Heart Glow CEO®

Here are the highlights from my interview with Alessia Pandolfi: Tech Expert on Women Developing Brilliance.

Who is Alessia Pandolfi?

Alessia Pandolfi is a tech expert for online coaches and consultants. She helps other solopreneurs from tech disasters and takes the worry and tasks off their plates.

Alessia works out of Helsinki, Finland and has been a full-time entrepreneur for over 3 years.

Her core value is helping others and she brings this sense of purpose into both her personal and work life.

Lightbulb moment

It all began when her father brought home their first Mac computer. Together, working on it was like a pet project. This influence molded Alessia.

It evolved into a position as a project manager for a non-profit in Ukraine where organization and technology were mandatory.

Spinning off into teaching Italian online was her first launch into entrepreneurship. That wasn’t the perfect fit right off the bat. The thought of securing a traditional job flooded in, but after some soul searching and a little bravery, she made the decision to pivot as a tech expert and become a full-time solopreneur.

Overcoming darkness

Even 3 years in as a solopreneur, missteps happen.

Alessia experienced one of these moments after a recent launch didn't produce the results she was hoping for.

Acknowledging the situation, figuring things out, and moving on is the key to long-term success, she shares.

Shining a bright light

Putting our work into the world takes a tremendous amount of time, energy, and courage.  

Alessia suggests setting everything possible on automation all throughout a launch. As well as carving out time after a launch to “refill your cup” and rest. 

Big truth

After examination, Alessia believes her deep personal development work and positive attitude is what gave her the tenacity to start her second endeavor.

She now practices mindfulness on a daily basis and attributes much of the success of her current business to that. Setting healthy boundaries is a part of this process, she adds.

Balance in a chaotic world

Tech obstacles have made solopreneurs want to give up. Knowing our zone of genius and being able to ask for help or outsource when something is outside of our skill set is the way to go whenever it’s possible.

Here again, implementing a mindset shift proves to be very valuable.  

I loved my time with Alessia because

She is so honest and real. Her vulnerability is what allows us to see ourselves in her story and learn from any missteps. Alessia is a leading example of leaving space for yourself in your business when you need time to recharge. This contributes to business without burnout, which as you know is near and dear to my heart.

Connect with Alessia: https://alessiapandolfi.com/ 

PS: Plus, if you'd like to jam to her favorite workout music playlist click here.

Here are the highlights of my interview with Shannon Kelly: Vintage Gypsy on Women Developing Brilliance.

Who is Shannon Kelly?

Shannon Kelly is the founder and editor of the Women’s Magazine “Vintage Gypsy” based out of Prince Albert, SK. She works one-on-one with writers and facilitates the “Write Your Way Home” 6-week intensive writing workshop that she created.

She is a storyteller, a community builder and a humanitarian. She believes that we all have a story to tell and that each story is unique and important.

 
Lightbulb moment

After raising her kids, like many women, she was looking for something more. Journalling and writing had been an outlet for healing for her in the past and an idea for the blog was born initially.

Shining a bright light

Shannon spends a lot of her time helping other writers develop and deepen their craft.

She teaches “The Rule of 5” in her workshops. The principal is to write 5 things every day - it could be 5 pages, 5 paragraphs, 5 sentences, or 5 minutes.  

Her added words of wisdom about the rule of 5 is don’t overthink it!

When asked her thoughts on reading past journal entries, she said, “You have to look back to know how far you’ve come. It’s an important part of your journey.”

BIG TRUTH

As with many creatives, putting anything new out in the world can be intimidating and it’s easy for fear to arise or the thoughts that “it’s already been done before” to creep in. Shannon was no different when she was ready to birth her 6-week writing program called Writing Your Way Home.

She took a leap and knew it was time to step out of her comfort zone and amazing things happened!

Balance in a chaotic world

Shannon cultivates personal sacred space on a daily basis. She dedicates a power hour in the morning to light some candles, burn incense, read mantras, do a little yoga, and put pen to paper in her leather-bound journal. That, plus an afternoon workout keeps her balanced.

Overcoming darkness

Shannon shared that social media has been a business challenge for her. Not being of a generation that just innately "gets it" has, at times, been a struggle.

She overcomes the snag by asking for help and has learned the power of consistency when it comes to an online presence.

I loved my time with Shannon because

She’s a dearheart soul. Her bravery and fearless persistence is beyond inspiring. I feel the world would be a better place if there were more women building community like Shannon. She offers support and a platform for aspiring writers.

Connect with Shannon:  www.thevintagegypsy.ca

Here are the highlights of my interview with Carly Rohlin: On a Mission on Women Developing Brilliance.

Who is Carly Rohlin?

Carly graduated from The College at Brockport in 2012, with a BA in Spanish and a BA in International Studies. She joined her family’s commercial real estate brokerage, Mission Commercial Realty, LLC in 2013, where she specializes in working with small- and medium-sized businesses who are looking to buy and/or lease office and retail space.

The brokerage was formed with a focus on helping non-profit and community organizations, along with local entrepreneurs, grow their respective companies in order to create altruistic wealth in the Rochester area.

As a young professional, Carly combines her unique perspective on the next generation of business with a keen insight into the changing landscape of the Rochester market to best serve her clients as they work together to find a positive solution in every situation.

Lightbulb moment

After reading Start With Why by Simon Sinek, Carly wanted to follow in her families footsteps and go into real estate to build her community in a way that lifts everyone up.  

Coming into commercial real estate was a lot of experiential learning and at times, Rholin says it was like drinking from a firehouse!

She is now at the 5-year mark and ready to streamline her processes and work smarter not harder.

The companies focus is on community and is invested in collaboration vs. competition, a mission that she can stand behind.

Shining a bright light

Surrounded by a work culture to cultivate positivity and having personal development at the forefront, Carly and team dive into a book every other month and brainstorm the big ideas with one another.

The first book of this year was What to Say When You Talk to Your Self by Shad Helmstetterm, Ph.D.

Listening to positive self-talk has made a huge impact in Carly’s world. It reframes negative, ingrained phrases and has given a sense of empowerment. It’s also been able to turnaround what was once perceived as a conflict or failure to see it as an opportunity that has the potential for an even greater outcome.

Big truth

Not being a real “rule follower,” Carly is not afraid to take the lead and build what she wants from scratch.

As so she started a small interest group for Young Professionals. An outlet for entrepreneurs to collect and focus on business and personal development on a regular basis.

She honestly shared that she battles self-doubt and second-guesses herself on a daily, as many female businesswomen do.

How does she overcome it? Her mantra =

Rohlin predicts

Rohlin predicts that we are going to start to see a lot more young professionals choosing to start their own business. She shares, it’s never been easier and if you find that you don’t like something, you can always pivot and pursue an alternative.

She also sees that more young professionals will be dedicated to the work-life balance as well as focusing on the greater good, being environmentally conscious and socially aware.

I loved my time with Carly because

Because she is a young professional on the rise. It’s inspiring to see how she incorporates personal development with business. A girl after my own heart!

She leaves us with parting words of wisdom and says, “Just do what you say you’re going to do.” Amen!

Connect with Carly:  https://missioncommercialrealty.com/carly-rohlin/

Rochester Women’s Network Small Interest Group - Young Pro

Here are the highlights of my interview with Tamara Kemper: Process Mentors on Women Developing Brilliance.

Who is Tamara Kemper?

After 16 years of working in schools and ed-tech companies, Tamara Kemper had accidentally become an expert in getting things done. Now, as the founder of Process Mentors, she helps small business owners scale their businesses through better back-end processes and internal training. 

Tamara lives in Phoenix, AZ where she can frequently be found singing and playing the ukulele with her little ones or continuing her quest to read all the books.

Lightbulb moment

Tamara experienced not having a lot of power or flexibility when she worked in the educational system and uncovered a lot of limitations. This opened up an opportunity to work with a local tech ed company where she quickly realized that she loved working with adults and helping them learn.

She herself is a forever learner and problem solver. She started focusing on how to make things work better and more efficiently. Something clicked! Her skill set and passion for “figuring things out” and then helping others do the same lead her to create the Process Mentors.

Shining a bright light

Tamara loves to work with small teams.

Unlike most business efficiency consultants, she is passionate about focusing on the very human reasons why business systems break down and uses her teacher superpowers to make sure every team member is successful with their new and improved ways of working.

It’s a delicate balance especially when the system revolves around one individual. She has a style of inviting them in and making it a collaborative endeavor.

Communication is key right off the bat. The intention has to be pure and in alignment between the leadership team for true success and implementation.

Big truth

On the subject of raising 2 kids and operating a small business, Tamara shared that she is blessed to have a reliable support system of great caregivers. This allows her to stay 100% directed on work tasks during her business hours.

She said, when her daughter was very young, she tried to multi-task but she always felt like she was failing at something. At any moment, she felt like she was being terrible at either being an attentive Mom or a focused business owner.

Tamara’s top tip

Try using the Pomodoro Method, which utilizes a 25-minute timer to block a mindful slot to get this done (with 5-minute breaks). The key is to define exactly what you are going to work on during that time with the goal of getting in 3 rotations.

I’ve personally started to use this after our talk and it’s made a huge difference in my efficiency.

You can read her blog about it here.

Her parting words of wisdom

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I loved my time with Tamara because

She is so real. Not only is she wicked smart but her gentle, giving spirit shines through and so does her eagerness to help small businesses level up.

Tamara is a changemaker and someone to watch as she creates big things in the world!

Here are the highlights of my interview with Cindy Black: Big Tree School of Natural Healing on Women Developing Brilliance.

Who is Cindy Black?

Cindy Black, L.Ac. is the founder of Big Tree School of Natural Healing, and the author of Meridian Massage, Opening Pathways to Vitality. Initially trained as a Massage Therapist, she dove into Chinese Medicine when the opportunity presented itself. Based on her experiences, she integrated Classical Chinese Medicine, western massage therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and movement practices into the Meridian Massage Approach.

Overcoming darkness

Cindy is no stranger when it comes to spinning out on the solopreneur journey. Whether it was initially trying to do what all the “expert marketers” told her she should or just general overwhelm that comes with the entrepreneurial path.

She applied her grounded in simplicity philosophy to business and discovered that you could simplify greatly and succeed.

She advises choosing fewer things, whether it be apps, social media channels or what not and do them well.

She shares, if you’re visual then do Instagram. If you hate Facebook, then skip it.

Lightbulb moment

In her early 20’s a mysterious abdominal pain arose. After several diagnoses and no results, she landed on an acupuncturist. After 2-3 sessions her pain was completely gone.

Even though she had always been interested in health and healing, that was the turning point to learn more.

She became a licensed massage therapist.

From there she and her partner opened the Finger Lakes School of Massage in Ithaca, NY.  

Chinese medicine kept calling her deeper.

Cindy continued to expand her education and studied acupuncture and other various healing modalities.

Shining a bright light

Over the years of education, Black pooled together all of her learnings and skills and started her own approach. By beginning with small workshops, she discovered that people were really interested in learning what she put together and the Meridian Massage Approach was born!

Her next big project

She has a 3-month Meridian Massage Immersion that kicked off in January 2019. She is with her students every step of the way and is committed to helping them understand the fundamentals of the ancient wisdom.

She is also loving Vimeo as an opportunity for people to enjoy her single classes.

I loved my time with Cindy because

She is a deeply spiritual person, open-minded and big-hearted. It’s a wonderful combination! Her work influences so many people around the globe. Not only do I cherish my friendship with Cindy, I am also a believer of her message. “Move towards happiness.”

Connect with Cindy: https://www.bigtreehealing.com/

Here are the highlights of my interview with Gina Tager: Mind Body Eating Coach on Women Developing Brilliance.

Who is Gina Tager?

Gina Tager is a Body Mind Eating Coach, certified by the Institute for the Psychology of Eating.

She helps people heal their relationship with food, body, and Life itself through self-knowledge and body wisdom.

Her work is based on HAES (Health at Every Size) a movement that promotes body diversity.

She is passionate about helping people who are ready to stop the battle with their weight and their body in order to start embracing who they really are so they can create lasting well-being.

Overcoming darkness

It was her personal motivation that brought her to this field. After cleaning out a lot of old beliefs, she started embracing the idea that you can be healthy and happy at every size/body type.

Having had personal experiences with body and weight issues, she now can channel that knowledge to women who come to her that previously struggled in shame and silence.

This empathy and understanding provide a deep connection, which in itself is very healing.

Lightbulb moment

Because body diversity is such an ingrain value for Tager, she translates that to other aspects of her life and career. Meaning, she believes there is no 1 right way to do anything. She is also the first to say that even HAES may not work for every body and that’s OK.

She encourages you to stop for a second, do a fast check-in and see what motivates you. Ask what feeds you? What makes your soul sing? What are the different ways you can do it naturally?

Find the way that feels most comfortable to you.

Shining a bright light

Gina believes that the number of coaching hours per week, the size of her body, the size of her bank account, etc. are not the only determining factors of success.

She says we really need to look at other elements that contribute to well-being and happiness.

I love that Gina is not attached to titles or “shoulds.” Her integrative approach includes several self-care tools that she always personally vets before sharing wisdom on it.

She tailors her work to each client, using intuition to guide the ship where it will best serve and benefit the specific person, going as deep as the client chooses.

When it comes to accepting the various messages in her work, be it on the topic of spirituality or sexuality, Tager says, "Everyone is free to say I want a bite of this or no thank you.”

Her next big project

Gina and her team are working on an e-course.

This is exciting for the people that are interested in mind-body eating coaching but for whatever reason are unable to have one-on-one coaching sessions.

It'll be launching at the end of January 2019.

I loved my time with Gina because

She is so passionate about healing, but my favorite quality is that she executes with sweetness and non-judgment. She doesn’t follow trends, she follows what feels natural and in the moment. I love that!

Connect with Gina: https://ginatager.com.mx/

Here are the highlights of my interview with Mackenzie Piccarreto: Table for One on Women Developing Brilliance.

Who is Mackenzie Piccarreto?

Mackenzie Piccarreto is an Integrative Health Expert, recipe developer, and all around wellness junkie. She founded her blog, Mackenzies Table, to share recipes, tips, and overall thoughts on what it means to live a vibrant, health-conscious life.

Mackenzie teaches that being healthy doesn’t have to be complicated or taste bad, that when we really listen to our bodies, everything falls into place.

Overcoming darkness

Mackenzie shared how being a solopreneur can be isolating and a totally different scene than having co-workers. We talked about how easy it is to compare yourself to others online and get completely distracted.

She said, having a super supportive girl network in Rochester, NY has been a major contributor to her success.

For those that don’t quite have a network built yet, Piccarreto encourages you to be around the people that you want to be like. Putting yourself out there, attending cool networking events, and reaching beyond your comfort zone will all help to connect with people who are on the same page.

Lightbulb moment

Being brought up by a naturopathic doctor she was surrounded by health. It was only natural to dive deeper into the world of integrative nutrition. After graduating from IIN, she started her blog as an outlet to share recipes and wellness tips.

Through a consistent and persistent effort of building her Instagram channel, Mackenzkie has built a loyal following. One that she says 90% of her business, collaborations, and entrepreneurial connections have come from.

She says, if you’re not using Instagram stories yet, you must! It’s a fabulous way to document your real, human life, connect with others and build friendships too.

Shining a bright light

When we talked about collaborations or agreeing to a project before your 100% ready, she said, "It’s this fine line of not saying yes to things that don’t feel good in your gut or are a good brand partnership and the flip side of doing things that are a little uncomfortable but you also need to get paid."

Her next big project

Mackenzie just launched her first eBook called “Table for One.” I grabbed a copy and it’s awesome.

You’ll learn everything from what to stock your pantry with and what oils to use, to how to make your own coconut yogurt and a curry recipe that could be made in 100 different ways. The idea is to learn the frameworks of recipes and then adjust to fit your needs and wants as they change. With just a little bit of effort on a weekly basis, you’ll be confidently whipping up delicious meals in no time.

I loved my time with Mackenzie because

She is so down to earth. Mackenzie truly is the #everydaygirl and that is something to celebrate. I think everyone can relate to her honest outlook on what it takes to be successful in business and that fortitude is the secret ingredient to longevity.

Connect with Mackenzie: https://mackenziestable.com/

Jen describes herself as a psychedelic hippie committed to leaving the world a better place. She is a philanthropist who loves breaking new ground and living in the unknown zone of life.

She has published 14 books including the # 1 book on Intuitive Aromatherapy in the world.  

Jen is comfortable whether walking the 800 km Camino Way across Spain or speaking on the world stage.

She is The Present Day Wise Woman and says her greatest achievement is founding The Q Foundation, which brings hope, health, and happiness to children in poverty.

Overcoming darkness

After burning out in her twenties Jen reinvented herself as a naturopath and aromatherapist specializing in getting people out of survival mode and preventing burnout in the workplace.

She chose to specialize in aromatherapy because aside from loving aromas, she was drawn to the fact that essential oils heal on both a physical and emotional level.

She is passionate about living from a place of prevention and travels the world speaking on the topic to share insight and experience so others can avoid feeling crappy and burnt.

Brilliant tips

1. Stop “alarm mode.”

Turn the phone on silent during the workday. Every time we get a buzzer or beep our cortisol hormone increases. This is our “fight or flight” mode which can wreak havoc when triggered multiple times per day.

Jen advises also keeping the phone out of the bedroom and using a traditional alarm clock vs. having the phone within hands reach of your bed.

Amazing how this simple strategy has the power to reduce stress and improve our night's sleep!

2. Advice for introverts.

Jen shares that taking 1 tsp of cinnamon per day (in say a nutritional shake) helps to bring out our extrovert side. She also is a believer of color therapy - like wearing blue during her speaking engagements to assist the throat chakra.

She also guides others interested in breaking out of their shell to train themselves to be comfortably uncomfortable. Put your hand on your heart and just feel our intuitive, feminine self and then speak.

Shining a bright light

Jen left her clinic to go on the road as a professional speaker/educator so she could help the masses.

She incorporated one of her favorite things in the world, which is travel, with professional speaking and travels 6-9 months per year.

Working with multiple time zones, scheduling is a must - including self-care (like weekly acupuncture, massage, and surfing!).

Her big mission

She helps women not only find their voice but USE their voices. She is passionate about helping postmenopausal women figure out their “what’s next” and make the second half of their life the best half!

I loved my time with Jen because

She is a shining example of walking her talk and is a selfless giver. I feel akin to her both being Taurus girls, long-time vegetarians, aromatherapists, and passionate about business without burnout (after having first-hand experiences with adrenal fatigue). I’m looking forward to continuing to be inspired by this present-day wise woman!

Connect with Jen: http://jenniferjefferies.com/

Here are the highlights of my interview with Crista Beck: The Love Radar on Women Developing Brilliance.

Who is Crista Beck?

Crista Beck, The Love Radar, is a dating expert who teaches single people who are seeking a healthy and long-term relationship how to attract quality dating partners, increase their confidence, and take the actions necessary to have the love they deeply desire. She is regarded by her clients as a “romantic healer” due to her holistic and conscious approach to finding a meaningful relationship in the era of hookup culture and online dating.

Lightbulb moment

Crista was always curious about cosmic love, relationships, and spirituality as a young girl. After she read The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferris she was motivated to travel to Thailand and create an online business, as the author suggested.

From there, she approached her new business very strategically. At the time (now almost 10 years ago), the underserved keyword in the love and relationship niche was “boyfriend.”

Crista brilliantly built her brand around that keyword and quickly rose to over 90,000 monthly visitors in just 2 short years!

She displayed how narrowing your niche, at least in the beginning, is a powerful way to stay focused and get on the map!

A role model that illuminated the way

Crista was lucky to have a Father that showed her the way to approach life with an adventurous mindset and the power of levity and play. His famous saying was, “Life is the gymnasium for the soul.”

This paradigm helps Crista tune in and celebrate life.

Shining a bright light

Beck is a longtime meditator. When asked how that facilitates how she shows up to her clients, she said that she spends time developing her inner game, getting in tune with herself - her thoughts, heart, and body.

She’s trained herself to treat emotions that arise (like irritability) like they are her own children. Tuning into them when they are pulling on her shirttail vs. pushing them away.

She adds, the power of meditation provides a beautiful presence of love, which helps her be a loving presence for her clients.

I loved my time with Crista because

Her message resonates with my soul. She believes that we are all very powerful human beings and every moment we have a chance to choose love or choose fear. She invites us to choose love because that is the thing that will change your life and change the world. Amen to that!

Connect with Crista: http://cristabeck.com/

Here are the highlights of my interview with Bruna Mebs: Goodness Illustrated on Women Developing Brilliance.

Who is Bruna Mebs?

Bruna Mebs is a lifestyle brand. She started off as a costume designer and then transitioned into full-time illustration. She quickly realized that she wanted to do more and get her work into people’s lives in a bigger way - the lifestyle brand happened naturally out of that desire.

After spending some time in NYC and LA, she currently resides in PA with her husband and bulldog Achilles.

Overcoming darkness

Bruna, like many multi-passionate entrepreneurs, struggles with so many ideas and stretching herself way too thin. Staying organized with her schedule and planning things out 1-month in advance helps her to stay disciplined and focused.

Lightbulb moment

Realizing that the solopreneur path can be lonely sometimes, working as a team of 1, Mebs has built a digital tribe of like-minds. She enjoys listening to podcasts and reading blogs that not only talk about business but beyond on topics that inspire and get to the heart of good living.

Shining a bright light

Bruna says to be patient and let your business growth happen naturally. Don’t get discouraged if things aren’t happening quick enough. She also suggests if you need to get a side job during the growth phase, do it. The main thing is to not give up!

Preventing burnout

Bruna realizes the value of staying connected to life outside of just the business routine. She meditates to keep her grounded and in the present moment, journals to stay inspired, and remembers to leave time for artwork just for the fun of it.

Her next big project

The Bruna Mebs Winter Collection launches the first week of December 2018. Plus, she is working on a new book about her life as a creative before the age of 30.

I loved my time with Bruna because

Her old soul is just a sweetie pie. She has entrepreneurial blood flowing through her veins, grounded, and has a refreshingly authentic charm.

Connect with Bruna:  https://brunamebs.com/

This podcast is available on Apple iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google podcasts. Enjoy!