Alxandra Victoria | Voices Amplified

Alxandra Victoria

What is your occupation/job/career? 
Hair Stylist/ Salon Manager

City/State/Country do you reside in?
Tacoma, Washington | United States

During this world pandemic what is one thing you keep in the back of your mind that you remind yourself of daily?
God is in control so trust Him & don't be in such a hurry to be "busy".

Don’t be in such a hurry to be ‘busy’.

- Alxandra Victoria

How has your business/workflow been effected? Do you see yourself bouncing back fully or do you see a shift in your business/career?
Well, my business was majorly impacted due to this pandemic. At my salon we pride ourselves on providing a premier, professional, warm & intimate experience for our guests. I am in one of the few professions where physical touch is essential. Touch is how we connect to our guest, their ability to relax is what helps me to do my job best. So the thought of limiting that personal experience made me nervous. I had to switch over to virtual consultations, a virtual beauty supply store and making protective masks for everyone. I felt honored to bless my clients with face masks but, still, there’s nothing like a relaxing day at the salon having that one-on-one experience with your stylist. I know there will be a shift in how business will flow but, I am hopeful that I can still offer the best care possible that would still distinguish us from other establishments.

In a perfect virus free world with all expenses paid, where would you travel to for vacation?
I would definitely have say Santorini, Greece. The views are breathtaking and I would love to fully experience their culture.

What are you known for?
Personally; My big heart, bold, loving personality, loyalty, hard working & being the life of the party. Professionally? My professionalism, bridal hair, my versatility with hair textures, hair care, and I'm charitable.

If you were to sit on a panel with Oprah and Michelle Obama, what would you want the discussion topic to be on?  
Building and keeping healthy relationships, Women in leadership, How to inspire/ influence young women.

Is there anything you'd like to share or words of encouragement for those who may be having a very challenging time during this pandemic? 
Pray, rest, stay in contact with close friends and family that make you happy. It's okay to feel uneasy but don't stay in that place. You're not alone in this time. You are loved and everything will work out for your good.

Let’s Connect!

Website
Instagram Personal
Instagram Business
Facebook

Cynthia Quarcoo | Voices Amplified

Cynthia Quarcoo

What is your occupation/job/career?
I am legal practitioner with extensive experience as a Corporate, Finance, Energy and Infrastructure lawyer in Ghana and the United Kingdom. I am the Founder and Managing Partner of CQ Legal and Consulting (An Accra based law firm), where I head the Banking and Finance, Energy/Power and Infrastructure practices. I am also founder of Chronicles of a Working Mother and founder of Africa 1 Media.

City/State/Country do you reside in? 
Accra, Ghana | West Africa

During this world pandemic what is one thing you keep in the back of your mind that you remind yourself of daily?
The value of relationships and the importance of making our connections with people a priority above everything else.

Human lives are more important than profits.

- Cynthia Quarcoo

How has your business/workflow been effected? Do you see yourself bouncing back fully or do you see a shift in your business/career?
It has definitely resulted in a decline in client contact and receiving instructions for new business. However it has created an opportunity to review our internal structures and the way we provide legal services to our clients. I am also using the time to engage with clients and build stronger connections with them. Finally, I am using the period to update my knowledge of my areas of practice and knowledge of industries I provide advice to.

In a perfect virus free world with all expenses paid, where would you travel to for vacation?
I will travel to the Maldives 😃

What are you known for?
Law. Entertainment. Empowerment of Working Mothers

If you were to sit on a panel with Oprah and Michelle Obama, what would you want the discussion topic to be on?  
Working Mothers- I believe all stay home mums are part of this too.

Is there anything you'd like to share or words of encouragement for those who may be having a very challenging time during this pandemic? 
Pause…. take care of yourself. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Be kind to yourself. Reach out to people you trust if you’re struggling. Spend time on yourself. Learn new skills and ways of upgrading your knowledge….

Let’s Connect!

Websites
Chronicles of a Working Mother
Africa 1 Media
CQ Legal

Social Media
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube
LinkedIn

Laura León | Voices Amplified

Laura León

What is your occupation/job/career?  
Marketing

City/State/Country do you reside in? 
Wenatchee, Washington, USA

During this world pandemic what is one thing you keep in the back of your mind that you remind yourself of daily?
"This too shall pass."

"This too shall pass."

Laura León

How has your business/workflow been effected? Do you see yourself bouncing back fully or do you see a shift in your business/career?
I am fortunate enough, that my workflow hasn't really changed. I am very blessed, and now more than ever my creativity flow is ON. It is up to my department to tell our organization's story during this pandemic. I am currently working for a Public Transportation agency and it is important to ensure the community, especially those who do not have options when it comes to transportation, that we are doing all we can to keep everyone safe, while delivering an essential service, and following all CDC guidelines.

In a perfect virus free world with all expenses paid, where would you travel to for vacation?

The Maldives, Machu Picchu, Tokyo, and back to Tulum.

What are you known for?
My laugh. :p

If you were to sit on a panel with Oprah and Michelle Obama, what would you want the discussion topic to be on?  
Best Pizza ever: New York, or Chicago style? Kidding. I would like to think that we would be on the same panel discussion how and what we can do for our local communities to educate them on diversity, inclusion, and working together to make a change.

Is there anything you'd like to share or words of encouragement for those who may be having a very challenging time during this pandemic? 
We are all in this together! We could sit here and look at data all day, and focus on the negative. But, this has given all of us the opportunity to sit down and reflect, and focus on what really is important. Remind them, like I remind myself - that this is only temporary, and it too shall pass.

Let’s Get Social!

Instagram: @iaml_l

Twitter: @iaml_l

Tierra | Voices Amplified

Tierra

What is your occupation/job/career?  
Blogger , fun curator/party stylist

City/State/Country do you reside in? 
Lakewood, Washington | United States

During this world pandemic what is one thing you keep in the back of your mind that you remind yourself of daily?
During this unfortunate time I try to always remind myself of how grateful I am. Even the little things! It’s a great way to lift spirits throughout my day. I am blessed to spend this extra time teaching my daughter and cooking meals for my family to enjoy.

I try to remind myself of how grateful I am. Even the little things!

Tierra

How has your business/workflow been effected? Do you see yourself bouncing back fully or do you see a shift in your business/career?
I had a huge shift in my business career. I went from planning the reopening of a business that would make social distancing impossible. So, now I am focused on something that before all of this was just a hobby but is now turning into a full time business for me and I am excited.

In a perfect virus free world with all expenses paid, where would you travel to for vacation?
If I could go anywhere right now I would go on vacation somewhere warm and secluded with my fiancé.

What are you known for?
Known for many things but right now my quarantine partners know me for my vegan food!

If you were to sit on a panel with Oprah and Michelle Obama, what would you want the discussion topic to be on?  
Time management and goal setting

Is there anything you'd like to share or words of encouragement for those who may be having a very challenging time during this pandemic? 
I know that this is all so out of the normal for us but try to find YOUR new normal. Let go of expectations for how things should be and figure out what’s going to work best for you. I find that focusing on present day keeps me grounded and in the moment. We have no idea what next year, next month, next week is going to be like. So enjoy your quiet time, enjoy your loved ones and live for today.

Let’s Get Social

Website: Greendiaryxo.com

Instagram: Greendiaryxo

Twitter: Greendiaryxo

Taylor Brumfield | Voices Amplified

Taylor Brumfield

What is your occupation/job/career?  
Beauty Photographer, Retoucher, Educator

City/State/Country do you reside in? 
Woodbridge, VA | United States

During this world pandemic what is one thing you keep in the back of your mind that you remind yourself of daily?
Keep pushing forward and that my progress is a marathon not a sprint.

Keep pushing forward and that my progress is a marathon not a sprint.

Taylor Brumfield

How has your business/workflow been effected? Do you see yourself bouncing back fully or do you see a shift in your business/career?
I have not been shooting people at all. It is difficult for me because my beauty shoots are really where I can unwind, be myself and engage with others on a creative level and test out new ideas. So I have a ton of creative energy just pent up with nowhere to go and its extremely frustrating. I've received bookings during this time and availability inquiries and updates and I have also sold vouchers for future bookings so I feel that my bookings will bounce back easily after the quarantines are lifted.

In a perfect virus free world with all expenses paid, where would you travel to for vacation?
I really want to go to Santorini, Greece. Theres something about that Santorini Blue thats always really drawn me.

What are you known for?
Always having a great and uplifting attitude and being able to work thru difficult situations with forward momentum.

If you were to sit on a panel with Oprah and Michelle Obama, what would you want the discussion topic to be on?  
How long is the panel! I would have endless questions for them both. If I only had 20 minutes it would be such a word salad.

Is there anything you'd like to share or words of encouragement for those who may be having a very challenging time during this pandemic? 
Find something beautiful to think about every single day and keep pushing forward.

Photography by: Taylor Brumfield

Let’s Get Social

Website: TaylorBPhotographie.com

Instagram: Taylorrbee

Facebook: Taylorrbeee

LinkedIn: Taylor Brumfield

Lara Mae D Chollette | Voices Amplified

Lara Mae D Chollette

What is your occupation/job/career?  
Human Resources Leader. Currently, I am the head of HR at Ellenos.

City/State/Country do you reside in? 
Seattle, WA, USA

During this world pandemic what is one thing you keep in the back of your mind that you remind yourself of daily?
There is still goodness and kindness in humanity.

There is still goodness and kindness in humanity.

LARA MAE D CHOLLETTE

How has your business/workflow been effected? Do you see yourself bouncing back fully or do you see a shift in your business/career?
Right now, I am grateful that my employer, www.ellenos.com, is deemed an essential business since we are a food manufacturer. Our yummy yogurt has fared well on the grocery shelves so please pick one up for yourself next time! Our retail locations in Pike Place and Georgetown have been shut down temporarily since March 15th. We are working on our e-commerce business and preparing for when we can open back up.

I truly believe that we were one of the first businesses to execute on our Crisis Management Plan when the virus started to become a huge impact back in the end of February. During the past few weeks, our company values have been put under the stress test just like every other company. We are laser-focused on three objectives during this crisis : 1) Ensure the health and well-being of our team members; 2) Ensure business continuity; and 3) Protect our product and our brand. And because our leadership team is clearly aligned on our values and how we "operationalize" them, I continue to have pride in how we have made decisions and how we have communicated with our work family.

We are confident that we will remain steady but it will be a long time to get back the momentum that we had started with in 2020.

In my personal time, I am also a full-time educator to our kids.

In a perfect virus free world with all expenses paid, where would you travel to for vacation?
I would LOVE to go on one of those Around the World Tour Packages where you basically visit every continent! And hopefully, this will also be a paid Sabbatical.

What are you known for?
Just in my humble opinion, I am known for being able to nurture relationships that are authentic - whether personal, professional or both.

If you were to sit on a panel with Oprah and Michelle Obama, what would you want the discussion topic to be on?  
All of our crushes and why! We already know a lot about them professionally so I want to have and honest and fun "girl talk" - no limits. And of course, with wine or something stronger.

Is there anything you'd like to share or words of encouragement for those who may be having a very challenging time during this pandemic? 
One breath at a time. One thought at a time. Love yourself. Love others. Love unconditionally. Reach out and lean on someone. If you don't have anyone, you can reach out to me and I will make time.

*** If there is anything outside of the above questions you'd like to share... please feel free! ****
I honestly don't want to go back to normal. We were killing Mother Earth. We were caught up in materialism. We paid attention to the wrong people. Let's all collectively find a NEW normal that was better than before.

Let’s Get Social

Instagram: @thrillafrmanila

LinkedIn: Lara Mae D Chollette

Theresa Antony | Voices Amplified

Theresa Antony

What is your occupation/job/career?  
Dance instructor/choreographer/personal trainer

City/State/Country do you reside in? 
Hudson county, New Jersey, USA

During this world pandemic what is one thing you keep in the back of your mind that you remind yourself of daily?
Be grateful for the free time you have now to create. You complained about not having enough time to do everything you love and now you do.

Be grateful…

for the free time you have now to create. You complained about not having enough time to do everything you love and now you do.

How has your business/workflow been effected? Do you see yourself bouncing back fully or do you see a shift in your business/career?
No work or school right now and teaching online has been difficult. I definitely do not see myself bouncing back to things fully, but eventually with time it’ll be okay. I have to stay positive.

In a perfect virus free world with all expenses paid, where would you travel to for vacation?
Japan

What are you known for?
Dance and Music

If you were to sit on a panel with Oprah and Michelle Obama, what would you want the discussion topic to be on?  
Women empowerment!!!!!

Is there anything you'd like to share or words of encouragement for those who may be having a very challenging time during this pandemic? 
We should use this time to engage in things we didn’t have time for before whether that’s talking more to loved ones or learning a new skill. This is only temporary and you are not alone.

*** If there is anything outside of the above questions you'd like to share?? ****
I told myself I would learn a new skill and a language while quarantined! I started learning the piano and Spanish. Challenging myself has been a little frustrating but once you see yourself making progress it is rewarding.

Let’s Get Social

Instagram: @theresa.antony

Twitter: @Hangrygalriri

Kimberly Garver | Vocies Amplified

Kimberly Garver

What is your occupation/job/career? 
Self-employed hairstylist

City/State/Country do you reside in? 
Tacoma, WA

During this world pandemic what is one thing you keep in the back of your mind that you remind yourself of daily?
This isn’t going to be forever and to keep my head on straight

This isn’t going to be forever and to keep my head on straight.

Kimberly Garver

How has your business/workflow been effected? Do you see yourself bouncing back fully or do you see a shift in your business/career?
The salon was closed Monday March 16th and it was swift and immediate. What was hard was thinking it was only going to be 2 weeks and being told time after time different dates of when we can “get back to normal”. Then slowly realizing there was going to be no such thing. I stopped rebooking clients and have only been cancelling them. And that in itself is hard to do. Canceling away all that time. Slowly seeing your schedule open and empty and turning people away. I didn’t want to keep cancelling to reschedule just to turn around and cancel again.

In a perfect virus free world with all expenses paid, where would you travel to for vacation?
Thailand!

What are you known for?
I hope I’m known for my kindness, smile, loyalty and love. Professionally? My haircuts and color.

If you were to sit on a panel with Oprah and Michelle Obama, what would you want the discussion topic to be on?  
Growing pains!!! In life and love and relationships

Is there anything you'd like to share or words of encouragement for those who may be having a very challenging time during this pandemic? 
Sometimes there are no words, from another person, that can ease the pain But what’s helped me is journaling. Having those conversations with myself and being honest with myself has been comforting.

Let’s Get Social!

Website: Baroquesalon.com

Instagram: Kimlovesyou.du