WOMEN with MORE

Being named as the WOMAN with MORE-“STYLE” sponsored by RoC Skincare was beyond a surreal experience for me. As a background, MORE Magazine “Celebrates women of style and substance with articles on style, health, work, spirituality and relationships. “ You probably have noticed the title next to the check out stand at your local grocery store or in the airport reading sections. This has been one of my “must read” magazines for years because it targets mature women seeking to be the best that they could be.  

The WOMEN with MORE Contest chooses a winner that is nominated in one of four categories including Ambition, Passion, Beauty and Style.  The other winners I met at the photo shoot in New York were incredibly intelligent and positive role models that are truly making a difference in the world in their specific fields.  It was a privilege and an honor to be in the company of the staff, editors, and the other three winners and the team at MORE created a once in a lifetime experience.  After years in the marketing industry, the entire process was beyond well organized and the environment was relaxed, yet professional.  

I have had many people ask as to how I was chosen. I will share with you the essay that I provided to the editorial team. It is raw, candid and authentic.  I hope it will give everyone in the Street to Stable community a better idea as to who I am and why this blog is truly a labor of love and something I am deeply committed to. 

The act of playing with kaleidoscopes as a child delivers fond memories.  With a quick rotation of the wrist and a little sunlight, I would observe intricate designs that would delight me for hours.  Kaleidoscopes are most simply constructed from a mirror-lined cylinder that reflects various colored items including beads or stones to create beautiful images. I believe one’s style is similar to a kaleidoscope. A few select elements have the ability to create a lasting impression.  Life is also like a kaleidoscope; slight turns may cause dramatic change. 

My life has definitely been similar to a kaleidoscope with more twists than I ever envisioned.  I grew up in the SF Bay Area, yet my first marriage delivered me to a remote working cattle ranch. With a blink of an eye, I was then catapulted to an intense corporate career while simultaneously attaining my MBA. After learning many lessons, I finally opened my own consulting business and started a rewarding blog.  While each turn in my life looked drastically different to observers, the core elements of my persona, similar to the internal components of a kaleidoscope, barely changed.  They included a personal style that consists of aesthetic simplicity, character and resiliency. Most importantly, I truly like the image that is projected because I know it has been tested and is purely authentic. 

Today, I use the blog to discuss topics including fashion, interior décor, health and wellness to primarily a female audience that appreciates the equestrian lifestyle.  For decades, I have had inquiries to assist others with both home décor and fashion and I have also created apparel for my personal wardrobe.  My true passion, though, lies with tying these skills back to equestrian culture. This industry is highly influenced by iconic labels and outward impressions. Both my business and personal objectives necessitates that the blog is used as a platform to educate others that style is not just derived from obtaining the trendiest label; rather it is based on actions, character and individuality When one follows their convictions, a beautiful projection is shared.

Recently it was announced that MORE Magazine would cease to exist after 18 years in print and a one-time rate base of 1.1 million.  The publisher, Meredith Corp., was forced to cut the talented Editor-in-Chief, Leslie Jane Seymour, and the remaining 30 staff members “CEO Steve Lacy, insisted it tried mightily to save More. ‘Despite a significant investment in More in 2015 — including an increase in trim size and higher quality paper stock that aligned it with with its upscale and affluent audience — More continued to face advertising challenges in the luxury marketplace’ (1). Many of us are deeply saddened by the loss of an established publication of this stature. It goes without saying that much credit must be given to the publisher, editors, staff and readership that over the years paved a different road from the norm and truly created something different for women of substance. Your efforts have not gone unrecognized.

photo credits: MORE Magazine 

Footnote: (1) http://nypost.com/2016/02/25/merediths-more-magazine-is-no-more-after-april-issue/