We're so exited to bring our style of networking for women to San Diego! Aria, the founder and president of the MOB Nation, recently traveled to San Diego for the official launch of the #SandiegoMOB.
​

Stayed at Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. Not just a great space for travel but for locals too since this Sheraton offers pool passes and memberships.  Hoping to have mom play dates here!  Cannot tell you how amazing it was to do two meetings, a zoom call and send out over 25 emails, all while sipping on a Mai Tai pool side.  

I had a blast with Ashley Jacobs from CBS8. We spent the morning visiting with Mom-Owned Businesses.  I am so grateful to her giving me the opportunity to highlight so many amazing women.  

The call time was 5AM.  I worked with the BEST Makeup artist who had to be at my hotel room at 3:30am.  Daniky Makeup is owned by Nichole, a young mom, bombshell, and talented artist.  I highly recommend working with her.

Ashley and I are started out at Mint Studio and highlighted three of our San Diego MOB Alliance members: 

-Jessica of Sweetly Striped Boutique. Adorable online shop with comfy and stylish clothes.  I am wearing pants from her shop as well as the cutest silver slides in the news feature. 

-Jessica of Let's talk Scents Young Living Oils. Jessica definitely saved the morning with her "Awaken" oil. 

-Gin of La Buena Vida Studio .  Hand-stamped jewelry like the #MOBLIFE cuff I am almost always wearing.  Gin also offers Sip and Stamp Workshops. 

Mint Studio is the most adorable space.  There is so much intention and heart put into this studio.

In addition to their retail space, they also offer space for events, parties, workshops and networking events.  They are HUGE supporters of women in business and the community.  Check out their events Calendar for more information. 
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After Mint Studio, we took off to Pedego San Diego, an electric bike shop right on the bay.  They thought it would be a good idea to have me, the clumsiest person ever, ride an electric bike on live television.  It went okay- but I guess if I did fall it could have gone viral. So...

Pedego has been a huge supporter of The MOB, so I was thrilled to have them featured too.  They do a ton of fun stuff with our friends at San Diego Mom's Blog, including Sip and Rides with SD Coffee Moms! ​

We met up Amy, founder of Moms on Maternity. Moms on Maternity! is one of our community partners, and I'm such a fan of what Amy is bringing to moms in San Diego! Amy's newest project is launching MOM DREAM BOX, which features several MOB businesses. We also talked about the meetup we were having that evening.  Most of the time was honestly spent riding around and giggling. ​

That evening was the Meetup at Waypoint Public.

Waypoint Public was amazing to work with -  Bekah the events manager was so helpful and attentive.  They have a great space in the back called "The Bear Den" and they can offer events,  AV set up, and the whole nine yards.

This place is AMAZING to bring your kids.  Small play area, kid friendly open atmosphere, great food and delicious cocktails.  Definitely a five star rating from us! 

I had a great time meeting amazing women and celebrating the official launch of the Mom Dream Box!  We welcomed four new alliance members that evening:  Teal Willow Designs, Positively Zen Jen , Golden Solis Airbrush Tans, and Shaklee with Anna.  Trust me you want to know these rockstars!  Find their profiles on the directory: www.themobnation.com/member-directory

We heard from San Diego Moms Blog about advertising options and how to partner.  If you live in the area, sign up for their newsletter asap and if you are a business owner, I highly recommend advertising with them. 

Event photos from the incredibly talented Camila Badaro Photography.

The next day I had back to back meetings and then had a chance to try Cafe 21.  I stumbled across this restaurant on accident, the one we originally intended to go to was closed. 

SO GLAD that we found this space.  WOW!  One of the best restaurants I have ever been to.  The atmosphere, music, food, decor, service. Then to find out it is Family Owned and that the main chef is a MOB!  

Definitely going back when there is more time and I have a bigger appetite.  

My friend and I shared the happy hour, when you go let the server tell you what to get.  They know their stuff.  We also shared a mimosa flight which was INCREDIBLE.  1000000 stars!  

Cannot wait to see you all again soon.  Send me a DM on Instagram if you have a Mom Owned space in San Diego you would like me to visit. 
Visit our San Diego Meetups every Last Monday of the month.
https://www.facebook.com/events/303543697048091/

The MOB was first formed in 2012 as a free Facebook group offering support, resources, and community to mom business owners in the Portland/Vancouver area.

In 2016, the MOB Board of Directors was brought together and the MOB Alliance was born. What started as one chapter and a handful of members has grown to a nationwide movement with almost 400 members in nearly  20 chapters across six states.

As we celebrate our two year anniversary, we want to showcase our very first members who have been with us since the beginning and have seen the growth of the MOB first hand. We also asked a few to share what the Alliance has meant to them.

Tara works with Stella & Dot and Ever Skin Care to help women find accessories they'll love and skincare that works for them.

Dianna is an artist, advocate, and astrologer.  Dianna.Fontes, Astro Artistry

Candice offers legal planning for estates and businesses in Portland, Oregon.

Valerie offers training in classical and street dance styles, acrobatics and musical theater in Beaverton, Oregon. Valerie Cooper, Encore Performing Arts Center

Alyssa connects women with fun Jamberry nail wraps and long-lasting nail lacquers they'll love.

Lia offers intuitive guidance, breakthrough coaching and strategy to help her clients achieve results. Lia Dunlap, The Oracle on Purpose

Krissie shares alternatives to traditional bath and cleaning products they use, and helps them find a healthier alternative.

Melissa educates and empowers her clients throughout their real estate buying and selling journey.

Olivia helps women find fun ways to pamper themselves through Perfectly Posh. Olivia Tirta, Perfectly Posh

Lani is an boudoir photographer in Portland and Arizona. Her sessions come complete with hair, make up, and wardrobe shopping to create a memorable photo session.

Selena is the mind behind the Love YOU More Project that gives women the encouragement and resources to reclaim themselves and their space in the world.

Eva is an artist and mural painter in Portland, Oregon. You'll also find her leading fun and unique art parties for grown ups.

Veronica mentors, trains, and motivates her team to reach their dreams.

Tina is a mom to two teens and was born and raised in the Northwest. She loves spending as much time outdoors as possible. In addition to family, photography, and adventuring she also loves coffee and her cats.
 
After spending 15 years in the corporate world as a long-term care health services administrator, Tina opened Explore the Moment Photography, but says “Elders will always have a special place in my heart.”

Although she has been dabbling in photography for about ten years, her passion was rekindled when she participated in a 52 Hikes in 52 Weeks challenge.  “Nothing inspires me more than nature and adventuring! I’ve always loved capturing moments on camera and the weekly hikes put me in a position to really develop that love and skill,” she explains.
 
Tina says she looks up to the moms who wake up every day with passion and drive to do what makes them and their families happy. On the photography side, she says she looks to “Extreme Oregon” photographer, James Parson, and photographer Jana Williams for inspiration.
 
Her biggest struggle is the business and marketing side of the business. “I sort of jumped into this business with a lot of passion but not a lot of business savvy, so it’s been interesting maneuvering through that aspect,” she explains.
 
She urges new business owners to remember that their business will have good days and bad days, and on the bad days it can seem as if you are in way over your head. “But don’t come this far to just have come this far. If it were that easy everyone would do it! And don’t wait. It’s hard to find ‘the right time,’ so do your research, then go for it,” says Tina.

Tina loves the freedom that comes with working for herself. She also loves the freedom she has to get into natures and be inspired by what she sees. : I thrive best when doing creative work which I wasn’t able to do to this extent as a health care administrator,” she explains.
 
Her ideal referral is someone looking for quality photography with a casual, comfortable, and laid-back approach. “I really love a challenge and enjoy doing new styles of shoots so I’m game for almost anything! I’d also love to collaborate with some other local photographers on some cool and creative projects,” she says.
 
She is excited to be a MOB because she can share a creative part of herself that isn’t directly related to being a mom, and yet exists in part because she is a mom. “I don’t think I ever would have taken the leap to open up my photography business without the drive of these amazing ladies. The members of the MOB always have each other’s backs. I have seen it time and time again, they really show up for others. Finding your tribe of like-minded people who want you to succeed is powerful.  Join the MOB, you won’t regret it!”
Tina offers 20% off any photo package to MOB Alliance members.

20% off any photo packages
 
You can find Tina online at:
www.facebook.com/explorethemoment
www.instagram.com/explorethemomentphoto
www.explorethemoment.com

Carey is a wife, mom to a six-year-old daughter, and the founder and directors of All Families Surrogacy, LLC a gestational surrogacy agency based in Beaverton.

She says was inspired to start her business after she and her wife used an anonymous sperm donor to conceive their daughter, now six. “I was so grateful that a stranger had done something so kind to enable us to be parents and I wanted to give back to another family,” she says.

The first way she gave back was by becoming a gestational surrogate for a lesbian couple and carrying their little boy. That experience led her to launch her own agency as a way of merging her passion for surrogacy and her many years’ experience in Operations and Business Management.

She says there are misconceptions about gestational surrogacy. “Gestational surrogacy means the surrogate is not biologically related to the baby she carries. The embryos are created by the Intended Parents at a fertility clinic, and the surrogate carries the pregnancy via IVF. The surrogate has no biological or legal ties to the child,” she explains.

Carey says she relies on a small, but fierce, core group of women she’s known for almost 20 years for advice and support. She’s excited to be a MOB and be surrounded by even more smart and positive women.

Her biggest struggle in business is finding qualified surrogates. Since there is such a rigorous screening process, including medical, social, criminal, and mental health screening, only about 15% of applicants are approved. Carey says her best referrals are moms between 21 and 39 who are done having their own kids but want to help someone else create their family.

She advises new business owners, and those considering starting a business, to be passionate about their business. “If it’s something you’re passionate about, find a way to do it. I spent many years in the corporate world and I don’t regret leaving it for one minute. Surround yourself with positive and smart people and build your team. It will be scary, but worth it,” she says.

Like many busy MOBs, Carey says she loves being able to work for herself, having the freedom to set her own schedule, and being in charge of how her business evolves and succeeds. “Having the flexibility to create my own schedule, but also knowing that I determine what direction what my company will go. I get out of it exactly what I put in. I also really love having a smart and strong team of women working for me and knowing that what we do every day literally changes lives,” she explains.

Carey and All Families Surrogacy offers $750 off their Agency Fee for Intended Parents, and $500 Signing Bonus for approved surrogates to MOB Alliance members.

Find All Families Surrogacy online at:

https://facebook.com/allfamiliessurrogacyportland/
https://www.instagram.com/allfamiliessurrogacy/
http://www.allfamiliessurrogacy.com

Nicole is mom to two children under five, and she says her home life is filled with rocks, dried leaves, Disney princesses, arts and crafts projects, and, of course, hugs and snuggles galore.

She has been a nurse for 14 years and joined Plexus in 2017. “My passion in life is to help others. Growing up, I always just knew this is what I would aspire to do.  Taking care of people and healthcare are my passions in life.  The people I see are usually at their most vulnerable points in their lives and they need someone that is not just trained in healthcare, but someone to empathize with them”, she explains.

Nicole was inspired to join Plexus because she struggled with her own health for so long – including hypothyroidism, chronic fatigue syndrome, and ongoing allergies. Once she started taking supplements from Plexus, she says they changed her life.  Nicole says, “I was so tired all the time, and I didn’t have the energy to keep up with my two-year-old and four-year-old every day.”

Since taking Plexus, she feels better and has more energy. “I’m also proud to say I made it all allergy season, which is spring and fall for me, without a single sniffle, scratchy eye, or throat.  No more buying Benadryl or countless other over the counter pharmaceuticals that didn’t work for me. I just knew I had to share this awesomeness with everyone,” she says Although most of her clients are moms, she also has a few male clients, too. She also points out that Plexus has a vitamin for kids.

Nicole has seen vast improvements in her clients as well. “A client with restless leg syndrome that couldn’t sleep through the night now sleeps like a baby without her legs bothering her.  My pre-diabetic client has lowered his A1C, stabilized his blood sugars, stayed off insulin, kicked his cravings for sugars and lowered his cholesterol. Another client that suffered from more than migraines weekly has only had two migraines in the last six months. Another client with Rheumatoid Arthritis could barely walk and work has decreased her inflammation so much she’s back to riding a bike at the gym three times a week,” she explains.

Nicole says she looks up to her mom. “She is the most fearless, fun, go-getter life has ever met. She has a business of her own selling her art. She is my biggest fan and my biggest supporter.”
She says her mom is not only one of the reasons she started selling Plexus, she was her first customer! “She’s 68 and living in her dream home with my Dad.  I want them to be healthy and enjoying retirement for lots more years to come!”

A struggle in Nicole’s business has been friends who aren’t supportive of her business. She says it helps to keep her focus on how much she loves helping people. “If someone still wants to be negative, I figure it’s their problem and not mine,” she says.

She loves working for herself because she can work from home. Like many MOBs, she typically works after the kids are in bed, but says she is also finding it easy to squeeze work into other parts of her day as well. “I also love a good “power hour” where I just sit and focus on work for 1 good solid hour.  You’d be surprised how much I can get done,” she explains.

Nicole says she loves being a MOB because of the new connections and new friends she has made. She is also excited to learn about different MOB businesses. “I love seeing what everyone else does and all their talents put on display!  Everyone is so creative, talented in their own way. It’s inspiring to see how much women can do in the business world,” she explains.
 
Nicole offers MOB Alliance members 10% off products.

You can find Nicole online at:
www.instagram.com/HappyHealthyMom21
www.shopmyplexus.com/NicoleDaigle

Originally from Alaska, Katie is a realtor licensed in Oregon and Washington, and mom to a toddler. She was inspired to start her real estate business because she loves houses and the freedom that comes with not having a set schedule, a boss, a time clock, or a glass ceiling. She also enjoys the freedom being with her little boy, Jensen, as much as she wants.

“Almost every agent I ran into before I got licensed only loved making their bank account happy. After that, I put my foot down, studied my little butt off, and passed that test. I strive not to be that stereotypical real estate agent that you often hear about. I'm here because I love houses and I love helping people feel good about the process of finding the house that they love....or getting rid of the one they don't,” she says.

Katie says that when it comes to real estate, no two transactions are ever the same, and she needs to be constantly learning to stay up to day with changes in the market, the laws, the forms, and the buyers themselves.

“I love every minute of it. Being a realtor forces me to constantly change, grow, learn, and adapt, which is something I am very good at and I feel stuck when none of that is happening. It also provides me with the ability to be a full-time mother. I have Jensen with me 90% of the time. I never have to worry about missing anything, and my clients love him! If they have a problem with Jensen being with me, well, then those aren't my clients,” she explains.

Katie says she is thrilled to be a part the evolution that happens as her clients go through the transaction - the excitement of being pre-approved, the frustration of not being able to find the right house, and the “YES!” moments of finding the perfect house, winning the bidding war, and passing inspection. “The best part is when exchange keys. I hold the hands of my clients through the entire process, feel all the feels along with them while also keeping everything on track so that they can reach their ultimate real estate goals. All with a baby on my hip! #momboss.”

Fellow realtor, Elyse Winter, says "Katie is a go getter and really cares about her clients."
 
She advises new business owners to truly love what they do and be prepared for slow times financially. Katie says “When your bank account is empty, and your credit cards maxed out and there's no savior on the horizon - it's easy to feel worthless and give up. But if you love what you do and have a little cushion, it will be much easier to push on through to the other side.”
 
Katie knows first-hand the struggle of launching a new business from scratch since real estate agents don’t get paid unless deals close. “And when deals don't close, and you still have all your business expenses...it can get a little nerve-wracking,” she says.

Her best referrals are people who want to buy, sell, or invest in real estate – and since she is licensed in Oregon and Washington, she can help buyers on both sides of the river!
 
Katie says she is excited to be a part of the MOB for the support and growth. “The amount of love and support that pours from this group is unreal. I have never, ever seen so much generosity and genuine care for others ever in my whole life. It is astonishing. This tribe helps me grow so much as a human being, which reflects in the way that I do business. The MOB is so much more than a networking group. Its…everything. Indescribable.”
 
Katie supports the Capes and Crowns Foundation by donating 1% of all her commissions. When a MOB Alliance member uses or refers someone to her, she doubles that donation.
 
 
You can find Katie online at:
www.katiegonne.com
www.facebook.com/katiegonne.realestate
www.instagram.com/katiefaace

Self-care lands at the top of many New Year’s Resolutions, but why wait until the new year to start giving yourself some extra TLC?

Sarah at Ancient Fern in NE Portland offers acupuncture focused on women's health, stress management, and pain relief.

Kevi at Little Wing Acupuncture in SE Portland treats the whole family from children to adults using acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, massage therapy, dietary therapy, moxibustion, cupping, and more.

Dr. Angela Potter focuses on mothers in the postpartum period, and sees patients in Portland.

Dr. Alica Hart owns Vitality NW in SW Portland. She’s an herbalist and naturopath focusing on women’s health and pediatrics.

Dr. Jaymie Mackler at Flourish in Vancouver is an acupuncturist and naturopath focusing on women’s health.

Teresa at Self Balance Massage in Vancouver offers both wellness and medical massage as well as on-location chair massage.

Karen Asbury, also in Vancouver, focuses on women’s abdominal health and overall balance through massage, reiki, and other methods.

Lynnea at Thrive Family Massage in Eugene offers a variety of massage styles as well as prenatal and postpartum massage.

In Hillsboro, you’ll find Abby of Abby’s Massage and Bodywork. She offers prenatal massage as well as other types of massage.

Chelsey of Amethyst Bodywork offers structural integration in addition to medical massage, prenatal/postpartum massage, and other types of massage.

Sara Sherman, LMT in Eugene offers Swedish, deep tissue, trigger point therapy, and prenatal massage. 

Gloria at TriStar Chiropractic in Vancouver specializes in chiropractic care for the whole family – whatever their needs are. Gloria is the only fully Spanish speaking Chiropractor in SW Washington .

In Vancouver, Jahnea at Beats Studios 360 runs fitness classes and camps for kids and adults. Jahnea’s irresistible energy will get you up on your feet!

Karma Yoga in Clackamas is owned by Cassia and offers a variety of beginner and advanced yoga classes as well as aerial yoga.

Daniele at Ready, Set, Grow focuses on prenatal and postpartum yoga-inspired fitness in Portland and Vancouver.

Angela at Embrace Your Lashes offers lash extensions, lash tints, and lash lifts in Tigard.

Step into Brittnee Violet Esthetics’ Babe Cave for facials, air-brush tanning, and lash lifts and tints in both Troutdale and SE Portland.

Jen at Trifecta Beauty Bar offers lash extensions, facials, massage, and sugaring in Milwaukie

Kendyl at PDX Beauty Bar offers lash extensions, lash tints, lash lifts, facials, and sugaring in Milwaukie.

The Wax Room in Eugene is owned by Cassidy, and offers full body waxing.

Dreading the mall this holiday season?

Why not shop local and mom-owned and skip the mall entirely?

Looking for a way to send a little bit of Oregon to friends and family in other places? Check out Grown & Crated and NW Love in a Box.

They both feature curated, locally made products designed to delight!

 
Looking for looking for delicious, small batch, hand-dipped chocolate? Whimsy Chocolateswww.shopfancythat.com/ has you covered! Truffles, caramels, toffee, and more! You can find Whimsy Chocolates online and at MOB businesses Rose City Coffee in SE Portland and Fancy That in Hillsboro.

Looking for fun, creative handmade signs for your home? Freckled and Free and 516 Designs are both talented sign makers!

Dreaming of new flooring or a new kitchen? Arcadia Floors + Home will work with you to create a home you’ll love!

Looking to add ambiance to your home with candles? Angie with Scentsy can help make your space smell terrific using wickless candles and low-heat scented melting wax. Select a warmer that fits your style and then select the must-have scents!

Why fight the mall for storage solutions and kitchen essentials? Take a look at what is available at Kathleen's Tupperware page! Yes, they still have great kitchen storage, and there is so much more!

Looking for a gift to help someone show off their flair for fashion?

Take a look at Lonely Quail hair accessories made from Pendleton wool

Geek it Up let’s your favorite super fan let their geek flag fly!

Jamberry and Color Street give you the freedom to create unique and long-lasting nail styles at home!

Alyssa with Jamberry and Angela with Color Street can hook you up with everything you need!

Willow Brook Soap makes gorgeous vegan and palm oil free soaps, scrubs, and bath bombs. Unicorns, cookies, cupcakes, and more! You can also find Willow Brook Soap at Fancy That in Hillsboro.

Glam Goddess B creates richly pigmented hand-pressed, small batch eye shadows and mascaras.

Maybe you are looking for jewelry for a special someone? Or even yourself?

Lemon Kissed handcrafts earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

 Mune Studios creates heirloom jewlery tough enough for daily wear.

Do you have a wine or coffee fan on your list? Why not go with something locally made?

Order a fun trio of Pulp Novel Wines from Hip Chicks Do Wine, Portland's oldest urban winery.

Starship Coffee is high caffeine, fair trade, and locally roasted.

Rose City Coffee Co. is organic, fair trade, and also locally roasted. We're partial to the MOB NW blend!

Does someone on your list put self-care and healthy eating at the top of their list?  Jamie at Juice Plus can help you select the right a whole food supplement for you - delivered to your door!

Looking for something unique and a little unexpected? An emergency survival kit from TAC NWO is a great choice!

Curious about other local, mom-owned businesses you can support? Check out our member directory!

We just announced a partnership with Pepperlane, a Cambridge, MA-based online platform that helps mothers transform their skills into micro-businesses that fit into their busy lives. We interviewed their co-founder & CEO Sharon Kan so you can learn a bit more about this new partner and how we plan to work together.  
 
What is Pepperlane?

Pepperlane empowers all mothers to turn their skills, passions, and ideas into micro-businesses that allow them to work flexibly. Our online platform offers features a simple website that can be completed with no coding or design work, and is immediately visible in our marketplace. Pepperlane members can also connect with like-minded mother business owners in our online community and through offline events.  

When was it founded? 

The Pepperlane team got together in summer 2016 and launched the official version of our platform in spring 2017.  
 
Why did you create Pepperlane?  

Mothers have so many valuable skills, and I believe owning your own business in this best way to be for mothers control of their destiny and work on their own terms. But starting can feel intimidating and existing tools for doing it are expensive and don’t bring an audience with them. Pepperlane is here to solve that and get women from idea to launch quickly. Our online platform offers a simple starter website that can be completed with no tech or design skills and is immediately visible in our online marketplace. We also provide other digital tools to run a small, service-based business, like a simple online payments platform and messaging system, and market our businesses through social media and other Pepperlane-sponsored promotions.  
 
What is your hope for the future?  

I hope more mothers realize that owning their own micro-business is a viable employment option for exercising their passions and talents and still having time for their families, and that we see vibrant communities of mother-owned businesses all over the country and world 
 
How they think it will impact the community? 

Mother-owned business provides a valuable employment path to many mothers, but the services they offer also enrich their communities by helping people get valuable time back in their busy schedules.  

What’s an example of a cool business in Pepperlane?  

Mothers have offered more than 55 different skills on Pepperlane, so there is quite the range.

Here are a few that come to mind. Jana make custom memory quilts, out of people’s t-shirts and other memorabilia. These are often gifts for loved ones at momentous occasions or an opportunity to remember someone who has passed away.

Meal prep is a very popular category on Pepperlane, and a service that many of us on the Pepperlane staff use: there is Sonia who prepares healthy meals for busy families, and Zainab who specifically focuses on Middle Eastern cuisine and teaching others how to cook it.

Stefanie is a mother on Pepperlane who owns a business that teaches women to shop their closets and create outfits out of what they already own instead of going out and buying more stuff. She helps people give away things that don’t work and lets clients pick pieces from that inventory. 

Angela, owner of Embrace Your Lashes, and her husband, Brandon, moved to Oregon in 2012. “We fell in love with Oregon after a three-day mini vacation in 2011. We took the leap of faith and it was the biggest, yet best, risk we've ever taken,” she explains.

Originally from San Diego, she’s an only child, and has been a vegetarian since she was five.

She married her husband, Brandon in 2008. They have three children, live in SW Portland, and a dog, Khaleesi (yes, named after the character on Game of Thrones).

.Angela has a big heart and generous spirit. “I've been a gestational surrogate twice, carrying twins twice December 2014 and November 2016. My family and I love the connection we've made with both families and love seeing the babies grow!”

She also works part time at All Families Surrogacy in Beaverton as a Surrogate Coordinator.

Angela says her mother inspired her to start her business. “She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in November 2013. After many rounds of chemo, a full hysterectomy, and more chemo she took a break to give her body and mind a rest. Unfortunately, it came back with a vengeance. It wasn’t ovarian cancer but peritoneal cancer which is very rare. She passed away in March 2016. It was definitely one of the hardest events I've ever been through in my life.”

Angela’s mom was her biggest fan and supporter. She helped Angela pay for esthetics school – Angela attended school full time at night while working full time during the day while also pregnant with her second daughter.

Angela says her mom was her enthusiastic model so she could practice doing facials and other treatments. “She was always proud of me and really inspired me,” she says.

After her mother passed, Angela renewed her esthetics license because she knew her mom would want her to finally make use of it. “I took an eyelash extension training in Lincoln City in March 2017 then hit the ground running! Helping others feel good about themselves is rewarding and has really helped me through the grieving process. I love reading positive reviews and seeing how my clients have that extra boost of confidence because lashes really do make a difference!”

Angela will be attending a training in November 2017 called Oncology Esthetics to learn about how to take care of clients that are going through their cancer journey or have been through it.

She hopes to volunteer some time each month to helping them feel good about themselves. “I'll be reaching out to local hospitals and clinics to see if they would give me space each month to do this. In 2018, I'm hoping to expand my services and start offering facials again because I always loved doing them,” she says.

Angela says her mentor is Tricia Boggess of Diva Lash Studio & Spa in Lincoln City. “She's the one I took my first eyelash extension training with. She is always available when I have a question or need help, even long after my training. I also admire Kimber Jaynes who is the Founder of Borboleta Beauty in Utah. I'm constantly amazed by these ladies and our lash community,” she says.

She says her biggest struggle is finding balance. “I feel like I'm constantly trying to find balance in everything with my business, family life and personal life. I always think I can handle more than I should,” she explains.
 
She advises new business owners to trust their instincts and to not compare your business to someone else’s. “We're all doing the best we can and if we have each other to lean on, it can make owning a business so much easier!”
 
Angela can work with anyone aged 18 to 100+ “People who want to enhance their beautiful lashes to gain a boost of confidence and save time on their makeup regimen,” she says. She also enjoys working with people preparing for special events like wedding parties.

“I would also love to specialize in helping cancer patients after my training in November
 
Angela says being a part of the MOB is like having a backbone to her business. “I know that I have a whole team of ladies who would be there for me if needed. I love how the MOB is expanding nationwide. It has been a huge blessing to my business and has connected me to so many amazing people,” she explains.
 
Angela loves working for herself and being able to be there for her kids. She also enjoys the freedom of being able to take her time with her clients and not feel rushed. “I space out my appointments so that I have the extra time and can give each client my undivided attention,” she says.
 
She offers MOB Alliance Members $10 off eyelash extensions and lash lifting & lash tinting.
 
 You can find Angela online at:

www.facebook.com/embraceyourlashes
www.instagram.com/embraceyourlashes
www.twitter.com/embraceyourlash
www.embraceyoureyelashes.com