22 minute read
UNSTOPPABLE WOMAN
becoming a meditation teacher would happen. I was confident that I would share this whole-health practice with others searching for and needing a big exhale in life. When I began TM, I was also in the early discovery phase of my new business, Om Love Love®. This business name didn’t exist yet, and I was still exploring what exactly I would be offering. I knew it had something to do with mindfulness jewelry and possibly meditation and yoga. However, my ideas needed more refining. This new business idea was different and more challenging than opening my photography studio in 1999. My first business had a clear direction and relatively simple services offered. My new company didn’t even have a clear product line yet.
Advertisement
About six months after starting a dedicated, twice daily Transcendental Meditation practice, I felt grounded and centered. Creativity was swirling all around and within me, and I learned to trust my intuition. Each day, my vision for my new business became more precise, and then I had the confidence to enroll in Yoga Teacher Training and the first level of Reiki. I learned about crystals and their vibrational frequencies, singing bowl sound therapy, and Ayurvedic practices. I finally felt at home and felt a sense of peace. I refined the products and designs for my company to include a variety of bracelet collections with accompanying crystal property cards that could assist others in mindfulness practices. I also designed and made artsy necklaces that incorporated the elements of the cosmos. Then, I began working with professional illustrators to create unique graphics. I started designing an eight-card set to help manifest intentions with the power of the moon phases. That led to other custom moon wall art and a Positive Love Mantras art series. Every decision I made followed a theme: love and the magic of the cosmos. To me, the cosmos visually represents the Om portion of the brand with its magical and abundant characteristics. But Om Love Love® is more than a pretty jewelry and art product line. It’s about inviting you to welcome in a whole-health approach to life. On Instagram and Facebook, I reinforce the importance of self-love, write inspirational quotes, and share tips on mindfulness practices and how you can incorporate that into your daily life. Currently, I’m working towards finishing my Instinctive Meditation Teacher Training with Lorin Roche and Camille Maurine, and I’ll be returning to Yoga Farm Ithaca in February to begin the advanced Yoga Teacher Training. This training focuses on Hatha/Vinyasa Yoga, QiGong, Kundalini Practices, Breathwork, and Meditation. Soon, I’ll be offering one-on-one and groupguided meditations to assist others in reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
What made you decide to open your own business and become a female entrepreneur?
I always knew that I wanted to own a business, even as a child. Thinking back to being five or six years old, I had a female entrepreneur role model, and I bet she still doesn’t even know it. I recognized that my dance teacher was doing something different than other people. She didn’t work 9-5, it seemed like she had freedom, and I wanted to be like her. As I got older and graduated from college, I knew professional photography was my path, but I accepted a job as a photo lab manager. I took the job because it seemed like the best way to pay off student loans, and there was an unknown, kind of scary element in entrepreneurship. The management position had health benefits and the Monday through Friday schedule. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with a set schedule. There are many times when I wish I had something predictable with health and retirement benefits. But this doesn’t work with my spirit. I move to the beat of my own drum and need to create when the time calls. Less than a year after taking that job, I decided to take the leap and enter the world of entrepreneurship. I opened a photography studio and still, today, continue to work for a few select clients. Now, I’m continuing my journey as a female entrepreneur and am taking another leap of faith. As a small business owner, you have to be good at your craft and the numerous tasks behind the scenes. Over the last 23 years, I learned that I’m good at running my own business and the required attention to detail. This time I’ll be able to implement one key factor I didn’t have in my tool belt when I was a younger entrepreneur, experience.
What makes you hustle?
What makes me hustle is the need to create a place for myself that allows me to do something different every day. The type of work I’m drawn to and succeed in doesn’t let me do a typical routine day in and day out. I thrive when I’m going with the flow of creativity and need the flexibility of entrepreneurship. That’s what fuels my spirit.
How did you come up with your business name?
I hadn’t thought of any possible names for the business, and it wasn’t even on my to-do list. I was still building the foundation for the company. Little did I know; the business name and logo would become the foundation and beacon for everything to come. One morning, during meditation, the name “Om Life” came to mind, and it almost stopped me in my practice because it felt so strong. I waited until I was done meditating and searched online to see if the name was available. It wasn’t. So, I started questioning myself and shrugging off the idea, thinking it was just another thought during meditation.
Then I immediately reminded myself to trust my intuition. Just because there’s a wall doesn’t mean you can’t create a doorway. I called one of my closest friends, who is also an entrepreneur, to work through the creative process. We’ve known each other for more than a decade, and she had asked me to help her with a creative project she was working on just the night before. I believe that when we can reveal our most authentic desires and inner feelings with someone we trust, truth and beauty reveal themselves. And it did. I knew she would help me open the door as I helped her the night before. So, we talked, and as we did, I searched online for availability for websites. We only searched for two. When “Om Love” was taken, we moved on to “Om Love Love.” At first, I wasn’t sure about the second love, and she said, it’s all about love! I’ll never forget that. Soon after, I started asking myself, what does “Om Love Love” mean? Why those words. Two loves? Sounds a little odd, no? Maybe intriguing? Then the lightbulb began to shine bright like the sun. The meaning started to reveal itself to me as if I had planned it all along and it felt like a part of my being, encompassing everything I wanted it to be. As I thought about each word and what it meant to me, this is what I felt—a sense of embracing the sacred mantra Om with the utmost respect to its derived culture. Om is the very seed of creation, the all-encompassing cosmic vibration of the universe. It’s the vibrational frequency found throughout everything in nature that connects you with your inner sense of understanding and unifies you with one-ness. I chose to use this mantra to acknowledge our powerful connection to all of creation. The first love represents loving ourselves. It allows us to practice self-care, set healthy boundaries with others, follow our dreams, and feel proud of who we are. It’s accepting our strengths as well as our weaknesses. It’s about selfcompassion and self-acceptance despite imperfections. Also, we can only give love to another as much as we show love to ourselves. And lastly, the second love represents the need to share love with others. Love is part of who we all are, and sharing love has a ripple effect, increasing joy and feelings of positivity. Love raises the planet’s vibration, and just a small act of kindness can change a person’s day.
What is the mission behind Om Love Love®?
To raise the overall vibration of the planet through the improvement of individual whole-health practices, which can be supplemented by universe-inspired custom products.
I’ve written and created cards to be included with mindfulness jewelry that explains the vibrational properties of each crystal. On the back of every card, you’ll read the complete mission of Om Love Love®.
“You have the power to influence the vibrations of those around you and of the world, so live your best life and nourish your soul with love, mindfulness, and positivity. Allow your unique happy vibes to radiate outwardly as a beacon for others. At Om Love Love®, we embrace OM, the vibration found throughout everything in the Universe; it is within and connects us all. We all must LOVE ourselves with compassion and acceptance and actively LOVE others without expectation or reward.”
What is your background and how did it lead you to this type of business model?
My background and life experience are just like everyone else’s; It’s called stress. I am also a firm believer in the old saying, “with age comes wisdom.” After decades of adulthood, I decided that I didn’t want stress ravaging my mind and body any longer. I also knew I wanted to help others with this dark cloud that impacts so many of us, so I enrolled in professional training to help guide others in meditation, mindfulness, gentle yoga, and whole-health practices.
Anyone searching for whole-health practices to reduce stress and improve the overall human experience. However, I’ve found that my jewelry, art, cards, and scarves are enjoyed by crystal lovers, fashion enthusiasts, yoga teachers and practitioners, and anyone who loves celestial themes, especially the moon and stars.
What service/product is your favorite and why?
It’s hard to narrow down one favorite product because I love them all. But if I had to choose one, it’s the crystal gemstone bracelets. Regardless of the primary crystal gemstone used, every bracelet includes a rose quartz crystal in the design as a reminder to love yourself and others. Each bracelet also comes with a card describing the crystal properties that can, for example, enhance your intuition, clear negative energy, or even improve clarity. The bracelets are beautiful for fashion purposes while also serving as an easy mindfulness tool because they are readily visible. When you catch a glimpse of the bracelet or if you’re feeling stressed, you can take a moment and pause, deeply inhale and exhale, centering yourself in the present moment, and remind yourself of the intention you’ve set for yourself. This reminder is similar to the apps on electronic devices sending reminders to breathe; however, crystals allow us to go deeper and connect us with the earth. When I need a moment to center myself, I like to place my hand on the crystal bracelet and breathe mindfully. I find it profoundly grounding.
What have you found to be the most successful avenue in marketing your business?
Networking and relationships have been the best for me to date. Creating professional and personal relationships and having conversations with others is the most important avenue for marketing my business. Ultimately, I wouldn’t have a business if it weren’t for all of you. Yes, social media is a successful avenue because that’s where people communicate. However, social media is all about relationships. Many business owners have seen my feed and discovered what I offer, which has led us to collaborate. I do still, however, enjoy face-to-face conversations as well. I love doing pop-up events where I can talk with others and hear about their experiences, their stories, what they need, want, and enjoy in life. These events also provide me the opportunity to introduce people to the world of whole-health practices and the products I sell that help support improved overall health for the body and mind.
What challenges have you faced over the past year and how have you overcome them?
One main challenge I faced was creating everything for the new business. When I say everything, I mean everything; from website design and copy to product designs, production, photography, designing advertising materials, writing the information for bracelet cards, and so on. Also, if you know me, you know that I am very meticulous about my work. Other challenges I faced this past year during the development phase have been timeline constrictions when working with other vendors. My custom proprietary jewelry tag alone took almost one year to complete from start to finish. I would create bracelet concepts and then wait to move forward because I didn’t have the final tag component. Being a visual artist, I needed to see how all parts worked together to know if it was the look I wanted. Another challenge I faced was receiving samples of wall art and then needing more time for revisions and re-orders. Lastly, launching a business when the world is going through a worldwide pandemic was especially difficult because it placed restrictions on social gatherings that postponed launch events, which would have been terrific for networking.
What do you do for motivation?
I envision the life I want to live, at multiple levels. It may not sound like much, but it’s a powerful motivator for me. One of my favorite quotes is by Dr. Wayne Dyer, “You’re only a thought away from changing your life.” We have thousands of thoughts every day. If we pay attention to the kinds of thoughts we are thinking, it could surprise us how negative they can be. So, if I need motivation, I’m even more careful with what I think. Another thing I do for inspiration is to listen to one of my favorite recordings that someone created on YouTube. It’s a compilation of many famous motivational speakers, and there are so many uplifting words spoken that have become words I live by.
What would you say truly excites you about what you do and encourages you to keep moving forward?
Being able to reinvent myself is a constant reminder that anything is possible, which excites me. I almost felt lost, struggling to find myself through the veil of stress for a while. Looking back, I never could have imagined where I am
now. I needed just one little step that turned into another—knowing one step at a time works and that I don’t have to have everything figured out at the moment is what keeps me moving forward. I believe that if a person knows they want something and are willing to put in the time and effort, anything is possible.
What mantra do you live by?
“Every delay is not a denial” -Michael B. Beckwith.
My mantras change depending on where I am in the journey of life. Currently, “every delay is not a denial” is my mantra. I heard this a few years ago, and every time I encounter a perceived setback or delay, I remember those words, and I reassure myself that the universe is working for me behind the scenes.
Another mantra my friends hear me say is, “remember to breathe” because you’re rebooting and linking the body and mind in the present, living each moment in the now.
What is one element of your business that you cannot live without?
At its core, my deep passion for the foundational underpinnings of Om Love Love® that I have discussed in detail in earlier questions.
If I ask you to merge your business with the idea of empowerment using just one word, what would it be?
Within.You can always find the answer “within.”
What would you say are the key skills needed to be a successful female entrepreneur in 2022?
Being self-employed is not easy. It’s rewarding but a lot of work. That’s why I started another business of my own because I enjoy it so much. I encourage any woman eager to open their own business to learn about what it means to be an entrepreneur. Talk to others, listen to their stories, and go after your passion. Here are some skills that I find helpful in 2022:
• Interpersonal skills and understanding how to communicate with others. • Compassionate listening. • Seek the wisdom of those more experienced. • Not taking things personally and learning from feedback (positive and negative). • Creating your own unique path and breaking the rules or norms when needed. • Ongoing professional development and training. There’s always something to learn.
Name one person who has inspired you and why.
One specific inspirational person doesn’t come to mind. This question draws me toward thoughts of inspiration that have come from a series of events and numerous people throughout my life. There are trails of breadcrumbs of the people that have inspired me, and it has been simply me at times. There have been many times I’ve had to look within myself to search for inspiration.
What does empowerment mean to you?
It means trusting your intuition so much that it gives you the freedom to make decisions without needing approval from others. Input from others is essential, yes. However, approval is not and should never be one’s driving motivation. Trusting myself gives me the confidence to create and share without needing praise or feeling down when there’s criticism. We can learn from everything, which is essential in a growth mindset.
BARBELLA
BY ALYSSA STIVERS I PHOTOS BY
Tell us about yourself and your business, BarBella..
My name is Alyssa Stivers, I am from Geneva, New York. I moved to Florida in 2019 as I was chasing my dreams to live in the sunshine state. When COVID hit I realized I wanted to start my own business because I saw SO many shut down. I also was running out of lipstick so I made a plan to start creating my own lipsticks and try a home based business INCASE where I was working, shut down! I was scared and nervous especially being states away from all my family, so I would Affirm myself, I AM STRONG, I AM CONFIDENT, I AM MOTIVATED, etc, and named my lipsticks after those affirmations! They became a hit, and I expanded as I kept running out of makeup.
What made you decide to become a female entrepreneur and open your own business?
Every job I worked at; I always went above and beyond and grew quickly to the top. I knew I had a skill set to take control of a business myself where I can choose my own hours and not be overpowered in decision making. My last boss put me in a really bad situation which put me to the point where I never want to work for anyone again. that consists currently of Lipstick, Lip Gloss, Eye shadow, Eye Liner, Mascara, Eyebrow cream, Foundation, Powder and Highlighter Spray
If you could pick just one product/ service that would be your “must have”, what would it be and why?
Lipstick, it makes me feel good, and look good!
What makes you hustle?
Freedom. I want the ability to live a Life By Design. I want to explore the world and show my daughter all the beauty and options there are out in the world.
What products and services do you offer?
I created a non toxic, vegan makeup brand
What is your background and how did it lead you to the journey of opening your own business?
I grew up on a marina to my entrepreneurial parents who are very successful business owners. I’ve watched them grow their business since, forever! I saw them building their apartment rentals, I watched the marina grow into an awesome summer hang out with a tiki bar. They once owned a restaurant right on the property. Lake Street Station has a full bar and liquor store, I helped them open that which gave me a taste of being my own boss. It was also so neat to me they had their own construction crew and snow plowing team. To watch them build their empire really inspired me to create a business based on what I’m passionate about!
Who has inspired you along the way and why?
A lot of it comes from Instagram however, Danny Jelaca is also a big inspiration to me because when I lived in Florida, my friend Roberto, who is a very talented hair dresser worked at Danny’s salon and their lifestyle in the beauty industry is what I am aiming for. Staying up to date with the latest trends and getting my makeup on celebrity/ models/influencers and would love to travel to do makeup. Danny works on a couple of beautiful women I look up to for their confidence, Adrianna Lima and Arianna Grande.
A couple instagram influencers such as Giorgina Juanita , HannahLee Marie also inspire me because they’re relatable. They both teach you how to apply products and enhance your make up game. I’ve learned a ton from them.
What is the mission behind Barbella? BarBella seeks to create and promote non toxic, vegan, top quality products. We strive to grow our business with the same honesty and integrity we use to craft our products, with A grade and
What have you found to be the most successful avenue in marketing your business?
Going to events, pop up vendor spaces and social media!
What challenges have you faced starting your business and how have you overcome them?
Relocating from Florida to NY. At first it was a challenge because I had my dreams and goals set in place with action being executed to open my own studio in Florida. I was working a job making great money during the day while I worked on my passion at night, until a month went by working at this job and I was assaulted by my boss. I then had to make a BIG change by relocating. I moved back to NY and while the investigation is still going on, I didn’t let that challenge stop me, instead I opened my own studio here in NY. Now when my system is in place, I will be able to open MANY stores around the world, including Florida.
What are the current trends in the beauty industry that you feel are ones you can see lasting?
For one, Skincare is thriving because people want to glow without wearing makeup. Whereas that being said, they also want the all natural products when they do feel like getting glammed up. Another trend: Mask Friendly makeup is also on the rise. Since masks cover the face from the nose down, this gives eyes, lashes, and brows their time to shine. Products like eyeshadow, brow makeup, eyelashes, concealers, and mascara are coming in handy. BarBellas Liquid lipstick also became a fan favorite since it is less likely to smear. Last but not least: The trend of digital beauty aka Beauty subscriptions, starting a home base biz via makeup - our Become A Bombshell is exactly what you need in this avenue.
What would you say truly excites you about what you do?
I’m a visionary, I love to manifest! I have a creative talent inside of me, when I see something I love, I tweak it to make it personal and make it a reality.
What does the word empowerment mean to you?
To me; empowerment means that you have full control over your life. You created a life by design and reached your higher self spiritually. You realize that nothing is happening TO you, it’s all happening FOR you. Therefore, you have a calm aura for your manifestation to become a reality by working for it without letting distractions fog your vision! EMPOWERING LEADERS ON THE RISE!
What would you say are the key skills needed to be a successful female business owner?
Consistency, taking action, being assertive, stepping outside your comfort zone and being decisive when solving problems.
What do you want to achieve next?
Facial cleansers and a clothing line.
women look and feel beautiful?
It makes me feel enlightened! I know deep down that when women have makeup on, whether they like makeup or not, they will become more present and feel more confident around others because they look and feel beautiful. Confidence is key in a lot of situations. Why not boost your confidence with makeup!?
Where will we see BarBella next?
My 2025 goal is to have a second store open in Florida. Until then, you will see it all over your social media platforms, in the hands of many women who understand that true beauty helps you Look Good and Feel Good but, starts on the INSIDE!
“I would Affirm myself. I AM STRONG, I AM CONFIDENT, I AM MOTIVATED, etc, and named my lipsticks after those affirmations! “
MENTION RWO AND RECEIVE 20% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER
