CLIENT CASE STUDY | SUMMER SORIEE
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Case Study for Solopreneur, photographer in Southern Indiana servicing clients for boudoir and headshots.
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Join the Breathwork Movement: Classes Now Available in Louisville at Cielo Breathwork
/While it can seem like there is only eating and drinking to do in the area, there are so many more experiences. As someone who loves the mystical world with a side of science, I was elated when I saw that Cielo Breathwork opened their doors.
I met Cielo Stien at a Strong Women, Strong Coffee event a few months ago and her growth in that short amount of time is such a testimony to the work that she does. During our brief conversation she was talking about wanting a space to share the transformative power of breathwork.
Well now she has it! This beautiful, cozy space is located in Middletown at 12442 Shelbyville Rd., Louisville, KY 40243. When you step inside you immediately feel your shoulders drop an inch.
The room where the magic happens has yoga mats with cozy covers and eye masks. There are strobe lights and music to be mindful of if you are sensitive to those things, but about halfway through I didn't even notice it.
We began with a cup of ceremonial cacao and she walks you through possible physical reactions that can happen. For me, personally, I cried. My hands got tingly along with knee caps. It's a sensory experience that differs from person to person.
You'll go through different breathing patterns, along with smelling different aromas such as palo santo and essential oils. She provides some energy work along with ceremonial drums.
I can say that after this one session, I left with information and I feel the gentle nudge in the right direction. It was a smaller class and I loved that everyone felt safe sharing what they also saw and felt during their breathwork journey.
I highly recommend giving Cielo Breathwork a visit if you're into yoga, metaphysical services or just over all mental wellbeing. First time clients get 60% discount on their visit. My first visit was the 75-Minute Holotropic & Calming Breathwork Class, but there are others such as 60-Minute Session: Let Go of TOXIC People & Situations and private lessons. I loved it so much I signed up for monthly so tap in if you need a buddy to go with
So thankful for more women tapping into their gifts and sharing them with the rest of us.
First Friday 2024 | New Albany, Indiana
/I got the chance to pop down to First Friday in Downtown New Albany, Indiana. If you like to take your time popping into different shops and getting to speak with and learn more about artists in the area, this event is for you.
“Downtown New Albany is home to a booming creative community. With more than 100 artists’ work to explore, multiple galleries, tons of bars, restaurants and boutiques within walking distance and ample free parking, New Albany is one of the best First Friday destinations.
On the first Friday of each month, bars, restaurants, galleries and retail businesses celebrate the arts across Downtown & Uptown New Albany. This is the night that bars, restaurants, shops & more open their doors to the public and our large exceptional arts community with the goal of connections through creativity.”
The First Friday of every month from 5 pm - 9 pm
May 3, 2024
June 7, 2024
July 5, 2024
August 2, 2024
September 6, 2024
Check HERE for updates on artist and shops.
What are your favorite forms of art? What are you looking forward to for the next First Friday.
One Night in NULU | Louisville, KY
/It was a SUPER FREAKING COLD weekend, but we warmed it up with some drinks!
My friends came in town for the weekend in celebration of one of them getting married this month. We decided to get a airbnb in the heart of the heart of NULU. It was by chance that I found this gem. I was at a Galentine’s Day at WOW Factor Collective and I met Mindy who talked about managing a property. Low and behold she had this gem available for the following weekend. I love when things are so kismet.
I stocked up on some goodies before I got to the airbnb. I am trying out Hummingbirds for Louiville and partnered with them to grab some Modica from Paul’s Fruit
I’d never been in before, but I will definetly be back. Great selection of fresh juices, fruit and healthy food. I ended up grabbing one of their made to order breakfast sandwiches and it was so bomb!
My friend had a bouidor shoot scheduled with Chanel Nicole Photography. We got her ready for the shoot and this airbnb was so perfect for it!
I made the Tart Cherry Old Fashioned with Starlight Distillery Bourbon. We kept the Espresso Martinis flowing during the shoot. I just so happen to get a cute little mixer and Distillery 64 Vodka from the SoIN ribbon cutting a few days before, it was PERFECT. Everyone enjoyed them so I 10/10 recommend getting these mixes. It was way easier than grabbing a bunch of bitters and additives. I felt like a little baddie bartender. Also if you happen to have the time, you can go to Indiana and experience both distilleries.
We started the night with a drink at Nouvelle, which was next door!! Loved the gold rush drink and it was nice atmoshere to have a pre dinner drink.
We followed drinks with Dasha Barbours for dinner. It was about a 5 min uber drive from our location. The food was so bomb. PRICEY, but actually worth the price. I was happy to see that the carry COY Wine Collection, a local black owned wine brand. Had to get a bottle to support! The Bold + Beautiful Red Blend is my favorite.
After dinner we went to Outerspace, the back rave area in Galaxie. I had a TIME. The EDM was just hitting my soul. Dancing and the music hitting is a different type of feeling. Once we popped out of there we walked to Norae Bar and was met with a brave soul delivering Drunk In Love. It was magical, we all joined in because nothing crosses racial barriers and differences more than singing Beyonce together. Once that was done, we found ourselves a private room and belted until we had no more voice left.
All in all, this is a lovely way to spend your weekend in Louiville, KY
STAY: Holy Goat
SHOP : Women Owned Wallet, Wicked, Bourbon Country Cannabis, NULU MAP
DRINKS + SNACKS: Modica, Trader Joe’s, Paul’s Fruit Store
PRE DINNER DRINKS: Nouvelle
DINNER: Dasha Barbours
NIGHT OUT: Galaxie/Outerspace, Norae Bar
BRUNCH: Agave + Rye
Just Move On
/BUT HOW?
This is a question I’ve been asking myself for almost a year.
As someone who has spent years surrounded by the healing arts I still had no idea how to actually do it. I’ve got the tarot readings, the energy healing, the sound therapy, the somatic therapy, the sage, the crystals, the books- ALL OF IT.
But how the f*ck do I heal?!
Well, I at least knew I couldn’t heal in the environment that broke me. I had to get out. I saw an apartment with a river view and said I’m going to heal there.
What I did was cry a lot.
Sleep a lot.
Contemplate the choices I made.
Wondered if I’d ever be happy again.
Tried to figure out if I actually ever was happy.
Stressed about what stories were being made about me.
I was too depressed to even pick up the habits of excessive drug or alcohol use, because I know the type of person I am and where that would lead me. I wanted to numb everything.
To tell a story, without telling a story, takes a certain kind of nuance. This one involves betrayal of self, love and friendship. One day I will get on my Ressa Tessa shit and divulge. But today, it’s still too fragile. There is still too much unfolding.
If you’ve been dealing with the heaviness that comes with letting go of a life you not only dreamed for yourself, but also built into a reality, I understand. I understand the grief that comes with making choices that affect people you love. I understand that pieces of you still long for parts of the life you’re giving up. I understand that not knowing what’s next and going at it alone is scarier than anything M. Night Shyamalan could dream up.
So how do you move on?
I still don’t have the answer. I do believe it starts by choosing yourself. Just a little. Day after day you get a little bit stronger, you feel a little less broken. You start to remember glimpses of who you truly are outside of any circumstance and that world isn’t actually over just because your spirit feels broken.
You take a shower and deep condition your hair.
You drink some water.
You eat something fucking enjoyable.
You archive the pictures.
You take a walk.
You keep living. I guess at the end of the day that’s the answer. You just keep living. Even if you can’t be optimistic, even though the weight of it makes you move slower. You just keep breathing.
Barre3 + 3 Business Epiphanies
/I’ve been taking Barre3 classes since April of this year. While my mind is constantly running rampant until it isn’t most days. Today’s class brought a special new lens that put in perspective so many gems. Barre3 is not only conditioning me physically, but also mentally and emotionally to withstand the rollercoaster of being a small business owner.
YOU NEED COMMUNITY
When I moved, Barre3 Frankfort in Louisville, KY was such a saving grace for me. To meet such friendly people who invited me to events, shared their favorite places and supported me in class with a “great job” was so good for my mental health.
You can not move the needle in your business without being around like- minded people. You want clients, podcast subscribers or to launch your next event, you have to put yourself out there and meet people! It is vital, no matter what your business is, to create relationships.
MODIFY, MODIFY, MODIFY
It doesn’t matter what your neighbor looks like in class. Just like it doesn’t matter what any other business LOOKS like. Because, baaabyyyeee!! The amount of debt some choose to take on or incur is not shown in their very pretty websites or professional business headshots. You have no idea the strain in their relationships it may be causing. You may not realize how small they may be, how unhappy they actually are or what help and advantages they’ve had along the way to get to where they are.
I’ve learned over time, It’s the smallest, sometimes undetectable changes that make an impact for your life and for building great glutes.
THE COOL DOWN IS NECESSARY
This is the part we want to skip out on, but truly provides the most delicious nuggets. Your heart rate is high, you’ve put in all this work and you're going to SKIP the best part?! Craziness. I get it. As someone who has been going, going, going for so long. It has taken me YEARS to learn to rest and I’m still learning how. This moment for stillness, this moment for breath is something that anchors me at the end of the class, but I’m really learning it anchors me in life.
When you forget the pause, there is very little room for gratitude. Whether that be for how much our bodies have supported us in movement, but also how much our nervous system supports us during hit, after hit, after hit in life.
I could go on and on about how sitting your ass down and being still is actually necessary to live a good life, but I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know.
There’s also things like your breath is important, a cute outfit makes workouts more enjoyable and to check yourself in the mirror. If you’re a barre3 girly, what are some gems that come to mind for you? I'd like to hear in the comments!
If you’re ready to spend some one on one time sorting through all the hidden gems you’re missing in your own life check out my Creative Strategy Sessions for women ready to pivot or bring their passions to life.
Flora + Fauna | Coffeeshop find in Nashville, TN
/BEYONCE.
Was the reason for the trip, but of course you have to do things around the queens arrival. We just so happened to be waiting for brunch on Sunday morning, a mistake in a lot of ways as it took up an entire day. We decided to go ahead and go to a coffeeshop during our wait.
My friend pulled up a few different options in our area, then handed the phone to me because it is my gift to pick the right vibe. Yet again that gift did the damn thing and Flora and Fauna was chosen. When we pulled up, we we’re not disapointed.
Flora and Fauna Nashville is located in the heart of East Nashville inside of Highland Yards. Formerly 1920’s Vaughn Manufacturing space turned retail and creative office space and it's beautiful! It has a bit more flair than the typical industrial places turned modern.
From the moment you walk in, you'll be greeted by the smell of fresh coffee and the sound of birds chirping. The walls are decorated with botanical prints, and the tables are made from reclaimed wood. Making it perfect for a content creators dream of great lighting and amazing aesthetic.
But Flora and Fauna Nashville isn't just about making great coffee. I had a yummy Orange Espresso Martini and it was that perfect type of mildly bitter that you taste when you drink an amazing cocktail. It was perfectly balanced.
Not only are they a cute spot, they're also committed to giving back to the environment. They use compostable cups and straws, and they recycle all of their waste. They also partner with local businesses and organizations that are working to protect the environment.
If you're looking for a coffee shop that's good for the environment and the soul, then you need to check out Flora and Fauna Nashville. You won't be disappointed!
Here are some of the ways that Flora and Fauna Nashville is committed to sustainability:
They use 100% compostable cups and straws.
They recycle all of their waste.
They partner with local businesses and organizations that are working to protect the environment.
They use sustainable packaging for their products.
They source their coffee beans from sustainable farms.
They use energy-efficient appliances and lighting.
We only got a fruit cup, but I will be back to try the food as it looks amazing!! Have you been? What are you’re thoughts?
Blak Koffee: A New Coffee Shop in Louisville with a Warm Welcome
/I recently had the pleasure of visiting Blak Koffee, a new coffee shop in Louisville's Russell neighborhood. I was immediately struck by the warm welcome I received from the staff. As soon as I walked through the door, I was greeted with a friendly "hello." The music playing in the background was a nice mix of old school hip hop and R&B, and the atmosphere was relaxed and inviting.
I ordered a miel latte and a BLT, and both were delicious. The coffee was perfectly brewed, and the BLT was made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The food and drinks came out quickly, and the prices were reasonable.
One of the owners, Ronyale Smith, came out and introduced himself to everyone in the shop. He personally thanked us for being there, and he told us a little bit about the history of Blak Koffee. Smith and his business partner, Johnetta Roberts, opened Blak Koffee in April 2023 with the goal of creating a space where people could come together to connect, collaborate, and enjoy a cup of coffee.
I really appreciated the personal touch that Smith and Roberts put into Blak Koffee. It was clear that they were passionate about creating a welcoming and inviting space for the community. I would definitely recommend Blak Koffee to anyone looking for a great cup of coffee and a friendly atmosphere.
Here are some other things to love about Blak Koffee:
Great natural lighting
Off-street parking
Diverse menu with something for everyone
Friendly and welcoming staff
Community-oriented vibe
If you're looking for a new coffee shop to try in Louisville, I highly recommend Blak Koffee. You won't be disappointed!
A Whimsical Day at Bernheim Forest
/A Whimsical Day at Bernheim Forest
Sometimes you need some fairy magic in your life. The day to day can wear on our energy and the best way to remedy it is NATURE. As your vibe curator I am always looking for what’s going on. I happened to find the Bloom Fest happening at Bernheim Forest and it sounded right the alley of anyone who loves plants, fairies and nature. While this only happens once a year Bernheim Forest has a lot to offer year round.
If you are looking for a whimsical day out, Bernheim Forest is the perfect place for you. Here are a few ideas for things you can do:
Take a hike on one of the many trails. Bernheim Forest has over 30 miles of trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging.
Go for a bike ride. Bernheim Forest has a paved bike trail that is perfect for a leisurely ride.
Fish in the lake. Bernheim Forest has a stocked lake that is open to fishing.
Have a picnic. There are several picnic areas located throughout Bernheim Forest.
Visit the Nature Center. The Nature Center has exhibits on the plants and animals of Bernheim Forest.
Take a guided tour. Bernheim Forest offers a variety of guided tours, including bird watching tours, nature walks, and guided hikes.
Furry friends are allowed on certain dates, check the website for when the host their Paws in Nature days.
Bring a camera. You will want to capture all the beauty of Bernheim Forest.
Wear comfortable shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking.
Bring water and snacks if you plan to be there awhile. They also have AMAZING food in the Issac’s Café. Most items are $10 and below and made with ingredients from their edible garden.
Be prepared for all types of weather. The weather can change quickly in the forest.
If you’d like me to plan your day with a Bernheim Forest visit go ahead and book your Main Character Moment.