Celebrating Women in Business | Laura Hawkins

I love learning about people behind the business. Very seldom do you find a business that is not rooted in some aspect of the owner’s own personal story - whether it highlights their childhood dreams, aspirations or, in Laura’s case, her victories found in her own story of recovery.

Laura Hawkins is the owner/founder of Laura Hawkins Recovery Coaching. We got to know each other though the Women’s Networking Alliance and later served together as volunteers for Second Harvest Food Bank in San Jose. I deeply appreciated Laura’s sense of humor and just how honest she was about her story and how it led her to later establish a business focused specifically on helping others on their recovery journey.

And let’s be a real - I think my favorite fun fact about Laura is that she is obsessed with ice cream - and who doesn’t love that?

I am very proud to share today’s spotlight on Laura as another way to continue celebrating Bay Area women business owners who are are making an impact!

***
Can you share a little bit about you and your business? 

I’m a native Californian currently residing in Menlo Park with my old pit bull Charlie. I’m the proud mom of two amazing young adults, Jack and Julia, and a sober member AA for over 30 years. I love to travel and do it every chance I get. My favorite place I’ve ever been is South Africa. 

Professionally, I’m a serial solopreneur (runs in my family — both of my parents had their own successful businesses for years) and currently work as a recovery coach and certified recovery specialist.  

As a recovery coach I guide and support clients to create a simple and practical plan for living a life free from their addictions. I partner with people interested in recovering from substance use disorders or similar conditions. My programs are exclusively tailored to meet the needs of each individual. 

What has your journey looked like personally/professionally to get to where you are now?

Little did I know that over 30 years ago, my decision to get sober would lead me to my life’s work. It certainly didn’t start out that way, but what’s always been a constant for me is that I’ve always worked in industries that incorporated my passions. That’s extremely important to me.

I’ve worked in public relations/marketing, t.v., and animal welfare organizations like the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley where I was the executive director before starting my own business as a recovery coach. I loved this position, but there started to be this internal pull towards working with people in recovery that was too strong to ignore. I've seen what an important piece coaching can be to programs of recovery, and I wanted to help in that way.

Although I got sober through AA anonymous, I work with people who want to explore programs that aren’t 12-step. What I want most for my clients to find a group that works for them where they feel comfortable and supported in overcoming their addictions.

What do you enjoy about what you do? What are some of the challenges?

I love being able to help those who want to tackle head-on the things in their lives that are keeping them from being who they really want to be. I have such admiration for people who have gotten to a really low place in their lives but are willing to do something differently by trying a program of recovery. Confronting yourself about what’s not working is one of the bravest things one can do, I believe. I love seeing the hope come back for my clients when they realize that they can conquer their addictions and will go to any lengths to do it. I was where each one of my clients have been before, so I know how it feels, and what’s possible. 

What’s difficult about my work is working with people who ultimately decide to go back to their addictions. However, I never, ever give up hope because I know recovery isn’t always a straight line. My door is always open.

Knowing what you know now, what would you tell your 18 year old self?

Never stop working towards your goals and passions. Understand it will be frustrating at times but that temporary. Travel a lot and take risks. Ask for help and see what you can do for other people. When I’m thinking about someone else, I’m not thinking about myself. Don’t think to be successful you have to do it all on your own or that you need to be perfect. There is no such thing. And lastly, laugh a lot. Use humor to connect with others. I’ve found that laughter really is the best medicine for what ails me.

What do you appreciate most about your life now/what are you most proud of?

What I appreciate about my life is the perspective time and recovery have given me. I’ve learned that there are very few really big deals. I’m most proud of the relationships I have. They are full of humor and truth and caring. Nothing better than that.

Who inspires you and why?

Anyone trying to do better inspires me. People who give expecting nothing in return and help others "just because" it’s the right thing to do.

A fun or surprising fact about yourself?

I was on a game show in college hoping to win money to fix my car — I lost! I have volunteered in animal shelters and fostered for rescue organizations for much of my adult life

If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?

I wanted to answer this question in a really heady way, but the truth is, that I would love to meet the person that first invented ice cream. I’m literally obsessed. 

Celebrating Women in Business | Jyoti Mehta

Jyoti Mehta is someone I think every person in the Bay Area should know. And not just because she’s an awesome person (she is!), but because whether you’re an athlete, a person who logs in a ton of time in front of the computer, or even a musician, painter, or hairstylist, the health and care of your hands all the way to your shoulders is something most of us don’t think much about. Until an ache or injury prompts us to.

Her passion to serve her patients coupled with her expertise of over 20+ years as an occupational therapist and certified hand therapist were very clear to me when I first had the opportunity to hear about her work and background. I especially appreciate that Jyoti values taking the time to assess each client’s case with care and thoughtfulness, making sure that they are educated on all the options available to best treat their unique situation.

Highlighting Bay Area women in business is one of my favorite things to do and I am excited to feature Jyoti Mehta, owner/founder of Healthy Hands in Sunnyvale!

Can you share a little bit about you and your business?

I have been a board certified Occupational therapist for 20+years and a certified hand therapist since 2011. I specialize in evaluating and providing high quality rehab to clients with hand, wrist, elbow or shoulder injuries.

Healthy Hands represents my private practice clinic situated in Sunnyvale, where my patients get swift appointment scheduling, individualized specialist attention, successful rehabilitation, and a prompt return to their favorite activities. Whether pain is a result of sports injuries, surgery or spending too many hours in front of the computer, I help patients ease their pain and achieve their best possible mobility, strength and endurance. My website lists the many orthopedic and neurological conditions I treat,along with my different treatment methods.

 What do you enjoy about what you do? What are some of the challenges?

I enjoy the privilege of working with people from all walks of life - musicians, climbers, chefs, sports enthusiasts, attorneys, teachers, artists, and office workers. Treating diverse upper extremity conditions has given me a deep understanding of the impact they have on each patient’s unique work and daily life.

For me, the challenge and the most fun comes from problem solving the cause of my patient’s pain. It typically involves assessing and understanding the interplay of different body systems (skin, fascia, muscles, tendons, joints, nerves) and then analyzing them in light of a patient's work and play habits.

Knowing what you know now, what would you tell your 18 year old self?

Oh, so much to tell my 18 year old self! Find your strengths, find what lights you up and go for your passion!

What do you appreciate most about your life now/what are you most proud of? I feel most blessed to be a mother and a healer. Both roles bring immense joy and satisfaction.

Who inspires you and why?

My dad has a heart full of empathy. He embodies a genuine warmth that resonates with everyone he meets, making them feel valued and cared for. He inspires me to be compassionate and kind to all around me.

A fun or surprising fact about yourself?

I could be super tired or unwell but play some bollywood music (of my liking) and I’ll jump out of bed to dance! Dancing and fun are synonymous.

If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?

Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Buddhist monk and the “father of mindfulness”. I wish I could be in the presence of his aura and experience some of his peace and bliss.

Bay Area Women In Business | Tricia Dolkas

It is no secret our world continues to be in times of constant change, impacting the personal and professional lives of not only ourselves but also those around us. Career transitions and pivots have become the norm, whether it is for those who find themselves one year or 30 years into their career.

Tricia Dolkas, founder of KickStart Career, is more than familiar with the challenges that come with being a young professional navigating these kinds of changes during uncertain times. She not only graduated from Stanford University in the middle of a recession herself, but also has over 20 years experience as a corporate recruiter with various companies such as IBM, Google, Sears, Blue Jeans Network, and VMWare. Her extensive recruiting experience coupled with her passion for helping young professionals successfully transition into new career territory is what makes her an ideal coach. She also currently serves as President for the Women’s Networking Alliance, Chapter 122 in Los Altos.

It is my honor to highlight Tricia in this month’s “Bay Area Women In Business” profile!

***

Can you share a little bit about you and your business? 

I am a career coach assisting people in determining the best next steps in their career and how to approach a career transition strategically and efficiently. I work mostly with 2 different groups of people. First, I love helping people starting or early in their career. In this case, I work with families as parents support their children in launching their careers. I also love working with mid-career professionals with a significant career pivot, ex: changing their career to a direction that is more aligned to their values and passions.

What has your journey looked like professionally to get to where you are now?

I was a corporate recruiter for 20 years. I have recruited for positions at all levels of a corporation and within all functions. My industry experience includes the Tech Industry, Pharmaceuticals, Aerospace, Professional Services, Telecom, Agriculture, Financial Services, Retail and Oil & Gas. I also am the poster child of career pivots. During my career I have worked as Data Analyst, Product Manager, IT Manager, Telco Project Manager and a Recruiter. 

What do you enjoy about what you do? What are some of the challenges?  

Currently in “The Great Resignation” I believe there is a fundamental shift happening in the relationship between professionals and corporations. Professionals are learning to speak their truth and seeing how that brings more personal and professional satisfaction.  What I REALLY enjoy about my work is being a catalyst for “The Great Resignation”. I LOVE teaching people techniques for increased confidence in their career direction, more effective job searches and to own their power as a capable candidate for a company. I am THRILLED when I see my clients more grounded in their self-worth and their ability to make meaningful changes in the world.  

One challenge is that my work is a partnership that depends on a willing client. My method is effective, but sometimes people aren’t willing to follow the guidance or to try new techniques. Ultimately, I can’t apply for job openings or initiate a professional networking relationship, only my client can take these actions. Success  depends on their commitment to action.  

Knowing what you know now about your career, what would you tell your 18 year old self?  

Don’t be afraid of career transitions that allow you to grow professionally and to contribute to society in ways that are meaningful to you. And don’t be afraid to ask anyone for support in reaching your goals. 

Who inspires you and why?  

My father. He was a business owner and restauranteur in Southern California. He believed that a business will succeed only if management takes care of the employees. So in the 1970s, he offered full benefits to all the staff, even the people bussing dishes. He also offered profit-sharing to the management team. Both of these actions were unprecedented in the restaurant business and resulted in a very successful business and a group of very loyal and hardworking employees. 

A fun or surprising fact about yourself?  

I started snow skiing when I was 4 years old and think I skied better then than I do now. 

If you could meet anyone in history (living or not), who would it be and why? 

Eleanor Roosevelt. She was a strong woman who took action on her principles and worked to change the role of women in business and society.

Melanie | 2019 | A Celebration of Phenomenal Women

I think with anything that seems intimidating and unknown, it’s much more common to avoid it entirely and somehow hope it will turn out just fine. This includes planning and truly knowing where your financial house stands - whether it’s sand or cement.

I had the pleasure of meeting Melanie awhile back and we immediately connected over our common love/slight obsession with our dogs. In conversation over all things pet-related, I also learned that she is a financial advisor with Financial Perspectives based here in the Bay Area. It is evident that she has a true passion to help educate people make sound financial decisions, especially women. Historically, when it came to personal finances, women seemed to come in second in many aspects, whether it was how much we earned compared to our male counterparts or even when it came to having the tools and knowledge to make the decisions best for retirement, college education planning for kids, etc. Her work encourages women to take a much more active role and to allow education help ease the fears of the unknown when it comes to personal finances.

As someone who advocates for all things that help women continually move forward, it is an honor to share with you all these final images from Melanie’s photoshoot with Heartbox Photography!

Images | Heartbox Photography

Hair & makeup | Beautiful One Makeup Artistry

“Personal finance knowledge is sorely lacking for everyone, and having the ability to share my knowledge and be a part of someone reaching their financial goals gives me great satisfaction.

My journey to the woman I am today has been a constant discovery, which is what I love best, because I have a deep desire to continue to learn.”

-Melanie Pelayo, Financial Advisor

What do you appreciate most about your life now?

“I know I have the skills within me to accomplish what I want to do if I set my mind to it.

I’m grateful to have my family around me and their support no matter what, and appreciate the sacrifices my parents made to help me become the person I am today.”

Thuy, 2018 | Glamour and Contemporary Portraits | Fremont, CA

“There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful, than a woman being unapologetically herself; comfortable in her own imperfection. To me, that is the essence of true beauty.”

-Steve Maraboli

Thuy is the founder/owner of 923 Design here in the Bay Area. She is a designer, a creative, a boss lady, a hustling mother who took the leap into her dream and never turned back.

In short, she is awesome and I am so proud to share with you all some of my favorite images from her photoshoot with Heartbox Photography, with hair/makeup by Miranda Villanueva of Love and Artistry.

Here’s to the women bosses out there representing the Bay Area. :)

Happy Friday!

Preview | Van | Glamour and Contemporary Portraits | San Jose, CA

I absolutely love when my craft goes beyond me and makes someone smile, makes them feel inspired, and helps remind a woman that she is stunning simply because she is herself. 

Photographing the lovely Van felt like it was an afternoon spent with a beautiful friend who absolutely rocked that inner model. Van is not only one of the nicest, most down-to-earth women around, but she's also a wife, the proud mother of 2, and a driven and passionate entrepreneur, serving as founder of Tempo Bicycles. 

I'm so excited to share a sneak peak into Van's photo session below - there are definitely  more lovely images to come, so stay tuned!

Many thanks to Kat Tinney for the styling of Van's hair and makeup!

Ann, 2014. Bay Area, Glamour Photo Session

A camera captures more than just a photo. And a photo is about more than just the right light, the right angle, the right moment, the right expression. It can be a means to transform and change a perspective, to influence, to shape, to bring something fabulous to share with everyone.

Meet Ann.

As many of you know from her preview blog post here, Ann is not only a wife and mother of two, but she is also a fashion consultant with CAbi. And just as I love to use my camera as a means to share a message to the world of real beauty for the everyday woman, Ann uses her talents in fashion to help women look and feel their absolute best.

I recently had the privilege to photograph Ann and learn more about her life as a mother, wife, and entrepreneur. One of the things I appreciated most about Ann was her belief that every woman should feel fabulous about herself no matter what age she is. Can I get an amen, ladies?

Here are just a few of my favorites from Ann's session with Heartbox Photography as well as a little story about the lovely person she is.

A special thank you to the talented Vlada Fomenko Makeup and Hair for Ann's beautiful hair and make up! 



"Dance was a huge part of my life growing up. I started at the age of 8 and it helped me have self confidence, make friends, and learn about how important a healthy body is. In my teenage years, it was a way for me to express my emotions when I couldn't find the words and is still a a huge part of my identity today."

"I am most passionate about raising happy and confident children. I want my son and daughter to be kind, loving, and strong. I want them to know that they are loved for who they are and teach them how to enjoy the little things in life as well as how to overcome obstacles."

"If I could give my 18-year-old-self advice, it would be this - relax and enjoy life's ups and downs. Everything is going to be just fine. I would also tell her that she is beautiful the way she is, not what others think of her."

"I admire people who lead through example and inspiration. Leaders who teach you to find your own path and lead rather than just follow."

"My personal motto is: find your own happiness. Too often I see people drifting through life losing their identity. This is especially true with moms. They stop caring about themselves and forge to do things in life that they enjoy. They think they are being the best moms but they lose sight of the example they are setting.

"I have a friend named Tricia that I have known since I was 3. Having a lifelong friend you can share life's good and bad moments with is such a gift. She has taught me how much girlfriends can be supportive of one another and offer that stability along the journey of life."

"My daughter, Kira, has also definitely changed me. She has such an amazing spirit and her happiness is contagious. When I hear her laugh, my whole body fills with joy. She teaches me to be silly and girly and free from self-doubt."

"As a fashion consultant, I want women to dress in clothes that highlight their best features and make them feel good about themselves. I love seeing woman's face light up when I put her in an outfit that makes her feel pretty, sassy - or whatever feeling she hasn't felt in a while."

"Be your most beautiful self from the inside out."

It was a wonderful shoot and I am honored to have been a part of it. Be sure to check out the slideshow below!

PREVIEW: Ann, 2014. Bay Area, Glamour Photo Session

Though the weekend clouds and rain normally put a stop to a lot of outdoor activities, it didn't put a stop to the fun of an indoor photo session and makeover with the lovely Ann.

I had met Ann a few months back and learned that she is not only a mother and wife, but also a talented fashion consultant with CAbi. (I absolutely LOVE their style. It's crazy hard trying to convince myself that it's not my birthday or Christmas or any other give-yourself-a-gift-kinda season right now. You'll see what I mean when you check out her site!) It's wonderful meeting other women who are advocates of empowering other women in all ways possible, including through the world of fashion and I am very excited to share with you all a preview of Ann's photo session.

There is definitely more from this shoot so stay tuned!

A special thank you to the talented Vlada Fomenko Makeup and Hair for Ann's beautiful hair and make up!