Rochester Woman Online January 2026 Edition

ON OUR COVER TT

Dr Myra Henry was photographed in studio by lead photographer Chrisom Beebe with makeup by Rosalind Matthew of Beauty for Ashes.

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the January 2026 edition of Rochester Woman Online Magazine — the first issue of an exciting new year and a celebration of our 18th year as the area’s premiere online women’s publication!

As we enter another incredible year of storytelling, empowerment, and connection, we’re honored to feature Dr. Myra Henry, President and CEO of the YWCA of Rochester and Monroe County, on our cover. Dr. Henry is a true example of what it means to lead with vision, compassion, and impact. Through her work, she continues to champion equity, empowerment, and opportunity for women and families across our community. Her story is one of purpose and progress — and a reminder that when women rise, entire communities rise with them.

Inside this issue, you’ll also meet J’la Jones, a remarkable woman whose journey from teenage motherhood to youth leadership is nothing short of inspiring. Her resilience, courage, and dedication to empowering the next generation through her work with Teen Empowerment and the YWCA embody exactly what Rochester Woman Online stands for — turning pain into purpose and inspiring others to do the same.

This month’s issue is overflowing with amazing women who are boldly sharing their stories — entrepreneurs, advocates, artists, and community leaders — all using their voices to uplift and empower others. Their experiences remind us that strength comes in many forms and that every story has the power to inspire change.

As we celebrate 18 years of highlighting women making a difference, I’m filled with gratitude for the readers, contributors, and community partners who continue to make Rochester Woman Online a space where women can be seen, heard, and celebrated.

Do you have a story to tell? Are you ready to be our next cover woman or to join the publication everyone’s talking about? We’d love to hear from you! Reach out and be part of this incredible community of powerful women shaping the conversation in Rochester and beyond.

Here’s to a new year of growth, empowerment, and unstoppable women. Thank you for continuing to read, share, and support Rochester Woman Online. Together, we’ll make 2026 our most inspiring year yet!

Kelly Breuer

Publisher | Rochester Woman Online Magazine networkrocqueen@gmail.com

{ A LOOK AT OUR TEAM }

PUBLISHER

FREELANCE EDITOR

CREATIVE DIRECTOR/GRAPHIC DESIGN

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOTOGRAPHY

Kelly Breuer

Marisa Zeppieri

Kelly Breuer

Chrisom Beebe

Brandon Vick

Katrina Lynne Portrait Photography

Michael Thaxton

Belavati Studios

Chris Johnson

Rob Daniels

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lisa Wagner

Walida Monroe-Sims

Christine Conte

Tamesha Beckford

J’la Jones

Nebutete Khauka

The ACS Team

Veronica Ryan

Clianda Florence

Kaitlyn Vittozzi

Meg Tobin

Laura Villanti

Shauna Dixon

Lori Bruton

Zachery Hansen

Erin Pittinaro

Trina Alessi

Kate Obrien

Katrina Connelly

ADVERTISING SALES

SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

WEB DESIGN & MANAGEMENT

Kelly Breuer

Network Rochester

Network Rochester

DR. MYRA HENRY

YOU ARE ENOUGH.

BY NICOLE HEROUX WILLIAMS I PHOTOS BY NSP STUDIO

Leading with Purpose, Power & Red Bottoms: Dr. Myra Henry on Redefining Leadership, Legacy & Empowerment

Rochester Woman Online proudly kicks off 2026 with an extraordinary cover woman — Dr. Myra Henry, CEO of the YWCA of Greater Rochester & Monroe County — a woman whose leadership is as bold as her signature red bottom heels. For Dr. Henry, those heels are more than a symbol of style — they represent confidence, visibility, and walking unapologetically in purpose. Gifted by her mother, they serve as a daily reminder that leadership and authenticity are not mutually exclusive — that a woman can command a room with both intellect and grace, and never have to shrink to fit in.

Stepping into the new year, Dr. Henry reflects on a journey defined by faith, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the empowerment of women and families across Monroe County. As she leads one of the region’s most historic and impactful social justice organizations, she continues to build on a legacy over a century in the making — one that stands for eliminating racism, empowering women, and creating pathways for equity and opportunity. Her vision for 2026 is clear: to strengthen housing and economic stability for women, advance racial equity initiatives, and ensure the YWCA remains a beacon of hope, advocacy, and transformation in our community.

But beyond the boardroom and the headlines, Dr. Henry’s story is one of heart and humanity. A transformational leader who believes in purposedriven leadership, she is not only managing change — she’s inspiring it. Through compassion, courage, and connection, she continues to challenge systems, uplift voices, and build bridges where barriers once stood.

woman is deeply humbling. Personally, it affirms the journey — the sacrifices, the resilience, and the faith required to lead. Professionally, it represents a collective moment. This recognition is not just about me; it reflects the strength of the YWCA team, the women and the families we serve, as we enter a period of renewed organizational stability and intentional growth.

opens up about her journey, the lessons learned along the way, and what it truly means to lead unapologetically — in faith, in power, and, of course, in those unforgettable red bottoms.

Dr. Henry, congratulations on being our January 2026 cover woman! To start, can you share what this moment means to you personally and professionally as you lead the YWCA into a new year?

\Being named a January 2026 cover

You’ve become such a powerful voice for women, equity, and community leadership in Rochester. What first inspired your passion for advocacy and empowerment?

My passion was born from lived experience. My life’s journey is reflective of YWCA’s mission to Eliminate Racism and Empower Women. I grew up navigating the messy intersection of race and gender. I saw firsthand how systems can either uplift or limit people, especially women and women of color. Advocacy became personal when, I saw my father’s car vandalized with racial epithets, I was educated in spaces that weren’t affirming and entered a workforce that wanted me to be seen and not heard. Through understanding and empathy and I encourage others. Empowerment is not abstract — it changes lives, families, and entire communities.

The YWCA has a long history of supporting women and families. What does it mean to you to be at the helm of such a legacy organization, and how are you continuing to evolve its mission for today’s world?

“The red bottom heels are symbolic. They represent confidence, presence, and visibility in spaces where women — particularly women of color — are often expected to shrink.”

YOU ARE ENOUGH.

BY NICOLE HEROUX WILLIAMS I PHOTOS BY NSP STUDIO

The YWCA is one of the most enduring social justice organizations in this country. For more than a century YWCA Rochester and Monroe County has stood in the gap to support women and families through housing and supportive services. To steward such a legacy is both an honor and a responsibility. My role is to honor the foundation while ensuring the mission remains responsive to today’s realities — housing instability, workforce inequities, racial justice, and women’s economic empowerment. Evolution is not a departure from legacy; it is its fulfillment.

You’ve often been described as a “transformational leader.” What does transformational leadership mean to you — and how do you bring that to your work every day? Transformational leadership means leading with purpose, courage, and accountability. It requires vision, but also empathy. I believe in developing people, not just managing outcomes. Every day, I strive to lead in a way that invites others to see their potential, challenge the status quo, and commit to meaningful change.

Can you tell us the story behind your iconic “red bottom heels”? �� We’ve heard they symbolize more than just style — there’s a deeper meaning there!

The red bottom heels are symbolic. They represent confidence, presence, and visibility in spaces where women — particularly women of color — are often expected to shrink. My Mother gifted my a pair of “red bottom” shoes to remind me that

leadership and authenticity are not mutually exclusive. I can lead boldly, intellectually, and unapologetically while fully owning who I am.

You’ve led the YWCA of Greater Rochester & Monroe County through some significant community challenges and opportunities. What are you most proud of achieving so far?

There are several accomplishments of which I am proud, such as the continued success of the Empowering Women Luncheon, amplifying our storied success as emergency shelter and permanent supportive housing providers and strengthening organizational stability while expanding impact. These notable highlights, navigating leadership transitions, reinforcing governance, and refocusing our strategic priorities, have positioned the YWCA for sustainable growth. At the same time, we have deepened community partnerships and centered the voices of those we serve.

As we step into 2026, what are your top priorities for the YWCA? How do you see its role evolving in our community over the next few years? Our priorities include strengthening housing and economic stability for women, advancing racial equity initiatives, and ensuring organizational resilience. We are excited to enter new partnerships and develop much needed affordable housing for so many in our community, who are unhoused or at the risk of becoming homeless. YWCA Rochester will continue to be both a service provider

and a thought leader — advocating for systemic change.

The YWCA is known for its work around racial and gender equity. How do you approach those conversations in a way that builds bridges and fosters understanding? I lead with honesty, data, and humanity. Equity conversations require courage, but also grace. I focus on building understanding, not defensiveness, and on creating shared responsibility for solutions. Progress happens when people feel seen, heard, and challenged to grow. I strongly believe, as a people, we have more in common than what separates us.

What does empowerment mean to you personally — and how do you hope to inspire other women to find and use their voice?

Empowerment means access, voice, and agency. It is about equipping women to define success on their own terms and supporting them as they claim space. I hope to inspire women to trust their voice and recognize that their leadership is needed — exactly as they are.

You’ve worn many hats — educator, leader, mentor, changemaker. How have these roles shaped the woman you are today?

Each role has sharpened a different aspect of who I am. Education grounded me in learning and critical thinking. Leadership refined my decision-making and resilience. Mentorship reinforced my responsibility to pull others

“This recognition is not just about me; it reflects the strength of the YWCA team, the women and the families we serve, as we enter a period of renewed organizational stability and intentional growth.”

YOU ARE ENOUGH.

BY NICOLE HEROUX WILLIAMS I PHOTOS BY NSP STUDIO

forward. Together, they shaped a leader committed to service and impact.

What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned as a woman of color leading in spaces that haven’t always made room for diverse voices?

The first thing is to know your audience, be prepared and how to read a room. Not every space will be ready, but that does not determine my worth or capacity. I have learned to lead with confidence, to navigate resistance strategically, and to remain grounded in purpose rather than perception.

Who are the women (past or present) who have most influenced your journey — and what lessons did they teach you? I stand on the shoulders of phenomenal women. The 11 women who started YWCA Rochester in 1883, the women who had the courage to integrate all YWCA Rochester services in 1952, the women who made strategic decisions to secure our future in the 1980’s, and the women the 2000’s who encouraged a community to talk about race, these women motivate me. The powerful women I work alongside and the women who lead our board of directors are fierce advocates and shrewd business professionals. My Mother and daughters are my greatest inspiration, and my sisters are my driving force. These women have influenced my journey through their strength, sacrifice and integrity.

advice would you give to young women who aspire to lead with confidence and compassion?

Lead with both confidence and compassion. Seek mentors, build community, and do not wait for permission to step into your purpose. Your voice matters, and leadership is not about perfection — it is about authenticity and courage. Don’t settle and don’t shrink!

love and career. I wake up every day with gratitude in my heart and the determination to elevate my being. Most importantly, my faith keeps me grounded and allows me to lead with clarity and executive presence.

How do you celebrate the small wins — both personally and professionally — when the work you do is often so big in scope and impact?

Balancing leadership, family, and self-care isn’t easy. What practices or habits help you stay grounded and motivated?

Wow! This is a great question! A win is a win – big or small. I take time to find joy in everything we do. I intentionally pause to acknowledge progress — a family housed, a staff member growing, a partnership strengthened. These moments remind me that change happens incrementally and that each win matters. What I enjoy most is celebrating my team.

The YWCA’s mission includes “eliminating racism and empowering women.” How do you keep that mission alive and visible in your daily work and decision-making?

Our mission guides every decision, from budgeting to program design to advocacy. I ask consistently: does this advance our mission and impact the people we serve? If the answer is no, we recalibrate.

As a mentor and role model, what

I prioritize reflection, reading, exercise and intentional rest. I have learned that self-care is not indulgent; it is essential to sustainable leadership. These practices include cheering on my beloved Buffalo Bills and attending games with my husband and sons or chatting with my daughters about life,

What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as CEO — and how have those moments shaped your leadership style?

One of my greatest challenges has been fully stepping into — and trusting — my voice as a CEO. Leadership at

“ My PASSION was born from lived experience. My life’s JOURNEY is reflective of YWCA’s mission to Eliminate Racism and Empower WOMEN. ”

“For

more than a century YWCA Rochester and Monroe County has stood in the gap to support women and families through housing and supportive services. To steward such a legacy is both an honor and a responsibility.”

YOU ARE ENOUGH.

BY NICOLE HEROUX WILLIAMS I PHOTOS BY NSP STUDIO

this level requires clarity, decisiveness, and the willingness to speak truth, even when it is uncomfortable. There were moments early on when I had to unlearn the instinct to soften my voice or over-explain my authority. Finding my voice meant embracing confidence, setting firm boundaries, and leading with conviction rooted in purpose. That evolution has strengthened my leadership and affirmed that authenticity is not a liability — it is a leadership asset.

How do you foster a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation within your team and the broader YWCA network? I create and hold space for dialogue, encourage shared ownership, and value diverse perspectives. I honor the domain experts in the organization and set expectations that support their growth and success. Innovation thrives where people feel trusted and empowered to contribute.

The work of community change can be emotionally demanding. What inspires you to keep showing up with purpose, even on the toughest days? I work in service of others. The women and families we serve inspire me. Their resilience, determination, and hope remind me why this work matters — especially on the hardest days.

Can you share a story or moment during your time at the YWCA that reaffirmed why you do this work? As my family tells me, I am “always working”; in the sense that I am willing to step up and help where I

see a need. An example of “always working” occurred this Summer with my family and I at a local restaurant during Sunday dinner. The server, Ms. Brenda, was excellent at her job. She was attentive, engaging and graceful as she took our orders and delivered our food. As our dinner service was nearing completion, we paid our bill, and as Ms. Brenda cleared our plates away, she asked apologetically, if any of us “had a place to stay?” She went to share how she worked 2 jobs and lived in a hotel room and paid more than $500 weekly because she could not find suitable housing. I quietly handed her my card and invited her to connect with me. When she contacted me, I connected her with my housing team who brought her into shelter and worked with her to find an apartment she could afford.

Ms. Brenda was with us in emergency housing for a few weeks and with the support through our case management services, that included help with transportation, document preparation and housing referrals, she was able to secure her own apartment. Watching women, like Ms. Brenda, move from crisis to stability, from uncertainty to confidence, reaffirms my commitment. Those moments are reminders that impact is real and lasting.

You often speak about empowering women to lead unapologetically. What does being “unapologetically you” look like for Dr. Myra Henry? Unapologetically me – seeks God first in all ways, meets people heart to heart and spirit to spirit, is always

kind, listens/observes more than I speak and move with the end in mind. Unapologetically me, remembers where I come, the values that have been instilled in me and applying the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I show up authentically when there is alignment between my values and actions.

How do you think Rochester — as a city and as a community — can better support women, especially women of color, in leadership and entrepreneurship?

There continues to be opportunities for the city of Rochester and community partners to better support women of color by moving from intention to investment. That means funding leadership development pipelines, expanding access to capital for womenowned and women-led businesses, and creating intentional pathways into decision-making roles across government, nonprofits, and the private sector. Support must go beyond symbolic inclusion; women of color need to be resourced, trusted, and empowered with real authority and positionality.

Equally important is removing systemic barriers — whether in procurement processes, hiring practices, or policy design — that have historically limited access and opportunity. Mentorship, sponsorship, and accountability at the institutional level are critical to ensuring progress is sustained, not episodic.

This support matters and is critical

“I lead with honesty, data, and humanity. Equity conversations require courage, but also grace. I focus on building understanding, not defensiveness, and on creating shared responsibility for solutions.”

YOU ARE ENOUGH.

BY NICOLE HEROUX WILLIAMS I PHOTOS BY NSP STUDIO

as women of color are already leading, innovating, and stabilizing communities, often without adequate recognition or resources. When we are fully supported, entire neighborhoods benefit. Economic growth becomes more inclusive, leadership becomes more representative, and solutions become more responsive to lived experience. Investing in women of color is not only a matter of equity — it is a strategic imperative for long-term health, resilience, and prosperity.

Outside of your professional life, what brings you joy? How do you recharge your spirit?

Time with family, meaningful conversations, moments of quiet reflection, short getaways and new adventures bring me joy. Personally, I love good music. My husband and I will often travel to cool places for short getaways to attend concert experiences. I most look forward to our annual beach resort vacation. This is where I reflect, recharge and recommit. There is something amazing about watching the sun rise and set where the water meets the sky. It is during these times I am fortified in knowing that I have been called and qualified for such a time as this. Knowing that I am loved and am doing good work brings me immense joy.

As we begin 2026, what message of hope or empowerment would you like to share with women in our community?

I am looking forward to the New Year and, my message to women is this:

with courage and compassion.

Even in moments of uncertainty or fatigue, there is power in collective action and shared purpose. When women support one another, invest in one another, and refuse to be diminished, we strengthen families, organizations, and entire communities. Hope is not passive; it is active. It shows up in advocacy, in mentorship, in resilience, and in the daily choice to believe that change is possible.

your voice matters, your leadership is needed, and your presence is essential to the future we are building. Progress is not achieved by waiting for permission — it is created when women stand firmly in their truth, trust their lived experience, and lead

I encourage women to claim their space, use their influence, and remain steadfast in their commitment to justice and equity. The work ahead requires boldness and unity — and together, we are more than capable of shaping a future defined by opportunity, dignity, and belonging for all.

Finally, if you could define your personal legacy in one sentence — what would you want it to be?

My legacy will hopefully live on through a life well lived, good honest work and community impact. In closing the one sentence would be “She believed she could, so she did”.

J’LA JONES

YOU ARE ENOUGH.

BY NICOLE HEROUX WILLIAMS I PHOTOS BY NSP STUDIO

From Teenage Motherhood to Transformative Leadership: The Journey of J’la Jones

When you first meet J’la Jones, her confidence, grace, and steady presence make it hard to imagine the battles she’s had to fight to stand where she is today. But behind her radiant smile lies a story of perseverance, purpose, and power — one that began when her childhood abruptly collided with motherhood at just fourteen years old.

“I found out I was pregnant a few weeks after my 14th birthday,” J’la recalls. “I went to my first doctor’s appointment alone, thinking I just had a stomach bug.” What came next would forever change the course of her life. Her doctor entered the room and told her she was pregnant — and already too far along to consider an abortion. “I was sad, but I had to get myself together. My mom was sitting right outside in the waiting room.”

When the world told her that her life was over, J’la refused to accept that fate. “I found strength in knowing I couldn’t be that way for my son,” she says. “I didn’t want him to grow up in a cycle of defeat.”

She transferred from School of the Arts to Young Mothers, a school designed for teen moms. “Being around other young women going through the same thing gave me hope. Their program

That experience reawakened something inside her. “Teen Empowerment gave me a space to be a teenager again. I learned how to use my voice to make change in the same community where I was raising my son.”

Turning Pain into Purpose

One defining moment came during a Sex Summit organized by Teen Empowerment. J’la bravely shared her story — the truth about becoming a young mother, the struggles, and the transformation. Afterward, a girl her age approached her with tears in her eyes. “She told me my speech changed her life — that it opened her eyes to what could happen if she kept going down the wrong path.”

In that moment, the girl who was once the family’s bright hope — a star student, cheerleader, step team member, and volleyball standout — suddenly became the embodiment of disappointment in her family’s eyes. “Everyone expected me to be the one to break the chains of poverty,” she says. “Being pregnant felt like the end of that hope.”

Yet, what could have broken her instead became the spark that ignited her transformation. Finding Strength Through Struggle

allowed us to earn ‘baby bucks’ for baby items and stay on track with school. It felt like a second chance.”

Then came another turning point — one that would set the trajectory for her life’s work. She came across a flyer for a youth organizer position at Teen Empowerment, hiring youth ages 14–19. “It wasn’t a typical job interview,” she laughs. “It was a conversation about real issues — things people in my community didn’t talk about. I had so much to say, and that’s how I got hired.”

Those words — you’ve changed my life — became the catalyst for J’la’s purpose. “That moment showed me that my story mattered. It gave me confidence to keep speaking my truth, to help others find hope in theirs.”

As a mentor now, J’la teaches the youth she works with that mistakes do not define them. “We all make mistakes,” she says. “But it’s about how you rise, how you correct yourself, and what you do next. Too many young people are condemned for one mistake instead of being guided toward redemption.”

Finding Shelter, Then Sisterhood

When life forced J’la and her newborn out of their home, it was the YWCA

{ UNSTOPPABLE WOMAN }

“I want to be remembered as a woman who turned pain into purpose, who created space for others to rise, and who never forgot where she came from.”

of Rochester and Monroe County that opened its doors. “They gave me shelter when I had nowhere to go,” she says. “When I finally got on my feet and found a place, they helped furnish it, donated gift cards, even made sure my son had gifts for Christmas.”

Years later, J’la came full circle with the organization, completing the Equity Through Development Program — a professional training that empowers women of color through philanthropy, fundraising, and leadership. “That program changed how I see my power,” she says proudly.

Her connection deepened when she was invited to speak at the YWCA’s Empowering Women Luncheon — the very event she had once applied to volunteer at but couldn’t afford to attend. “The following year, not only was I accepted into the program, but I was also asked to speak on that stage,” J’la says, still in awe. “It was surreal. The YWCA reminded me again that my story isn’t over.”

Empowering Youth to Lead

Today, as a Youth Organizer and Site Coordinator for Teen Empowerment, J’la helps young people discover their own voices and purpose. “At Teen Empowerment, youth aren’t just served — they lead,” she explains. “We treat them as decision-makers, community leaders, and agents of change.”

Under her leadership, the organization has expanded into new neighborhoods like Beechwood and Marketview Heights, bringing opportunity and hope to communities long overlooked.

“It’s not just an expansion,” she says. “It’s an act of equity and inclusion.”

With hundreds of teens applying for a handful of positions each year, J’la sees a clear message: “Young people are hungry to be heard, to lead, and to belong. They want purpose — not pity.”

She believes true community change comes through intergenerational collaboration. “When youth and adults work together, we bridge gaps between experience and vision,” she says. “Real change happens when wisdom meets fresh perspective.”

A Legacy of Hope

Looking ahead, J’la envisions a city where youth leadership shapes every layer of community life. “Over the next decade, I hope Teen Empowerment continues to ripple through Rochester — creating safer streets, stronger relationships, and a culture where youth are seen as leaders, not problems.”

As for her personal legacy, J’la’s vision is simple but profound: “I want to be remembered as a woman who turned pain into purpose, who created space for others to rise, and who never forgot where she came from. My story is proof that your beginnings don’t define your ending — and that one voice, when used with purpose, can change an entire community.”

J’la Jones is more than a survivor — she’s a force of change, a mentor, and a living testament that redemption and resilience can create generational transformation. Her story is not just one of triumph — it’s a blueprint for

what happens when faith, community, and purpose come together to empower the next generation.

Continuing the Mission

For J’la, leadership isn’t just about titles or accolades — it’s about transformation. “Leadership is service,” she says. “It’s standing in the gap for others until they realize they can stand on their own.” She continues to mentor young women who, like her, once felt unseen or unheard, helping them navigate motherhood, education, and self-worth. “I want every girl to know that she can still win, no matter how her story begins.”

Her son, now growing into a young man, remains her greatest motivation. “He’s the reason I never gave up,” J’la says with a proud smile. “He watched me work, cry, fail, and rise again — and I hope that shows him that resilience is power.”

Through her work with Teen Empowerment and the YWCA, J’la is helping reshape what hope looks like for the next generation. “We’re not just changing individual lives,” she says. “We’re changing systems, shifting perspectives, and rebuilding trust in communities that have been overlooked for too long.”

And as she continues her journey, J’la Jones stands as living proof that even when life takes unexpected turns, purpose can rise from pain, and power can emerge from perseverance.

Because for J’la — and for every young woman who’s ever been told she can’t — the truth is simple: you can, and you will.

“ The following year, not only was I ACCEPTED into the program, but I was also asked to speak on that stage, J’la says, still in awe. It was SURREAL.

The YWCA reminded me again that my STORY isn’t over. ”

GIVING THE ELEPHANT A VOICE WALIDA MONROE-SIMS

PHOTOS BY CHRIS JOHNSON

The Powerful Purpose of Walida Monroe-Sims

Rochester Woman Online is honored to spotlight Walida Monroe-Sims, a woman whose life’s work is rooted in faith, resilience, and an unshakable commitment to healing her community. A proud Rochester native raised in the 19th Ward, Walida has spent more than two decades in the human services field— empowering families, advocating for students, and creating spaces where voices long silenced can finally be heard. With a background in Human Service Management and a Master’s in Psychology with a concentration in Behavioral Health, Walida brings both professional expertise and lived experience to every table she sits at.

As a dedicated wife, mother of eight, and grandmother, Walida understands the complex realities of balancing family, faith, and community service. Her mission is deeply personal — to mobilize, educate, and empower individuals while breaking cycles of poverty and trauma through access, advocacy, and compassion. Whether she’s serving on local coalitions, mentoring youth, or championing equitable education, Walida’s leadership reflects a simple yet profound belief: real change begins when we confront the “unspoken elephants” in our lives and our communities.

to co-found Unspoken Elephants Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to promoting healing, mental health awareness, and stigma reduction. Through their outreach and powerful radio show, “When the Elephant Speaks Wednesdays”, Walida and her team have given countless individuals a safe space to tell their stories, confront pain, and begin the journey toward wellness. Their message is

to speak what has gone unspoken.

In the full interview, Walida shares her inspiring story of faith, resilience, and the movement to help Rochester heal — one conversation at a time.

Walida, for those who may not know you yet, can you share a little about your background and what led you to the powerful work you’re doing today?

clear — silence can be heavy, but speaking truth brings freedom.

That belief led her, alongside her husband Edward and daughter Amari,

Today, as she continues her work within municipal government and beyond, Walida remains a tireless advocate for systems change, collective impact, and community transformation. Her faith fuels her purpose; her compassion guides her leadership. And through Unspoken Elephants, she reminds us that healing begins the moment we dare

Walida Monroe-Sims is a native of Rochester, NY raised in the 19th Ward. She is a graduate of Wilson Magnet High School Academy of Excellence. Walida holds a BS in Human Service Management and Masters in Psychology with a concentration in Behavioral Health. Walida is a dedicated wife, mother of 8 children, grandmother, and faithful member at her church who has over two decades of experience working in the human service field. She is a parent/student advocate and loyal community member who dedicates her life to mobilize, educate, and empower the community at large. Walida is passionate about working towards systems change, collective impact, and participatory action in the Rochester community. Walida also focuses her career on working with populations with limited access to alleviate the impact of poverty by creating pathways from education to employment. In addition, Walida is a parent/student advocate who engages in assisting community members in taking on issues regarding social and economic

{ THE STRENGTH IN HER STORY }

“I have many layers to my testimony, akin to an onion, where every layer has profoundly impacted my life and deepened my commitment.”

injustices in the educational system. She has held leadership roles during her past employment at Action for A Better Community; she obtains many awards and serves on numerous coalitions and boards that promote a culture of healing and community wellness. In 2018, Walida along with her husband Edward, and daughter Amari founded the nonprofit organization Unspoken Elephants Inc. Unspoken Elephants Inc. whose mission is working towards positively influencing the lives of community members with limited access, linking them to tangible resources. In addition, providing a safe space to break the stigma of silence that may cause a lifetime of trauma. Through the works of UE, Inc. Walida seeks to promote and support mental health wellness/awareness, meaningful conversations to promote change, healing from traumatic experiences, and stigma reduction through various platforms; particularly, their radio show “When the Elephant Speaks Wednesdays “.

Walida Monroe-Sims currently works for municipal government. In this role, Walida worked toward establishing meaningful relationships with community stakeholders providing effective leadership and establishing education to employment pipelines utilizing strategic strategies. Walida’s professional background, passion for community wellness, and life philosophy makes her a great asset to our community while enjoying family time, shopping and traveling.

What was the inspiration behind founding Unspoken Elephants Incorporated, and how did the concept of “the elephant in the room” become such a central message for you? We all

can identify with the “elephant in the room concept” These are situations, conversations that we see, and feel and do not talk about them for various reasons. We noticed that this concept can lead to a lifetime of trauma and a false sense of happiness.

The name “Unspoken Elephants” is incredibly powerful. What does it personally mean to you, and how do you see it resonating with those you serve? Unspoken Elephants is not merely a personal concept, but rather a collective idea conceived by my husband, as we shared our thoughts on its meaning, encompassing not only ourselves, but also individuals who feel they have a limited voice, those who feel they cannot speak up due to various reasons, and situations that individuals dare not share. The Elephant represents a multitude of aspects, including the strength to share, the strength to allow it to speak, while understanding the concept of the elephant in the room.

Can you tell us more about your journey to becoming Co-Founder and CEO? What challenges did you face, and what has driven you to keep pushing forward? We started our journey in 2018. We began to research how to start a 501c3 in New York State. Prior to that we collaborated on various initiatives with community partners. MS. Kim Smith encouraged us to do more. Our workshops that we collaborated on where extremely productive. With her encouraging influence we embarked on a journey that has been very promising. It has not been easy, we started out with a strong active board to having board member recruitment events. What we realized is

if we want our vision to come alive we had to put in more time, effort, and prayer. We had to dig a little deeper, seek funding and consulting services.

You’ve spoken openly about the importance of addressing trauma and the healing process. How has your own story shaped your passion for creating safe spaces for others to heal?

Addressing the elephant in the room can be easy or challenging, depending on the situation. Personally, my courage stems from my faith in God. Initially, I had to acknowledge that my life experiences were shaped by traumatic events. While some of these experiences became habitual and necessary for survival, I recognized the importance of creating a support network. Fortunately, I was able to surround myself with people who made me feel safe and valued. However, this was not always the case. In the past, I struggled to feel secure in sharing my thoughts and emotions openly, until I met my husband. Occasionally, I would confide in my Bishop, who provided a safe and non-judgmental space for me to express myself. Nevertheless, I sometimes felt that he was obligated to do so as a man of God. I later understood he genuinely wanted and wants whats best for me. This realization prompted me to pay closer attention to my emotions and reactions, leading me to understand the distinction between being in a safe place and a safe space. This insight underscored the importance of promoting psychological safety, which is why UE Inc. strives to provide and foster a culture of emotional security and well-being.

“The Elephant Speaks Wednesdays” has become a platform where real,

{ THE STRENGTH

“Personally, my courage stems from my faith in God. Initially, I had to acknowledge that my life experiences were shaped by traumatic events.”

iraw conversations happen. What inspired you to launch the show, and what do you hope listeners take away from each episode?

WRFZ Rochester Free Radio 106.3 FM approached us with an opportunity. What a blessing. Having previously served as guests on the show, Kim Smith, host of ‘Shaking Up Rochester’, invited us to fill her time slot. Her sole request was that we maintain a focus on community and incorporate our vision into that framework. Our goal is that listeners take away a sense of authenticity, fun, inviting and encouraging conversation. Our goal is that someone listening is inspired to tell their truth when they feel safe to. Our additional goal is to allow community members the opportunity to come share about their good deeds and service to community.

What kinds of topics do you and your guests explore on the show, and how do you choose the voices you feature?

We discuss various topics. Health and Wellness, Mental Health, Community Events, Financial Independency/Literacy, Education, Stigma, Self-Efficacy, and Healthy Relationships. We also discuss people’s personal journeys. We have an open invite while focusing on community needs during times of challenges. For example our communities are experiences severe food disparities, we would invite a content and context expert on the show to discuss the challenge, share information, events and resources.

Healing is such a deeply personal journey. What does healing look like to you personally, and how do you balance helping others while also caring for yourself?

I am healing each day. I truly put my trust in GOD. Understanding all issues are not mental health issues, all issues are not healing issues. Its important to help people help themselves without exhausting myself, that’s the goal . My resealable service is helping others without personal gain. It is my charge and what God has for me to do.

As a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., how has sisterhood and service through your sorority influenced your leadership and community work? Scholarship, Sisterhood, and Service are apart of who I am. I have 7 biological sisters, raised in a family where education is extremely important, and a born servant made it less challenging to be apart of the last created and best designed Sorority. Sigma Gamma Rho has provided me a space to grow as a leader while still learning and growing with my Sorors. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated work in the Rochester community and beyond is what captured my interest. We just do the work, for no shape form or fashion. We do the work because there is a need and we love to serve.

You’ve also been a strong supporter of the YWCA, especially in advocating for women and families impacted by trauma and injustice. What does that partnership mean to you, and how do your missions align?

We are delighted to collaborate and partner with the YMCA. Space is bot cheap and Mr. Diane and his team welcomed Unspoken Elephants Incorporated with open arms. Together we work to alleviate poverty and genuinely care about serving people. The Y truly

focuses on community challenges and what social determinate interfere with individuals living out their highest quality of life. UE Inc. is about quantity, inclusion, equity, and the YMCA lives by these values daily.

Many people are afraid to confront the “elephants” in their own lives— whether it’s pain, loss, abuse, or fear. What advice would you give to someone who is struggling to find their voice or begin their healing journey?

I can’t offer advice, what I cam say that Unspoken Elephants Incorporated is a space spy can share and receive tangible resources. Speaking up is so necessary and it has yo feel right for you.

Can you share a defining moment— personally or professionally—that changed your life and deepened your commitment to helping others heal? I have many layers to my testimony, akin to an onion , where every layer has profoundly impacted my life and deepened my commitment. If I had to focus on one, it would be my experience with homelessness. The circumstances surrounding my homelessness, its causes, and my ultimate triumph are topics for another discussion. What I can share is that homelessness transcends demographics and understanding the feeling of not having safe housing is precisely why Unspoken Elephants Incorporated conducts monthly outreach for the unhoused. During my time without a home, I lacked knowledge about available resources, struggled to navigate complex systems, and was hesitant to accept help due to shame. My primary concern, however, was securing safe and equitable shelter before the birth

“We

all can identify with the “elephant in the room concept” These are situations, conversations that we see, and feel and do not talk about them for various reasons.”

YOU ARE ENOUGH.

BY NICOLE HEROUX WILLIAMS I PHOTOS BY NSP STUDIO

of my child. The insights I have gained from this experience now enable me to serve more effectively in this space as a context and content expert.

What impact do you hope Unspoken Elephants will have on the Rochester community and beyond over the next five years?

That Unspoken Elephants Incorporated provides a transparent, fun (at times)safe space where stigma, trauma and judgment ( the elephant in the room) can speak which will embark on a road to healing

As a woman of influence, how do you use your platform to empower others, particularly women who feel

unseen or unheard?

Thank you for that. Although I do feel like I am an influencer, I trust that God’s anointing has equipped me to serve others. As the song says, “If I can help somebody as I travel along the way, then my living shall not be in vain.” I’m committed to empowering and uplifting others, especially when I’m able, and I’ll continue to hone my gift of discernment to make a positive impact.

What has been one of your proudest moments since starting Unspoken Elephants or “When the Elephant Speaks Wednesdays”?

One of my proudest moments is when we obtained our 501c3 and when

we established our outreach team.

Finally, what message do you want to leave with our Rochester Woman Online readers—especially those who may be carrying their own “unspoken elephants”?

Be true to you, your truth is your truth, the truth needs no defense. Don’t worry about your truth not being someone elses truth because the truth will set us all free.

KATRINA CONNELLY { LEADING THE WAY }

PHOTOS BY CORNING MUSEUM OF GLASS, DEVAN FLORES & DR MARTINEZ

From Fashion to the Front Office: How

Katrina Connelly is

Redefining Leadership and Balance

Rochester Woman Online is proud to introduce Katrina Connelly, Chief Operating Officer of Faraci Lange, LLP, one of Upstate New York’s most respected law firms — and a woman whose career is a masterclass in determination, adaptability, and purpose-driven leadership.

A Holley native with big-city ambition, Katrina’s journey began at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, where she earned her degree in Advertising and Marketing before launching her career in the fast-paced world of entertainment marketing. Working with global brands like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Yu-Gi-Oh!, she quickly learned the power of communication, collaboration, and cultural understanding — lessons that continue to shape her leadership style today.

When life led her back to Rochester, timing — and destiny — aligned. She joined Faraci Lange as an Advertising and Marketing Coordinator, where her drive and vision quickly set her apart. Determined to grow both personally and professionally, Katrina pursued her MBA from the University of Rochester’s Simon Business School while working full-time, eventually earning her promotion to COO. Today, she oversees all facets of the firm’s operations — from finance and technology to strategy and culture — helping guide Faraci Lange into its next chapter of success.

Beyond her impressive professional

achievements, Katrina is deeply passionate about women’s empowerment and community engagement. As Chair of the YWCA’s Empowering Women Luncheon, she helped lead recordbreaking events that uplift women and families across Rochester. Her work exemplifies the values she brings to every role: integrity, inclusivity, and compassion.

Balancing her career with life as a mom of three, Katrina is proof that leadership and motherhood are not competing priorities but complementary strengths. She leads with empathy, determination, and a genuine commitment to people — both in the office and at home.

In this inspiring feature, Katrina shares her journey from Manhattan to Monroe County, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and how she continues to redefine what leadership looks like for women in business today.

Katrina, can you share a bit about your journey from studying Advertising and Marketing at FIT in New York City to becoming the Chief Operating Officer of one of Upstate New York’s most respected law firms?

I grew up in a small town west of Rochester called Holley and couldn’t wait to head to the “big city.” From an early age, I was drawn to fashion, which led me to apply to FIT, where I was accepted through early decision and went on to study Advertising and Marketing for four years.

After graduating, I briefly returned home before heading back to New York City, where I spent three years working and gaining valuable professional experience.

When I decided it was time to move back to Rochester, the timing aligned perfectly. Faraci Lange was hiring for an Advertising and Marketing Coordinator just as I was making my transition home. Jodi Falk, who is married to our Managing Partner John Falk and has an impressive business background and acumen, had been consulting with the firm to help identify candidates for the role I ultimately accepted. She went on to mentor me during my first year at Faraci Lange. Once I joined the firm, I quickly recognized an opportunity to take on a larger leadership role. To prepare myself, I returned to school and earned my MBA through the Executive MBA program at the University of Rochester’s Simon School while continuing to work full-time.

After earning my MBA, I was promoted to Chief Operating Officer shortly thereafter.

Your background includes time spent in the fast-paced world of entertainment marketing in Manhattan—working with brands like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Yu-Gi-Oh! What lessons from that industry have helped shape your approach to leadership and business today?

I began my career in an entry-level position in New York City, where I was fortunate to work alongside some truly great people. Some of the most valuable lessons I gained from that experience came from working with and among people from different cultures. Our team worked closely with Japanese companies, where business practices are shaped by very specific traditions and expectations, which gave me a deeper

{

LEADING THE WAY }

“I want my daughters to learn to be self-reliant with the understanding that anything truly worthwhile requires effort.”

appreciation for cultural nuance and respect in professional settings.

I was also exposed to a more traditional corporate organizational structure, which is very different from the partnershipbased model of a law firm. That contrast helped shape my understanding of how different business structures operate and influence decision-making.

What originally drew you back to Rochester, and how did you first become involved with Faraci Lange?

I returned to Rochester during a time when I was feeling lonely in New York City. I held onto a relationship back home that, in hindsight, wasn’t right, and my decision to move back was influenced by that. Even so, I’m genuinely grateful I made the move because it ultimately led me to where I am today. Everything truly does happen for a reason.

Faraci Lange has a long history of serving clients in Rochester and Buffalo since 1968. From your perspective as COO, what do you think sets the firm apart from others in the personal injury law space?

There are many things that set Faraci Lange apart from other personal injury law firms. The market is undeniably saturated. Anyone can see that simply by turning on the television or listening to the radio, where personal injury advertisements are everywhere.

Faraci Lange was founded in 1968 by Angelo Faraci and Paul Lange right here in Rochester. Our firm has thrived for decades in an extremely competitive industry because of the quality of our people and the strength of our attorneys. Many of the firms you see advertising today were started in other cities and have little to no meaningful local presence.

While we do advertise to remain competitive, the majority of our cases come from referrals by other attorneys and judges. That speaks volumes about the caliber of our team. Our attorneys are known for their ethics, professionalism, and most importantly, for consistently achieving excellent results for their clients.

As Chief Operating Officer, you oversee everything from finance and marketing to technology and personnel. What does a typical day look like for you—or is there such a thing?

A typical day for me begins at home with a lot of rushing around trying to get my daughters on the bus and myself out the door to the office by 8:30. I wear many hats at the firm, but you can almost always find me behind my desk in the first office you see when you walk through the front door.

My days are often filled with meetings with partners, staff, and outside vendors. When time allows, I make a point to step back and focus on forecasting and planning for the firm’s future in addition to all of the other daily tasks.

You’ve played an instrumental role in helping guide Faraci Lange’s strategic direction and growth. What are some of the biggest changes or advancements you’ve implemented since stepping into this leadership position?

Since joining the firm in 2010, I’ve guided our team through two major case management software transitions and a move from downtown Rochester to Brighton - tasks that may sound simple on paper but were anything but. Implementing new software has made our firm significantly more efficient, though it remains a constant learning experience. Downsizing our office not only reduced our physical footprint but also helped lower

overhead, a step many firms took in the wake of COVID. I also helped lead the firm through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic, navigating a period that tested our resilience, adaptability, and commitment to both clients and colleagues.

What are some of the challenges that come with managing two offices— Rochester and Buffalo—and how do you ensure consistency in the firm’s culture and client experience across both? Managing two offices has been seamless, thanks to my incredible colleagues in Buffalo. They run their office efficiently and independently, allowing me to focus on broader leadership without needing to intervene. We are aligned and genuinely enjoy collaborating with one another.

Your leadership has also extended beyond the firm. You served as Board President for the Western and Central New York Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators. How has that experience influenced your professional growth?

Serving as President of the WCNY Association of Legal Administrators was a rewarding experience and a meaningful contributor to my professional growth. Through my involvement with ALA, I connected with peers in similar leadership roles at law firms throughout the region, gaining valuable insight into best practices, emerging industry trends, and shared challenges. The relationships and perspective I developed through ALA strengthened my leadership skills and continue to influence how I approach problem-solving, collaboration, and strategic planning within my own firm.

You’ve also been deeply involved with the YWCA’s Empowering Women Luncheon, and you recently served

{ LEADING THE WAY }

“Since joining the firm in 2010, I’ve guided our team through two major case management software transitions and a move from downtown Rochester to Brightontasks that may sound simple on paper but were anything but.”

as the 2025 Committee Chair for its most successful event to date. How did you first get involved with the YWCA, and what about their mission resonates most with you?

My first experience with the YWCA of Rochester and Monroe County was as an attendee at several of the organization’s annual Empowering Women Luncheons. Faraci Lange has long been a supporter of the YWCA’s mission and has proudly attended the luncheon for many years.

In 2022, YWCA President and CEO Dr. Myra Henry invited me to join the event planning committee, and I went on to serve as Luncheon Chair in both 2024 and 2025. The YWCA’s mission to empower women and eliminate racism resonates deeply with me, not only professionally, but personally as the mother of daughters. I am passionate about supporting an organization that works to ensure women of all colors and backgrounds have the same rights, opportunities, and pathways to success as everyone else.

of their employees, with respect and trust. I know that kind of environment isn’t universal.

My experience working in what has traditionally been a male-dominated industry has been overwhelmingly positive. I have had the opportunity to work with men who truly see women as equals and treat them accordingly. In fact, for the first time in its 58-year history, Faraci Lange now has more female partners than male; a milestone that speaks volumes

a great deal to me. Receiving the award in 2020 at a time when everything felt uncertain and leading a company came with unprecedented challenges, made the recognition especially meaningful. It was both affirming and humbling to join such an accomplished and respected group of Rochesterians.

Faraci Lange has a strong reputation not only for its legal expertise but also for its compassion and commitment to clients. How do you help foster that culture internally?

about the firm’s culture and commitment to equity.

As someone passionate about women’s empowerment, what advice would you give to young women looking to grow into leadership roles in traditionally male-dominated industries like law or business administration?

That’s a tough question, because in some ways I still experience imposter syndrome. I sometimes feel as though I have arrived where I am through a bit of luck: the luck of working with an exceptional group of people who believed in me and treated me, and all

If I had any advice to offer, it would be to work hard and never stop educating yourself, whether through formal education, professional organizations, or simply by reading, listening, and learning whenever you can.

You were honored as one of the Rochester Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40” recipients in 2020—a major accomplishment. What did that recognition mean to you personally and professionally?

Being recognized as one of the Rochester Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 meant

I work to cultivate an environment where our team truly feels seen, heard, and supported. We celebrate effort as much as results, listen when someone is facing a challenge, and follow through on the support we promise. At the same time, we foster a flexible, positive workplace that values balance, recognizing that our team members have families and lives outside the office. We encourage community involvement and make a point to connect personally, whether through quarterly outings or other opportunities to engage with one another beyond work. The goal is to build a culture where people feel valued, connected, and empowered to do their best. Bringing bagels for breakfast and ordering lunch for staff meetings also helps.

What has been one of the most rewarding moments in your career so far—something that reminded you why you do what you do?

It’s hard to point to one defining moment that stands out as the most rewarding in my career. I genuinely love the work I do and fully expect to continue doing

{ LEADING THE WAY }

“I am passionate about supporting an organization that works to ensure women of all colors and backgrounds have the same rights, opportunities, and pathways to success as everyone else.”

it for years to come. Much of my pride comes from the work our team does on behalf of our clients.

Just as important are the people I work with. The firm feels like a family, and when someone takes the time to acknowledge something I’ve done to support the team, it means a great deal to me. I try to take care of the people around me, and being recognized for that effort is its own reward.

Another meaningful highlight was chairing the YWCA luncheon two years in a row, particularly the second year. The support of my firm made that experience especially significant, and it reinforced how fortunate I am to work in a place that truly values community involvement.

How do you balance your demanding professional role with your personal life, especially as a mom of three and an active member of the community? Balancing work and personal life is never simple. My daughter often tells me that I’m always working, yet I sometimes find myself feeling guilty that I’m not doing enough. It’s a tension familiar to nearly every working parent. I try to stay involved in my children’s lives by coaching their soccer teams and showing up for their activities, just as I make a point to be present at work by being in the office each day. At Faraci Lange, the partners strongly value community engagement, so it’s also not uncommon for me to devote part of my workday to organizations like the YWCA and other causes I support. That flexibility allows me to lead in a way that reflects both my professional responsibilities and my personal values.

You hold both creative and analytical credentials—a Bachelor’s in Advertising and a Master’s in Business Administration. How do those two worlds complement each other in your work today?

My bachelor’s degree in Advertising and Marketing Communications plays a critical role in my work at Faraci Lange, where I oversee the firm’s marketing strategy. We partner with highly specialized vendors whose expertise allows us to execute at a high level across key channels. Equally important is my MBA, which has been instrumental in shaping how I lead. It strengthened my ability to manage people effectively and equipped me with the financial acumen necessary to oversee the firm’s operations and long-term growth.

The legal field is evolving rapidly, with new technologies and expectations shaping the way firms operate. How is Faraci Lange adapting to those changes under your leadership?

Like every industry, the legal profession is being reshaped by artificial intelligence at a rapid pace. The challenge lies in striking the right balance. We want to embrace new technology while safeguarding the integrity that is central to our work.

At Faraci Lange, we are adapting thoughtfully, using tools that enhance efficiency without compromising our standards or our responsibility to clients. The most important step is education, which is why we have a dedicated group focused on evaluating emerging technologies and determining how they can be implemented in a way that aligns with our values and best serves those we represent.

What are some of your personal goals

for the future—both for yourself and for the continued growth of Faraci Lange?

I hope to remain with the firm through my career and into retirement, continuing to lead as the profession and the business inevitably evolve. I am confident the firm will remain competitive in the personal injury landscape because we are intentional about building the right team and investing in the people behind the work. On a more personal level, my greatest goal is to raise three wellrounded daughters together with my Partner, Kevin, who are confident, grounded, and genuinely happy.

Finally, when you reflect on your career path and the many hats you wear—as a leader, mentor, and mom—what do you hope your daughters learn from watching you build and lead with purpose?

I want my daughters to learn to be self-reliant with the understanding that anything truly worthwhile requires effort. I hope they learn that not just from watching me work, but from seeing me show up for them, whether it’s at a soccer game, a school event, or a dance recital. I want them to know that progress can be built with integrity, that success doesn’t have to be ruthless, and that ambition and kindness are not mutually exclusive. I hope they grow into women who lead with empathy and compassion. And no matter how capable, confident, or independent they become, I want them to know that they can always count on me.

YOU ARE ENOUGH.

GINA CHUPAK AND MESCOLATA

BY NICOLE HEROUX WILLIAMS I PHOTOS BY NSP STUDIO

A Blend of Style, Community & Heart: Meet Gina Chupak of Mescolata Boutique

Rochester Woman Online is thrilled to shine the spotlight on Gina Chupak, the vibrant owner of Mescolata Boutique and Mescolata Men’s Shop in the heart of Fairport, NY — two stylish destinations that perfectly capture her vision of inclusivity, community, and effortless fashion. After spending 17 years at ESL Federal Credit Union, Gina took a bold leap into entrepreneurship, transforming her lifelong love of fashion into a thriving business that brings people together through style and connection. What began as a small booth at a local co-op has now blossomed into two beautiful storefronts on Main Street, where every detail reflects Gina’s passion, creativity, and commitment to making everyone feel welcome and confident.

The name Mescolata — Italian for “a mix or blend” — is a fitting reflection of Gina’s philosophy and approach. Her boutiques are a thoughtful mix of women’s clothing (sizes S–3X), men’s apparel, accessories, home décor, and unique giftables — all curated with care, heart, and an intuitive eye for what her customers will love. But beyond the racks of cozy sweaters and the perfectly styled displays, Mescolata is about more than fashion — it’s about belonging. Gina has created a warm, inclusive space that celebrates individuality, body positivity, and community spirit. Whether she’s hosting a local pop-up, planning a Ladies’ Night, or collaborating with fellow small business owners, Gina’s energy, authenticity, and style shine through every aspect of her work.

PHOTOS BY BELAVATI STUDIOS

With Fairport as her backdrop and a growing family of loyal customers, Gina continues to evolve her brand while staying true to her roots — building not just a business, but a community. As she looks ahead to 2026, she’s focused on expanding her collections, hosting new events, and keeping Mescolata a place where everyone can “find something that makes them feel special and beautiful.”

Gina, thank you for joining us! Can you start by telling our readers a little about your background and what led you to open Mescolata Boutique?

Thank you for having me join the party this month! A bit about me, I worked at ESL Federal Credit Union for 17 years before creating Mescolata, and before that as a pharmaceutical representative. I decided to make the huge leap into a different career as a small business owner. For as long as I can remember, I have been watching fashion trends and boutique shopping, and would even plan trips around cool spots to inspire me. It was always a small struggle finiding things that would fit that were perfect for both work and going out, and that was exactly what I wanted to provide, something that checked all of the boxes and filled in the gaps.

Before becoming a boutique owner, you had a completely different career path. What was that chapter of your life like, and how did it prepare or inspire you for entrepreneurship?

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at ESL. I worked in the branches for many years as both an Assistant Branch Manager and Branch Manager, learning everything possible about the member-facing side of the business. After 8 years, I

had opportunities in our back office focusing on policies, procedures, business banking, vendor management, and loans while in a supervisor role. These skills truly prepared me to be able to make the transition to owning my own business. I had great connections to financial consultants, insuance advisors, employees who could assist in setting up my business accounts, and so much more. Through my time at ESL, I also learned of the many community resources that are available in helping get a business off the ground. Putting it all together, I felt ready to start my own small business and utilize the assistance of all of these available resources.

What was the moment you knew it was time to take the leap and open your own boutique on Main Street in Fairport?

My last official day at ESL was March 8, 2024. Back in August of 2023, I was sitting on a beach with a friend talking about how great it would be to start our own businesses. We both had all of these fun ideas! After that conversation, saying it out loud, I couldn’t quite shake the feeling. I had an opportunity a few months later to rent a small booth space at a co- op near home, called the LW Emporium, which conincedentally was one of my mother’s favorite shopping spots. All I could think was, this is perfect, I can start a small boutique in my booth, and it will be unique to that building, and let’s see how it goes! I had so much fun setting it up, and still felt in my gut that I wanted more. A month later, I started paying attention to For Rent signs on commercial spaces. Fairport has always felt like home to me-it’s where we take our son for walks, shop around

“ The best part of being my OWN BOSS is the ability to follow my own insticts, and run the BUSINESS the way I feel is right, not having to conform to anything otherwise, unless it MAKES SENSE to do so.”

{ THE EVOLUTION OF HER }

“I feel inspired when looking at my favorite vendors and their new creations for the upcoming seasons. You can tell what trends have fallen off the grid, and what are up and coming.”

the village, and my husband grew up in Fairport. I was excited to find my home on Main St. With a little TLC, the possibilities were speaking to me!

Mescolata has such a warm, inviting, and stylish vibe — how did you come up with the name and overall concept for your store?

Thank you! When trying to find a name for the business, I dipped into my Italian heritage a bit, wanting something a little different. I came across Mescolata, which means a blend or mix of things. It was perfect, because that’s exactly what I was going to have available. A mix of clothing S-3X, accessories, home decor, jewelry, and giftables. My goal was to make sure if you came in, you could find something that might work for you, whether an enhancement to your existing wardrobe, or something totally new that makes you feel special and beautiful.

I have found myself within these walls in Fairport.

You carry such a fun and unique mix of items — women’s clothing, denim, accessories, home goods, and even cool giftables. How do you decide what to bring into the store?

I am always on the lookout and I take calculated chances to determine if something will work. Not everything does, but I just always follow my gut on

love to scroll on Instagram as well and see what’s out there, and have met so many creators through there! Weekend getaways to New England has always been inspiring to me too. But, despite what’s going on for trends, if I get that yesss feeling when I look at something, I have to go for it!

You’ve created a shopping experience that’s inclusive, offering women’s clothing in sizes S–3X. How important is that message of body positivity and inclusivity to your brand?

What does “Mescolata” mean to you personally, and how does it reflect your approach to fashion and lifestyle? For me, Mescolata means happiness, peace, comfort, belonging, inclusivity, fashion, and an ode to my family. Our values and principles are reflected in how I run my business, and it feels great to be able to create it all from the ground up. Those are the feelings I want others to experience when they visit Mescolata. It’s how I choose clothing, build relationships with local artists and vendors, and the friendships

what to bring in, and which vendors and creators to work with. I am continually blown away by the talent in Rochester, and these local vendors help me to create what I have to offer in the store for jewelry, artwork, giftables and more!

Where do you get your inspiration when you’re curating new collections or traveling to find new items for your shelves?

I feel inspired when looking at my favorite vendors and their new creations for the upcoming seasons. You can tell what trends have fallen off the grid, and what are up and coming. I

As someone who has gained and lost 90 pounds, gained some back, and fluctuates 10 pounds regularly, I think it’s so important to offer all different sizes! I can’t be the only one that gets excited to go into a shop and see what they have to offer, only to feel disappointed or discouraged that day. While I can’t provide everything for every body type, I try my best with my budget and space to prove an inclusive environment. Whatever size we are, I believe in dressing in confidence and not settling for just what fits.

You recently expanded with Mescolata Men’s Shop, just a few doors down. What inspired you to open a store for men as well, and how is it different — or similar — to your women’s boutique?

In my first year of business, I always had women asking if I carried anything for men, especially gifts. When I was younger, I worked at both Express and Structure in local malls, and know

{ THE EVOLUTION OF HER

“Those are the feelings I want others to experience when they visit Mescolata. It’s how I choose clothing, build relationships with local artists and vendors, and the friendships I have found myself within these walls in Fairport.”

how important it is for men to have a dedicated space to shop and try on clothing. So much for men is online, or at big box stores now, and I felt like it would be something fun to bring to the community. There was an small opening in my building, newly renovated, and I decided to do it! If not now, when, you know? As I was building the inventory, I decided to keep it in line with my model at Women’s-Clothing S-3X, giftables, jewelry, men’s accessories. When you walk into Men’s, my goal is to know that the two businesses are related.

How do you stay on top of fashion trends while keeping your selections

timeless and true to the Mescolata brand?

I am continuously educating myself on trends, and I also try to pass along info I see in my social media stories. This way, when you come in, you have hints of what you may find. I have travelled to shows in NY, and only purchase what I think will be worn in the area we live in. I don’t play it completely safe, but I also don’t add in items that are so trendy, that they can’t be worn again.

What’s one item or trend that your customers can’t get enough of right now?

For right now, I would say a warm cozy sweater. Something a little different than

what’s already hanging in your closet, but that’s also functional.

Owning a boutique is a labor of love — what’s the best part of being your own boss, and what’s the most challenging? It is truly a labor of love! The best part of being my own boss is the ability to follow my own insticts, and run the business the way I feel is right, not having to conform to anything otherwise, unless it makes sense to do so. I know that the opinions of others are very important, so I have my friends and family that I often rely on for advice. The most challenging piece for me is being my own worst critic! I am always

{ THE EVOLUTION OF HER }

“When trying to find a name for the business, I dipped into my Italian heritage a bit, wanting something a little different. I came across Mescolata, which means a blend or mix of things.”

in a state of learning and improving/ evolving.

You’ve become such a staple in the Fairport community. How has the local support impacted you and your business journey?

I feel like I won the support jackpot! Having come from ESL, where I had so much support whenever I needed it, being in Fairport was an excellent transition for me. We have an incredible Merchant’s Association, businesses that care about helping and promoting other businesses, and a community that is so encouraging and shows up for us. As they say, it truly does take a village.

What role does community connection play in your business?

You’re known for hosting fun events like Ladies’ Nights and collaborations with other local businesses — why are those important to you? Connecting with your community is what it’s all about. Bringing others together, having fun, collaborating with other businesses, it’s all fabulous in my book. I get so excited when I can host pop ups at the shop because it’s so great for all of us. We get to meet each other’s regulars, support local business growth, and make new friends and relationships. If I can host that experience at my shop, especially because I’m blessed with the space and a wonderful group of supporters, it’s a win!

You clearly have an incredible sense of style — how would you describe your personal style in three words?

Bold, Feminine, and Elevated

Who inspires you, both personally and professionally? Are there women or mentors who have shaped your journey?

My mom inspired me. She always looked so put together no matter what she wore, with a deep red or berry

lipstick and her fabulous smile. She worked hard and Kodak, and along with my dad, provided for our family. There are so many women/mentors/ unofficial mentors that have helped shape me along the way. I take bits and pieces and apply it to my own life and business. It’s always evolving for me!

As a businesswoman and creative, how do you stay motivated and balanced while running two stores and managing the demands of small business ownership?

This is something I actively work on.

My mind is always racing with ideas, social media, all the things. I have to stop myself and make time to let my brain and eyes relax, have fun, and be present for my family. I stay motivated by interacting with everyone that comes in the door, through the community, and social media. I take my business as a large personal responsibility, and I want to make sure it’s an environment that everyone wants to come back and revisit. I love to decorate, so that is a big part of it for me, dressing up the shop for all the seasons keeps it fun and engaging!

Finally, what’s next for Mescolata? Are there any exciting plans, new collections, or events we should be watching for in 2026?

Yes! We have a Village Brunch & Browse on Sunday, February 1st, which will be lots of fun, and a good reason to come out on a Sunday afternoon. I will have a pop up at the shop that day too, which I’m super excited to host! I’m in the process of ordering Spring & Summer clothing for both men and women, and I can’t wait to see what you all think. Stay tuned with us for other fun events throughout the year, and lots of new items in the shops!

THE EYECONIC MYEESHIA SINGLETON-BROWN

Transforming Confidence: The Eyeconic Journey of Myeeshia, Owner of Eyeconic Beauty & Wellness

Rochester Woman Online is thrilled to feature Myeeshia, the inspiring founder and owner of Eyeconic Beauty & Wellness, a brand built on faith, discipline, and a deep commitment to helping women look and feel their absolute best — inside and out. Known for her transformative approach to health, body, and mindset, Myeeshia has turned her passion for wellness into a purpose-driven business that empowers women to reclaim their confidence through natural, noninvasive, and sustainable methods.

What began as a compliment on her lashes during a high-stress chapter of her life soon evolved into a powerful calling. After prayer and reflection, Myeeshia realized that her hands were truly blessed — a divine gift she would use to help others transform not only their bodies but their lives. From there, Eyeconic Beauty & Wellness was born, a name representing visibility, authenticity, and confidence. Her services — including non-invasive body contouring, structured meal planning, and wellness coaching — are designed to help clients achieve real, lasting results without shortcuts or compromise.

But Myeeshia’s journey isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about empowerment through discipline, mindset, and faith. Having undergone her own

personal transformation and significant weight loss journey, she understands firsthand the courage and consistency it takes to build healthy habits and lasting confidence. Her compassion and authenticity shine through in everything she does, allowing her clients to feel seen, supported, and celebrated every step of the way.

And she’s taking wellness on the move — literally — with her Eyeconic

continues to redefine what it means to be confident, healthy, and whole in 2026.

Can you tell our readers a little about your background and what inspired you to enter the beauty and wellness industry?

Hello everyone, My name is Myeeshia, and I am the owner of Eyeconic Beauty & Wellness . I help women lose weight naturally through structured meal plans while also sculpting their bodies using non-invasive body contouring. When I say Non-invasive, it means results without breaking the skin. My clients receive fat-reduction and skin-tightening services that are safe, effective, and designed to enhance their natural shape.

Mobile Spa Bus, bringing beauty and body-sculpting services directly to women across the community. From corporate events to private sessions, Myeeshia’s mission is clear: to make self-care accessible, convenient, and empowering for women from all walks of life.

In this exclusive feature, Myeeshia opens up about her journey of faith, transformation, and purpose — and how Eyeconic Beauty & Wellness

I come from a background that required discipline, structure, and the ability to perform under pressure. While working in a highstress environment, I found myself drawn to beauty and wellness as a creative and healing outlet. What started as a simple compliment became a calling when someone spoke life into a gift I hadn’t fully recognized yet. Through prayer and reflection, I realized my hands were blessed, and I felt led to pursue beauty and wellness not just as a business, but as a purpose to help women feel confident, healthy, and empowered from the inside out.

How did you come up with the name Eyeconic Beauty & Wellness, and what does it represent to you personally and professionally?

“Because I’ve walked the journey myself, I truly understand what my clients are reported. I lead with empathy, honesty, and encouragement.” {

Eyeconic Beauty & Wellness was birthed while working in a highstress, structured environment. I was constantly receiving compliments about my lashes which became a moment of reflection. Someone else recognized a gift in me before I fully saw it myself. I took that encouragement to God in prayer and asked, ‘What is my gift?’ And the answer was clear: my hands are blessed.

That revelation pushed me to invest in myself. I went back to school, obtained my license, and committed to perfecting my craft one service at a time. What began with lashes expanded into non-invasive body sculpting and ultimately weight loss each step guided by faith and obedience.

The name Eyeconic represents visibility, confidence, and presence. I wanted a name that spoke to standing out while staying authentic. Personally, it represents my journey of stepping into purpose and owning my gifts. Professionally, it reflects the results my clients experience transformations that are noticeable, intentional, and confidence-boosting. Eyeconic is about being seen, feeling empowered, and embracing your best self.

Today, Eyeconic Beauty & Wellness stands as proof that purpose can be born anywhere, and that God can use anyone to speak life into your calling.

Can you describe the services you

offer and what makes your approach different from other studios?

At Eyeconic Beauty & Wellness, I offer non-invasive body sculpting, structured meal plans, and wellnessfocused services designed to support real, sustainable results. What sets my approach apart is structure and accountability. I don’t believe in quick fixes, I focus on education, consistency, and lifestyle changes. Every client receives guidance tailored to their body and goals, and I walk with them through the process, not just during sessions but throughout their journey.

You’ve experienced your own personal transformation, including an incredible weight-loss journey. What motivated you to make that change, and how have you managed to keep it off?

My motivation came from close family members who, in a lighthearted way made comments that made me pause and reflect. It sparked something in me not from insecurity, but from a desire to take control of my health and my body. I wanted to feel strong, confident and disciplined again, and that decision changed everything. I realized that I couldn’t pour into others if I wasn’t taking care of myself. I focused on discipline, structure, and making sustainable changes instead of chasing shortcuts. Consistency, mindset shifts, and accountability helped me maintain my results and that same approach is what I now teach my clients.

What were some of the biggest

challenges you faced during your weight-loss journey, and how did you stay consistent when it felt difficult?

The biggest challenge was staying committed during moments when progress felt slow. I had to learn patience and trust the process. I stayed consistent by creating routines, setting realistic goals, and reminding myself why I started. Faith played a huge role, I leaned into prayer and discipline rather than emotion. That mindset made all the difference.

6. How has your personal transformation influenced the way you connect with and inspire your clients?

Because I’ve walked the journey myself, I truly understand what my clients are reported. I lead with empathy, honesty, and encouragement. My clients know I’m not asking them to do anything I haven’t done myself. That shared experience builds trust and motivates them to stay committed. I don’t just celebrate their results, I celebrate their discipline, growth, and confidence along the way.

One of the most exciting aspects of your business is your mobile spa bus. How did that idea come to life, and what services do you offer on the go?

The mobile spa bus was created out of a desire to make wellness accessible and convenient. I realized that many women want to prioritize self-care but struggle with time, transportation, or busy schedules. Bringing the spa experience directly to them felt like

“ I CELEBRATE their progress, educate them along the way, and help them understand that transformation is a JOURNEY, not a race. ”

“While working in a high-stress environment, I found myself drawn to beauty and wellness as a creative and healing outlet.”

e the perfect solution. On the bus, we offer select non-invasive body sculpting treatments, wellness services, and confidence-boosting experiences all in a comfortable, private setting.

What do your clients love most about the mobile spa experience, and how does it help you reach more people in the community?

Clients love the convenience and personal touch. The mobile spa bus removes barriers and allows women to experience high-quality wellness services right where they are at events, workplaces, or community locations. It also allows me to connect with women who may not otherwise walk into a studio, which helps expand wellness education and empowerment throughout the community.

Can you explain what the Eyeconic Ultrasonic Liposuction treatment is and who it’s best suited for?

who need support targeting specific areas, abdomen, arms, thighs etc. I always emphasize that it complements exercise, discipline and nutrition.

What are some of the most popular

are favorites because they deliver visible results while fitting into busy lifestyles. Clients appreciate that our approach focuses on consistency, education, and realistic expectations rather than quick fixes.

Eyeconic Ultrasonic Liposuction is a non-invasive fatreduction treatment that uses sound waves to help break down stubborn fat cells without surgery or downtime. The body then naturally processes and eliminates those fat cells over time. It’s best suited for individuals

services your clients request, and why do you think they’ve become favorites?

Some of our most popular services include ultrasonic body sculpting, skin-tightening treatments, and weight-loss coaching. These services

Do you have a personal favorite service to provide? My favorite service is body sculpting combined with coaching and accountability. I enjoy seeing clients gain confidence as they start noticing changes not just physically, but mentally. Watching someone believe in themselves again is incredibly rewarding.

Your brand focuses on wellness from the inside out. How do you balance beauty, health, and self-care in your own life?

Balance comes from structure and boundaries. I prioritize routine, discipline, and intentional rest. Self-care isn’t just about appearance it’s about mindset, faith, and consistency. I practice what I teach, which allows me to show up fully for both my clients and myself.

As a business owner and motivator, how do you help your clients feel confident and empowered in their bodies and their beauty?

I lead with honesty, encouragement, and accountability. I remind my clients that confidence is built through

{ THE GLOW UP }

“My inspiration comes from faith, disciplined women, and everyday resilience. I’m inspired by people who commit to growth even when it’s uncomfortable.”

consistency and self-discipline. I celebrate their progress, educate them along the way, and help them understand that transformation is a journey, not a race.

What has been one of your most memorable client success stories?

My most memorable success stories are clients who’ve improved serious health conditions. Through structure, accountability, and lifestyle changes, I’ve helped clients improve Type 2 diabetes management, control high blood pressure and lower their BMI.

Those transformations go far beyond appearance- they’re life-changing.

Who or what inspires you most in business, wellness, or life?

My inspiration comes from faith, disciplined women, and everyday resilience. I’m inspired by people who commit to growth even when it’s uncomfortable. Watching women transform mentally and physically continues to motivate me daily.

Finally, what’s next for Eyeconic Beauty & Wellness in 2026?

In 2026, my focus is intentional growth expanding programs, enhancing education, and increasing community outreach through the mobile spa. I want to continue helping women reclaim confidence while maintaining the personalized approach that built Eyeconic from the beginning.

Visit eyeconicbeautyroc.com for more information.

FRESH GRACE JANUARY

YOU ARE ENOUGH.

BY NICOLE HEROUX WILLIAMS I PHOTOS BY NSP STUDIO

BY JESSICA FABUS CHENG I PHOTOS BY IRIDIUM PHOTOGRAPHY

There’s a LOT of pressure on January 1st.

New goals. New plans. New versions of ourselves we’re told we should already be chasing by the second week of the year. The message is familiar: do more, be more, fix everything… and do it now.

But this January, I’m choosing something different. And I want to inspire you to do the same.

I’m choosing fresh grace.

This month marks four years cancerfree for me, and that milestone has completely reframed how I approach “new beginnings.” Survival has a way of clarifying what matters, and what doesn’t. It teaches you that life isn’t always meant to be attacked with urgency, but tended with care.

Fresh grace isn’t about starting over. It’s about starting more subtly and with a whole lot more intention.

After cancer, I stopped believing in the illusion that everything needs to be reinvented at once. Healing taught me that newness doesn’t come from piling on habits or declaring radical transformations. It comes from curation: choosing what stays, what goes, and what deserves space to grow.

January doesn’t need more pressure. It needs more permission.

Permission to move slowly. Permission to honor what your body

has already endured. Permission to let “enough” really be enough.

Fresh grace asks a different set of questions than the ones we’re usually handed this time of year. Instead of What do I need to fix? it asks:

What already works?

What brings me peace?

What feels aligned with the life I’m protecting now?

Four years ago, my only goal was survival. I didn’t care about productivity systems or five-year plans. I cared about breath. About rest. Being present with my daughter and family. About moments that felt normal again. Somewhere along the way, I realized that mindset wasn’t supposed to be temporary but longlasting.

Grace became my compass.

And grace, I’ve learned, is not passive. It’s intentional. It’s the decision to curate your life the way you would curate a home: keeping what serves you, releasing what doesn’t, and arranging what remains so it supports how you actually live.

Fresh grace January is about editing, not adding unless it brings you more peace.

It’s choosing routines that respect your energy instead of draining it. It’s setting goals that feel sustainable,

not punishing. It’s acknowledging that growth doesn’t always look like expansion but refinement.

We don’t talk enough about how heavy January can feel. The contrast between who we were last year and who we think we’re supposed to become can be overwhelming. For women especially, there’s an unspoken expectation to emerge from the holiday season already polished, focused, and unstoppable.

But real power doesn’t come from rushing. Rather, it comes from listening: to yourself, your body and your energy levels.

Fresh grace is choosing to trust that voice.

This January, I’m curating my newness thoughtfully. I’m keeping the practices that ground me. I’m releasing the narratives that say rest is laziness or that worth is tied to output. I’m allowing myself to celebrate four cancer-free years not by pushing harder, but by living more fully.

Because surviving something lifealtering changes your definition of success. Success becomes presence. Success becomes peace. Success becomes the ability to wake up and choose joy without guilt.

Fresh grace doesn’t reject ambition but reframes it. It says: Let’s build a life that feels good to live in, not just impressive to describe.

January is a doorway you don’t need to

{ EAT THE COOKIE }

{ SHIFT+CONTROL }

“Because surviving something life-altering changes your definition of success. Success becomes presence. Success becomes peace.”

sprint through. You can step through leisurely and gently. You can carry what’s meaningful. You can leave behind what no longer fits. You can enter this year crowned not by pressure to perform, but by compassion that heals.

And if you’re feeling behind already know this:

You’re not late. You’re definitely not failing. You’re allowed to begin again with grace!

This is Fresh Grace January. A reminder that the bravest thing you can do is curate a life that honors how far you’ve already come.

WHAT IS GLP-1?

Carla, thank you for joining us again! Can you start by telling our readers a little about what inspired you to begin offering GLP-1 services at Lovely You Aesthetics?

Prescribing GLP medications was never part of my original business model. I initially planned to focus solely on aesthetic medicine—skincare, neuromodulators, and filler. That changed after my own experience with Zepbound. I lost over 50 pounds, and as patients started noticing the change, they naturally began asking what I was doing.

I became incredibly passionate about the results I was seeing and the role this medication played, but I also quickly became aware of the many barriers patients face—insurance denials, high out-of-pocket costs, and unsafe or misleading options online. I saw peptide companies operating without FDA oversight, which comes with real risks, and online programs requiring credit card information before patients ever spoke to a qualified provider. With my background in family medicine and women’s health, I felt very comfortable managing and prescribing these medications appropriately. After extensive research and the development of clear safety protocols and standards of care, I decided to offer GLP therapy as part of my practice. My goal has always been to provide patients with safe, ethical, and medically sound access to treatments that can truly improve their health and quality of life

BY CARLA SCHEIBER

periods of success, it was usually tied to extremely restrictive or intense diets. Food, weight, and whichever plan I was following at the time consumed a lot of mental space. I often felt like I worked harder at this than anyone I knew—yet I struggled the most.

I’ve done every diet you can imagine. The issue was never my ability to lose weight; it was how easily I could gain it all back. I lived in an all-or-nothing mindset. I could be “perfect” for a period of time,

but that rigidity was never sustainable.

pattern finally stopped. Food no longer felt all-consuming, and I experienced a sense of freedom and balance that I had never had before.

For those who may not be familiar, what exactly are GLP-1 medications, and how do they work in the body?

GLP-1 medications are modeled after a hormone the body naturally produces called glucagon-like peptide-1, which plays a key role in appetite regulation, digestion, and blood sugar control. Research shows that many individuals with chronic obesity have impaired GLP-1 signaling or a relative GLP-1 deficiency, which contributes to persistent hunger, cravings, and difficulty feeling full. These medications help restore that signaling by binding to GLP-1 receptors throughout the body.

In the brain, GLP-1 medications act on appetite and reward centers. This is where many patients notice a reduction in “food noise.” Constant thoughts about food, cravings, and emotional eating cues quiet down, allowing patients to feel satisfied with smaller portions and develop a healthier relationship with food.

You’ve personally experienced GLP1 use yourself — can you share a bit about your journey and what led you to explore this option?

My entire adult life, I’ve struggled with chronic obesity. My weight was always up and down, and while I did experience

When I started GLP medications, I noticed a difference almost immediately. I remember saying, “I feel like this fixed my brain.” For the first time, I wasn’t following a strict diet, yet I felt able to trust my hunger cues and eat intuitively. There was no need for another “hard-core Monday.”

In my family, it became a running joke that I would enjoy the weekend and then start dieting hard on Monday—which often led to overeating over the weekend and repeating the cycle. With GLPs, that

In the stomach, GLP-1 medications slow gastric emptying, meaning food stays in the stomach longer. This prolongs feelings of fullness and improves hunger control between meals.

In the pancreas, these medications enhance insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner and reduce excess glucagon release, improving blood sugar regulation and overall metabolic health.

When comparing medications, semaglutide and tirzepatide are often discussed together, but they work slightly differently.

{ BEAUTY REDEFINED }

“I have never been happier since starting GLP meds. It has helped my acne, my Cconfidence and overall made me feel better about myself.” -Chloe J

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that targets the GLP-1 pathway alone. It is highly effective at appetite suppression, reducing food noise, and supporting steady, sustainable weight loss.

Tirzepatide is a dual-agonist that activates both the GLP-1 receptor and the GIP receptor, another hormone involved in insulin secretion and fat metabolism. This dual mechanism can provide enhanced metabolic support and, for some patients, greater weight-loss outcomes.

Neither medication is universally better. Studies do show higher weight loss with Tirzepatide. However, the right choice depends on the individual’s metabolic profile, goals, and how their body responds, which is why personalized medical care and patient education are essential.

Ultimately, GLP-1 medications are not about willpower. They address underlying hormonal dysregulation and help the body function in a more balanced, physiologic way.

\What are some of the positive health benefits of GLP-1 therapy beyond weight loss?

are well documented cardiovascular benefits as well, including improved insulin sensitivity, better lipid profiles, and reduced cardiovascular risk. Emerging research is also exploring potential protective benefits related to breast cancer risk as well as neuroprotective benefits that may play a role in conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. I also have a patient that is a massage therapist who swears after starting GLPs the pain in her hands is almost completely resolved. I speculate due to reduction in systemic inflammation

Beyond weight loss one of the most profound changes I experienced was the quieting of food noise. That constant mental chatter around food simply faded, allowing for more mental space and a healthier relationship with food. Clinically, we are also seeing promising benefits beyond the scale. Many patients experience reduction in systematic inflammation, which in some cases has led to improvement in arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. GLP-1 therapies has also been shown to improve sleep apnea, largely through weight reduction, but also through metabolic pathways. There

or maybe improvement of arthritis.

Who would you say is the ideal candidate for GLP-1 treatment, and who might not be a good fit?

GLP-1 therapy can be a great option for individuals who are struggling with weight despite consistent efforts with nutrition and lifestyle changes. Ideal candidates often include those who are overweight, obese, patients with insulin resistance, PCOS, HTN, PCOS, HTN, OSA. We are also finding woman in ther peri/post menopausal stages are having improvement of symptoms and assisting

with weight loss.

People who should not take GLPs include someone with a family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2, pancreatitis or active gallbladder disease. I would also have pause for patients with eating disorders. At the end of the day, GLP-1 therapy is about personalized medicine. A thorough consultation, medical history review, and shared decision making are essential to determine whether it is the right and safest option for each individual.

How do you approach creating a personalized plan for each client who is interested in this service?

At Lovely You Aesthetics, GLP-1 therapy is never one size fits all. Every patient begins with a comprehensive, individualized consultation. I complete a full medical history and review current medications, past medial history, and lifestyle factors to identify any risks or contraindications. We have an in depth conversation about benefits, potential side effects, and realistic expectations so patients can make an informed decision. I also review and document recent lab work. This typically includes evaluating kidney and liver functions, diabetes markers such as A1C and thyroid testing. From there we create a personalized plan that aligns with each patient’s health goals.

Many people are concerned about side effects when starting GLP-1s. What are some of the most common side effects you’ve seen, and how can they be managed effectively?

The most common side effects include gastrointestinal and are usually mild to moderate and temporary. The most common includes mild nausea, decreased appetite, early fullness, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and occasional

“ My journey with Lovely You Aesthetics has been about so much more than WEIGHT LOSS.

With Carlas support and GLP-1 treatment, I’ve lost 65 pounds, but more importantly, I’ve gained CONFIDENCE, balance, and a healthier relationship with my body. It’s been a truly LIFE-CHANGING experience. ”

“I became incredibly passionate

about

the

results

I

was seeing and the role this medication played,

but I also quickly

became aware of the many barriers patients face—insurance denials, high out-of-pocket costs, and unsafe or misleading options online.”

reflux. I find for most people these are managed with lifestyle modifications such as eating small frequent meals, avoiding heavy, fried foods, eating smaller protein forward meals, eating slowly, and stopping when satisfied. Staying well hydrated and prioritizing fiber intake helps with constipation.

What kind of lifestyle changes — such as diet, hydration, or exercise — do you recommend clients incorporate alongside GLP-1 treatment for best results?

For the best results with GLP- 1 therapy I recommend pairing medication with sustainable lifestyle changes. This include weight bearing exercises and strength training to preserve muscles and support metabolic health, eating intuitively while prioritizing adequate protein, and focusing on whole foods like fruits and vegetables. Hydration is also key! Increasing water intake helps to support digestion, energy levels, and overall treatment success. 10. How do you help clients maintain their long-term results once they’ve achieved their weight or health goals?

For most patients, long term success with GLP-1 therapy does include some form of maintenance dosing. Obesity and metabolic dysfunction are chronic conditions, and GLP-1 medications help support ongoing appetite regulation and weight stability. Maintenance can look different for everyone. Some patients remain on a lower dose, some space out injections, and others transition to a structured lifestyle plan with close monitoring and taper off medication. At Lovely You Aesthetics, maintenance is personalized, medically guided, and adjusted over time.

Why do you think it’s so important for people to work with a trained medical professional like yourself when pursuing

GLP-1 treatments, instead of trying to source these medications elsewhere? I strongly believe GLP-1 medications should only be pursued under the guidance of a licensed professional such and NP, PA, or MD. There are peptide companies online sources offering GLP-1 like products that are not FDA regulated, and quite frankly, you can’t be certain what you are actually receiving. Is this medication sterile? Is what I am injecting into my body what I think it is? Purity, dosing accuracy, storage conditions, and safety standards matter and without regulation, those cannot be guaranteed. At Lovely You we use compounding pharmacies that are FDA regulated.

At Lovely You Aesthetics, your focus has always been on whole-person wellness. How does your GLP-1 program align with that philosophy?

At Lovely You Aesthetics, our focus has always been on caring for the whole person, not just appearance, not just a number on a scale. Our GLP-1 program aligns with that philosophy because it supports the health from the inside out. Over and over again, I have seen that when someone starts feeling better and more comfortable in their own skin, it creates a ripple effects. Confidence improves. Energy improves. Patients start making more intentional choices around movement, nutrition, sleep, and stress.

What are some of the emotional or confidence-related transformations you’ve seen in your clients after starting GLP-1 therapy?

One of the most meaningful changes I see with GLP therapy isn’t just physicalit is emotional Not only for myself, but for so many clients, the transformation goes far beyond weight loss. I’ve watched patients lose weight and keep it off, which alone can be incredibly empowering. But

what stands out most is how they begin to show up differently in their lives. They feel more comfortable in their own skin. They start saying yes to pictures, instead of hiding from the camera. There is a noticeable shift in confidence and self trust when food noise quiets. Health then improves. That is what makes this work so meaningful to me.

What advice would you give to someone who’s curious about trying GLP-1 but feels nervous or unsure where to start? Just call for a free consultation! No pressure! Have all of your questions answered and see if you are a good candidate for treatment with no pressure to treat.

Finally, what’s next for Lovely You Aesthetics as you continue to expand your wellness services in 2026? Are there any new treatments or goals you’re especially excited about?

As Lovely You Aesthetics continues to grow, I am intentionally expanding my focus on wellness alongside aesthetics. More and More patients are asking thoughtful questions about how to feel better overall. I have had many questions about wellness injectables including Vitamin B12 and NAD. I am currently doing research to determine what offerings truly makes sense to bring to Lovely You. My approach has always been evidence based and patient centered, so any wellness service we introduce will be carefully vetted for safety, effectiveness, and real benefit. More to come- but always with the best intention.

{ CONSCIOUSLY AWESOME

ZACHERY HANSEN

YOU ARE ENOUGH.

BY NICOLE HEROUX WILLIAMS I PHOTOS BY NSP STUDIO

PHOTOS BY KATRINA LYNNE PHOTOGRAPHY, OSCARE DELMURE & ZACH HANSEN

Guiding You to Connection & Wholeness: A Journey with Zac Hansen of Consciously Awesome

Rochester Woman Online is honored to feature Zac Hansen, a gifted intuitive, spiritual mentor, and co-founder of Consciously Awesome, whose work centers on helping people rediscover their connection to Source, heal deeply, and live in alignment with their truest selves. Zac’s story is one of awakening, transformation, and service — a journey that began with a profound spiritual experience that forever changed the way he viewed life, love, and humanity.

In that moment of divine communion, Zac received a message that would guide his life’s work: Love is the Source of All Life. From that point on, his mission became clear — to help others remember this truth and reconnect with the wholeness that already exists within them. Through his teachings, healing practices, and co-creation of Consciously Awesome alongside Sheila Applegate, Zac empowers individuals to awaken their intuition, release blocks, and live consciously — not someday, but right now.

At Consciously Awesome, Zac combines Spiritual Mentoring, Conscious Life Coaching, Somatic Healing, and Psychic Readings to create real, lasting transformation for his clients. His philosophy is simple yet profound: this isn’t about fixing what’s broken — it’s about remembering who you truly are. Whether guiding others through Conscious Meditation™, teaching them to trust their inner

wisdom, or leading retreats designed for renewal and belonging, Zac’s work is rooted in compassion, authenticity, and deep spiritual connection.

As we step into 2026, Zac continues to expand his reach through new offerings, including his latest book, The Intuitive’s Oracle: Powerful Practices from Intuitives, Psychics & Mediums, and immersive retreats that nurture peace, clarity, and reconnection. His story is a reminder that awakening isn’t about becoming someone new — it’s about remembering the divine wholeness you’ve carried all along.

Tell us a little about your background—how did your journey into the intuitive and spiritual world begin? Was there a specific moment or experience that opened you to this path?

I lay flat on my back. The hard floor pressed against me, softened by a thin off-white carpet—just enough to feel supported and relaxed.

I gently moved my awareness through my body. I started with the top of my head, taking time to be present with each part. I was noticing what tension or pressure maybe there, and that is all.

I did this until I got to my feet. By then, my whole being was relaxed. My muscles released their tension. It felt like I was floating down a lazy river. I no longer noticed the floor.

Then I started my breathing practice. I had been slowly breathing into my belly for what felt like 45 minutes. I made each inhale and exhale as

long as possible. I filled my body and the air around me with a kind of electrical charge.

I entered the deepest state of relaxation I’d ever felt. So deep, I was able to let go of the awareness of my breath. As soon as I did, a ball of light flashed into life at the bottom of my tailbone.

It zipped up my spine. This burst of traveling light happened in an instant. It felt like my spine filled with joy. This energy felt like it was on a mission.

It reached the top of my head and kept going upward and out. When this happened, I experienced the most incredible thing in my life. I was no more. There was no breath. There was no mind. There was no body. In a way, I became nothing. Even without a mind or body, I still experienced myself. Just not the “me” that people see when I’m being Zac.

Then, the Source of All Life and I were in communion. It didn’t communicate with words. I just knew what it wanted me to know and feel. It was unmistakably clear. The Source of All Life has a message it wants everyone to know.

That message is that…

Love is the Source of Life. The Source of All That Is loves everything and everyone that has been and ever will be for Eternity. This Source has been loving everything and everyone since before time began, and it will continue to after time ends.

“Transformation

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is a deeper process of turning inward to discover the core issue, exploring the layers, and then shifting the behaviors that were influenced by the unhealed wound.”

All people, yes, I mean every single person, even the ones that commit unspeakable acts of evil, are loved in the same way by the Source of All Life. There is nothing any person has done, can do, or will do to change this.

Because this is so, what we call death is not an end, and there is nothing to fear from this transformation. Love is all that awaits on the other side.

This love, the love that was communicating with me, loves everything without condition. It’s this love from which we ourselves and our world are born. It’s this love that everyone and everything returns to.

That is the message I received. However, it was more than a “message” for me. I experienced that love from the creative source for myself. The experience of this love cannot be comprehended in the mind. There are truly no words that can contain or explain its magnificence. It can, however, be experienced by anyone.

When I was in communion with The Creative Source and I placed my attention ever so slightly on my body. I suddenly snapped back to it. This was the moment I went from knowing about Spirituality to actively engaging in the Spiritual aspect of being human.

Arriving back at my body was incredible. My mind, body, and soul had been flooded with love that had no condition. I was forever changed. That moment started a transformation for me from living

in fear, guilt, and shame into living in peace, love, and joy.

Since then, I have been in service to Source. I offer the knowledge, practices, and skills that helped bring me to connection and wholeness through my work. Things such as Conscious Meditation™, Healing Breathwork, and sacred knowledge of how the mind, body, and soul work.

What inspired you to create Consciously Awesome, and how did the vision for it evolve into what it is today?

Sheila Applegate, the co-founder of Consciously Awesome, and I came together to bring our souls’ work to humanity. We were inspired by each other. Even before we knew each other, we both understood a fundamental flaw in humanity’s spiritual processes. In a nutshell, humans often place messengers on pedestals instead of embracing the message. The messenger became more important than the message.

Humanity has been playing a game of telephone with spiritual messages for eons. You know that game you probably played as a kid. One kid starts with a message and passes it to the next child until it gets all the way around the circle. By the end, the original message is gone or distorted.

We created Consciously Awesome so that you don’t need to play telephone. We offer sacred knowledge, tools, and practices so that you can connect directly with spirit and get the messages you need to become the person you

have always wanted to be.

The phrase “Guiding You To Connection & Wholeness Because You Matter” is such a powerful statement. Can you elaborate on this? For me, living in “Connection and Wholeness” means that every human is a piece of the whole of life. Because of this, people make a difference in the world just because they exist. Because everyone is part of the whole, everyone is in connection with it. When people remove what is blocking any particular connection, we remember our wholeness.

By removing the blocks, we form a mind, body, and spirit connection. We re-join these three parts of the whole. When this is completed, we have direct access to Great Spirit, our guides, ancestors, nature, and our inner knowing.

When we do this, we have a greater awareness of who we are and why we matter. With that, we have a greater capacity to understand life, influence it, and choose how we experience it. Living in Connection and Wholeness is my life practice.

At Consciously Awesome, we believe this is the potential of every human being. So, professionally, through one-on-one mentoring, teaching classes, workshops, retreats, and psychic readings, we are blessed to be able to guide you back to connection and wholeness, because you matter.

Everyone can heal the parts of themselves that have been traumatized,

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“Their tears of love, gratitude, and joy pour down their cheeks as they share the powerful message they just received, with me guiding them.”

conditioned, or they have been trained to separate from. It’s an incredible feeling to witness our clients reclaim their authenticity, power, clarity, and joy.

Many people spend years searching for clarity and purpose “out there.” You often talk about the answers already being within us. Can you explain how you help people reconnect with their inner truth? At Consciously Awesome, we give people the knowledge, tools, and practices needed to go from conceiving of what it might be like to have clarity and purpose one day. To experiencing it much faster than they thought possible.

I have so many favorite moments when I get to be a part of someone finding their inner truth. One of them is when I’m working with someone and they get their first message from a loved one who has crossed over or a spirit guide.

Their tears of love, gratitude, and joy pour down their cheeks as they share the powerful message they just received, with me guiding them. This happens often when a client has committed to their journey and enrolled in our signature experience, Becoming Consciously Awesome.

Moments like these come from teaching them the processes of removing blocks, having a safe environment that promotes willingness and courage, and introducing them to Conscious Meditation™.

Consciously Awesome offers Spiritual Mentoring, Conscious Life Coaching, Somatic Healing, and Psychic Readings. Can you describe how these practices work together to create transformation? These practices each create transformation on their own, but together they create a holistic, lifelong change for our clients. This is the type of change that is a gift that keeps on giving.

We offer Soul Connection Readings to give people Spirit’s perspective on their current situation. Then we offer Spiritual Mentoring and Conscious Life Coaching. This helps our clients learn, practice, and integrate a profound set of spiritual and mindset skills in their everyday lives. Then we offer Somatic Healing. This is where we teach how important the body’s role is for creating permanent change and accessing higher awareness.

When it all comes together, our clients are able to handle real-world challenges with more ease and grace. If they get knocked off their center, they recover quickly. When loss comes, they have the skills to move through it without being paralyzed or traumatized by it. When they are blessed by life, they can accept it with joy.

Most importantly, they can do this while being consciously aware of what is happening in the moment, without needing to lock themselves away in a meditation room for decades at a time.

In your own words, what does it mean to live “Consciously Awesome”? I have two answers for you. The first one, the simplest, is that it means to consciously choose to be awesome.

The second answer is that it means to have an expanded awareness of your total being and consciously choose who you wish to be and how you desire to respond in any given situation or circumstance.

That is to have awareness of your higher intelligence, your team of spirit guides, your ordinary self, the environment, and then be able to place your attention on which aspect of you that you choose to respond to life from in any given situation.

You mention that transformation isn’t something to achieve, but something to embody. How can someone begin to make that shift in their daily life? To me, an achievement is something you can hang on a wall and look back on. You can say, “Hey, look what I did, that’s fantastic.” Transformation, on the other hand, is much harder to display.

Transformation is a deeper process of turning inward to discover the core issue, exploring the layers, and then shifting the behaviors that were influenced by the unhealed wound. For example, I grew up not being able to trust women. This was because of the relationship I had with an unhealthy mom who really couldn’t be trusted. When I was young, I made the decision that women couldn’t be trusted.

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“For me, living in “Connection and Wholeness” means that every human is a piece of the whole of life.”

I went back and healed that part of myself. I found my inner truth about it. Then I made a new belief. When I did that, I literally rewired my brain. Now, I can trust women. This has had a huge impact on how I experience my life and the relationships I have. I can’t hang that on the wall to show people what I achieved.

When knowledge becomes automatic behavior, it’s embodied. The healing I did became embodied wisdom. To me, that is transformation.

To start making that shift, you have to move from denial to honesty & acceptance. That means you must be willing to change your perspective on what you want to transform.

For those new to the concept of intuition, how can people learn to trust and strengthen that inner guidance system?

If you’re new to intuition, the first step is to notice when moments of inspiration show themselves, through thoughts, feelings, or images. Each time you notice this happening, make a mental note or write it in your journal. This helps bring your attention to it as much as possible.

The next thing I recommend is to follow your intuition. Be curious about it. Investigate what it’s telling you. Ask questions and look at what it’s pointing to without judgment or expectation.

If you do this, over time, it will get stronger and become more natural and embodied.

Your work emphasizes breaking free from limiting thoughts and patterns. What are some of the most common blocks or misconceptions you see in your clients, and how do you help them move past those? Honestly, the biggest one is that people can’t trust themselves. This one takes time to heal. We are trained and conditioned out of this from the earliest age. This limiting thought pattern doesn’t have a cookie-cutter answer because we have all had different situations that caused us to form this belief about ourselves.

I help people move through it by giving them the knowledge, tools, and skills they need to trust themselves, but that is only part of it. The other part is being there to help show them how they can be safe in trusting themselves, as they share with me what they are going through over the time we work together.

Can you share a particularly memorable client experience or success story that deeply impacted you?

One of my clients came into my life who was reflecting to me some of my own core wounding, which is abandonment and unworthiness. Sadly, this is a journey known by way too many people.

What impacted me the most about his transformation was that he was able to mend generational wounds and show up to be a grander version of the father he knows himself to be. The healing we did together not only helped him. His children will go on

to raise healthier kids of their own.

So many men are deeply struggling right now. Because of this, they pass that pain on to everyone around them. Especially the ones they love the most. I was able to play a role, so his kids continue to grow up with a healthy father. I never got that. So, to be a part of this is such a blessing.

You’ve said, “This isn’t about fixing what’s wrong—it’s about remembering who you truly are.” Why do you think so many people lose touch with that inner sense of self, and how can they begin to reconnect?

I think so many people lose touch with that inner sense of self because it’s the human journey. Remembering who you are is what this whole thing we call being human is about.

One of the biggest obstacles that I see is that most of humanity (not all) doesn’t know this, nor do we create cultures to support this journey. Unfortunately, most people wait to reach a breaking point filled with a lot of pain to start the process of remembering.

To begin, all someone needs to do is have a sincere desire to return to wholeness. To be sincere means to be open and curious so that you can follow the trail of synchronicities back to remembering who you are.

The simplest way to reconnect is to sit still in silence without judgment of whatever arises within you.

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“This love, the love that was communicating with me, loves everything without condition. It’s this love from which we ourselves and our world are born. It’s this love that everyone and everything returns to.”

If you are beyond that starting point and looking for a more structured way with loving guides, reach out to us, and we can move you along your way.

Tell us more about Somatic Healing—for readers who may be unfamiliar, how does working with the body play a role in emotional and spiritual transformation?

I’m going to reveal a huge secret here. From my point of view, your body is the gatekeeper. It holds the keys to the kingdom, so to speak. With our current clinical and scientific understandings, we know that “the body keeps the score,” as Bessel van der Kolk titled his book about this.

That means that we need to honor the innate wisdom and intelligence that the body has in order to heal emotionally and spiritually. The body stores stress and trauma.

When stress and trauma are stored, we become weaker and sicker. We begin to age faster and die younger. Because the physical body is the gatekeeper, we can go on for years with the best intentions to change our thoughts and behaviors and wind up in the same painful situations over and over again.

Through my work, I have witnessed that it’s faster to work with the body and then the mindset to create transformation. Once the body has finished its process, the mind is free to change more easily and faster.

You also host The Live Sense8

Podcast. What is it about, and how does it tie into your work with Consciously Awesome?

The Live Sense8 Podcast is about the show Sense8 by the Wachowskis (who wrote and directed The Matrix) and J. Michael Straczynski (he created Babylon 5). The show is about eight strangers around the world from different cultures, backgrounds, skills, genders, and sexualities who start sharing real-time conscious experiences.

Sheila Applegate, my co-host for the podcast, and I found many themes in the show that related to conscious living. So, she twisted my arm a few times, and I said yes to creating a podcast with her about it. It turned out to be an amazing experience.

What kinds of topics or guests can listeners expect on your podcast, and what do you hope they take away from tuning in?

We go through the show episode by episode, talking about all the intricacies of the story and character decisions. We were even able to get interviews from the cast and crew along the way. That included a live podcast in San Francisco with a handful of cast members.

People can expect to hear us talk about the themes of the show related to being a human being, culture, sexuality, gender identity, loss and grief, anger, violence, joy, celebration, spirituality, and much more.

As holistic practitioners with decades of experience, we give our unique

perspectives on these topics and bring in a deeper context as it relates to the show and real life. You can tune in here https://www.livesense8.com/

How do you personally stay grounded and connected while guiding others through their own healing and awakening?

I am always doing my inner work. It’s my nature now. That means I stand in the fire of transformation when I need to.

That way, I can integrate parts of myself that need to be made whole. Sometimes I do this alone, sometimes with another person, and sometimes in group work. I also have my daily practices to keep my spiritual hygiene in good order.

Because I am awake and I have faced many of my wounds and fears, I know they don’t hold power over me. That means I can sit with my clients while they bring up fears and wounds they need to heal, and be empathetic, present, and grounded.

What advice would you give to someone who feels stuck, disconnected, or unsure where to start on their spiritual journey? If you are stuck, unsure, or disconnected, I recommend getting a Soul Connection Session with me. I will connect with the guides, help you connect to your guidance, and give you actionable things you can do to keep the momentum going.

If you are feeling stuck and want to try it alone, it’s time to do something

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“I entered the deepest state of relaxation I’d ever felt. So deep, I was able to let go of the awareness of my breath. As soon as I did, a ball of light flashed into life at the bottom of my tailbone.”

new or spontaneous. Start learning something you have always wanted to, or help people by volunteering or getting involved with an organization you align with. This has the potential to get you open and feeling like you can maneuver.

And finally, what’s next for you and Consciously Awesome? Are there any new projects, retreats, or offerings on the horizon that you’re excited about?

We have a lot of great things going on at Consciously Awesome. My new book, The INTUITIVE’S ORACLE:

Powerful Practices from Intuitives, Psychics & Mediums, launched this month. In it, I tell my story of becoming a Psychic Reader and share amazing tools.

In 2026, we will continue offering the Rejuvenation: A Day Retreat for Peace, Belonging, and Renewal. We designed it to help bring people together in a very human-centric way. So many people are feeling lost, disconnected, and alone these days. Joining us is a potent way to feel and remember what is missing in our chaotic world.

And of course, we are always here to guide people to deepen their humanity or spiritual journey, no matter what part of the path they are on. If any of what I said here tugged at your heart or resonated with you, reach out to us via https://consciouslyawesome. com/. We will get you where you want to be.

EMPOWERING LITERACY THROUGH THE VILLAGE { LETS GET L.I.T. }

YOU ARE ENOUGH.

BY NICOLE HEROUX WILLIAMS I PHOTOS BY NSP STUDIO

BY CLIANDA FLORENCE & DR. CAROL ST. GEORGE PROFESSOR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER

How Women are the Catalyst to Transform Learning for Themselves, Their Families, and Their Communities

Shaping Literacy Through the Village

Every woman has the power to shape the future through literacy. Reading, storytelling, and learning are not just skills. They are tools for confidence, connection, and opportunity. Whether you are a mother, grandmother, aunt, caregiver, mentor, or friend, your engagement with literacy can inspire a lifetime of curiosity and growth in the children and adults around you. Supporting literacy is not limited to classrooms or homework. It happens in conversations at the kitchen table, in shared stories during car rides, in libraries, and even in community spaces. Women have historically played a central role in turning literacy into a source of empowerment, and today they continue to lead the way.

Within African American communities, literacy development has historically extended beyond formal schooling and into a collective, intergenerational system often referred to as the “village.” This framework emphasizes shared responsibility for children’s learning and development, wherein families, extended kin, faith institutions, neighbors, and community elders all contribute to educational growth. Central to this village model are African American women, who have long served as foundational literacy sponsors introducing reading practices, oral traditions, and cultural knowledge that sustain both individual and communal empowerment. Literacy begins in the home but extends far beyond it. Women have nurtured reading and language skills for generations by talking, listening, and sharing stories. For example, Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, used her

writing and storytelling to educate families about social issues while promoting the power of reading and critical thinking. Similarly, Mary McLeod Bethune, an educator and civil rights leader in the early twentieth century, founded schools and libraries for Black children in the United States, emphasizing literacy as a pathway to independence and opportunity. Daily conversations about the events of the day, discoveries, or problem-solving moments build vocabulary, critical thinking, and communication skills. Reading aloud to children, listening to audiobooks together, or discussing books and stories creates safe spaces for curiosity and learning. Even adults who feel uncertain about their own reading or writing abilities can model the joy of learning by exploring topics together with children or peers. Literacy is a lifelong journey, and modeling curiosity sets a powerful example.

Literacy Ecosystem of Maternal Influence & Resilience

The African American village reflects a culturally grounded approach to education that recognizes learning as relational, communal, and culturally situated. Scholars have documented how African American families often rely on extended networks to support children’s academic achievement, particularly in contexts shaped by systemic inequities (Louque & Latunde, 2014). Literacy within this ecosystem is cultivated not only through books and schools but also through storytelling, church participation, and everyday dialogue that reinforces language development and identity formation.

Women frequently anchor these literacy practices. Mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and female community leaders introduce children to early literacy routines, model intellectual curiosity, and frame education as a pathway toward self-determination. In

churches and community organizations, women often organize reading groups, youth programs, and educational initiatives that further embed literacy into communal life.

The impact of women on literacy grows even more when they step into their communities. Volunteering at schools or libraries, participating in after-school reading programs, or mentoring young learners gives children guidance and encouragement they need to thrive. Women have historically created programs to bring literacy to underserved communities. In the nineteenth century, Anne Sullivan, teacher and lifelong advocate, developed innovative ways to teach Helen Keller to read and communicate, proving that determined guidance and creative methods can overcome barriers. Malala Yousafzai is a modern example of a woman advocating globally for girls’ education and literacy, demonstrating how women’s leadership can expand learning opportunities beyond the home.

The life of author Walter Dean Myers illustrates how literacy development can be fostered through both familial and communal care. Born in 1937, Myers lost his biological mother at an early age and was subsequently raised by foster parents in Harlem. His foster mother played a critical role in his literacy development by teaching him to read during early childhood, while his foster father encouraged his imagination through storytelling (Encyclopedia.com, n.d.). These early experiences reflect the village ethos where caregiving and educational responsibilities are assumed by community members when biological parents are absent. Myers later credited these formative influences with shaping his love of books and storytelling, which ultimately led to his prolific career as an author committed to representing the

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“Supporting literacy also means advocating for access. Women can help ensure that families in their communities have books, technology, and learning resources.”

lives and voices of marginalized youth. His trajectory underscores the power of women within the village to act as literacy gatekeepers and nurturers of intellectual potential.

James Baldwin’s literary development also emerged from a complex interplay of maternal influence and community engagement. Born in Harlem in 1924 to a young single mother, Emma Berdis Jones, Baldwin was raised in conditions marked by poverty and racial inequality. Although Baldwin’s relationship with his stepfather was fraught, his mother’s resilience and caretaking provided early stability during his formative years (National Museum of African American History and Culture [NMAAHC], n.d.). While Baldwin’s later intellectual growth was shaped significantly by teachers, religious institutions, and mentors within Harlem, the emotional grounding and early survival strategies imparted by his mother were foundational. Her role reflects the oftenunacknowledged labor of African American women whose caregiving creates the conditions in which literacy and critical consciousness can flourish.

Conclusion

In Rochester, New York, women and community leaders are making a powerful difference in literacy and learning. Clianda Florence, a Rochester native and long-time educator, founded Let’s Get L.I.T. to strengthen family literacy and empower parent engagement. Her work brings reading, writing, and cultural learning into family life through summer programs, book clubs, mentoring initiatives, and community events that celebrate literacy as opportunity and empowerment. Another initiative, ROC Reading Partners, brings together volunteers, educators, and students for weekly literacy sessions that boost confidence and foundational reading

skills for young learners. The Rochester City School District is leading a citywide campaign called Level Up for Reading, which invites families, educators, and community members to celebrate reading through festivals, shared activities, and community reading goals. These examples show that women and families in Rochester are not waiting for change. They are creating it through intentional action, community building, and the belief that literacy is a right and a foundation for lifelong growth.

Supporting literacy also means advocating for access. Women can help ensure that families in their communities have books, technology, and learning resources. They can raise awareness of the importance of reading programs, libraries, and after-school initiatives, creating equitable opportunities for all children and adults to develop their skills. Beyond print, women can encourage media literacy by helping children and peers navigate digital content thoughtfully, asking questions about sources and perspectives, and modeling critical thinking in everyday life.

Ultimately, supporting literacy is about more than improving reading skills. It is about empowerment. Every conversation, every story shared, every book introduced, and every question asked strengthens confidence, fuels curiosity, and fosters independence. Women have the unique ability to transform literacy into a source of connection, opportunity, and lifelong learning. Together, the experiences of Myers and Baldwin illustrate a broader pattern within African American communities: women function as literacy sponsors who shape not only reading and writing skills but also the meanings attached to literacy itself. Through encouragement, access to language-rich environments, and cultural affirmation, women in the village help

learners view literacy as a tool for voice, agency, and transformation. Their labor, often informal and undervalued, remains essential to empowering individuals, strengthening families, and sustaining communities. By engaging in literacy for themselves, nurturing it in their families, and advocating for it in their communities, women create ripples of impact that extend far beyond the page. When women embrace their role as champions of literacy, they inspire others to read, learn, question, and grow. This creates a more knowledgeable, thoughtful, and empowered society.

References

Common Sense Media. (n.d.). Media literacy resources. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/ educators/media-literacy

Duke Center for Child and Family Policy. (2021). The power of storytelling: How parents and caregivers can give children a strong foundation for language and literacy development. https://childandfamilypolicy. duke.edu/news/the-power-of-storytelling-howparents-and-caregivers-can-give-children-a-strongfoundation-for-language-and-literacy-development LENA Foundation. (n.d.). What is early literacy in early childhood? https://www.lena.org/what-is-earlyliteracy-in-early-childhood/

National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2020). Promoting language and literacy development. https://www.naeyc.org/resources/ topics/language-and-literacy Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2018). Global competence for an inclusive world. https://www.oecd.org/education/ global-competence/ Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2019). PISA 2018 results: What students know and can do (Vol. I). OECD Publishing. https://www.oecd.org/pisa/publications/pisa-2018results-volume-i-5f07c754-en.htm

Springer Nature. (2018). Digital storytelling and its impact on literacy development. Early Childhood Education Journal. https://link.springer.com/ article/10.1007/s13158-018-0230-z UNESCO. (2017). Literacy for life: Global monitoring report. UNESCO Publishing. https://unesdoc. unesco.org/ UNESCO. (2021). Reimagining our futures together: A new social contract for education. https://unesdoc. unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000379707 Encyclopedia.com. (n.d.). Walter Dean Myers.

MY MISSION WITH BEE WELL 716 LLC IS TO EMPOWER

Kate, can you share a little about your background and what inspired you to start Bee Wellness 716 LLC?

I’m a registered nurse with 13 years of experience. I currently work at Roswell Park Cancer Institute as a chemotherapy infusion nurse. I have always dreamed of doing something more holistic and this opportunity presented itself so I took it. I opened Bee Well 716 a few months ago. It’s a wellness company that provides access to IV infusions, vitamin injections, weight loss medications, and nurse coaching. In addition to working and starting Bee Well 716, I am in school through the University of Buffalo for my doctorate in nursing. I plan to carry on the business and grow it once I am a nurse practitioner.

How did your education and professional training help shape your path toward creating this wellness-focused business?

When I was in my undergraduate schooling, I took a trip to Mexico for a holistic nursing course. This opened my eyes to caring for the whole personmind, body, and spirit. Providing IV infusions in the comfort of someone’s home allows for recharging in a familiar space. Obstacles like childcare are avoided as the client can still be home.

their well being.

Your business focuses on helping people prioritize themselves—something many of us struggle with. What does “prioritizing yourself” mean to you?

On a daily basis, I have my routines. As all of us do, I break routine from time to time, but getting back into the swing of things is the best feeling in the world. “Prioritizing myself” means eating the right foods, taking breaks when needed,

ailments—beauty, fat burning, hydration, athletic recovery, energy, hangovers, migraines, Myers cocktail, prenatal, and my favorite—immunity. Patient specific services include infusions of NAD+ and NR. Coming soon will be carnitine and sermorelin. Glutathione injections are another service for anti-aging.

Our weight management program includes semaglutide and tirzepatide for individuals with a BMI >25. If someone is below the BMI threshold or chooses a different path, carnitine and sermorelin can be provided for additional weight loss support. What sets Bee Well 716 apart from an online ordering company is the RN support that clients have just a text away at anytime, plus monthly check ins to ensure symptoms are controlled.

destimulating after a long day, and following a consistent bedtime routine. I’m not perfect at caring for myself, but I do try. That’s all we can do is try to be and do better each day.

The name “Bee Wellness 716 LLC” is so unique and memorable. What’s the story behind it, and how does it reflect your mission?

I believe that everyone has a right to be well. That looks different for each individual person and Bee Well 716 wants to partner with people to enhance

For those who may not be familiar, can you explain what services Bee Wellness 716 LLC offers—from hydration therapy to drip infusions and supplements?

Bee Well 716 offers a variety of services. Lifestyle infusions are IV infusions that include different vitamins and amino acids that will help with a variety of

How do these services support overall wellness and help clients feel and function at their best? The vitamins and amino acids help support overall wellness at a cellular level. If our cells are functioning well, our bodies will too. When life gets busy, an appointment with Bee Well 716 provides an appointment to pause and take care of you. While your infusion is running, you can read a book or rest your eyes and let your wellness become your priority. When the infusion finishes, you can pause and thank yourself for taking the time you need and then proceed with the chaos that ensues. However, you will be better prepared to deal with it after a Bee Well 716 infusion—that is for certain. Clients can expect to feel more hydrated, alert, and refreshed after any

“My mission with Bee Well 716 LLC is to empower individuals in the Buffalo and greater 716 community to take control of their health through accessible, science-backed wellness services.”

of our infusions. The additional benefits just go on from there.

What is your mission with Bee Wellness 716 LLC, and how do you hope to make an impact in the Buffalo and greater 716 community?

My mission with Bee Well 716 LLC is to empower individuals in the Buffalo and greater 716 community to take control of their health through accessible, science-backed wellness services. I aim to meet people exactly where they are and provide personalized, compassionate support—whether that’s through weight management, IV hydration, vitamin therapy, or holistic lifestyle coaching. The impact I hope to make goes beyond individual results. I want to help create a healthier, more educated, and more supported community—one where people feel seen, understood, and equipped with the tools to transform their own lives. By offering guidance that’s both local and deeply personal, my goal is to be a trusted resource in the 716 for long-term wellness, confidence, and sustainable change.

You describe Bee Wellness as “a small but growing business pollinating the 716 with wellness.” What does that growth look like for you right now?

I’m still working on getting things off the ground and getting my brand out there. I’m working to set a solid foundation so that going forward I am ready to grow. I just want people to know I’m here for them and am ready to join in their wellness journey.

What sets Bee Wellness 716 LLC apart from other wellness or IV infusion centers in the area?

We come to the client where they live, work, or celebrate. It’s about convenience so whatever is most convenient for the client is what works for us.

Did you have to obtain any special certifications, medical training, or licensing to offer these services safely and effectively?

I look forward to attending infusion conferences in the future. The skills I have as a chemo infusion nurse carryover here. Hydreight has also supported me in this process with training webinars, policies, and videos to get me up to speed with best practices. I often refer to current evidence based literature as well to guide my practice.

The wellness space has become more popular in recent years. How do you stay ahead of trends while keeping your approach authentic and clientcentered?

At Bee Well 716, staying ahead of wellness trends starts with staying grounded in what matters most—our clients.The wellness space moves fast, but I don’t chase every new fad. Instead, I stay educated through ongoing clinical training, evidence-based research, and direct feedback from the people I serve. I keep my approach authentic by only integrating tools, therapies, and programs that truly align with Bee Well 716’s mission: individualized care, realistic guidance, and sustainable results. Whether it’s weight management support, IV hydration, vitamin therapy, or clientcentered coaching, everything I offer is chosen because it enhances my clients’ well-being—not because it’s trending online.

I also make it a point to stay connected to the Buffalo and 716 community. Listening to what my clients are experiencing, what they’re struggling with, and what they’re hoping to achieve keeps Bee Well 716 grounded, approachable, and genuinely client-centered. This allows me to grow with the industry without ever losing the personal touch my clients value. I stay ahead by staying informed—and I stay authentic by staying connected

What kind of clients typically come to Bee Wellness 716 LLC , and what do they say after experiencing your services for the first time?

Clients who come to Bee Well 716 are everyday people who are ready to feel better—physically, mentally, and energetically.

I work with busy professionals, parents, nurses, entrepreneurs, and individuals who want personalized support with weight management, IV hydration, vitamin injections, and overall wellness. Many come after feeling unheard in traditional healthcare settings or overwhelmed by “one-size-fits-all” programs. They’re looking for someone who listens, guides, and stays accessible throughout their journey.

After their first visit, clients almost always say the same things:

• “I didn’t expect you to be so thorough.”

• “I finally feel understood.”

• “Everything was explained so clearly.”

• “I already feel better.”

• “It feels so comfortable here—like I’m actually being cared for.”

They often share that the experience felt personalized, calming, and empowering—

“Lifestyle infusions are IV infusions that include different vitamins and amino acids that will help with a variety of ailments—beauty, fat burning, hydration, athletic recovery, energy, hangovers, migraines, Myers cocktail, prenatal, and my favorite—immunity.”

something they haven’t found in other wellness spaces. Many also mention how much they appreciate the education they receive, not just the service itself. Clients come to Bee Well 716 for support—and leave feeling genuinely seen, supported, and hopeful about their next steps.

As a woman entrepreneur building a business in health and wellness, what have been some of your biggest challenges—and how have you overcome them?

As a woman entrepreneur in the health and wellness space, some of my biggest challenges have come from balancing credibility, visibility, and confidence— while building a business that reflects my values.

1. Being taken seriously in a crowded wellness industry

The wellness world is full of mixed messaging, trends, and “quick fixes.” One of my early challenges was differentiating Bee Well 716 as a clinically informed, client-centered practice—not just another wellness brand selling hype.

I overcame this by leaning into my nursing background, staying evidence-based, and letting education and transparency guide every service I offer.

2. Balancing business growth with personal responsibilities

As a nurse, student, and entrepreneur, I’ve had to navigate the constant pull between serving clients and building the systems behind the scenes.

The solution has been structure, planning, and giving myself permission to grow at a sustainable pace—without comparing my journey to anyone else’s.

3. Learning to trust my voice and vision

Women in healthcare are often taught to “follow the rules” or stay inside a traditional box. Building my own wellness business required me to step into leadership, make hard decisions, and trust that my approach works because it’s rooted in compassion and clinical expertise.

I overcame this by listening to my clients—they’re the proof that my voice matters and my perspective fills a real need.

4. Wearing every hat—from provider to marketer to CEO

When you’re a one-woman operation, you’re the clinician, the scheduler, the marketer, the educator, the accountant, and the creative director.

I’ve handled this by staying organized, investing in tools that save time, and building a community of support— mentors, colleagues, and clients who believe in the mission.

Today, these challenges have become strengths.

They’ve shaped Bee Well 716 into a space that’s personal, trustworthy, and deeply connected to the people I serve. They’ve pushed me to grow not just as a business owner but as a leader—someone who shows up fully for her clients and her community

How do you balance running a growing business with maintaining your own health and self-care routines?

Balancing a growing business with my own health comes down to practicing exactly what I encourage my clients to

do—structure, intention, and giving myself grace.

As a nurse, student, and entrepreneur, my schedule can get chaotic. So I’ve learned that self-care can’t be an afterthought; it has to be part of the foundation. I prioritize the basics—hydration, movement, nutrient support, and quality sleep—because they keep me clear, energized, and able to show up for my clients.

I build wellness into my workflow:

• I plan my week so I’m not constantly in reactive mode.

• I block protected time for rest, workouts, and meals—just like appointments with clients.

• I use the same tools I offer through Bee Well 716, whether it’s vitamin injections, hydration support, or mindful weight management habits.

Most importantly, I stay honest with myself.

If I’m burning out or stretching myself too thin, I pause and recalibrate. I can’t pour into my community if my own cup is empty—and maintaining my health is what allows me to stay present, compassionate, and effective as a provider and business owner.

In the end, balance isn’t perfect—it’s intentional.

And prioritizing my own wellness makes Bee Well 716 stronger for every person who walks through the door.

What has been one of the most rewarding moments for you since launching Bee Wellness 716 LLC ?

“I believe that everyone has a right to be well. That looks different for each individual person and Bee Well 716 wants to partner with people to enhance their well being.”

One of the most rewarding moments since launching Bee Well 716 was the first time a client told me, “You’ve changed my life.”

It wasn’t about a number on the scale or a quick fix—it was someone who finally felt heard, supported, and cared for in a way they hadn’t experienced in traditional healthcare. They shared that, for the first time in a long time, they felt hopeful about their health again. That moment hit me deeply because it confirmed why I built Bee Well 716 in the first place:

to create a space where people feel safe, understood, and empowered to take control of their wellness.

Seeing clients regain confidence, energy, and trust in their own bodies has been the most fulfilling part of this entire journey. Every time someone tells me they feel better, stronger, or more themselves because of the work we’ve done together—it reminds me that this business is more than a service. It’s a community, and it’s changing lives one person at a time.

Looking ahead, what are your shortand long-term goals for Bee Wellness 716 LLC ? Are there new services, locations, or partnerships on the horizon?

Looking ahead, my vision for Bee Well 716 includes both intentional growth and deeper impact within the 716 community.

Short-Term Goals

In the near future, my focus is on strengthening and expanding the services that clients already love—personalized weight management, IV hydration,

vitamin injections, and client-centered wellness coaching.

I’m working on:

• Enhancing the weight management program with more comprehensive education, check-ins, and individualized plans.

• Adding new specialty injections and wellness support options based on client demand.

• Building strategic partnerships with local businesses—fitness studios, recovery centers, and wellness spaces—to create more community-based offerings.

• Streamlining operations so clients have an even smoother experience from booking to follow-up.

Long-Term Goals

Long-term, I envision Bee Well 716 evolving into a full wellness hub that serves more people across Western NY.

My bigger goals include:

• Opening a dedicated physical location that blends clinical care with a welcoming, calming wellness environment.

• Expanding IV services and specialty therapies to meet growing demand.

• Growing a small, trusted team of like-minded providers who share the same client-centered, education-first philosophy.

• Launching community workshops and wellness events to empower people with knowledge—not just services.

• Building long-term partnerships with health professionals, local businesses, and organizations that align with Bee Well 716’s mission of accessible, personalized wellness.

Overall, the vision is simple: to grow—but only in ways that preserve authenticity, clinical integrity, and the

one-on-one connection that makes Bee Well 716 so special.

If someone is reading this and thinking about taking the first step toward prioritizing their own wellness, what advice would you give them?

If you’re reading this and thinking about finally putting your wellness first, my biggest piece of advice is this: just start— start small, start imperfectly, but start. You don’t need a perfect plan, a perfect schedule, or all the answers. You just need the willingness to take one step toward feeling better. Wellness isn’t about flipping your life upside down overnight; it’s about making consistent, sustainable choices that support the future version of you.

Give yourself permission to:

• ask questions

• seek support

• try something new

• put yourself on your own priority list

And remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Bee Well 716 was built for people exactly like you—busy, overwhelmed, ready for change, but unsure where to begin. My role is to guide you, support you, and walk with you through every step of your journey.

Your wellness matters.

Your energy matters.

Your confidence matters.

And you deserve to feel good in your own body again.

If you’re ready to take that first step, I’m here to make it simple, personalized, and completely focused on you.

KIMBERLY AND K. FRED CREATIONS

Kimberly, thank you for joining us!

Can you start by telling us how K.Fred Creations began and what inspired you to turn your creativity into a business? Thank you for having me! K.Fred Creations began by accident. I never thought, nor did I set out to be a small business owner. I enjoy jewelry; it has been a part of my life since 1999, when I began working in the jewelry industry. I also have a soft spot for luxury handbags. I purchased a previously owned luxury handbag, and the seller sent me a few luxury charms with it. I asked what she usually does with these, and she responded that she gives them away with purchases. I asked her to send me a bunch so I could see what I could do with them, and I made my first few upcycled jewelry gemstone bracelets. My family and friends really liked them, so I started making more, and K.Fred Creations was started.

What was the very first piece of jewelry you made, and how did that moment spark what would become K.Fred Creations?

I was diagnosed with Lupus SLE in 2021. I started making gemstone bracelets as a sort of physical therapy for my hands. It really helps my fine motor skills. When I received my first batch of luxury charms, I started to attach them to the gemstone bracelets I created. Then I started to make different styles of bracelets, necklaces, keychains, and even earrings. It became a beautiful upcycled collection with each piece being uniquely different.

You’ve built such a unique and

recognizable brand. How did you come up with the concept for your designs, and what makes them stand out in the world of handcrafted jewelry? My designs are based on what I can source to use. In my home office, I have a table. This table is ALWAYS full of charms. I mix and match them as I buy them, moving them around like little chess pieces. Once I find a matching pair or set, I decide what it will become (earrings, charm bracelet,

necklace, keychain, etc.) My pieces are a unique niche in the jewelry and craft market. People purchase them because they have a favorite luxury brand, or because they like the color or piece. While others purchase because they like the upcycled idea of taking something and turning it into something new.

Many of your pieces feature stunning, repurposed luxury brand embellishments. How do you source these materials, and what inspires your choices when designing each collection?

After making my first contact with charms, I’ve networked online with others in the previously owned luxury industry. I’ve built relationships with some really great people. I am always looking for these luxury brand items.... online sales, antique shops, and from these contacts I’ve made. I use anything and everything I can find. There is no way to authenticate any of it, so I always say I use pieces and parts of everything from gift with purchases, novelty, beauty lines, etc. I am also in no way affiliated with said luxury brands, and the trademarks belong to their respective brands. When I first started, I kept it pretty simple and traditional, but my new items coming out in 2026 are very much more fashion-forward with a chunky, larger look.

How do you balance the artistry of your work with the business side of running a successful creative brand? K.Fred Creations is less than 6 months old, so I am definitely still learning about the business, marketing, and accounting side of things. Buying, designing, and making the jewelry is the easy part! I have some wonderful, supportive family and friends surrounding me. My husband is my biggest supporter. He is always willing to help with whatever needs to be done; after all, K.Fred Creations is named after my married last name... (Fred)enburg.

You’ve been open about your journey with Lupus, an autoimmune disease that can be incredibly challenging. Can you share how your diagnosis changed your life and your perspective?

“Living with Lupus SLE has made me slow down and pay attention more than I ever did, not only to my health but also to my environment and everyone in it.”

After many years of symptoms and many tests later, I was finally diagnosed in 2021 and started treatment. It was a double-edged sword, “it” finally had a name (Lupus SLE) and a treatment plan, but at the same time.... WOW, this isn’t curable, and most people have no idea what it feels like because “I don’t look sick.” There were many changes I had to make, limiting my time in the sun, or under certain lighting, foods I needed to avoid, and learning to listen to my body (The Spoon Theory created by Lupus patient Christine Miserandino). Not to mention the mental health aspect that came with mourning my “before Lupus life” and navigating a new future. My amazing mother (a retired ICU nurse/nurse practitioner) started reading, calling old contacts, and gathering information. I am incredibly grateful for her advocating for me, and my doctors who monitor and care for me. During all these changes, I’ve found new hobbies, ones more conducive to my health.... and making jewelry became the one I enjoyed the most. Lemons to lemonade, right?

How has living with Lupus influenced your creative process and your drive as an entrepreneur?

Living with Lupus SLE has made me slow down and pay attention more than I ever did, not only to my health but also to my environment and everyone in it. I compare it to “stop and smell the roses.” Things I never really looked at or thought twice about now inspire or help me re-energize and get the creative juices flowing. My favorite summer spot

is to sit in the shade at Frink Park in Clayton, NY, and listen to the waves while watching the freighters and boats go by.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced managing your health while building and growing your business? The biggest thing for me is to pace myself and not to get overextended or exhausted. Extreme fatigue is one of the most frequent symptoms I have with Lupus SLE. It can be a constant battle between “I really want to finish this” and “I need to rest.” My husband is well aware of this and reminds me to take breaks here and there. I also deal with joint stiffness and joints locking up. Making jewelry is good for my hands’ fine motor skills, but too much at once can cause a lot of pain and swelling.

On the flip side, how has this experience empowered you — both personally and professionally?

Honestly, it is a HUGE mental health boost for me. If I can balance my health and work a full-time job and build K.Fred Creations on the side... Well, I can do anything. Yes, I’ve had to change things in my life to be more tailored to Lupus SLE, but life keeps moving forward. When I was diagnosed, I decided I was going to talk about Lupus SLE to anyone who would listen. To bring awareness of a lifelong disease that affects so many people, predominantly women. Most people think Lupus SLE is just the “butterfly” rash that appears on my face....it is so much more. K.Fred Creations has given me a bigger platform to bring my personal experiences and information to others about Lupus SLE.

You’ve turned something difficult into motivation and beauty. What message do you hope to send to other women facing chronic illness or personal adversity?

Take it in stages. Have your “pity party”, cry, yell, scream, do whatever you have to do to release the initial shock and emotion; then it is time to get to work. Face the adversity head-on and make sure to count ALL the small wins along the way. One day I can make five complete charm bracelets, the next day I can’t even finish one...and that is ok. It is ok to have days with thoughts of why me and why this; use them as motivation. I still have days when I ask why Lupus SLE? What caused it? Will my health stay where it is, or will the disease progress? Then I remind myself I can’t predict the future and to “keep fighting the good fight.”

Creativity often comes from emotion and lived experience. Do you find that your jewelry reflects your journey or emotions in some way?

There are a lot of subtle and not-so-subtle nods to my life’s journey and what is important to me. For instance, my business logo... There is a butterfly at the top of the charm bracelet to represent Lupus Awareness. I have many butterfly pieces as well in my collection. The color purple is found in pieces I’ve made to again represent Lupus Awareness. My husband and our German Shepherd named Lola are my world. The colors blue and pale green appear frequently as they were our wedding colors. K.Fred Creations has a small collection I like to refer to as “Lola’s Collection.” They are colorful little paw print necklaces. My parents are enjoying retirement as Florida residents, so you will find a

“ My pieces are a UNIQUE niche in the jewelry and craft market. People purchase them because they have a FAVORITE luxury brand, or because they like the color or PIECE. ”

“I was diagnosed with Lupus SLE in 2021. I started making gemstone bracelets as a sort of physical therapy for my hands. It really helps my fine motor skills.”

a few tropical-themed pieces as a nod to them as well.

What does a typical day look like for you when you’re designing new pieces — and what brings you the most joy in that process? I have found I do my best designs when I’m trying to rest and recharge. You can find me in comfy clothes with paper and pencil, just drawing out ideas and designs. I also am a big Pinterest browser, looking for inspiration. These inspirations and drawings are always pretty general and change quite a bit from start to complete piece. The joy and reward are when a complete piece turns out even better than that simple beginning drawing.

As a small business owner, what has been your proudest moment so far with K.Fred Creations? Obviously, that first sale, when someone said I love that piece and want to purchase it. It’s a moment I will never forget. As I said before, K.Fred Creations is less than 6 months old, so I am so excited to see what the

future holds. This article is a proud moment as well, showcasing my small business, talking about my personal experiences, and bringing awareness to Lupus. It is really special.

How do you define success for yourself now? Has that definition changed

since your Lupus diagnosis?

I think a definition for success is ever evolving. Some days, success for me is working all day and then putting one or two hours into K.Fred Creations at

night. Some days, success for me is getting out of bed, fighting extreme fatigue and/or Lupus SLE flare-up, and just cuddling in on the couch with our dog Lola. I am so humbled by the amount of positive feedback K.Fred Creations has received in such a short time. To me, that is my current “definition of success,” and I look forward to the future.

Finally, what’s next for K.Fred Creations in 2026? Are there any new projects, collaborations, or dreams you’re excited to bring to life?

In 2026, K.Fred Creations will continue to expand and fine-tune its marketing and social media presence. There are a lot of new chunky, large pieces that have been added to the collection as well. We are in the process of scheduling what events we will be attending for the next few months. A few we are looking forward to are Friday, April 4th, at the Spring Night Market at the SKY Armory in Syracuse, NY. Also, Saturday, April 25th, at the Mrs & Miss NY America Pageants in Rochester, NY. Check out our social media for more events to be added!

PERSONAL ALCHEMY

Cheers to 2026!

The New Year often invites reflection. Who we’ve been. What we’ve carried. What no longer fits.

Many women enter January determined to “do better” this year, to think differently, try harder, finally follow through or break through. But what if real change didn’t require burning your life down or becoming someone else entirely?

What if reinvention could happen through refinement? What if we believed we could reinvent ourselves at any stage of life, without burning it all down?

Most of us are taught that change is a mental exercise.

Think differently. Reframe the story. Push past the fear.

And while psychology matters, mindset alone rarely creates lasting transformation. Because real change doesn’t happen only in the mind. It happens in the body; inside the nervous system and in the energy we carry, expend, suppress, or leak every single day.

This is where personal alchemy lives: at the intersection of psychology and energy.

Reinvention Isn’t an Emergency; It’s an Evolution

There is a moment in every woman’s life when what used to work suddenly doesn’t.

The striving.

BY ERIN PITTINARO

The proving.

The white-knuckling your way through another season while telling yourself you should be grateful.

From the outside, everything looks fine. From the inside, something is quietly unraveling.

This isn’t failure.

This is the beginning of transformation. Reinvention is often misunderstood as destruction, as if we must burn it all down, start over, or become someone entirely new. Personal alchemy is different. It is not about becoming more of something. It is about becoming truer to yourself. Alchemy is the process of transforming. It’s taking what you’ve lived through; your patterns, pain, resilience, and wisdom, and creating a life that feels aligned, sustainable, and alive.

Not by force.

Not by hustle.

But by understanding what has been driving you beneath the surface.

Why Mindset Alone Isn’t Enough

Psychology helps us understand why we do what we do. Why we over-function. Why we stay in relationships that drain us. Why we keep achieving yet never feel settled or satisfied. Our patterns are not personality flaws. They are survival strategies. At some point, your nervous system learned what was required to stay safe, loved, or accepted. Those lessons became internal

rules, often subconscious, that still shape how you lead, love, rest, and receive. Insight is powerful.

But insight alone doesn’t dissolve a pattern.

You cannot out-think a nervous system that doesn’t feel safe.

So many women blame themselves for being “unmotivated” or “stuck,” when their system is doing exactly what it learned to do to survive. Your habits are not random. Your patterns are not failures. They are adaptations.

Personal alchemy begins when we stop asking, “What’s wrong with me?” and start asking:

• What did this pattern once protect me from?

• What does my system still believe is unsafe?

• What am I ready to update, not erase?

Energy Determines Whether Change Is Sustainable

Energy is how psychological patterns live in the body.

You can know you need better boundaries and still feel exhausted every time you try to hold one. You can understand your worth and still over-give until you resent the people you love.

That’s not a mindset issue.

That’s an energetic one.

If your nervous system is operating from

{ A WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE } { UNBOXED: THE ALCHEMY EXPERIENCE }

“If your nervous system is operating from urgency, hypervigilance, or collapse, your energy will default to old behaviors, no matter how evolved your thinking is.”

urgency, hypervigilance, or collapse, your energy will default to old behaviors, no matter how evolved your thinking is. When psychology and energy are addressed together, something powerful happens. Change stops feeling like a battle. You start to tap in to your energetic alignment while understanding your psychological blueprint and can begin making decisions from a place of truth, peace and safety.

The Three Phases of Personal Alchemy

In my work, personal alchemy unfolds in three grounded phases:

1. Awareness: Seeing the Patterns

This is the moment of honest recognition. You see where you are over-giving, overworking, or contorting yourself to belong. not with judgment, but with clarity. Awareness interrupts autopilot. We are able to dive in to our subconscious blueprint, recognize why we operate the way we do and began to use our energy to hold more capacity for ourselves and others.

stop collapsing under stress and start responding with intention. Your capacity expands. Pressure becomes manageable. Receiving becomes possible. Giving is peaceful.

Alchemy in Real Life

Personal alchemy doesn’t always look dramatic.

Sometimes it looks like:

• Saying no without explaining yourself

3. Choice: Living Unboxed

2. Regulation: Creating Safety in the Body

Real change requires safety. When your nervous system learns it no longer must brace, hustle, or stay hypervigilant, new choices become possible. You

From regulation comes agency. Boundaries become cleaner. Desires become clearer. Leadership becomes embodied. You stop performing a life and start inhabiting one.

This is not a loud transformation. It is a grounded one.

• Choosing rest without guilt

• Leaving roles that once kept you safe but now keep you small

• Letting yourself evolve, even when others are uncomfortable This is transformation without burnout.

Not destruction, but refinement.

An Invitation

If something in you is stirring— if the life you built no longer fits who you’re becoming— trust that.

You are not broken.

You are in the midst of transformation.

And you do not need to burn your life down to live differently.

You only need the courage to listen to your mind and body, regulate your nervous system, and choose what is in alignment with your life. That is personal alchemy.

With fire & love,

Erin Pittinaro,

LCSW, PLLC Founder,

The Alchemy Experience

YOU ARE ENOUGH.

FAITH, STRENGTH, AND SUCCESS { I’M STILL STANDING }

BY NICOLE HEROUX WILLIAMS I PHOTOS BY NSP STUDIO

BY TAMESHA BECKFORD I PHOTOS BY ROB DANIELS

The Unstoppable Rise of Single Mothers

Single mothers are often viewed through a narrow lens—one focused on struggle, limitation, and survival. Yet beyond the stereotypes lies a deeper truth. Single mothers across the world are rising as leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, and faith-filled parents, proving that success is not determined by circumstance, but by perseverance, purpose, and God’s grace.

For many single mothers, success begins with overcoming internal barriers long before external ones. The weight of responsibility can quietly convince them that their role is limited—that motherhood is the ceiling, not the foundation. I take myself, for example. I am a single mother of five children, and for many years, I felt the odds were stacked against me. Between raising my children and working a full-time job, I never imagined I could be more than “just a mother,” let alone a businesswoman.

That belief, however, did not define my future.

applied even in seasons of exhaustion and uncertainty.

Today, by the grace of God, I stand as a successful entrepreneur with two businesses, while still working a fulltime job—and most importantly, I was able to raise five children successfully.

mothers to excel in business and the workplace. What once felt like a disadvantage often becomes the very training ground for success.

Faith plays a critical role in sustaining this journey. For many single mothers, prayer becomes strategy, and trust in God becomes strength. When resources feel limited and expectations feel overwhelming, they lean on the promise that “The Lord will perfect that which concerns me” (Psalm 138:8). Faith allows them to move forward even when the path is unclear.

Like many single mothers, I carried multiple roles at once—provider, nurturer, protector, and planner. The demands were heavy, and the road was not easy. Yet faith had a way of quietly reshaping my vision. Scripture reminds us, “God is within her, she will not fall” (Psalm 46:5). Over time, I learned that this promise

My story is not unique in struggle, but it is powerful in testimony. It reflects what is possible when faith meets determination.

Single mothers develop extraordinary leadership skills through lived experience. Managing a household alone requires discipline, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and resilience. These same qualities position single

Motivation rooted in motherhood is unmatched. Single mothers are driven not only by personal ambition, but by legacy. They want their children to witness perseverance, faith, and courage in action. Each step forward becomes a living lesson—proof that setbacks do not have the final word. Proverbs 31 reminds us of a woman who works diligently, walks in wisdom, and whose children rise and call her blessed.

Perhaps most powerfully, single mothers are redefining what success looks like. They demonstrate that wholeness is not about family structure, but about love, consistency, and faith. Their lives echo Romans 8:28—“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God.” Even the most challenging chapters can be used for good.

Single mothers are not merely surviving—they are thriving with

“Single mothers are not merely surviving—they are thriving with purpose. Their stories are testimonies of faith in motion, resilience in action, and success redefined.”

purpose. Their stories are testimonies of faith in motion, resilience in action, and success redefined. When single mothers rise, families are strengthened, communities are inspired, and God’s grace is put on full display.

About the Author Tamesha Beckford is a faith-driven entrepreneur, motivational voice, and

single mother of five. She balances fulltime employment while successfully operating two businesses, using her journey as a living testimony of God’s grace, resilience, and purpose.

She hosts weekly inspirational broadcasts on TikTok at @ WakeUpLiv77, where she encourages women—especially single mothers—to

rise in faith, confidence, and calling. For individuals and families seeking affordable legal protection and services through LegalShield, more information can be found at: tameshabeckford. legalshieldassociate.com

YOU ARE ENOUGH.

A DREAM IS A WISH YOUR HEART MAKES

BY NICOLE HEROUX WILLIAMS I PHOTOS BY NSP STUDIO

BY VERONICA RYAN

Part III: Writing Fairy Tales

My grandmother was fond of saying, “If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans!” I’m sure we can all relate to the old cliché when we think of the many twists and turns—good and bad—that life throws at us. I thought of my grandmother’s quip the other day, not because of some big, dramatic, life-altering curveball, but in a quiet moment working on this article. You see, when I started out as a writer, I expected to imagine a story, or think a thought, or dream a poem, and then write it down. I thought writing was more or less a process of transcription: taking something that existed fully formed in my brain and then putting it down on paper (digital “paper,” that is!). As I’ve written more and more over the last few years, though, I’ve learned the process is far more dynamic, fluid, and unpredictable—and far more exciting.

My work may begin with a particular idea or insight, but as soon as I begin writing, every piece takes on a life of its own. Every essay or article is a living thing, with a voice of its own, and plans of its own. It’s like the two of us, author and work, are in a conversation, bouncing ideas off one another, adding and subtracting, erasing and changing, until we have something we’re both happy with. If you’ll allow me another metaphor, I picture my work and I walking along a road with many turns and intersections. Neither of us has a map and we can’t see the final destination, but somehow we always seem to end up in the right place. I end up with a piece of writing that feels exactly right,

even if it is not at all what I expected.

This series of articles, A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes, is a case in point. My initial inspiration was the disconnect between the fairy tales we grow up with and the hard knocks we endure once we are grown up—or, too often, long before we are grown up. The “happily ever after” stories are usually the losers in that comparison but, as I thought and wrote, I was surprised at how much value—how much truth—I found in those fairy tales. I remember being, quite literally, in the middle of a sentence when I realized those tales never promised that everything would be easy, that there would be no more dragons or evil queens. The tales simply said, “… they lived happily ever after.” They lived. They were happy. They chose to live, and they chose to be happy. They fought and struggled and endured and conquered—to live, and to be happy. That, I decided, is the kind of fairy tale I am in, and I wrote:

[I’m] a princess who never lived in a castle. I’m a princess who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty, and who has kissed a frog or two. I’m a princess who can face any challenge and tackle any dragon. I’m a princess who wants to make the world a better place. I’m a princess with a story to tell.

I tell that story through my mental health advocacy, and the Beautiful, Powerful, Deserving platform. I’ve been fortunate in, and am very grateful for, the many opportunities I’ve had to tell my story, though interviews, appearances, and publications. They’ve all been wonderful, but the most

important and the most powerful has been, and always will be, my writing. As I wrote in my last installment, a critical piece both of my treatment at the Psychiatry High Risk Program (PHRP) in Syracuse and of my ongoing recovery is the “daily connection,” when I think about—and carefully write and record—the emotional peaks and valleys of the day. It’s incredibly therapeutic, this conversation between my thoughts, my feelings, and my reactions—and it couldn’t happen without the words and the writing.

Our stories may not be turning out the way we planned or expected, or even the way we hoped. They might not look like our childhood picture books, but that doesn’t rob them of meaning and beauty and joy. I’m not giving up on my own fairy-tale ending, and I don’t want anyone else to give up on theirs. Writing has been crucial for my own recovery, and I hope I can use my writing and my mental health advocacy to help others find their “happily ever after.” That may seem like an odd pairing—fairy tales and mental health advocacy—but that’s the whole point. We don’t live in an “either–or” sort of world, as in “either I get a perfect life or I don’t,” or “either I get to be happy or I don’t.” I created Beautiful, Powerful, Deserving to stake a claim to happiness, for me and for everyone else who suffers from, or has suffered from, mental illness. Stake your claim. Write your story. Let the words take you where they will, and I promise they’ll help you find the right place. Remember, we are all Beautiful. We are all Powerful. We are all Deserving.

{ AT HOME WITH WELLNESS }

UNCOVERING ROOT CAUSE

YOU ARE ENOUGH.

BY NICOLE HEROUX WILLIAMS I PHOTOS BY NSP STUDIO

When Symptoms Become Disease

New research shows Parkinson’s relation to gut health

In the complex interplay between health and disease, our gut steps into the spotlight, playing a lead role we’re only beginning to fully appreciate.

Today, new research is starting to catch up with what we’ve witnessed within our practice over the last 15 years: the profound impact of gut health on our overall wellbeing.

This research is a wakeup call, showing us how symptoms we often dismiss could be signs something far more serious. Keep reading to find out what happens. A study published in the journal Gut has revealed a fascinating connection between gut health and Parkinson’s disease.

BY LAURA

These conditions did more than just hint at an upcoming diagnosis—they more than doubled the risk of Parkinson’s. It’s a major discovery that opens up new avenues for early intervention strategies. But this isn’t a solitary case of one condition being linked to gut health. We’ve been seeing it in our practice for over 15 years—ailments ranging from allergies to depression, and fibromyalgia to rheumatoid arthritis, all exhibit

an estimated 16% of adults worldwide.

But what exactly is constipation?

It’s more than just infrequent bowel movements. Medically, it’s defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, but an optimal digestive system should be eliminating waste with ease at least once a day.

This research showed that individuals with Parkinson’s were significantly more likely to have had gut problems BEFORE their diagnosis.

Let’s unpack that for a moment.

Before the onset of Parkinson’s—a condition traditionally viewed through the narrow lens of neurodegeneration— patients were more likely to experience:

Constipation

Dysphagia (trouble swallowing)

Gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying)

connections to gut health.

Let’s explore further what constipation and gut health have to do with preventing neurological disease.

Constipation might seem like a common and uncomfortable inconvenience, but in reality, it’s a loud alarm that something is wrong within our gut health—and, as we’ve seen earlier, potentially our neurological health too.

This condition affects approximately 20% of the American adult population and

Anything less is a sign that waste is lingering in your system longer than it should be, which can lead to a multitude of health issues. Here’s why: When waste remains in our colon instead of being eliminated, it can re-enter our circulation, essentially forcing our body to deal with these toxins repeatedly.

This toxicity can manifest in numerous ways: brain fog, fatigue, and even an increased risk of colorectal cancer. This build-up can also lead to a heightened state of inflammation, which is a recognized enemy of neurological health.

This constant battle can take a toll on all parts of our bodies.

It’s taxing on our liver, which is already hard at work detoxifying our blood. It’s an added strain on our kidneys, lymphatic system, and yes—our brain. The gutbrain axis is a two-way street, and the traffic includes not only nutrients but also waste products and toxins.

“So

many other conditions—autism, allergies, ADD, anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, dementia, Lyme disease, psoriasis—share a common root in gut health”

That’s why constipation is a signal we can’t afford to ignore, especially considering its potential implications for neurological diseases like Parkinson’s.

Now, in case you’ve been wondering… “I’m constipated, should I just focus on eating as much fiber as possible?”

Here’s our take: When it comes to combating constipation, the immediate response that echoes through the halls of conventional health advice is often “Increase your fiber intake.”

However, while fiber does play a crucial role in digestive health, it isn’t always the silver bullet for constipation that we’ve been led to believe.

In fact, simply adding more fiber can sometimes exacerbate the problem, especially if the underlying issues are not addressed.

Fiber works by adding bulk to the stool, which can indeed help stimulate the movement of the bowels. But for some individuals, particularly those with an already sluggish digestive system or conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), piling on fiber can lead to increased discomfort, bloating, and gas without resolving the constipation.

And in cases of severe dysbiosis—a microbial imbalance in the gut—or conditions like Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), additional fiber can feed the problematic bacteria, potentially worsening the situation.

Nutritional Therapy digs deeper than

surface solutions like adding fiber. It seeks to understand the individual’s unique physiological makeup and the root causes of their constipation, which can include: Imbalances in Gut Flora: An imbalance in gut bacteria can slow down digestion and lead to constipation.

Inadequate Stomach Acid and Enzyme Production: Proper digestion and bowel movements depend on adequate stomach acid and digestive enzyme production. Food Sensitivities: Certain foods can trigger inflammation and digestive distress for some individuals.

Hydration and Electrolyte Balance: Without adequate hydration and the right balance of electrolytes, stool can become hard and difficult to pass.

Insufficient bile production: Without sufficient bile or free flowing bile, fat can build up in the intestinal wall and cause slower movements. Additionally, bile duct congestion can also lead to slowed bowel release.

Stress and Lifestyle Factors: High levels of stress and a sedentary lifestyle can significantly impact bowel regularity. That’s what makes our Nutritional Therapy work so LIFE-CHANGING. Because it addresses the multifaceted nature of every aspect of your health, instead of relying on quick band-aid solutions that often pave the way for additional issues down the line.

When it comes to constipation for example, Nutritional Therapy practitioners do not immediately prescribe more fiber. Instead, they focus on:

Individual Assessment: Understanding the person’s dietary habits, lifestyle, stress levels, and overall health to identify potential causes of constipation.

Tailored Dietary Recommendations: While some may benefit from adjusting fiber intake, others may need to modify other aspects of their diet, such as increasing healthy fats, which can help lubricate the intestines and ease stool passage.

Supportive Supplements: In certain cases, supplements like magnesium, which can act as a natural laxative by relaxing the bowel muscles, may be recommended.

Gut Health Optimization: This can include strategies to improve gut flora, such as probiotics, and fermented foods, which can sometimes be more effective than fiber supplements in managing constipation.

Lifestyle Interventions: Ensuring adequate sleep and incorporating regular exercise are both integral parts of a comprehensive approach to resolving constipation.

Now, here’s what else we want to add. While the Parkinson’s research is revolutionary, it’s just the tip of the iceberg.

So many other conditions—autism, allergies, ADD, anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, dementia, Lyme disease, psoriasis—share a common root in gut health. And while we may eagerly await more research, we

{ AT HOME WITH WELLNESS }

“It means that you have the power to influence your health trajectory NOW. Don’t wait for a diagnosis to take charge of your gut health.”

Hundreds of our clients have rewritten their health story by prioritizing gut health.

Clients who have suffered for years finding relief. Chronic conditions improving. They’re finally moving away from their symptoms and diseases and towards vibrant health.

Our approach consists in getting to the root of the problem and nurturing the body back to health.

From Symptoms to Solutions

So what does all this mean for you? It means that you have the power to influence your health trajectory NOW. Don’t wait for a diagnosis to take charge of your gut health.

Whether you’re facing serious health challenges or just looking to optimize your wellbeing, our Nutritional Therapy services are designed to support your body’s healing process. In fact, GUT HEALTH and DIGESTION is the primary foundation of our results driven Nutritional Therapy service.

Your ‘At Home With Wellness’ team - we don’t just wait for symptoms to become disease. We act, we seek understanding, we apply, and we heal. By harnessing the power of Nutritional Therapy, we aim to get ahead of the research and offer solutions that can transform lives now. We have a track record for being ahead of the research, so make sure to keep in touch with us as we continue to stay ahead all for YOUR benefit!

And when you’re ready to dive even deeper, our BioEnergetic Autonomic Response Testing propels your understanding of health to the highest level.

Through this innovative testing, we uncover the hidden dysfunctions and blockages that hinder your body’s innate self-healing capabilities.

Nutritional Therapy lays the groundwork, while BioEnergetic Wellness goes a step further to repair and restore your biological processes, ensuring that every aspect of your wellbeing is harmonized. Visit our website for more information and to book a free 20-minute consultation: https://athomewithwellness. com/services/nutritional-therapy/

YOU ARE ENOUGH.

HOW BEING BORING BECAME MY SUPERPOWER

BY NICOLE HEROUX WILLIAMS I PHOTOS BY NSP STUDIO

I entered 2025 convinced I had finally cracked the code to happiness. The scale finally made a real move. I was deadlifting a hundred pounds, and I committed to mental wellness. I built a vision board in my mind, set clear goals, and powered into the new year with discipline, structure, and a sense that at 62 I was finally becoming the strongest version of myself.

If I’m being honest, my biggest goal was simple: to tuck my shirt into my jeans and feel confident as I walked out the door.

Like so many women, I’ve spent years making New Year’s resolutions, only to abandon them somewhere between February fatigue and real-life chaos. But 2025 was different. This was the year I didn’t quit. I dug in, quietly, consistently.

I ditched my Apple Watch - no more counting steps and beating myself up for not hitting 10,000 steps a day. Eating my weight in protein is a lot of food, and I’m done watching influencers sitting in their cars lecturing me about self-optimization.

I decided I wasn’t going to live like a hostage anymore.

Instead, I ate when I was hungry. Meals were planned out, and bedtime was usually the same time, even on weekends. My workouts lived on my calendar like any other appointment. Every decision became a small step toward the person I wanted to become.

No single date or month on the calendar

BY ROBIN DEWIND

is transformative. It’s consistency that adds up. It’s harder than counting calories or going to the gym. It’s showing up day after day, week after week, without applause or dramatic before-and-after photos.

Honestly, it felt lonely.

But as it turns out, being boring was my superpower.

The weeks turned into months, and the months slowly turned into something else entirely: breakthroughs.

It became less about the weight, or inches, or the number on a scale.

I grew my business, traveled more for work, formed new partnerships and new friendships, said ‘yes’ when it mattered, and ‘no’ when it protected my peace.

Little by little, I wasn’t just reshaping my body, I was reshaping my life.

I started therapy soon after my mom passed. I thought it would help me process grief. I had spent five years as her caregiver, and counseling helped me see how deeply I had disappeared inside that role. Her needs came first. I forgot who I was.

The discipline of my new routine woke me up.

I began focusing on myself for a change - remembering the woman who loved concerts and live music, who bellylaughed at comedy shows, who went downtown for dinner and theater, who

tried new foods just because it sounded fun. Simple joys I had quietly set aside.

I’m noticing more women my age experiencing similar shifts - loss, empty nests, the end of long relationships, the letting go of something familiar. Maybe it’s because, at this stage of life, we understand time differently.

There’s less of it ahead of us.

We want alignment. Partnership that feels like companionship. Space to be who we truly are. And when we can’t have what we want, many of us are choosing something else entirely - our own lives. Not our mothers’ lives. Not the roles we were handed out of duty or expectation. We don’t have to live inside those anymore.

I’ve already carried the load. I’ve raised the child, built the career, and been the caregiver. I’m proud of that lifegrateful for it - but I’m also ready for something different.

This next chapter? I want it to feel lighter. Intentional. Joyful. Rooted in peace.

I’ve booked a trip to Croatia this summer. I’m planning a girls’ getaway with an old college friend I haven’t seen in years. My neighbor and I want to try snowshoeing. I’m eyeing a dance class, maybe a pickleball league, and yes - finally starting that book. About what? I’ll figure it out along the way.

So here I am in 2026 - hopeful, a little afraid, and deeply motivated to see what the sequel brings.

{ INSIDE A WOMAN’S MIND } NEW YEAR, NEW CHAPTER

YOU ARE ENOUGH.

BY NICOLE HEROUX WILLIAMS I PHOTOS BY NSP STUDIO

BY TRINA ALESSI

Part III: Writing Fairy Tales

Every time a year comes to a close, I find myself standing at a crossroads — sometimes by choice, other times because life simply decided to shake things up for me. It’s funny how the universe seems to have a mind of its own, gently (and sometimes not so gently) nudging us in the direction we’re meant to go. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that these unexpected shifts aren’t meant to throw us off course — they are the course. They’re life’s way of redirecting us toward who we’re truly meant to become.

Who else can relate to that feeling of being guided by something bigger than yourself?

When I entered 2022, I was coming out of a storm. I had just broken free from a toxic relationship that had drained me emotionally and mentally. For the first time in a long time, I felt both terrified and liberated. I had signed with a local modeling agency and was stepping into a world that was completely new to me. Dating again after years in a monogamous relationship felt foreign — like learning to walk all over again. But that year became one of healing, rediscovery, and empowerment.

For the first time, I learned who I was on my own. I began to understand my worth and recognize the energy I wanted — and no longer wanted — in my life. I started asking myself hard questions: “Do their actions match their words? Do they show up

for me the way I show up for them?” Slowly, I began placing people where they belonged. Some closer, others farther away.

I stopped expecting loyalty from people who weren’t cheering for me and instead surrounded myself with women who genuinely supported one another. My circle became smaller, but stronger — filled with women who celebrated each other’s wins, who spoke truth without judgment, who believed in collaboration over competition. It felt like stepping into a new era of womanhood. Women empowering women. The days of being pitted against one another were over. I was done dimming my light to make someone else more comfortable. Then came 2023 — a year of bold decisions and even bolder lessons. I decided to move away, thinking a change of scenery would bring clarity. Instead, it brought realization. I found myself far from everything and everyone I knew, and it didn’t take long to understand that I had made a mistake. The loneliness was loud. The lessons were hard. But every challenge pushed me to rebuild my foundation — stronger this time.

By 2024, I had made my way back home, shedding old friendships that no longer aligned with the person I was becoming. I started fresh in my career with a new company, committed to choosing happiness and integrity over comfort and familiarity. That same year, life surprised me again — this time with love.

I met a man who showed me what genuine care looked like. I’ll never forget the day I was sick — head pounding, body aching, feeling miserable. Without being asked, he dropped everything to bring me soup, Gatorade, and medicine. He tucked me in, stayed by my side, and made sure I was okay.

It wasn’t grand gestures that won me over, but the simple, selfless ones. That was the moment I realized what I had found — and what I truly deserved. So I entered 2025 with a renewed heart, a loving relationship, and my very own bi-monthly column right here in Rochester Woman Online. Full circle, right? And now, as we ring in 2026, I find myself watching fireworks over the Finger Lakes with my boyfriend by my side, reflecting on how every twist and turn led me exactly here. Add in a well-earned promotion and a sense of gratitude for all I’ve built, and this year already feels like a beautiful beginning.

But here’s the truth I’ve come to understand: each year doesn’t need to start with a “New Year’s Resolution.” We don’t need to fix ourselves. We aren’t broken. Instead of trying to reinvent who we are every January, maybe we should simply open ourselves up to what the universe has planned.

What if the obstacles aren’t there to break us but to shape us? What if the detours are actually divine direction? Think about it — are you the same person you were two years ago? Five? Ten? Of course not. Life changes us, often in ways we don’t even notice

{ SHIFT+CONTROL } { A WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE } { INSIDE A WOMAN’S MIND }

““Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change.” That’s what life is — a constant evolution of perspective.”

until we look back. Every challenge, every heartbreak, every moment of joy has built the person reading these words today.

There’s a quote I love that says, “Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change.” That’s what life is — a constant evolution of perspective. We are not meant to stay the same. Growth doesn’t always look graceful; sometimes it’s messy, painful, and confusing. But even in the chaos, there’s beauty.

So as we step into 2026, I want to challenge you to stop striving for perfection and start embracing progression. Let go of the need to control every outcome. Trust that even when things fall apart, they might just be falling into place.

Live fully in your unfolding story. Engage deeply with your life — the beautiful parts, the heartbreaking ones, and everything in between. Make space for laughter, for love, for lessons. And above all, trust the process.

The messy beginnings often lead to the most beautiful endings.

So here’s to you, to me, and to all of us writing new chapters in 2026 — filled with passion, purpose, and unshakable self-love.

Let’s make this year one worth remembering.

YOU ARE ENOUGH.

THE MEDICAL SPA BUILT ON INTENTION

BY NICOLE HEROUX WILLIAMS I PHOTOS BY NSP STUDIO

Inside Victoria Fountaine’s approach to health, wellness, and aesthetics

Some practices offer treatments. EvenFlow Aesthetics offers a plan designed with intention.

For Victoria Fountaine, FNP-C, co-founder and clinical director of EvenFlow Aesthetics, health and beauty have always been personal. She doesn’t believe in superficial quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, she believes in addressing underlying causes to achieve results that look natural, feel healthy, and endure over time. Blending clinical expertise with a natural sense of artistry, her approach is focused on enhancing what already exists, never changing who someone is.

Victoria’s training spans the globe. Through advanced training programs and educational conferences across the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, she has expanded her knowledge and refined her skills alongside leading experts and pioneers in aesthetic medicine. Through these experiences, she has built a trusted network of mentors and advisors that includes some of the field’s most respected clinicians and innovators, including Rochester’s own world-renowned cosmetic dermatologist, Dr. Sherif Ibrahim.

Her goal is simple: to bring the highest standards of care to Rochester, helping each patient become the best version of themselves.

A Full-Modality Medical Spa— Built Around You

EvenFlow Aesthetics isn’t just a med spa. It’s an experience—one built around thoughtful, customized, and layered care, where treatment plans are designed to address concerns in context rather than in isolation.

Many patients arrive frustrated by cookie-cutter approaches elsewhere. At EvenFlow, every journey begins with a discovery appointment grounded in listening. The team seeks to understand not only aesthetic concerns, but what matters most to each patient and what motivates their goals.

Victoria and her team draw from a full spectrum of non-surgical therapies to tailor treatment plans with intention, recognizing that every face, body, and anatomical makeup is unique and deserves a comprehensive, individualized approach. From injectables that support the body’s natural healing processes to evidencebased exosome and growth factor therapies, innovative medical devices, and cutting-edge diagnostic technologies, EvenFlow Aesthetics has set a high standard

for comprehensive, non-surgical aesthetic care.

Elevate: Wellness From the Inside Out

Building on the same philosophy that guides its aesthetic care, EvenFlow Aesthetics is extending its approach with Elevate by EvenFlow Aesthetics – a branch dedicated to health, wellness and longevity. Elevate combines systemic treatments such as medical weight loss, peptide therapy, vitamin injections, and physician guided supplement protocols with precision targeted aesthetic therapies to maximize your health and wellness goals while minimizing unwanted medical and cosmetic side effects. Elevate will also appear as a recurring column in this magazine, sharing insights into how thoughtful integration of these services can help you.

Take the First Step

If you’re ready for care that is personal, intentional, and designed to support who you are, your journey begins here.

Call us 585-313-2958 to schedule a discovery appointment with Victoria Fountaine, FNP-C, or scan the QR code to book your consultation.

Where YOUR results matter evenflowaesthetics.com

“DATING BETTER” { ROCKSTAR SINGLE MOM LIFE }

YOU ARE ENOUGH.

BY NICOLE HEROUX WILLIAMS I PHOTOS BY NSP STUDIO

Dating as a single mom can feel strange, awkward, exhilarating, fun, weird, and a little complicated.

Dating is different now. There are children involved, custody and visitation schedules to juggle, and you are older and hopefully much wiser than when you last dated.

Your reasons for dating might be different now as well. You’re probably not looking for “the future father of your children”; you have one of those already. You’re likely not scoping out the hottest guy in the crowd. That was the 20-year-old you, not this version of you. It doesn’t matter if he’s lost some hair, put on a few pounds, or wears orthotics. So have you. And you might not be prioritizing his wealth as much, because you’ve created your own.

You might instead be seeking someone you can laugh and have fun with. Or someone who makes you feel like a woman again. Perhaps you’d like to find an adventure seeker who will explore the world with you. Maybe you want a man you can feel comfortable around and who wants a simple life. Maybe you just want companionship. You might be determined to find the one who checks all the boxes on that list you gave up on many years ago, believing back then he didn’t exist, so you settled for the first one who proposed, but now you know better.

Before embarking on dating, check in with yourself. Ask yourself, “Why do I want to date?” It might sound trivial, but it’s an important step most people skip. Allow yourself to be very honest about

BY CHRISTINE CONTE

the answer to this question, because the more honest you are with yourself, the more likely you will make good choices in your dating journey.

If the reason you’re dating is to just have fun (interpret as you see fit) with no intention of introducing the person to your children or staying in it for very long, then you really don’t need to read this article. Practice safe sex, don’t do anything inappropriate in front of your kids, and be careful out there.

If you’re dating to co-create a serious, committed long-term relationship with a good person who will become an integral part of your life (and therefore, your children’s lives), then this article is for you.

You have hopefully taken away enough experience and wisdom from your past relationships to not repeat the things that caused pain, problems, and panic in the past. We commonly refer to these things as ‘mistakes’. I call them lessons. If we don’t learn from these lessons, we are bound to repeat the things that attempted to teach us those lessons again and again until we eventually learn. Ideally, you will enter into dating as a single mom with these lessons well understood. You also hopefully enter with a promise to yourself and to your children not to have to repeat those lessons.

Let’s get clear about the purpose of dating. Simply put, dating is the opportunity to interview candidates to determine whether or not one of them is an excellent fit for the leading man role in your life. Yes, I said interviewing. When it is stated like that, dating takes on a whole different

meaning, doesn’t it? This is precisely what you’re doing: You are interviewing. To find.

The person. That fits you.

And your life.

You are worthy of the best man for the job, and he is required to bring his best self to the role. As such, your focus must shift away from ‘who likes me’ or ‘who asked me out’ or ‘who finds me attractive’, because these are the thoughts of an inexperienced teenage girl. You’re not her anymore. There’s no justification for immature thinking now that you’re a mother. Your focus must shift fully toward: ‘who is right for me’, ‘who is right for my kids’, ‘who is right for my situation’, and ‘who is right for my life’? These represent the thoughts of a responsible, wise woman.

You have children now, and you really cannot afford to make a poor choice in a man. If things go badly, your children’s hearts could get broken too; it’s not just you anymore. You also don’t want your children to grow up thinking mom had a revolving door of partners or that you couldn’t get relationships right. While those may be part of the allure of music rock stars, those are certainly not qualities of a Rockstar Single Mom.

Rockstar Single Moms date with dignity and class. They date to find the right man for the job. They do not settle for the first one who pays attention, and they do not prioritize looks, money, or sex. Dating occurs when the kids aren’t around. The partner isn’t introduced until it’s serious and the time is appropriate. Relationships

{ ROCKSTAR SINGLE MOM LIFE }

“Before

you let yourself dream about who he might be, first you must remember who you are.”

are about connection, support, emotional maturity, and communication. It’s time to level up, Momma.

There are at least three important decisions you must make for yourself before you start dating. These decisions form the structure for what you want from a relationship.

1. Do you want to remarry?

If your answer is, “it depends on the guy,” then you’ve missed the point. Stop fitting yourself to him. It’s the other way around (more on this below). Do you want to remarry now or in the future? Decide for yourself. Is it yes or is it no?

2. Do you want to have more children?

Please don’t say, “It depends on how he is around children.” Once again, you’re missing the point. You’re a mother. You’ve walked the floors at night, dealt with colic, diaper duty, tears, smiles, first steps, first laugh, first “no”, and have known unconditional love. Do you want more kids? Decide for yourself. Yes or no?

3. Decide ahead of time what must be in place before introducing him to your children.

Some examples could be:

a) You’re both in love and committed to a monogamous relationship with each other.

b) He’s passed all of the hardest tests (see below for a short list of “hard questions” to ask).

c) You’ve been together for x number of months.

d) You’ve run a background check on him, and he’s clean.

Decide what your conditions will be, and what has to be in place before introducing him to the children – before you ever meet him. Hold that boundary firmly, regardless of your feelings after meeting him. And even if he introduces you to his children first and early, stay true to your decision.

After you know what you want from a relationship, you can begin to consider the most important piece of the puzzle: the man. Remember, you are seeking the right person to fit the role. Getting crystal clear on who “the right one” for you is entails a long list of who he is on the inside. You will start asking yourself:

o How does he think?

o What are his beliefs?

o How does he treat you, the kids, and his elders?

o Does he make you feel safe?

o Is he emotionally mature? Does he get angry easily? Is he the jealous type?

o Can he take a joke? Can he laugh at himself?

o What’s his attitude toward money?

You might at some point tell yourself, “He doesn’t exist,” because you haven’t found him yet. Yet is the most important word in that sentence. Yet brings hope. Yet is full of possibilities. Recall the Law of Attraction: Whatever you believe, will be. Good men exist, and they’re not all already taken. You’re probably just overlooking them. Stop getting distracted by all of the wrong guys if you’re serious about finding the right man.

Before you let yourself dream about who he might be, first you must remember who you are. You will fit best with someone who aligns with you – your

morals, values, and beliefs; not just for you, but for the sake of your children as well.

Create a list of your morals, values, and beliefs. A qualified Life Coach can help you. That list becomes the list of qualities your ideal partner will possess as well. The list might be very long. Long is good. Long says you did your homework. Long says you mean it this time. Long says you won’t settle. Long means you’ve increased your chances of hitting your target. A bullseye. The right one will check all of the boxes, you won’t waste your time trying to change him, and he will show up consistently for you.

Once you’ve made these decisions and you’ve begun interviewing (eh-hem), I mean dating, follow the three rules of dating that I didn’t know when I made all the dating mistakes.

1. Do not chase him. He didn’t call? Next! He doesn’t seem interested? Next! He was impolite, vulgar, inappropriate, or rude? Next! Remember, you are interviewing and hiring for a critical role in your life, home, family, etc.

2. Do not change yourself to suit a man. He has to match your standards or move on to the next. No more compromising. No more settling.

3. You choose him, not the other way around. Women have had this twisted for decades. Let’s correct ourselves. The woman chooses the man. You must choose wisely and try not to get distracted by all the nonsense out there. When dating with children in the picture,

{ ROCKSTAR SINGLE MOM LIFE }

{ HER HUSTLE }

“Dating as a single parent can be hard, but it can also be thrilling. Dating someone new can give you those falling-in-love feelings we all crave.”

it’s in everyone’s best interest to enter into a relationship the way you did (or should have) when you met your children’s father; that is, with your children’s best interests in mind. Once he’s been introduced to your children, there are many new criteria to consider. It’s time to ask yourself the hard questions you may have never asked a partner before. We’ve all been in this same dating boat before, with the same thin paddle on the same rough waters. But this time kids are in the boat with us. It’s serious now. You can’t afford to ignore red flags, nor can you afford to avoid asking the hard questions that might reveal red flags. Let me put it differently; your children can’t afford for you to ignore red flags, nor can they afford for you to avoid asking the hard questions that could reveal red flags.

Below are five hard questions to ask yourself.

1. Is this the type of man I’d want my daughter dating someday?

2. Would I want my son to grow up to be this type of man?

3. What does he bring out in me that is good for my children and me?

4. How does he react when things don’t go as expected?

5. What traits does he possess that are a repeat of things I know didn’t work before?

Dating as a single parent can be hard, but it can also be thrilling. Dating someone new can give you those falling-in-love feelings we all crave. The important thing to remember is that you are not in this alone this time around. Your children are watching more closely than

you might think. Be strong in your convictions of what is best for yourself and for your children. Be safe. Have fun. And above all, set a good example, Momma!

Christine Conte is an ICF-PCC Credentialed Certified Life & Leadership Coach, a Certified Confidence Coach, and a Certified Parenting Coach. Christine is a published author, speaker, and she conducts workshops on a variety of topics, including empowerment, communication, life purpose, & vision boards. As a Rockstar Single Mom for 18 years, Christine raised two incredible daughters on her own and on her own terms despite many impediments. She’s helped women become empowered in the face of difficult life challenges, particularly divorce and single parenting, as a professional coach for over eight years. You can contact Christine at: www.ChristineConteCoaching.com and www. DivorceCoachingSystem.com. You can also join the Rockstar Single Mom Facebook community at www.facebook.com/groups/rockstarsinglemom.

A NEW YEAR WITHOUT PRESSURE

The holidays are over, and suddenly the world is shouting about fresh starts, new goals, better habits, and becoming a “new you.” Gym ads multiply. Vision boards appear. Resolutions are made with a mix of hope and quiet dread.

If you feel resistant to all of that, I want you to know something right away. Nothing is wrong with you. Here in Central New York, we are still wintering. The ground is frozen. The trees are bare. The light arrives slowly and leaves early. Nature is not rushing into anything new right now, and neither are our bodies. Yet culturally, January asks us to sprint forward while everything around us is still asking for rest.

For many people, the weeks after the holidays feel tender rather than energizing. You might be coming down from emotional intensity, family gatherings, grief anniversaries, financial stress, or the simple exhaustion of holding it together for too long. Your nervous system may still be in recovery mode. That does not mean you are behind. It means you are responding wisely.

Welcome to Breathing Space, a monthly column devoted to slowing down, coming home to the body, and making room for what is actually true. I’m Meg Tobin, LMHC, a somatic psychotherapist, retreat leader, and death doula. Here, we focus less on fixing ourselves and more on listening to what our nervous systems are asking for.

And right now, many nervous systems

BY MEG TOBIN

are asking for gentleness.

You Do Not Need a New You

The New Year often comes with an unspoken message that you should reinvent yourself immediately. But the body does not work on calendar deadlines. Healing, rest, and regulation move at the speed of safety, not January first.

If we look to the seasons, true beginnings arrive in spring. Spring is when energy rises, seeds push upward, and momentum builds naturally. Winter is for integration, restoration, and conserving resources. Forcing growth now is like demanding blossoms from frozen soil.

Instead of asking, “What should I change?” try asking, “What does my body need to feel steady today?” That question alone can ease pressure.

Regulation Exercise: Gentle Bilateral Grounding

This practice supports nervous system regulation by engaging both sides of the body and creating a sense of internal steadiness.

Sit comfortably with both feet on the floor. Place your hands on your thighs. Slowly begin tapping one thigh at a time, left hand then right hand, in a slow and even rhythm.

As you tap, notice the sensation of contact. Notice the weight of your body being supported by the chair. Let your eyes soften or close if that feels safe.

Continue for one to two minutes. When you finish, pause and notice what has shifted. You may feel more present, more settled, or simply a little quieter inside.

This practice is especially supportive during winter, when energy is low, and the nervous system benefits from gentle movement without pressure.

Let This Be a Season of Listening

What if January was not about pushing forward, but about listening inward? Listening to fatigue. Listening to desire. Listening to grief. Listening to moments of quiet relief.

Listening does not mean doing nothing forever. It means allowing action to arise from regulation rather than panic. When the nervous system feels safe, clarity comes more easily. You may find that your goals shift when you slow down. You may find that what you truly want becomes simpler and more honest.

A Winter Ritual: What I Am Composting Before Spring

Winter is a natural time for composting. In the earth, composting is not destruction. It is transformation. Set aside a few quiet minutes. You may want a candle or a warm drink, but nothing is required.

Ask yourself gently, “What am I ready to stop carrying into the next season?”

Let the answer be simple. It might be a belief, a role, a habit, or an expectation.

{ SHIFT+CONTROL }

{ BREATHING SPACE }

“Growth does not require urgency. Healing does not require pressure. Becoming yourself is not a race.”

Name it quietly or write it down. Place a hand over your heart and say, “Thank you for what you offered me. You can rest now.”

You do not need to decide what comes next. Spring will know what to do with what you release.

A Softer Beginning

You are allowed to start this year quietly. You are allowed to move slowly. You are allowed to winter.

Growth does not require urgency. Healing does not require pressure. Becoming yourself is not a race.

If you are longing for space to rest, regulate, and reconnect more deeply, you are warmly invited to join me.

There is one spot remaining in our women’s ketamine retreat in Puerto Rico, leaving on January 19, a chance to step into warmth, nature, and supported nervous system care at the

heart of winter. And if spring feels like a better match, our Ireland retreat in April offers a slower unfolding, rooted in land, ritual, and renewal. Reach out! meg@therapycny.com However this season meets you, may you choose what feels supportive rather than what feels expected.

From my heart to yours, Meg

YOU ARE ENOUGH.

NEW YEAR, NEW ADVENTURES

BY NICOLE HEROUX WILLIAMS I PHOTOS BY NSP STUDIO

BY SHAUNA DIXON

How to Travel Smarter in 2026

January has a funny way of making us reflect. We clean out closets, set intentions, and think about how we want the year ahead to feel. For many people, travel is part of that vision. Not just where to go, but how they want to experience it.

After the busy holiday season, January is one of the best times to pause, dream, and start planning travel in a more thoughtful way. It is not about rushing to book the first deal you see. It is about traveling smarter.

Why January Is the Best Time to Start Planning

One of the biggest misconceptions about travel planning is that you should only start thinking about a trip when you are ready to book immediately. In reality, January is ideal because it gives you time, options, and flexibility.

actually fits your travel style.

Travel in 2026 Is About Experiences, Not Just Destinations

One trend that continues to grow is experiential travel. Travelers are looking for trips that feel meaningful, immersive, and memorable, rather than simply checking a place off a list.

For some, that might mean a Caribbean getaway that balances relaxation with

travel through multiple countries, and enjoy guided experiences without the stress of constant logistics.

There is also growing interest in travel that brings people together. Multigenerational trips, girlfriend getaways, and milestone celebrations are becoming more common as people prioritize shared experiences over physical gifts.

Planning

Ahead Makes a Real Difference

Airlines, cruise lines, and resorts begin releasing more inventory for the year ahead. Popular sailings and resorts are available, and you are not stuck choosing from whatever happens to be left. This is especially important for trips that tend to sell out early, such as European travel, river cruises, group trips, and holiday vacations.

Planning early also means less stress. Instead of scrambling later and making compromises, you can take your time, compare options, and build a trip that

great food, beautiful beaches, and elevated service. Adults-only resorts in destinations like Jamaica, St. Lucia, or the Dominican Republic are popular for travelers who want warmth and luxury without the chaos.

For others, it looks like Europe done differently. Instead of bouncing between cities with packed itineraries, travelers are opting for slower, more intentional experiences. River cruises are a great example of this. Companies like AmaWaterways offer sailings that focus on wine, culinary experiences, history, and seasonal themes. You unpack once,

Some trips truly benefit from early planning. European summer travel, especially Italy, France, and Spain, often requires advance reservations for hotels, tours, and transportation. River cruises regularly sell out a year or more in advance, particularly for popular itineraries and themed sailings.

Even Caribbean travel can benefit from early planning, especially for peak times like spring break, holiday weeks, or shoulder-season travel when pricing and availability can vary widely.

Starting the conversation in January does not mean locking everything in immediately. It simply means you are informed, prepared, and ahead of the curve.

How a Travel Advisor Fits Into the Process

As a Dream Vacations travel advisor, I love helping travelers find experiences that match their season of life. Some clients want ease and simplicity. Others want

{ TRAVELING WITH SHAUNA }

“You

do not need to have every detail figured out this month. What matters is starting with a vision.”

depth, culture, and unique experiences. Many want a mix of both.

Working with a travel advisor is not about handing over control. It is about having a knowledgeable partner who understands the options, watches the details, and helps you avoid common pitfalls. From selecting the right destination to navigating deadlines, deposits, and fine print, my role is to make travel feel exciting instead of overwhelming.

When travel is planned well, it feels effortless. When it is not, it can quickly become stressful. January is the perfect time to set yourself up for the first experience.

Dream Now, Travel Smarter Later

You do not need to have every detail

figured out this month. What matters is starting with a vision. Do you want rest or adventure? Connection or exploration? Familiar comforts or something completely new?

Whether your 2026 plans include sipping wine along a European river, escaping to the Caribbean, celebrating a milestone with loved ones, or simply taking a break from everyday life, planning early gives you the best chance to travel the way you truly want.

If you enjoy travel inspiration, tips, and honest advice, I also invite you to join my Facebook community, Travel by Shauna (@travelbyshauna), where I share ideas, trends, and behind-the-scenes insights to help make travel easier and more enjoyable.

And when you are ready to start planning, I am here to help turn those ideas into a seamless, well-designed trip. Travel should feel exciting, not stressful, and it all starts with a smart plan.

About the Author

Shauna Dixon is a Rochester-based travel advisor who helps women and families turn dream vacations into stress-free realities. She believes every woman deserves a trip that feeds her soul. Whether it’s a weekend in the Finger Lakes, a tropical getaway, or a bucket-list journey abroad. She can be reached at MoonAndBackEscapes. com, sdixon@dreamvacations.com, or 585-542-8821 (text or call).

INTERVIEW WITH MOLLY BOEDER HARRIS

I was recently interviewed by Molly Boeder Harris, founder of The Breathe Network which supports sexual trauma survivors with trauma-informed, slidingscale, health and healing resources and offers education and training for healthcare workers, healing professionals, and advocacy organizations on best practices in trauma-informed care. Here’s an excerpt from the interview, and you can view the whole thing on instagram @penfieldyogatherapy

Molly: Let’s jump right in. There’s so much research and conversation happening about yoga for trauma healing, and yoga therapy seems to be something deeper or different than a typical 200hour teacher training. What does it mean to study to become a yoga therapist?

Kaitlyn: Great question. So yes, a 200-hour training makes you a yoga teacher—the kind you might see at a gym or studio. Fun fact: some pilot licenses require fewer than 200 hours, which always makes me laugh! But to become a yoga therapist, it’s an 800hour training and credentialing process through the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT). Anyone interested can visit iayt.org to find therapists, schools, or research.

Molly: Can you share a bit more about that training? I’m curious whether yoga therapy is inherently trauma-informed or if that’s an additional area of study.

Kaitlyn: I studied with Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy, which is inherently traumainformed. Yoga is about awareness, and people walking through our doors— whether in person or on Zoom—

BY KAITLYN VITTOZZI

have experienced trauma. The yoga therapy community is embracing that reality. Schools are teaching traumainformed approaches, but I don’t want to overpromise that every yoga therapist practices that way.

Our training focused on themes like befriending the body, awareness, acceptance, and choice. The body isn’t something to fix—it’s something to listen to. We help people tune into their own inner wisdom and make choices about how they want to live. Everyone, whether or not they’ve experienced trauma, deserves to befriend their body and rest in present-moment awareness.

Molly: I love that. So many of those principles—choice, agency, autonomy— could be infused into all yoga spaces, not just trauma-specific ones. It’s surprising that it’s still not standard. Even small shifts, like offering options in savasana, can be transformative.

Kaitlyn: Absolutely. And I always remind yoga teachers: you only know what you know until you know something more. Sometimes it’s just about gentler, more inclusive language. I don’t want teachers to feel overwhelmed—self-study and reflection are part of yoga ethics. If we stay humble and transparent, we can repair when harm happens.

Molly: Exactly. When students feel safe enough to share feedback, that’s a sign of trust. The real learning often happens through mistakes and repair.

Kaitlyn: Yes! I used to get defensive early in my teaching. Now, if someone says something was hard for them, I

can soften into it and use it as a bridge for healing.

Molly: I love that. Let’s talk flexibility. Sometimes people want trauma-informed scripts, but the truth is you often have to pivot in real time. How do you stay flexible when plans change?

Kaitlyn: That happens constantly. I might plan an active, heat-building class, then realize half the group is pregnant—so we shift. Having a theme helps anchor me. For example, if the theme is honesty, then being honest might mean scrapping the plan.

I think yoga is about presence, not perfection. You can teach the same “boring” class ten weeks in a row—if it’s led with intention, it will still serve your students. The nervous system actually craves repetition and predictability.

Molly: That’s so true. Predictability allows people to relax into their bodies instead of focusing on what’s next.

Kaitlyn: Exactly. The goal is safety, not novelty.

Molly: You’re also very collaborative— working with other healing professionals. How does that interdisciplinary approach show up in your work?

Kaitlyn: I love that question. Healing takes more than one hour of therapy a week. I collaborate with therapists, acupuncturists, chiropractors, and others. I’ve learned that healing often happens when modalities overlap.

{ LIFE IN BALANCE }

“The body isn’t something to fix—it’s something to listen to. We help people tune into their own inner wisdom and make choices about how they want to live.”

For example, I once tried to “fix” shoulder arthritis through yoga alone. It wasn’t until I added meditation, chiropractic, and massage that I truly started healing. Collaboration opens doors personally and professionally.

Molly: Yes! And it’s humbling to say, “I don’t know, but I know someone who does.”

Kaitlyn: Exactly. It’s about curiosity and community.

Molly:You also specialize in eating disorders and perinatal mood disorders. Could you share about the intersection of sexual trauma and eating disorders— and how yoga supports that healing?

Kaitlyn: Both experiences can cause disconnection from the body. People might numb themselves or alter their bodies to feel safer. Yoga helps gently reintroduce awareness—starting small, like “what does it feel like to move my hand?”

I started teaching body-neutral classes, and that led to deeper work in eating disorder recovery. We often begin with neutrality rather than positivity. You don’t have to love your body right away. Just noticing, “This is my arm, it moves,” is enough. From there, color and aliveness return to the body.

Molly: That distinction is so helpful— neutrality before positivity.

Kaitlyn: Exactly. It’s realistic and compassionate.

Molly: And how did you begin working

with the perinatal community?

Kaitlyn: It started during the pandemic. New parents were isolated—no playgroups, no support. I was hesitant at first, but training showed me it’s really about making space for parents to reconnect with themselves. I work with them individually and as couples. Even joyful parenting can create disconnection between partners. Yoga helps them find presence again.

Molly: That’s beautiful. You remind me of one of my teachers, Kathy Kain, who talks about expanding her scope as clients brought new needs. I see that same openness in your approach.

Kaitlyn: Thank you. I think that openness is essential. We have so many resources at our fingertips now—it’s easier than ever to keep learning.

Molly: Yes! And before we wrap up, I want to ask about something personal. You once posted that when you’re stressed, you turn to movement, breath, and your dog. Can you share what that means for you?

Kaitlyn: (Laughs) Yes! My dog, Tortellino—like the pasta—helps me ground. Susan Piver, a Buddhist teacher, writes that when we’re sad or anxious, we’re usually longing for something else. Her advice? “If you have a cat or dog, go pet them.” That presence—hand on fur, feeling life—it’s instant grounding. It says, “I’m here. I’m safe. I’m not alone.” Nature does that too.

Molly: That’s so lovely. Mondays might have a better reputation if we all made

space for play and presence like that!

Kaitlyn: Absolutely!

Molly: As we close, our theme is Shades and Shapes of Healing—the idea that healing is nonlinear and personal. How are you holding your own healing these days?

Kaitlyn: For me, healing is about pausing and noticing. Asking, “What am I feeling right now?” and “Where do I feel it in my body?” Letting it be there—without trying to fix or explain it. Sometimes that’s all.

Molly: That’s beautiful. Allowing emotions to move through without needing a story can be so freeing.

Kaitlyn: Exactly. It’s about letting feelings be untamed—letting them exist without suppression.

Molly: Thank you, Kaitlyn. Your work is so compassionate and wise. I’m grateful to share your voice and your perspective with our community.

Kaitlyn: Thank you, Molly. I’ve never had a tech issue met with so much grace and kindness—it truly shows that The Breathe Network embodies its values.

Molly: That means so much. Thank you again, and wishing you a beautiful weekend.

SHAKE OFF THE DUST (AND THE SNOW):

BY LORI BRUTON

A Fresh Start for a New Year

In Western New York, January is the month of the “Great Dig Out.” We’ve all had those mornings where we look out the window and see a wall of white, heavy, cold, and seemingly immovable snow. It’s a season where it’s tempting to simply hibernate, to pull the blankets up and wait for April. But as we step into this new year, I’ve been thinking about a different kind of “stuck.” It’s the kind that doesn’t melt. It’s the weight of a hometown story.

The Weight of the “Old Story”

For many of us, our neighbors and friends have a “file” on us. They remember the person we were during our lowest points or our seasons of deep brokenness. They remember our mistakes and the versions of us that were quiet, unloved, or unsure. Sometimes, their memories act like a heavy lake-effect snowstorm, burying the vibrant, transformed woman we are today under the weight of who we used to be.

the woman who has fought her way back to the light.

Shoveling the Path to Reinvention

In my book, The LORI Factor, I talk about the “R” that represents Reinventing yourself. Reinvention

have to take a cue from the greatest Leader of all time. Jesus famously noted that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown. He didn’t stay and argue. He didn’t try to convince them he was “worth more.” He simply shook the dust off His feet and moved forward to where His assignment was waiting.

Falling Down vs. Looking Up

There are days when the snow is too deep, and we fall back. We feel the urge to give up and let the winter win. My mentor, Les Brown, always says: “When life knocks you down, try to land on your back. Because if you can look up, you can get up.”

I’ve felt that weight. I’ve felt the sting of local judgment and the heavy silence that often follows a public season of brokenness. It is a unique challenge to find your authority in the same zip code where people still hold onto a ‘file’ of your hardest days. Sometimes, it feels like the community wants to keep you frozen in the version of you that was struggling, rather than embracing

isn’t about moving to a new city; it’s about a radical change in your internal landscape. But as any New Yorker knows, once you shovel your driveway, the city plow might come by and push a fresh pile of slush and ice right back where you just worked. Hometown judgment is exactly like that plow.

BY KAITLYN VITTOZZI

Even when the “plow” of life dumps a new burden at the end of your driveway just when you thought you were clear, you have a choice. You can stay behind the snowbank, or you can look up, see the sky, and remember that you were born for more than hibernation.

When people try to remind you of your past, they are trying to “snow you in” to a version of yourself that no longer exists. This is where we

I am personally so thankful for the “Captains” in my life, like my neighbor who snow blows my driveway out of pure kindness. We all need those people who help us clear the path. But even when I have help, I still pick up my shovel and do what I can. Why? Because participating in my own rescue is how I reclaim my power.

“But as we step into this new year, I’ve been thinking about a different kind of “stuck.” It’s the kind that doesn’t melt. It’s the weight of a hometown story.”

3 Ways to Shake the Dust Off This Week

To help you kick off this New Year with a “Full Throttle” spirit, here are three ways to shake the dust (and the snow) off your life this week:

1. Audit Your “Inner Circle”: Stop being the “go-to” person for people you can’t go to. If someone only wants to talk about your “ice and slush” past, they don’t deserve a seat in your “Spring” future.

2. Declare Your New Identity: Every morning this week, look in the mirror and say, “I am well-abled, not disabled.” Your words create your world. Don’t let the “hometown file” dictate your current script.

3. Clear the “End of the Driveway” First: Don’t worry about the whole

winter; just deal with the “slush” the plow left today. Take one small win, one phone call, one page written, one healthy choice. Move the snow that is right in front of you.

Choosing the Crown

Recently, I was crowned Miss Worth More Nation. Standing on that stage in a gown donated by a local gem, Sandy Arena of Fancy Frock, I realized something: The crown doesn’t cover the past; it honors the transformation. Sandy saw my mission, not my history. She saw the “Real Lori.”

To the women of Rochester: This is a new year. The dust has been shaken, and the driveway is being cleared. Don’t let the “hibernation” of shame keep you from your Godly assignment.

It’s time to pick up the shovel of Optimism

and the broom of Reinvention. The path is clear, the horizon is bright, and your best days aren’t just ahead, they are happening right now.

You are an asset to this planet. You are well-abled. And it is time to live the life you were born to live. Full throttle, Baby!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lori Bruton is the Founder of The LORI Factor, a speaker, and a national travel journalist. She is the author of The LORI Factor: Live the Life You Were Born to Live, helping women reinvent their stories and reclaim their true identity.

CONNECT WITH LORI: Find her on Facebook and Instagram @loribrutonbiz.

READER CHALLENGE: Message Lori with the word “SHOVEL” to share what you’re shaking off this month!

{ ANIMAL CARE CORNER }

MEET BROOKLYN AND SCARLETT

BY THE ACS TEAM

Brooklyn

*Estimated to be almost 4 years old

*Transferred to ACS from Best Friends Dog Rescue on 11/4/24

*Came in HW positive and was treated upon intake

Bio - Waiting Since November! Brooklyn is available to Foster or Adopt. This sweet soul has been waiting far too long. Since November 2024, Brooklyn has been curled up behind shelter walls, dreaming of a family to love. She adores cuddles, lives for belly rubs, and her goofy antics will keep you smiling even on the toughest days. Brooklyn is great with kids and adults alike, and while she prefers quieter canine companions, she does enjoy a little rough and rowdy playing with a polite canine partner. (Sorry – no kitties, though!) Brooklyn is crate trained, muzzle trained and housetrained – she’s just waiting for a couch to call her own. Despite everything, Brooklyn is still hopeful. Still wagging her tail. Still believing her person is out there. You could be the miracle she’s been waiting for.

Please consider fostering or adopting Brooklyn – even short-term fosters can save lives! Give this Goofy Lovebug a Chance!

A man named Paul came in to look at dogs and met Brooklyn. Brooklyn stole his heart although had some challenges with the ultimate outcome of her adoption; he was persistent, committed, and determined. Paul starts his journey with Brooklyn by taking her out on Doggy Day Out trips where dogs can go offsite with community members for a field trip, to get them seen, and to get out of the shelter for a bit ultimately reducing their stress levels.

Doggy Day Outs grew Paul’s love for Brooklyn, and eventually he brought his resident dog, Odin to ACS for him to meet Brooklyn. During Brooklyn’s assessment upon intake, it was determined she could

live with other dogs although would be best matched with a dog that was submissive, best matched with a calm dog, and that she was a boss dog. This posed a potential problem for Paul and his dog Odin as odin was the exact opposite of that. But, with the patience and determination Paul offered, he spent a lot of time with Brooklyn to get to know her. He worked with her, Odin, and a local trainer to fully assess the dynamic,

and with time, Brooklyn and Odin worked things out.

The trainer mentioned several times “Brooklyn just wants to fit in, it’s clear she really wants to be in a home”. Paul was Brooklyn’s way out and she seemed to have known that.

Scarlett

*Estimated to almost 8 years old

*Lap Cat

*FeLV+

Bio - Hey everyone, this is Scarlett, basically a

gray puffball! She loves sitting high watching the birds fly by and catching their worms. Birds are her favorite things to watch. She would love to sit at the highest perch of your cat tower and watch the birds up close. Scarlett enjoys chasing her favorite toy and climbing as well. Scarlett is sweet and gentle with beautiful manners! She is a mature lady who adores relaxing and sleep in between her three meals a day, which she will be sure to remind you of! Scarlett is an independent cat but she does enjoy being doted on with pats and may come up for the occasional snuggle on your lap. Scarlett is a gentle soul who needs a kind and understanding home. This little lovebug is always ready to curl up on your lap or by your side for some quality time. You are going to be her feline friend fur-ever! Don’t fur-get to buy more catnip! Because she loves it!!

Scarlette was transferred to ACS from Humane World for Animals in Maryland on 5/27/25. We knew she was FeLV positive and that was actually one of the reasons we took her. There are a lot of shelters that will euthanize cats that are FIV/FeLV positive for many different reasons. We are fortunate to be able and care for FeLV positive cats. FeLV is a virus that may lead to immune deficiency and can hinder the cat’s ability to protect themselves from other infections. It’s spread through urine, feces, grooming, and milk from infected cats over a period of time and although contagious, FeLV cats are able to live with other cats that are not FeLV positive. It’s important to keep the non positive cat up to date on their vaccines and to keep everyone in good health.

Because many people are nervous about FeLV cats status, they tend to sit with us much longer than other cats and much longer than we would like to see them be here. Fortunately, for Scarlette, she wasn’t here even 6 months before her adopter and her met and fell in love. We are so happy for Scarlette and wish her the best in her future!