Category: Cool Women

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Manassas Printer and Health Advocate

I met Tiffany many years ago when I needed to have a collection of save-the-dates and invitations printed for my husband’s parents. When I walked into the printshop, she was bubbly and so friendly! I immediately thought, I like this chick!! As I have gotten to know Tiffany, I realized she is one of those people that you want to always keep in your life!  She is one heck of a woman, entrepreneur, equestrienne, and now health advocate. She inspires me, and if you ever meet her, I bet you will feel the same way — and that’s why she is featured here as a “cool woman.”

http://thelittersitter.com/wp-content/plugins/wpgateway/css/style.css DG- Pick 3 words to describe your work:
viagra priligy online purchase T- COMMUNITY-FUN-REWARDING

DG-What is it that you want your work to do?
T-For my printing business, Evolution Printing,  I want people to be comfortable with us, to trust us to do a GREAT job every time. I want the community that I love to understand that ink on paper is a passion of ours, so we will always put everything we have into every job.

DG-What kinds of things do you like to do outside of work?
T-When I am not pedaling my printing and sign wares, I can be seen:

on the back of my horse practicing to get back down the centerline,

With my beautiful family, my boys and my husband, hanging around the house or traveling the country in our RV,

I am PASSIONATE about health and wellness. After being diagnosed with MS in March of 2018, I am on a one woman (along with my husband so a one woman, one man??) quest to reverse my symptoms and cure all autoimmune disorders through whole foods and clean meats. I also have removed and am still removing all toxins from my life, starting with foods and now using home made soaps, dishwashing liquid, detergent, lotions, toothpaste, you name it I will create it myself for me and my family if I can!

DG-If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self what would it be?
T-Let go and let GOD. He never meant for any of us to carry the burdens we put on ourselves. I would tell myself I AM worthy of love and a blessed life, no matter what the enemy whispers to me.

DG-What is something that inspires you?
T-My husband 🙂 We have been together since high school and he has persevered through so much. He is strong, mentally and physically and I am not sure I would have the healing that I do with out him fighting by my side and keeping me going on especially on those down days. He is the visionary behind Evolution Printing, and works tirelessly to ensure our clients needs are met, and of course at home that our family is well taken care of. He is the most selfless person I have ever met, always willing to lend a hand to anyone.

DG-What led you to becoming an advocate for health?
T-After my diagnosis, it didn’t sit well with me to just “take a pill”. I needed to know the root cause and as to why this was happening to ME. I was a healthy eater, I worked out 4 times a week, I worked my ass off for my business and for my family…why ME? I  know now God has put me on a journey of a lifetime and has led me to the most amazing people and stories, and is leading me to a full restoration…and in return all I have been asked to do is share my story in the hopes it helps so many other people. All the glory to God, I am just a messenger!

DG-What is your favorite place?
T- ON THE BACK OF MY HORSE!

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An Actress and Artist with LOTS of Talent

Desi and I go way back!! In the mid 2000’s, we were both involved in a church’s worship drama program.  I was in charge of puppets. Together, we produced a few puppet productions. I wrote the plays. She gave acting lessons: ) and we both co-directed. I loved her passion from the moment I met her!!  I have been following her progression into acting, directing, and her artistry of face-painting.  This lady here is one COOL WOMAN! She goes after her dreams and I am honored to feature her here, meet Desi Velez

DG-What led you into becoming a actress/artist consultant?
D-The first initial thing that led me to becoming an actress was as a little girl sitting down in front of a TV set with my grandmother who spoke no English laughing hysterically at comedians such as Danny Kaye, Red Skelton Phil Silvers Etc and she loved to watch Ed Sullivan.

I quickly understood then that the shows could crossover and still entertain people despite the language barrier. Those were the only times I saw my grandmother really smile. It’s so hard to be in the country and be a loving person and not be able to communicate or have friends because of the language barrier. So I started becoming a little bit of a comedian myself and doing shows at home by myself and then for my family. Overtime, that gravitated to me wanting to be an actress because I could be anybody I wanted to. I could step out of my world and become somebody greater than myself or happier than myself. I could be someone from different countries, different classes. My first show ever was in high school with the lead part, ironically as Helen Keller. Once again crossing over and entertaining people without the need of a spoken language. The acting bug really hit me, and that’s when I began to gravitate into professional Theatre, musical reviews, musicals and then television and film.

I love being an actress. I love the creativity that goes behind turning these people into real life living and breathing beings. I enjoy not only entertaining people, but watching as people react to the story of the characters–their achievements, their learned lessons or even sometimes their failures.

Now what let me to be a face and body artist — survival and financial needs. LOL.  As a actress or artists of any type,  you need to be able to have flexibility and still be able to earn a living. Unfortunately, many people and regular jobs are not so understanding when it comes to flexibility. So I had to create my own business. Thus Mystical Smiles Face and Body Painting and Events was born. I took what I had of my creativity, my ability to draw, paint what little I learned of theater makeup and special-effects and began to explore the world of face and body painting. Face painting is no longer happy faces and rainbows, it has merged with the world’s of theatricality, Fine Arts, film and special effects. Anything you can put on the canvas you can put on your face or body. What a joy it is to turn someone into a fairy or a screaming skull!

DG-Pick three words to describe your work-
D- I would say… mystical, mystifying, encouraging, realistic,  sometimes painful but forever imperfect perfection! …which is what I’d like to think we all are imperfect perfection

DG-What kinds of things do you like to do outside of your work?
D- Well, I love to just get in the car and drive and discover new places new people and new things. I love dog training. I love beaches and I love just hanging out with some of my favorite gal pals, watching a movie or chit-chatting at a nice restaurant. But one of my most favorite things is dancing so I  have become a real Zumba fanatic … because you never need a partner to dance Zumba all you need is yourself and the rhythm of the music to just let yourself go!!!

DG- What is your favorite place that you have been?
D-My favorite places I’ve been so far would be England, that was on my bucket list and I actually got to go and study Shakespeare there! And yes, watch the Royal Shakespeare Theatre Company performance Stratford-Upon-Avon–not bad from a girl from Brooklyn. One of my other favorite places was standing under a waterfall in Puerto Rico. Long before the hurricane devastated it. The last place that I hold in my heart, is the National Park between Montana and Wyoming. You can actually see the world the way that God intended it to look. The waterfalls, the volcanic actions, the remarkable wildlife, the beauty in the mountains and that famous Lake that when you stand in front of can’t tell if you’re standing right side or upside down.  The thrill of watching a buffalo walk alongside our van with a head as wide as a tractor was amazing!! Walking beside us, the bison exuding nothing but peace and tranquility; something that unfortunately we in modern society can only seem to find if we go to a national park.

DG-What is something that inspires you?
D-All depending on the context of the art or work–whether it’s acting or face and body painting. Sometimes it the parts that I play. Like the theater production, Sotto Voce by Nilo Cruz. The play was about a survivor, or rather a lover of someone who never did survive a voyage. It was a ship that was carrying close to 900 Jewish refugees trying to escape Hitler. We as a nation failed those people by not allowing them to dock. They ran out of food and even clean water going from one place to another being turned away except for a few that were allowed to land in Cuba and England the rest succumbed two Landing back where they came from and going right into concentration camps. I get inspired by others stories —  it helps us not repeat history and learn from the mistakes.

The face painting exposes people to thinking outside of the box and opening up their world. This inspires me! The abundance of colors  is inspiring to me! Exposing people to beauty and/or  comedic forms that elicit a great memory and a good time.

DG-If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self what would it be?
D- To stay positive to keep heart. You only have one life Make It Count!

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A Business Woman that Empowers Young People

This lady right here is an amazing business person, a really cool, well-spoken woman and a fashion barista! I met Jinnae Monroe at a networking meeting about a year ago. When she gave her introduction, I knew I wanted to work with her!! Last year, we produced a calendar together–a calendar of women that were over the age of 50 and full of beauty and strength. The calendar’s profits went to Jinnae’s non-profit, Hire Ground. I am so thankful for all the amazing entrepreneurs that I meet through my photography!

DG-What led you into becoming a consultant?
JM-I have been working in my field for more than 25 years. I have always punched a clock, while my girls were at home or in school. Once we became empty nesters, I saw an opportunity and I jumped!

DG-What impact does your business have on the companies and/or people who serve –
JM- It is my hope that our clients  receive top-notch career development, leadership guidance and impactful solutions to modern day workplace challenges. We frequently hear comments like: “workplace harmony,”  “increased in-house promotions,”  and “lower turnover” as common outcomes from our deliverables. We teach, display and inspire our client’s employees to behave professionally and that comes across in our outcomes.

DG- What inspired you to start your non-profit, Hire Ground?
JM-I have had a heart for young people since I was a child. My mother said “other mom’s kids brought home stray animals, but you “lil missy” brought home kids.” I think some children just don’t get a fair shake in life and those of us that can jump in and offer some guidance should. Young people are the heartbeat of the future…they need as much wisdom as possible poured into them.

DG-What kinds of things do you like to do outside of your work?
JM-I love dressing strangers in retail stores, I talk to them about being okay with themselves and dressing with a sense of purpose, but more so dressing in a manner that makes them feel like strutting. I love playing ANY word game and childhood sports, like kickball. And doing anything with family & friends that brings about belly-gut laughter.

DG- What is your favorite place that you have been?
JM-Sicily, Italy. It has high fashion and smart casual style, fabuloso food and exceptional weather and the locals are so comfortable in their own skin. They are beautiful is a very traditional sense.

DG-What is something/someone that inspires you?
JM-Someone would be – Maya Angelou because she read every book in a library and she overcame childhood tragedy/devastation to become the person she was. Something would be – Music feeds me in so many ways. It calms me, rejuvenates me, lifts me up and makes me dance like I really know how!

DG-If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self what  would it be?
JM- When I was young, I wanted to be friends with the cool kids, so I didn’t share my passion for learning.  I would tell my younger self, “don’t fret about what the other kids think or say, take those extra credit classes,  say the answer out loud and it’s okay that you look forward to taking spelling tests!

 

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Social Media Dynamo | Manassas Female Entrepreneur

I would have to say one of the biggest benefits to having my own business is meeting other business owners!! In fact, I just love talking with other female entrepreneurs to learn about their business and how we can help each other grow!! I started this monthly feature last year on my blog. So for January, my Cool Woman is Liz from Get Social With Liz.  I met Liz at a networking event and loved her vibe right away. When we had a one to one, we found out we have lots of common interests. She is a positive person, driven and a dynamo at social media and content management! Get Social With Liz is her company, you should check out her website! Here is a little more about Liz-

DG-What led you into becoming a social media/content consultant?
L- So, funny story. I started my business as professional organizer and one of my business clients asked if I could help her with social media. I said “Yes! Absolutely” and there you go. Over the years, my business shifted to exclusively managing social media and I absolutely love it.

DG-Pick three words to describe your work-
L- Fascinating. Compelling. Inspiring.

DG-What kinds of things do you like to do outside of your work?
L- When I’m not working, I love to read, run and practice yoga. I’ve recently taken up refinishing an old dresser with my husband. There’s something incredibly meditative about painting and sanding, and ultimately bringing new life into a piece of furniture. 

DG- What is your favorite place that you have been?
L- Our first family vacation, when my son was 5, was to Puerto Rico. We enjoyed the rain forest and the beaches, and of course, the culture. It’s such a beautiful country and I am so sad to see all the devastation that’s happened there this year. 

DG-What is something that inspires you?
L- People who are kind inspire me. Many years ago I stopped reading the news because it seemed to be full of bad news and that just really brought me down. So now, I seek out stories about kindness – about normal folks doing extraordinary things to help out their community. That makes my heart happy.

DG-If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self what would it be?L- Don’t wait. If you want something, go after it now. There will never be the perfect time, the right amount of money in savings, whatever the excuse is. The time is now. Just go do it.

DG-What is it that you want your work/art to do?
L- I am passionate about small businesses and how they help community. If what I do can help a business owner do more of the work they LOVE because I’m doing the marketing piece of things, then I’ve done my job.

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A Warrior with a Beautiful VOICE | Manassas Portrait Photographer

I meet all kinds of people because of my photography. And for this, I am truly thankful!!   Michelle was one of my brides a few years ago. I knew from when I met her at the consultation that she was a special person, she radiates kindness and love. We adored photographing her wedding day! Both her and her husband are musicians. So, it wasn’t surprising when they performed at their own wedding- it was actually “demanded” that they perform by the folks attending their reception. Michelle has such a beautiful voice – rich and powerful!

Fast forward to this year- Michelle had been posting some things on social media, I could tell she was facing something very hard. I wasn’t sure what. I reached out with a gift certificate for a session for her and her mom. At the session, she then told me that she had been diagnosed with MS!!

DG- Tell me about your diagnosis:
M- I went to many doctors and then specialists who did all sorts of tests to help cross off what it couldn’t be to pave the way to what it is. They never want to start off saying they think its “this that or the third” because they need to be certain when diagnosing a serious lifelong disease. After all my tests crossed a lot of possibilities off they realized it was time to do an MRI. Two days later, I got a scary phone call telling me that I needed to come in right away as the scan revealed something they couldn’t tell me over the phone. Talk about nerve racking. At the office, my neurologist at the time said that they found many lesions and plaque on my spinal chord and brain, which is textbook MS. However, he was not a specialist and could not diagnose me, so he sent me to a specialist in Georgetown that is one of the top Neurologists in the country. He ran some tests and then officially that day, diagnosed me with the Multiple Sclerosis.

DG- How did your life change:
M- Just in a year my life has changed a lot. I learned a lot about my self as well. I learned all about my inner strength. Staying as positive as I can through this was quite a feat. I learned who was truly genuine in my life and am very grateful to those people who have been there through this year.  I always have tried to think about others and helping them, so it’s been a change for me to be the one that needs help sometimes. I have grown many connections with people, with MS and without.

DG-What did having your portraits taken mean to you:
M- Doing these portraits with my mom was very special to me. In ways that it may be hard for me to fully explain. My mom is a total fighter with struggles she’s faced in her life. I was born with a strong will, but my mom has enhanced that even more in me by her example of how she’s overcome all that she’s been through. She’s always supported me through the years but in this last year she’s been such a saving grace and made me not feel as alone. So to be able to get all pampered together was a fun and meaningful experience for many reasons for us. Some days I can’t even move or have the energy to shower, put on makeup or do my hair. They are total afterthoughts. So getting pampered was special and doing the photoshoot with my mom was an experience we will never forget. I remember being in a lot of pain during the shoot but wanted to fight through it. I used my pain to my advantage because I think my inner strength really shines through in the poses and in my face. My mom and I have also connected on another level this year because each other more as we both fight with lifelong diseases and disabilities.

DG- Even though this has been extremely hard, what are you grateful for:
M- I am so grateful to God and my family and friends. They have held my hand through all of this.  I am thankful for you. You were my amazing wedding photographer that’s turned into a beautiful friendship with my family and for giving us this day to enjoy together. These pictures and memories will last a lifetime and beyond. I’m grateful for the connections I’ve made new and old this year. For my team in Georgetown for helping me slow down this disease and ease daily symptoms or attacks. I’m also grateful for the technology and awareness that is now even more prevalent in the world for MS.  I am grateful to be able to be an advocate for people fighting a lifelong invisible battle every day. I am proud to have gotten through this year in the way that I did. I’ve tried to rise above every challenge I’ve faced and hope to continue to empower people with this Disease and without and to be a role model for people to never give up hope no matter what they are faced with in their lives.

This lady right here is a WARRIOR!! Michelle is now battling this disease, and she has come to a place that she is ready to use her BEAUTIFUL VOICE in hopes to help others!

I am honored to share a little of her story! I am so thankful that Michelle and her mom were two of my 97 women that I photographed this year.

PS- Please take a look here at a song Michelle wrote and co produced. And all proceeds of the CD go to the agency that handled Michelle’s adoption. (Yep, she is adopted)

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