VIRGIN.BEAUTY.B!TCH

Dr. Regina Lark is a professional organizer and feminist historian. Several years ago, the concept ‘emotional labor’ became her lightbulb moment. The term integrated her background in feminist history, professional organizing, and social change. Regina’s book, Emotional Labor: Why A Woman’s Work is Never Done and What to do About It, has attracted significant ‘buzz’ including praise from subject matter experts in emotional labor; leaders in the field of feminist history, activists at the forefront of women’s empowerment, and professional organizers. Regina shares the meaning and the consequence of Emotional Labour on women.

Over her 50-year career, Victoria Lenon has been focused on coaching and mentoring clients — primarily women — enabling them to reach and showcase their full potential. Over time, Victoria has accumulated a wide array of tools that help her utilize a holistic and integrative approach. Victoria has worked in multiple sectors, including public education, health care, government agencies, a post-secondary institution, not for profits, a correctional facility, a crown corporation, and an indigenous reserve. Her clients have been just as diverse, coming from different socio-economic backgrounds, including at-risk populations, immigrants, youth, and individuals pivoting their careers. In a world of uncertainty and disruption, Victoria Lenon models what it takes to be resilient and shares 50 years of experience with us.

Michelle Hrycauk Nassif is a leadership coach and consultant supporting female solopreneurs, entrepreneurs, and business leaders to discover, align with, and integrate their purpose into a career and lifestyle that works for them. As a stay-at-home mom turned business Founder, Michelle transitioned back into the workforce knowing very intimately the struggles all parents face with managing career and home life. I AM A Feminine Leader exists to enable resilient entrepreneurial women to transcend the norms of the nuclear family, define success on their own terms, and embody their purpose. We are thrilled to have Michelle help us launch International Women's Month 2022.

The “Future of Black America Top 50” recognizes the accomplishments of 50 Black Americans making a profound difference in their industries and communities. Lisa Hurley — writer, speaker, and activist focused on anti-racism, texturism, and destigmatizing — is a leader on the 2022 list. Lisa leads our critical conversation on race, equity, and inclusion, but we also talk with Lisa about beauty, culture, fashion, and unicorns.

My name is Gifty Serbeh-Dunn.  I was born and raised in Ghana; the last of 8 children. I came to Canada at a young age to visit family friends and a coup in Ghana forced me to stay, essentially “exiled” in Canada; separated from my family.  As an adult, whenever I visited home, the women in my community in Ghana would ask me to create work for them. Living in Mill Bay, Vancouver Island, I didn’t think it possible. However, when shea butter became popular in North America, I saw the opportunity to help them and help myself.

As a women's empowerment expert, author, entrepreneur, and founder of PleaseNotes, Cheryl Sutherland has been featured in InStyle, Huffington Post, Forbes, Fast Company, American Express OPEN Forum, and Thrive Global. "I've always been in love with possibilities, so it makes sense that I'm drawn to personal growth. After working hard and accomplishing amazing things in my professional life, I recognized at 23 that what I've been told about success was a lie. Having a house, car, and lots of money didn't bring me joy or satisfaction. That's when I was given the gift of personal growth, which changed the way I see my whole life." We talked with Cheryl about the challenges of being a black female entrepreneur in Canada and the US who brings women life-changing tools and techniques that also changed her fortune.

"I'm on a mission to fight racism. I bring the experience of three decades in the writing business (B2B, B2C, SaaS), including 10+ years in journalism (research is my superpower), as well as the unique lens of being a global citizen. I'm passionate about promoting equity and belonging. After the murder of George Floyd, I took my Fukitol pill to let people know how I really felt. It was cathartic, and that was the start. It was then that I wrote my first newsletter article, I'm Tired of Racism. When people responded, I kept writing and discovered my purpose was to engage with issues around white supremacy and systemic racism." Sharon Hurley Hall

Author, Speaker & Food Addictions Expert Dr. Vera Tarman shares with us that an addiction to sugar and flour can be as treacherous as an addiction to alcohol, tobacco, and even cocaine. "I know. I’m a recovered food addict who has maintained a 100-pound weight loss for more than 12 years. No gimmicks. No pills. I remember in the past, whenever I got my eating under control, I would get persuaded to ‘have just a bite’ of something, which would derail me back to eating non-stop. Even when I explained that I was addicted to sugar, no one, not even myself, took me seriously. When I started in addiction medicine, I realized that my hunch was right. My behaviors around food had the same indicators as my patients with addictions. So when independent research started to show that food addiction exists, I knew it was time for me to speak up."

In the U.S. alone, in an average year, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation estimates an average of 280,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer; more than 42,000 will die. Therese Forton-Barnes is a 'Household Toxins Health Specialist' promoting healthy living and a non-toxic lifestyle. Tee speaks with us about toxins in and around our homes, from construction materials, furniture, carpeting, bedding, personal care products, and especially fragrances - the other 'F-Word.' Her top three list of potential toxins in your home is shocking. Tee's mission is to help reduce our exposure to chemicals so we can live a healthier low-tox life.

Jane Wilson has taught over 10,000 people to feel strong, bold, and confident. In our conversation, she dives into reasons why women hold themselves back and why breaking rules and challenging stigma can sometimes feel naughty but is often the key to self-liberation. As a former Pole Fitness Masters Champion, Jane’s spent over a decade teaching pole, fitness, and dance classes and encouraging women to flip their hair, bang their heels, and love their curves. Vivacious and open-minded, Jane shares how to make time for play and handle any obstacle with feminine grace.