Create & Cultivate 100: Health & Wellness: Lauren Ash
CREATING SPACE.
NAMA-SLAY.
photo credit: Deun Ivory
Lauren Ash is putting the OM in HOME.
A wellness visionary, yoga and meditation teacher, creative writer, and founder of the culture-shifting lifestyle brand synonymous with black women’s wellness—Black Girl In Om, Lauren is creating safe and honest space.
A space where women of color can close their eyes and feel surrounded by sisters.
Through BGIO, Lauren creates and cultivates meaningful experiences and content for a hugely marginalized community. From the BGIO podcast—which has reached more than half a million listeners—to holistic self-care retreats, Lauren considers her work an act of compassion, belonging, and ultimately a space she once needed and didn’t see.
More from Lauren below.
Name: Lauren Ash
Instagram Handle: @hellolaurenash
Business Instagram Handle: @blackgirlinom
Your site says, “Black Girl In Om creates space for women of color to breathe easy” what does breathing easy consist of?
Consider what it takes to breathe easy in the physical body: clean and safe air, lack of mental stressors causing you to breathe at a constricted, accelerated rate, and perhaps even the removal of constricting external forces on your chest, belly, and throat. Women of color are disproportionately faced with a greater number of challenges, ranging from economical and social, to health and psychological, so breathing easy is often a task much more complicated for us. However, when we remember that wellness is our birthright, and not some new, elite thing reserved only for the privileged, we begin to shift our paradigm and realize the possibilities that come with approaching breathing easy through simple, accessible practices such as compassionate exchanges with each other, a few moments of silence during the middle of a stressful day, and arming self-talk. Preventative and holistic self-care and selflove allows us all to breathe a little easier and slowly but surely it can become a lifestyle. This is what Black Girl In Om is all about.
What is your definition of holistic health for women?
Holistic health for me refers to experiencing wholeness in mind, body, and soul. Sometimes we feel fractured, and that’s okay. It’s important that we experience those fractures to know what wholeness feels like.
It’s important that we experience fractures to know what wholeness feels like.
When you were launching your platform what fears or doubts did you have to move past?
The fear that I would get in my own way. I experienced a tremendous amount of support from an intimate group of people who mattered a lot to me in the very beginning. I experienced some external fear and doubt from those who didn’t know what great resolve and determination I had and I allowed that to only fuel me. I believe that I’ve always known that the only force that could stop me would be me.
What’s the legacy you want to leave on your community?
The same legacy that my Grandmother Lillian Lazenberry-Martin left for me and everyone blessed by her presence: the feeling of true affirmation and support; the power of resilience and determination; the beauty in good vibes, a brilliant smile, and how good it feels to be taken care of. Also, a feeling of belonging and deservedness. Thanks to technology, I’m able to reach even more women than my Grandmother and continue to be an extension of the amazing legacy she left.
What advice do you have for women working towards cultivating the career of their dreams?
Don’t leave your Self out of the equation. When you dream up your ideal career, ensure that it involves prioritizing your energy, your spirit, your personal development. Approach your career from a holistic perspective.
"When you dream up your ideal career, ensure that it involves prioritizing your energy, your spirit, your personal development."
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What is your biggest pet peeve?
When someone interprets someone else’s glow-up as their downfall. Can’t we all shine together?
What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?
I work in my pajamas and headscarf more than half of the time.
What about your career makes you feel the most complete?
That at thirty years old, and in my third year of being a creative entrepreneur, I finally feel empowered and equipped to thrive in my career while simultaneously thriving in my wellness journey. It’s been an ebb and ow thus far, but I’ve made recent decisions, changes, and investments and 2018 I’m making it all happen. The amazing thing is that this moment has been so tremendously supported by my team, our incredible global community, and my close friends and especially my Mother. This goes back to what I said earlier: only I can stand in the way of my own growth and potential!
If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?
I feel enormously blessed with my path and wouldn’t trade it for the world. However, if you absolutely forced me to, I would swap with Issa Rae. She, like me, cultivated a very specific platform, Awkward Black Girl, on her own terms for quite some time. She did so with limited resources because she knew it was a narrative worth telling and knew that there was a community of people longing to see themselves represented. Now, she has overwhelming support and resources at her fingertips to continue to do what she’s always done. And she keeps it real. She is unapologetically Issa. On and off the screen. Always. I love her for that.
At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?
Honestly, I’ve always been confident. Thankfully, from a young age, my family poured encouragement and affirmation into me and supported my creativity and expression. But I think that the confidence level has boosted from the stories of women in my community who has been inspired by my work and the mission of Black Girl In Om. Ranging from how BGIO has inspired them to prioritize their wellness and seek out support to how I have personally inspired them to become a yoga teacher or dramatically change their career to be in alignment with their values, it is these stories that remind me that I can be confident in my purpose and my path because it is quite literally transforming countless women’s lives. That’s what it is about. I’m simply a vessel; a vessel of inspiration and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?
My Grandmother always told me “don’t take any wooden nickels” which basically means don’t put up with bullshit, ha! Seriously, though, she was speaking to a certain level of spiritual discernment and intuition which I’ve always tried to hone. My best friend Chelsea shared with me years ago what remains to be my favorite mantra: what is for you can’t be taken from you. This helps me time and time again as it reminds me to let things go, trust, and move on.
"What is for you can’t be taken from you."
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When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road or a detour?
Challenges breed innovation and creativity. I try to embrace challenges as opportunities. This is a must for anyone who wants to be in it for the long haul as a creative entrepreneur. My strategies include meditation and yoga, talking about the “bump” with people outside of my industry, and (importantly) not freaking out.
What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
Jamila Woods’ “LSD” (and any song off of her HEAVN album!) because it’s such a beautiful reminder of self-love, my divinity, and my worth.
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE WELLNESS LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: Health & Wellness: Simone De La Rue
INSPIRING EVERY STEP.
INSPIRING EVERY STEP.
Revenge is sweet. At least when it comes in the form of Simone De La Rue.
As the featured trainer on "Revenge Body with Khloe Kardashian,” and the powerhouse behind some of the A-list’s most famous behinds and biceps, fitness phenom Simone De La Rue is no stranger to sculpting bodies for the scrutiny of the public eye, and wow-ing that a-hole ex-boyfriend. The former professional dancer, trainer to the stars, and creator of the 8-week Total Body Makeover Plan Body by Simone has been touted as the next Tracy Anderson. With devoted clients including Reese Witherspoon, Chrissy Teigen, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, her Los Angeles and New York studios are chicer, and sweatier, than a red carpet. My clients are my inspiration, I love seeing their transformations, emotionally, physically and spiritually,” says De La Rue. One thing the self-made fitness guru who used to scrub the floors of her own studio can’t tolerate? You guessed it: laziness.
More from Simone below.
Name: Simone De La Rue
Instagram: @bodybysimone
Where do your drive and passion come from?
As long as I can remember I have had a love affair with dance. I started dancing at the age of 3. The discipline I learned as a dancer was incredible. I became a perfectionist at a young age, constantly pushing myself to improve my skills. It requires so much hard work, and commitment, if I wasn't passionate, I would not have had such a long career.
What kind of discipline did dance teach you?
It taught me to push through the pain and never give up. It taught me that there is always somewhere to go, always some way of improving and perfecting. It taught me self-love when looking in the mirror and a real connection to myself and my creative side.
How did that discipline help you when launching a biz?
When I first opened BBS, I was the front desk, the manager, the cleaner, I trained 8 hours a day and took care of all the marketing and business needs. That discipline taught me to not be afraid of hard work or to get my hands dirty.
What's the most rewarding part of running Body By Simone?
My clients are my inspiration, I love seeing their transformations, emotionally, physically and spiritually. They are the reason I get up every morning. I want to help them be the best versions of themselves.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Lazy people, I can only help those who want to be helped, and I can only give you the tools. I can't wave a magic wand and give you the body of your dreams if you don't want to work for it.
What are your biggest fears about running a business?
Growing too quickly or losing the integrity of the brand. I have never been driven by money, and I hope to continue to build the brand from an honest organic place.
What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?
It's extremely hard work. Not only am I doing physical work every day. Training clients and teaching class. But it is also mentally exhausting as I have to put on my business barbie hat and work on growing the brand. It's not as glamorous as my Instagram may depict. :)
What about your career makes you feel the most complete?
If I wasn't a dancer, I wanted to be a physiologist. I think being a trainer is the perfect blend of both of those careers. I love the human aspect of dealing with people and helping them evolve, physically, spiritually and emotionally.
"I love the human aspect of dealing with people and helping them evolve, physically, spiritually and emotionally."
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If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?
I love my job and would not actually want to trade with anyone. If I had to choose I would say a travel host. Just from a purely selfish love of traveling the world and getting to experience new cultures.
At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?
It's a constant battle to remind myself that I am enough and have done enough. But I do think that over the years I have allowed myself to celebrate my success.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?
Follow your heart and be true to yourself. People can feel if something is contrived. And always trust your gut. your instinct is always right.
When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road or a detour?
I try and take myself back to why I opened my studio's in the first place. I try and take it back to basics and connect with the work again. Training clients, and teaching.
What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
"Easy like Sunday morning" :)
Photo Credit: @davisfactor
Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE WELLNESS LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: Health & Wellness: Angela Davis
FULL OF SOUL.
FULL OF SOUL.
Angela Davis turns a 45-minute workout into a life-changing experience. She's friends with Oprah and is Beyoncé's chosen Soul Cycle instructor. As if that weren't enough she's also a five-time All-American Team USA track-and-field star.
All-in-all, Angela Davis is a badass source of inspiration to everyone she meets, and has built a career on the SoulCycle mentality of blending fitness with inspiration. She does it all and according to her Instagram bio: Mom, Wife, Motivational Coach, Fitness Evangelist, Speaker, Co-Founder.
More from Angela below.
Name: Angela Davis
Instagram Handle: @shapewithangela
What’s your definition of inspiration?
To inspire means to breathe life. So when you’re inspiring someone you’re literally breathing life into them. Into their hopes and dreams and reminding them of what is possible.
When a client of yours is having a tough time with a workout or a health obstacle how do you encourage them?
I always encourage every client to do their best, be their best, and hold themselves accountable. My mom once told me the definition of accountability is accounting to your own ability. And with that, your best is always good enough.
What advice do you have for women working towards cultivating the career of their dreams?
Well, if they’re already in the process of cultivating the career of their dreams, then they’ve already won. The privilege of living a purpose driven life and operating in your gifts and talents is the ultimate dream come true.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
People faking. Faking in a workout, faking in life, just being fake annoys me.
What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?
A job is an exchange of time for money. Some people have jobs and it's not necessarily something they love to do or want to do. What I get to do is my life’s work, therefore it doesn’t feel like a job. I’m literally doing what I was created and designed to do and I’m having the time of my life!
I’m literally doing what I was created and designed to do and I’m having the time of my life!
What about your career makes you feel the most complete?
On a daily basis, I get to co-labor with the One who created me. And inspire others to live the life that was intended for them.
If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?
I wouldn’t want to.
At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?
When it became clear to me that people pleasing wasn’t a good look for me and that no matter what I did, I could never make everyone happy. So I decided to follow my heart at any cost and honor the whispers that were my intuitive guide.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?
That “no” is a one-word answer. Don’t feel like you have to explain yourself to people. Your “no” is enough.
When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road or a detour?
I make one. A bump in the road doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Sometimes it just calls on you to push through a little bit harder.
"A bump in the road doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Sometimes it just calls on you to push through a little bit harder."
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What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
I don’t really know that I sing in the shower, but a go-to song for me when I’m feeling down is "No Weapon" by Fred Hammond.
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE WELLNESS LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: Content Creator: Destiney Green
#MAJORMOMCRUSH.
#MAJORMOMCRUSH
It's 2018. Bye, bye man crush. Hello, mom crush.
With fearless matriarch Destiney Green of popular parenting blog Mom Crush Monday ruling the roost, 2018 is all about unstoppable, stylish mamas taking over the world. Born as one new mom’s personal journey into the murky waters of raising a tiny human, Mom Crush Monday has officially graduated from the newborn stage, with a cool 185K Instagram followers, a membership-based platform, and a line of children’s clothing on the way.
With musings on graceful co-parenting, mental health, and mother/daughter adventures, Destiney and her daughter Honor are empowering, and inspiring, a community of mamas to dream, love, and grow.
More from Mom Crush Monday below.
Name: Destiney Green
Instagram: @MomCrushMonday
Where do your drive and passion come from?
When I became a mother, I suddenly felt like I had a purpose and a reason to push myself harder than ever before. Every time I look at Honor, I know why I'm working this hard.
Who is your biggest mom crush right now?
Denise Vasi. She's the epitome of career and mom success!
Your bio says you're a "future entrepreneur." What does "future" mean to you? And what are your plans?
The future is quickly approaching. I've known for a long time that I had big plans for myself, and I didn't want to let myself off the hook. 2017 has been about preparation for me, and in 2018 you'll see it all come to fruition. I'm really excited to see these pieces coming together on a couple different businesses I've been working on building.
When you hit a rough patch or hit bumps, how do you find new roads?
This question is such an important one. I think too many people are afraid of failing. I'm not and I encourage others to not be as well. If I hit a rough patch mentally, I take a day and refocus. If I hit a rough patch in a business opportunity, I look at why it didn't work and vow to make the next time better. I don't slow down enough to dwell on the hard moments. The key is to keep moving forward.
"I think too many people are afraid of failing. I'm not."
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How has motherhood helped you feel more empowered?
Oh my gosh, how has it not?! It's literally the most powerful thing you can do. To give life to another being. If I can do that, I'm unstoppable.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Excuses. I hate excuses.
What matters most to you about your job?
The connection with other women, and creating a foundation of sisterhood based on support and not competition.
What are your biggest fears about being a mom?
I wouldn't want Honor to ever look back and say I didn't prepare her for something.
How do you get over them?
I try to stay ready so we don't have to get ready.
What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?
People assume that blogging is all fun and games. Don't get me wrong - I LOVE my job, but a lot of work goes into what I do. I work long hours and I work hard for what I want.
What about your career makes you feel the most complete?
I get to be completely flexible with my time and decide what I want to fill it. If a project doesn't feel right, I say no. I am in control of my future.
If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?
Beyonce, because she's mastered her business and has changed the tables for so many.
At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?
I think every day I grow more and more into the woman I am supposed to be. I've always been confident in who I am, but each day I find I'm on the path I'm meant to be on, that confidence grows.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?
Real talk, don't think you can do it all alone. Play on your strengths and hire out your weaknesses. No one got to the top alone.
What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
"Ambition" by Jay Z.
Photo Credit: @davisfactor
Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE CONTENT CREATOR LIST CLICK HERE.
Create & Cultivate 100: Health & Wellness: Massy Arias
THE MOST FIERCE.
THE MOST FIERCE.
There are body goals, and then there’s Massy Arias aka MankoFit.
With 2.4 million Instagram followers, the rockhard rockstar is setting the precedent for workout ethic with a holistic approach to body and mind wellbeing. What began as an effort to overcome depression soon became a life-saving lifestyle for the fitness fanatic, who says that failure is the ultimate opportunity for learning. As a certified personal trainer, Arias aspires to shape futures, not just as six packs.
Follow along for MankoFit’s thoughts on cheat days, motherhood, and more.
Name: Massy Arias
Instagram Handle: @massy.arias
When did your passion for fitness begin? Do you have any cheat days? If so, we can’t tell.
About 5 years ago when I went through a depression. Fitness was my outlet to beat it. I don’t believe in cheat days. I like food and I eat healthy. If I decide to have something that has less nutritional value and a bit more calories than usual per meal, I don’t consider it cheating. I am just eating what my body felt like eating.
What are the basics of a healthy morning routine for busy women?
Fitness and nutrition isn’t a size fits all approach in my book. When it comes to my habits in the morning, I’ve established a routine for myself. I prep the night before so it’s easy to make the things I love in the morning. Overnight oats, oatmeal pancake batter, and even overnight Greek yogurt are my top choices in the morning especially if I am super busy.
You were super honest about learning to accept your post-preg body. What have you learned about your body since having your daughter?
Since having my daughter I’ve learned I’m a superwoman. I did something amazing that took close to 10 months, it’s going to take time to feel like myself and look the same way I used to before her. I love my body even more because it was the body that helped me bring my daughter into the world.
"Since having my daughter I’ve learned I’m a superwoman."
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Are there parts of your life that have become more clear since her birth?
Every aspect of my life and even I have changed since giving birth to Indi. I have become a better trainer, daughter, and wife. I can relate to a whole new “hood” I’ve never been able to relate with; motherhood and parenthood.
What’s the legacy you want to leave on your community?
The day I die, I’d like people to remember me as someone who taught how to be fearless and how to create their own destiny. I would love my daughter to say I was her motivator and role model.
"I would love my daughter to say I was her motivator and role model."
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What advice do you have for women working towards cultivating the career of their dreams?
Have Integrity. Don’t give up on your big goal once things get tough because I didn’t. The tougher it got for me, the more I learned how to navigate the things that today are easy for me to accomplish. I have never lowered my standards and I haven’t lost integrity to get the things I’ve wanted in my career. Too many people fall short and lower their standards for the things they want at the moment not realizing they are compromising their goals. Look at the big picture and don’t settle for less.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
When my husband eats my food. Drives me insane especially when I ask beforehand if I should get extra of “that something” and he says, “no.” Then it’s gone and I want to scream.
Top 3 artists on your workout playlist?
Leikeli 47, Major Lazer, Kendrick Lamar. (Cardi B but until she makes more music, I’ll continue playing Bodak Yellow, lol).
What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?
I handle all my social media, create my programs from top to bottom, and all the decisions I make for my supplement company are my own. From ingredients to new products. I don’t play around with neither my business or my fans. The reason I am here today is because of them and they deserve me staying genuine and telling them only the truth.
What about your career makes you feel the most complete?
I love what I do. I’ve been complete ever since I started helping people and doing fitness. I LOVE what I do. I think I’ve found my purpose and I hope my love for fitness and helping others shows even if those who show me support haven’t met me directly.
If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?
I’d trade jobs with Ayesha Curry. I happen to be really good in the kitchen and she seems to have so much love and passion for cooking that it looks so rewarding. You can tell she loves what she does.
"I’d trade jobs with Ayesha Curry."
At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?
At the point, I had a serious talk with my mother and I had anxiety about everything I was doing. She told me to read Ecclesiastes in the Bible and that was it. I never doubted myself. I’m very spiritual and that gave me so much confidence because of the man above always, ALWAYS, backs me up.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?
The best advice I was given was by my mother. She’s always told me to be myself and not try to be what people expect me to be.
When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road or a detour?
I hit bumps every day. I don’t look at failure or anything for that matter as a negative. I’ve learned a lot more failing or through bumps in the road than I have when everything is going great. I learn from the situation and I find a solution. But I keep moving forward with applying what I’ve learned and hopefully not make that mistake again.
What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
"Stronger" by Tank.
Photo Credit: @davisfactor
TO SEE THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE WELLNESS LIST CLICK HERE.
Self Love Twitter Accounts You've Got to #FollowFriday
For days that are just balls.
We know the holidays are supposed to be filled with love, joy + laughter, but sometimes, that's just not how it goes. If you're in a holiday slump go follow these Twitter profiles dedicated to inspiring smiles and laughs all day.
Check them out below.
@alex_elle + @idillionaire
Any of your favorite twitter profiles missing from this list? Drop some names for us below to spread the inspo!
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