Unleash Your Creativity with Aromatherapy

Unleash Your Creativity with Aromatherapy

Unleash Your Creativity with Aromatherapy

UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVITY WITH AROMATHERAPY

Article by Darlene Dunn
Photo Credit: Mariana Garcia
Magazine: Issue #25

Are you stuck in rut? Are you unable to find a solution to a problem? You can get the push you need to spark your brain in the right direction. Here are three scents that can help you unleash your creativity:

Cinnamon :: Ever notice how mulling cider can stimulate your brain in the fall? Why wait for the fall to use cinnamon. Put cinnamon sticks around your work area, brew some tea with a cinnamon stick or diffuse some cinnamon oil.

Citrus :: Like orange or grapefruit- Citrus is energizing and increases alertness. Place a drop or two of the oil in your shower and breath it in during your morning shower, you will be ready to tackle the day! Cut up some fresh citrus and breathe in the aroma and then eat it! Again, you can diffuse it as well.

Rosemary :: This is one of my favorites, I grow fresh rosemary and will cut a sprig and pin it to my lapel and breathe it in throughout the day. It enhances my productivity and my mental alertness. You can also diffuse this oil but I much prefer the fresh cut rosemary- it is super easy to grow!

Take a deep breath and inhale these wonderful scents and unleash your creativity!!

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.

Metamorphosis: Emerge From the Cocoon of Conformism

METAMORPHOSIS:
EMERGE FROM THE COCOON OF CONFORMISM

Article by Darlene Dunn
Photo Credit: Mariana Garcia
Magazine: Issue #24

Emerge From the Cocoon of Conformism

Emerge From the Cocoon of Conformism

As a child you are full of life, you see endless possibilities and you are not afraid to be different. As you grow, society begins to expect you to act a certain way, believe a certain way and little by little, what makes you ‘you’ begins to disappear. Soon you find yourself like everybody else- trudging along, staying in line, living an unfulfilled life. The time is now to break out of that cocoon and embrace your uniqueness.  

Here are four ways to help you to break out of that cocoon:

1| Think for yourself – you have a brain- engage it.  Get in touch with your creative side.  
2| Don’t follow the herd - look at what others are doing and then consider a different route.  That is where the opportunities abound!
3| Believe in the endless possibilities again – Dream and believe!  
4| Embrace your uniqueness - the world needs what only YOU can offer!

NOW is the time to break out of the cocoon and become the YOU that you were meant to be- full of life and color and endless possibilities. Don’t worry - you won’t be alone there are those that have already emerged and those in process that can encourage and help you on your journey. Break free now!

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.

How to Obtain the 'Right' Resources for Your Business

HOW TO OBTAIN THE 'RIGHT' RESOURCES
FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Article by Darlene Dunn
Photo Credit: Jana Cruder
Magazine: Issue #23

How to Obtain the 'Right' Resources

How to Obtain the 'Right' Resources

There is a skill that is often overlooked but that has served me well in both my professional life and in my entrepreneurial life. What is that skill you may ask? It is the skill of knowing how to find an answer and the ability to discern its validity. In most industries, and the holistic industry is no exception, the amount of information that someone needs to know in order to be effective is insane. 

Early on I learned to gather ‘resources’ that I trusted- whether they were books, websites, phone numbers, people. To this day I have an extensive network that I can tap into in order to obtain whatever answer is needed. This ability to ‘obtain’ an answer has helped me establish a reputation as ‘the person to go to for answers’.  

Why is mastery of this skill vital for any entrepreneur?  Mastery of this skill allows the entrepreneur to ‘be the expert’.  Clients look to you for help in solving their problem or meeting their need.  You have the base knowledge but realistically, can you know everything there is to know about your area of expertise?  The answer is no; however, you CAN know how to obtain all the answers so your client believes that you are amazing!

So, where and how do you gain this skill? 

  • First, network- network-network!!  Build a network of individuals that can be a resource for you and you for them.  You can cross-refer clients and so much more. 

  • Second, look at websites/books and validate the information - in other words, look up things you already know and see how they address things, once you have validated a site/book/author, you are more confident when you need to use it for ‘true’ research. 

  • Third, develop your critical thinking skills - this will help you to discern whether the information you have located is really what you need.

Start building your ‘answer’ portfolio today!!

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.

How to Be An Inspirational Mentor

HOW TO BE AN INSPIRATIONAL MENTOR

How to Be An Inspirational Mentor

How to Be An Inspirational Mentor

Article by Darlene Dunn
Photo Credit: Angel Quintana
Magazine: Issue #22

As entrepreneurs we can all point to the one or two main people who we watch to see their business grow, listen to what they say, and gain inspiration. But how many of us actually stop to think that we are ‘those one or two main people’ to someone else?

It doesn’t matter where you are in your entrepreneurial journey, there will always be someone who looks at you and thinks, ‘wow, I would love to be able to do that’ or ‘she’s so successful’. This is why we should all consider having a mentor- someone who stretches us and inspires us to be ‘more’. And also to be a mentor to someone- to be the one who stretches someone else, who inspires someone else!

I am not just speaking about peer to peer but take a minute to think about the young people who follow you on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc. Many of them have aspirations and dreams and they gain inspiration from you. You have a unique opportunity to directly and indirectly influence the lives of young people - let them see:

  • Someone reaching for their dreams,
  • Someone standing with integrity
  • Someone who’s words match their actions
  • Someone who is a role model

Let them see YOU!

Youth today are so connected via social media that we have many opportunities to encourage and influence them to make a difference, to step out in faith and believe in themselves. 

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.

Real Food: 6 Healthy Ways to Spark Your Creative Brain

6 Healthy Ways to Spark Your Creative Brain

6 Healthy Ways to Spark Your Creative Brain

REAL FOOD: 6 HEALTHY WAYS TO SPARK YOUR CREATIVE BRAIN

Article by Darlene Dunn
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #21

We all know that ‘real’ food does more than just provide our bodies nourishment. These 6 foods can enhance our memory, enhance our focus, protect us from mental exhaustion, improve our brain power and just plain help us to keep our creative spark ‘sparking’.

Lentils – these are great in soups but can be used in many other recipes.  Your brain loves the high folate and B vitamin content of lentils.

Nuts/Seeds - like walnuts, cashews, peanuts, almonds, flax seed, sunflower seed, tahini (key ingredient in hummus!). These make a great and quick snack to keep your creative mojo flowing late in the day. Bonus - nuts/seeds are easy to carry for a quick on the go snack.

Acorn squash - squash is easy to cook- just pop it in the oven, bake and eat!! Of course, there are a myriad of great recipes out there. Treat yourself to another yummy B12 powerhouse.

Mango - This is a most yummy and refreshing fruit (my personal fav) that is pack full of good for you nutrients….it is a great source of B6 and your brain loves this nutrient!

Honey - local and raw honey is amazing for you. It is loaded with B vitamins and will give your brain a boost!  It is great for use in your tea!

Fresh brewed tea (either loose leaf or tea bags - not the store bought processed kind) - with a teaspoon of honey, a fresh brewed tea has the unique ability to relax us and energize us at the same time

So, add some of these to your daily routine and spark your brain to new levels!!!

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.

The Truth Behind Success: The Long Range Goal

An Entrepreneur's Journey

An Entrepreneur's Journey

You have a dream, a goal, a deep desire…  You see yourself as a leader in your industry, or fully healed, or mega-successful with a huge business!

Then….reality sets in—long hours, frustrations, highs and lows, slow growth—now what?!?

While it is fine, even encouraged to develop a long range vision of where you are going, you also need to live in the moment—in your reality. For starters, step back and really look at yourself.  You know where you want to be, so now you need to honestly see where you are at this point in time.



Look at your strengths.  Be honest; too many times we sell ourselves short.

Make a list of your strengths—see it and believe it!  Now, for the not so fun part of introspection, take a look at yourself and see your weakness or rather areas for growth.  This is not easy but; it is vital for you to reach that long range goal.  This ‘look’ is not about beating yourself up, but rather helping you focus so you can grow into a leader.


So, now you have two lists, what else?  There is one more ‘look’ you need to take.  This one requires that you are totally honest with yourself.  Ask yourself—what is the one habit or tendency you have that seems to annoy just about everyone?  

Write it down, study it, be self-aware—in what situations do you find yourself doing ‘it’?  Once you learn—you can harness ‘it’ and use ‘it’ to your advantage.  Odds are, this tendency is that ‘certain special something’ that can propel you forward.


This introspection is not a once and done activity.  You will find it necessary to do this periodically as your business grows or as it plateaus.  Knowing yourself is key to growing yourself and your business.

Article by Darlene Dunn
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #20

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.

Don’t Let Your Brilliance Fade: 3 Herbs/Supplements To Keep You Shining Bright

DON'T LET YOUR BRILLIANCE FADE:
3 HERBS/SUPPLEMENTS TO KEEP YOU SHINING BRIGHT 

Article by Darlene Dunn
Photo Credit: Rose Jane
Magazine: Issue #19

3 Herbs/Supplements To Keep You Shining Bright

3 Herbs/Supplements To Keep You Shining Bright

As we move into the holiday season and winter, many find it difficult to keep their energy up with all the added demands and less sunshine. 

Below are three herbs that can assist you in keeping your energy levels up so your productivity can shine!

Rhodiola

This is an herb that is a staple in my herbal arsenal; it is in the adaptogenic category of herbs and helps our body to adapt to stress, maintain balance in the body and increase energy, stamina and mental capacity!  If this herb was good enough for the Soviet astronauts then it is certainly good enough for me!

Ashwagandha

This is another adaptogenic herb.  It helps lessen stress by lessening the body’s fight or flight response; this helps the body have more energy. 

Yerba Mate

This is a wonderful tea that is packed full of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, polyphenols and antioxidants!  It is a wonderful energy booster. Yerba mate can be bitter tasting but you can add some peppermint or spearmint leaves to the blend to mask some of the bitterness. You can also sweeten it with raw local honey!!

So, don’t let the winter blahs get you down- stock up on your favorite energy boosting herbs and keep your entrepreneurial brilliance shining bright!

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.

5 Keys to Winning in Business and in Life

NICE GIRLS CAN FINISH FIRST!
5 KEYS TO WINNING IN BUSINESS AND IN LIFE

Article by Darlene Dunn
Photo Credit: Brigette Muller
Magazine: Issue #18

5 Keys to Winning in Business and in Life

5 Keys to Winning in Business and in Life

1| Stay true to YOU! - Do NOT compromise to get ahead. If you compromise once you will do it again- know what you stand for and keep your vision in front of you.

2| Be willing to share your experience – there is always someone looking up to you. Be a mentor.

3| Seek out additional knowledge – find someone further along on the journey. Be mentored.

4| In everything you do - do it with excellence! Excellence shines and doors will open.

5| Keep moving FORWARD! - Small steps add up and move you closer to achieving your goals!

Remember- there is room for many to succeed. Support other like-minded individuals!!!

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.