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7/24/2020 Guest Chik: Michaella Lesieur Continuing our Guest Chik series, we're excited to introduce you to Michaella Lesieur! Michaella is an author, advocate, model, and beacon of light. Check out her story and learn more about her latest upcoming adventure below. “When I was five years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy.’ They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life,’ ahhh one of most favorite quotes by John Lennon. Hi everyone, My name is Michaella Lesieur and I am a 25- year old author/illustrator, model for Donahue Models & Talent, and communications enthusiast. I have my Associates in Communications, Bachelors in English: Writing, Rhetoric and Communications and working towards my Masters in Professional Writing and Communications. I am a full of life girl who cherishes every second with a strong passion for philanthropic work and nonprofit organizations. I love spending time with my family and friends and have one awesome younger brother, Corey. In my free time you can find me enjoying the simple moments, taking long walks on the beach, traveling and exploring, a total foodie and dancing just because. I am huge on sharing stories and am motivated to tell the stories that surround me because it’s a way to learn from one another. I am so excited to share this one with Chick Media. My journey started from a very young age, as my inspiration sparked at the age of five. My best friend my mom, Madaline Lesieur was diagnosed with Hypereosinophilic Syndrome (HES), the news was devastating leaving us on a fight for her life.It was in high school that my voice took action and has soared since then. Seeing my mom’s strength and love for life inspired me. I have a passion to advocate for causes that are near and dear to my heart and my mom and I truly have the relationship of our favorite hit Netflix show, Gilmore Girls! A mother and daughter is a built in best friend for life. When you have such a strong passion for what you do, it never feels like work.  Since, 2013 I have chaired several fundraisers forThe American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED), in honor of my mom raising over $20,000 to contribute to their Hope On The Horizon Research fund which works to help support new medical treatments, trials and ultimately one day a cure which would be a dream. Most notably, would be my self published children’s book titled “Luna Lung...Meets HES,” which is a book that any age can pick up and fall in love with. My book is based on a true story on my mom and families road to her diagnosis. “Luna Lung...Meets HES,” brings to life the bond shared between a mother and daughter, the importance of advocacy and community and never giving up hope. When asking all those who know me, “Who is Michaella,” many would say I am a dreamer. My mom has always told me that the sky is the limit and when I say I am going to do something I am all in. Likewise, I started modeling in 2016, with the mission to bring along my platforms and break the silence. This includes shedding light to my mom’s illness and working to make it a household name where people are aware of these series of illnesses, because awareness leads to advocacy and advocacy leads to support. On the other side of my modeling I carry this mantra with me that anyone can be a model. It is 2020 and it’s time to break the stereotype of what a model is. A model is someone who carries a beautiful heart, shares their stories, uses their words for good and works to build each other up versus break them down. A true model portrays beauty from the inside. I was bullied in middle and high school, so I know what it feels like to be considered different...but what people don’t know is that being different is remarkable! The best outfit any women can wear are those that put on a confident smile and are happy with the person that they are. We all come into this world with a road to success. Will it be hard at times absolutely, but it will be fulfilling. Life teaches you to walk through it with a zest in your step and never be afraid to stand up for what you believe in. I think when it comes to being female there is that want to portray the best version of ourselves that we can be. Waking up in the morning and looking in the morning and being happy with the reflection you see is the first step. We only have one life so the best way is tis to live out loud and don’t be afraid to take those big steps no matter how small or large they may be. Let your mind wonder, travel, explore different paths, work yourself hard and never ever give up.  I am a believer in coming together as a community and working to build each other up especially young girls and women. Life is so much better when we celebrate in one another’s accomplishments and successes. It’s also a great way to learn from other women and people because it can be so enriching. When collaborating as a mother and daughter there is a deep connection and bond that can create so many innovative works. With all that my mom has taught me and continues to teach me I look forward to passing it down to my children some day.
This coming August I am excited to announce that my website “Winged Out in Hope” will be launching under the account lunalungmeetshes.com as that is the name of my first book and how everything came to be. “Winged Out In Hope” was an idea that both my mom and I had that stemmed on New Year’s Eve and it was then that we said let’s make it happen. The website will host pages for my books, my charity advocacy and modeling, my own little boutique where I will be selling handmade hair accessories which is how the “Winged Out In Hope Collection” came to be and a blog. I wanted to create this space where everyone can come together as a community and spread positivity, especially with all that has transformed this year. Looking to the future I am also in the process of publishing my second book which will be for a more mature audience titled “Ps. Laugh Hard...Love Harder,” and will be a collection of short stories that dive into life and all of its emotions. I encourage everyone to go after what inspires them. Live life to the fullest and share your talents with the world because we all have something to bring to the table. Set no limits and own up to what makes you, you. Looking to connect? I would love to hear from you-- you can find me on Insta @melesieur_model. All photos credit to @AllInADayPhotography
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 Hello ladies, I recently started The Hero Project, a pay it forward fundraiser to provide Beauty Batlle Lounge complementary self care services to our medical professionals and first responders once this craziness is over. More details can be found here. So far, the program has already attracted the attention of local media, including Business West Magazine. We I have teamed up with a Chikmedia as a PR firm to gain additional exposure. Along with raising funds, I wanted to offer this an opportunity to collaborate with other small businesses. I would love for your business to put together a promotion featuring THP, while offering a donation from the proceeds toward the project. For example, Contribution Clothing recently launched the Hero Angel necklace in which a percentage of the proceeds go back to THP. We promote it on our end as well, of course. Please let me know if you are interested in participating and we can set up a time to discuss. Our goal is to not only take care of our essential personnel, but also to help small businesses collaborate and thrive. -Ashely Batlle, CEO  Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts empowers women to achieve economic independence and thrive in work and life. Beyond the well-known suiting program, Foot in the Door helps them find and maintain full-time work, the Margeret Fitzgerald Mentor Program provides one-on-one guidance and the Professional Women’s Group offers support, inspiration and tools to advance in career and life.
Tracy Thompson Viola, owner of Thompson Real Estate Group, Inc. in Springfield, has taken advantage of all of these programs, beginning just as she was launching her own business. “Starting a business is so hard,” she says. “Dress for Success surrounded me with the big support system that I didn’t have. They wanted me to succeed.” Program by program, Tracy honed job skills, learned about managing finances, and gained confidence. These tools and a strong support system have been more important than ever, as Thompson Real Estate Group has had to face the uncertainties of Covid-19. But, fortified by over twenty years of experience and the knowledge of how proud Dress for Success is of her accomplishments, Tracy has worked to meet new challenges head on. She has added a commercial division, begun promoting off market properties and established the unique ability to do the entire process safely online using 360-degree 3D tours. She has also, through a business called BRX360, branched out into professional real estate photography, making use of the best equipment in the industry. As with other women they serve, Dress for Success is working to help Tracy gain the tools she needs to navigate Covid-19, while encouraging her independent innovation. Getting slightly emotional, she says, “I’m so proud to be a part of an organization that is so happy to help and accommodating. You don’t find that a lot.” Dress for Success Program Information: dressforsuccessprograms@gmail.com Thompson Real Estate Group, Inc. www.tracyviola.com www.facebook.com/TheThompsonRealEstateGroup www.facebook.com/BRX360Marketing  Donna Versatile or Versatile Woman in Italian is 100% inspired by the Proverbs 31 woman. The one who does not give up, who multiplies her resources and does not neglect herself. The business is composed of an online boutique and blog who seeks to inspire women to be the best version of themselves in everything they do and to display it even through the way they dress.
The boutique carries accessories and clothing pieces for all body types, sizes run from S to 3XL. There are new arrivals every week for every taste and style, because personal style goes with every woman everywhere they go and with everything they do. During these trial times, it is important that even at home one can feel beautiful, equipped and in charge for the day. Just an outfit can make you feel accomplish. Because of the shift in the way business is been done, we will be carrying loungewear pieces as well. For every woman who wears it to be comfortable, without compromising chicness. We will keep carrying more dressy pieces as well, because dressing up is something that can still be done during special occasions at home and obviously when everything goes back to normal. Our content is offered through photo shots and short videos to offer different ideas, fitting details and fashion inspiration. We are also offering free shipping while this situation lasts, so everybody can get their pieces and save money at the same time. They can also feel free to subscribe to the website in order to receive 15% of one item the first time they order with us using code "Welcome". Website: http://www.donna-versatile.com Facebook: Donna Versatile or @versatiledonna Instagram: donna_versatile -Iris Rosario, Owner of Donna Versatile We've been hearing all the stories of couples having to reschedule their weddings due to COVID-19 and they are truly heartbreaking. The stress alone is enough to make anyone's head spin! The team over at The Beauty Studio is here to help. Not only are they available for those who have lost their hair and makeup vendors, but they're also supporting brides with digital content. They're encouraging couples who have had to postpone to still celebrate their original date at home. You can check out their tutorial for an easy updo you can do at-home to get dolled up and celebrate! We love a good celebration! And even more than that, we love small business who are supporting folks through this trying time. We couldn't be more excited to feature Marisa and The Beauty Studio as a guest blogger today. Hey there! We are The Beauty Studio located in Ludlow, MA! We are a one-stop-shop for all your beauty, fashion, and special event needs! Our location is a full-service salon and spa where you can come and receive a number of beauty services including Microdermabrasion facials, deep tissue massages, lash extensions, lash lifts, any hair color you could imagine- we even offer private tarot card readings! While you are in our little oasis, take a look around and grab yourself a brand new outfit from our ever-growing boutique! The boutique has new arrivals weekly including clothing, shoes, and accessories. Online shopping is always available on our website. Everything is currently 30% OFF until May 9th! The main service that we provide is hair and makeup for our wonderful brides. We have a full freelance team, therefore, we can accommodate any bridal party size and any popular dates. We travel all across New England to make your day-of-services as easy and smooth as possible. This year we have successfully rebooked every single wedding that has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The main concern is to keep our brides as calm as possible and we have been reassuring them every step of the way with any possible changes that need to be made. We are in contact with a number of wedding planners, mothers, maid of honors to successfully reschedule and adjust dates due to this virus. If you have a wedding that was canceled or rescheduled due to COVID-19 and your original hair and makeup team is no longer available, absolutely reach out!! We still have dates open at the end of summer and fall and we would love to work with you. I have an entire Bridal Guide as well and a Bridal Pampering Packet I would love to drop in your inbox. Here is where you can follow along with us: Instagram: @thebeautystudioma Instagram: @thebeautystudio.boutique My professional Instagram: @artistybymarsia  Contributionclothing.com is a mission driven online boutique based out of Springfield, and they are all about supporting the chiks!
The affordable boutique sells women’s accessories and apparel and offers sizes S-3XL with price points of $50 and under. Each quarter, the clothing line, founded by Kelly Partridge, selects a western Massachusetts nonprofit that has a focus on female empowerment, and provides them with a 15% net profit donation. Currently, boutique is working to raise funds for The Care Center of Holyoke and plans to contribute to Christina’s House of Springfield their upcoming quarter. As they reach their one-year anniversary the women run business has provided monetary donations to organizations such as Dress for Success, Empty Arms Bereavement Support, Ovations a Cure for Ovarian Cancer, Shriners, Girls Inc of the Valley, and Safe Passage. In additional to monetary donations, Contribution Clothing has proven to be a great community partner participating in events and fundraisers such as the Hot Chocolate Run for Safe Passage, the Women Empowered calendar for Girls Inc., and the Unify Against Bullying Fashion show. Partridge, whose passion for female empowerment stemmed from a domestically abusive relationship, is working to build a company the helps women feel confident and comfortable through fashion. She hopes to use her personal experience to reach women in the community and help them become better versions on themselves. Now through May 1st, Contribution Clothing is offering the Chiks 20% off their order with code: CHIKS at checkout. Head on over to contributionclothing.com and support this amazing small business. For more information on Product: contributionclothing.com  Now more than ever, we could all use the expertise of Kelly over at Macaroni Kid Springfield! Kelly provides a weekly eNews chock-full of great activities, crafts, recipes, and more that are perfect for keeping your kids busy and bringing the family together. When the world isn't in quarantine, she also features local events perfect for the whole family. Did we mention that it's FREE?! With the kids at home for the foreseeable future, we couldn't think of a better resource for mom chiks to take advantage of. You can check out all of Kelly's articles and sign up for her eNews here.
How did you get started with your business? This is my tenth year publishing and when I first moved to Western Mass with my family, I used Macaroni Kid Springfield to find events in the area to keep busy with my toddler! What do you feel is most important for others to know about your business? Our children are our future and we need to give them a strong foundation through unconditional love, being surrounded by family and friends, and of course - PLAY! My newsletter and social pages help make it easy for families to find their fun. FOR FREE! How would you describe your leadership style? I love working together with locally owned businesses to collaborate on projects, events and of course promotions! While I am the only one to run my edition, I enjoy collaborating with others from time to time. When you were growing up, what is your ultimate dream job? If it's this, how does it feel to have met your dream?! If it was something different, how did your dream change over time? I wanted to be an actress and a news reporter! This job lets me do that in a way. I get to report and research on all the things happening in our area for families. I can be dramatic and events with the kids like when I host trunk or treats or story times... even when I make videos and go "LIVE" on social! Every business owner faces challenges. How are you empowered to overcome yours? It can be challenging to step away from the computer and phone - I always want to be connected and respond to families. Taking time to unplug helps and gives me focus. Tell us (in one word) how you would describe your boss chik business! FUN! If you're running out of things to do at home with your kids, we couldn't recommend Kelly enough! You can find here here: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | YouTube Cupcake Charlies is one of our all time favorite clients! We were fortunate enough to work with Penny and her team last fall with the grand opening of their latest Wareham location. They now have 6 locations across New England and offer a wide range of sweet treats. Those treats include 16 cupcake flavors (cupcakes that were featured on Cupcake Wars, mind you!), Whoopie Pies, S'mores Bark, Ring Dings, Cake Pops, Push Pops, Cupcake Jars, Frosting Shots, Cookie Dips, Trifle Cups and so much more! It's actually heaven on earth. With all that is going on in the world today, we couldn't think of a better way to make someone smile, than to send them a box of Cupcake Charlie's! *Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Cupcake Charlies is currently only open for takeout in their Plymouth, MA location. However, they are also offering an expanded shipping menu to include Easter products and additional flavors. Email shipping@cupcakecharlies.com to get started with your order today! 
3/23/2020 CHIKCHAT Guest - Monique Vacon I'm Monique Vacon - an Executive leader, advocate and educator within Young Living Essential Oils. I truly believe we can all feel like queens- imagine having more energy, sleeping better and smelling so good all the time. Reach out to me if you are open to learn more. I love to educate! We can chat about oils and our fabulous products.
Check out our product guide here! Reach out to me via email or text! mvacon18@gmail.com | 413-272-8386 Facebook Page: Essential Oils with Monique We cannot say enough good things about Monqiue and Young Living! We absolutely adore their essential oils and have been swearing by Thieves currently! 2/22/2020 FOODIES, LET'S GET COOKING Founder, Owner Ashley Tresoline is a personal chef, kid/adult cooking class instructor and food educator here in Massachusetts. Ashley has been living with MS since she was in her early twenties and it is what drives her to help people stay healthy and heal themselves through food. Ashley’s love of food and her desire to help other people stay healthy with food that is organic and high quality as well as tastes amazing is what made her want to start my business. Ashley always says being healthy starts from the inside out.
Bella Foodie was created over 6 years ago as a way to spread love of healthy cooking with the local community. Bella Foodie’s goal is to create locally grown, delicious, healthy and organic food that gives people the feeling of having a personal chef in their kitchens or at their events. Food is all about joy, love, friend and family. How did you get started with Bella Foodie? I have always loved to cook and grew up in a big crazy Italian family where food was a big part of our lives. I have been living with MS since my whole adult life and learned how much food plays a big part in our health. A strong love of food and a desire to help other people on their health journeys and heal themselves through food that is organic and high quality as well as tastes amazing is what made me want to start my business. We have evolved over the years and started offering classes for Mini Foodies and adults which gives me so much happiness to teach the next generation. What do you feel is important for others to know about your business? Healthy organic food can be delicious and full of flavor. A lot of people come to me because they have healthy issues that center around their diet, I am here to help them figure out what is next .The best part about my work is seeing that moment in a person when it finally clicks in their mind that everything we have been working on with their dietary needs makes a difference. It makes it all worth it for me, knowing I am helping make someone’s life better through food even if it’s only a small part. How would you describe your leadership style? Fair. I believe in accountability on every level. You make a mistake own up to it, if there is skill you need help with tell me, you aren’t clear on your tasks and so on. I want to give everyone I work with a chance to shine in their roles which ultimately makes everything we do better as a whole. What is your ultimate dream job – or are you living it? I love what I do, no doubt. It is an amazing feeling helping people and creating through food. I would love to have a chance to share my love of food and educate people on a bigger scale. Every business owner can face challenges, how are you empowered to overcome yours? Challenges are a part of life personally and professionally. You can give up or face it head on and work the problem. I will always choose to work the problem. Coffee helps too! Do you have any exciting upcoming classes for kids and/or adults? We have a new Kid’s Cooking Class -Let’s Go Green, coming on March 18th, in our brand-new location at St. George Cathedral and Hall in Springfield, MA on St. George Rd. Our new space is bigger and freshly renovated!! To register please email Ashley at ashley@bellafoodie.net or call 413-342-4641. Ages 4 and up. $34 per Mini Foodie. Where can our readers go to learn more about your business? If your readers would to know more about Bella Foodie, LLC you can check out our website www.bellafoodie.net. You can also email me with any inquiries or questions at ashley@bellafoodie.net. To end, please tell our readers (in one word) how you would describe your boss-chik business? Enlightening! Be sure to follow this chik-tastic SHERO and stay connected via social media! Facebook and Instagram: 1/23/2020 ONWARD WITH granny Squibb Kelley McShane is one of the owners and managing partners of The Granny Squibb Iced Tea Company. They are an iced tea company based about of Providence, Rhode Island. The original recipe was created in the 1930s in Saunderstown, Rhode Island by Sally “Granny” Squibb, while she was at her home overlooking iconic Narragansett Bay. Granny started making iced tea for all of her friends and family when iced tea was still a novelty. Fast forward 75 years and her granddaughter, Robin Squibb, decided to start bottling it. Their tea has the same homemade taste it did a hundred years ago.
Today, their business has a team who want to take Granny Squibb’s to new levels. They believe in adventure and fun, and most of all, being a part of our community. Every person that works for Granny Squibb’s is involved in other Rhode Island non-profits and a portion of their proceeds are donated to Save The Bay, which is an organization that helps protect Narragansett Bay, where the original recipe was developed! Tell us everything we need to know about what makes Granny Squibb’s Iced Tea so unique? We have an incredibly clean product. All of our teas have the same base: black tea, mint, and water. Then we add lemon, lime or cranberry depending on the flavor. Each of our flavors has both a sweetened and an unsweetened version. We use organic cane sugar for our sweetened varieties. We believe this is important because not only do we see upward trends in non-sweetened RTD beverages, but a lot of people can’t have any sweetener. Our iced tea is for everyone and we want our products to reflect that. What sparked your passion to be a part of the Granny Squibb brand? Before Granny Squibb’s, I worked with Amos House, which is a social services agency in Providence. Robin had been donating tea for years, so I was very familiar with the product line. Then, in 2017, my husband, Nick, and I moved into Providence and Robin ended up being our neighbor! We became good friends and, seeing an opportunity, Nick and I decided to team up with her. Do you remember the exact moment when you wanted to be your own boss? I don’t remember a time when I didn’t want to be my own boss! What healthy ingredients do you feel are important for others to know about your product? All of our products use organic, non-GMO, preservative free and vegan ingredients. We pride ourselves on having the highest quality ingredients. What is your ultimate dream job – or are you living it? I am living my ultimate dream job. I believe that we all go through phases in life. People keep saying I won’t have the energy to do this forever, but for now, I’m happy as clam! Every business owner can face challenges, how are you empowered to overcome yours? My team. I do everything I do because I genuinely care about my team. I’m the boss, which means I work for everyone. How can our readers get their hands on your product? We are sold at Whole Foods Market, Dave’s Marketplace, and over 200 different restaurants and bars. We will be expanding our presence in Massachusetts this summer! To end, please tell us (in one word) how you would describe your boss-chik role? Onward! Be sure to follow this chik-tastic brand and stay connected via social media! Facebook and Instagram: @grannysquibb. 11/21/2019 at home with meghan: liz on bizHey Chiks! Welcome to our brand new blog segment, "At Home with Meghan"!
Last week, we had the pleasure of inviting Liz Theresa to Meghan's home for a candid chikchat on the couch! For those of you who don’t know, Liz is an online marketer and web designer/developer hailing from Boston who helps entrepreneurs launch and build online businesses that they love! Liz also has her Liz on Biz Podcast which was recently highlighted on Forbes for being one of the 12 Small Business Podcasts That Will Help You Sell More. Listen in on Meghan's recent episode as she shares her tips on how to use PR to get big brand sponsorships! Be sure to follow this chik-tastic SHERO and stay connected via social media! Facebook and Instagram: @LizTheresa. Blog by Editorial Contributor Crystal Dunn 10/11/2019 Positive Vibes Only Photo credit: Leah Martin Photography Ashley Kohl is a lover of all things happy. She believes in always doing the right thing, supporting others’, making a positive impact and bringing more love & light into the world. Ashley loves to laugh, eat, snuggle her two kids and be around people who lift her up.
Kohl's business stands for spreading love, unapologetic self-expression, & inclusion. Ohana School of Performing Arts has a mission to spread peace and positivity through performance. The concept is simple: people come to dance class, they fuel their passion and feed their joy. When they are around each other, there’s positive energy & uplifting support. Students find their forever friends and parents grow life-long friendships with each other. When dancers perform, they feel free and they invite the audience to feel something, too. They pass on their joy and inspire everyone to find their passion & share it. Dance brings joy. And the more dance & joy there is in this world, the better off we all are! How did you get started on the path to Ohana School of Performing Arts? I danced my entire life, quickly realizing at a young age that it was my passion. My mom, Darlene Sattler, opened a dance studio in 1997, Technique Studio of Dance, where I grew up dancing and teaching. After high school I worked in NYC for two years, and moved back home. I eventually landed a job at WWLP hosting their lifestyle TV show Mass Appeal for six years. During my time there, I did a story on a dance class for all abilities. I was so moved by the experience, I wanted to open my own studio. My mom passed down her studio to me, and wanted me to make it my own. I knew that I wanted it to be more community-based rather than competition-dance focused, and I wanted the name to reflect that. Since it started as a family business, and I really wanted it to feel like a “family”, I decided the name “Ohana” was the perfect fit. Ohana means family. And, in my logo, the word Ohana is written in my mom’s handwriting. Can you share with us a bit about your childhood and how performing at a young age may have influenced your decision to open and lead your own dance studio one day? It’s kind of funny -- I never wanted to have my own studio. I started dancing when I was two years old at New England Dance Conservatory. I moved on to dance competitively at The Dance Shop, which eventually changed its name to Northeast Dance Academy. In 1997, my mom opened her studio in Chicopee. I learned so much from her - as a dancer and an instructor. Little did I know, I was also learning how to run a dance studio! She owned it for 19 years, and I never had a thought of taking over. After working for Disney and auditioning for music videos in NYC and after a 6 year career in television … I realized why I was put on this earth. To not just have a dance studio, but to inspire people to chase their dreams and to live a life fueled by love, acceptance & joy. Do you remember the exact moment when you wanted to be your own boss? Yes, I do. My marriage was falling apart and I knew that I did not want to go through a difficult life transition in the public eye. I don’t have a college degree; although the education I received on Mass Appeal was comparable! I knew it would be difficult to change my career without a degree in higher ed. I was inspired by the story I did on an all-abilities dance class, and figured - that’s it! I got in my car after shooting the story and knew in that moment. I want to share my love of dance with EVERYONE - regardless of their background, age, ability or status. I want to have my own business with a mission that is a direct reflection of who I am and what I believe in. Tell us about what joy through dance means to you! We all have our own outlets for finding and fueling joy. Whether it’s sports, painting, playing an instrument, cooking, etc. If there’s one thing that I can say ALL humans can do, it’s dance. Whether at a wedding, in a dance class or in your kitchen - everyone can do it. And, it always puts a smile on your face. Finding joy through dance is what many people have done at Ohana. Maybe it’s their dream to be a ballerina, or perhaps their life just needed something else, or maybe their home environment isn’t the most positive space, or maybe they sit at a desk and just needed to get their bodies moving more. Whatever the reason, Ohana has provided the opportunity for so many people to discover joy through dance. What do you feel is important for other women and young girls to know about your business? I want women and young girls to know that everyone is invited to come as they are. You will be celebrated for the gifts you bring to the world. Quick story - Growing up, I didn’t really feel like I fit in in school. When I went to Pioneer Valley Performing Arts High School, I found my people. I discovered that I could be WHO I AM and still be loved! I didn’t have to wear labels or be a certain size to be accepted. I want that same message to be shared and that same vibe to be felt at Ohana. Be who you are, don’t compromise, don’t change. And you will be loved and accepted for it, just the way you are! How would you describe your leadership style? Carefree & positive. I am not a “control freak” - I love suggestions, collaborations and team efforts. I want everyone to feel valued and heard. As a leader, my mantra is “choose love.” No matter what the circumstance, I always tell myself to CHOOSE LOVE. Would you say that the art of dance has been a thriving generational passion and influence throughout your family? Absolutely! My Memere, Lorraine Lavigne, never took dance classes, so it really started with my mom. My mom took classes as a child and grew up to perform with The Springfield Ballet Company and the Massachusetts Ballet Company. My sister, Christy Sattler and I definitely “caught the bug” from her...and now my daughter Summer, who is sever years old, is just as passionate. She already told me she is going to take over Ohana when she grows up! I hope she keeps chasing that dream - nothing would make me happier! What is your ultimate dream job – or are you living it? No doubt, I am living it. I am surrounded by the greatest people with the biggest hearts. I am constantly given opportunities to grow as a person & as a leader. I get to share my love for dance with others and influence children in a positive way. I watch others’ discover their light and shine so brightly in the world. I preach and live good vibes always, and I watch others’ do the same. I don’t have thousands, but I have enough money to care for my kids and afford a roof over my head, go on a vacation every now and then and celebrate the good times... and that’s all I need. My heart is so beyond full. Every business owner can face challenges, how are you empowered to overcome yours? I listen to Kirk Nugent’s “Pursue your Passion” speech on YouTube. I listened to him perform this live about eight years ago and was so moved. Whenever I am thrown a curveball or have a mountain to climb, I listen to it. It’s empowering and uplifting -- SO MANY inspirational people have failed, yet they never gave up. And that made all the difference. I remind myself of my WHY. It’s not what I do , but WHY I do it. I will fail and I will grow. So long as I never give up. To end, please tell our readers (in one word) how you would describe your boss-chik business? Life-enriching! Be sure to follow this chik-tastic SHERO and stay connected via social media! Facebook and Instagram: @OhanaPerformingArts. Hey, chiks! We are so honored to have had the opportunity to sit down with the amazing Carla Cosenzi and chat all things women business ownership!
Tommy Car Auto Group is a force in the Western Mass community: their dedication to supporting local nonprofits and businesses is a practice we should all learn from! Be sure to visit Tommy Car Auto Group for more information! Chiks, last week we had the pleasure of sitting down with Encharter Insurance‘s President, Tracey Benison, to discuss what her company stands for and all the hard work Tracey's team brings to the community!
If you’re in the market for new insurance, check out this amazing company staffed 100% by WOMEN! Be sure to follow this chik-tastic SHERO and stay connected via social media! Facebook. |
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