55 minute read
SHE HUSTLES TALKS
YOU ARE ENOUGH. CORRIN STELLAKIS
BY NICOLE HEROUX WILLIAMS I PHOTOS BY NSP STUDIO PHOTOS BY LAURA MARINO
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Tell us about yourself, and your background. When and how did you get into pageants?
My name is Corrin Stellakis and I am the owner of Fit to Reign, a business dedicated to empowering women. Fit to Reign is located in North Syracuse, NY, but I also coach women from all over the country virtually. My pageant career started at a local level with the Miss Jr. Oz pageant. I was 14 years old when I won the title of Miss Jr. Oz and that experience inspired me to continue in pageantry. In 2014 I competed in my first large pageant, Miss New York Teen USA. I won this title at the age of 16 and it completely transformed my life. As a girl who grew up on a horse farm in central NY, I was thrown into the world of beauty, modeling, and pageantry. I found a passion for it and have competed ever since.
What makes you hustle?
The desire to improve myself and help others discover their purpose and pursue their passions.
Tell us about your business “Fit to Reign”. How did it start? What is the mission behind it?
Fit to Reign was developed in 2016 to help women become mentally, intellectually, socially, spiritually, physically, and emotionally fit! My goal is to empower women from all walks of life to become the best possible versions of themselves. I have a degree in Communication, Psychology, and Christian Counseling from Liberty University and I am a certified personal trainer. Fit to Reign services includes pageant coaching, personal training and programming, self-development coaching, model coaching, interview, and public speaking preparation, and makeup artistry.
What did you choose for your platform for Miss US International and why?
My platform is Fit to Reign. I am dedicated to inspiring and motivating other women to rise above. Miss USI’s motto is “cheer all women!”
What does the word empowerment mean to you?
Empowerment means emboldening others, motivating them, and helping them to believe in their ability to make an impact! When I empower women I instill confidence in them and inspire them to declare victory over their lives!
What was it like hearing your name called as winner for your first pageant title?
I felt surprised, humbled, overwhelmed, blessed, and full of joy! It was such an exciting moment!
What do you feel are your greatest strengths? What about some of your weaknesses?
I would say that some of my greatest strengths are communicating, living in faith, prioritizing what is most important, and staying organized.
I love socializing and I enjoy deep conversation. I love to talk, but I also love to listen. I have learned how to trust God with everything that goes on in my life. A strength of mine is letting go and letting God! I believe that if you prioritize what is most important, that you will find that you have an abundance of time for other things that tend to come up. Lastly, I am good at keeping order in my life. I arrange my schedule and I plan ahead so that I can maximize my time. I am always on time if not early to my events.
My weaknesses you ask?… Cannolis, Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, and Kit Kats ;)
What do you to hope accomplish during your reign?
I hope to travel to as many places and attend as many events as possible! I want to make the most out of this year and impact lives by instilling confidence in everyone I meet and empowering individuals to reach their destiny! I hope to be a voice for many in need, and create more awareness on the Miss International pageant system, and what opportunities it presents to women.
What do you take away from your pageant experience each time you compete?
I learn more about myself every time I compete in a pageant and I gain wonderful, lasting friendships after each pageant experience. I have met most of my closest friends through pageantry.
Who are some of the people that empower and inspire you and why?
Priscilla Shirer is a huge inspiration to me! She is a strong, bold, knowledgeable woman of faith that leads others into a close relationship with the Lord. She makes God her first priority and because of that experiences great blessings! She has inspired me to lead my own women’s Bible study on Monday nights! I love getting together with a group of women who want to grow closer to their Lord and Savior. dedication, commitment, and hard work push me to be a better coach. I love their passion for their platforms and their heart for the organizations they represent. I am honored to work with such amazing, empowered women from all over the county.
“What is your ‘why? ‘” Why do you compete? Why did you create Fit To Reign?
I compete to challenge myself and develop myself. I compete for the opportunities pageantry offers and the friendships I can create through the process. I compete to network and gain connections with people from all walks of life. I created Fit to Reign because of my love for pageantry and what it does for women. I wanted to encourage all young girls and women in the pageant world, and give them the tools they need to succeed. I created Fit to Reign because I wanted to help women reach their fitness goals, and feel confident in their own skin. I created Fit to Reign because I wanted to spread the message that we are Queens because we are daughters of the One True King, Jesus Christ.
How did working through the pandemic change you for the better or worse? How did you get creative? How did it affect your reigning status?
The pandemic took a toll on all small businesses and mine was no different. I took the extra time that I had while I was not working with clients and I stayed productive. I worked on my personal development so that when the world started running again, I would have more to offer my clients! Fortunately, while the gyms were closed down, I was still able to work out in my fitness studio throughout the pandemic so I did not skip a beat! I also had more time to connect with people over social media and post often. I helped people with at-home workout programs, and I transferred most of my in-person clients to virtual sessions. The pandemic was a challenge, to say the least, but when you are Fit to Reign, you keep striving toward your goals and you make things happen!
What role do you think social media plays for you personally and professionally and what is your favorite platform?
Social media plays a huge role in my business’ success! I connect with women from all different pageant systems, all across the country via social media. I have a much larger outreach thanks to social media platforms. Most of my clients I have never met in person. Social media makes it possible to get to know my clients and what their needs are without ever seeing them in person, face to face! Social media helps me spread my message and share what Fit to Reign is all about. It also allows me to stay connected to members of my Fit to Reign family and stay updated on all of the fun, and exciting things happening in their lives. Instagram is my absolute favorite platform because of its versatility and easy use.
Name one special moment during your career that has stood out to you. The moment I was announced as Miss Earth USA in 2016 will always be a
highlight in my pageant career. As I hugged my runner up, the clasps on my gown broke open! The hook and eyes went flying! I caught my dress and saved myself from exposure. Women from backstage and other contestants rushed to help me, but there was no saving it. The sash was at first placed on the wrong shoulder, and the crown did not fit! Thinking her crown was smaller, my predecessor generously took her own crown off of her head and tried placing it on mine. Proving to the world that the crown was not too large, but rather my head was too small, the crown fell over my head and onto my neck. Flowers in hand, holding my dress and crown up, I celebrated my moment, and was overwhelmed with excitement! This moment has become a YouTube sensation with nearly 16 million views! It was a beautiful disaster, a moment I will never forget!
What’s the biggest factor that has helped you be successful both in and out of the pageant world?
Being well-rounded and grounded. I work on my strengths as well as my weaknesses. I am always growing and learning. I aim to be relatable and authentic in everything that I do.
year? What about five years from now?
Over the next year, I will be preparing for Miss International 2022! Next November I will be competing for 3 weeks in Japan representing the United States of America. I will be spending
this next year traveling and attending as many events as possible to represent the USI pageant organization. Five years from now I will still be competing in pageantry and expanding my business. My goal is always to reach more and more women in the pageant industry and help them become Fit to Reign.
I am currently working on writing my first devotional/Bible Study book for women! I hope to have that published in the next 5 years. I may also further my education through Liberty University’s online programs.
What was the hardest decision you ever had to make?
Taking a leap of faith, becoming an entrepreneur, and opening my business Fit to Reign at the age of 19! It was a huge investment of time, energy, and money, but it was all worth it! I love what I do so I never have to work a day in my life.
What motivates you?
Embracing my full potential motivates me to work harder, invest in myself and my business.
What’s the most important discovery you’ve made about yourself in the past years during your pageant journey?
You are only ever competing against who you were yesterday! There is always room for improvement. Keep setting the bar high! Prepare like you have never won, and perform like you have never lost!
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DEBBIE BERNACKI
PHOTOS BY JULIE OLDFIELD
Tell our audience about who you are, where you came from, and what your background ?
I am a passionate entrepreneur and advocate , driven to be a life-long learner and always challenge myself to achieve and help others. I come from a very close family, growing up in in Greece, NY in an Italian household with 3 siblings. As I grew up, I was drawn to anything that challenged myself, whether that was running for student council, trying out for sports, or taking advanced classes. My parents modeled nurturing behaviors, which is something that I brought forward in the parenting of my own four children.
I am a proud mother of four children: Christian (27), Lauren (26), Andrew (19) and Elliot (18). Throughout my life, I always put my children first. As they grew up, they witnessed and participated in the establishment and growth on my companies. They encouraged me to achieve, and always celebrated my successes with me.
My interest in the healthcare field was grounded within me when I volunteered in a hospital when I was 15 years old as a candy striper. I am the first woman in my family to go to college since they immigrated here two generations ago. My heritage is the majority Italian, but also Spanish and Egyptian. In our family, years ago, women were expected to stay home and raise the family. I hit a turning point when I was a sophomore in high school and my mother asked me to do some research on the school computer to help my older brother determine what career he should pursue. While doing research for him, I decided I also wanted to get an education and pursue a career. 4 college degrees later, I am happy that I advocated for myself
at that time.
The majority of my nursing career in the hospital was as an emergency department nurse, working in the fastpaced world of acute and trauma care. I was the Director of Nursing for a local licensed home care agency, and a Vice President at the Jewish Home of Rochester. However, the entrepreneurial drive has always been within me and am one of the Simon Graduate School of Business at the University of Rochester business simulation contest winners, and the Up and Coming Businesswoman of the Year.
What makes you hustle?
When someone tells me I can’t, I say, “watch me”. The drive comes from within me, always wanting to keep moving upward in every aspect of my life. I’ve had many setbacks in life, including divorces, abuse, failures in loyalty from family and close “friends”, but never will succumb to being a “victim”. Instead, those moments have fueled my drive. I believe that God put those barriers in my life to build the person that I am today and am thankful for all of those challenges. I get great joy in looking back and seeing the what I have built, and how that will help others.
What made you decide to start your business happier at home and what is the mission behind it?
I had wanted to start an in-home care agency, but it was always on the back burner. It was my own family experience caring for my mother that affirmed my need to improve upon in home care. In 2007 my mother, Angela Marcello, was diagnosed with glioblastoma, brain cancer, at age 64. During her illness, my family and I tried to provide the daily care for her that was necessary to keep her at home. Being on the
consumer side of things, I experienced how confusing and frustrating it could be to navigate home healthcare. With the care that my mother had, we were faced with a different caregiver each day, disrespectful behaviors, and caregivers that didn’t seem like they wanted to be there. I knew the delivery of home care could be improved upon, and also felt a need to make a difference in the lives of others that were going through the same challenges we went through. I decided to start Happier At Home and told my mother that I was going to do this before she died. I have become an advocate for our most vulnerable in the community, and the good that came from my mother’s death is that she has had a positive impact in the lives of those that are in similar situations to hers and their family members.
Our mission is to improve the lives of individuals in need of home care and help them remain home and independent for as long as possible.
What are some of the things you find help you to be a successful business owner and in now creating a franchise?
Part of what has helped me to succeed in any business that I have started is that I don’t recognize or acknowledge “barriers”. Whether that has been not having as much startup money as I was told I should have, not having background knowledge of how to start a franchise system, or not knowing the processes that others have used to become a franchisor. Instead, I jumped in with both feet, prayed educated myself and surrounded myself with excellent professionals that believed in me.
If you could interview one of your mentors who would it be and what would you ask them?
I have a mentor, who is the founder and COO of Painting With a Twist, Nancy Bigley. She has been a great support in the development of my franchisor system. However, if I could interview the most important mentor of my life, it would be my mother. The business decisions seem to be much easier for me in comparison to how to handle day to day relationships and situations. When I have a dilemma, I pray to my mother, and always think about what her advice to me would be.
Have you found social media to help or hinder you in promoting your business especially during the pandemic?
I have found social media to be essential in promoting my businesses, both the local corporate location of Happier At Home and the national franchisor of Happier At Home. This has been especially true during the pandemic.
How did you come about doing television segments?
I began appearing on Fox News, Good Day Rochester about 8 years ago. At that time the executive producer talked with me about Happier At Home and my background. He realized that the senior population is growing and that healthcare, especially home care is an unknown in so many ways for the community. I began monthly appearances as the Nurse Expert, and now am on weekly educating the public on caregiving and any issues involving seniors.
year, especially while expanding, and how have you overcome them?
Challenges that I have faced this year include limitations in those willing to go back to work. This has affected my local company, as well as nationally, and all our competitors. I have combated this with specific recruitment boot camp trainings created by Happier At Home’s Vice President of Training and Field Operations, Marie Rodriguez. She has created programs that she steps our franchisees through, in which they are held accountable for completing. This helps them with recruiting and hiring and has shown to be successful with a pilot with our franchisee in Alabama.
What motivates you and keeps you moving forward ?
I love to keep moving onward and upward. I enjoy business, so really love to set goals, and work toward those goals. Additionally, I think I am afraid to fail so am sure to keep driving forward.
Where do you see yourself personally and professionally in the next 3-5 years?
The two seem to be closely tied together for me. As the franchisor Happier At Home grows nationally, I see myself adding senior executives to support in the development and growth of the company to continue to expand nationally. As I add the support for this growth, I will continue to be the vision for the company, but also be able to step back a bit to enjoy my family and friends. I value taking care of myself and work out 6 days a week and will continue to do so.
and different from others?
In the Rochester area, the fact that this local company has now been established nationally, that is a unique aspect of Happier At Home and me as a businesswoman. Many of the big players in the area in companion care are franchises themselves, whereas Happier At Home was started right here in Rochester, NY! In addition to providing in-home care, we also provide care advocacy, medication management solutions and virtual visits. This is a unique busines model.
What are some of the pros and cons of being a female entrepreneur, especially in dealing with the elderly or ill and their families?
I have never accepted or fell victim to the differences in the way I may be treated as a female CEO and entrepreneur. As I have worked with boards greatly made up of men, male executives and colleagues, I behave in the same intelligent and professional that I always have prided myself as being. The benefit of me being the business owner, is that I am in charge of my fate. I am not the subject of others’ decisions to promote me to a better position, I am only limited by myself. Being a woman in an industry dealing with the elderly, the ill, and their families is also a benefit because people perceive you as caring perhaps more so than a male. I cannot think of a con to being a female entrepreneur!
Do you have any helpful advice to someone interested in starting their own business/franchise?
My advice to anyone starting a business would be to try to create something unique, in a field that you have a passion for, that solves someone’s problems. Become the expert in that field and immerse yourself in it. Becoming a franchisee is a great option, as the business model is established and proven. As a franchisee, you have a blueprint of a business that will allow you to start the business hitting the ground running. Support is provided for training and continues throughout the term of your franchise.
If you needed to start it all over again tomorrow and you had just one thing to change, add or subtract, what would it be ?
If I were to change one thing it would be to not hesitate to start Happier At Home. I would have started the business and also the franchisor system earlier in my lifetime.
Did you always know you wanted to be in this field and help others?
I have always been a caring person, and always have looked for ways to build something for myself. As an example, at about the age of 11, I started a paper route and was responsible for the collections, and management of the customers. I’ve always had the characteristics of a nurse and an entrepreneur but just didn’t know how those things would culminate to a career or business in my life.
Tell us about one moment in your life that has had a lasting impression on you and formed who you are today.
I was married very young and was the “victim” of mental and emotional abuse. This was a foreign thing to me. My parents had a beautiful, loving relationship and I only expected the same for my marriage. Perhaps it was naivety, or perhaps it was my resistance to giving up on my marriage, but I stayed with him for 7 years, while attending Alternatives for Battered Women meetings and marriage counseling, all the while enduring a day in and day out emotional rollercoaster. Friends and family were concerned about my well-being, to which my answer was that “we are working on it.” All at once it hit me, if I stay, he won’t change, and my children will learn this is normal behavior. It has greatly affected who I am today, as I built up incredible strength and assertiveness to leave him. I believe that this strength and assertiveness has attributed to my successes in life.
Tell our audience one thing about yourself that not many others know.
Not many people know that I was once certified in asbestos abatement.
How do you balance work and life responsibilities, being a female leader? When my children were young, I involved them in the work that I did. I talked with them about the business I was building, what I was doing each day in the business to build it, and even when I had setbacks. I did not want to sacrifice my children for my business, but also knew it was essential that I succeeded in order to remain in the home we were in after my divorce. I taught my children the life lessons that I was learning, as I was learning them. They are my biggest fans and always celebrate my successes with me. Often times I worked late at night after I put the kids to bed, but never missed sports games or school
events. Each day we sat down and had dinner together, and prayed before we ate, thanking God for our meal and asking Him for strength and guidance to accomplish what He wants of us.
What goes through your mind when you think of women who have done this before you? What would you do the same or differently.
When I think of women that have done this before me, I feel connected with them and feel I understand there is something special in them. Part of what has caused them to succeed may be luck, but by far, if they did not work diligently and have the drive within them, they would not have succeeded. I would also push through and focus on the goal to achieve to get where I want to be!
What is your favorite part of your business and why?
My favorite part of the business is the independence that it provides. I am able to have flexibility in my schedule for the most part, which allows me to participate in family functions and work remotely most of the time.
Happier at Home?
My main goal in starting Happier At Home was to actually be an entrepreneur and work for myself. Helping patients and family members so they didn’t have to go through what my mother and my family went through during her illness is the way that I was able to accomplish this.
Where do you plan on going with Happier at Home? What is your ultimate goal?
My ultimate goal is to growing Happier At Home across the nation, in every state and then abroad. --
TIFFANY AMALFI-SPECK
PHOTOS BY MELISSA DANKO & EDITING BY LUCABEAR AND FRIENDS PET PHOTOGRAPHY
Tell our readers a little bit about yourself and your background. Who is Tiffany Amalfi Speck?
Tiffany Amalfi-Speck- If I had to describe myself, I would say that I am a little bit nice and a little bit of spice all wrapped up in a not-so-big package! I was born and raised in Rochester, NY. I attended Syracuse University and obtained my Bachelor of Science in Psychology. I then moved to Philadelphia and received my Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania. I married the most incredible man, Dave Speck, in September 2020.
We jetted off to Nevada to elope in the Valley of Fire State Park. We have four rescue dogs- Lucius, 10, Maximus, 7, Lucabear, 14 and our newest addition Bo, 7. I grew up in a close knit Italian family. As the eldest of three children, I quickly learned to lead and to speak my mind. My parents and grandparents have always been very supportive of my choices and journey thus far. My nieces and nephews are an integral part of my life and I enjoy every second watching them grow into little perfect humans. I have an incredible group of friends and coworkers. My full time job is at BioMarin Pharmaceutical where I am a Field Based Clinical Coordinator supporting patients with a rare disease, phenylketonuria. Prior to that, I was a Pediatric Social Worker at the University of Rochester Medical Center for ten years. My passion is animal rescue and I recently started Lucabear and Friend’s Pet Photography in April of 2021.
How did you create Lucabear Photography?
Lucabear, formerly Luca, is a gorgeous husky mix that I volunteered to transport (my first rescue transport) through Brindle Posse Rescue, Inc on October 26, 2020. We had lost our husky, Lima, just a few months before. Lee was also a Brindle Posse pup. Luca was living on a porch in Jamestown year around. He was incredibly overweight, has COPD
and most likely, Cushing’s Disease.
We knew our time with him would be limited so I started to bring him to different events to be photographed and frankly, I just didn’t love how they were turning out. My parents had surprised me with a professional camera for my birthday a few years back as photography had always been a passion and hobby for me. I decided that I would start to take Lucabear’s pictures myself and if I could do it for him, I could do it for other animals in need of a home. Rescue is something that I fiercely believe in and I had seen too many animals be overlooked because their photos were not getting enough attention. That was it! I started Lucabear and Friend’s Pet Photography and decided to photograph those in need of a furever home at no cost to anyone- the rescues, the foster parents, the shelters or boarding facilities. There are no strings attached. I simply take the photos, edit them and send them back to be used as needed. It is one of the best decisions that I have ever made in my life. I also offer private sessions at a very reasonable price because I want to give back to those that gave their cherished pets a home. Photographs are special to me and I believe they have the power to change lives and capture a memory forever.
What makes you hustle and empowers you in your career?
I have always had this innate gift to move. I rarely sit still. My patients empower me to do better, to help them with their challenges, their frustrations, their journey. Rare disease is challenging and many of my patients have cognitive impairments due to their disease. To see them flourish keeps me going; it always has. I have been a ball of energy since I can remember. I begged my parents to let me get a job as soon as I turned 14yo. They always said “Once you start working, you will never stop, just enjoy it”. I didn’t listen. My first job was as a hair salon secretary. I would walk there
after school. I made $5 per hour and I loved every second of it.
How do you balance work and life responsibilities, especially when you have a full time job, your own business, a family and are rescuing dogs?
Balance has always been something that I have struggled with. I am a “yes” girl. If there is a patient that needs to be seen in person, I am there. If there is an animal that needs photos to find a home, I am there. If one of my boys needs to go to the vet or just needs an extra snug, I am there. My husband is the one that actually keeps me grounded. He reminds me when I need to breathe, when I need to take a break and when I need a day to just be. I am also big into health and fitness so my “me time” is at the gym or walking my dogs. I pop in my airpods, throw on some Taylor Swift and take it all in.
Who inspires you to live your best life?
As mentioned before, I come from a big Italian family. I was, and still am, incredibly close with my grandmothers Alice Vinci and Carol Amalfi. We lost my nana Amalfi a few years back but I know she’s still cheering me on. I am very close with my parents. They have encouraged me to go to college, study abroad in Italy, travel, travel, travel. I’ve had incredible mentors, teachers, managers and friends throughout my time on this earth and I am lucky for that in so many ways. My husband is always telling me to “do you, babe”. I am supported by so many people and I can’t say how lucky I am for that.
of your family.
Lucius is and will always be my first. He was listed on Criagslist as a free lab/rottweiler puppy. He was only six weeks old. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing but he is my best first choice entering the rescue world ten years ago. Lu is incredibly smart and is more human than dog. He has been by my side, both literally and figuratively, since the day I got him. Maximus is my gorgeous amber-eyed hound-pit mix. He came from Jacksonville, NC at the age of about 2yo. He is very street smart and I guess he had to be after he was picked up as a homeless unclaimed stray. He is the biggest snuggler and our most fierce protector. Max is our cirus dog. He can jump 8ft into the air just to catch a ball! He is our most sensitive and most cautious of our four babies. Lucabear’s life started out extra rough. At the ripe age of 2yo, he was surrendered to the Jamestown Humane Society with a bullet in his shoulder.
He had been shot and abandoned. He was adopted out and lived a good life for many years. About five years ago, one of his owners passed away and his other owner was ill and elderly. Luca was loved but could not be cared for like he needed. Since he “loved being outside”, that is where he was kept but he was fed, A LOT, because that is one thing that his remaining owner could do to show him love. We have had him for one year, though there were times we weren’t so sure he would make it due to his health and he has not slept outside for more than a nice cat nap in the grass since the day he got here. He is feisty, lives to be sang to and pet all over his head and face. Bo is a sad story and one that I cannot dive into too deeply as authorities are still involved. He came from Upstate NY after his previous owners decided to rehome him as he needed “human connection”. Bo was living outside in a shed. He was severly emaciated and had unbelievable inexcusable infections in his ears, face, snout and eyes. He was neglected more severely than I have ever seen but he is doing great. He has gained 29lbs since we got him two months ago. All of his infections have cleared up, minus his ears. His ears are very bad to the point that he may need to have his ear canal removed due to persistent years of infection. He also has entropion so his eyelids are flipped under and are scratching his corneas.
That repair is coming up in just a few weeks. He is the best dog. He listens so well and is incredible with other animals. Bo has complied an army behind him, Brindle Posse Rescue, Inc and his original loving mother as well as her family and (now my) friends as well as hundreds of supporters and for that, we are forever thankful! He is safe and loved and will remain that way until his time is up on this earth; as are all of our boys.
Where do you see yourself a year from now? 3 years? 5 years?
Honestly, I hope too much doesn’t change in the next few years. We have had a lot of change with the pandemic and our household composition. If anything, I would love to be the goto rescue photographer for rescues. If I were the first to come to mind for a rescue when they needed to find a home for an animal, that would make me incredibly happy.
What made you decide to want to go on the journey to taking pet photos and working with Against All Oddz Animal Alliance?
To be honest, I didn’t know about Against All Oddz Animal Alliance until Vanessa was placed there. I had reached out to them, as I did with many many rescues in the Rochester and Buffalo area just to introduce myself and Lucabear and Friend’s Pet Photography. To pure luck, Matt and Kim responded to me and graciously agreed to let me come out to the sanctuary to photograph a few of their dogs. That’s where it all began!
What has been your biggest obstacle and your great success?
I think many rescues probably think Lucabear and Friend’s Pet Photography is too good to be true. Afterall, how many things in life are actually free? As time goes on, I hope that word of mouth and ongoing social media posts prove that my services for all animals in need of a home are actually free of cost and that it is simply a passion of mine to help find furever homes. I would love to grow my business even more! To date, since launching just six months ago, I have photographed 46 animals, horses and cats included and 32 have been adopted! I’d like to think that my photos helped find them homes and I believe the odds are in my favor!
What do you feel are some of your greatest strengths and assets?
I love deeply and believe greatly in all things good. I have always tried to speak up when I see something wrong. I’m the type of person to quickly jump in and help anyone in need. Some may describe me as a bleeding heart social worker and for that, they would be correct. Speaking up for those without a voice, the neglected, the mistreated, the unwanted; human and canine alike, has always been one of my biggest attributes. This is the main reason that I went into social work. There are simply just too many people (and animals) that need a support person, an advocate and a mentor to help get them onto the right path and that is simply my mission in life, in a nutshell.
What motivates you to work hard? Success!
I am a bit of a competitive person and I love to see people (and animals) succeed. Whether is is decreased phenylalanine levels or an animal find a furever home; it keeps me going. I strive to do right and to see others do well in their life.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
My most proud accomplishment is my family and of course, Lucabear and Friends. To see my boys flourish from neglect and abuse to healthy, happy, trusting, friendly beings makes me smile daily. My husband has a huge hand in this as he is my equal, my partner and he continues to give me the green light to bring home the toughest of cases. We are only five dogs in but I don’t see us stopping any time soon.
What is one thing you have done that not many people know about you?
I love to travel and so far, have been to nine countries and 35 states. I lived in Florence, Italy and took every opportunity to find my roots. I traveled to the church that my great grandmother was baptized in in Italy. I found my other great grandmother’s signature at Ellis Island. I have been to the Amalfi Coast three times and though I thought it was pretty spectacular to see your last name on everything being sold and advertised, the people there did not seem to care what my surname was ha!
What makes you laugh the most?
My husband Dave makes me laugh the most. He is constantly cracking jokes and takes everything with ease. He’s the best thing I’ve chose in my life.
Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?
Sadly, it is probably my phone. Staying connected to my family, my friends and my coworkers in important to me. I like to be on the up-in-up with what’s going on in the world and of course, in my circle. It’s my way of staying connected to the rescue world- constantly sharing animals in need of a home and of course, offering to do shoots!
Where will we see you in the future? I hope to continue on my current path. I hope to continue to support those with rare diseases. I hope to grow Lucabear and Friend’s Pet Photography to help more animals find their furever homes. I hope to welcome more rescues into our home with time. Four pets is a lot and I want to enjoy every second with them. When the time comes for them to cross the rainbow bridge, I can only hope that we are still in a position to open our homes and hearts to others in need of love because that is what every being deserves; a loving safe home where they are the priority and the focus. So for now, I will continue to do what I do best, advocate and do my best to help those less fortunate. It’s what I was put on this earth for and so far, it’s been an incredible journey!
{ SHIFT+CONTROL } “ If I were the first to come to mind for a rescue when they needed to find a home for an animal, that would make me incredibly happy.”
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{ SHIFT+CONTROL{ SHE HUSTLES TALKS{ SHE HUSTLES TALKS} }} THE WOMEN’S FITNESS CONNECTION
PHOTOS BY MURRAY YARAVITZ
Tell us a little about yourself and your new business.
I am a retired teacher and cheerleading coach with the Greece Central School District. I both taught and coached for 30 years and had much success as both a teacher and coach. I started as a Physical Education major in college and then switched majors with a focus in science. My love for fitness has been lifelong. After retiring from teaching I began getting various fitness certifications and licenses and worked at Rochester Athletic Club for women for 9 years before it closed in 2020. This resulted in me teaching virtually and then starting my own fitness business.
Where are you from? Tell us about where you grew up and your family.
I was born in Greece, NY. I attended Greece schools and then had my entire career in Greece. I am the youngest of seven children. My dad was a supervisor in Emulsion Coating at Kodak and my mom was a homemaker.
What makes you hustle and empowers you in your career?
“Success breeds success.” I have always been driven to succeed and have found success in many areas of my personal and professional life. Because I have experienced many high points along the way, I have been able to handle those bumps that invariably pop up in life. I don’t believe in luck. I believe that we make our own luck through hard work and dedication. I feel empowered because I refuse to back down from a challenge. I don’t look at some experiences I have had as failures. They have helped me to shape my decisions going forward from that point.
What made you decide to open a fitness business and why did you name it theWomens Fitness Connection?
When COVID hit, Rochester Athletic Club for Women had to close down temporarily. Some of us continued to stream classes for our members through Zoom or Facebook Live. As the date for reopening kept getting pushed, the harder it was for the clubs to hold on and finally in August of 2020, the ownership made the tough decision to close permanently. Members reached out to me to find somewhere that I could teach classes. I then contacted a friend of mine who owns a dance studio and began renting space in October of 2020 to teach all women classes. I talked a few of my RAC instructor friends to teach some classes as well and TWFC was born. I became an LLC and we operated at that studio until we began to see an increase of women wanting to join. We moved to our own location on June 1, 2021. I named the business TWFC, because I wanted to have a place where women can connect with others of like mind who want to have the ability to work out in a clean, safe, no judgement environment. For me, at this time in my life, I am taking a leap of faith that women want a place to go and we are seeing that to be true. I am trying to build a community, riffing off of what RAC was able to do but with a much smaller budget on my own.
Who inspires you to live your best life? My members inspire me everyday. Their energy and faith in our vision here at the studio keep me motivated to offer the
best possible experience for them. I am truly living the dream of owning my own business and contributing something to our community by offering a place to help women achieve their best life. students’ successes. I was honored as the district Teacher of the Year in 2007 and was in Who’s Who of American Teachers 5 times. writer, publishing several articles.
What are some of the services you provide to your clients? What is your favorite one and why?
We offer close to 30 fitness classes a week and starting soon we will be offering cycling classes as well. The fact that we can offer a variety of class options to get people motivated with outstanding instructors on board is my favorite thing.
What has been your biggest obstacle and your great success in your career?
My dad passed away on my 18th birthday, delaying my ability to start college right after high school. I needed to work for two years to put money away so that I could attend school. It took me seven years to be able to finish my degree, having to stop two years in to work again so that I could complete college. That taught me how important persistence is if you truly want to reach a goal. I have experienced many successes over my life in my careers. As a coach, my program was successful. My teams won 14 County titles,15 Sectional titles and two National titles along with over 50 local competition championships.
I was named the National Cheerleading Coach of the Year in 1996 and spoke at conferences across the country.
I was honored as a Section Coach of the Year 9 times.
I was named to the American Cheerleader Magazine’s Board of Advisors and became a contributing I was named Who’s Who in Cheerleading Coaches sponsored by American Cheerleader Magazine for 10 years.
I was inducted into the Greece Olympia Sports Hall of Fame in 1998 and my program was inducted into the same Hall of Fame in September of 2019.
I was given the Greece Athlete of the Year Lifetime Coaching Achievement Award in 2006.
I became the New York State Cheerleading Judges Association President in 2016-present
What do you feel are some of your greatest strengths and assets?
I will not give up. I am extremely goal oriented and have the ability to visualize and carry out plans. I am a strong leader and work hard to relate to others.
What motivates you to work hard?
I am self motivated. I am motivated to reach a goal and when I reach the goal, it motivates me to reach another goal.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to start their own business, especially in the health and wellness field?
Be sure that you have a clear vision and a good business plan. Don’t be afraid to reach out for guidance. Starting a business is not for the feint of heart. You must be prepared to take risks, both financially and personally. You must know your demographic, audience and what your location can support. Doing your homework is key. Chocolate
What do you have planned for the future?
My immediate plan is to establish this business solidly and see where we are in two years. If successful, perhaps expanding the business to either a larger facility or another location.
Why did you select this particular location for your business?
When I walked into the location, I immediately visualized what the space could be. It was bright, airy, and a perfect location with lots of traffic. There was a Dunkin’ Donuts in the plaza. And while that seems odd to be excited about a donut joint near a fitness studio, I knew that lots of eyes would be on my place when DD customers came calling. It is a great gathering place for the members after class as well.
Tell us one thing about yourself that noone else knows...
I am actually an introvert who pushes myself to be an extrovert. I have suffered with anxiety since I was a child as a result.
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DARK MOON ESSCENTUALS
Tell our audience a little about who you are, where you came from, and what your background is?
My name is Aly Vanderlinde and I was born and raised right here in Rochester. I graduated high school and immediately started into the workforce right after graduation. I became a single mom in 2000 and 2007 to two amazing boys! I think all mom’s say that right? lol In 2010 I became unemployed and with 2 young boys I didn’t have a lot of options, so I took advantage of an Unemployment program and went to college at MCC. They cut the program I was on that allowed me to attend college without having to return to work while attending school, so I was unable to continue college and went back into the workforce. I was hired at URMC and worked there until 2020 and lockdown happened.
What makes you hustle?
Besides being a single mom, my Dad taught me that you always work-two or three jobs if you have to get the things you want. I have this drive inside me that needs to see my business and myself succeed. To show my sons that you don’t have to do what the rest of the world says you have to. That they can do what they want and as long as they handle their business they can succeed. What their vision of success is.
How and what made you start your business Dark Moon Essentuals?
I used to swatch nail polish on social media for Indie nail polish brands. Sometimes I’d do 3 or 4 manis a day with polish, nail art-it was a whole thing. The more I did it, the drier my nails and cuticles got and so I found myself spending about $100 a month on nail oil. So I started researching nail oil recipes. I found a lot of recipes with oils that what I now know are “filler” oils (inexpensive oils that are used to keep a recipe cheap. Those oils didn’t
moisturize my nails and cuticles like I needed, not to mention they were greasy because of how “heavy” the oils are.
So I did more research and Cuticle Crack™ was born! And it was just downhill from there! I loved research ingredients for my Cuticle Crack™ and thought to myself “If I can make this why can’t I make other things?” and a year later Dark Moon Esscentuals was born!
How did you get to where you are today? What gives you strength?
How did I get to where I am today? Hmm, good question...When COVID hit and I lost my job, I decided I didn’t want anyone to be in control of my ability to earn an income but me. Whether is was working for minimum wage, and needing assistance because it wasn’t enough to support myself and my two boys. Or losing a job because someone has the power to fire you and wants to use it. That’s where my strength comes from. My boys, and wanting to be in control of my own destiny, my own fate, and if I fall on my face I am the only one I can blame!
What are some of the challenges you face regarding being a female
entrepreneur? For sure, I believe that women have a disadvantage when it comes to being an entrepreneur, just look at the statistics. But I don’t think that should hold a woman back. I find that finding other female entrepreneurs to look up to, or emulate, or learn from is a challenge for me. As well as imposter syndrome. That is one of my biggest challenges right now- trying not to talk myself out of going for it and keeping at it.
How have you pivoted in business over the past year?
The shutdown made me decide to be a full time small business owner and since
that has happened I have found myself making more product, and getting more orders. Business has more than doubled than in my first couple years of business- and most of it is word of mouth because I am not great with going on social media. I’m thrilled!
What motivates you and keeps you moving forward ?
My clients for sure! When I was a younger single mom, I stopped taking time for my skin, and time for myself. Being so busy working and raising the boys alone, I felt guilty for even thinking about taking a long bath, or putting on a facial mask. And that’s if I even found the time! My clients are the same. They’ve forgotten what Self Care and time to themselves is. Even if they aren’t parents, they are uber busy with jobs and responsibilities that keep them from thinking they have time for themselves.
I get emails and DM’s from my clients telling me what a difference my products have made to them, and I celebrate with them!
Where do you see yourself personally and professionally in the next 3-5 years?
Personally I see myself living in a beach house down South, where I can wake up to the sound of the surf every day! Professionally? I see my business expanding. My product line expanding. And most importantly, the number of women who are finding time for Self Care expanding. :) 1. Patience learning how to make all the little moving parts work. Even if you took business in college, it’s nothing like what I’ve learned and am learning since I started my own business.
2. If you have a support system, rely on them. Don’t try to be a hero and think that you have to do everything yourself-business, family, etc. If someone offers you time to yourself, take it and enjoy it!
And last but certainly not least, don’t fall prey to imposter syndrome. You deserve all the success you have!
What are some of the pros and cons of being a female entrepreneur, especially with social media?
I’m not quite sure as far as myself, I think that you are expected to “look” a certain way, act a certain way, etc. I see it slowly changing, but the other day I heard someone say “Wow! She’s heavy! I didn’t expect her to look like that!”. I’m not sure what heaviness has to do with what the person sells, or does on social media, but I’ve never heard it about a guy!
Do you have any helpful advice to someone interested in starting their own business/franchise?
Be patient and don’t compare yourself to others in your business or any other sort of business. It will only bring you down-unless you thrive on that sort of thing. Just do the best you can, work hard in whatever way you work best and you’ll do amazing things!
to change, add or subtract, what would it be ?
I would organize better before I started my business!
Tell us about one moment in your life that has had a lasting impression on you and formed who you are today.
Hmmm... well there were several. My dad and gram had the biggest impact on my life. Working no matter what. Two or three jobs if they had to. And that made the most difference, because no matter what I put my all into what I do. Especially into my company- Dark Moon Esscentuals.
Tell our audience one thing about yourself that not many others know.
I play Pokemon Go even though my boys don’t play it anymore! LOL
How do you balance work and life responsibilities?
It’s not easy. I guess because I don’t have much of a social life I can focus on the other things. But I make sure that I’m taking time for Self Care now. It’s very important to take care of ourselves, because if we don’t we can’t take care of those we love when we finally crash and burn!
What is your favorite part of your business and why?
Besides the formulating new products? My clients! I have a Facebook page- Dark Moon’s Luna-tics, and I’ve built up an amazing and very supportive community. I love knowing what’s going on in my clients’ lives. It’s not just about the selling of stuff. I love knowing what’s going on with them after they’ve gotten their products.
Who is someone that inspires you and why?
Rachel Rogers! I listened to her book We Should All Be Millionaires and I just got so inspired! She’s strong, she’s smart, and she stands up for those of us who don’t know how yet! I want to be a millionaire in 5 years, and to give back to other women in small businesses.
What inspired you to develop your idea?
When I was a kid I was told I couldn’t be who and what I wanted to be when I grew up. I watched others in my family have things I could only dream of. Go on vacations, and do things I wanted to. For years I listened to that negative voice in my head. Then when I developed Cuticle Crack™ and found people loved it, I decided I wasn’t going to let the past make my decisions anymore!
What was your strategy in starting your business?
It was awful! I made the product and then little by little pieced my business together. I’ve finally gotten it, almost, to where I want it to be.
What is your favorite product and why?
I’d have to say it’s a toss up between my Triple Whipped Body Butter and my Gawgeous Dahling (a gentle sugar facial scrub made with activated charcoal and Moroccan Red Clay that’s uh-mazing!)
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