Create Wealth by Unleashing Passion by The Perpetual You

The MARCH 2016 | Series No. 2, Issue No. 4

wealth Issue

Unleash the Business of Passion with Randi Bayne & Yolanda Vasquez

ALSO

Achieve Bliss • Create Your {Work Space} • Find Your Calling

I N THI S I S S U E

Create

wealth

by Unleashing Passion

realize

Unearth the passionate parts of yourself–your essence, your dreams, and your inner desires. Choose sprinkles, fabulous accessories, T H I S M O N T H ’ S COV E R : and a sensual cocktail. Spring for fresh insight and Unleash some candle-making a new perspective. love! Randi Bayne & Yolanda Collaborate with Vazquez share their boldest others. Be the intentions and biggest dreams heroine of your in a passionate conversation own life.

about the business of making candles.

dwell

Uncover the collections in your home: ornamental or utilitarian; necessary or frivolous; beloved or purely incidental. Gift yourself a sacred space worthy of the life you’ve chosen—the life in which you pursue your passions.

T HE PERPETUA L YOU

live

Untether your beliefs about vulnerability, generosity, and recklessness. Claim the time and space you need to be who you want to be. Discover the wealth that results from prioritizing your needs, abandoning your inhibition, and opening up your soul to the world.

T H E P E RP E TUAL YOU VI S I ON

The Perpetual You is a movement in which women are encouraged to love and share who they already are. We believe in choosing, embracing, celebrating, and unleashing the best parts of ourselves-the parts that never change-our Perpetual Selves.

Welcome T H E P E RP E TUAL YOU TE AM

LaKay Cornell

Lee Lee Thompson

Jessie Leiber

Co-founder & Editor of all things people-related

Co-Founder & Editor of all things words-related

Editor of all things design-related

LaKay is a true believer in consciously orchestrating your life. She is a lover of people, networking, champagne, the world of self-actualization and social media. She can frequently be found enjoying craft beer and introducing friends to things they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know they needed. See what she's up to at lakaycornell.com.

The lee lee is a mother by choice, writer by trade, and designer by heart. She loves shopping, drinking, redecorating, and traveling. She keeps busy trying to do all of this while remaining true to her thrifty roots. Her online personalities include @leeleeinp and @boyswholovepink.

Jessie is a multi-disciplinary designer & art director striving to make her world more pixel perfect. When not staring at computer screens, she can be found singing (loudly) in her car or compulsively buying striped shirts. You can stalk her on Instagram @jessieleiber or work with her via createlittlelegends.com.

T H E W E A LT H I S S U E

T H E P E RP E TUAL YOU MAKE RS

The Perpetual You wouldn't be possible without the help of our amazing team of volunteers. We would love to take this opportunity to introduce them to you.

Sarah S. Kirsten Graphic Design Kirsten Eike is a creative entrepreneur with a love for food, photography, and design. When she's not curling hair for her bridal clients, she spends time dabbling in hand lettering, food photography, and yoga. She is a true homebody and enjoys relaxing with a glass of wine and a good movie. You can peruse her lifestyle photos on Instagram or her beautiful hair styles @kirstenmariedesignllc.

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Editing & Proofreading

Krystal

Sarah Sandidge can often be found reading a book. When she’s not reading for fun, she’s reading for work as a freelance editor, which is also fun. Her love for language, cultures and sociology makes people fascinating to her even though she’s a bit of an introvert, albeit a chatty one. When she isn’t glued to a written sentence, she is spending time with her family—mostly taking care of her two beautiful children— somewhere in the heart of Missouri. See how cute they are on Instagram @LulainLondon.

Mantra Krystal Brandt, Authenticity Coach, is a soulful, sensual siren who lovingly and powerfully guides highachieving women back to their innermost desires by reintroducing them to their own intuitive whispers of wisdom. She brings a provocative, feminine and powerful edge to creating deeply connective experiences where vulnerability is invited, divisive walls come down and your truest self comes out to play.

P.K. Editing & Proofreading Our resident proofreader, P.K. McGill can typically be found on her back patio—enjoying a cocktail, talking with friends, yelling at her puppies, cavorting with her husband—or all of the above. Her better-known alias is Nani: she has four amazing, smart, & talented grandchildren, who all take after her. Connect with her on Facebook.

Share your Passion Kristyn Photography Kristyn Miller believes good ice cream solves most problems and sunshine makes everything better. She loves to capture what's realâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the messy, lovely, magical, ordinary stuff of her client's lives - the goodness that really matters. She hangs out in Southeast CT with her own messy, lovely, funny familyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; husband Brian, wild & sweet son Miles, three dogs, and a horse named Joshua. Connect with her at kristynmiller.com.

Jazelle Photography Jazell's Artistry inspires creative entrepreneurs to strengthen their brand by finding power and beauty on and off camera. You can find more of her work at JazellesArtistry.com or on Instagram and Twitter as @JazelleArtistry.

Jennifer Photography Jennifer Wenzel is a wedding and lifestyle photographer in the nation's oldest city, St. Augustine, Florida. She never leaves the house without her camera, because beauty is all around waiting to be found! You can connect with her on Instagram @jenwenzelphoto or hop over to her website.

The Perpetual You is a place where creatives and coaches can come together to showcase their work and be part of a movement designed to shake up the world.

Interested in adding your talents to the mix? Email us.

Deb

Walker Sisters

Photography

Maya

Deborahhannah Neele has been traveling the globe since birth. As a result of growing up internationally and move countries every two years, wanderng has become her norm. She picked up photography out of gratitude for her crazy life. She lives in the Midwest, but since her bags are always packed, she may be across the ocean by next week. You can follow her on Instagram: @debneele.

Amy and Kay Walker traverse New England and beyond chasing sunsets, circling crowded dance floors, capturing tears and laughter, all in the pursuit of preserving stories of love, friendship, and family. You'll find a camera around Kay's neck, a paintbrush in Amy's hand, and joy on both their faces as they do what they love best. See some of their work online and connect with them at @walkerstudiosllc.

Cover Story Photography Maya, of MOJALVO, is a cinematographer and photographer, capturing moments in hopes of telling rich stories of the world around her. Most days you can find her behind the camera lens, but she also enjoys snuggling with a big mug of coffee, baking something paleo, or exploring the northeast. See her work at mojalvo.com or on IG @mojalvo.

T H E W E A LT H I S S U E

WE L COME

“I am my best work.”

- Audre Lorde

Celebrate passionate music by listening to this month's Spotify mix.

urating this issue has allowed me to spend time reflecting on my own passions. I am unapologetically passionate about being Emma’s mother. Being completely and 100% myself with her and encouraging her to do the same has brought me a wealth of unconditional love. I am also crazy passionate about personal development and spirituality. As a perpetual extrovert, there are very few things that I do alone. The energy of others propels me. But, in January, I went to see Gabrielle Bernstein speak in New York. Alone. I drove alone. I waited in line alone. I sat alone. And I walked up to her and cried and hugged her alone. I realized that there are some things totally worth stepping out of your comfort zone for–things you are truly passionate about. Connecting the wonder of The Perpetual You with 700 women readers, 30 women collaborators, and countless artisans and makers world-wide–this has brought me more wealth than I could have ever imagined. My heart is constantly full, and I am eternally grateful for this experience. What we focus on, we bring more of into our lives. Because I want more of that feeling–that constantly full feeling from connecting with these Superstar Women around the globe–I am transitioning my role with The Perpetual You to focus on Community Building. I am officially handing over the reigns to my sister, and co-founder, The lee lee, who, as it turns out, is passionate about running a magazine!

Join the Movement.

Thank you for taking this journey with me. I hope the first eight issues helped you find your own passions and explore the wealth that comes from being exactly who you are.

realize to align your daily practices with your

ever-evolving desires

Passion Challenge Our 7-day challenge starts Monday, March 14th. For more details, join The Perpetual You Society on Facebook.

Unleash

Self-Discovery

T HE PERPETUA L YOU

REALIZE

Passion is the most compelling and irresistible emotion there is. — Bernadette Jiwa

To achieve bliss, I must choose to live passionately.

n the summer of 2014, something was awakened inside of me. One warm and ominous Thursday evening, I came home from work to find my longterm partner of six years standing in front of me, bag in hand, explaining that he was leaving. Fifteen minutes later, my ex-partner, one duffle bag, and the life I had been living for six years were gone. In that moment, I received the greatest gift: freedom. Events over the next several weeks would change the course of my life. During this time of upheaval, I embarked on countless days and nights of selfreflection. You know the kind—intense, “my life has been turned upside down,” deep soul-searching reflection. Where, in the past, fear would have kept me from this level of reflection, I recognized this as the time to go for it. What a luxury raw, real reflection is. What I discovered was painful, but true: I had no clue who I was anymore. Who was this stranger staring back at me in the mirror? After living years alongside someone whose favorite pastime was being critical of others—including me—I had learned to protect myself by going with the flow, not rocking the boat, and keeping quiet about my innermost yearnings and desires. By protecting myself, I had lost myself.

Thus began the journey to get to know myself again. Who did I want to be and what did I want? More importantly, what did I deserve from my life? Rewriting my story was difficult at first. Even the most mundane facts were a challenge to define. For me to even think about what I loved to do, what I loved to eat, what made me happy, what brought me joy was hard; never mind what made me feel passionate. Then it hit me; my life had become passionless. The thing that was holding me back? Fear. I had been afraid for a very long time. Afraid to admit that the life I had been living was not one that brought me joy or encouraged passion. Afraid to take chances. Afraid to show my true self. Afraid to express myself and my desires. Afraid to admit to myself what I really craved in life. Afraid to go after joy, to want wealth, to accept ease, to have fun. When I got real with myself and confronted my fears, I opened up to my passion. Discovering my passion meant making a conscious decision to let my heart lead me. Following my passion allowed me to live life more fully and more authentically. continued on next page

T H E W E A LT H I S S U E

Start Today Fast forward 18 months. I moved out of an apartment that did not bring me peace, and now live in a beautiful space that inspires and grounds me. I traded a job that was no longer challenging me for one that allows me space and freedom. I left behind that stranger I had become and became instead the woman who was healthy and brave enough to recognize the love of her life when she saw him. (I am now happily, passionately, and joyfully married!) I am madly in love with my life and myself. Through this wild journey—from loss of fear to a wealth of love—I have learned that following passion is the way to a full, authentic life. How would following your passion impact you?

Katie Rose Lynch, LICSW is a professional mindset coach + psychotherapist and a semi-professional newbie wife. Katie Rose brings compassion, humor, love, and a contagious positive attitude to all of her work and is committed to moving women confidently in the direction of their goals. Katie Rose is also rumored to be an avid baker, and blissfully recovering perfectionist, who really believes that there isn’t any problem a hot cup of tea and a nice long nap can’t solve. Connect with her at KatieRoseLynch.com.

T HE PERPETUA L YOU

To live a full, authentic life, you must first discover, embrace, and accept what brings you passion.

Relive a Moment. Think about the last time you were doing something that brought you complete joy. Maybe this was a special vacation, a lunch with a good friend, playing with your pet or your child. What about this brought you complete joy? Pick a date on which you will repeat this experience. 

Release the Fear. In order to unleash our authentic selves, we have to release our fears. What are you most afraid of? Failure? Ridicule? Embarrassment? Write down your biggest fear and, if you know it, the origin of this fear. Note how this fear holds you back from enjoying your life. Release the power this fear has over you by taking a red pen or marker and striking it out.

Rewrite your Story. We all have a story we tell ourselves and others about our lives. What are the themes in yours? Given the chance to rewrite this story, what would you change? Pick one thing you'd like to change, and an action you can take to bring about that change.

Passionate about reading? Follow our Books To Read Board on Pinterest for monthly suggestions.

unleash

Passion-Fueled Stories

The Glitter Plan

If I Could Turn Back Time

Evelina

by Pamela Skaist-Levy & Gela Nash Taylor, Pub 2014

by Beth Harbison, Pub 2015

by Francis Burney, Pub 1778

The question posed in If I Could Turn Back Time is as relatable to the modern woman as that third cup of coffee: What would you want out of life if you had the chance to live it differently? This crisis-turnedlesson story is both sweet, cautionary, and told with flair. Ramieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creamy story leads us down two rabbit holes: one chasing money; the other chasing passion. This journey through time gives us the delicious opportunity to ponder the dreams of our younger selves, all the while pouring fresh excitement into our cups. Learning what she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pay attention to the first time around, Ramie discovers some hard truths about living in the moment, finding wealth, and giving all you have to starry-eyed possibilities.

Rumored to have been an inspiration for Jane Austen, this epistolary novel follows a young woman dreaming, scheming, and becoming. She is one we can all learn from and laugh with. In this comical, classic, and often overlooked book, Evelina must learn to handle herself in a sea of people with their own interests and agendas. She desires to be fully alive and in the world, never a simple by-stander. Filled with energy, and characters as interesting as they are festooned, Evelina is all about the joys of dream chasing, whether you stride strongly down the path, or tumble all the way; reading it is a passionate reminder that the only way to know anything for sure is to go out into the world and find out.

Who better to beckon the warmer months of renewal than the ever evolving fashion-preneurs, Pamela Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash Taylor of Juicy Couture fame? In their book, The Glitter Plan, these two business mavens share their journey from a $200 investment, to a $50 million business. Whether or not you would walk around with the word Juicy on your rear, any aspiring passion seeker will appreciate the empire-building revelations shared in this business guidebook. The authors welcome us into their lives before fame and fortune, into a more relatable world of trying, failing, and working like crazy. Their vulnerability illustrates that passion, when correctly harnessed, will lead you everywhere.

Radically committed to magical mornings - Micayla is a wordsmith, entrepreneur, and mindset enthusiast living out a decidedly different post-secondary path while eating wholesome plants, drinking black coffee, hyper-organizing her days, and staying up too late working on poems. Lots more online and tweeting cheer from @Micayla_Vranic. T H E W E A LT H I S S U E

REALIZE

Unleash the

T HE PERPETUA L YOU

Sprinkles

Keep up to date with our recipe suggestions— past and present—by following us on Pinterest!

Find something you are passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it. — Julia Child

ot too long after Whisk + Brush owners, Becca Bryan and Betsy Arroyo, perfected their doughnut recipe “just for fun,” they were asked to make a snack food for the weekly Black Rock Farmers Market. They took their doughnuts, aka “sugary, heavenly clouds,” and have sold out every summer weekend since. Enjoying the companionship as much as the work, Becca and Betsy agree that the best part of this job is “having that deep, unshakable love for this (somewhat) silly endeavor.” They don’t even complain about getting up “at the crack of dawn” despite the fact they aren’t either one a morning person. That’s when you know you’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing. Neither partner expected this business of doughnuts to take off so fast. In fact, they’re currently trying to play catch up and establish this newfound and unexpectedly popular business in the way it deserves, from solidifying their name, to branding the product, and deciding where and to whom they should market. Their advice on pursuing your passion? Being “clear about your passion and the path in front of you” results in a joyous adventure; the highs are “greater than any snags along the way.” In other words, Go For It!

Sarah Sandidge can often be found reading a book. When she’s not reading for fun, she’s reading for work as a freelance editor, which is also fun. Her love for language, cultures and sociology makes people fascinating to her even though she’s a bit of an introvert, albeit a chatty one. When she isn’t glued to a written sentence, she is spending time with her family—mostly taking care of her two beautiful children—somewhere in the heart of Missouri. See how cute they are on Instagram @LulainLondon.

T H E W E A LT H IS S U E

Order Your Kit Use the code below* to get 10% off your next Crafted Taste cocktail kit. A PASSI O NATE , I NFATUATI NG COC KTAI L

Kat Rudburg, founder of Crafted Taste, shares the cocktail kit that started it all: the Juliet & Romeo.

The Juliet & Romeo cocktail appropriately calls to mind a late evening tryst in a garden. Created by mixologist Toby Maloney of The Violet Hour in Chicago, this alluring cocktail pairs Uncle Val’s Restorative Gin with the crisp flavors of muddled mint, lime, and cucumber. A splash of Angostura Bitters and authentic rosewater adds sensual depth. This cocktail kit is one that I’m most passionate about because it was one of the first kits I created when I started my business, Crafted Taste. The passion to start my own business, the courage it took to go out on my own, and the success I’ve garnered as a result are all encapsulated in our Juliet & Romeo cocktail kit.

Use coupon code PerpetualCraftedPASSION0116 for 10% off your order from Crafted Taste.

T HE PERPETUA L YOU

To fall absolutely in love with this perfectly-balanced, refreshing cocktail, you need only be a woman ready to follow a dream of her own.

Unleash

a New

Perspective

The increasingly warm temperatures of March are a gift not to be squandered. Avail yourself of any opportunity to be outside this month. Take 15 minute breathers and walk around the block, or schedule your next brainstorming session over a picnic lunch outdoors. Let nature inspire you: a change of scenery will bring a wealth of new thoughts, new ideas, and new perspectives. Unearth your passion and let your ideas take root. T H E E A S E IS S U E

Keep up to date with all of our carefully curated products by following us on Pinterest!

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T HE PERPETUA L YOU

unleash

for local fare

Hartford Prints!, an urban goods brand, showcases everything we love about local makers: heart, soul, and #ladyboss togetherness.

Featured Apparel from Hartford Prints!:

Steady Habits USA Tee ($32, buy it) Hartford Handsome Onesie ($24, buy it) New York, New Haven, Hartford Baseball Tee

($45, buy it)

2 | Guilt Free Getaway from Sabita Teas ($7, buy it)

3 | Small State Big Heart™ Tote from Hartford Prints! ($24, buy it)

4 | Alpaca Beanie from Peterson Sweater Co. ($38, buy it)

5 | Fabric Button Stud Earrings from Milo and Molly ($10, buy it)

6 | Sweet Fennel + Tarragon Soap from Treefort Naturals ($6, buy it)

7 | Love Hartford Sticker from Hartford Prints! ($6, buy it)

8 | New York City Map Notebook

Run by three sisters—Addie Gale, Callie Heilmann, and Rory Gale— since 2012, Hartford Prints! is focused on and supported by “small business” love. In addition to offering their own letterpress goods, their flagship store features handmade and homegrown products by New England makers. If you love their local fare as much as we do, visit hartfordprints.com or shop the product links on this page.

from Hartford Prints! ($30, buy it)

9 | Blueberry Blossom Honey from Red Bee ($14, buy it)

10 | Sexy Time Briefs Card from Hartford Prints! ($5, buy it)

11 | Apple Red Lip Glaze from Glory Boon ($9.99, buy it)

Get Featured The Perpetual You is thrilled to have collaborated with Hartford Prints! on our March products spread. To have your products or shop featured, send us a note!

T H E W E A LT H I S S U E

REALIZE

Unleash your

Wildest Dreams Why do we wait for a precise moment? Why can't that moment be now?

isions of possibility and expectation are wonderful and motivating, but they aren't tangible. There is no “perfect moment by way of great timing.” Fate is not something we can depend on. Go big and create the consequence of action yourself! Instead of just imagining it, take the first step. Stand-up, move forward, create your change. What is the next step? What do you we need to do to bring your dreams to fruition? Commit to delving deeper. Rather than asking yourself what could be, tell yourself what will be. These things do not happen overnight, but a change will not happen at all if you stay in the same place and do nothing. The shift could be small. Perhaps there is a hobby you have been wanting to try. What tools, supplies or space do you need to make it reality? Make a list of those things and start checking it off. Maybe you have been contemplating a career change. Ask yourself the tough questions. Like, “Is this something I CAN do?” and “Where do I begin?” Inspiration boards, journals and daydreams are a place to start. Stepping stones for actual change, they are lovely, safe beginnings. Planning gives us hope and helps us shift our perceptions of what may be, to what will be. Will you fail? There is definitely that chance. There is also the likelihood that you will succeed beyond your

T HE PERPETUA L YOU

wildest dreams! Only when you take the risk will you experience the outcome. Give this moment all you've got—If we want to be truly adventurous in our daily lives, we have to live with no regrets. Stop being so gentle with your dreams. No more boxing them up and saving them for another time. Let the light into all of your possibilities. Get dirty. Get messy. Be curious...and follow through. Live brightly and fully. Unleash the autonomy of your passions into the world. Authenticate the unknown. When you step into the fear and release what's holding you back, you're allowing the journey to unfold, to begin.

Summer is always enjoying the journey and making the most of the everyday moments. She is the wearer of many colorful hats; a yogi, mom, wife, writer and marketing & education coordinator in the Florida Keys. She is also the lover of really great red wine. You can follow her island life adventures on Facebook, and Instagram @airabess or #findingmywaylivingthisdream.

You must not only exist in the world, live life. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Lailah Gifty Akita

Try This at Home Have you wanted to skydive? You don't have to do it alone, unless you want to. Take a friend. Of course you can't just JUMP OUT OF A PLANE. But there are guides you can talk to. Find out what steps you need to take and get started.

What's your destination dream? Start packing for the road trip of a lifetime. Create a new space (boat, tiny house, yurt) to call home. Live outside the box for a whileâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;discover a new part of yourself.

Has your hobby become your passion? Parlay it into a career or a profitable side hustle. Make the plans. Set things in motion. Research business plans, or call a fellow entrepreneur and pick her brain. T H E W E A LT H IS S U E

REALIZE

Leigh’s DIY lip scrub: add 1-2 drops of peppermint oil to equal parts brown sugar, honey, and olive oil. Easy as pie!

Unleash

your Healthy Skin @AC COR D IN G 2 J E WLS

“A daily ritual is a way of saying I’m voting for myself. I’m taking care of myself.” - Mariel Hemingway

hether you’re a board room maven or a #ladyboss doing her thing, there’s one thing we all have in common: we want healthy skin. Oh, and we don’t have much free time to make that happen. The fastest way to glowing skin is to exfoliate on a regular basis. Fortunately, incorporating exfoliating into your weekly routine isn’t as hard as it sounds. To make it easy on yourself, keep a face and body scrub in the shower. Use them twice a week in place of regular cleansers. Dry brushing, which improves circulation and rids your body of dead skin cells, can easily be done in place of your morning cleanse once a week.

T HE PERPETUA L YOU

Passionate Beauty

Follow our 3-step exfoliating routine and you’ll be ready for anything!

Prepare Yourself. Accessories can make all the difference in your exfoliating routine. Dry brushing can be done before you shower or bathe, or you can use exfoliating gloves to quickly slough your skin while in the shower. Choose a brush with natural bristles and a long handle.* Start at your feet and move up toward your heart. * Leigh recommends… Polishing Body Brush by Aromatherapy Associates or Your Exfoliating Gloves by Daily Concepts.

Pamper Yourself. Exfoliate both skin and face once or twice a week to prevent irritation.* Choose an exfoliant or scrub that does not contain plastic micro-beads, which aren’t safe (or legal in the US as of 2017). Check to be sure your products contain natural exfoliants like salt or jojoba beads.

* Leigh recommends… Trader Joe’s Lavendar Salt Scrub (for body) and Beautycounter’s Gentle Exfoliator (for face).

Protect Yourself. Using a pure, oil based product a few hours after exfoliating will help moisturize and protect your newly sloughed skin.* Coconut Oil is a great moisturizer; choose a refined coconut oil to avoid a heavy coconut smell. Top off your oil with an allpurpose skin cream in extra dry areas like the elbows, hands, and feet. * Leigh recommends… Beautycounter’s Lustro Body Oil and Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream.

Skincare can be a cathartic process in which you focus on yourself. Use exfoliating as an intimate opportunity for relaxation and renewal. By removing the old to reveal the fresh and new, you are opening yourself up to possibility, passion, and a wealth of happiness.

Leigh Schwab is a mother of twins who uses her love for skin care to help educate women about the ingredients in their products and the need for proper skin care legislation in our country. You can learn more about Leigh’s passion for a healthy and simple life on Facebook and Instagram.

T H E W E A LT H I S S U E

REALIZE

This monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Self-Care Toolkit

Unleash

the Fire Inside T HE PERPETUA L YOU

Comfrey Ginger Hematite Pele

For months, you have reflected inward, working alone with your thoughts. March is the time to nourish your soul and reignite your passion, to stoke the fire inside and stir the creative pot...where you go next is up to you.

H E RB

ESSE N TI AL O IL

CRYSTAL

GO D D ESS

Comfrey

Ginger

Hematite

Pele

B E N E F I TS

BE N E FI TS

BENEFITS

BENE FITS

Strengthens and repairs bones and tissue

Relieves muscular or mental stress

Grounds your mind and body

Ignites the true desires of your heart

nce called “knit bone,” Comfrey is a healing herb used both internally and externally to strengthen your bones and repair tissue, ligaments, tendons, and bruises. Use comfrey salves and lotions on sore areas. Or make a tea by pouring boiling water over the herb; covering and steeping for an hour; straining; and enjoying. Ginger Oil warms you in the cold months, improving circulation and relaxing muscular and mental stress. Create a massage oil by adding 5 drops ginger oil to each ounce of a carrier oil such as jojoba, or combine with eucalyptus to make a chest rub for relief from cold symptoms. Hematite is the core of the earth. By activating the root chakra, Hematite helps you stay grounded in your body and connected to the earth. Keep this stone with you when you need help with concentrating, moving

forward, and differentiating between true vision and fantasy. The Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes, Pele, reminds us that fire is the ultimate source of change; once an element is heated, it will not return to its old form. Burning old ideas and igniting the fire for new passions will help us move forward. Pele asks us, “What is your heart’s true desire?” The future is now. Use this month’s toolkit to make amends and start anew. During this final cold month, focus your energy, renew your passions, and awaken your dreams.

Ashley Dees frolics around Saint Augustine Florida, picking herbs, finding herbal remedies, and playing with aromatherapy, tarot cards and crystals. Learn more about her, and how she teaches and gathers goddesses together at her website greenharmonyaromatherapy.com.

T H E W E A LT H I S S U E

REALIZE

Unleash

your Treasures

“You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it.” - Edith Head

ediscovering my spring wardrobe is a bit like Christmas Day for me—there's the pleasure of unearthing the treasures from long ago, and the joy of purchasing new pieces to bring it all together. But my most cherished pieces are the accessories: bags, shoes, and jewelry. These are the goodies that make my outfit personal, the finishing touches that don't just complete the outfit, but tell the world who I am. Accessories are with you through thick & thin: they always fit; they are easily interchangeable; and they compliment any look. Accessories are also our most versatile option. Bags are perfect for a pop of color or for practical purposes. Jewelry can be the surprise of your outfit or bring balance to an otherwise daring combination. And shoes...who doesn't love a good shoe? Simply by making the

T HE PERPETUA L YOU

Unleash Style

How to incorporate on trend accessories.

Choose your Jewels Trends in jewelry are delicate layers or big statement pieces. Keep your look balanced by deciding on the "big" piece and building the rest of your jewelry selections around it. For example, to show off a statement necklace, pair it with stud earrings. If the earrings are the ones making the noise, then choose a layer of delicate necklaces or forego the necklace altogether!

Go for Flats Whether you prefer a loafer, cutout booties, or lace up flats, show them off! Don't make your shoes compete with your outfit for the attention they deserve. Pair flats with ankle pants or a skirt and booties with your favorite skinny jeans or a skirt/legging combo. Boat shoes or your favorite fashion tennis shoes go perfectly with a rolled, ripped, or cuffed jean.

Work your Bag The right size or style bag can show your flair, complete your look, and make your life easier. Carry a zipper pouch or small cross-body full of necessities inside your larger bag that you can grab for quick runs to the store or your local cafĂŠ. Bonus: a pouch with a fun pattern can serve as a casual evening clutch when you need it to.

3 choice between flat and heeled, you've determined the kind of mood you want to be in for the rest of the day. Spring is the time when we start to remove the layers and expand our options. Don't be afraid to go big and make a statement with your accessories this season. Pair something trendy (hello rose quartz and tassels galore!) with a classic accessory you absolutely love. Step outside of your comfort zone and wear something that parallels the passion you bring to the world.

Alice Tegtmeier is a Personal Stylist and mother of three who uses personal style as one way of helping women live authentically. You can see more of her passion for personal style, coffee, and encouragement on Instagram and Periscope: @aliteg. T H E W E A LT H IS S U E

PE R SPE CTI V ES from THE P E RP E TUAL YOU S OC I E TY

How do you live out your ?

passion

I love helping others see their best selves. Everyday I help my clients see themselves differently and that in turn fuels my passion. Often this involves a lot of listening, collaborating, and bringing to life their ideas, hopes, and dreams. Monika L., Owner of Creative M. Portraits (Chicago, IL, USA)

I'm a recovering perfectionist and often get wrapped up in judging the day by my productivity. As my mindset shifts on slowing down and doing simple things joyfully, I'm more focused on time spent with people, not lists. What really fuels my passion is

spending quality time with my family and getting lost in learning about new things. Jennifer W., Owner of Creative Whitt (St. Augustine, FL, USA)

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I live out my passion by

documenting my growing children daily and doing the same for other families and couples who are starting a life together. I also love to think outside the box and try new techniques in my work so I can feel refreshed and challenged. Dawn W., Owner of Daybreak Photo Co (St. Augustine FL, USA)

Government has long been my passion. When I was younger with children at home, the League of Women Voters was a great way to stay involved in public affairs and meet other women. I have just retired and have time again to volunteer and, I hope, make a positive contribution to my community. Jeanne M., Retired Municipal Attorney (Needham, MA, USA)

Now that I have moved to London, one of my passions is exploring

new and unknown places. To find inspirations that I can translate into my design work, I put aside one day of the week to explore a new area that I haven't yet been to and soak it all in. Christine T., Owner of Christine Tse Interiors (NYC/London)

My business is a lifestyle, and one that I am learning to enjoy more and more each day. Everything I do from the time I wake up to the time I go to sleep involves living out my

passion of being a better person and to help others become the best versions of themselves by sharing my journey. Larrisa W., Owner of Love Fuel (Columbus, OH, USA)

I have a strong "passion" for coming up with an idea and seeing it through from start to finish no matter how many obstacles may come in the way during the process. The sense of accomplishment I feel afterwards can't be put into words. I will never get bored of trying new things. The best part of owning a business is not worrying about having my ideas shot down or somebody else taking credit for them. This allows me to live out my passion every day and reap the rewardsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;seeing the smiles on the faces of all the children and their families that pass through Rascals Gym every day makes all the difficult times worth it. Angie M., Owner of Rascalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gym (Hamden, CT, USA)

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“Choose the

bigger life. ”

— Gretchen Rubin

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dwell to align your physical space with your

ever-evolving self

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T HE PERPETUA L YOU

Design

Passion Heralding the Coffee Bar

he aroma gets us out of bed. The caffeine gets our brains to function. And the act of drinking coffee is a ritual the average busy woman prioritizes over even a healthy breakfast. A handful among us even enjoy the brewing process itself, which comes with fancy accoutrements and secret societies. So why have we, for so long, relegated this vital part of our lives to any old kitchen cabinet? This inviting coffee bar, placed in a warm, easily accessible corner of the dining room, divulges the homeowner's passion for collected treasures and eclectic styling. Artifacts from adventures abroad—including miniscule Dutch ceramic shoes and a sumptuous tray from Italy—soak up the inspirational quote displayed on the vintage mirror-turned-chalkboard. A salt-n-pepper shaker passed down from grandmother mingle with an assortment of classic food tins. The vivid accents are grounded by the necessary items, all in black. In this coffee corner, stories abound and warm experiences await. Before attending to the obligations of your day; before even setting foot inside the kitchen—where hustle, bustle, and last night's dinner dishes await with furor—wouldn't you rather stop by here first?

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Warming Up your

When it’s cold outside, I’m like a bear hibernating under heavy blankets with a hot drink by my side. I have no desire to be overly active, start a new project, or reinvent the wheel. I just want to be warm.

T HE PERPETUA L YOU

Passion

s the calendar turns to March, hope rises in my chest. I look for buds on the trees and dream of lazy spring picnics. Maybe it’s too early, but the excitement creates a renewed passion and energy to get things done! I’m ready to dust off my hobbies and dive back into the things I love to do when my fingers and toes aren’t too numb to do them. I’m even ready to try something new! My husband bought me an acoustic guitar for Christmas. I’ve been wanting to learn for years. Itching to get started, the first thing I had to do was create space. A wall hanger also came with my gift, and I insisted it find a home immediately so my children wouldn’t be tempted to use the guitar as a weapon or pretend horsey…but also because I wanted the hobby to be official.

What about you? As you look around your house right now, what do you see? Are there piles of bakeware with no home, or folds of fabric lying in stacks on the floor? Is your own guitar lying on the dining room table with no home? Is your sacred space tucked into a corner you never visit or lost under the detritus of a busy life? Whether you're starting a business or a hobby, your passion deserves a particular and prominent place in your home. You don’t have to turn a whole room into a shrine—unless you have the space and desire to do so, of course! A passion doesn't have to become a career. Enjoy baking without planning your own catering business; learn an instrument because you love music. Pursue your dreams and passions because they make you feel good. Reading is one of my passions, and I have a special spot in my home where I read every day—nothing fancy, just a corner of the couch with a lamp nearby and a throw blanket for my cold toes at the ready. Even just dedicating one shelf, corner, or piece of furniture to your passion shows the world your values. Just as we hang pictures of those we cherish up on the walls, we can give recognition to our passions. In its purposeful location, that guitar stares me in the face and reminds me to pursue what I love. Hanging there, it physically represents my heart…who I am. That’s more than enough reason to put holes in the wall.

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dwell

on this

Make Space for Your Passion 1

Organize. Less time finding supplies means more time creating. Buy fancy organizers for your cookware. Splurge on scrapbook organization containers. Use a precut pegboard system to store your art supplies on the wall.

Display. If you've got it, flaunt it. Use a beautiful armoire or hutch to show off your colorful fabric collection. Group your books by color to make them stand out. Section off a part of the walk-in closet as a display for the party dresses you can't let go.

Create. Some passions require further assistance. Place a flat surface on top of perfectly sized shelves for a handy cutting table with plenty of storage for sewing paraphernalia. Love movies? Install surround sound speakers and cozy theater seating in your living room.

Rearrange. Your passions deserve prominence. Move that never-used breakfront to the garage and reclaim that sunny spot for your writing desk or reading chair. Add a music corner to your dining room where you can practice. Dedicate special shelves in your pantry for all that baking paraphernalia.

Clean. Once everything has a special spot, keep it there (and keep it clean!). Creativity often breeds messiness, which is fine while you're in the space. Making it a habit to clean up after yourself will make you want to spend more time there.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153; I've always tried to be minimal, but it's just not me. I think a home has to have

passion . â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Maria Hardeveld T H E W E A LT H IS S U E

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Photos by Elle James T HE PERPETUA L YOU

Portions of this article have been excerpted from Desha Peacockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first and {forthcoming} second books.

Sacred Space Designing a Nest You Can Create In

“I like to have space to spread my mind out in.” – Virginia Woolf

Our Creative Desire

e are all born with an innate desire to creatively express the essence of who we are. This desire is embedded into our soul, a gift at birth, our own Northern star in a galaxy full of the unknown. It’s the one true thing we know that we’ll always have, regardless of the circumstances that surround us. For most of us, that core desire has been nearly lost so many times. It’s been laughed at, degraded, humbled, and for some, simply pushed aside and forgotten. Don’t worry: your passion is still there. More than that, it wants to be acknowledged—heard, seen, expressed, shared. continued on next page

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Caution This article is about setting up a beautiful space that will help you get down to business. While creation comes from within, we can improve on the process calling in ease rather than chaos. Creating from a beautiful place will add to your productivity and joy, but don't be misled to believe that you absolutely must be there to create. Passion will arrive when and where you are ready!

In truth, your desire to create will surface whether you call it out or not. If unattended, it will seep out in the form of misplaced ambition, anger, depression, resentment, or it may linger about you as a cloud of mild melancholy. You may avoid, smother, or starve your passion, but it won’t abandon you. Passion waits, wanting your attention. Only after you acknowledge the importance of your passion and call it into being can you create a sacred nest where it will be held, and where it can flourish. Creating your workspace isn’t about setting up an office or even about dedicating a spot in your home where you work. Creating your workspace is holy—an act of proclamation—a privilege and a right.

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The Home Office There is something a little dull about the words “home office.” The word office implies work and work implies a chore, something we have to do. I prefer to think of work as creation. Imagine if the lines between work and play could be blurred. What would it feel like to say, “I’m off to play” instead of “I'm off to work”? That might be quite a stretch, but I do believe we are each given a special gift and when you tap into that gift, work will become more fulfilling, more charmed. Even if there are tasks that you don’t like to do, having a pretty place to do those tasks can certainly make it more enjoyable. Even such a menial task as paying

the bills can turn into an act of gratitude with the right attitude and space. Let’s agree to ditch the word office for now and call it your sacred nest. Or if that’s too much for you, how about your creative workspace? Creative workspaces, both in name and in reality, are popular because they accurately depict our modern lifestyles—our commitment to not being boxed in, labeled, or told what to do. In renaming the office, we have reframed the very idea of work. We have reclaimed the unique ways in which women pursue their passions.

One Little Plant I once gave a friend a little succulent plant. Though her plants usually die due to lack of attention, she told me this little succulent persists. Sitting in a dainty teacup atop a linen tea towel in her kitchen window, the plant’s simple beauty inspires a task as uninspiring as washing dishes. We want our homes to be beautiful all the time, don’t we? The reality of my life as a working mother who has tons of creative projects is that sometimes things just get messy! The story of that little plant is a reminder to me of the

importance of having at least one space in the home that is perfectly beautiful— even if it’s just one little windowsill. I have a space like this: my Cabin. This is the place I go to have a cup of tea and read a magazine, or light candles with my husband and have a glass of wine once our daughter is asleep. Just a tiny room in between my garage and my back porch, the cabin is perfect! But, it wasn’t always that way. In fact, it sat for five years full of cobwebs, patio furniture, and—dare I say—a big ugly black grill. Heaven forbid!

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My Sacred Nest The day we first looked at our Vermont home, I thought to myself, “Ah, yes, this little room is a gem, perfect for a little studio, children’s play spot, or mini greenhouse.” The “cabin” somehow stayed untouched until one fine day I was hit by a strong desire to make it pretty. I had a hundred other things planned for that day, and I ignored them all. My daughter was five at the time, and eager to help. Underneath all the junk, cobwebs, and years of dust appeared a lovely barn red wooden floor that I swept and mopped on my hands and knees. The walls were covered in some kind of weird muck, so I scrubbed them clean, but it was clear they still needed some serious TLC. I turned to my daughter for advice. “What color should we paint these sad walls?” Her response, “Pink!” Luckily, I had some very light pink paint in the basement left over from another project. I’ve known artists who needed blank white walls to surround their creations, and I’m becoming more attuned to the beneficial qualities that white brings to a space. But these walls feel special, sacred. Somewhere between a true pink and a pale yellow, the walls offer a warm backdrop, for my décor and also for my desires.*

The Cabin Later that very day, I happened to drive by a load of furniture sitting on the side of the road with a sign that read “FREE.” I picked up a lovely green velvet chair. I bought a little jute rug for $1 at a tag sale, where a man gifted my daughter with an antique painting of a horse (we love horses!). All our found treasures went into the Cabin. My daughter added things she loved including some seashells from our trip to Mexico, some lovely jade rocks, feathers and found stones. I added a few things I love such as framed family pictures, pottery, and my beloved decorating books. In one day, we had transformed our dirty little storage area into a real gem.

See how Desha's rustic creative space inspired this month's color palette on p.44

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Because my new creative space reminded me of my husband’s tiny little room he rented when we first met, which we had called “the cabin,” I christened this new space with the same name. Thinking back on the day I was inspired to create it, I’m reminded that it isn’t for lack of time or money that we forget to create special spots in our homes. What we need is a bit of motivation to get started, a little patience to find the right thing, and an open mind that it will turn out just perfectly when the time is right.

Where You Create Whether you live in a sprawling mansion or a studio apartment, everyone needs to have at least one little sweet spot space in the home. In addition to my cabin workspace, I actually have several sweet spots where I get comfortable and create. My actual “office”? I use that space mostly to store supplies! Since I work primarily from my laptop or phone, I can be just about

Creating your workspace means you are ready to create.

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anywhere in the house. I tend to work from the marble top bar that divides my dining room from my kitchen. There, light pours in from either side of the room. I can stand if I like, which is good for my posture, and there’s a plug handy. I also love working from one of the big cozy chairs in my dining room. Perhaps my favorite place to work is from my bed. That’s where I am right now, in fact. Cozy. Creative desire might be one thing or many things; it may come to you with force—like my desire to create the Cabin!—or barely show itself under the mist. Whether you call it your work, your purpose, or, simply, your Calling, your passion is who you are and why you’re here. Doesn’t it deserve a space to call its own? Even if I don’t visit the Cabin as much as I thought I would or as often as I used to before becoming a fulltime coach, I value its presence in my life as a testament to my desire and ability to create something out of nothing. Do you have a space in your home that longs to be reclaimed? If so, how can you make it your own? When the time is right, welcome that spark of inspiration. Create a nest where your passion can spread its wings and fly.

What we need is a bit of motivation to get started, a little patience to find the right thing, and an open mind that it will turn out just perfectly when the time is right.

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Author, International Retreat Leader and Creator of Sweet Spot Style, ‪Desha Peacock has sold over 10,000 copies of her first book Create the Style You Crave, which was listed by Huff Post as one of THE BEST books to buy your girlfriend. Peacock has coached hundreds of women on how to create their Sweet Spot: a self-defined place of success and beauty. She has been quoted in Yahoo News.com, Career Rookie, and US News Money and has appeared on national radio & TV. Desha's second book, Your Creative Work Space, will hit shelves in 2017.

Fine-tuning Your Creative Work Space 1

Organize essentials. Create one central place to store your most used creative tools. For me, that includes my laptop, calendar, expense ledger, nice pens, and vision book. All of that stays in a hutch in my office. If you don’t have a hutch, use a basket, shelf, or big drawer with organizers.

Make space. The bigger your work-surface the better. My daughter and I like to sprawl out on the dining room table, but having lots of stuff out all the time leads to visual clutter that’s not that inspiring and frustration when you can’t find that precious thing you need. So be sure to clean up when you are finished!

Get creative. If you have really limited space, consider converting a closet. Just take the doors off the hinges, add a light, some shelves, a desk and you are golden. You can also create a work space by just pushing a desk to any wall, adding a task light and a chair.

Think color. Choose colors based on how you’d like to feel. White is the color of clarity. Yellow is happy. Purple is spiritual. Blue is calming. Green evokes nature. Gray is neutral. Black can be moody or creative. Bling calls in abundance.

Incorporate life. Add one living thing into your creative workspace to give it life. Flowers work well, but even a little succulent will bring in enough magic to keep you motivated. A bulletin board with mementos of events you’ve been to and people you’ve met will also remind you of all that is worth working for.

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Sacred Moss corresponds to Benjamin Moore 1575

Wandering Peridot corresponds to Benjamin Moore 2146-20

Firefly’s Embrace corresponds to Benjamin Moore AF-295

U NL E AS H NATU RAL MOTI VATI ON

Collected Feathers corresponds to Benjamin Moore 891

Our March color palette is a fitting collection of so-close-to-spring colors. Earthy and motivating, these colors are as at home in your sophisticated, but eclectic workspace (such as the one we featured on the previous pages) as they are out in the forest. Other suggested pairings:

Firefly’s Embrace, Wandering Peridot, & Mountain Bluebird. Without the earthy green & pale neutral, you’re left with a modern and fun palette perfect for a contemporary nursery or as accent colors in your modern workspace.

Mountain Bluebird corresponds to Benjamin Moore AF-510

Wandering Peridot, Sacred Moss, & Collected Feathers. For your St. Patty’s Day mantel, bring together vessels in the two shades of green and accent with feathers, stones, and other found objects in pale or neutral shades.

Mountain Bluebird, Firefly’s Embrace, & Collected Feathers. This gentle and sophisticated update on the classic red, white, and blue palette will turn your master bedroom into a sanctuary worthy of John & Abigail themselves.

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Color Inspiration For more ideas & inspiration, follow our Color Palette Pinterest Board.

unleash to align your life story with your

ever-evolving passion

T H E W E A LT H I S S U E

This article relies on material from a 2016 interview by LaKay Cornell; a 2015 speech by Randi Bayne; and the Rayne Home DĂŠcor website and social media accounts. T HE PERPETUA L YOU

the

Burning

Midnight Oil The Business of Passion with Randi Bayne & Yolanda Vazquez

Somewhere between the comedic escapades of Lucy & Ethel and the calm reassurance of Yin & Yang, the candle-making duo Randi Bayne and Yolanda Vazquez build their business, fine-tune their relationship, and cultivate their dream.

ellow Connecticut residents, the pair met in 2010 and started their company, Rayne Home DĂŠcor just three years later. Their life today consists of working full-time during the day and coming home at night to create new scents, fulfill new orders, and pursue new opportunities like wholesale collaborations and emotional marketing. Somewhere in there, they remember to love, respect, and communicate with each other. (Scheduled breakfast meetings help!)

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Hectic? Yes. Stressful? At times. A life they would want to change? Not for a second. They aren’t enduring their lives in order to reach success; this is Life. Period. “We wake up every day and love what we do,” says Randi. “That is the definition of success.” Randi and Yolanda aren’t as naïve as two young lovers striking out on their own, but their life of intentional passion is based on a similar sort of willful ardor. As their website proclaims: “We make candles because we love making candles.”

Growth through Intentional Intuition Knowing themselves fully and trusting what their gut says is integral to Randi and Yolanda’s brand, as well as their success. T HE PERPETUA L YOU

Intuition is also what led them to candle-making in the first place. According to Randi, it was Yolanda’s “passion for candles, scents, and leaving a good footprint on this Earth” that resulted in their business partnership. They haven’t looked back or second-guessed themselves since. Many product-based entrepreneurs, especially those first starting out, trust standard business models because those practices are accepted routes to success, but Rayne Home Décor has no interest in emulating others. “We’re not just throwing out some candles,” says Yolanda. “And we’re not pushy people.” The duo works in tandem to create, package, and market their candles intentionally and intuitively, basing their rules and roles on values and innate talents.

A maker through and through, Yolanda grew up in a household that valued industry, independence, and improving the world around you. “Learning how to do or fix things has always pushed me,” says Yolanda. Primarily responsible for the making of their products, Yolanda feels blessed to be living out her long held desire to be a business owner. Randi, who tackles marketing and branding, doesn’t mind being ignored while Yolanda is “in her zone” making candles or—in some instances—workshop furniture. For her part, Randi eats, dreams, and sleeps new scents and new ideas. They recently moved into a new industrial workspace, something both women agree was a big step in belief. Randi went hunting for a new place “on a whim” with her gut and

a good track record to back her up. When she saw their space for the first time, she had no doubt that it was the one. “This is where we can do things and make our dream happen, where we can create” she told the more skeptical Yolanda. And she wasn’t wrong. The Shelton studio is appropriately raw and light-filled—just the space for candle artisans. The small footprint, which required uberintentional space planning, aligns with their commitment to sustainability, as do the big, numerous windows that provide natural light.

“I wake up thinking about scents and candles and photos because it’s my responsibility as a human being to go on that journey.”

A particular business model Randi and Yolanda have chosen not to emulate is that of “selling yourself.” Rather than pursuing wholesale opportunities, they prefer letting people find them through word of mouth and mutual friend recommendations. This type of organic growth results in the likelihood that their customers’ values will align with their own, negating some of the stickier sides of wholesale – such as worrying about the environment your product will be placed in. “We only want to work with people we dig,” says Yolanda. And Randi agrees. Why “build a foundation on something you have to do” rather than those things that come naturally to you? Not a bit interested in self-promotion, Randi and Yolanda will often spend whole evenings with people in which the fact that they’re candle makers doesn’t even come up!

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Repurposing Your Candle Jar 1

When the candle has burned down to about ½ inch of wax, scrape the rest out with a spoon.

Fill the container with soap, hot water, and a tablespoon of vinegar. Let soak for 30 minutes.

Remove the wick wand and wash with soap and water.

Use your candle jar to hold any number of things, including: pencils, candy, wine, paper clips, flowers, a green smoothie, or a toasty glass of whiskey.

BONUS: If you no longer need the lid on your jar, use it as a coaster instead!

“You can put energy into things you don’t feel passionate about,” says Randi, “or you can follow your gut.” Letting the business take shape according to intuition and what feels good allows them to make the earth a better place, to follow practices consistent with being good people and to remain true to their core natures. “There’s

T HE PERPETUA L YOU

a reason why I wake up thinking about scents and candles and photos,” says Randi. “Because it’s my responsibility as a human being to go on that journey.” Being intuitive doesn’t mean following every whim or chasing every dream, and, in fact, relies on a commitment to check in consistently with themselves and

with each other. “The passion is not ‘I want to make this,’” says Randi. “The passion is the message.” Since their community of friends and fellow makers are as passionate about Rayne Home Décor packaging and scents as both Randi and Yolanda are, the business model of not following other business models is paying off.

Worth through Intentional Inspiration To establish their worth in the business of scent, Rayne Home Décor has their job cut out for them. According to the National Candle Association, the candle making industry sells over $2 billion annually to 70% of U.S. households. You won’t be surprised to learn that most of those buyers are women. While there are concerns about materials used and how sustainable packaging is, candle buyers are still primarily concerned with the scent. Randi and Yolanda are both involved in the fragrance aspect of the business, from being inspired to test out a new scent to naming a scent they both have fallen in love with. “The scents we choose are a part of our personalities,” says Randi. They are inspired by many things: food (Randi is a passionate baker); flowers (Yolanda loves gardening and being outside); and even from their interests in

mixology and photography. Some scents take a lot of work – like choosing which vanilla to put in their popular Vanilla Chai candle – and some scents are “almost simple fate.” For example, the Adam & Eve candle, one of their best sellers, came about easily. While testing, Yolanda wondered aloud, “What would go good with kumquat?” Instinctively, Randi answered, “Try the fig tree.” She did and they both loved it. A few days later, Yolanda proposed the name Adam & Eve because it blended feminine and masculine, reminding her of both the selection of ingredients and the easy exchange of ideas that went into its making. Whether it’s as easy as this, or takes more time and attention, both women enjoy scentnaming, a process Randi describes as a way to “capture the emotional connection behind a fragrance.” In addition to the more tangible inspiration sources of their candles,

“The scents we choose are a part of our personalities.”

Randi points to the community of “passionate, supportive, and creative” makers they’ve become a part of over the past few years as a surprising but inspiring part of their business. Whether collaborating with women she has met through Facebook groups, such as The Rising Tide Society and Being Boss, or expanding her community through local business outlets, like the Bridgeport co-working space B:Hive, being social, networking and attending events have become inspirational parts of Randi’s life that “keep the fire going.” Still, Randi admits that there are times when inspiration wanes, a reminder to intentionally slow down and reconnect with each other. No matter how many ideas they have— and they have enough “to last them for years!”—there’s only so many hours in the day. Overworking can lead to overwhelm which can zap the passion right out of you. “We

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would love it if this is the only thing we had to do; if we could put all our energy and focus into this,” says Randi. For the time being, they’re choosing how to divide their time. Randi and Yolanda have dedicated themselves to communicating with each other frequently and honestly. Their goal in working together is to “always be on the same page.” If there is a difference of opinion, they’re committed to resolving it respectfully. “Bickering is not going to get us anywhere,” says Yolanda. To keep from arguing, they remain focused on the product and give the other person’s idea a chance. Not long ago, Yolanda had the idea to offer a travel version of their popular candles. Randi didn’t “get it” at first but Yolanda believed in the idea enough to buy what

they needed to test it out. Despite Randi’s hesitation, they enacted their policy of giving it a try. As it turns out, the travel tins are wildly popular. You don’t have to be “the best listener in the world,” says Randi, just accept where the other person is coming from and remember the “end goal” is still the same for both of you: success.

Wealth through Intentional Investment By wanting to grow slowly and organically, and preferring to be successful because of products derived from inspiration and dependent on mutual respect, Randi and Yolanda are intentionally building a business that will sustain them for the rest of their lives. They’re investing in the future

“Passion is a complex creature; it's not practical or reasonable; it's this living breathing force.”

rather than becoming an overnight success. They don’t believe in chasing the money. “We both agreed we want this to go slowly. If something needs to be changed, we can change it along the way,” says Yolanda. Another aspect of the business they’ve invested slowly and intentionally in is equipment. Rayne Home Décor was started with “5 lbs. of wax and a few glasses,” says Randi, “Now we can start investing in equipment because we know what works.” If they hadn’t started off with very little inventory, they most likely would’ve spent a lot of unnecessary money. “How do you know what you need when you haven’t gone through the process?” says Randi. Being intimately familiar with all aspects of candle making gave Randi and Yolanda the idea to run a different type of advertising campaign, one that isn’t really advertising at all. They hired a videographer and invited a dozen or so close friends to be in a video entitled, “People Love Candles.” In her description of the project as an “emotional roller coaster,” Randi’s passion for being authentic and for providing value to her customers is evident. “I wanted people to ‘get it,’” she says.

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Love Candles? Click here to watch Randi and Yolanda’s “People Love Candles” project video. You may see some familiar faces!

Despite all of the hours they are putting into the product-making aspect of their business, Randi and Yolanda have made it a priority to support other creatives, including collaborating with other candle makers. They fully subscribe to the collaboration over competition movement among young entrepreneurs because connection is a type of wealth that benefits both parties. Transparency isn’t a buzz word to Randi and Yolanda; they genuinely feel that the more people know about the back end of candle making, the better off the world will be. In this vein, they recently held a candle-making workshop for the general public to attend and they were also part of a Design Night Out panel, the topic of which was, appropriately, HEAT.

Operating with intention, from intuitive business practices to inspired products to investment priorities, means Randi and Yolanda are running a business that is more passionate journey than growth strategies and bottom lines. If they’re “happy at the end of the day,” then they’re “heading in the right direction,” says Yolanda. “Passion is a complex creature; it's not practical or reasonable,” says Randi, “it's this living breathing force. You can ignore it…or you can nurture it and move forward despite not understanding every step of the way.” What if you don’t even know where to get started? Randi and Yolanda would argue that you do know; you just have to reflect deeper, to listen harder. “You have time, you have the purpose, you have the drive,” says

Randi. “You just have to tap into it.” Being open to the journey and being intentional about the result is all it takes to get started. Randi and Yolanda found each other, which led to the discovery of their shared interest in candles, which led to the founding of their business, which led to the intentional pursuit of the business of candles—all because they were receptive to the possibility that their passion could become a reality.

Lee Lee Thompson is the Cofounder and Content Editor of The Perpetual You. Since the inception of this magazine, she has had the privilege to interview and write about nine amazing women devoted to passionate pursuits. By telling their stories, Lee Lee hopes to inspire other women to choose, embrace, celebrate, and unleash the best parts of themselves–their Perpetual selves.

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3 QUESTIONS WITH OUR

Cover Story Superstars

Randi Bayne & Yolanda Vazquez

What's one way you follow your passion every day?

What aspect of your workspace most fuels your passion?

How do you connect passion with wealth and abundance?

Randi: I try to find unique ways to take photos of our products. I love exploring new ways of capturing our simple aesthetic and incorporating our products into the world.

Randi: The light that pours into our space is so inspiring to me; Light makes me feel like the possibilities are endless.

Randi: Pursuing passion and realizing how abundant I already am brings not only wealth, but also happiness. Setting boundaries in life and business–and only doing things I love-has helped me grow WITH the business.

Yolanda: Reading social media comments or interacting with someone who loves our candles gives me great joy. Knowing our customers are just as happy with the candles as we are pushes me to continue to do what I do.

realize

Yolanda: I built the workbench we use in our studio, which is something I'm very proud of. Seeing it filled with freshly-poured candles and taking in the aromas is nothing short of amazing to me.

dwell

Yolanda: There is plenty of both passion and abundance in the world; without either, wealth will not follow. I don't “follow the money”-I feel it comes to us because of what we have to offer and because people see that we put our all into our brand.

live

to align your innermost thoughts with your

ever-evolving perspective

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LIVE

The Strength in

Vulnerability Vulnerability feels like weakness, but it’s actually a marker of strength.

our years ago, I reached a crossroads in life. Within the span of a few months, I lost my job, had my son, ended my marriage, and lost all of my physical possessions. I was a single mother, homeless, and without any source of income. After losing my home, my son and I slept on the couches and floors of generous friends, but I knew that I couldn’t do that for long. I had to find a way to rebuild my life before I overstayed my welcome.

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In an effort to get back on my feet, I applied for every job that I felt qualified to perform. I sent out countless resumes and, while I was invited to interview for several positions, the jobs never seemed to be a good fit. I was “overqualified;” the schedule wouldn’t work with childcare; or, the salary was too low to cover the cost of raising a child. Discovering that conventional jobs weren’t a fit, I decided that if I were going to create a life for my son and me, I needed to get creative. The only way to have

Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change. — Brené Brown

a job that was fulfilling and fitting was to create the position I needed, to start my own business. Forging a new path made me feel vulnerable, exposed. I grappled with all sorts of self-doubt. What if no one wanted what I had to offer? What if this plan didn’t work and we ended up out on the street? What if everything went wrong? It’s easy to get caught up in the discomfort of feeling vulnerable and let it keep you from moving forward. There are so many things that can go wrong. There are also lots of things that can go right! Instead of allowing yourself to be stalled by the possibility of failure— feeling not good enough or like you don’t know enough to do the things you really want to do—breathe into the discomfort and take a step forward. Even a small step is a step nonetheless. In order to start my business, the first step for me was to make a list of all of my strengths and credentials. What tools and skills did I have that could be used in service to others? My list included a certification in Holistic Nutrition and Dance Therapy Training. I had no idea if I could or should use either of these in my new endeavor, but knowing that I had something to offer empowered me to keep exploring. After getting clear on what I had to offer, I decided to take another step outside of my comfort zone and ask for help. Because I was raised to be so strong and

independent, asking for help was hard for me. Feelings of vulnerability surfaced again—I was leaving myself open to rejection—but I knew that in order to create a business that would support my son and me, I needed to reach out to someone who could talk me through the process. After reaching out to numerous people, and asking a wealth of questions, I learned that asking for help is okay. We don’t have to do everything alone, even if we’re strong women who wear our independence like a badge of honor. Most people want to help, and will help if they can. Those who don't want to help teach us that hearing the word “no” isn't the end of the world. We’ve been conditioned to believe that vulnerability is a bad thing, so we avoid it like the plague. Instead of feeling exposed, we attempt to numb the uncomfortable feelings with food and other addictions. I heard “no” quite a bit, but I didn’t let it stop me. I realized that vulnerability made me courageous, not weak. I took a risk, jumped off the ledge without a safety net, kept moving through the discomfort. I relied on the courage and strength I was raised to rely on. Being vulnerable doesn’t mean you’re weak. Exactly the opposite–it means you’re strong and courageous. Vulnerability is allowing yourself to be seen exactly

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Vulnerability creates opportunities. as you are and trusting the process even when you’re unsure of the outcome. It’s allowing yourself to feel when you’d rather numb the pain and giving yourself permission to feel and trust. This takes incredible strength and creates numerous opportunities. My physical and financial vulnerability is the reason I’m sleeping in a bed instead of on the floor. It’s the reason I’m able to create a schedule that works for me and my son. Without vulnerability, I would have settled for a job and a life that wasn’t fulfilling. From that place of feeling raw and exposed, I was able to create a business of my own, doing the things that I love. Because of my ability to accept vulnerability as a place of strength, I am now privileged to spend my time helping hundreds of women each year with disordered eating and body image create a peaceful relationship with food and fall head over heels in love with their bodies. I get to be of service in a way that makes me feel like I’m living a purpose filled life. Vulnerability may not always feel good, but it’s necessary. Within vulnerability lies the answers you’ve been seeking all along, the joy you’ve been longing for, and the creativity that’s been waiting to T HE PERPETUA L YOU

Vulnerability is uncomfortable because it can bring up feelings of shame, fear, and unworthiness. but this discomfort forces us to find creative solutions and creates an opportunity for us to grow.

Where is your most vulnerable place? To push yourself past the boundaries and limitations that YOU have placed on YOURself, don't be afraid to ask for help. Your fear is real, but manageable. Get together with a friend you trust and brainstorm your next move. Call up a mentor and let them cheer you on. Join a class or workshop and discover new ways to unleash passion.

come forth. Allow yourself to feel and experience vulnerability and you’ll find that it unlocks the door to infinite amounts of passion.

Jennifer Sterling is a Certified Holistic Health and Movement Coach, who uses her signature BodyLove Method™ to help women struggling with body image and disordered eating learn to nourish their bodies with food; dance their way through the tough stuff; and, love themselves unconditionally.

“ Be who you were created to be and you will set the world

on fire . ”

— St. Catherine of Sienna

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LIVE

Passionate Women

Maintaining Friendships while Entrepreneuring T HE PERPETUA L YOU

Starting a business was an empowering time in my life—an opportunity for me to take ownership over the things I create. I was also able to share my skills and expertise with other business owners, to form connections based on my passions and talents. I knew as soon as I “officially” started that things would never be the same, and I was ready to see what that looked like!

ooking back, I had no clue just how much becoming an entrepreneur would change my life. Many of my friendships were formed before I made the jump into full-time entrepreneurship, but owning a business created massive changes in my social schedule. Before, every weekend was pretty much open for friendtime. Now I’m scheduling around meetings, deadlines, and locations. Though my time for fun is limited, I have found new ways to manage my social circles while remaining focused on the needs of my business.

Making the Jump When transitioning into being my own boss, I was still working a 9-5, which meant no time for social events during the week. Though it was overwhelming to decline so many invitations, doing so really helped my friends transition into my new schedule. I would make exceptions for really important events, but last-minute hangouts weren’t possible. In the beginning, it’s important that you communicate your schedule to your friends and help them understand why this is the best

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decision for you. Not everyone understands what goes into owning a business. Be patient when explaining why it takes you four hours to answer e-mails. Instead of complaining, focusing on the positive aspects of having your own business will help your friends understand why you’re spending your Saturday night bookkeeping instead of going out with them. If you need to vent the stresses of a new business, talk to friends who are career-focused or also entrepreneurs, or connect with women going through the same process. They will be able to empathize with you and offer helpful advice. If your strongest friendships are based on last-minute hangouts or coffee trips, you will need to be clear about the importance of scheduling dates ahead of time. Honesty and communication will help both of you transition more easily into your new schedule.

Accepting Change When you’re running a business, friendships are going to change. The lines between personal and business can cross easily and cause confusion, especially with the use of social media. Address these issues up front and with clear-cut boundaries. If a friend makes an inappropriate joke or tags you in every meme on

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Facebook, lovingly tell them this is unacceptable. A good friendship will survive any conflict your request causes. Brand management is hard, especially when friends don’t understand your boundaries. I do a lot of social media work for my business and blog, and have made it a priority to establish brand standards. Unfortunately, not all of my friends understood, but this only reinforced my goal to keep my personal and business “social media” lives separate. I don’t friend clients through my personal accounts unless we were close friends prior to the start of my business. I occasionally add blog buddies, but remain aware of what’s being tagged/posted on my wall. Ask for your friends’ support when you make separate accounts for your business, and make sure they know what you need from them. No posts asking about grandma on your business page! If a friend can’t accept the boundaries you’ve set, assess whether you need to let that friendship go. The plight of friendships is that a change in either person’s circumstances brings the possibility for distance. Remain honest and open, but know that a friendship ending is normal and, though sad, is often the healthiest outcome.

Enjoying the Journey One of the things that makes it easy for me to manage my friendships is that I’m good at what I do and I love what I do. I’ve never been happier than when I’m working on my business, no matter how challenging it gets. My friends can see that, and, in turn, are happy for me. Having supportive friends helps me prioritize my business, while still taking the time to manage my social life. Juggling both business and friends can be a challenge, but the effort is worth it. If you’ve deemed a relationship worth maintaining, find little ways to let them know you still care, even in the midst of pursuing your business goals. Those friends that require more in-person social time will appreciate you taking whatever time you can to show them you’re invested in the friendship. Social relationships are vital to any woman’s health, but now you have another relationship to add to the mix: you + your business. Treat this new relationship with the seriousness that you would a new partner or an additional commitment within an existing relationship, such as a friend who just became a mom. Your friends would not begrudge you time spent getting to know someone new or spending extra time with someone close to you, right? And you wouldn’t expect them to be completely understanding if you didn’t first communicate your needs and boundaries to them, right? If the friendship is worth it, you’ll be just as passionate about maintaining that connection as you are about establishing your business. Set (and communicate) clear boundaries; ask for the support you need; and remember to say thank you to the women who cheer you on while you become the entrepreneur you were meant to be.

Angelica Yarde is the editor and designer of Studio 404, a design blog. In January 2014, Angelica launched Studio 404 Paper, a paper shop that includes type-focused greeting cards, note cards, and prints. She currently resides in Celebration, Florida where she co-owns a branding strategy studio, Sevenality, with her husband. She is also the co-host of the Heart + Hustle Podcast, a business-lifestyle podcast with her friend Charisma. Connect with her on Twitter and Instagram.

Small Things Count Here are some things I do to make sure my friends know I care.

Give a Card I love to give my friends cards, especially “ just because” cards or to say thank you. A handwritten note of appreciation goes a long way. I love getting notes from my friends and I post them all over my office.

Text to Connect I send love messages to my friends with quotes or things that I’ve been thinking of that remind me of them. If we haven’t been able to meet in a while, a short text helps them know they’re on my mind. Some people enjoy e-mails or voice messages, too.

Offer a Chat Every now and again, ask if a friend is available for lunch or an afternoon coffee break and drive out to where she works. In turn, accept a friend’s offer when she asks. We all know how it feels to have a tough week; sometimes all you need is time to chat it out.

T H E W E A LT H IS S U E

T HE PERPETUA L YOU

M ARC H M A NT RA

My passions

unleash my truth and my truth

sets me

free. T H E W E A LT H I S S U E

PH OTO BY LOR I B ER KOWIT Z

LIVE

T HE PERPETUA L YOU

For the Sake of

Passion

You have that feeling inside.

You started doing something you love – Now, you are full. There is no room for anything else. Nothing can stop you – You have a magical life. You have Passion.

When was the last time you felt that?

or many of us, it has been a long time. There may be small flashes of it here and there but it is quickly squashed by time commitments, fear, or thoughts like “I can't do that!” Why do we allow life to rob us of this thing called Passion? Why do we allow our brains to become mindless "to do" lists—meaningless and without direction?

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Life is not meant to be directionless or passionless. Your passion is the gift you are supposed to share with the world. We are not talking about the passion you may have with your significant other – this passion is something different entirely. Your passion does not have be inventing the next big thing. It could be as simple as your ability to make people laugh and smile—what an awesome gift to have! So where does this passion thing come from? You do not find it outside yourself. Yes – something on the outside might tickle your passion but the source of your passion is your heart. What does your heart crave? If you're looking for your passion, start with those things that pull on “your heart strings.” Remember the things you used to love to do as a child - dancing, drawing, painting. Maybe even helping around the house, or helping take care of the animals. Childhood is a fearless time because the “illusions” of adulthood do not exist. Kids do things they find fun or interesting—no fear or “I can't do that”—they just get the most out of life that they can, laughing and giggling with glee. As adults, we come up with excuses: I'm too old; I don't have enough experience; I don't know how to do that. Those excuses are just covering up deeper issues inside - emotional beliefs about yourself and how the world is supposed to be based on what you have been told. Why is it that you cannot let your childhood passion into your adult life? What is it about letting lose T HE PERPETUA L YOU

and embracing your childhood passions that scares you? Passion doesn't have to be grandiose; it can just be enjoying something without expectations. Revisit what it was you loved to do as a child. Close your eyes and imagine yourself doing it now – gracefully with a giant smile on your face. Push back those feelings of I would look funny doing this as an adult or I am not good enough. You were “good enough” to do it as a child; what has changed?

As a child, I took tap, ballet and jazz. I loved tap the most. Due to being 5’ 8” at a young age, I was made fun of continually. I came home in tears so many times that my Mom pulled me out. For years, I didn’t dance. Then a friend wanted to take a hip hop class for fun. Something inside of me sparkled a little bit and I agreed to go. I fell in love with dance again. Working out is my arch nemesis but I will be the first to sign up for a dance class – Zumba, Hip Hop, Ballet, Jazz. I just love it. I have a passion for it. Do I see myself as a

professional dancer? No, but I still love dancing – it fills my soul. Passion is not just about your life’s purpose. People have passion for many things in their life – and very rarely do people just have one. Owning up to and allowing yourself to rediscover your passion will more than likely lead you to the answer of What is my life’s purpose? But, to do so, you need to open up your heart and allow yourself to experience passion of any kind. continued on page 72

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Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Mary Oliver

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Tapping into childhood can bring forth the passions hidden in memories, but there are other ways to find your passions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all of which require you to open up and feel the world around you through your heart. If that sounds scary, you have likely closed your heart off as a protection mechanism. What would it take for you to reopen your heart to the world?

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Your heart calls to you every day: you notice something in a window or in a magazine. You may wonder what you are looking at and why you are drawn to it, but deep down your heart knows. There is something in front of you that your heart is telling you to explore. Your intuition is guiding you and showing you things around you that would fill you with joy and wonder.

Relying on intuition and listening to your heart will be scary. Gently nudge yourself to step outside your comfort zone. Your passions will most likely involve doing things that are uncomfortable, but it will be worth it. Also, if something new shows up in your life more than once, accept it. Your intuition is giving you a second chance.

For many years, I knew I was meant to be an entrepreneur. I could feel it in my bones. Figuring out what I was supposed to do definitely took me outside of my comfort zone. I was introduced to energy healing and my life turned upside down. All of sudden, there was this new world that I did not know even existed. Did I feel nervous? Yes. But I followed my heart and life hasn't been the same since. I cannot even relate to the person I was before, which feels amazing. If I had not allowed my intuitive heart messages to guide me, I would still be fumbling around trying to figure out what I am supposed to do with my life. Some of your true passions have not been found yet. Rely on courage to try new things. Give yourself patience to figure out whether this new thing is a real passion or just something you have always wanted to try. You will need more courage to break away from things that you tried and may have committed to, but that are no longer working out for you. Trust that these things have served their purpose on your journey, cross them off the â&#x20AC;&#x153;someday I will try thisâ&#x20AC;? list, and move on. Other things you try will surprise you when they become a passion. In school, I hated English; give me math and science any day! My sister loves to write. I always saw myself as the mad scientist. But the chance to be a writer showed up in my life many times in a small time frame, so I took a leap

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The things you are passionate about are not random, they are your calling. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Marie Forleo

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of faith, and wrote my first book, Unleash Your Inner Tiger: Strength, Beauty and Power. To think that I could be a writer really jolted me. Writing was scary and took me out of my comfort zone. But I trusted my heart's intuition and am now a published author. Reading my book still gives me goose bumps. I cannot believe I wrote it. At the same time, I know it is not my last book—it appears I have a passion for writing after all! A passionless life is not what you were meant to live. Passion is what fills your soul. Without it, life is just

plain life – day after day passing by until the end. When that time comes and you look back, which of the following do you want to say? I lived a freaking awesome life—no regrets! or Man, I totally missed the bus—there is so much I wanted to do but never did. You are the only one who can make the choice to live a life full of passion or not. You get to choose whether you meow through life hoping that someday you might stumble across this thing called passion and your dreams will magically appear before your eyes

—or if you roar into life, exploring and embracing your passion, filling your life with that which your soul calls for—freedom, abundance, happiness, joy, and peace. Your heart knows. Are you ready to follow it so you too can live the life your soul calls for?

Tami Reagor helps women change their thoughts and perspective from a lack mindset to abundance overflowing while they create the life their soul desires. She is leading a gorgeous group of women at unleashyourinnertiger.com into a world where they practice gratitude and accept abundance together.

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