Together We Rise with Katie Zeppieri

Jennifer Harper is the founder of @cheekbonebeauty. Jenn created Cheekbone Beauty because she felt there needed to be a brand that was made in Canada, that was never tested on animals AND that gave back to the First Nations community. The brand did not exist, so Jenn created it! Through countless hours over the past few years, Cheekbone Beauty was born!⁣ ⁣ In This Episode Jenn Shares: ✅ How losing her brother to suicide became the driving force behind her business⁣ ✅ How Cheekbone Beauty incorporates "Life Cycle Thinking" & sustainability⁣ ✅ Speaking her truth as a recovering alcoholic and changing the narrative around her transgenerational trauma as an Indigenous woman⁣ ✅ Tips for breaking destructive habits, finding hope and taking your power back⁣ ✅ Her mission to empower Indigenous Youth and ensure their representation in the media and beauty industry⁣ ⁣ ⚡️LIGHTNING ROUND: What makes her a good quarantine buddy: She has lots of makeup 💄⁣ What makes her a bad quarantine buddy: She can be moody⁣ Fave Quote: "Begin with the end of mind" (quote from "7 Habits of Highly Effective" by Stephen R. Covey)⁣ Pump-Up Song: Anything by Al Green⁣ At-Home Workout: @onepeloton - the instructors just know what to say right as you're about to give up! ⁣ Snack: Ketchup Chips 🍁 @layscanada, fennel, peanut butter and apples⁣ Book: "From the Ashes: My Story of Being Métis, Homeless, and Finding My Way" by @michifman // "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance" by @angeladuckworth⁣ TV Reco: Dragon's Den @cbcdragon, Season 14, Episode 1 (her Cheekbone Beauty pitch)⁣ Skill/Hobby: Focusing on more stretching, yoga-style workout⁣ Connect: @cheekbonebeauty , www.cheekbonebeauty.ca ⁣ Connect for any entrepreneur journey questions 💌 [email protected]⁣

Show Sponsor: @firstsession—an online platform that gives you the opportunity to find and connect with top therapists that is the right fit for you.

Produced by: katiezeppieri @jromito

*Recorded June 27th on Instagram Live*

Melissa Grelo is a television host on @thesocialctv and @yourmorning. She is the founder of @marqdesigns, a sustainable and gender neutral fashion brand for children. Melissa is an ambassador for @girlsementorship and the @campaignforwool. She is also a Board Member for @wwfcanada. 🐼 ⁣ ⁣ In This Episode Melissa Shares: ✅ Tips and resources for keeping at-home activities fun and educational for her young daughter ⁣ ✅ How she reduces heightened anxious energy during COVID-19⁣ ✅ Why it's important to carve out "me time", set clear boundaries and keep your family on a loose but structured schedule⁣ ✅ How she is juggling her various commitments and moving online; including broadcasting The Social from home and completing the WWF CN Tower Climb virtually (link in Melissa's Instagram bio to donate!) ⁣ ✅ How to create shape from an otherwise nebulous looking day during COVID-19⁣ ⁣ ⚡️LIGHTNING ROUND: What makes her a good quarantine buddy: She used to be a teacher; training came in handy for keeping her daughter entertained and informed!⁣ What makes her a bad quarantine buddy: She's a schedule girl but not everyone loves structure⁣ Fave Quote: "This is a gift"⁣ Pump-up Song: "Fired Up" by Funky Green Dogs (oldie but goodie house track!)⁣ At-home Workout:⁣ Has always loved circuit training with weights/cardio but is addicted to her @onepeloton bike! ⁣ Snack: Chocolate Chip Rice Cakes lathered in PB⁣ Podcast/Book: @jessicasimpson's Memoir, "Open Book"⁣ Netflix Show: Tiger King (animal conservation!)⁣ Skill/Hobby: Loves languages and would like to revisit her Spanish and officially learn Portuguese (her father is Portuguese but she lost it along the way).⁣ Connect: ⁣@melissagrelo; The Social 1 PM EST on CTV. ⁣

Show Sponsor: @firstsession—an online platform that gives you the opportunity to find and connect with top therapists that is the right fit for you.

Produced by: katiezeppieri @jromito

*Recorded March 31st on Instagram Live*

Rhonelle Bruder is an internationally recognized speaker, human rights advocate, and social entrepreneur. She is known for her leadership in raising awareness of human trafficking and advocating for the rights of survivors. She regularly contributes to national and local media sources, including CBC, Global News, CP24 News, NEWSTALK1010 speaking about issues such as human trafficking, gender-based violence and child abuse.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ In This Episode Rhonelle Shares: ✅ The process of forgiving herself and others to rise above trauma⁣ ✅ The mental prison she experienced as a result of the trauma-bond created by on-going abuse cycles ⁣⁣ ✅ Noticing small warning signs of controlling, grooming and manipulative behaviour in relationships ⁣⁣ ✅ How she's using her experience to educate and empower with the @rise.initiative ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⚡️LIGHTNING ROUND: What makes her a good quarantine buddy: She loves trying new recipes & baking up a storm ⁣⁣ What makes her a bad quarantine buddy: 90% of her recipes don't turn out, so not great if you're a hungry person! ⁣⁣ Fave Quote: "I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul" from "Invictus" by William Ernest Henley⁣⁣ Pump-Up Song: "Umbrella" by @rihanna ⁣⁣ At-Home Workout: 30 min workout by P90X @beachbody @tonyshorton⁣⁣ Snack: Green Smoothies, Berry Smoothies⁣⁣ Book: "The Count of Mounte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas ⁣⁣ TV Reco: "History 101" @netflix interesting, short history lessons on fascinating topics⁣⁣ Skill/Hobby: She wants to try HTML and coding again ⁣⁣ Connect: @realrhonelle @rise.initiative

Show Sponsor: @firstsession—an online platform that gives you the opportunity to find and connect with top therapists that is the right fit for you.

Produced by: katiezeppieri @jromito

*Recorded May 28th on Instagram Live* 

Roxy Earle is an advocate for inclusive sizing, female empowerment and the founder of #MySizeRox encouraging women to love their bodies. She is a former star on The Real Housewives of Toronto where she made history as the franchise's first plus-sized cast member.

In This Episode Roxy Shares: ✅ How she chose to shift from a state of panic to focusing on her greater purpose during COVID-19 ⁣⁣ ✅ Ways to remain intentional and grateful everyday including how doing good for others can lift your spirit⁣⁣ ✅ The importance of staying connected with people who bring you joy and keep you inspired. You are the company you keep! ⁣⁣ ✅ Tips for feeling good in your skin during self isolation⁣⁣ ✅ Advice for entrepreneurs and her thoughts on supporting small businesses⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⚡️LIGHTNING ROUND: What makes her a good quarantine buddy: she can have fun doing anything; makes lemonade out of lemons. ⁣⁣ What makes her a bad quarantine buddy: She never stops talking!⁣⁣ Fave Quote: "Be grateful for the things that you wish for that never happened because it's opened doors to the things that might be ahead." Pump-up Song: "Fly" by Nicki Minaj ft. Rihanna⁣⁣ At-home Workout:⁣ Pilates ⁣⁣ Snack: Mid-day Squares (Canadian company) @middaysquares ⁣⁣ Podcast/Book: "Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens⁣⁣ TV Shows: Love is Blind on Netflix // FleaBag on AmazonPrime @phoebewallerbridgeweb  Skill/Hobby: Learned how to do her own hair and working to master her workouts ⁣⁣ Connect: ⁣@luxuriousroxy // https://luxuriousroxy.com/ ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 💗𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐬: 𝐑𝐨𝐱𝐲'𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬:⁣⁣ Cartigan by Kumari's @kumaris_blooryorkville ⁣⁣ Bodysuit by Knix @knixwear ⁣⁣ Pants by Jennifer Bandier @jenniferbandier ⁣⁣

Show Sponsor: @firstsession—an online platform that gives you the opportunity to find and connect with top therapists that is the right fit for you.

Produced by: katiezeppieri @jromito

*Recorded April 1st on Instagram Live* 

Jully Black is a Canadian singer-songwriter, producer and actress. She has collaborated and written for many artists, including Kardinal Offishall, Destiny's Child, and Sean Paul. She was chosen by CBC Music as one of "The 25 Greatest Canadian Singers Ever" and has been dubbed "Canada's Queen of R&B" by her fans and peers. She is also the founder of @100strongandsexy 💪🏿⁣ ⁣⁣ In This Episode Jully Shares: ✅ Making the conscious decision to be "better rather than bitter" during COVID-19⁣⁣ ✅ Viewing her voice as a gift and the importance of being of service⁣⁣ ✅ How she lives her life to be a bridge big enough for all to cross ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ ⚡️LIGHTNING ROUND: What makes her a good quarantine buddy: She can cook, dances naked everyday 💃😂, provides bomb mantras and loves wine & popcorn ⁣⁣⁣ What makes her a bad quarantine buddy: Too much wine brings out grumpy Jully⁣⁣⁣ Fave Quote: "Don't let life pin you down before you decide to get up"⁣⁣⁣ Pump-Up Song: "Splinters" by Shal Marshall ⁣⁣⁣ At-Home Workout: @Just2Sweat ⁣⁣⁣ Snack: @theskinnypop 🍿⁣⁣⁣ Book: "5 AM Club: Own Your Morning Elevate Your Life" by Robin Sharma and "The Illusion of Money: Why Chasing Money Is Stopping You From Receiving It" by Kyle Cease ⁣⁣⁣ TV Show: "HTGAWM" // "Greenleaf" // "Self Made: Inspired by The Life of Madam C.J. Walker" ⁣⁣⁣ Skill/Hobby: Life and transformational coaching⁣⁣⁣ Connect: @missjullyblack // @100strongandsexy⁣⁣⁣ 100strongandsexy.com 

Bonus - Jully's Daily Mantra

"My body is rested and my mind is clear. I start my day with positive thoughts and energy. I am relaxed, non-resistant and clear. My day unfolds with ease and grace. People like (fill in the blank) support me throughout the day. God, the creator of the universe supports my desires today and I am open to receiving greatness. I am energized and inspired. Creative possibilities are available to me. Nothing holds me back. I take action with faith and clarity. I am healthy, I am well and vibrant. Today's a great day. I'm having fun today. I bring joy to others. I bring light with me wherever I go. I'm a positive influence on the world. All is well." 

Show Sponsor: @firstsession—an online platform that gives you the opportunity to find and connect with top therapists that is the right fit for you.

Produced by: katiezeppieri @jromito

*Recorded April 18th on Instagram Live* 

Debra Sadowski started @rockitpromo out of her parents' spare bedroom with a dream and a lot of chutzpah. Now, 20 years later, rock-it is a leading Canadian lifestyle PR firm that resides in the heart of downtown Toronto. As the company's CEO/Founder and an innovator within the industry, Debra has appeared as a PR expert on shows like eTalk, ET Canada and Global News and has been featured in Toronto Life, The Globe and Mail, and Forbes.com. Current clients include adidas, L'Oréal Paris, Knix, Tissot, Club Med, GUESS, Dr. Martens, The JUNO Awards, and many more.⁣ ⁣ In This Episode Debra Shares:✅ Her addiction and mental health journey ✅ Eliminating the pressure of "what ifs" during these uncertain times⁣ ✅ Leaning into struggle and tips to help you cope productively ⁣ ✅ Reaching out to loved ones and changing your surroundings to lift your mood⁣ ✅ Overcoming obstacles in business and in life⁣ ⁣ ⚡️LIGHTNING ROUND: What makes her a good quarantine buddy: She gives really good hugs!⁣ What makes her a bad quarantine buddy: She likes her personal space⁣ Fave Quote: "We are all broken and that's how the light gets in"⁣ Pump-Up Song: "Dance Monkey" by @tonesandi⁣ At-Home Workout: yoga 🧘‍♀️@sarifoxy | @onepeloton free 90day trial⁣ Snack: Yoso yogurt, berries, @chefjordanwagman 's granola ⁣ Book: Reading "Harry Potter" with her son & "Untamed" by @GlennonDoyle⁣ TV Show:"Ozark" and "The Morning Show" ⁣ Skill/Hobby: she creates playlists for her socially distant neighbourhood boogie parties, otherwise, no time for new hobbies!⁣ Connect: @rockitdeb ⁣

Show Sponsor: @firstsession—an online platform that gives you the opportunity to find and connect with top therapists that is the right fit for you.

Produced by: @katiezeppieri @jromito

*Recorded April 28th on Instagram Live*

Karlyn Percil is a Certified Emotional Intelligence and Neuro-Life Coach with particular focus on Diversity, Inclusion, & Belonging. She is also the President and Founder of SisterTalk Leadership and Wellness Academy, a group dedicated to giving women an opportunity to amplify their voice & skills by providing a specialized training & certification program that focuses on impact, community building, & leadership. ⁣ ⁣ In This Episode Karlyn Shares: ✅ Embracing all the different versions of the pandemic you & what it reveals about your life⁣ ✅ The importance of safe spaces in the community to break down barriers and address the elephant in the room⁣ ✅ Storytelling as a means to understand and reshape history ⁣ ✅ Giving yourself permission to navigate each day differently⁣ ⁣ ⚡️LIGHTNING ROUND: What makes her a good quarantine buddy: She's a great cook & a low maintenance introvert ⁣ What makes her a bad quarantine buddy: If you're chatty & require a lot of energy, she's not your gal - she needs her space⁣ Fave Quote: "Your soul already knows" - Her @thesuccessplanner_ word of the year: TRUST!⁣ Pump-Up Song: Anything @beyonce but lately she's loving drums & classical music. @TashSultanaOfficial & @burnaboygram At-Home Workout: Pushups (started the year with 1 a day & is at 25!)⁣ Snack: Cucumber drizzled with coconut oil & sea salt ⁣ Book: "The Gifts of Imperfection" by @brenebrown⁣ TV Show: "Absentia" with Canadian-American actress @drstanakatic & "Chefs Plate" ⁣ Skill/Hobby: Has been colouring, would love to paint & is dabbling into poetry for herself⁣ Connect: @karlynpercil // https://karlynpercil.com/ // Join her program: The Purposeful Pivot⁣

Show Sponsor: @firstsession—an online platform that gives you the opportunity to find and connect with top therapists that is the right fit for you.

Produced by: katiezeppieri @jromito

*Recorded May 9th on Instagram Live*

Dana Levenson is a Television News Personality with 20+ years working in broadcast TV News and information programming. Since 2000, Levenson worked as a news reporter and anchor at CTV News in TORONTO. Her role varied but, namely as a general news reporter and weekend weather anchor. Levenson recently left her position to discover other opportunities in TV & the entertainment industry. Levenson has interviewed some of the biggest names including: Kawai Lenoard, Wayne Gretzky, Sarah Jessica Parker, Martin Short, and Richard Branson.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ In This Episode Dana Shares: ✅ Emotional reflections on how #COVID19 has impacted her life. (Her husband, Kevin is an Emergency Room Doctor working on the frontlines) ⁣⁣ ✅ Her thoughts on keeping her family emotionally healthy while keeping to a routine during #COVID19⁣⁣ ✅ The things that bring her comfort and helped her overcome the initial dread, worry and fear of the pandemic⁣⁣ ✅ Ways to 'subtract' from our day sometimes, instead of just thinking of what to 'add'⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⚡️LIGHTNING ROUND: What makes her a good quarantine buddy: She's super clean and organized⁣⁣ What makes her a bad quarantine buddy: She's super clean and organized - it's driving her family crazy!⁣⁣ Fave Quote: "This is just for now, not forever"⁣⁣ Pump-Up Song: "Holiday" by Madonna⁣⁣ At-Home Workout: Instagram Lives: @fitsqr @ellefitnessto @yogatreestudios + at-home circuit workouts/walking ⁣⁣ Snack: All of the Granola! (Try with different milks: oat, soy, nut etc) ⁣⁣ Book: "Normal People" by Sally Rooney and "26 Knots" by Bindu Suresh⁣⁣ Netflix Show: Unorthodox⁣⁣ Skill/Hobby: Cooking! Gets her recipes from: @alisoneroman @weelicious @bitememore ⁣ Connect: @danalevenson / 🐦@danalevensontv / IGLive show: "On the DL" ⁣⁣

Show Sponsor: @firstsession—an online platform that gives you the opportunity to find and connect with top therapists that is the right fit for you.

Produced by: katiezeppieri @jromito

*Recorded April 10th on Instagram Live*

Melissa Leong is one of Canada's best-loved authorities on personal finance. She's a sought-after speaker, national media personality, best-selling author and award-winning writer. She's the author of the feel-good finance guide, Happy Go Money and is the resident money expert on Canada's leading daytime talk show, "The Social" on CTV. 

In This Episode Melissa Shares: ✅ How she was forced to find her inner resilience after a difficult 2019 and how she's adapting in 2020 with COVID19⁣ ✅ To defer or not to defer? Things to think about while in money survival mode ⁣ ✅  Tips on staying organized, seeking the information you need, taking control of your financial situation and advocating for what you need. ⁣ ✅  Creative ways to pitch your services and make income from home ⁣ ✅ How to navigate EI (Employment Insurance) versus the CERB (Canadian Emergency Response Benefit) applications⁣ ⁣ ⚡️LIGHTNING ROUND: What makes her a good quarantine buddy: She's money prepared! Stretching her dollars, planning for groceries, has an emergency fund and thinks of creative ways to make an income.⁣ Netflix/TV Show: She isn't watching TV; she wants YOUR recommendations - send her a DM!⁣ Skill/Hobby: Has been developing webinars for years but wants to continue to create online resources for her community 💻⁣

Not heard in the episode:

What makes her a bad quarantine buddy: She's an overachiever and always busy. ⁣ Fave Quote: "Happiness doesn't make us grateful, it's gratefulness that makes us happy".⁣ Pump-up Song: Baby shark; kids' music is all that plays at her house! ⁣ At-home Workout:⁣ Squat to pick up toys, lunge to prevent her 5-year old from hitting her 1-year old with their toys 🚚 ⁣ Healthy Snack: Bread crust, soup broth that is left over once she's scooped out the noodles⁣ Podcast/Book: "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini  Connect:  ⁣@lisleong on Instagram or send her an email at [email protected]⁣

Bonus/Fun Facts: 🧛‍♀️Melissa has written a successful vampire series for young adults under a pen name, Wynne Channing (her middle name and name of the street she grew up on). ⁣"What Kills Me" - Currently FREE on Kobo ⁣ Plus, listen to her podcast🎙: Money Moves: Conversations about Investing

Show Sponsor: @firstsession—an online platform that gives you the opportunity to find and connect with top therapists that is the right fit for you.

Produced by: katiezeppieri @jromito

*Recorded April 4th on Instagram Live*

Kortney Wilson is a real estate professional, designer, TV star on @hgtv and the creator of @kortandco a line of home décor products featuring everything from linens to furnishings to pet beds.⁣ ⁣ In This Episode Kortney Shares:⁣ ✅  Her experience as both a biological mom of two boys and adoptive mom to a Black daughter⁣ ✅ The importance of always growing into and becoming a better person⁣ ✅  Ways to start having conversations with your kids about race and equality ⁣ ✅  How she has been coping with heartbreak and challenging times (hint: it looks different every day!)⁣ ✅  Tips on decluttering and livening up your home to create a space you love⁣ ⁣ ⚡️LIGHTNING ROUND:⁣ What makes her a good quarantine buddy: She cooks and cleans⁣ What makes her a bad quarantine buddy: She cleans too much!⁣ Fave Quote: "Expectations are met when they're understood" // "If I don't do it today, I'm going to have to do it tomorrow"⁣ Pump-Up Song: She loves @littlebigtown⁣ At-Home Workout: What's that? ⁣ Snack: Chips! (Sour Cream & Onion) and cocoa covered almonds ⁣ Book: "Becoming" by @michelleobama⁣ TV Reco: @unorthodoxnetflix @netflix⁣ Skill/Hobby: She bought a ukulele and wants to learn!⁣ Connect: @allthingskortneywilson // @kortflipsout // Catch her shows on @hgtv @hgtvcanada 

Show Sponsor: @firstsession—an online platform that gives you the opportunity to find and connect with top therapists that is the right fit for you.

Produced by: katiezeppieri @jromito

*Recorded June 12th on Instagram Live*