Keep Going
By Belinda Agnew
(https://belindaagnew.com)

“I was 2 when my mother was homeless.

I was 3 when I knew my mother had an alcoholic issue.

I was 5 when knew I had to be self-sufficient.

I was 7 when she moved a boyfriend into our house.

I was 12 and wasn’t comfortable in my own home due to my mother having unstable boyfriends.

I was 12 when I ran away from home.

I was 13 when my mother left me with her boyfriend so she could move to Sydney with her new boyfriend.

I was 14 when my mother’s previous boyfriend found love and moved his new family into the home.

I was 15 when I moved to Sydney to be with my mother and her new boyfriend.

I was 15.5 when I knew my mother was an alcoholic and in an abusive relationship.

I was 16 when I attended a public high school after being in a private catholic school to finish my year 10.

I was 16.5 when I realised school wasn’t for me and moved out of my mother’s home.

I was 17 when I had my first real job selling Kirby Vaccum cleaners D2D knowing if I didn’t sell I wouldn’t survive.

I was 18 when I applied for corporate within sales and asked for 100k.

I was 19 when I knew there was more of me to offer so I left corporate and worked as a CCA at Open Colleges.

I was 20 when I was bullied in the workplace as I was the youngest and the only female.

I was 21 when I was pushed to leave my current job being the top performer, youngest and always favoured by management.

I was 22 when I connected to my entrepreneurial flair.

I was 23 when I was poached by the CEO of AIPE to join forces with him and start my own company Open Education.

I was 24 when I tasted money for the first time.

I was 25 when I made my first million.

I was 26 when I left an 8-year relationship who is now my BFF.

I was 27 when I exited Open Education and left Sydney.

I was 28 when I started Foccus Group.

I was 29 when I knew I had a love for Tech.

I was 30 when I ended a 3-year relationship after being so caught up with my work and living in my masculine energy.

I was 30 and started my first advisory position with BizPay and soon after others within early-stage tech.

I am 31 and now scaling xenabler with Prashant to become Blockchain and Web3 focused along with being a non-exec for all the companies I love.

I am 31 and living life on my terms: Doing what I want, with whom I want, when I want and where I want.

I am almost 32 in November and realize my past doesn’t define me. It was me, which in turn has made me, and I am so thankful for that.

Most of life is a search for who and what needs you the most.

You got this. Keep Going.

P.S I have a beautiful relationship with my mother today and realise she really didn’t know any better as she was left with me at 17 years old as a single Mum doing her absolute BEST. She did, and I thank her every day for that and for choosing me not him (my dad). The past does not define her.” – Belinda.

“When flowers bloom, so does hope.”

Spring is the season of love and hope. Spring reminds us that things will get better after they were worse. Research shows that the extended daylight improves mood, boosts energy and enhances wellbeing.

Check out these empowered beauties with brains in their spring outfits. ‘Hello Spring’ – our Sept 2022 Fashion Issue in collaboration with Sakhi magazine (https://sakhi.online/) is dedicated to the most inspiring of seasons.

Supported By:

Glam Gloire Makeup & Beauty

(https://glamgloire.com)

R J Mehrok Boutique, Makeup & Styling Services

(https://www.facebook.com/R-J-Mehrok-Boutique-Makeup-Styling-1794363417492202/)

Light Antana Photography

(https://www.instagram.com/light_antana)

Eesha Boutique

(https://www.eeshaboutique.com)

Artantana Handmade

(https://www.instagram.com/artantana_handmade)

Vikilinks

The purpose of our fashion features, photoshoots, online magazine issues etc, is to empower and uplift women through fashion and make them feel confident about themselves. Another purpose is to provide a platform for women in the fashion & beauty industry to showcase their talents, skills and products.

Meet beauty with brains Seema Balasubramanian, who recently joined our platform as a Solicitor. She is based in Sydney, Australia and has worked in various legal firms in Australia, United Kingdom and India. She is also a registered Solicitor in England and Wales and has practised at the High Court of Kerala, India. She has gathered in-depth legal knowledge and experience in Injury compensation, Immigration, Criminal and Business Law.

Apart from her legal career, she is passionate about helping the community and working closely with charitable and non profit organizations. She has conducted many programs to empower the youth and women, and is also involved in a range of activities with Rotary Clubs and other Non Profit Organisations to spread legal awareness in society.

She has recently participated in Wigs 4 Kids by Ella Wigmakers Campaign and fundraised for ‘Kids with Cancer Foundation’ by donating her hair.

She is a public speaker and has won titles in the International Toastmasters Club and area level Speech Contests during the term 2021-2022. She has directed a Promotional Video for ICC T 20 Women’s World Cup in collaboration with Sydney Malayalee Association to promote Women’s Cricket. She was the Joint Convenor of the World’s Largest Online Talent Competition Onefest 2020 organised by the World Malayalee Council Global Youth Wing.

If you are in need of a solicitor, feel free to message us for Seema’s contact details.

Tips to Get Rid of Self-doubt

By Tiya Gorain

It’s not unusual to experience self-doubts in life, specially when faced with challenging situations. Self-doubts can hold us back from seizing opportunities and attaining our goals. Even though it can be dangerous to absolutely have no self-doubts at all, as they can help us in recognising limitations; if left unchecked, self-doubts can stop us from moving forward. Here are some tips to overcome self-doubts.

1. Don’t seek continuous validation from others.

It’s a good idea to sometimes ask for people’s advice, feedback and inputs. But if you find yourself always asking for others’ validation and approval before making decisions or taking any steps, it will weaken your faith in yourself and increase your self-doubt. For example, if you are writing a book or designing a website, and if you keep asking for people’s opinion and changing things according to their suggestions, the end product won’t reflect the true you. It’s alright to take advice but in the end, make sure your decisions are based on what’s right for you and what you truly want.

2. Don’t compare yourself to others.

We often experience self-doubt because we are scared that we won’t achieve something at the same level as someone else. This can hamper our progress and stop us from achieving success. It’s best to understand that everyone’s journey, circumstances, definition of success etc are different and instead of comparing with others, we should focus on our own journey and achievements. Whether we are happy with our position in life shouldn’t depend on where other people are at.

3. Doubt your doubts.

Our doubts are often not the truth, but what our mind creates fuelled by certain fears. When you start doubting yourself, try to challenge the thoughts. For example before you are about to speak at an event, a small voice in your head might say “What if no one likes your talk? What if the audience laughs at you?”. Challenge this by saying “But what if they love my talk and there is deafening applause when I finish?”.

4. Build up a support group.

Our circle either fuels our self-doubts or boosts our self confidence. Try to surround yourself with people who believes in you and will be on your side. People who can remind you of your abilities and self-worth when you are unable to do so yourself.

“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.” – John Steinbeck.

It is winter in Australia. Some of us are all rugged up; staying cozy in our blankets, sipping hot coffee and reading books while others are venturing out and enjoying different types of adventures including snowy ones. No matter what you are doing this winter, you can do so in style. Whether you are among those who feel the cold more than others, layering thermals, sweaters, coats & scarves on top of each other or someone who doesn’t feel the cold that much and one layer is enough, you can choose fashionable colourful clothes to beat the winter blues.

Check out these empowered beauties with brains in their winter clothing. ‘Winter Wonder’ – our July 2022 Fashion Issue in collaboration with Sakhi magazine (https://sakhi.online/) is dedicated to the coldest of seasons.

Supported By:

Glam Gloire Makeup & Beauty

(https://glamgloire.com)

R J Mehrok Boutique, Makeup & Styling Services

(https://www.facebook.com/R-J-Mehrok-Boutique-Makeup-Styling-1794363417492202/)

Light Antana Photography

(https://www.instagram.com/light_antana)

Eesha Boutique

(https://www.eeshaboutique.com)

Artantana Handmade

(https://www.instagram.com/artantana_handmade)

Womeyn

https://www.womeyn.com/

Vikilinks Australia

The purpose of our fashion features, photoshoots, online magazine issues etc, is to empower and uplift women through fashion and make them feel confident about themselves. Another purpose is to provide a platform for women in the fashion & beauty industry to showcase their talents, skills and products.

I AM ENOUGH
By Christine Nicole

We are proud of beauty with brains Christine Nicole who rose above her circumstances, refused to identify as a victim and realised her self worth and believed that she is enough despite being demeaned and put down by her father.

“Father’s Day doesn’t feel like a celebratory day for some adult children. For some, it feels like a reminder of how they were abused & treated without love & consideration by their caregivers.⁣
⁣
My father was a cruel narcissist who spent his energy tearing me down, rather than building me up. ⁣
⁣
He shamed me & blamed me for his life issues. When my mother left, he turned me into his target of aggression. ⁣
⁣
He criticized my body shape & size. He asked me why I didn’t look like my friends.⁣
⁣
He was physically abusive to me at times but worse than that was the psychological warfare.⁣
⁣
He made up lies about me to my friends parents in an effort to have them not allow their children be my friends. ⁣
⁣
He told me he was doing this so I would move out so he didn’t have to take care of me. ⁣
⁣
He told me daily ⁣
“you’re too stupid to graduate high school”⁣
“you’re a worthless piece of shit”
“you’re a slut just like your mother” ⁣
⁣⁣
I have no recollection of being told something from a positive lens. ⁣

No memory of
“what do you want to be when when you grow up”⁣
“do you have homework?”⁣
“how are you doing?”⁣
“how can I support you?”⁣
⁣
No interest in me whatsoever.. as if I didn’t exist or was not worth his time investment in any capacity.⁣
⁣
He made me the reason he was unsatisfied with his own life. ⁣
⁣
I last saw my father 21 years ago (at 16) when I was removed from his house.⁣
⁣
Let me be clear. I AM NOT A VICTIM.⁣
⁣
I know my Soul chose my parents for good reasons and it is all part of the Divine plan unfolding in my life.⁣
⁣
But I also know it’s okay to feel hurt.⁣
⁣
Most importantly, I know my work continues to be in giving myself (and my inner child) ALL THE LOVE and unconditional acceptance I (and she) deserves.⁣
⁣
I was enough then. ⁣
I am enough now. ⁣
I was never not enough.⁣
⁣
I understand it is ME who must see my value and not hope my parents will one day. That ship has sailed.⁣
⁣
It is ME who can give my inner child everything she ever deserved. ⁣
⁣
So that is what I am doing.⁣

Sending you so much love ❤️ “ – Christine.

Check out her website:

https://bodycherish.ca/

and podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-soulpreneur-podcast-with-christine-nicole/id1491539806

Meet our featured beauty with brains Lydia Binil, who recently joined our platform as a Lifestyle Entrepreneur & Coach for mums.

Here’s a special message from Lydia

“Hi, I’m Lydia Binil and I’m the founder of the Lioness Money Hub. I’m on a mission to help 100,000 Mum experts achieve Freedom using 99Quantum Method. I’m the creator of the ‘Digital Coaching Blueprint’ and ‘99Quantum Freedom Mastery’.

You can check out more on how to be a Profitable CEO Mama here:

https://www.facebook.com/SuperMamaCEO

If you’re keen to get started on your journey to become a Digital Coach, join me here:

https://bit.ly/CEOMama

My IG handle:

https://www.instagram.com/im.ceo.mama “

– Lydia Binil

Meet our featured beauty with brains Elizabeth Le Coney Hambleton, an entrepreneur based in Dallas (Texas, USA).

“My entrepreneurial journey has definitely been one of personal evolution. I spent a decade working in fine art and fashion before launching my own branding studio. My background in those fields is what really separates me from other designers because I believe strongly in helping female entrepreneurs embrace both the visual design of their brand as well as their role as the face of their brand.

I have been honored to work with over 10,000 women, and I enjoying nothing more than helping women’s confidence bloom as they see their own potential and beauty with fresh eyes.

When I’m not talking all things style and design, you can find me wandering the aisles of Target, drinking way too much coffee, and hanging out with my family.

Want to give your brand a quick facelift? You can grab my new Canva course that helps business owners quickly and easily design stand-out social media graphics for their business. The course includes over 200 professionally designed Canva templates. Get all the details here: https://www.udemy.com/course/canva-graphics/?couponCode=1AAE2EED948A399D7517 “ – Elizabeth.

Meet our featured beauty with brains Jaspreet Kaur Sidhu, an entrepreneur based in Sydney, Australia; who recently joined our platform. She is the owner of Emu Kids Drop & Shop (https://www.facebook.com/emukidsdropandshop).

Here is her story:

“We, Sukhwinder and Jaspreet, are proud parents of two young boys named Emaanvir and Teghvir. Teghvir was born at 27 weeks with a c-section. There was no help as we could not have someone from India with international travel restrictions. Teghvir stayed in ICU for about six weeks, and with a 4 year old at home, it was tough to manage. We were supposed to go to the hospital at least once a day. We did not want to be in any commitment of a day care program at the time. We managed with the help of some fantastic friends, but it was indeed a difficult situation as parents.

To overcome this issue, we started something that doesn’t require any commitment and limitation of booked hours. As Jaspreet had previously run a family daycare, we thought of starting a drop and shop station to help working parents. It is indeed hard to manage kids at shopping centres when you are in a hurry or want to have some ‘ME’ time or want to have a coffee or even a manicure.

Emu Kids Drop and Shop is a fully supervised and interactive space for children. As parents of a 4-year-old, we understand how hard it is to skip a toy aisle. So we offer a range of different activities for children to have an entirely new and fun shopping centre experience.

We started with the mission of helping parents struggling to manage their kids but not wanting long term daycare commitments. We want to be the best in the field, and our goal is to provide a safe, fun, and interactive environment for children.” – Jaspreet.

We commend her for using her tough situation as motivation to start a venture to help other parents. Please support her. They also organise birthday parties as well as occasional care, after school care, school holidays homework help etc. Message their FB page or Instagram account for further details:

https://www.instagram.com/emukidsdropandshop

The Pareto principle (commonly used in business and economics), states that 80% of results come from 20% of actions. 80% of outcomes (outputs) come from 20% of causes (inputs). While it doesn’t always come to be an exact 80/20 ratio, this imbalance is often seen in various cases. For example, 20% of a firm’s customers might be generating 80% of its profits, 20% of a firm’s employees might be doing 80% of the work, 80% of the time we might be using 20% of the apps on our phone.

The rule was introduced by Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto. Pareto noticed that 20% of the pea pods in his garden were responsible for 80% of the peas. Pareto expanded this principle to show that 80% of the wealth in Italy was owned by 20% of the population.

The 80/20 rule can be used to prioritise tasks that we need to get done during the day. The idea is that, completing 20% of the tasks from our task list, will result in 80% of the impact we can create for the day. So in order have the most impact, we need to identify which tasks have the most impact for our team and focus on those.

We can apply this concept to any field – like personal finance, spending habits, relationships etc.

If you are an entrepreneur trying to grow your current business, an 80/20 mindset can help you to stay focused on your strategic plan and spend less time chasing endless new opportunities.

When faced with a number of problems, we should gather data and facts to identify the important few. The focus could then be put on attention and improvement efforts on those few things that would give the greatest improvement in quality.

The Pareto Principle helps us determine which areas to focus our efforts on. It helps us decide which resources are the most important for us to use to achieve the greatest efficiency. It helps reduce wasting time, money, supplies, efforts, emotions, energy etc.

Before you start working, ask yourself, “Is this task in the top 20 percent of my activities or in the bottom 80 percent?”