Are You Putting Your Business Before Your Own Well Being?

ARE YOU PUTTING YOUR
BUSINESS BEFORE YOUR OWN WELL BEING?

Article by Darlene Dunn
Photo Credit: Spell & the Gypsy Collective
Magazine: Issue #33

Don't Let Your Business Steal Your Mojo

Don't Let Your Business Steal Your Mojo

As holistic entrepreneurs start their journey in business there are a few things to remember:

Have a vision and a plan and determine to maintain YOUR self-care.

When my husband and I opened our holistic business over 8 years ago we knew we did not want our business to be a burden. We developed a solid business plan and opened our business with cash- now 8+ years later our business is still debt free!  

We were not afraid to make mistakes. And trust me, we made some big ones, but we learned from each and every mistake. That is the key, learn and move forward.

Unfortunately many holistic entrepreneurs put serving others before caring for themselves. This was the second area that my husband and I decided to do.  We make sure that we eat right, take time for massages, acupuncture and down time to rejuvenate. When you live what you teach you are an example to your family and your clients and you gain credibility.  

In 2014 we had opportunity to allow things to ‘fall apart’ but because of the foundation we had laid with our business and our lives we thrived through the adversity. My husband ended up in the hospital, I had to call our clients and ‘cancel’ their appointments and promise them that we would call as soon as we knew when he could return to the studio. The caliber of client we attract is high, only one of the clients was pissed off that we cancelled her appointment. I very politely told her I didn’t want her business and for her to go elsewhere!! We do not have to accept toxic clients! As a testament to how we built our business, once he healed, we didn’t miss a beat and went on to win our local 2014 Best of the Best contest!!! 

Stay true to who you are and what you want to accomplish. Keep your MOJO and you will go far!

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.

Just Say No to "Robo-Style"

JUST SAY NO TO "ROBO-STYLE"

Article by Darlene Dunn
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #32

Just Say No To "Robo-Style"

Just Say No To "Robo-Style"

Most of us who have spent any time at all being an employee know what it’s like to be told what to wear. Maybe it is a uniform, scrubs, or a corporate dress code and any nonconformity is met with disapproval. We are programmed from a young age to dress like the masses. 
In high school I set myself apart, not always in a good way, because I had my own style. I was considered eccentric! It didn’t take long for me to conform, especially when I joined the Marines! I wore a uniform for years and then I became a nurse and wore scrubs. When I moved into a non-clinical job I had to dress to corporate specifications--- I failed miserably because it just wasn’t my style.

Unfortunately years of conforming had driven my style underground.

You know the feeling- just wear whatever because nothing really makes you feel good. When I decided it was time to take my business to the next level I knew it was time to rediscover my style but I had absolutely no idea how to begin. Through our wonderful Holistic Fashionista community I connected with Eyenie at Technicolor Priestess and she totally helped me reconnect with MY STYLE!  
I am now able to dress and accessorize with ease and I feel ready to meet my client’s needs. As a business owner it is vital we present ourselves with confidence and assurance. Our clients come to us to meet their needs and help solve their problems. We cannot be effective when we are in robo-style mode, take it from me! Just like we need business mentors we also need style mentors to help us maximize our confidence through our fashion!  

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 ABCs of Embracing Your Unique Business Culture

THE ABCs OF EMBRACING YOUR
UNIQUE BUSINESS CULTURE

Article by Darlene Dunn
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #31

The ABCs of Embracing Your Unique Business Culture

The ABCs of Embracing Your Unique Business Culture

Too often we, as entrepreneurs, try to mimic or model our unique business after another business we have observed. This practice is definitely not conducive to stepping into your own unique purpose. We need to be careful about trying to mimic others because, inevitably, it cause us to fail or at least have major setbacks.  

We are ALL unique!!!

Here are a few key points to help you embrace YOUR unique business culture:

A: Attitude - As an entrepreneur you obviously have a winner’s attitude. Embrace it, use it. An attitude of success and excellence will go far in developing your business culture. Keep your attitude in check- be sure you maintain a positive, move-it forward attitude.

B: Belief - Believe in yourself. This is an area many entrepreneurs struggle with. You want your business to succeed but you often question yourself and hold yourself back. When you believe in yourself, it shows. This belief is evident to others and is a vital part of establishing your business culture.

C: Commitment - Commit to your business endeavor. Don’t do it half-assed. Be known for your commitment- to yourself, to your business and to your customers/clients.  

D: Dare - Dare to be you!! This is what makes YOU you! It is your uniqueness that will attract the clients/customers that you are meant to have. This daring to show and to be authentic will set you apart in the business world! 

E: Embrace - Embrace your uniqueness and show the world through your Attitude, your Belief, you Commitment and your Daring!  

These five areas will aid you in establishing yourself as a force to be reckoned with in whatever industry you choose for your business to serve.  

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.

Entrepreneurship: Bridging the Gap Between Business and Art

ENTREPRENEURSHIP: BRIDGING THE GAP
BETWEEN BUSINESS AND ART

Bridging the Gap Between Business and Art

Bridging the Gap Between Business and Art

Article by Darlene Dunn
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #30

I used to think of artists whenever I heard the word ‘muse’; not anymore! I have come to realize a fundamental truth about entrepreneurship- there is the ‘business’ of making money and then there is the ‘art’ of making money. To be truly successful you need both business acumen and a connection with art. So, what inspires you? 

Do you realize that a muse is not necessarily a person?  

 :: When you are designing your logo, your office or just about anything else, you may need some inspiration. Many go to Pinterest for ideas. If you do this, then Pinterest is your muse!

 :: When you want to freshen up or create your website, you may need some inspiration. Many look all over the Internet at other websites to get ideas for their website. If you do this, then the Web is your muse. A big word of CAUTION- do NOT copy someone else’s website or program... they are NOT YOU… your website and programs must reflect who YOU are in order to work and be successful.

 :: Of course, your muse can be a person-- who inspires you? Who ignites your creativity? There is definitely no shortage of amazing entrepreneurs here at Holistic Fashionista!! Any one of these amazing folks could be your next muse.

So, take a minute to reflect on your business and decide where you need to get in touch with the ‘art’ of making money, then take time to find your inspiration; you won’t regret it and neither will your POCKETBOOK!!

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.

Putting Your Plans Into Action in 3 Steps!

Putting Your Plans Into Action in 3 Steps!

Putting Your Plans Into Action in 3 Steps!

PUTTING YOUR PLANS INTO ACTION IN 3 STEPS!

Article by Darlene Dunn
Photo Credit: Hailley Howard
Magazine: Issue #29

You have been in ‘planning’ mode for what seems like forever. You are ready- ready to move. So what do you do----you ROCK-it!!!

Realize it is up to you :: Take that step of faith. Put the foot on the gas and engage. You have your ideas, your plan, you have everything you need, just flip the switch! Find an accountability partner to help you keep moving.

Open your computer :: If you are not fully engaged on Google +, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Facebook- now is the time to spruce up your profile and start building excitement  over your brand! Need some help, check out some awesome courses that are offered at HolisticFashionista.com. Check out- “How to use Pinterest to get in front of a 6-figure audience.

Count your blessings :: And then count your money!! Stay positive and stay engaged and the money will come.

Keep your vision in front of you, adjust as necessary but stay excited and stay moving. It is a-ok to make a mistake, most successful business owners have made and learned from more than a few. 

Go ahead, you have it in you. Stop sitting there wondering if now is time, stop sitting there thinking –‘I need to get it just right’. Stop sitting and ROCK-it!!!!

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 Wisdom Equation: Applied Knowledge + Common Sense

THE WISDOM EQUATION:
APPLIED KNOWLEDGE + COMMON SENSE

applied-knowledge-common-sense

Article By: Darlene Dunn
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #28

We have all had to deal with that customer, coach or consultant that had knowledge from a book but was clueless on how to implement it or help you implement it. We have all also had to deal with those who we just had to ‘smack our head’ and wonder how they made it to whatever age they were. If we are honest with ourselves, we too have also been the people in the above statement. So, how do we grow so we are not that person anymore?


The first step is to convert your knowledge into applied knowledge. Have you attended a seminar or read a book and thought that the information was great but that was as far as you got? You just wasted your time and money- knowledge is useless if you don’t apply it. My challenge to you is to choose 1-2 items that you learned from your last seminar and apply them in your life and business….not tomorrow or the next day, but NOW. Once you integrate those choices, pick some other things you learned and continue this process to expand your applied knowledge base. If you do not do this, then all the money you spent on seminars, trainings and books is not an investment, it is a waste.   Don’t fret, you can turn that knowledge into something valuable by starting to think differently and apply what you learned.


The second step is common sense. You may think if you aren’t born with it, you don’t have it! That is a lie! In today’s day world most follow the crowd, in other words, there are a ton of sheeple out there! Don’t despair, you can learn common sense- it is otherwise known as thinking for yourself and critical thinking. There are resources to help you learn how to use critical thinking- books and you tube videos are easily accessible. Take some time to gain the knowledge- and then APPLY IT!!!  The next time someone takes a stance on something- don’t automatically agree- ask questions, do research and form your very own opinion. I know, novel idea, right? The world needs more independent thinkers that aren’t afraid to apply what they have learned.


Once you begin this process, you will be amazed that people will want to know how you became so smart and wise. “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom” – Aristotle

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.

4 Ways to Keep Your Life and Business on Track

4 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR LIFE AND BUSINESS ON TRACK

Article by Darlene Dunn
Photo Credit: Nancy Schoenmakers
Magazine: Issue #27

Keep Your Life and Business on Track

Keep Your Life and Business on Track

Have you ever been driving and daydreaming and the next thing you know you are 50 miles off course? Or have you forgotten to change the oil in your car and found yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere? Whether it is in life or in business we need to maintain a certain level of awareness of where we are and where we are going or we’ll either end up in the boonies or stuck on the side of the road.

Below are four ways to help you keep your life and your business on track:

  • Don’t make excuses as to why you aren’t moving forward. Take a good look at what is holding you back and then move forward with diligence. (Side note: diligence means ‘with intense effort’). Don’t let fear overtake you, keep your heart focused on the goal and start moving forward again, even if it is just little steps.
  • Be conscious of changes you need to make. We should always be changing. So get your map or GPS- your goals and vision- and keep them in front of you to help you correct your course.
  • Be purposeful in balancing your life, if you aren’t purposeful then life will run you over. The same holds true for your business….be purposeful in balancing so your business won’t run you over.
  • Sometimes you have to stop, reflect and readjust in order to keep moving forward with purpose. Celebrate your failures and make a decision to learn and grow from them.

You spend a lot of time learning and growing, but remember knowledge is not power. The power comes from applied knowledge. So, do life on purpose. “BE on purpose.

HOLISTIC FASHIONISTA RECOMMENDED!

Are you busy? Want to be healthier? Get your free book of 50 Quick and Easy Tips for the Busy Professional to Move Toward a Healthy Lifestyle!

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.

3 Dangers of Not Being Intentional in Your Life & Business

Dangers of Not Being Intentional

Dangers of Not Being Intentional

3 DANGERS OF NOT BEING INTENTIONAL IN YOUR LIFE & BUSINESS

Article by Darlene Dunn
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #26

It is so easy to just ‘let life happen’ but when we do that we never go anywhere, we never achieve anything and we are always at the mercy of others. Listed below are three dangers to not living an Intentional Life & Business:

1| You become stagnant - just like a body of water that no longer moves, you will pick up all kinds of ‘junk’. You will no longer be moving toward anything, you will just ‘hang’ out and wither and soon begin to ‘stink’. Your business won’t grow and will most likely go backwards.

2| You will be unfilled - you will know that something is missing, you just won’t know what. You will hang out with other unfilled folk and commiserate that there ‘must be more out there’ yet you won’t go in search of the ‘more’.

3| You will be an easy ‘mark’ for the unscrupulous - when you aren’t intentional you can be swayed to purchase programs or products that you don’t need. These salespeople can zero on folks that are not living an intentional life and sell you oceanfront property in the desert! 

An easy way to avoid these dangers is to just BE INTENTIONAL. Every day wake up, review your vision and your goals and make a decision to walk toward them. Make a plan and go after it. Weigh every decision against your goals and vision- will doing this get you closer to your goal? If not, perhaps it isn’t the right time to do that particular thing. When you are intentional you will also see doors open that you wouldn’t have seen if you were not being intentional. Make this Your Year for Massive growth- BE INTENTIONAL!!!

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.