: Travel Culture Significant other As cheesy as it sounds, I’ll break it down for you! Travel because there is so much of the world you can see and explore. If you even drive across the street, you’ll be ‘traveling’ to a different area. People truly give you something to look forward to! Culture has provided me perspective. Without it, people wouldn’t have traditions. I think it’s so important to go down the line of figuring out what’s a good fit for you and continuing those memories with your family and friends.

It keeps your culture alive! As cheesy as it can be, my boyfriend motivates me and pushes me to be better every day. Although sometimes, I may take it for granted, I know deep down (especially when I don’t want to go to the gym), I know he cares about me. I also look at it in a way to one day start a family.

Family is a huge value in my life, so having a significant other can truly start that process for you!

So to answer the question of where I see myself in five years— I would like to get married, travel a little with my husband, and become a mom. Simple, right?

JUST BEGIN MAGAZINE

Best Things to do in North Lake Tahoe in the Summer

BY SAMANTHA DIAZ

When I finally visited Lake Tahoe for the first time, I realized what all the hype was about. The lake was even more beautiful than the pictures made it seem.

The peaceful natural scenery was a unique juxtaposition to downtown North Lake Tahoe's casinos and busy streets.

Spend the Day at the Beach

Heading to the beach is by far one of my favorite summer activities in Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe has 72 miles of shoreline and a variety of beautiful sandy beaches to enjoy. They're some of the best places to take in the lake's clear aquamarine waters. The water is super cold, but on hot days in the summer, there's nothing more refreshing than going for a dip in the freshwater lake. One thing to note about Lake Tahoe beaches is that parking is always a pain in the summer. To reduce the hassle of finding a parking spot, I'd recommend going early in the day. Two of the best North Lake Tahoe beaches include Sand Harbor Beach and Kings Beach State Recreation Area. Sand Harbor is full of soft white sands and crystalline waters and is a must-visit as the most popular beach in Lake Tahoe. A few more of the best beaches in Lake Tahoe worth visiting include Meeks Bay, Zephyr Cove, and Pope Beach. Suppose you're looking for a more hidden beach with fewer crowds, head over to Chimney Beach.

Hang Glide or Paraglide over the Lake

Lake Tahoe is approximately 192 square miles of pure blue, which means that any view from the top will be mind-blowing. So it's no surprise that one of the best things to do around Lake Tahoe for those who love lofty views is to go flying over the lake.

Depending on your personal preference for flying high, You can either hang gliding or paragliding with Uprising Paragliding.

Hike One of the Many Trails Near the Lake

Are you looking for waterfalls? While it's possible to spend all day lounging on the gorgeous Tahoe beaches, there are also a lot of scenic trails to explore near the lake if you want to stretch your legs. Cascade Falls and Eagle Falls are easy to moderate hikes that will take you to 60-90-foot falls. Shirley Canyon Trail is a heart-pumping five-mile hike that features steep inclines, high altitudes, and Shirley Lake for a more challenging hike.

Whitewater Rafting on the Truckee River

If you’re looking to get your thrills on the water, a good day trip and one of the best things to do near Lake Tahoe is to go whitewater rafting on the Truckee River. Truckee River is full of thrilling rapids and peaceful scenery, perfect for a vacation with family and friends.

Jet Ski on the Lake

Thanks to its usually calm nature, Lake Tahoe is a water wonderland where you can swim, sail, and even go jet skiing. Several companies, such as Tahoe Sports or Action Watersports, offer services that allow you and a couple of friends to zip around on jet skis that you can rent for a half-day or full-day. Jet skiing can cost a pretty penny, though, so make sure you shop around for the best options.

Kayak on the Lake

If you’re looking for Lake Tahoe summer activities, kayaking is an ideal way to explore the lake. And one of the best places to kayak Lake Tahoe is to paddle out to Fannette Island in Emerald Bay. Fannette Island is close enough to the shore to be accessed by a kayak, so you can easily explore the island at your leisure. Just note that there’s nowhere to launch your kayak or standup paddleboard at Emerald Bay, but you can leave from Baldwin Beach and paddle over.

There are kayak rentals at Baldwin Beach as well.

BE INSPIRED BE INSPIRED BE INSPIRED BE INSPIRED BE INSPIRED BE INSPIRED

PHOTOS BY ERNESTO MEDEROS

#SOSCUBA: A MOVEMENT OF OUR GENERATION

By Barbara Estrada

#SOSCUBA

“Esas fotos son para la historia del mundo, eres de raíces Cubana Y Americana...” “These photos are for the history of the world, you come from Cuban AND American roots.”

These words are the words my mom told me in a text message after showing her photos from the protest I organized in Berlin. It was a passion driven effort organized in less than 5 days for all the Cubans in Germany; or at least that was the intention.

I’m fortunate to write about organizing a protest in Germany speaking against Cuba’s systemic oppression. However, my Cuban people on the island don’t have the same rights as I did growing up in the Cuban diaspora. However, you have to remember for what purpose you are joining a movement - especially now. That was a thought that I also encountered and what kept me mentally sane from the constant gaslighting…

After the 11th of July, a flame sparked inside me to continue on doing the work for Cuba because “la nueva generación” (the new generation) is what is going to revive the country to where it needs to be - FREE. I know this has been said many and several times, but it’s been said to me, “this feels different,” and I can’t agree anymore with such sentiments. But when you’re outside of Cuba (or, even Miami the largest diaspora of Cubans), it can feel pretty hopeless having an impact for the cause.

1. Refer back to “my story.” Sharing your authentic story is what will keep you grounded and focused. Ask yourself, “why am I doing this?”

2. Take daily microsteps. Don’t easily overwhelm yourself with what’s happening.

This has been a fight for decades that won’t easily cave.

3. Speak to Cuban voices. As much as I identify with being Cuban there is some truth to the voices. I don’t know everything that is currently happening in Cuba nor do I know what the people want beyond freedom from the clutches of the Castro regime.

4. Work smarter, not harder. I learned this the hard way. When I organized the protest in Berlin, it all fell on my shoulders and it became something far grander than I could handle. Find your community of organizers that’ll be there for you when times become tough.

When getting in contact with the Cuban diaspora in Germany, I realized the trauma that still lingers despite the years outside of Cuba. It’s hard at first to be accused of being “a spy of the state” or to be completely invalidated from the movement because you, as part of the diaspora or an ally to the cause, are sometimes not welcomed in the conversation.

I’ve been told since I wasn’t born in Cuba that “my voice didn’t matter” by certain Cuban individuals and I understand if anyone turns away from continuing the fight with this attitude.

It’s difficult to swallow such a hard pill.

I fortunately did not grow up in a household where I was indoctrinated to believe in one way of thinking or to speak in hushed tones because “they” could be listening. (By ‘they,’ I mean the government). This has been and still is the reality of Cubans in Cuba. Being born American taught me to think and speak freely. To even be critical of my own government. This has been my reality all my life. The “freedom of speech” that America gives the American people in comparison to Cuba’s current political regime is night and day.

I want to preface this by saying that the focus isn’t about me. It’s beyond me. This protest was rather impromptu and a learning lesson when mobilizing people at a grass root level. For reasons that I will get into this article.

#SOSCUBA

PHOTO BY MARLON TORRIENTE POMARES The right to speak freely is what drove my dad to escape as a political refugee to Miami along with his family. My mother and her family were seeking a life of prosperity and opportunity. Two things that aren’t accessible to everyone on the island today despite what the counterarguments from those who are disconnected to the reality of your everyday Cuban.

Many of the answers to these questions point in one direction - the current government in power. This is why several hundreds (if not thousands) of people took to the streets to scream “LIBERTAD” on July 11th and use the most powerful tool we have today, social media, to share the raw reality of Cubans today.

My parent’s immigration story is one of the millions of Cubans that fled the country seeking a better life for their family. This narrative is way too common. It’s been ongoing for 62 years.

A moment in history, like my mom told me, and why this movement is a moment. A powerful moment and reflection of today’s generation in Cuba who did not grow up afraid like their parents.

I ask myself, “why can’t the Cuban people live off the natural resources on the island to prosper?”, “why is the reality for Cuban people parallel to the one that tourists live in Cuba?” or even better - “why can’t Cubans dream of prosperity in their own country and have to immigrate elsewhere to achieve their dreams?”

I AM SO DAMN PROUD TO BE THE DAUGHTER OF CUBAN IMMIGRANTS. PATRIA Y VIDA!

FREE THE NIPPLE: ONE BLACK WOMAN’S FIGHT TO END BREASTFEEDING DISPARITIES

By Intisar Seraaj 2021

just begin magazine

It’s no secret that womxn around the world are constantly being policed about their bodies—from what we wear to how we use our bodies. There are numerous variations and accounts of this issue, but since August is National Breastfeeding Month and the first week of August is World Breastfeeding Week, let’s use the example of whether people can breastfeed their baby in public places. The world is witnessing this right now at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where athletes like Spanish artistic swimmer Ona Carbonell are facing obstacles to breastfeeding due to convoluted rules. A few weeks ago, there was an Australian mom prevented from breastfeeding at Disneyland Paris. Belgium just published a map showing quiet and safe places moms can breastfeed or pump milk without judgement—because, apparently, a map like this is necessary.

Moms and non-moms alike, think about how it is being a woman and a mom in a world that’s continually trying to control your body. Add being Black to that scenario. Because there are movements, protests, and modern-day racist scenarios occurring, there’s finally light being shed on the ongoing racism towards Black bodies across the globe.

In that intersection of being a mother and being Black, there’s concerns like racism in the healthcare field—from how Black mothers are mistreated in hospitals to fewer options of having a doctor who can understand your holistic health (in a way only someone who looks like you can do) due to a lack of professional representation. One issue Black mothers [and breastfeeding parents] are facing in hospitals is an effort to discourage them from breastfeeding, including suggesting they use formula even after stating they want to exclusively breastfeed, says Ayanna Robinson, Ph.D. She knows from her research and from personal experience.

When Robinson was pregnant with her now 9-year-old daughter, she went to the WIC office to see a counselor. Robinson explained that she was exclusively breastfeeding (without supplementing with formula). Yet, the counselor still offered Robinson formula, telling her that “she’d need formula when she wanted to go out,” Robinson recounted. At the time of pregnancy, Robinson was unmarried, fresh out of college, and considered low income. “The counselor was making loaded assumptions based on me being a young mom: assuming that I wouldn’t want to breastfeed or didn’t have breastfeeding as a priority,” Robinson explained. “Those assumptions can really deter women. When women are offered formula by healthcare providers, it can make you question your own ability to breastfeed.”

Robinson is a public health scientist for the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, Ga., a maternal and child health advocate, and the founder of Black Girls’ Breastfeeding Club, LLC. (BGBC) and the bEarth Work app.

The bEarth Work app “was created to conveniently connect Black mothers and birthing individuals to online courses created

by Black birth workers and other health professionals,” according to its site.

Founded in 2016, BGBC is an organization committed to promoting breastfeeding and informed-infant-feeding decisions among Black womxn through conducting research, creating education opportunities, and providing resources. The corporation was birthed from Robinson’s doctoral dissertation at the University of Georgia on the dietary behaviors of breastfeeding mothers who were receiving supplemental support from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

"A study was published last year that said Black women are 8 times more likely to be offered formula in the hospital compared to White women.”

She was also researching about “how relationships and cultural and societal norms in Black communities can be more supportive of breastfeeding and providing culturallycongruent breastfeeding info to Black women,” says Robinson.

Her dissertation also looked at how Black womxn experience breastfeeding support groups on Facebook, specifically ones ran by and for Black moms. Robinson says these womxn came to these groups because of the “intersectional experience” Black womxn across the U.S. are having. Robinson says participants described an internal shift that happened about their own perceived norms for breastfeeding after joining such Facebook groups. “They saw other Black moms with shared experiences and characteristics breastfeed, and so they were encouraged to breastfeed for as long as they could,” Robinson stated.

WHO’s recommendation for breastfeeding is for 24 months. Within these supportive circles, Robinson found the average intended duration of breastfeeding reported was 18 months, which is considered long for the U.S. “If you can make it to 12 months, that’s actually incredible,” Robinson says.

“Below 20% of the population in the U.S. breastfeeds for 12 months.” The womxn in these Facebook groups were able to make intentions and successfully complete breastfeeding for more than 12 months due to the support they received. Robinson says the participants reported that the highest amount of support they received in their overall breastfeeding journey was from their Black maternal Facebook groups. This support included a wide range of types of support from tangible support like gifts and resources like money to esteem support, but participants were mostly seeking informational and emotional support—because sometimes many of these womxn weren’t receiving this support from friends and family nor their healthcare providers.

“I see how I could’ve been deterred [from breastfeeding] from the experiences I had and literature I was given,” Robinson considers.

“Black women have reported receiving apathy from physicians, told that they should formula feed, or don’t receive any breastfeeding info from physicians. A study was published last year that said Black women are 8 times more likely to be offered formula in the hospital compared to White women.”

But Robinson was lucky to not have experienced this in the hospital where she delivered at because it was a “baby-friendly hospital.” These facilities give moms the info, self-confidence, and competences and skills required to effectively start and continue breastfeeding. “UNICEF and WHO launched the ‘Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative’ in 1991 to encourage health facilities worldwide to better support breastfeeding,” according to UNICEF’s website. When Robinson said she was exclusively breastfeeding, the hospital had a lactation counselor show her the different breastfeeding positions, and the counselor called her a few weeks later to see if she needed any additional help, Robinson remembers.

She was able make such a well-informed decision because she was already confident in her ability to breastfeed due to already having a college degree and having support from her family and a classmate, who’s birthing date was only 10 days apart from Robinson’s. Growing up with a father who was a physician passionate about holistic and natural medicine and growing up seeing womxn breastfeeding influenced how Robinson thinks about health.

She says that lead her to want to do things the natural way. “I wanted to honor my ancestors,” Robinson said. “I know this is how my ancestors did it.”

Now, the question is: How can all breastfeeding parents feel as confident in their abilities and bodies as Robinson? Robinson says society must encourage womxn [and breastfeeding parents] to “own their bodies again.” For Black womxn, it’s the jezebel stereotype where their bodies are sexualized. Robinson recounts some womxn in breastfeeding programs via BGBC saying they had to get over the mental barrier of breasts being functional and not just for sexual pleasure.

Then there’s also the mammy caricature, representative of when Black womxn were used as unpaid wetnurses for their enslavers or barely paid wetnurses for their employers post-slavery. Robinson says we also need to see more breastfeeding in the media, a continuation and expansion of social media campaigns years ago of promoting womxn [and breastfeeding parents] breastfeeding in public.

While the world slowly shifts, she’s doing her part to promote breastfeeding through her organization BGBC and the bEarth Work app.

#FREE THE NIPPLE

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