SheSpark #GivingToWin
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Over-40 Emmy Nominees Regina King and Others Who Give A Damn!
Tito’s Handmade Vodka Shakes It Up for causes we love
When Business Meets
BRILLIANCE Round Up: Shop “Feel Good” Style & Beauty September 2016
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NOTE FROM THEA & AUDREY
We’ve all indulged in some “retail therapy” at one time or another. Shopping almost always makes you feel good! But did you know it can feel even better? In this month’s issue of She Spark we spotlight Ethical Commerce – or “Feel Good” shopping. For example, buying the perfect shade of red lipstick is always a little pickme-up. Knowing that I’m spending my money with a company that doesn’t test on animals makes me feel even better about my purchase. The trend of Ethical Commerce extends through the fashion industry, too. I’m happy knowing the dress I bought was made by a company that’s contributing to a worthy cause. Shopping the companies that are “Giving Back” makes shopping feel truly GOOD.
And you know what they say, “If it feels good, DO IT!” Cheers, Audrey & Thea
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ISSUE SEVEN Co-Editors-In-Chief
Audrey Stefanik, Thea Wood
Copy Editor
Colleen Sullivan
CONTRIBUTORS Amy Campbell Caytha Jentis Imogen Lamport Amy Lukken Jen Mathews Audrey Stefanik Thea Wood
SUPPORT SHESPARK FRIENDS Honey & Abernathy InsideOutStyle Lisa Joiner Quatro/Worth Passion Flower Beauty RMB Naturals Sarah Martin Bemrich Designs Simone France Tito’s Handmade Vodka Success On Fire Academy
COVER:
Actress, director, activist Regina King at the 67th Primetime Emmy Awards. Photo credit: Eric Jamison/Invision for Television Academy/AP Images.
SheSpark is published monthly by SheSpark, LLC., a publishing group dedicated to connecting over-40 women with emerging brands and experts in style, beauty, and wellness. Responsibility is not assumed for the opinions of writers, other articles, or advertisers. SheSpark does not endorse or guarantee the products and services it advertises. Copyright Š 2016 SheSpark, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this online publication may be duplicated or reproduced without permission from the publisher. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of information included in the magazine at the time of publication, the publisher shall not be liable for damages arising from errors or omissions.
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Can Help Fix The Fashion Industry’s Ethics Rep by Thea Wood (@Over40Style) We’re the generation that grew up on MTV, raised ourselves as latchkey kids in an era of Material Girl consumption, and turned our disaffected reputation into one of entrepreneurship and the strongest work ethic since World War II. In fact, sociologist Mike Males dubbed us “The True ‘Great Generation’” for surviving and reversing negative trends set by our predecessors. That’s why I truly believe that we, Gen X, can fix the fashion industry’s tarnished ethical reputation through thought leadership and innovation.
iStock.com/Vagengeym_Elena
Here are three ways we can do it (add your ideas to the comments section) … Buy a story, not a brand. Brands are status symbols that come and go. Stories are heirlooms we keep. Shop for a “feel good” conversation piece that reflects your (or the recipient’s) values. In the early 90s, I worked for a Native American jewelry store at the mall where all items were
handmade and supplied directly from Indian reservations. After hearing the tribe, the symbolism, and the history of a piece, women not only bought the jewelry, they came back for birthdays, weddings, and other life events. I still wear a fetish necklace purchased in 1992! Admittedly, these types of stories aren’t usually available at the local mall, but we have access to… READ MORE
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Handcrafted to be savored responsibly.
DISTILLED & BOTTLED BY FIFTH GENERATION INC. 40% ALC./VOL. © 2016 TITO’S HANDMADE VODKA.
THE “FEEL GOOD”
Round Up ZINK Jute tote $55
SOMA wedding flats $ 75 “Raspberry Tart” eye shadow Passion Flower $5
Sparrow earrings Honey & Abernathy $5
DETOX by RMB Naturals $16.95
CLICK the description to SHOP and support small business
Sustainable | Fair Trade | Cruelty Free | Hand Made
Crystal bracelet Sarah Martin Bemrich Designs $35 “Raspberry Tart” eye shadow Passion Flower $5
Fivey Necklace Honey & Abernathy $55
Kimono robes Brilliant Imports $215 and up Plant “cashmere” wrap ZINK $48
CLICK the description to SHOP and support small business
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The CHIEF Bunny
By Audrey Stefanik (@cremescometrue)
Talking Cruelty Free Cosmetics with Jen Mathews (@mybeautybunny) When looking for the best hair, skin, makeup, fashion, and other products NOT tested on animals, My Beauty Bunny™ is the ultimate resource. Founded by “Chief Bunny” Jen Mathews, this blog focuses on finding the best in beauty from companies that do not test on animals. Jen is a Cruelty Free Beauty Expert and the President of Top Tier Media, a social media and marketing agency. She’s been featured in People Style Watch, Refinery 29, HuffPost Live, Shape Magazine, Fab Fit Fun, GQ, and QVC. Bottom line: She knows her cruelty -free stuff. AUDREY: Have you always had a passion for animal rights? JEN: I've always been an animal lover, and I became an animal -rights advocate in college after seeing footage of animal tests online. I would post anti-animal testing posters all over the bulletin boards on campus and even enclose leaflets in my bills (that was before online banking)! AUDREY: From posters and leaflets to a successful blog with enormous reach! What was your goal when you started My Beauty Bunny? JEN: I wanted to start a beauty blog in 2009, and I knew I had to tie in my love for animals with my love for beauty products. I wanted a safe place where people could learn about cruelty free brands without being confronted with gruesome images of animal testing. I wanted to cater to a broad audience, and not upset those with soft hearts (like myself)! I’m positive that once you go cruelty-free you'll never go back! See the full My Beauty Bunny List of Cruelty Free Brands HERE
Is your favorite brand on it?
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Take the quiz for instant answers about your skin’s needs
20% off your order - Use code SHESPARK
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Over-40 Emmy Nominees ®
Winning On Camera
Giving A Damn off camera Over-40 women are in the spotlight with 41 Emmy nominations this year for their work in front of the camera. This is an incredible statistic that suggests the television industry is conquering Hollywood’s ageism stigma faster than the movie industry. These women are not only winning on camera, they’re also “giving to win” off camera. Actress/director Regina King notably called out the Television Academy in 2010 for the lack of diversity in nominations via the Huffington Post. She assumed she would never be nominated after it published. In 2015, King was not only nominated, she won an Emmy. “I think it is an example… Speak your mind eloquently, honestly, respectfully, and you still can win,” said King. King lives that mantra in supporting many causes. (cont’d next page)
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King actively promotes HIV/AIDS education to the Black community, especially girls, according to WebMD. She cohosts Black Girls Rock! on BET honoring African-American female trailblazers. King also did a series of PSA’s about Cancer and Careers for QVC and frequently attends charitable events. Miranda Howard and Regina King Photo by Danny Moloshok/Invision for the Television Academy/AP Images
Nominee Lena Headey plays a formidable foe as Cersei Lannister in Game Of Thrones, and she’s just as determined in our realm to support women’s causes like Plan UK, NOH8T Campaign, and International Rescue Committee. “We owe it to our sisters who have no voice, and no chance to be heard, to speak up,” wrote Headey in a guest blog for Plan International USA.
Lena Headey Photo by Danny Moloshok/Invision for the Television Academy/AP Images
Robin Wright’s activism dossier reads like a seasoned political player and business maven— much like the character she plays in the hit series House of Cards.
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Wright co-produced the documentary “When Elephants Fight” revealing technology companies’ exploitation of the Congo’s resources and people. She’s delivered petitions to the White House, partnered with the US. Ambassador to the United Nations, and met with policymakers in Washington. Wright recently took on Netflix demanding pay equal to her costar Kevin Spacey for her role in House Of Cards. And won.
Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright Photo by Danny Moloshok/Invision for the Television Academy/AP Images
Wright also teamed up with designer Karen Fowler to create Pour Les Femmes, a socially conscious sleepwear company that helps women in conflicted regions. See which causes your favorite over-40 Emmy nominees champion by visiting LookToTheStars.org and searching their names.
SEE A FULL LIST OF OVER-40 NOMINEES
68th Emmy® Nominations presented by the Television Academy on ABC September 18, 2016, 7PM ET
YOU’RE INVITED! RED CARPET PRE-PARTY WHERE: Twitter, follow #SheSparkChat WHEN: Sept. 18, 2016 6PM ET/5PM CT Winner predictions, favorite red carpet looks, and copper mug giveaways from Tito’s Handmade Vodka!
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The OTHER F Word: New Web Series Tackles Midlife Identity Crisis by Thea Wood (@Over40Style)
Post-puberty ages
starting with the letter “F” are categorically treated like a dirty word when it comes to women in Hollywood. They get fewer roles, have fewer scripted lines, and are often bypassed for a younger actress when casting a love interest for a middle-aged actor. Behind the scenes, Tinsel Town overwhelmingly skews toward male directors, writers, and producers. Even though women over 40 are the richest demographic who make the majority of household purchasing decisions (an advertiser’s dream audience), pitching a series or movie focused on midlife women continues to be a tough sell, as awardwinning filmmaker Caytha Jentis experienced first-hand.
Fortunately, technology and tenacity pave alternative roads to producing and broadcasting a show that doesn’t fit the current Hollywood formula. Caytha took matters into her own hands and created the new web series The Other F Word through her own independent production company Fox Meadow Films. TOFW is a dramady about midlife women trying to reinvent themselves during midlife crises in a modern #NoFear #NoRegrets spirit. “[I] discovered many websites, magazines and blogs write about mid-life and the associated dramatic changes— good, bad and ugly. It was clear we have a lot to talk about, and that our story is very different than previous generations,” says Caytha. Golden Girls this is not! (cont’d next page)
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Caytha created a grassroots marketing campaign by tapping into social media, bloggers, online magazines, and in-person networking with influencers. She secured sponsors and other funding through professional associates and donations; cast local (New York) actors,; and used a student crew and school equipment thanks to Fairleigh Dickinson University’s sponsorship. Caytha’s crew shot many scenes at the school and at her own apartment. The 8episode series is scheduled to start streaming on Amazon September 1, 2016. Overall, this is about as “indie” as it gets. Caytha took some time to share her passionate journey with SheSpark readers
“How many times have we seen movies/TV shows that deal with the male midlife crisis. Our time is due.” THEA: You’ve worked behind the scenes in Hollywood for a long time. What’s your take on Tinsel Town’s attitude toward shows about midlife women? CAYTHA: It’s no secret that ageism exists in Hollywood, but I was still blindsided by constantly being told that a show that deals with stories about women in their 40s & 50s was considered such a tough demographic, especially given our viewing habits & buying power. And seriously, how many times have we seen movies/TV shows that deal with the male midlife crisis. Our time is due. THEA: After The Other F Word was turned down by TV execs, you showed no fear and decided to write/direct/produce it on your own. What did family, friends, and colleagues say? CAYTHA: I actually got a lot of support & encouragement from L.A. film friends and my manager who believed in me and the project. Many who had read the script said,
“Find a way and prove them wrong!” I came home from LA and channeled my “no fear” philosophy, and knew I had to find a way to get it done with the highest production value and the lowest budget. Web series are the new frontier for stories to under-served audiences. The first sign was when the skydiving plane was donated. Then a local university provided equipment, student crew, & locations. Also, the cast who really believed in the project worked for below their normal rate. THEA: You could have easily churned out a drama but took the comedic route with the script and characters. This seems like a higher risk. Why? CAYTHA: Perhaps… but that’s my voice, and I needed to stay true to it…. Also, you’ll see that while it’s comedic, the show has its share of drama. In the end, I wanted the show to be relatable, honest, and entertaining. READ MORE
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12 Things You Can Learn From ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS by Imogen Lamport (@ImogenLamport) With the new Absolutely Fabulous movie and some eye-scorching fashions revealed in it I thought I’d take a look at what you can learn from the wardrobes of Edina, Patsy and Saffy.
Sometimes splitting up a matching set and wearing them apart is all you need. You definitely don’t need to match your eyeshadow to the color of your outfit! Just because it comes with matching accessories doesn’t mean you have to buy them.
Absolutely Fabulous is a great example of just how much what you wear tells the world so much about who you are, what you believe, your lifestyle and values. Sure it’s OTT, but we can all get a tip or two from this fab bunch! 1. Not everything has to match. You don’t have to buy the matching set, or wear it all together, all the time.
2. Oversize clothes won’t make you look slimmer. Big and baggy and lots of volume will add a lot of weight to your frame. Just because they’re in fashion, doesn’t mean you need to wear them. 3. Chunky Clothes, Textures and Shoes Just Make You Look Chunky. If you’d describe an item as chunky it will add weight and chunk to your frame. READ MORE
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Eddy: “Sweetie what are you drinking?” Patsy: “Oh this? Chanel No. 5.”
CLICK FOR MORE ABFAB QUOTES
EIGHT BEST RITUALS TO GO FROM FAKING IT TO MAKING IT
FROM FAKING IT, XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX TO MAKING IT 1. The Breathing Ritual
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (WITHOUT THE OVERWHELM, DRAMA OR SHAME) XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Create a simple automatic ritual by setting the alarm on your phone or computer so that when you hear it you remember to breathe. Here’s the catch. Make sure to breathe all the way down to your vagina. READ WHY HERE 2. The Recognition Ritual
Frustrated? Raging? Anxious? Overwhelmed? Worried? Doubting? Helpless? Jealous? Stop. Your thoughts and feelings are speaking to you - they tell you what’s really going on underneath your rational mind. The Psychology of success shows that when you recognize what's under the emotion - perspective changes. 3. The Re-frame Ritual
Stuck in the negative narrative of “I can’t”, “It’s not enough”, “It’ll never work"? You need a simple re-frame ritual where you begin to recognize the negative and transform it into a positive. The easiest way to do is is by simply asking the question, "What do... Continue reading here > .
By Andrea Carter, CEO & Chief Visionary for Wealthy Woman Warrior™ & Success On Fire Academy™ @AndreaCarterINC
Can I share a secret with you? Underneath my Diane Von Furstenberg jacket, my Stuart Weitzman wedges and my Michael Kors handbag… underneath my smile, the sparkle in my eyes and the carefully articulated words, underneath my degrees, achievements, and accolades …. I'm a disaster! I’m falling apart at the seams and no one knows it – I'm secretly faking it - ALL OF IT – and if I don’t find a lifeline now, I don’t know what I’m going to do! Can you relate?
For nearly 20 years, I’ve researched, trained and coached women who come to me with this similar story and it was once mine as well. Change the clothes, the shapes, and the styles but underneath it all – faking it has become the norm not the exception and it’s costing women a hefty price tag. The science of success proves that with simple rituals, life can be fulfilling, passionate and rewarding, without the overwhelm, drama or shame. Read all eight rituals here >
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3 To Follow! WHO: Trusted Clothes WHAT: Leading the “feel good” cause WHERE: TrustedClothes.com Trusted Clothes’ designer and expert interviews will introduce you to the future of fashion. Trusted Clothes is an organization dedicated to closing the gap between conscious consumers and retailers, brands and manufactures who provide sustainable, ethical and healthy alternatives to mainstream fashion.
WHO: My Beauty Bunny ™ WHAT: Beauty, lifestyle, fashion blog WHERE: MyBeautyBunny.com Jen Mathews heads this award-winning blog dedicated to finding the best hair, skin, makeup, fashion, accessories and other products NOT tested on animals. (See interview on page 8.)
WHO: Our Skin Cares WHAT: Anti-aging skincare WHERE: Facebook.com/OurSkinCares More than a skincare company, Our Skin Cares helps to eradicate child hunger worldwide while posting the latest news about anti-aging products/lifestyles.
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When Business Meets
BRILLIANCE by Thea Wood (@Over40Style)
You have to admire a woman who leaves a successful corporate career to venture into entrepreneurial waters. It requires risk assessment, industry research, true passion, and serious guts. Amy Campbell of Austin, Texas, left a stressful job as a wealth advisor to start Brilliant Imports— a home and fashion accessories importing company with a mission to bring exotic luxury to the mainstream. Amy’s passion for travel and the unique treasures she finds along the way sparked the idea of starting an imports company. In 2012, her vision became a reality and she soon left her corporate career to be a full-time importer. Amy’s a prime example of Generation X women using sustainable and ethical commerce to improve the way we consume (see Gen X article on page 4). SheSpark asked Amy about her business journey. THEA: You worked as a broker and wealth advisor for national and top 10 investment firms your entire career. Why did you leave the financial world and start an import business? AMY: After 16 successful years full of intensely hard, stressful work in the financial services industry, I thought, “Is this where you want to be in 20-years?” The answer was clear. I had a pull toward stepping into and igniting my creative side. I believe that when one doesn’t follow their cosmic path, life can become a struggle and I was feeling that with finance. I was reaching burnout. That is NOT to say that things with Brilliant Imports have been easy, however, following your passion is important and makes me feel alive. THEA: You did a lot of research before choosing Bali as your first foreign supplier. What made the Balinese stand out? READ MORE
Amy Campbell Balinese artisans
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Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Shaking It Up For Causes We Love
It’s no secret that SheSpark is a big fan of Tito’s Handmade Vodka. In fact, Audrey and Thea have sipped this delightful spirit together ever since their first Twitter chat in early 2015. Beyond, the award-winning, gluten-free, zero-carb attraction, there’s more to this distiller than meets the palette. From matching donations (up to $25,000) for Orlando mass shooting victims to rescuing local dogs— two live at the distillery full time— Bert “Tito” Beveridge makes altruism his business. “Joyologist” Amy Lukken (in charge of spreading JOY through philanthrophy) gave us the skinny on what this industry leader is doing to help make the world a better place to live and drink.
SS: Tell us about Tito’s “Line Down The Middle” story. AMY: It started with a motivational speaker on late night TV. His words inspired Tito to draw a line down the middle of a piece of paper listing all the things he's good at on the left side and all the things he loved to do on the right. This exercise helped Tito discover the intersection of his true passions and talents, and led to a major turning point in his life.
Joyologist Amy Lukken
He combined his science and engineering background, his love of people and social interactions, and his hobby of infusing vodka for friends and started to perfect the world's greatest vodka! (cont’d on next page)
“Tito has been inspired by the positive and powerful impact women have had in business…” SS: Tito considered women’s tastes from the beginning in formulating his vodka, right? AMY: Yes, and in fact Tito initially set out to make flavored vodkas. When he asked a friend who ran a liquor store what flavors he should start with, his friend advised against flavored vodka altogether. Instead, Tito should make a vodka so smooth a woman could drink it straight out of the bottle. So you could certainly say that women’s tastes were in Tito’s mind from the very beginning. SS: How many charity events has Tito’s Handmade Vodka supported in the past year? AMY: In 2015, Tito’s Handmade Vodka supported over 5,000 charity events nationally. This year we’ve already added 1,500 to that number and have expanded to support events and causes around the world. SS: Why is Tito’s Handmade Vodka a big supporter of women’s causes like SheSpark? AMY: Women have always played a major role in Tito's life. His first mentor was a woman from San Antonio named Carolyn Nelson who started giving him great business and everyday life advice when he was only 14 years old. To this day, Tito still calls Mrs. Nelson for advice (who is a young 81 years by the way).
Tito has been inspired by the positive and powerful impact women have had in business, and all areas of society. Because of this, he recognizes the importance of developing and nurturing organizations like SheSpark to create positive change in the world. SS: What’s your favorite Tito’s Handmade Vodka story? AMY: In the early days, when Tito was still fighting to make ends meet and turn his dream into a reality, he worked by himself around the clock at the distillery. One day he decided to scrap an entire batch of vodka because it didn't meet his quality standards, costing his family one month’s salary. Even when times were tight, he never compromised on quality. Tito still holds himself, his product, and his company to these same high standards today.
Do You Know Your TV Trivia? Follow #SheSparkChat on September 18 at 6pm ET, 5pm CT for a chance to win trivia prizes from Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
IT TAKES A TEAM
“From our first phone call to the amazing social build up on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, to the SheSparkChat, the ladies went above and beyond our expectations. Not only are Audrey and Thea smart and savvy social media mavens, they are a pleasure to work with.”
— Jan Craige Singer, Co-founder Konenkii At SheSpark we’re committed to providing affordable advertising and engaging content curation for rising stars in style, beauty, and wellness that cater to midlife women’s needs. We go beyond a simple display ad. We also: *Promote each page of the magazine for premium value on any page* *Retweet, share, and follow your social media to increase your reach* *Assist in designing ads that are engaging and result in clicks to your web site* Bloggers email: audrey@shespark.com
Brands email: thea@shespark.com