ELLA Inspires (Summer 2020) by ELLA Inspires Magazine

inspires

NIWROC ANIEROL 0202 REMMUS ELLA Inspires is an online magazine that celebrates business and entrepreneurship. In each issue one woman will share her personal story of life, lo e, and business. 1

ON THE COVER LOREINA CORWIN WARDROBE TRINA D’ELENA, TMD STYLE BOUTIQUE MICHELLE TORRES, VIVIFY BOUTIQUE STUDIO ASSISTANT ABBY LEARY PHOTOGRAPHER EDITH DUARTE COLUMNISTS ELISE PEEK WENDIE BARRAGAN SUSIE ROBB ELLE WALSH JULIA MANGANARO MARKETING MANAGER JULENE WENGER BUSINESS MANAGER JOHN TYRA EDITOR IN CHIEF EDITH DUARTE

EDITORIAL OFFICE 1720 Bray Central Dr. | Suite 100-U | McKinney, TX 75069 1-877-262-3552 | Hello@EllaInspires.com ELLA Inspires is published by ELLA CREATIVE MEDIA, LLC ELLA Inspires is an online magazine that celebrates business and entrepreneurship. Each month one woman will share her personal story of life, love, and business. ELLA is a modern woman; unafraid of paving her own way. She is strong despite overcoming many trials before reaching her own version of success. Subscribe to ELLA Inspires at www.ellainspires.com.

Table of Contents ELLA INSPIRES MAGAZINE (SUMMER 2020)

FEATURE: CHASING SUNSHINE BY LOREINA CORWIN

PAGE 10

Loreina Corwin is a cancer survivor, E! TV personality, recruiter, model, designer, and animal activist. She has her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies from CSULB and loves to share her story to inspire other women. SETTING THE SUMMER TABLE BY SUSIE ROBB

PAGE 20

Susie Robb is lead designer and shop owner of Texas-based brand, From: Susie. Visit her website for more helpful tips tricks and design ideas. GIRLBAND: THE LETTER A BY JULIA MANGANARO

PAGE 28

Julia Manganaro is a teacher of music, lover of adventures, and a single mom of twin girls living in New Mexico. MICROGREENS BY ELLE WALSH

PAGE 32

Elle Walsh is the owner of ‘The Vegan Chick Bakery’ in McKinney, TX and restaurant allergen consultant. She is a wife and mother of two who loves to travel, be in nature, and cuddle her Chihuahua, Sadie. MY FAVORITE SUMMER SIP BY WENDIE BARRAGAN

PAGE 42

Wendie Barragan is a self-proclaimed taco connaisseur and mother of two who loves the outdoors and Texas wine tasting. YOUNG ELLA: INTERVIEW WITH GABRIELLA PAREDES

PAGE 48

Gabriella Paredes is a 2020 McKinney High School graduate who will be majoring in biology at the University of Texas at Dallas. She likes to read, watch anime, and travel.

From the Editor Edith Duarte, Editor-in-chief

The creation of ELLA Inspires Magazine and the ELLA brand itself was the direct result of taking tiny steps forward at crucial moments. In an effort to improve the brand visibility for my then web design clients, I formed a magazine. Then, to create a unique experience for the women being featured, we formed a #beautysquad to help women look their best during their photo shoot. In order to include even more women into our mission, we started partnering with local studios and venues to host those photo shoots. After that, we reached out to local women-owned businesses to sponsor products in exchange for photography. Then, two regular columnists were asked to write columns every month. All of these tiny movements propelled us forward and formed the brand you see today. If you are reading this, you are part of a growing community of women supporting women. To the women that were featured on the covers in 2019: we admire your courage and we are thankful you trusted us with your story and your hearts. We are eager to show you what we have planned for 2020 and thank you for being part of this amazing journey! Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re only getting started.

edith

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PHOTO: @JOEBAKERPHOTOGRAPHY

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On The Cover Loreina Corwin is a cancer survivor, E! TV personality, recruiter, model, designer, and animal activist. She has her Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degree in Communication Studies from CSULB and loves to share her story to inspire other women.

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CHASING SUNSHINE BY LOREINA CORWIN

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I grew up in a tiny mountain town in Northern California called Newcastle; most people have never heard of it considering the population is around 1,000. My biological dad was not in the picture, but my mom is a supermom and supported my older sister and myself. Growing up I had a very small family that consisted of (almost) all females! My grandma lived in an old mining town called Placerville in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. She had a beautiful house and back porch that her late husband had built for her by hand. We would all get together there on holidays and birthdays. Her home had very tall ceilings that were filled with hand- painted Indian portraits and her house always smelled of incense. She would blast Neil Diamond and always have a cocktail in one hand and her red poodle in the other. I always had so much fun playing cards, admiring her fossil collection, and watching those sunsets on the back porch. Those are the memories I miss most from my childhood. Mom owned an at-home daycare and it was the best daycare around. I grew up with a house full of 16 kids! Crazy, right?! My mom is one of the most thoughtful and kindhearted people I have ever met. She is always trying to do nice things for others and put a smile on their faces. I really admire her for all she does for others and I try to let my light shine in the same way hers does. I am grateful my mother taught me to have empathy and compassion for people. You never know what someone is going through. The schools I attended were tiny. Newcastle Elementary and Del Oro High School felt like a small family. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve tried most sports in my life, but Volleyball was a real passion and I played from 6th grade until junior year of High School. After graduation, I attended Sierra College which is a small junior college a few towns over. I supported myself by working at a golf course every weekend and cocktailing at a club a few nights a week. (Cont. Page 15)

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Right before receiving my associate degree in Public Relations, I found out I had cancer. I was 21 years old. It came out of the blue and stopped me in my tracks. I had no symptoms when I found out, I had simply just gone in for my yearly pap smear. In retrospect, I’m very glad I stayed on top of those. I took my diagnoses very seriously because my grandmother had passed away from uterine cancer. I didn’t want to worry any of my family or friends, so I didn’t tell anyone. I wasn’t prepared in any way, shape or form for what was to come. The biopsy was SO painful but the news I received after was gut wrenching. When my doctor called to tell me that the sample he took was cancerous, I was alone at an airport on my way back from a Halloween party in Los Angeles.

“I remember the exact seat where I was sitting at LAX when I got the call with the bad news.”

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I was all alone and in complete and utter shock. I literally thought I was going to faint. I was so young! What did this mean for my future? What were the next steps? How would I tell my family? I hired a naturopathic doctor, Carmen, (recommended by a friend) right away to come stay with me and I quickly changed almost everything about my life and diet. She flew in to stay with me for two weeks and she changed my life. She put me on a strict diet: No sugar, no soy, no gluten, no alcohol; we did intense cleanses as well. She immediately took me to a farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market and we bought just about every kind of fruit and vegetable. She taught me how to shop for foods, cook, and prepare different types of

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cleanses. She taught me about foods that starve cancer cells. Our daily routine was rigorous. Cleanses throughout the day pushed me out of my comfort zone. One in particular was a hot bath. And by hot, I mean scorching hot. So hot I had to put Vaseline on my nipples! She added all sorts of hot herbs and spices on top of the scolding hot water. While I sat in this bath for 30 minutes, I had to drink 3 glasses of hot tea. She told me that grown men have cried during this cleanse. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get through it the first time, it was too intense; but I tried again a few days later and got through it!

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Carmen really changed my life and I still use what I learned from her to this day. She encouraged me to push myself, she helped make me strong, and I had my mom by my side rooting me on too.

“My cancer at that point became my opponent; and good thing I am competitive because I was determined to WIN that battle.” Having cancer changed every part of my life. Battling a horrible disease-- knowing it is in your body -- you start to wonder if you are capable of winning the battle. It really took an emotional toll. I broke down when I saw my mom for the first time after finding out; I was an emotional wreck thinking of all of the ‘what ifs.’ Thinking back to how I was, emotionally, during this time is really a hard thing to do and I don’t ‘go back there’ mentally very often. Usually when I talk about my Cancer, I speak positively about beating it. But the truth is I wasn’t always positive and I experienced some really tough times. Doctors recommended I get a hysterectomy to remove my cervix and uterus so I did. I still remember having my last period and thinking: ‘Wow, I will never have one of these again.’ It was a pretty scary time, but I stayed positive and hopeful. I was so glad when I found out I would not need chemo or radiation. (Cont. Page 24)

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Setting the Summer Table by Susie Robb What are the first words that come to mind when

brightly colored napkins. I recommend that

you think of summer? For me, words like “BBQ”,

no matter where you use patterns (like in a

“cook-outs”, “smores” and “picnics”.

checkered tablecloth, plaid napkins, or floral plates) that you be sure and use solid colored

I love to entertain, especially in the summer. We

elements to give visual contrast.

are by the pool, on a park bench, or in the cool air-conditioned kitchen. There is a casualness

For the top of the plate I went back to nature and

about summer entertaining and that is reflected

used faux floral drop-ins. The white and green

in our simple, fresh menus and light, bright

colors are repeated, and the dimensions of this

home décor. My top tip for creating a summer

flower adds height to my tablescape. I usually

tablescape is to

keep it simple with the center piece and stay

Use colors and textures that capture the season and your theme.

true to that tendency here. A tall white vase of greenery leaves room on the table for food and it doesn’t block the line of sight when guests are seated across from each other. ProTips for creating your Summer Table:

To create my summer table I started with wicker

• Bring in Nature

placemats. The texture of naturally occurring

• Use Seasonal Colors

elements like willow and rattan immediately

• Break up Patterns with Solid Colors

bring the outdoors in and I think of tree houses

• Add Greenery

and tire swings.

• Simple Centerpieces

The next layer in the tablescape is color. I used

Whether you prefer paper plates and paper

grass green napkins which nods to the summer

towels to fine china this summer, you can achieve

season. The color green elicits playful memories

an aesthetically pleasing tabletop with these easy

like children running through the sprinklers.

tips.

White plates neutralize the wood element and

@CortneyDaniPhotography

Susie Robb

Susie Robb is lead designer and shop owner of Texas-based brand, From: Susie. Visit our website for more helpful tips tricks and design ideas. www.susierobb.com/blog @CortneyDaniPhotography

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ILLUSTRATION OF SUSIE BY ELLA INSPIRES

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MOVING TO LA I was excited to start living my life again. I knew I wanted to finish my schooling, so I applied and was accepted into Cal State University Long Beach. My mom begged me not to move away but I always knew I wasn’t meant to stay there and I was ready to FLY. Moving to Los Angeles was a culture shock but I LOVED it. I met so many different types of people with new perspectives and I really started to grow as a person. After receiving my Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies, I took an internship at a public relations firm in Beverly Hills and realized I never wanted to work at a desk again. I then started hosting red carpet events and really got into the fashion industry in LA. I worked with a couture clothing lines and dressed celebrities such as Bai Ling, Janice Dickinson, and Terrell Owens. Fashion had always been a passion of mine and I decided to go for it and start a clothing line. I found a manufacturer in Downtown LA and started my brand, Leo Luv. I thought it was going to be smooth sailing, but I was wrong. The dresses were beautiful but the showroom I hired to sell my clothes didn’t do their job, and my business partner didn’t keep up his end of the bargain. I ended up walking my dresses into different stores and selling most of my inventory. Although it was a lot more work than I envisioned, I am proud of myself for overcoming all of the obstacles in my way. (Cont. Page 30)

“As I was deciding if I should do another collection for Leo Luv, I received a call for a tv show opportunity. They wanted me to represent the state of California on E!’s new show, Catching Kelce. ”

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The Letter A by Julia Manganaro

For last year’s words belong to last year’s language. And next year’s words await another voice. -T.S. Elliott As a teacher and single mother of four-year-old twins, quarantine has been a blessing for me and my daughters. Schools are closed, so I get

gir lband JULIA MANGANARO IS A TEACHER OF MUSIC, LOVER OF ADVENTURES, AND A SINGLE MOM OF TWIN GIRLS LIVING IN NEW MEXICO.

to stay home and teach them the beginnings of language. I try my best with their school packets and workbooks. But as a teacher, I know I teach the best when I’m being authentic. Worksheets have their place, but we found ourselves getting frustrated with each other. Seeing as this may be my only time to be a stay at home mom, I took matters into my own hands. We started our own unit. I found a different trail, hiking spot, or point of interest for every letter of the alphabet near or around our city of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The natural beauty and sparsely populated nature of my state made this project ideal for social distancing. The letter “A” was for a small farming community called Algodones, about a 25-minute drive from my house. I found it on accident as I was

MOM_ALL_HARD

looking for entrances to the Rio Grande River that were lesser known. I stumbled across the Angostura Dam - score! Two A’s in one day. We walked across the dam and talked about the power of water, how it can be dangerous and yet something we need to survive. A is for agua. As we got into the thicker brush, I heard the sound of a stream. We found an isolated beach area with seashells, warm sand, and the occasional kayaker. We ended up staying all of the morning until lunch time, entertaining ourselves by writing “A” in the sand, building sand moats, and collecting as many seashells as would fit in their tiny backpacks. A is for “adventures.” Quarantine is overwhelming for us parents. Online learning is a small Band Aid over a gaping wound that we are all collectively feeling. But in that moment, in Algodones, New Mexico, I felt alright. We were together. Nothing could touch us in that moment. A is for “acceptance.” Last year’s words were deadlines, concerts, rush hour, daycare, hair appointments, in-service days. This year’s words are still meant to be discovered. I am grateful to have two active angels (sometimes) to help me find our new language. A is for “adapting,” “awakening,” and doing it all again tomorrow.

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Photo: Julia Manganaro

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I said HECK YEAH, let’s go! It’s crazy how if you put yourself

SHOWBIZ

out there, life throws you opportunities! I met some incredible women who will be lifelong friends and had a fun few weeks of

A friend reached out needing help casting for Big Brother, I

filming! I did not find love, but I had an adventure and I love a

agreed, and one of my recruits, Elena Davies, made it on the

good adventure!

season. My producer friend was really impressed with my recruits and started giving my name out to other producers who needed help casting. Since then I’ve worked on ‘Married At

WITH LOVE, FROM TEXAS

First Sight Dallas,’ ‘Top Chef Junior,’ ‘Temptation Island,’ and many Shortly after filming, I went to Las Vegas with some girlfriends

more.

and I met Thomas; the love of my life. He was a breath of fresh air! He is so-very-different from the other California men I had

My favorite recruiting story is the story of Danielle Dodd. I

dated. Chivalry is not dead! This man picked me up from the

had reached out to her on Instagram asking if she would be

airport with flowers and my favorite juice, opened my doors,

interested in doing the show ‘Married at First Sight.’ She was

and didn’t play any games. I moved to Texas 8 months later

hesitant at first but decided to do the show. She was matched

(in 2016) and shortly after that I started recruiting for reality

by experts and married a complete stranger on tv. And guess

television.

what? They are still married 2 years later and have a beautiful daughter and a spin off show now!

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MY BIGGEST CHEERLEADER My mother’s resilience and work ethic have influenced me greatly. She makes the most out of any situation thrown her way and always, somehow, remains positive. Her outlook on life is beautiful. In fact, her voicemail message says ‘Hi, it’s Diane! I hope you are making the most out of your day!’ I also admire how she makes an effort to make other people happy. For example, on holidays she literally gives a gift to every person she sees on a regular basis. This includes people at her grocery store, dentist office, or florist. My mom gets joy out of making people happy! She inspires me to do more for others. My mom is a beautiful, selfless individual and I am so grateful I am her daughter. My mom always says ‘I’m your biggest cheerleader,’ and she means it! Anything I do in life my mother is there to cheer me on! She is a strong woman and she is the reason I am who I am, I am so grateful for her! (Cont. Page 37)

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“She supports my dreams and celebrates my accomplishments; always there to pick me up after my losses, too.”

Microgreens by Elle Walsh

ADD THIS SUPERFOOD TO YOUR DIET! When consuming a plant based diet, it is important to pick foods that are high in nutritional content. Luckily, for us, microgreens make that task easy. Microgreens were first introduced in the restaurant scene in the 1980’s as a food and as a garnish. Their flavor, color and nutrient content can vary depending on which kind of microgreen is grown. Microgreens are young vegetable plants that are between the size of a sprout and a baby green. Microgreens have a concentrated nutrient content, meaning that they can have up to 9x more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants then the same quantity of the exact same mature plant. This superfood has been linked to many health benefits such as weight maintenance and disease prevention. Microgreens can easily be grown at home and take between 1-3 weeks to harvest depending on the variety of microgreen. To avoid the risk of bacterial contamination, buy your supplies (seeds and soil) from a reputable microgreen company. Ready to eat microgreens can also be purchased at your local health food grocery stores. Enjoy them in smoothies, juices, sandwiches, salads or use them as a topping on any of your favorite foods!

MICRO GREEN ‘LOADED’ AVOCADO TOAST

Layer ingredients on bread slices and enjoy!

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ELLE IS THE OWNER OF THE VEGAN CHICK BAKERY IN MCKINNEY, TX AS WELL AS BEING AN ALLERGEN CONSULTANT FOR RESTAURANTS. SHE IS A WIFE AND MOTHER OF 2, WHO LOVES TO TRAVEL, BE IN NATURE AND CUDDLE HER CHIHUAHUA, SADIE. @THEVEGAN.CHICK

INGREDIENTS » 2 slices of bread (toasted or untoasted) » ½ avocado (mashed with ½ tsp garlic powder) » ¼ C vegan sauerkraut (I used beet kraut) » 4 slices of jalapenos » 4 slices of cucumber » ½ tsp sesame seeds or a seed blend » ½ C microgreens (I used a Rainbow Mix)

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LOVE IN THE TIME OF COVID-19 It all vanished before my eyes. Now it was the countdown Thomas proposed last April 26th, 2019 at Galveston Beach

till our April 26th wedding. I was still holding a tiny bit of

in Texas. It was the most beautiful moment of my life so far.

faith that COVID would be gone by then and everything

I was in complete shock when I saw the man I love get down

would go back to normal but that was not the case. Our

on one knee. He had a hard time spitting out the words

venue emailed us mid-April stating they could no longer

but he finally said, ‘Will you marry me?’ Time literally stood

hold our wedding due to the virus. Our wedding would not

still as we embraced after I said ‘yes.’ Since then, we have

happen. We were devastated.

spent so much time thinking about how we envisioned our wedding. We decided that having our family and friends

In the weeks leading up to our wedding date, April 26th, I

there with us on that day was the most important factor so

tried to stay positive but I felt completely defeated. I didn’t

we decided on a big Texas wedding!

want to pick a postponement date at that time because who really knews when big group gatherings would be

I spent the last year sitting at my kitchen table planning

safe again? Those two weeks were hard. I knew people had

every little detail in my wedding planning notebook. When

bigger problems to deal with and I was very lucky none of

I would speak with a vendor and they would ask me what

my family or friends had gotten sick, but I couldn’t help

I wanted for our wedding I would always say, ‘something

but be so sad. My emotions were all over there place. The

different.’ I didn’t want traditional, but I never would have

day of our (supposed to be) wedding I woke up crying.

envisioned how different

Thomas has been so good

our wedding would really

about comforting me and

be. COVID-19 turned our

helping me through; even

world upside down. It

all

started

“Our wedding would not happen.

crashing

We were devastated.”

though he’s also grieving canceling the wedding of our dreams. This has really been

down on us right after my

a test of our patience and

March 8th bridal shower.

love; through all of this our

My mom’s best friend

relationship

got

stronger.

threw me the most amazing high tea themed bridal shower

We spent the second half of our day getting dressed up

in Northern California. We played a game where each

and ordering steaks for takeout. Thomas hung some string

group of ladies dress up in toilet paper wedding dresses

lights on our back porch, and we had a romantic dinner.

and I judged each to see whose dress looked the best. A

We reminisced about what we would have been doing if

fashion show with toilet paper, ironic right? I flew home a

COVID didn’t ruin our wedding. Things have been much

couple days later and there’s absolutely no toilet paper in

better now that our (old) wedding date has passed. We can

stores anywhere. COVID had arrived.

finally move forward.

We tried not to stress as my bachelorette weekend slowly

Since Thomas hasn’t been working, we have been spending

approached but COVID numbers were rising and I finally

more time at our property in Blum, TX. We decided we’re

had to make the call to pull the plug on my bachelorette

going to elope under our favorite old oak tree with only

weekend. It was heart wrenching. Eight of my bridesmaids

immediate family. We will still have a beautiful venue,

and myself had already bought our plane tickets and rented

ceremony, cake, dance, it will all just be different than

the coolest house in San Diego. One of my best friends had

planned, and I’m okay with that. What matters most is our

put together a whole itinerary full of dinners, a chartered

love and that will never be taken away.

yacht; the whole 9 yards. We had matching swimsuits and towels and all the fun bachelorette stuff.

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FINDING BABY I was never told I couldn’t be a mom, but my partial hysterectomy (which included removing my cervix and uterus) meant I could never carry a baby. My ovaries are still intact (so I still have my eggs) and it never crossed my mind that I wouldn’t be a mom someday, my journey to motherhood would just be different than most. I do not let my cancer diagnoses or missing uterus dictate my life in any way. I am adamant about being a momma someday and I am taking all of the steps to get there. It’s a lot of work but it sure will be worth it! To me, the decision was easy! I wanted my cervix and uterus out, so I could have a piece of mind the cancer was gone and could never return. And I could choose to feel pity for myself but I choose to be positive, and honestly, I am really happy to be here today after having cancer. I didn’t take ‘no’ for an answer. Some people may just sit back and say ‘Well, I don’t have a uterus so I can’t be a mom.’ That was not my way of thinking. I thought to myself ‘Ok, things will be different, but I will still have a baby someday, or maybe even two!’ I looked into all of my options and found resources to help financially with the egg retrieval. If there’s a will, there’s a way. Plus, I’m pretty stubborn and I usually get what I want. I know that God kept me around for a reason and I have purpose. I’m excited to see what my future holds. I completed my egg retrieval this past year and our fertility doctors were able to mix Thomas’s sperm with my eggs to create embryos. We have one male and one female embryo ready to go and we found the most perfect gestational carrier! She has started her appointments with our fertility doctor so hopefully we will be able to transfer one of our embryos in the near future and expand our family! I have a feeling this next chapter will be the best yet! I’m excited to see what this next year has in store for us! Next up is our wedding! I can’t wait to finally call myself Mrs. Ishak! Also, our gestational carrier has just started her appointments with our fertility doctor so hopefully we will be able to transfer one of our embryos in the near future and expand our family!

“I have a feeling this next chapter will be the best yet! ”

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My Favorite Summer Sip by Wendie Barragan

The long summer days and cool summer nights are just around the corner. My favorite part of the summer season is the summer vacation. My kids play all day and enjoy a break from the daily hustle to and from school. During the school year, I make sure that they have all they need: lunches, outfits, and supplies. But mama needs a break! During the summer vacation, I let go of the daily rush and fully enjoy my break from organizing and packing lunches. Our days are filled with bike rides, water balloon fights and hours lounging at the pool.

This year, things look a little different and parties will not be organized. However, virtual Zoom parties are a big hit right now! While we social distance, we have hosted game nights and couples date night. We sit on the couch or at the dinner table and set up our phones, but a party is not complete without a margarita or cocktail in hand. I put on my Pinterest search hat to find some yummy drinks and found this great wine-based cocktail; so refreshing and easy to make!

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Ruby Red Grapefruit & Rosemary

honey cock t a il

ABOUT

A refreshing cocktail with ruby red grapefruit, rosé, lemon, rosemary, and honey. Delicious Wendie Barragan is a self proclaimed taco

and super easy to make!

connoisseur and mother of two who loves the outdoors and wine tasting. @Wendie_in_Dallas.

SERVINGS 1 Glass

INGREDIENTS » 2 ounces fresh ruby red grapefruit juice. ( ½ of a grapefruit) » 2 ounces of Rosé. » ½ lemon, juiced.

DIRECTIONS 1. Juice the grapefruit and make the honey simply syrup (Mix together 1/4 cup honey + 1/4 cup water). 2. Pour honey and water in a small saucepan and warm over medium heat. Blend honey with water with a whisk until honey is mixed with water.

» ½ ounce of honey simple syrup. » 2 in. sprig of rosemary. » Tiny dash of sugar. » 2 in. sprig of rosemary (garnish)

3. Fill a small cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the grapefruit juice, rosé, lemon juice and honey simple syrup. Top with sprig of rosemary and dash of sugar. Shake for 20 seconds. Strain in wine glass or cocktail glass, add sprig for garnish and enjoy!

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ELLA Inspires Magazine ELLA Inspires Magazine

VIVIFY BOUTIQUE www.vivifyboutique.com @vivifyboutique

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young ella Interview with Gabriella Paredes

HOW HAS COVID 19 IMPACTED YOUR SCHOOL YEAR? Not only has the COVID 19 pandemic taken away the Another way COVID 19 has impacted my school year is by remaining of my last high school year, it has also prevented preventing me from seeing my friends; all of whom are me from getting my cosmetology license. This is because going out of state for college. Also, saying goodbye to any McKinney High School offers juniors to enroll into the of my teachers who have helped me so much; not just with cosmetology program to get our license at the end of our

my education but for me as a person. I also won’t be able

senior year. The program requires us to take two exams. to go to my prom or senior field trip. I will also miss out on Since we won’t be able to go to class and practice for our the tradition of attending my elementary school (Rueben exams, we will have to do everything on our own without Johnson) senior breakfast. Most importantly, I won’t have our teacher being able to help us in person and give us the opportunity to have a traditional high school graduation advice. My goal was to have my license and work at a hair and walk across the stage like so many before me. salon while attending college.

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NAME YOUR FEMALE ROLE-MODEL, WHY? My female role-model is Oprah Winfrey. She is a leader and the first black woman to host a nationally syndicated talk show. Also, she became a billionaire which paved the way for so many other women to follow in her footsteps. She inspires others to dream big and make those dreams come true even if everyone said no. She is so positive and uses her influence to help others in any way she can because she wants people to be the best version of themselves. Oprah is also a great and professional businesswoman while also doing it in such a graceful manner

“I am looking forward to being able to see and hug my friends and family, eat at a restaurant again, and going to college.”

that doesn’t backstab, beat down, or in any way hurt other people. Furthermore, she is transparent with her struggles and shows that she didn’t have a perfect life or doesn’t deal with insecurities. Even though she is one of the most powerful and influential people in the world she doesn’t forget where she came from. She has made so many others, including me, feel confident in who we are and inspires us to make a change and stand up for not just ourselves but others too.

WHAT DO YOU THINK KIDS AND ADULTS CAN LEARN FROM THIS SITUATION? I believe that adults and kids can learn that the health of people is the most important thing that truly matters. And any differences we have with each other should be put aside and we should pay attention and help out in any way we can. We should not just ignore the problem until it affects us, we shouldn’t let others suffer when we could be helping each other out. No one, no matter how old they are, the color of their skin, or where they are from, should be left to suffer alone. We are all just living people at our core. This shouldn’t just apply to an outbreak such as the Covid-19 pandemic, it should apply to anything; such as a natural disaster, pollution, or our community and others in need.

HOW

CAN

THE

COMMUNITY

BEST

HELP

@gaby_starr

SENIORS IMPACTED BY COVID 19 CLOSURES? Empathize with 2020 graduates. Our senior year represents a

I am a high school senior from McKinney High School, I will be majoring

milestone; the end to our childhood and the beginning of a

in biology at the University of Texas at Dallas, I am also in the school’s

new chapter in our lives. These are challenging times for us;

cosmetology program and the National Honors Society. I was born and

whether we are going to college or straight into the workforce.

raised in McKinney Texas and I live with my mom, dad, and younger

We are in this together and we need to lift each other up.

brother. I am a shy, introverted person. I like to read, watch anime, travel, historical fashion, listening to music from the 30’s to the 70’s (yes you read that right) and anything Disney or Harry Potter related.

ELLA Inspires Magazine

LOREINAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PHOTO SHOOT Due to COVID-19, we kept our team to a minimum. Loreina did her own hair and makeup for the photo shoot!

ELLA Inspires Magazine

Advertise www.ellainspires.com/marketing 90% Female Audience

ELLA Inspires Magazine is an independent magazine for professional women based in Dallas, TX. Each issue follows the featured story of one inspiring woman in business. We market to affluent, professional women and entrepreneurs living in the Dallas metroplex and around Frisco, Allen, Plano, and McKinney.

3.1K Instagram Followers

1.5K /MONTH Monthly Website Visitors

Loreina Corwin is a cancer survivor, E!TV personality, recruiter, model, designer, and animal activist. She has her Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degree in Communication Studies from CSULB and loves to share her story to inspire other women.

LOREINACORWIN

ELLA Inspires Magazine

#beautysquad 54

Trina

Wardrobe Stylist

Trina focuses on helping women build a versatile wardrobe they feel comfortable and confident in. As a wife and mother with a busy 13 yr-old daughter, building a career that has balance around her family life is key. She has found her passion helping women transform how they see and feel about themselves through her offerings of style events, private consultations and closet audits. Her boutique is located in McKinney, TX. TMD Style Boutique 469-667-7738 IG: tmdstyleboutique trinadelena@gmail.com

ELLA Inspires Magazine

Demi

Hairstylist

Demi is a wife, a mother to two young boys, and a full time, self employed hair stylist. She specializes in blow dry styling and updos and has a strong presence in the local wedding industry. When she isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t busy styling a bride she services hair color and cut clients at her salon in charming, Downtown Mckinney. She is passionate about loving and empowering women and believes with great hair you can conquer anything. Besides her love for hair, she enjoys cooking healthy plant-based meals, soaking up the sunshine, and most importantly, loving on her sweet family.

DEMI ROWE 214-326-6050 IG: hairbydemirowe hairbydemirowe@gmail.com

Abby

Studio Assistant

Abby is a High School student with a passion for photography, music, art, fashion, and makeup. She shadows Edith at ELLA photo shoots and is an integral part in helping models feel relaxed during their photo shoot. She helps create unforgettable poses to flatter and enhance each unique model. She assists the photographer as well as the rest of the beautysquad and always shows up to work with a smile!

ELLA Inspires Magazine

$39 /

I S S U E S

W W W . E L L A I N S P I R E S . C O M

ELLA Inspires (Summer 2020)

Articles inside

Young ELLA: Gaby Paredes

My Favorite Summer Sip

Microgreens

Girlband: The Letter A

Setting the Summer Table

Feature: Chasing Sunshine