The Majority Rules: Joining a Community of Influencers

THE MAJORITY RULES: 
JOINING A COMMUNITY OF INFLUENCERS
Issue #22: Letter from the Editor

CEO/Founder: Angel Quintana
Photo: Dasha & Mari

Photography by: Dasha & Mari

Photography by: Dasha & Mari

We might live in a culture where "the majority rules", but with the power of global collaboration, it's not impossible to achieve the impossible, even when you're just starting out. Thanks to the Internet, finding like-minded people is fairly simple if you know where to look; and before you can down that shot of wheatgrass, you're now a part of a community.

When you have enough people working together for a common cause, the influencers in that community help to shape trends and adhere change-- global change. I think I speak for our tribe when I say, 

"we've always been passionate about bringing holistic solutions to everyday problems, so we can feel better, look better, find passion in our work, make more money, and discover true love."

We refer to these change makers and trendsetters as "Influencers". In The Club, we are proud to give these creative geniuses a platform to shine, for without their brilliance in the world, we still might be unaware of the harmful effects of GMO's , what carrageenan is and how it relates to heart disease, or what heavy metal toxicity has to do with cancer. 

They are also the individuals who take a stand for what they believe in, regardless of harsh critics or how ridiculously cruel Internet Trolls can be. Instead of wasting precious time wallowing in a cold pool of "poor me", they spread beauty, creativity, artistry, and positivity into the ether. They know life is one big ball of energy and that everyone is either contributing to the problem or being a part of a solution. Whichever side you stand on today, we want you to know we're in this together. Let's make the best of it!

Fortunately, the Internet has made it possible to find subcultures (even, sub-niches) to help spread energetic goodness across the globe and gain recognition from our long lost friends (better known as Kismet Clients™)-- so we can show others what is possible in their life and to never give up hope. Influence isn’t peer pressure, hard-selling, or manipulation dogma; it’s quite the contrary and it should never be abused. To us, we know it’s about empowerment, individuality, and raising the bar to be better than we were yesterday. And just like Bob Marley used to say, "One Love... Let's get together and feel alright."

ABOUT the FOUNDER

angel-quintana

Angel Quintana builds holistic brands. She is the CEO and Founder of Holistic Fashionista, a marketing and consulting agency for holistic leaders looking to start and grow designer businesses. Acclaimed for her renowned Signature System©mentoring programs, Angel helps over-achievers launch strategic sales funnels to sell high-end, holistic products. Her non-traditional consulting style focuses on asking hard questions and listening attentively to clients in order to: write compelling sales copy, creative problem solve, launch killer marketing plans, and attract their Kismet Clients™.

While her tattooed exterior shows her creative tough side, it is her thoughtful approach to brand building that has won her thousands of raving fans. She is also the author of Funnel Foreplay, the little black playbook of sales strategies for a new generation of internet marketers who celebrate the art of business-to-consumer relationships without jumping into bed with cold leads. To learn more about Angel, visit www.AngelQuintana.com.

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.

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How to Be An Influential Speaker in 3 Steps

HOW TO BE AN INFLUENTIAL SPEAKER IN 3 STEPS

Be An Influential Speaker

Be An Influential Speaker

Article by Denita Austin
Photo Credit: Mike Nguyen
Magazine: Issue #22

Being knowledgeable in your field will automatically give you creditably and creates influence and interest. To become an influential speaker it’s all about the Knowledge & Planning, Character, Honestly & Creativity 

CHARACTER

To attract your audience, you must have character. Your speech or talk must be something of concern to your audience. Your personality must be of leadership skills and a since of humor. This will allow your audience to connect with you and become involved in your speech. Capture the audience’s emotions and learn how to engage with their concerns. Leadership skills go hand in hand with confidence and trust me, your confidence will shine brighter once you’re in-tune with who you are and what you’re presenting. Your character says it all. From what you decide to wear, to how you decide to speak and the topic that you choose to discuss. It all plays a part in your character that the audience will see. 

BE BOLD & HONEST 

Throw fear out the window and be bold to stand up and speak. Your audience will listen to you if they see that you’re confident and straight forward. Using the right words is the key to succeeding as a speaker. Start by building the courage to convey the message. But wait, there is more to it than just being bold, you must be honest. When we lack the confidence as influential speakers, we usually try to be something that we’re not. Your audience will see this a mile away. Take off your mask and be authentic. You must show your audience you’re true self. When they are able to see who you really are, a since of connection will manifest. Your audience will automatically listen, believe and follow what you say simple because you decided to place all cards on the table up front with being honest. 

CREDIBILITY

Now this maybe a bit uncomfortable. Some of us try to tip toe around this however, the more experience you have, the better your skills will be. This doesn’t mean you must hold 16 framed certifications, I simply mean practice makes perfect. The more you practice and build your portfolio the better you will become. For example, let’s say you were offered a gig to speak and you didn’t have the credentials but you had experience, inform your audience of how many years you have under your belt. Tell them how long you’re been working in your field. Trust me they will want to know. Remember, the fear was thrown out the window previously so be honest about who you are when speaking. Being honest, open and authentic is a great way to begin your road map of being an influential speaker.

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.

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Quiz: Uncover Your Influential Traits

Quiz: Uncover Your Influential Traits

Quiz: Uncover Your Influential Traits

QUIZ: UNCOVER YOUR INFLUENTIAL TRAITS

Article by Gretchen Harnick
Photo Credit: Rose Jane
Magazine: Issue #22

Have you ever had the most brief encounter with a perfect stranger, maybe you noticed something they did or said, and it stuck with you for the rest of the day? 

We often fail to recognize the potential for impact we have on others as we go about our day. When we can shed light on our unique areas of influence, it provides the awareness we need to keep developing those skills and shine them for others to see.

Take this short quiz to uncover some of your influential traits: 

1| My family and friends: 

A. Text photos of outfits and jewelry and ask me, “What should I wear on this date or to a wedding?”

B. Call me frantically from their kitchen asking “How do you cook that delicious eggplant parmesan again?” 

C. Ask me for advice on how to have a difficult conversation with their partner. 

D. Call me for a good laugh, and ask me to share a story from something ridiculous that undoubtedly happened that morning. 

2| At work, I select or am given projects where I:

A. Create detailed, organized spreadsheets, managing a large amount of information.

B. Start new projects and develop things from scratch. 

C. Gain notoriety and recognition from the industry and superiors. 

3| My neighbor, the guy who parks my car, the owner of the dry cleaners or my child’s teacher sometimes tell me that:  

A. I am different from other people. I actually listen. 

B. My child is lovingly concerned that his classmates do their work on time, he must have learned that attention-to-deadlines skill from me. 

C. I am so brave. I speak with such conviction and strength and they envy me for this skill.

Pull out a couple of influential words from each answer you’ve circled and jot them down in your journal or on a few post-it notes. These are values and influential traits you have within you. These are some of the ways in which you influence and impact people around you.  

So how will you use your power as an influencer the next time you’re in line at the coffee shop, about to take on a big project, or asked to mentor a new person who’s arrived in your life? 

Keep doing you. Keep being that awesome listener. Keep being an organized fashion expert. Keep reaching for the recognition and risky projects. And remember to shine that brilliant light of yours for others. We all need influencers like you! 

I’m curious, in which areas do you have influence and what are you going to do about 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.

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Train Your Brain & Create New Kick-Ass Habits

Create New Kick-Ass Habits

Create New Kick-Ass Habits

TRAIN YOUR BRAIN & CREATE NEW KICK-ASS HABITS

Article by Jentana Lee Dabbs
Photo Credit: Mike Nguyen
Magazine: Issue #22

Deep down inside (or not so deep down) there is the dream vision of yourself screaming to get out and run free, you know it and you feel it, so why is it so dang difficult to create the new habits and thoughts to unleash that vision?

Triggers.
New habits and thoughts are difficult to improve because we have habitual triggers that are everywhere and the people and surroundings around us influence those triggers.

The “Golden Rule of Habit Change”.
Every habit has three components: a cue (or a trigger for an automatic behavior to start), a routine (the behavior itself) and a reward (“dopamine” which is how our brain learns to remember this pattern for the future.)  The moment you open your eyes in the morning in the same bed you have been in for years, you are automatically triggering your “cue” for your normal thoughts and behaviors to begin before your morning coffee, which really seems unfair if you are working towards positive change.

Reframe triggers.
Reframing is the general change in a person’s mindset, whether it is a positive or negative change.  People who begin a 12 step AA program for drinking, are required to go to 90 meetings in 90 days and they absolutely cannot be around the influences of the people, places and things that would trigger their drinking to relapse, (the cue) and by reframing their minds through supportive repetition and keeping away from old influences, those old triggers will begin to have little power over them in the future.

“Holistic

Reframing your triggers at home.
Waking up to the same bad habit cues everyday can be a challenge and there are simple ways to reframe your trigger cues and influence new success habits to stick everyday while still in your old “bad habit” environment. 

6 steps to reframe your triggers and influence new kickass habits:

  • Listen to brain stimulating music everyday, morning and noon 
  • Listen to relaxing music before bed that puts you in a Zen state
  • Listen to inspiring and motivational audio books everyday
  • Read a chapter of an inspirational and motivational book everyday
  • Exercise at least 20 minutes everyday to stimulate the oxygen and reward chemical in your brain
  • Eat a healthy diet of proteins, veggies, healthy fats and low sugars, which will help your body to create a consistent supply of neurons to your brain that stimulates the reward chemical and focus.

Do these 6 steps everyday for 90 days to consistently stimulate the reward chemical in your brain, as studies have shown that new habits can easily develop and over ride old habits when our brain’s “reward” centers are triggered and attached to new habits for life changing results

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.

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What it Means to Be in the Business of Influence

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE IN THE BUSINESS OF INFLUENCE

Article by Tamisha Ford
Photo Credit: Rose Jane
Magazine: Issue #22

Be in the Business of Influence

Be in the Business of Influence

Pun intended. The business of influencing people in your life and the actual "business" of influence. 

Really, you can't have one without the other. 

If you're in business, entrepreneurship, startup culture, blogging, etc., you're in the business of influencing others - people are watching you whether you realize it or not or want them to or not. You're a person of influence. You might just feel you're only influencing your dog or your Aunt Candie, but trust me, there's more where that came from. 

I've noticed that the businesses and people who seem to really expand their influence faster and wider are those who have these specific aspects at play.

1| Consistency. The nature of business is change, right? So how do you maintain consistency? Does this mean you can never re-brand, change your color palette or even your ideal clientele? Not always. This form of consistency isn't necessarily always tangible or seen. It's the way you show up, how you respond to your customers, how often you stay in contact with them, and if your brand message is always on point (it always agrees with itself, no matter where it’s communicated). 

2| Energy and Focus. Influence seems to be a by-product of the energy felt from a business, blogger, founder, CEO, etc. People can feel more than we realize online (we are those people too, so just think about it). I've noticed that the more energy I put into my business, the more inertia both I and my peeps seem to feel, and the more involvement we collectively generate. Considering energy means also looking at what you're putting in front of that energy - focus. Tunnel vision, if you will. Not becoming-a-hermit-&-shutting-people-out type of tunnel vision, but the type where you're dedicated to your vision and the big picture in every single decision you make. 

“50

3| Service. This is a culture where people want to know a business is giving back somehow with its services and programs or that it's serving people directly and changing their life in some way through its services, programs, art, products, etc.  Like energy & focus, service is also felt and breeds influence.  If you really sit down to just bring focus to why you started, what is the reason beyond your own personal freedom?  I can share with you that my focus is on helping people be more comfortable in their own skin. I know FOR SURE this is a gift I have that is in direct service to the people who are drawn to me. What is that "thing" for you? What are you “in service” of? 

Influence wants to know.

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.

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The Quickest Way to Overcome a Creative Block

THE QUICKEST WAY TO OVERCOME A CREATIVE BLOCK

Article by Kelly St. Claire
Photo Credit: Mike Nguyen
Magazine: Issue #22

Overcome a Creative Block

Overcome a Creative Block

What happens when your creativity is blocked? How does it affect you in your business, relationships and money?

  • When you stare at a blank page
  • When you aren’t inspired to make art 
  • When you lack innovative ideas for your biz…
  • Even when you just don’t know what you’re going to pull together for dinner

What happens then? More importantly, how do you get things moving again when you’re feeling stuck?
 
When I feel a little ‘off’ and I am blocked when I need to be making things happen, I have learned that it may be time for a change of scenery, for a mental break, maybe even a..... Private dance break!

Movement and dance are powerful ways to bust through those blocks. 

Dance will blow through a bad mood, help ignite creativity and make things happen! Many of my favorite forms of dance focus on the hip area. I especially like belly dance. Connecting the hips with the sacred shape of the spiral or the circle. This stimulates the sacral area, which is a very important part of your physical and energetic anatomy, and is crucial to be in touch with that part of you if you’re going to create anything in your life!

The power of the sacral chakra.

The sacral chakra is located just under your bellybutton, it is the seat of your creative power. Getting in touch with it when you are feeling stuck is a potent way to kick-start your creativity. Think about it, that area is connected with your sexual potency, your womb (where life is created and grows.)

I’m not talking about learning to dance perfectly, it’s not about performing or your technique… It is about moving the energy through your body, letting go and allowing yourself to be wild and free.

Shimmy those hips, shake and vibrate your chest, twirl your head and allow your hair to be tossed all around. Spin your entire body, have fun with it! There are abundant classes and videos, but for this purpose, all you need is a little privacy and the willingness to act silly because dance is a form of play.

“50

Find your music. 

What kind of music makes it hard *not* to move? What lights you up and brings emotion? When you are moved to tears or laughter through music, when you shimmy in your seat just because “that song” came on, it’s a pretty big clue that it is moving energy, which frees the creative impulse.

If you want things to happen for you or your biz, make it happen by finding your music and shaking what the Mother gave you! 

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.

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Be Fit and Strong in Your Holistic Business Without the Gimmicks

Be Fit and Strong in Your Holistic Business

Be Fit and Strong in Your Holistic Business

Be Fit and Strong in Your Holistic Business Without the Gimmicks

Article by Angela Anderson
Photo Credit: Angel Quintana
Magazine: Issue #22

You are a fitness queen powerhouse, but do you have well trained fat cells?

You are close to 40 years old, you have been taking amazing care of yourself for years.  You’ve made HUGE strides with your fitness & nutrition.  And now it’s crunch time.

Realization #1:  Weight loss is a gimmick. Cheat meals are ridiculous.  

You are doing everything right (at least you think), so why don't you have that hot body you've been working so hard for?  You are smart, you been around the block, but your lack of incredible results is grinding away at you like nails on a chalkboard.

There is an itching, nagging conflict in your mind telling you that you deserve a life (a sexy one too). Yet, you see fitness competitors, master trainers, and other fitness professionals working out for hours, eating 6X a day, carrying around their little food portion containers, and guzzling protein powders and you wonder if you have to follow their example in order to have an amazing body.  

You should be able to go out for a burger and have some drinks with girlfriends and STILL feel gorgeous and NOT feel guilty.

“The

Realization #2:  You are not to blame! 

Low fat, portion control, mini meals throughout the day, counting calories, low carb, Paleo, Atkins, Southbeach, Zone . . . you name it - we've been hit up and many of us have believed and tried these plans.  Maybe you've had success, but it has worn off and you are back to the same, frustrated, tired, and too flabby you.

Realization #3:  You are a perfectionist.  

You find a fitness program or way of eating you love, it makes logical sense to you, it stimulates your brain, it brings out your passion and zest for life, it teaches you new skills and you go for it.  Yet, you are realistic enough to know that every plan has it's shelf life and as you grow and change as a person, so do your needs, wants, goals, and desires.
 
You are the type of person who always wants to keep learning and getting better.  You are ready to turn the jets on and BLAZE.

Most of the fat loss messages out there are drowning out your personal voice.  You can no longer sing because you are too busy chasing the words, advice, and tactics of other’s out there.

....STOP, take a breath, and connect with your inner dialogue.  It will guide you to where you need to go.  She will tell you when you’ve struck gold!

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.

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How to Enjoy Life's Lessons...Painful or Not

HOW TO ENJOY LIFE'S LESSONS...PAINFUL OR NOT

Article by Cinthia Singleton
Photo Credit: Rose Jane
Magazine: Issue #22

Enjoy Life's Lessons

Enjoy Life's Lessons

{A foreign object finds a nice soft nook in the oyster’s body.  It lodges itself in that place… deep in there to ensure it can’t be expelled. Ouch.  That hurts.  And so the oyster secretes a special substance that will assuage the irritation one thin layer at a time, layer upon layer, till the irritant is completely encased by a silky, luminous coating.}

Look!  It’s a pearl! - We humans experience our best lessons much like the oyster.  To paraphrase poet Aberjhani, we “howl diamonds and pearls at the edge of madness.” lol

A little irritant + Some discomfort + Maybe a lot of [ anger/sadness/fear/pain ] = Feeling awful.

No better motivator for solid change than that, eh, and let’s face it, learning from a place of comfort and joy is, sadly, not as frequent in this life.  So how do we accept this as part of life, even make it a more a JOY-ful one?

1| Live in the moment. Most lessons aren’t normally recognized while we live them out, and they come in all forms. Problem is they often remain unrecognized till they are well behind us in a place call The Past.  Since we already spend so much time and energy there - as well as in the future wishing for specific outcomes - why not slow down and breath… in the present moment?

2| Be self-aware. A little mindfulness goes a long way.  See the fork in the road, the decision to be made and the resistance in doing so?  Don’t react right away; just acknowledge it. By the same token, don’t slip in an old, habitual way of reacting.  Instead ask the higher powers for a sign. 

3| Be forgiving. You’re human and part of being being one is experiencing life in all the ways meant for us.  So feel those emotions and thank the pain if it’s there for being that ’fast track’ schooling you need to get to the core of things and GROW.  

“Join

4| Try a little more of #2. If you need and ask for help if you need it even if just an ear to bend.  As sentient, aware beings, we’re here to help one another.  One day you’ll get to do same.  Surround yourself by those you admire, respect, those who don’t fear diving deep for pearls too.

Ultimately, another pearl is born for your strand.  You watch.  You’ll become a better YOU adorned in beautiful pearls, ropes and ropes of them.

Without pain, there would be no suffering.  Without suffering we would never learn from our mistakes.  To make it right, pain and suffering is the key to all windows; without it, there is no way of life. -Angelina Jolie

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.

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