Inspiration really can come from everywhere.
Movies.
A walk outside.
Dance.
Sketching on a whiteboard.
A conversation.
Taking a nap.
A quote.
Books.
A little boredom.
It's funny how seemingly unrelated things like these actually influence business processes...
Spark creativity...
Generate new ideas...
Sharpen vision...
Carve out solutions...
And ultimately re-ignite vision.
Image by Heartbox Photography
What can I say? I love what I do.
And at the end of the day, I do the work I do because there's something kinda awesome about being tired from doing something you actually like doing rather than from something you don't.
What (or who) are you out there hustling for?
When I think of Sarah, the words “vibrant, energetic, leader” immediately come to mind.
Her involvement as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA is a national association in the United States that supports and promotes court-appointed advocates for abused or neglected children) eventually led to Sarah and her partner’s decision to adopt their daughter, Keriann. Sarah’s love for her family, her work (she currently serves as a Creative Director at an ad tech company here in the Bay Area) and life itself was clearly evident in our conversation and I am thrilled to publish this spotlight on a phenomenal woman whose drive and vision creates meaningful impact on the work she does for others and the community around her.
Images by Heartbox Photography
“I moved to the Bay Area from Washington, DC a little over 8 years ago with my partner Jason Pittman who was tasked with building the first Khan Academy brick-and-mortar school. We were exposed to some pretty big fish fairly quickly, but I really was looking for a more down-to-earth scene.
Looking for ways to build community and put down some roots, I started to do a lot of volunteering with kids in higher need communities. The biggest impact I felt I was able to make was as a CASA.
I encourage all my friends who haven't had children to explore being a child advocate or mentor for those who need a little extra support. It’s been the best experience of my life, and I hope to do more work here in a “second career”.
That said, I love my “day job”, where I’m the Creative Director at Frequence, an ad tech company in Mountain View. I’m proud to be the first female in executive leadership here and have developed additional resources, such as Women@Frequence and as well as our community initiative, where we’ve worked with hunger and education services.
After being a CASA for two years, Jason and I decided to adopt our daughter, Keriann, who was in her teens. She’s been an incredible part of my life and has pushed me to grow in ways I never imagined.”
What do you enjoy about what you do? What are some of the challenges?
“I enjoy connecting people. Nothing feels better than growing with a community, and seeing the fruits of your combined labor. This applies when working on the software we develop, implementing new creative workflows and growing a team of creative employees. It’s nice because we all have the same general goals - but different approaches in how we get there. It’s wonderful to track personal growth, but also see the changes in co-workers and mentees over a similar arch of time. This makes everything worth it!
The struggle lately has been finding time to make personal connections on a larger scale. Time is so precious and I think the last two years really showed me the importance of being intentional with it.”
Knowing what you know now, what would you tell your 18-year-old self?
“She was such a mess! I didn’t know where to begin - I had so many interests and both terrified and excited by new things. I would probably give myself the same advice as I would currently - be precious about who and what you spend your time doing. Don’t attach yourself to anyone or anything that is just there because of comfort or fear of something new. Don’t let anyone waste your time - especially you!"
I look at my daughter, who is now 23, and often think about the things she could’ve taught me. She has always been laser focused on what she wants - and I have a lot of respect for the way she carries herself and the expectations she puts on those around her. I was not that strong at 18, 23, etc.”
What do you appreciate most about your life now/what are you most proud of?
“I appreciate self care. Although most would label me an extrovert, I think I’ve become more introverted or recognized that I need a fair amount of downtime where I can be completely “off”. I’m always doing something - sending and email, researching a new project, et - but the holy grail of self care must come first. Working from home post-pandemic has made it easy to get sleep, good nutrition, and exercise. Stress management is so important and I feel like I’ve finally figured that out.”
If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?
“This is hard! I’m kind of a pessimist in this way - they whole “don’t meet your heroes” curse. But I’m inspired by people who were bold enough to shake things up. It takes so much effort to step outside your comfort zone and fight against the current.
That said, I think I admire this so much after reading about Regenerative Design pioneer Victor Papanek. He was not a well-known industrial designer, but he was really focused on “breaking” things - redesigning everyday items for more sustainability, better ergonomics, equality, et. His book, Design for the Real World: Human Ecology and Social Change is really a hidden gem.”
Who inspires you and why?
Women.
“[My daughter], Keriann - she’s the strongest woman I’ve ever known.
My mom. She’s 75 and still working on herself. She never settles for long - she’s a passionate volunteer and is still working as a nurse. Her work ethic and tireless care for her family is something I feel is so special.”
A fun or surprising fact about yourself?
“I have a lot of past lives. I’ve worked in a lot of different roles/industries, which I feel contributes to empathy and compassion.
I’m a creative professional, and enjoy many creative pursuits but don’t really consider myself an artist. I’m definitely more about the journey/process and the collaboration. It goes back to connecting - I love to manage a complex project, bringing in the best men and women for the job(s). I think that is my superpower.
I’m excited about “reopening” San Jose. I’ve been working with the New Leaders Council for the past two years and am so inspired by this group of passionate progressive thinkers.
I hope to continue to find ways to connect to community and culture in our city, and look forward to marking and observing my growth here.”
I absolutely love digging through my archives and finding images from past photoshoots.
My absolute favorite form of light natural backlighting - it gives a beautiful, clean, and crisp feel to the photographs and to see an image that reminds me of the times I was first experimenting with this type of natural light inspires me all over again.
And it reminded me that sometimes, a new and fresh source of inspiration for the future can absolutely come from remembering the gems of the past.
I hope you are all having a wonderful summer so far!
Image by Heartbox Photography
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I love hearing about the pivots and turns that paint the journey of a woman’s life and how it contributed to where they are today. It is in these details that make people’s stories so interesting and Joelle Maletis is no exception.
Joelle is a Bay Area-based therapist, with an expertise on military psychology and post traumatic stress disorder. When I first met her, I immediately assumed this was her first career, one that she has aspired to be in from the very beginning - only to find out that her first career was actually as a professional dancer for many years (20!) before an injury prompted her to return to school to become a therapist. And yes, all this while being a mother to her then-one and three year old children!
She is the CEO of Joelle Rabow Maletis & Associates and I am so honored to feature the story of this remarkable woman in today’s Bay Area Women in Business spotlight!
Image by Heartbox Photography
Hair & Makeup by Daisy Gonzalez-Duarte of Beautiful One Makeup Artistry
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I am a native Californian and the CEO and Clinical Supervisor of Joelle Rabow Maletis & Associates Inc. I am also a psychotherapist, military psychology, and PTSD expert. I specialize in trauma, relationship issues, addictions, and life transitions. The work I complete each day allows me to be of service to others while using my educational background and real-life experiences. Outside of the office, I enjoy sports, cooking, running, biking, hiking, reading, and watching women’s soccer.
I started as a ballet dancer by training and was in the dance world for 20 years. I had a career-ending injury and thought therapy would be interesting.
From my own backstory, I fell in love with working through my own stuff and doing that with a therapist. All of a sudden, I was newly divorced with a one and a three-year-old, so I went back to graduate school for the third time and said, “okay well therapy sounds interesting, and I don't know if I’ll be any good at it but let's give it a go.” I have been a therapist ever since and have ended up loving it as much as I loved being a dancer.
What do you enjoy about what you do? What are some of the challenges?
I love that my job is multi-faceted because this makes it exciting. I also enjoy doing mentoring and career development with new therapists and working with clients on growth. Doing media work and talking to people and female business owners in a variety of discipline on mental wellness is something that I always look forward to as well.
Some of the challenges are taking care of myself while taking care of my children, family, team, and clients. It's so hard to be a people pleaser, a perfectionist, and wanting to give everyone everything all the time. As therapists, we give so much all the time, we forget to give to ourselves! I'm definitely guilty of this! It's why I love micro-self-care.
Who you are right now is not who you will be forever. Stay open minded and willing to try new experiences because even if you fail, that’s okay because growth comes from failure.
What I appreciate and am proud of as an entrepreneur is being fortunate enough to go from borrowing $600 to purchase a couch for my office to growing my business into what it is today. I am very appreciative of the privilege that has allowed me to do that. What I am most proud of is what my kids have accomplished so far in life and the doors they have opened for themselves.
Amy Poehler because of the work she does with her smart girl’s foundation.
Her Smart Girls organization encourages uniqueness and intelligence in young people so that they can become themselves without trying to fit in.
The work she does gives young people the opportunity to feel like they fit in while being themselves which is so important.
I have appeared in over sixty movies, commercials, and music videos as a backup dancer.
Emily Dickinson who bucked the patriarchy and wrote poetry anyway!
Misty Copeland the first black prima ballerina for the American Ballet Theater in NY; and, who redefined ballerinas’ bodies, showing the world that dancers are athletes, not stick figures! And Emmiline Pankhurst who started the suffragettes in the UK during WWI, helping women get the right to vote shortly after the war.
One of the things I enjoyed most about launching a series in 2021 that celebrated women who are part of the 50+ demographic was hearing their personal perspectives about what this season of life looked like for them, their careers, and their overall journey.
Being in this demographic means different things to different women and as such, I have asked a few women who participated in the series to share their stories - and today, I am honored to highlight Melanie Gill, Bay Area-based Marketing and Branding Expert, of Melanie Gill Consulting.
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Aging is really a gift if you think about it.
Not everyone is blessed with this opportunity to journey “over the hill” and experience life at a slower pace.
Embracing my age has been a very freeing experience. A major step toward acceptance was ending the perpetual hair dye sessions and embracing my grey in all its glory. The year long journey from black to grey was slow. During that time, I really processed what it meant to be over 50. As I would look in the mirror and watch my hair changing, I too was able to shift internally as I would digest what the next chapter of my life could look like.
For me, it became clear that I was ready to work on my own terms as a marketing consultant and live more in the moment personally.
The tech space can be fast moving requiring more than a typical full time routine, often including extensive international travel. While I very much enjoyed that part of my life and seeing the world, it also became clear as I got older that I wanted to engage at a pace that supported my personal life here at home.
This is what inspired me to leave the corporate world and start my marketing consulting practice.
It was a bit of a dance back and forth for a few years between consulting, then returning full time, then back to consulting. And now I love being a consultant and supporting a variety of small and mid size companies while learning about new endeavors beyond technology.
With over 20 years in leadership roles in Silicon Valley, I bring extensive marketing and sales expertise to the clients I serve today. I am passionate about helping small to mid size businesses get the word out about who they are, what they are offering, and why it matters. I am gifted at being able to step into an organization and bring to light what is needed to achieve that next level of success.
Being a consultant has allowed me to create a balanced personal routine enabling me to focus on exercise, eating well, and keeping my garden beautiful. Right now, I am writing a cookbook and so far the recipes seem to all be vegan as I have been focused on bringing more vegetables into my daily diet. One thing is for sure, I don’t miss the commute or the long trips over seas for business.
When I have a bit of down time between clients, you will find me getting certified in something interesting like interior design or essential oils. Or taking on a big project at home like landscaping my garden myself.
And while I tend to be a driven, focused, and deliberate person, I also enjoy deep connection with people.
There is nothing I like more than having a meal with a handful of amazing, witty, and interesting women!
How proud I am to serve and encourage women. To remind them of their voice, their possibilities.
March is when we celebrate International Women’s Day. And as I look at the faces of just some of the women I have been privileged to photograph over the years, I am in awe of the beauty seen in various stories that weave together a sweet reminder of how proud I am to be a woman.
Images | Heartbox Photography
#InternationalWomensDay2022
I must confess that as I type this, I find the urge to sit up straighter at my desk and exercise better posture. =)
Why, you might wonder? Well, today I am honored to feature Dr. Kerry Lindell, founder of Lindell Chiropractic in this month’s “Bay Area Women in Business” profile!
Dr. Lindell is a trusted Bay Area - based chiropractor with extensive (over 30 years) experience. She has been named Local Businessperson of the Year in Mountain View twice and her commitment to providing the best care for every one of her clients, undoubtedly, is what contributed to not only the success of her practice, but also to the stellar reputation she has built among her clientele.
One of the things that I personally found so interesting about Dr. Lindell is that while her work is centered around spinal care, sports injuries, etc. this amazing business woman is also pretty fearless when it comes to facing activities that would send someone like me running for the hills! I will let her elaborate on it below, but basically, while most of us shy away from activities like bungee jumping and swimming with sharks, she is the daredevil who seeks after the thrill of activities like this gusto!
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Can you share a little bit about you and your business?
I grew up in Los Altos, California and studied Biology at UCLA. Towards the end of college, I was suffering with severe pain in my shoulder blade. I was not able to focus on my studies and needed to get some help. My parents flew me home so I could see a chiropractor. After the first treatment, I felt so much better. She treated me again the next day and I improved even more. Not only did I get significant relief from my pain, but I also realized then and there that I wanted to become a chiropractor.
I went to Palmer Chiropractic College West, graduated in 1990 and have been in practice for almost 32 years. I specialize in proper spinal alignment, posture correction, sports injuries and neurology. I am also having huge success with the latest technology challed Shockwave Therapy which is a regenerative treatment for acute and chronic injuries. You can visit www.lindellchiropractic.com to find out more about me and my services.
What do you enjoy about what you do? What are some of the challenges?
I absolutely love being a Chiropractor and can't imagine doing anything else! What I enjoy the most about what I do is getting to know my patients and being able to improve their quality of life. I have developed treatment protocols to help my patients restore normal posture, relieve pain, improve range of motion and function, and recover and rehabilitate after an accident or injury.
The greatest challenge has always been dealing with insurance companies. Need I say more?
Knowing what you know now about your career, what would you tell your 18 year old self?
I would tell myself to trust my gut, listen to my heart, and follow my intuition. It worked for me when I was 22 and it still works to this day.
Who inspires you and why?
My twenty year old twins inspire me to be the best role model possible as a mother, doctor of chiropractic and business owner.
A fun or surprising fact about yourself?
I am somewhat of a dare devil or thrill seeker. I have tried bungee jumping, skydiving, hang gliding, paragliding, parasailing, balloon riding, helicopter riding, flying trapeze, motorcycle riding, surfing, horseback riding, shooting, E biking, ziplining with monkeys and scuba diving with sharks in South Africa, waterfall/cliff jumping and Spartan Obstacle Course Racing.
If you could meet anyone in history (living or not), who would it be and why?
I'd like to meet the fabulous British actress, Dame Maggie Smith. Since I am currently watching Downton Abbey for the second time, she has been on my mind lately. It turns out we both have Scottish mothers and she reminds me of my mother as they have very similar mannerisms. She has had an extremely prolific acting career since the 50's and is currently working at 87 yrs. old. I am sure she could tell some funny and fascinating stories.
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!
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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.
In the Spring of 2021, I officially launched the very first Portrait of a Lady | 50+ and Fabulous Series. I have always photographed women of all ages, but never designed anything specifically dedicated to celebrating this fabulous demographic of women.
Until now.
The goal was to intentionally reach out and photograph 50 women in 2021 who are 50+ and proud to share it with others through their images. I am honored to now present to you all the first ever compilation of my clients whose images together create a beautiful tapestry of art that speaks a message of celebration at every age and season of life!
Portrait of a Lady, 50+ Fabulous Series 2021
Images | Heartbox Photography
Over the years, as any small business owner I am sure will agree with, you realize how important it is to have a network of great connections. Truly, no (wo)man business owner is an island and I am fortunate to know some of the best out there.
My work with Heartbox Photography is centered on women and I think that while it’s important to obviously highlight the awesome women I have the privilege to work with as clients, it is equally important to highlight the women who are part of the business connections that have supported me along this journey. And one such organization I am proud to be part of is a phenomenal group called Women’s Networking Alliance.
Kelly Dunn is the owner of Kelly Dunn Insurance Agency. She also currently serves as the Education Chair for our WNA Chapter (Chapter 122 - Los Altos) and in the time I have gotten to know Kelly, it is obvious she not only has a passion for what she does in her work, but also being a contributing member to our networking group, always being among the first to suggest a contact or connection that would be a beneficial resource for our group to learn from. (Hence her role as our Education Chair!)
It is my honor to highlight Kelly in this month’s “Bay Area Women In Business” profile!
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Can you share a little bit about you and your business? My mother passed away unexpectedly when I was 18 years old. Fortunately my godfather is an insurance agent and had my parents set up adequately. It was then that I truly learned the importance of insurance and having the right coverages.
What has your journey looked like professionally to get to where you are now? A lot of hard work and being able to hear the word no repeatedly. I just take comfort in knowing with every no I am that much closer to a yes!
What do you enjoy about what you do? What are some of the challenges? I enjoy protecting my clients, knowing that in one of their worst moments, car accident, home fire, etc. that they will be ok because I provided them with the correct coverages. My biggest challenge is no one likes to talk about insurance so I try to find ways to make it interesting and fun when I can.
Knowing what you know now about your career, what would you tell your 18 year old self? Other people’s opinions are a reflection of their own limitations and boundaries. I had so many people tell me having your own business is too hard/too much work and that I should just get a “real” job.
Who inspires you and why? My grandmother was my biggest inspiration because she was a strong, independent woman who always took care of herself.
A fun or surprising fact about yourself? I was tetherball champion in 5th grade at my school’s field and track day. Lol
If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why? I would love to meet Audrey Hepburn, I think she was a very classy lady and I love her sense of style.
Happy New Year, everyone!
To kick off the celebration of this new year, I am excited to once again offer the New Year, New You 2022 Gift Card below that may be used towards any of the Business Headshot Packages from Heartbox Photography!
First impressions are everything so whether it's for Linked-In, your company website, or any online social media presence - why not step forward confidently with a headshot you can be proud to use in 2022?
This offer expires February 28 so if you have questions or are looking to book your session,
visit this link and choose a date/time for your consultation today.
Cheers to new beginnings in 2022!
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-Deborah Meier
It is my honor to share with you all this month more about the CEO, Founder, and woman behind the Bay Area-based company, Spirit Sox USA.
Phenomenal women are everywhere and Lisa Riggs is no exception. She comes from a long line of entrepreneurs (her grandfather started his own jam and jelly company!) and is the first in her family to move from food-industry based entrepreneurship to socks! Spirit Sox USA helps fuel fundraisers for organizations in various industries and non-profits, both locally and nationally.
She has also been featured as a podcast guest on Blue Roads Education Group, School Zone Podcast, and Enterprise Podcast Network. In addition to being affectionately known as the “Sock Queen”, Lisa is also a proud mother, wife, and loyal Bay Area fan of both the 49ers and Giants!
Image | Heartbox Photography
Hair & Makeup | Daisy Gonzalez-Duarte of Beautiful One Makeup Artistry
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“I founded Spirit Sox USA about 5 years ago. We are a certified woman owned company that customizes socks uniquely for each customer. My true goal is to make the world a better place 1 sock at a time and that's why I do what I do and donate 5% of my profits to helping underserved communities.
On a personal note, I've been married almost 25 years and am enjoying empty nest more than I expected with my husband! My son, Mitchell, is 20 and attends UCI, majoring in Chemistry with a goal of saving the planet with chemistry. My daughter, Kayla, is 19 and will be a sophomore at Cornell, studying communications and already an editor for the Cornell Sun and blog writer for the Women's Network. We love our animals! Our 2 rescue dogs, Tucker and Callie, our 30 year old box turtle, Henry, and our 5 fantail goldfish! In my spare time I love to exercise, enjoy the outdoors, go to the beach and read. My happy place is swimming with the sea turtles in Maui!”
What has your journey looked like personally/professionally to get to where you are now?
“I had to grow a lot personally in order to grow professionally. I'm a perfectionist and perfectionists do not like to fail. Do you know the % of startups that fail? 90%. So my personal growth which included confidence in myself and my abiilites as well as overcoming, or even embracing, the fear of failure. I have to admit Google search is my friend - it's amazing what I have been able to teach myself from full Photoshop skills to how to build a business!”
What do you enjoy about what you do? What are some of the challenges?
“Honestly, my favorite part of my job is helping my customers improve their community or area of the world. Who would think a pair of socks can make the world a better place?!
But time after time, I've seen my customers raise money with their sock fundraisers to fight teen suicide, support Down Syndrome, raise awareness for mental health, fund cancer reasearch on so on."
My main challenge is being a one woman show, not because I'm a woman, but because I wear so many hats. I did get funding to start this company so I truly have built it from the ground up. As we've grown, I've been able to hire contractors to take on roles in the company but I just never seem to have enough time to get it all done.”
Knowing what you know now, what would you tell your 18 year old self?
“My 18 year old self always focused on the negatives about myself rather than the positives. Thankfully I when I went to college I found both my indepence and the start of my self confidence. So if I could talk to her now I'd say: Be kinder to yourself. Enjoy the moment. Have confidence in YOU.”
What do you appreciate most about your life now/what are you most proud of?
“My family 100%. I am so proud of my kids for their intelligence, their accomplishments and most importantly for the genuinely good humans that they are. I'm also very proud of my husband and I who have our 25th anniversary approaching and worked our tails off to create a loving and happy household for our family. As we all know it's not always easy, but it sure is worth it.”
Who inspires you and why?
“My dad has always been my biggest inspiration. He's so smart and confident but also one of the kindest, most thoughtful people you will ever meet. He's run and sold multiple companies so he is tough in the boardroom but a softy with babies and dogs and his grandchildren, too! I come from a family of entrepreneurs. My grandfather started his own jam and jelly company. My dad started a strawberry company. And as the 1st female entrepreneur I took us out of food and into socks!”
A fun or surprising fact about yourself?
“Fun fact: I have a 30 year old box turtle named Henry. He is my sidekick and I love him dearly! Also, I am a sports nut! Die hard 49er and Giants fan. We've had season tickets to the Niners for 31 years and I rarely miss a game!”
If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?
“Honestly, I think I'd like to meet Oprah. She has overcome so many barriers and failures to be the household name that she is while always retaining her class and her authenticity. She is someone women of all ages and colors can look to as a role model.”
Yael is the founder and owner of The Law Office of Yael Rakib. As an estate planning attorney, this incredibly accomplished woman continues making a great impact in the lives of countless families, but the first thing you will immediately notice even more is that she is the most proud to be a mother to her little girl.
Family is everything to Yael and it drives her passion to work in the field that she does. I recently had the opportunity to create new images for her company’s website and the most fun part was to include her sweet daughter as well in these photographs. Yael and I both agreed that her daughter definitely stole the show! It is my honor to share with you all some of the images from this fun photoshoot and also a little more about this phenomenal mother and attorney, Yael Rakib.
Images | Heartbox Photography
Hair & makeup | Daisy Gonzalez-Duarte of Beautiful One Makeup Artistry
*****
“I am a single mom to a smart, fun and sassy five year old girl who keeps me on my toes. She’s the reason I branched out on my own and started my estate planning and probate practice. I’m passionate about helping people plan their legacies. Whether you’re a parent who wants to give everything to their kids or if you’re single and have charitable intent and everything in between, I want to help you achieve your goals.
“I am also uniquely situated because of my own life experiences to understand the situations of others who are going through divorce, those responsible for loved ones struggling with substance abuse, and parents of blended families. I use my education and experience to help you create an estate plan which fits your individual situation.”
“I started my legal career in child welfare law and I found after some time that this was not my passion. I had a friend tell me once that she thought my superpower is how much capacity I have to care for others and, unfortunately, empathy made it very emotionally difficult to work in this field. A mentor of mine introduced me to estate planning and, due to the necessity for flexibility as a single mom, I had to start my own practice. It took guts and grit, but I’m glad every day that I did it. This process also inspired me to mentor other young female attorneys who need the extra guidance and inspiration to strike out on their own.”
What do you enjoy about what you do? What are some of the challenges?
“I really enjoy meeting new people and putting their minds at ease about the uncertainties following what should happen to their assets if they lost capacity or died. Some of the challenges are that this area of practice does not work in a vacuum — there are intersections with family law, business law, intellectual property, even international law. But, it is very satisfying finding answers to new questions, expanding my knowledge and meeting new people along the way from whom I can learn.”
Knowing what you know now, what would you tell your 18 year old self?
“I would tell my 18 year old self not to wait for the “right time” to come along. My father is an entrepreneur and I always looked up to him. I used to think that when the time was right, that I would know that I was ready to do something on my own, much like he had. The truth is, there is never a “right time” and it always takes guts and hard work to accomplish big dreams.”
Who inspires you and why?
“I have been very fortunate to have many sources of inspiration. I’ve already mentioned my father because he was a role model in starting my own business. Now-a-days, my father continues to inspire me to work harder and achieve more. My mother inspires me to be more kind and patient. My daughter inspires me to be a better role model and to overcome challenges. My siblings inspire me to accept and love myself. My friends inspire me to be more selfless. My colleagues inspire me to learn more, and to teach others, as well as provide others with opportunities.”
It is always a wonderful surprise when situations that seem to be happy accidents end up yielding the most pleasant of results.
After baking brownies as a thank you gift for a friend many years ago, Andrea later realized she had transposed the brownie recipe without knowing she was dyslexic at the time. These results, in addition to hard work, perseverance, and limitless vision over the years is what catapulted Andrea Lacy, owner/founder of Bay Area-based company Luv’s Brownies, into the inspirational success she is today. (You can read more about her story here) Not only has her company’s desserts become an award-winning Bay Area favorite, but Luv’s Brownies has also earned national recognition from shows that include Good Morning America, The Montell Williams Show, CBS New York, just to name a few!
Andrea is a firm believer in generously giving back to her community and in addition to being a successful entrepreneur, she has also established The Andrea R. Lacy Grit Award Scholarship, which is awarded to student applicants on the path to pursuing higher education or vocational training.
It is my honor to share with you all the latest feature in the Celebration of Black Excellence Series, Andrea Lacy!
Tell us a bit more about your background - where are you from, what inspired you to choose your specific area of education and eventual career?
“I was born in San Franciso. My family moved to the peninsula when I was elementary school and I went to Mills High School in Millbrae.”
What are you most proud of in your life and why?
“I am most proud of my son Mateo-Sebastian. His youthfulness and zest for life gives me hope for the next generation.”
What is something most people might now know about you?
“I’m frugal. I know how to stretch a dollar.”
Can you tell me about someone who has had a huge influence on your life? What lessons did that person teach you?
“My son has had a huge influence over my life. He has taught me to have patience.”
What is the best advice you've ever received?
“Best advice I received was from my father. Hard work always pays off.”
Who/what inspires you and why?
“My inspiration comes from watching other Black Americans thrive.”
If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?
“I would like to meet Oprah, Marcus Lemonis, Tyler Perry. All of them show tenacity and are willing to always give back. They have used their platforms to enlighten and educate others.”
What does it "honoring and celebrating black excellence" mean to you personally?
“Black Excellence means bringing more voices to the table. The richness of our culture is unmatched. Most people don’t know the slave trade was huge. Brazil got more slaves than the United States. The African diaspora should be discussed more in school. Our Black history month shouldn’t be just a month.”
When I first started Heartbox Photography almost 9 years ago, I (as many photographers who are just starting out will attest to) began experimenting with the various styles and types of photography I wanted to specialize in. Everything from families to weddings and everything in between helped refine my creative style over the years and clearly showed me that I thoroughly enjoyed portrait photography that specifically highlighted women the most.
Tiffany Castillo is a devoted mother, wife, and works as a loan officer with Green Family Mortgage, a family-owned mortgage broker. During the early stages of my business, I had the privilege of working with Tiffany on a styled photoshoot in the San Jose area, as she so graciously agreed to help me build my portfolio and serve as one of my models.
It has been many years since that photoshoot and I recently had the honor of working with her again, this time to create her business headshots. One of my favorite things about her session is that we not only got to take advantage of the beautiful outdoor light, but also that her images prove you can absolutely have professional headshots that seamlessly integrate a fresh style and sense of fashion as well.
Without further ado, I am proud to share with you all the latest photoshoot featuring this phenomenal woman, Tiffany Castillo.
Images | Heartbox Photography
Hair & makeup | Daisy Gonzalez-Duarte of Beautiful One Makeup Artistry
I want to show women (and everyone, really) that there is even more to celebrate, not less, as the years go by. This is the first year I am launching the Portrait of a Lady campaign that aims celebrates women who specifically are 50+ and fabulous. It is my deep honor to feature the lovely Mara as one of the many faces you will see in this series for 2021.
Happy Friday!
Images | Heartbox Photography
Hair & Makeup | Kalani Brown
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Images | Heartbox Photography