Meet our featured beauty with brains Vivienne Dahms, a digital nomad based in Canada.

Vivi is a world traveler & digital nomad who has been to over 70 countries. She guides women to experience life on a deeper level through adventure, travel the world & create memories that fill their heart & inspire them to create a life of their dreams. She currently lives in Canada and focuses a lot on local adventure & living your best life within your city or state.

Here is an interview with this lovely lady:

1. You have travelled far and wide. What is your favourite holiday destination and why?

I honestly love them all because they all either turn into amazing & mind-blowing memories or into lessons & wisdom.

My favorites though is Vietnam, because of the culture, the food, the beauty of it, the incredible coffee (if you have never heard of egg coffee you are missing out on something!), the variety of landscapes from wide rice fields, beautiful bays to sand dunes, fairy streams and magical rivers flowing through the mountain landscape. Vietnam is a perfect combination of everything and no matter what you are looking for you can find it there! Oh and not to forget: tailor-made clothes for an amazing price.

My second favorite country is Jordan. I was very surprised by the country’s beauty and the hospitality of the Jordanians. I initially traveled to Jordan to see Petra, the one world wonder that was missing for me to check off the list of the seven world wonders. Not really expecting much of it I was so surprised by the clear night sky that made for some of the best star-gazing, floating on the dead sea, chasing sunsets & admiring the desert changing its color, and not to forget – Petra – the ancient city carved in stone. Jordan was one of these countries that is not overcrowded with tourists and is therefore a real jewel that is just waiting for you to be discovered.

2. You guide women. Are there any special or memorable experiences of your work that you would like to share with us?

There are many! My favorites are when women finally let go of all the things they believe they should do and start stepping into the life they truly desire. Anything is possible for us and this is what I stand for. One woman completely transformed not only her lifestyle but also her whole relationship. What set my heart on fire was that even her kids noticed that life had changed, that everything became more fun & effortless. That all their dreams had turned into memories and that she had never imagined that life could be this good. These are the transformations that I stand behind. A life we can’t get enough of.

3. If you could change any one thing in this world, what would it be and why?

Other than obviously erasing covid and all its consequences, I would stand for a world where clean water & food is available everywhere. Traveling has opened my eyes to poverty on a whole other level. That there are people living in this world suffering from malnutrition and hunger in a way we will never be able to understand is not only sad but also alarming and how some people in the year 2020 still do not have easy access to clean or fresh water is unbelievable. So I would start with this one thing giving everyone access to food & fresh water.

4. What does women empowerment mean to you?

For me, women empowerment means giving women the courage & the self-esteem to not only stand up for their rights but also to speak up and build the life they truly desire to live and not a life their family, religion, country, or society expects from them. This also means working together & having each other’s back rather than seeing life or business as a race or competition.

Shantana Deka Dutta, who recently joined our fashion platform as a photographer and jewellery designer, talks about her Tree of Life inspired creations:

“Who doesn’t love the Tree of Life?

Multiple cultures have different mythologies involving the Tree of Life. References to the symbol have been found in Ancient Egypt, Ancient Iran, Ancient Mesopotamia and Urartu, and many more places. The symbol was widely recognized and used in ancient cultures so it is difficult to pinpoint its exact origins and how it spread throughout the world.

Tree of Life Symbolism in different cultures:

Christianity – The Tree of Life is mentioned in the Bible in the Book of Genesis. It is the tree that grows within the Garden of Eden and is the source of eternal life. There are several meanings behind the Tree of Life symbol in Christianity. Some believe it to be the symbol of humanity free from corruption and sin, while others believe it to represent love. The tree is believed to have healing properties and its fruit grants immortality.

Hinduism – the Tree of Life, is depicted by the Eternal Banyan tree, a metaphor for hope.

Buddhism – the Tree of Life is known as the Bhodi-tree and is believed to be the Tree of Enlightenment. It was under this tree that Buddha reached enlightenment so it is seen as a very sacred symbol.

Celtic Beliefs – The Tree of Life is still a prominent symbol in the Celtic beliefs and is depicted in multiple forms. They believe the roots represent the ‘other world’, the trunk represents the mortal world and connects the roots and branches, and the branches represent the world above, or the heavens.

Islam – The Tree of Life is known as the Tree of Immortality in the Quran. It appeared in Eden and is the tree from which Adam and Eve ate after Allah had forbidden them from doing so.

The Tree of Life has always fascinated me. I have been wire wrapping on variations of Tree of Life in copper and silver by adding gemstone chips or just a single pearl and it is so satisfying. I started off with pendants and now I make a wide range of Tree of Life bracelets, anklets, rings and Maang Tikka too.

Do check out my creations and support handmade artists at:

https://www.facebook.com/artantanahandmade/
https://www.instagram.com/artantana/“ – Shantana

Meet our featured beauty with brains Simona Paganetto, an entrepreneur based in Darwin, Australia.

“Hi I am Simona, I’m a migrant from Europe, mum of two kids, I founded ‘I’M PLASTIC FREE’ out of a big passion for sustainability. I’ve just launched an online marketplace for sustainable, ethical & plastic free / upcycled products. It’s like a mini eBay but only for products that fit our criteria. Our goal is to help small Aussie businesses especially during this year of global pandemic and to help people reduce their dependence on plastic! I’m very passionate about this project.” – Simona.

Here is an interview with this very talented and passionate lady:

1. Tell us more about yourself – your goals, dreams, aspirations etc

Travelling and nature have always been my passion since I was a child, they were the reason I learnt six languages and I was lucky enough to see some of the most amazing areas of our beautiful planet.

Since volunteering to clean the beaches of the stunning Whitsunday Islands from polluting plastics in 2014, I realised how the plastic issue was under reported at the time and how plastic is pervasive in our society to the point that we are ingesting it without really knowing the consequences.

‘I’M PLASTIC FREE Marketplace’ was born in a bid to help Australians reduce their plastic and waste footprint with trusted sustainable products and information in a one stop online marketplace.

My goal is to make it EASIER for Australians to reduce their plastic footprint and have a sustainable lifestyle. All products are carefully selected, they are all either plastic free or made with upcycled materials, they are all ethical, palm oil free, cruelty free and toxin free.

My dream? I imagine a world with less dependence on plastic, and I’ll continue to fight for it… why? For the future of my children!

2. You migrated to Australia from Europe? What are some of your favourite things about Australia?

Yes, I had a promising and well-paid corporate career in Switzerland, I had friends and a good network but left everything behind to come to Australia, following love.

It was a bit challenging at the beginning, since we always lived in regional areas and I struggled to find a line of work I was truly passionate about, but ultimately, I decided to be an entrepreneur and dedicate myself to a cause I’m really passionate about.

Australia is a great country in which to live and raise children. The abundance and diversity of nature is second to none, the country is vast and the climate so diverse. My favourite things about Australia are its multiculturalism, the easy goingness of people & the concept of mateship.

3. What does women empowerment mean to you?

Having worked in a male dominated industry like Med Tech for ten years, it was hard for a woman with a non-engineering background to show my capabilities and values. Social media were not present at the time and gender equality was much less talked about than it is now. Still, even as a non-engineer I was able to provide a design feature for a medical device product, which was then accepted by engineers and surgeons and patented also under my name. Women empowerment means to me that no matter your gender, no matter your education background, your age or status in a company, everyone can contribute to a great idea. We are all equal. Ultimately, women should not have to work harder and longer to be recognised for what they do. I’ll definitely teach my daughter to never give up on her dreams.

Check out her website and social media:

https://www.implasticfree.com/
https://www.instagram.com/implasticfree/
https://www.facebook.com/Implasticfree
https://www.pinterest.com.au/implasticfree/

Meet our featured beauty with brains Mansi Khanna Bhatia, an entrepreneur based in Sydney, Australia. She is the owner of Mash Accessories.

https://www.mashaccessories.com.au

Here is an interview with this beautiful soul:

1. Tell us a bit about yourself – your goals, hobbies, passions etc.

I am a mother of 2 naughty kids, a 11 years old boy and a 7 years old girl. My education has empowered me to become what I am today. My school, Welham Girls school Dehradun, made me into the strong minded woman I am today.

My hobbies are meeting new people, playing basketball and listening to podcasts in my free time.
My passion has been empowering women and supporting organisations in India and Australia.

I started Mash accessories with a passion for creativity and with the goal of supporting small organisations in India. We train and employ women from underprivileged background and give them a way to earn a livelihood. I wanted to build a bridge hence I introduced a category close to my heart which is an Indigenous collection.

We have collaborated with Award winning artist Zachary Bennett Brooke of Saltwater Dreamtime to create a range of bags and ties.

2. Who or what inspires you?

My surroundings inspire me everyday. There are such amazing bunch of people I come across. Every day is a motivation pushing me forward for achieving my goals.

3. What is a typical day in your life like?

My typical day is fun and relaxing. I give myself sometime to mediate and start the day. For me mental health is of utmost importance. I have the most amazing bunch of friends who I interact with whenever possible.

My work schedule is ongoing. I turned my passion of creativity into my work so its fun, not stressful. Everyday I create memories. Having a small business has taught me that even if u fall get up and try again. Just make sure you don’t make the same mistake again. Go get what you want to achieve. Dream big and work hard.

Meet our featured beauty with brains Fiona Lang (also known as Fi), a businesswoman based in Hervey Bay, Queensland (Australia). She is the owner of Petite Property Services.

http://www.petitepropertyservices.com.au

Here is an interview with the talented lady who came up with a very unique business idea.

1. Tell us more about yourself – what you do, your hobbies, passions etc.

I run a small business, Petite Property Services, which provides Handywomen services working exclusively for women. While I have a background in education, I had to learn how to transfer these skills into different fields over the years. I worked in Child Protection for many years, before working as a Trades Assistant – and absolutely fell in love with it! I was faced with some difficult circumstances recently and again had to ‘think outside the box’, after experiencing significant losses in my life. It was from these losses however that I coined the idea for my current business ‘Petite Property Services’, where I get to combine my love of DIY, Trades Assistant skills, along with my social work experience, to offer maintenance services to women who may not be feeling comfortable with having a male presence in their home.

When I’m not enjoying learning new trade skills or checking out the latest in tools (I don’t shop for clothes – I shop for tools!) I love to get out on the dirt bikes with my two children. I see it as a family activity – for my 8 and 6 year olds, it’s a great opportunity to learn about maintenance, safety and responsibility, whilst enjoying the great outdoors. I must confess I am also a bit of a book worm….I have studied for most of my life as I thoroughly enjoy learning new things – if I’m not at work or on the bike, I will be reading and researching – anything from trade skills to criminology!

2. Who or what inspires you?

It is a combination of both who and what. My children and their perspective on life! Back in my teaching days I stumbled across a saying – ‘Every child begins the world again’ – the way in which children see aspects of the world for the first time and verbalise their views on these aspects truly inspires me. We get so caught up in our old ways, to see and hear the world through the eyes of a child is at times just the medicine we need. Where we often catastrophise events, children will see them simply for what they are and will very often come up with pragmatic solutions – we just need to learn to open our ears and hearts to them more.

2. If you could change any one thing in this world, what would it be and why?

The way we as women constantly berate ourselves! We need to give ourselves both a break and some credit – not just for being who we are, but for what we each bring to the world, no matter how small or inconsequential we may feel it is. It is OK to not be the perfect version of ourselves that we think we should be, we are under so much pressure these days , how on earth are we ever expected to achieve ‘perfect’? To me the answer is this – we are simply not. Be kind to yourself, be gentle with yourself, and give yourself both permission and time to heal and grow so that you can be the best version of yourself.

4. Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

Ten years from now…hopefully alive! Let’s say that’s a given….I will have two teenagers on my hands by then, and they will be where they will be. For me, I’d like to see myself still in our home we are in now, still working the work I am presently doing. Plan B however, if my children ever decide to travel or relocate overseas, I have always had a dream of buying a little Chalet in Italy in the beautiful Valle D’Aosta, a place where I spent numerous mindful escapes whilst living in the UK. It will always hold a special place for me and I can very easily see myself there – even in ten years time!

Meet our featured beauty with brains Rebecca (Beks) Thompson, an Integrated Health and Personal Development Specialist based in Queensland, Australia.

As a mother, entrepreneur and wife, (in no particular order!) Beks understands the push-pull dynamic of trying to maintain life balance as well as be successful. As someone who went through 2 ½ years of chronic pain, depression and a sense of loss of purpose, she learnt that she had to get ‘out of her head’ to get the positive change she was yearning for. Through her own personal journey, Beks has gained wisdom and developed tools around how to BE AND PROSPER in all areas of life.

Beks teaches embodied practices that give instant WOW results so that you will learn:

How to be Seen and Heard in a powerfully authentic way
Be magnetic and attract the business and attention you want – no more push/pull!
How to keep energy and stress levels on an even keel

Beks shares with truth, humour, presence and passion essential tools you need to master in order to be a beacon as an inspirational leader or business owner and thrive personally at the same time.

Beks Thompson is an integrated health and personal development specialist and sought after inspirational speaker. She is the founder and creator of BE A BEACON and is highly regarded as a leader in her industry. With 25 years under her belt as a physio, yoga teacher, presence teacher and coach, she has had her own journey from burnout to brilliance. Through this journey Beks has forged a unique and truly holistic way of working with conscious people who want to live with peace, passion and purpose, making a positive impact in the world, without the burnout! She lives on Bribie Island with her husband of 27 years, 2 teenage boys and mini labradoodle, the only other girl!. She is continuously mastering the dynamic balance of her passions at work, play and family.

Here is an interview with her

1. What are your goals in life? Have you achieved them?

My primary goal is to live my highest life. I am always evolving and am totally committed to that ongoing journey, so that my mind doesn’t limit my own peace and joy or stop me from stepping up to help others on their own journey. For me it’s not about a linear path with a destination, but a deepening connection to a higher power that creates an abiding faith. I am then more able to hear and follow the divine impulses that arise as to what is next.

2. What does women empowerment mean to you?

The realisation, reclaiming and embodiment of the divine feminine in her most powerful, vulnerable, sensual, creative and receptive Self. It is feeling safe to be fully expressed, compassionate and present, without need to compete, judge or devalue ourselves or others. It is the acknowledgement of a higher power flowing through us and that we don’t have to hold the control or the weight of the world on our shoulders.

3. Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

I can feel the ripple effect from the Be a Beacon Programme I run for women continuing to expand, welcoming more and more women into our growing community and those currently within the programme taking on more leadership and training roles. When the world opens up again, I will be sharing my time between OZ, Bali and India as they feel like my second and third homes. Bali is already a part of our programme and India will become an advanced level and there will evolve a philanthropic aspect/foundation for our sisters in India. I can also feel a move to the country happening by then from our current island home in QLD. Both my husband and I have a heart’s desire for the green hills and even more simplicity, once our children leave home.

4. If you could change anything in this world, what would it be and why?

It would have to be Peace. That the world awakens to the destructive force that we can be towards each other, the planet and within our own selves. Peace would be the greatest gift.

Feel free to check out her FB page:

https://www.facebook.com/rebeccabeabeacon/

Meet our featured beauty with brains Gagan Preet, an IT professional and YouTuber based in Sydney, Australia. This immensely talented lady has her own YouTube channel ‘Gagan’s Kitchen’.

https://m.youtube.com/user/gaganpreet0705

Here is an interview with her:

1. Tell us more about yourself – your hobbies, dreams etc.

Well, currently I am working with an RTO called BSI Learning, as an Education Resource Officer where I organise resources and process despatch for our Corrective Services NSW. I am an Electronics Engineer and have worked for many IT distributors, companies like HCL and L&T.

Cooking and gardening are my passions and sometimes I like to read books and go for shopping to find new cooking appliances, crockery to serve etc. I have recently started my YouTube channel ‘Gagan’s Kitchen’ and want to fly high with my cooking passion.

2. You run a cooking channel on YouTube. Who or what inspired you to start the channel?

As I said above, I am passionate about cooking and wanted to do something in this area. My family and friends encouraged me to start this channel and share my skill there.

3. Can you share some simple healthy cooking tips for busy women?

Planning ahead is the most important tip for working women.

a. Plan what you are going to cook and pack from Monday to Friday for breakfast, snacks, fruits, Lunch and dinner.

b. Make a list of grocery that you planned for the week, shop them and stick to it.

c. Cut corners with convenience e.g. chop fresh vegetables on weekend and freeze them rather than using super market’s frozen meals or vegetables.

d. For Indian cooking, if you plan to cook beans like kidney beans, black eye beans, Chic peas etc. soak them in reasonable water and freeze them all. In Indian families these are usually cooked every 2nd week or in some houses every week.

e. Do not be afraid to make enough gravy masalas (this way you use less oil as well) and put that in fridge. So, when you have gravy masala ready and soaked beans in the fridge, you just need to put in pressure cooker and done.

f. If you are a non vegetarian, then marinate meats or chicken in different flavours and use for working days. Just put them in oven or air fryer and by the time you will change and come back to kitchen food is ready, chop some fresh salad and serve dinner.

g. You can also cook rice, put them in containers and freeze them/ buy instant pots cookers etc. many options and technologies are available in the market. You can put them on timer or some appliances are wi-fi connected just use them.

There are so many other options and I am starting to share these tips on my YouTube channel Gagan’s Kitchen soon.

4. Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

I would love to start my own business in the food industry.

Meet our featured beauty with brains Michelle Jones, a wellness advocate based in Melbourne, Australia.

Here is her story.

“Hi I am Michelle Jones, married with three beautiful children. I was born in a small town Cuttack in Odisha in Incredible India. I am the youngest of 4 siblings, 3 sisters and one awesome brother. My husband and I migrated to Australia 16 years ago with two black suitcases and $250. I believe jobs create opportunities and we should always be ready to take that leap of faith in the right direction. This gave us the opportunity to live in beautiful Perth and then we moved to Melbourne where we are now living.

Growing up I was always surrounded by books. The perks of being my mom’s daughter. You see my mom was in charge of the library at the school I went to, St Joseph’s Girls high school. Till date she is known as Library Miss. I am sure growing up some of you loved Noddy, Nancy Drew or the famous five and I cant forget the Barbara Cartland romantic books in my teens.

Books have played and are still playing a major role in the life I am living. You see sometimes we are busy being a wife, mom, and the other roles in our lives, we forget nourishing our souls. For me it is with a book. After having my son 5 years ago I went through depression. I just couldn’t understand what was going on. It was at this time when I woke up, got dressed and headed to our local library. I went straight to the personal development section as if someone guided me to get there. My eyes fell on this book, it was out on the shelf and I read it. ‘You Can Create an Exceptional Life’ by Louise Hay and Cheryl Richard. Reading this book has changed my life forever. I truly believe our thoughts create things. I have swapped the negative self talk for empowering thoughts. I never feel alone when I am with a book. Thus my journey with books truly began again. I always take out time to read and it truly nourishes my mind and soul.

I am a wellness Advocate. My passion is to educate people about the powerful benefits of using Essential oils. I always believe Prevention is better than cure and I personally truly believe Essential oils are the gifts of the Earth and I will always pursue what’s pure.

Much love
Michelle Jones.” – Michelle.

Feel free to check out her website

https://mydoterra.com/michellejones14

A warm welcome to beauty with brains Natalia Cantwell, who recently joined our fashion platform as a model. This blonde charmer turns heads wherever she goes.

Not just a pretty face, the talented beauty runs two online businesses and her passion is to empower women to build their own financial independence, be healthy and look absolutely gorgeous. She feels blessed to be able to help so many beautiful souls!

https://linktr.ee/natalia.cantwell

Meet our featured beauty with brains Sue Turner, a businesswoman, beauty queen and humanitarian based in Sydney, Australia. She is the reigning Mrs Universe Australia and will be competing in the finals in 2021.

Susan Turner, known as Sue Turner, comes from a wonderful family with a mother who was a head nurse as well as a Beauty Queen and a father who loved to sing at weddings. Her father was also a famous unbeaten Boxer and a long distance runner.

Susan has been married to Steven Turner for 31 years and has 8 children who have grown up to be amazing adults, but sadly 2 of their daughters are no longer with them. Susan is also a proud grandma of 12 amazing grandchildren, and has been a French bulldog breeder for 15 years.

Susan’s profession is in the Beauty Industry. She has an Aesthetics Grade 1 level diploma of health science and runs her own beauty salon.

As a child Susan participated in many on stage events, she loved to sing, dance and act. Her favourite class was drama. When Susan was only 7 years old she won the title of MS multiple sclerosis at a pageant, this started her journey towards her passion as a Beauty Queen. From there she worked tirelessly with her mum in many charities. Her charity has clocked around 60,000 hours, raising over $100,000 in 2018/2019 through car shows.

Here is a list of her charity work:

• Vice Present of the Domestic violence association Sydney.
• MS multiple sclerosis.
• Child’s vision Australia authorised representative.
• Breast cancer foundation.
• Men’s cancer prostate.
• Fire fighter’s foundation.
• Westly mission.
• Salvation Army.
• Newcastle floods.
• Nepal earthquakes.
• Cystic fibrosis foundation.
• Starlight foundation.
• Crimes against humanity. – Destiny rescue child trafficking with the APBA
• Missing persons advocacy Member of MPAN.
• Heart foundation.
• Ovarian cancer.
• Autism Australian charities.

She is the director for the “I hear voices” parent support forum for addiction and has also worked alongside the justice system to help prevent criminal activities.

Susan also has her own show car Subaru WRX my05. This car is used in events to raise much needed money at car shows around Australia.
Her much loved charity car is unbeaten in shows.

Susan is a member of the Australian night rider podcast in the events of missing persons with Hedley Thomas. Susan has also been featured on BTL TV with her advocacy and platform. She has also had the pleasure of being featured in the American podcast with Laura Ratliff in Florida. She had Interviews with Edvard Vondra miss Economic world. Along with the American podcast with Alvin Brown Baltimore USA.

Susan is a Global Mentor within the Pageant industry to all Beauty Queens around the world as a featured public figure influencer.

Susan also won many Awards as a Beauty Queen:

• She became the runner up for Mrs Australasia 2014
• Best dressed 2014
• 2016 winner MAQuest Mrs Australia Quest.
• Mrs congeniality
• Mrs Friendship
• 2017 Mrs Continents Australia – Mrs charity award
• 2017 Mrs Earth Air Australia
• 2018 Mrs international Global Australia.
• 2018 won Mrs international global world South Africa.
• 2018 humanitarian international
• 2018 woman of the world.
• 2019 multimedia awards Dubai ambassadors award
• 2019 international beauty queen of the year AGAS
• Mrs Universe inaugural Carla Beauty.
• 2019 Humanitarian of the year top 4.
• 2019 Philippines Top Honour Awards

Susan also had the pleasure of being featured in many Magazines:

• Australasia official
• Hunter creative
• Wea Hunter magazine
• Global Elite Queens magazine
• Newcastle weekly
• The African Migrant
• MAQUEST Queens Magazine
• Miss Glamour look magazine
• Just to name a few.
• Susan is also an international judge having the pleasure of judging at many events.
• Miss Newcastle NMP
• South Africa Global international
• Dubai Mrs Miss India international.
• Little teen & Glam
• Head judge for Mrs Mr Miss Nepal International.
• Ms World
• Ms Glamorous look
• Miss Supermodel
• Miss Earth
• Miss king Talk Tasmania to come.
• Miss Model international Star central magazine.
• Miss International.

Susan is a brand ambassador for

• BrandyJ swimwear
• Chic me Fashion

She is a member of the AGSA. Susan’s passion has lead her all over the world seeing first hand many disturbing events such as famine and disease. She witnessed first-hand the Apartheid in South Africa, violence and destruction. She was a spokesperson for the terrible situation with the Nepal Earthquake.
Susan helps many other causes around the world.

Sue is now the proud owner of 2 magazines GEQ global Elite magazine and GEM magazine Global Elite media magazine. Her vision is to give a voice to those who inspire to become the best they can in their industry. A platform for those who have dreams regardless of their age and agenda. Her mantra is ‘Be your own kind of beautiful.’

Feel free to check out her magazines

https://globalelite-queens.com

https://www.facebook.com/GEM-Magazine-Global-Elite-Media-Magazine-100885318383344/