Project Iowa: Our spring $100 Headshot Partner

Last week, I had the privilege of photographing a group of incredible women and men who are embarking on their own unique journeys into the workforce. These humans make up the latest graduating class from Project Iowa, a nonprofit organization that, among many other things, helps to match employers with people seeking stable, fulfilling jobs in our community.

Julie Fugenschuh, Executive Director of Project Iowa

“At Project Iowa, we strive to help people align purpose and passion with employment,” says Executive Director Julie Fugenschuh. “We believe finding a career that clicks with your values means you’ll stay in the position, ultimately providing security and stability in your life. [The program} is more about a person’s mindset rather than their skillset.”

Every three months, Project Iowa welcomes a new group of students for their three-month program (which is free of charge) teaching them how to excel in job interviews, write an effective resume, network, while also integrating wellness principles and digital skills.

There is so much more than tactical training happening in this program, and it’s evident in the photos I took of the students on the eve of their graduation. The emotional difference Project Iowa provides is far, far beyond simply finding a job. The transformation is both professional and personal: People who go through this program have more confidence, resources, accountability, and physical and mental wellbeing.

Jane, graduate of Project Iowa’s latest program.

“I was in such a bad place when I started this program,” says Shawna, another graduate. “Besides my kids, this was the best thing I’ve ever done. I thought the program was just about getting a job, but that’s the least of it. It teaches you to recognize your thoughts so that you can change your behaviors. Before, I tended to just go into survival mode. But now I’m figuring out who I was meant to be and who I’ve always been before I got so sidetracked.”

At Ivory House, we believe in finding passion and purpose in our work. Project Iowa’s holistic approach to job placement is completely different from the typical agency and aligned beautifully with the Ivory House mission and core values. Project Iowa believes when a job is well-suited to a person’s identity it also shapes their outlook on life. Meditation, yoga, nutrition, and stress management are all incorporated into the classes, which take place four times per week and run about two hours long. When we recognized the in-depth commitment to self it takes to complete the program, we were hooked and immediately on board with supporting Project Iowa.

“This program got me in touch more with my emotions,” says graduate Carrie. “I’ve always been a task manager, very task-oriented. It has helped me refine some of the emotional aspects of working that I’ve been missing for a while.”

“The biggest thing is changing the way you think and how that’s going to alter the way you act, which has been huge for me,” says Jane, one of the graduating students.

Shawna, graduate of Project Iowa’s latest program.

Tears from Shawna, seeing herself in the right light for the first time.

Students of the Project Iowa program come from every kind of background you can imagine. Whether it’s someone who’s been a stay-at-home mom for the past twenty years and looking to get back into the workforce, someone who’s been convicted of a felony, or someone just looking for a fresh start in a new field, virtually anyone would fit in and find value in the education.

A beautiful group of grateful souls, ready to take on the world with passion and purpose.

“There are no labels here,” Julie says. “You’re a person, you have value. No one in our program is a ‘felon,’ or ‘lazy,’ or any of those other labels people might feel ascribed to when they’re out hunting for a job. They do not define you as a person or a job candidate.”

Jane, totally rocking her photo shoot and leaning into herself fully.

“Project Iowa has helped bring out those parts of me that I didn’t know existed,” says graduate Christina, who traveled an hour each way to attend her classes. “I’m ready to apply for things I wouldn’t normally have applied for. I felt like there were a lot of barriers for me, like I shouldn’t even try. I felt like my past was my name, so I settled for minimum wage jobs.

Now I know that I have worth and hidden talents that can make a company more successful. My name is who I used to be, not who I am. Now I’m answering to new names. I’m worthy, and I have things to offer people.”

Christina, confidently captured.

For me, photography is my way to truly see people, and in this case, I was able to witness these graduates transformation. They have been doing the work for months, diving deep into themselves, removing road block and building new skills, but I know from personal experience, that change doesn’t feel real until you see it on the outside.

By photographing them, I was able to mirror their new mindset, label, title, career path and capture it in a photograph that will hopefully remind them of how far they’ve come. And in addition to simply celebrating their growth, having headshots taken was a brand-new experience for many of them. Stepping in front of a professional camera wasn’t something most of them were comfortable with — not because of cost, availability or usefulness, but simply because they had been denying themselves of the recognition.

“I was like, who gets headshots?” Christina laughed. “It made me feel important. It made me feel like I was someone to watch out for.”

“Last time I had my pictures taken was graduation,” says Shawna. “I felt like I could smile again. It’s so cool to be given a decent chance.”

The reactions are ALWAYS the best part.

“Whatever we do, we do it together,” says Julie. “It’s not just about what Project Iowa could do for you. It’s about who you have in your corner, in your community. We are part of your team. We are someone you can rely on, no matter what your goals are.”

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. If you’re ready to be seen and support a great cause, grab one of our 80 $100 Headshot timeslots. At the time of publishing this blog, the session are already 50% sold out so DON’T hesitate to show yourself and your community who you are and what you’re capable of.

SPECIAL THANKS TO WHISTLER STUDIO and Anna Jones for donating the space for these shoots. If you’re ever in need of a gorgeous shooting space, with perfect light, we highly recommend.

2019: Year in Review

Every year I take stock of the biggest points of impact, both in my life and my community. As always, thank you for being on this journey with me. Your participation in and support of my abilities is what propels me forward every year.

40 Under 40

At 32, I received the distinguished honor of Des Moines Business Record’s 2019 40 Under 40. To me, this was recognition of the contribution one small business owner can make in their community. I was so proud to walk across that stage, knowing that my HR department is my mom, my team includes my 2 dedicated employees and loads of friends, and every single hour and resource I donate to my community come directly out of my own pocket.

If I have one goal in life, it’s to lead by example and inspire EVERY person to know they can make a difference simply by showing up and having the confidence to walk out on to the shaky, unstable branches of life, contributing everything they have to the causes and community they love.

I photographed over 100 individuals for $100 Headshots

I started the $100 headshot campaign in 2017. The concept is simple. Once a year I lower my portrait prices to $100 for 15 minutes of my time and one polished file. On top of that great deal, I donate $10 from every session to a charity of choice.

This year, there was so much interest, I ran two $100 headshot sessions, one to benefit Dress for Success and the other benefiting Food Bank of Iowa. The most mind-boggling part of the whole experience? These offers sold out in less than 48 hours. Talk about an all-around win.

Your Personal Brand Launch: Online Course Launched in 2020

Emily and I started Brand Launch with one major goal: teach people how to elevate their lives and business through intentional personal branding. After 2 years of successful workshops, we’ve poured our hearts, souls, and knowledge into this course curriculum and couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve created! The course launched TODAY, Jan 8th, and is already bringing us so much joy and fulfillment.

On top of this great accomplishment, we wrote our first E-book, Showing up Social, sharing our perspective on why social is important and how you can make an impact by simply telling your own story. Grab the E-Book HERE.

HEARTCORE LEADERSHIP

The Universe sent me all sorts of signs this year and I was finally in a mental position to listen. One of the biggest signs I received was during No Meetings March (read past post on that). My friend and client Kathleen Riessen called me during this meeting hiatus and I actually had the energy to pick up the phone. Kathleen said, “Whitney, I’m in this leadership program right now and this is it. This is what you need to do. Here are the dates and here is the price point.”

At the time of Kathleen’s call, I was digging myself out of a deep emotional hole, working hard to correct 3 years of working from the burnout zone. I knew I needed something but I didn’t know what. I took Kathleen’s call as a sign and I paid the deposit the next day. Little did I know the massive amount of serendipity I’d just set in motion.

From August to December, I traveled to San Diego 4 times, diving deep into myself and my leadership capacities. I learned more, grew more and built more in those 4 months than I have at any other point in my life. Of the life-changing experiences I’ve been through, this one takes the cake. I chose it. I committed to it. And I completed it. And at the end of the day, I received a sense of calm in myself, grounding and clarity I never thought possible. Of the things I’m most grateful for this year, HCL and the friends I made there are at the top of the list.

DSM Hummingbirds went from a concept to a platform!

In July of 2018, Emily and I launched the concept of DSM Hummingbirds, a community marketing strategy pairing enthusiastic community members with brands, services, and experience that need a little buzz and momentum. The idea was simple. EVERYONE has influence, especially in hyper-local markets and we were eager to show what impact your neighbors could have on local business growth.

Over and over, this concept continues to prove itself. Our Hummingbirds LOVE trying new things and sharing their experiences with their friends on social and in person. And the businesses? They are getting new ideal client exposure with the added benefit of authentic social posting. EVERYONE WINS.

And this year, we started the long process of creating the technology to support this. It’s been a long journey, but we’re so excited to say that by mid-2020, we’ll have a fully functioning Hummingbird site and are looking to expand outside of DSM! We’ll keep you posted on these exciting developments.

I wore shorts

and lived to tell about it.

I realize that this might seem like the silliest win of 2019 but for me, it was huge. 2019 was a year of true body acceptance. It was also the year I discovered Eloquii, the site where curvy girls like me can go to unload all their extra money and come out looking fabulous.

Because of this site, I wore shorts, crop tops, many jumpsuits, sequin skirts…. the list goes on. I preach a lot about what it means to be unapologetically extra, being bold in our bodies and our brains, but even I struggle with giving my external self the praise it deserves. So here’s to 2020, perhaps this is the year of the two-piece bathing suit. You never know!

Left to right: Megan, Production Manager - Whitney, Chief Empowerment Officer - Amanda, Operations Manager

My teams GREW!

Running two business’s isn’t easy and I don’t do it alone.

Megan and I have been operating as the dynamic duo of Ivory House for too long and we desperately needed an admin to keep everything on track! Amanda Arnold entered our lives at the most amazing time and provided both of us the support and space we needed to really take Ivory House to the next level. With Amanda by our side, we’ve honed in on our systems and made Ivory House an efficient business with loads of personal impact!

Left to right: Callie, Integration specialist. Whitney, Co-Founder. Emily, Co-Founder, Amanda, Operations Manager. Matt, Technology specialist.

Our Brand Launch team also grew! Emily and I have been doing as much as we can as a duo, but we were pleased to bring on several team members in 2019! Amanda, also joined the Brand Launch team as our operations manager (so basically she runs every aspect of Emily and my calendar), Callie came on board this summer as an intern and we quickly found that she is an extraordinary integrator. Now we can’t imagine our team without her. And Matt came on the team earlier this year as our technology lead to take DSM Hummingbirds to the next level. It’s with his help and guidance that we have watched DSM Hummingbirds grow from a concept to a platform.

I had my first fine art gallery show in DSM!

And I did my first artist talk and I sold my first fine artwork ever!!! These are pretty big personal wins. I loved being able to share my thesis work, Self Control, with the people of DSM and Liz Lidgett’s Gallery was the perfect place to showcase this work.

Presenting at LEAP on the Power of Personal Branding!

I got a jump start on my public speaking career!

I got to stand on lots of stages this year and it absolutely thrilled me! I spoke on topics ranging from personal branding, community marketing, being your own nano influencer to being unapologetically extra and defining your own path. Every single one of these opportunities was a thrill and a learning opportunity.

These lead me to my 2020 goal of speaking on 10 big stages across the country. So if you know of anyone looking to bring in an Unapologetically Extra speaker or personal brand strategist, let me know!

May in Amsterdam!

On a personal note….

I traveled to:

1. Denver

2. Charlotte

3. Rochester, NY

4. NYC

5. Copenhagen

6. Took a river cruise down the Rhine from Amsterdam to Frankfurt

7. San Diego (4 times) for leadership training

8. Kansas City

9. Napa

Every single one of these adventures adds to the beautiful, vibrant texture of my life and l’m so grateful for this life I get to lead.

AND…. I fell in love. Yup, if you’re reading this to the very end, you get the juicy bits. I met a man named Erik in June. We bonded over a mutual love of the Enneagram, tacos, The Storytellers Project and deep conversations. We’re pretty smitten and having a great time doing life together.

Let's Chat Recycling with Ciji Mitrisin of RecycleMe Iowa

I still remember the feeling I had over 25 years ago, walking out of the grocery store with a wad of cash in my hands from collecting pop cans out of my dad’s junk yard. This moment may have been the impetus to starting my business, but recycling has always played a role in my life: My parents were always telling us to turn off the lights, stop running the water while brushing our teeth, and heading to every garage sale in town (and I mean EVERY garage sale!). It was a way to save money so we could go on family vacations and take part in every sport and club that we wanted to. My passion for the environment, however, really clicked while living abroad in New Zealand. The country’s natural beauty will bring tears to your eyes. I recall the exact moment when I was enjoying the beauty surrounding me, only to look down and see piles of litter. Without thinking, I picked it up. The solution seemed so clear, the problem so easy to fix. Pick it up.

After leaving New Zealand, I relocated to Des Moines. Living in an apartment with no recycling was perplexing. This is a big town, I thought. Does that mean that no apartment tenants in the entire city have access to recycling? It became a topic of conversation at every social gathering, and I quickly learned that I was not the only one disappointed by the lack of options. The city provided curbside recycling to residences, so why not us? I started to get angry, and decided to direct my energy into doing something productive to solve this problem. I took on the fight to create better recycling options for the community, which I was growing to love more and more each day. In 2010, with a small group of motivated "eco-heroes," I started RecycleMe Iowa. 

We’ve heard the phrase “reduce, reuse, and recycle” a million times, but how well are we really practicing this? When you start separating your recycling from your trash, you see the difference one individual can make in the world. It’s my favorite conversation to have with a new recycler. It reminds me to keep challenging the waste industry, to make it economically viable so more jobs can be created, and to eliminate landfill-bound items like straws and styrofoam.

It takes time and commitment to form a habit, so I challenge my community, family, and friends to create an Earth Day resolution and make a change. Forgot your reusable bags in your car? Turn around and go get them. Get coffee everyday at your local coffee shop? Start bringing your own cup. See some litter on the ground near a trash or recycling bin? Pick it up and throw it away. There are so many simple solutions that each individual can use to make a real impact. I challenge you all to pick one new habit and stick with it for the full month of April. If you live in an apartment, work at a business, or plan events, get in touch with us at RecycleMe Iowa. We are here to help you live a greener life, and we always love talking trash!

Finally, as Whitney and I talked about in our video (above), we have our 8th birthday party coming up! We hope to clink drinks with you at our open house on Thursday, April 19th at CollaborateDSM (31st and Ingersoll) from 5:30-7:00 pm. Bring your business card for a chance to win prizes, too!

A note from Lucy:

I could not be more proud of my beautiful friend Ciji! She and I have been very close friends since I first moved to Des Moines in 2011. We met at a yoga class and bonded over our passion for sustainability. She's taught me so much about overcoming the challenges that small businesses and grassroots movements face, and has inspired me to make small changes in my own life that add up to major ones. She is always spreading her message with a smile and an open heart, willing to talk to anybody and everybody about the difference that they can make as just one person. Ciji, you are truly one in a million. I'm so proud to call you a friend, and can't wait to start kickin' trash and takin' names with you in April!

Getting (and Staying!) Organized with the Neat Method

My name is Sophie Gillotti, and I own Neat Method Des Moines, a luxury home organizing company that serves over 45 markets. We work closely with our customers to make bathrooms, kitchens, closets, nurseries, offices, pantries, and playrooms NEAT! We also specialize in moves and relocates. 

With a passion for detail and display, I personally enjoy creating shoppable spaces that are suitable for each client's specific needs. When we're finished with your space, it should feel like your own personal showroom. Being organized creates a more functional lifestyle.

Whitney came to me because she felt like none of the things in her studio had a home, and the clutter was taking over her workspace. I was delighted by the opportunity to help her get organized in order to establish a space that is functional for not only herself and her staff, but for all the clients coming through her doors.

I began by taking inventory of her things, where they were located and why.

Before photos of the snack area

I then removed all products and supplies from shelves, drawers, and the cubbies in her production area. (We made a huge mess, but that's the first step to becoming neat!) The next phase was to categorize, edit, and sort.

Sorting and editing everything is the scariest part, but it's all worth it in the end.

Once we had established the items that Whitney needed, we talked about how often each item was used so that I could lay out a plan where everything would have a home. After that, I went shopping for organizational items like boxes, folders, and card holders. 

The last step was to create cute labels to make it easy to identify where things go! These are great when there may be several different people putting things away at different times. It also helps to hold everyone accountable for putting things back in their proper place.

After photos of her snack area, cabinet drawer, shooting area, and production area cubbies

Working with Whitney was an incredible experience! She is very talented, her clients are extraordinary, and now she has a neat and tidy space that accurately reflects her business.

Convinced it's time to get Neat? Contact us at 515-326-0762 to set up a consultation! 

A note from Whitney:

Sophie came into my life at the perfect time. I was drowning in paperwork, office supplies, snacks, disposable silverware, Winston's paraphernalia, you name it! She was able to help me identify the things I could part with and the things that were truly benefitting my business and my space. It took a little bit to admit that I needed someone to save me from myself, but once I talked with Sophie about how to improve the situation, I was beyond thrilled. 

Sophie took the time and really invested herself in implementing a streamlined system for me. Her thoughtful details (like the labels!) make it so easy for everyone to keep things organized. I could never have accomplished this without her.

Dress for Success: The Gift of Confidence

I am so lucky. 

This is what I kept repeating to myself all day on Sunday, March 4th, 2018. 

I am so lucky to have this team of talented, generous people showing up to donate their time and talents to Dress for Success clients. I am so lucky to have a job and the flexibility to give my time and passions. I am SO LUCKY that I've never experienced true hardship. My privilege. 

Recognizing that, I jump at any chance of passing that luck and privilege on to others who might benefit from it. This event was one small way of providing confidence and support to women in our community who may not have always been so lucky. They say that when you can give a piece of yourself to someone else, it comes back to you tenfold. Never have I found this to be more true than with these portraits. I feel the love from that day every time I look at them, and I hope the feeling continues for a long time to come.

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A note from Lucy, Ivory House Photography's Studio Manager: 

The day began the way I expected: rushing to set out snacks and bottles of water, unlocking the doors, answering last-minute emails about the event. What’s the parking situation? Which street is the door on again? The stylists arrived with their ring lights and curling irons. Is there another outlet in this corner? No problem, I’ll set up in the kitchen. Jody White, Executive Director and Co-founder of Dress for Success, was all smiles as she introduced herself to everyone, warmly thanking each person for donating their Sunday to a great cause.

The Glam Teams, clockwise from top left: Ashley Maree Harvey (hair), Violeta, Natalie Gendle (makeup, ACADEMIC Lash & Beauty); Ivy Boyd (makeup, Ivy Boyd Makeup Artist + Beauty Blogger), Africa, Stacy Syroka (hair, Elevencherry); Desi Thompson (hair, Desi at Dolce), Jenny, Natalie Gendle (makeup, ACADEMIC Lash & Beauty); Kelsey Ziemann (makeup, Kelsi Ziemann Artistry), Jasmin, Kearra Chester (hair)

Whitney’s idea for a campaign to benefit Dress for Success originated before I came to work at Ivory House. Selling discounted headshots to her regular clients seemed like a great way to generate revenue that would allow for her to donate portraits to the clients of Dress for Success, an organization that empowers women to thrive professionally. She first mentioned this undertaking in my job interview back in January. Hearing her talk about the importance of elevating every member of the community made me realize that working at Ivory House was going to be much more than a nine-to-five job. Coming fresh from the corporate world, this was very appealing to me. 

My role on Sunday as Whitney’s studio manager was to manage the flow and make sure everyone was getting what they needed. I was anticipating a fast pace and lots of last-minute problem-solving, but as soon as the women began to arrive, it was clear things were going to go much smoother than I anticipated. The "Glam Teams," compromised of incredibly talented hair and makeup artists, were matched with a Dress for Success client. As anyone who’s been to a salon can attest, once the women were seated in their chairs and the pampering began, their stories began to pour out. 

There was Violeta, a legal assistant at Drake, who told me about the lifelong romance with her husband that started in their hometown in Mexico and brought them all the way to Des Moines.

Violeta

There was Sharon, who works in the crafts department at Walmart and who boasted that she has 13 great-grandkids. She honors the memory of her late husband, her sweetheart and the love of her life, by wearing their wedding rings around her neck. 

Sharon

After 10 years in school while also raising three kids as a single mom, Jasmin is going to graduate next year with her master’s degree in social work, and is currently working as self-sufficiency counselor.

Jasmin

Kimberly brought so much attitude and energy to the day. She kept us laughing the whole time, and her confidence shone through in every single photo that we took of her.

Kimberly

Angela, who I told that I would definitely ask for her ID at a bar, told me she’d been married for 14 years and has nine children. (Angela also told me an incredible story about her dog Capone, who’ll be receiving a medal of bravery next month.)

Angela

Africa opened up about her history of domestic violence and the strength it took to take her children and leave her husband to start over in a country where she barely spoke the language. 

Our interactions were brief, but the energy in the “glam room” was that of support and love. 

In the studio, Whitney was working her magic with each woman, making them feel confident and beautiful. Your hair is flawless! Oh my gosh you have the most perfect jawline. Yes, those eyes! You’re killin’ it! It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary for her when it comes to shooting any client who walks through the door, but today was different. These women have overcome obstacles and carried weight on their shoulders that we don’t know about, that maybe is only seen in their hesitance to meet the camera’s eye. Whitney took the time to make them feel beautiful, radiant, and cared for, and the proof is in their stunning images. The person who entered the studio was not the same person who emerged. 

The day came to a close with smiles and hugs of gratitude, exchanged phone numbers, and more than a few happy tears (my own included). Giving the gift of confidence to these women who have overcome so much in their lives, and providing them with a gorgeous portrait that they can share and keep forever, means just as much to us as it does to them. It's unbelievably rewarding when we're lucky enough to have the opportunity to share our skills and talents with others in the community. I'm so grateful to be with a company that values lifting each other up whenever we're able. As our stylist Kearra said, it's why we're on this planet.

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We couldn't have done this without the support of our amazing collaborators:

Jody White and Nicole Roe Sickels of Dress for Success Des Moines

The Glam Squad:
Kelsi Ziemann with Kelsi Ziemann Artistry
Ivy Boyd with Ivy Boyd Makeup Artist + Beauty Blogger
Natalie Sanger Gendle with Academic lash & beauty
Stacy Syroka independent stylist at Elevencherry
Ashley Maree Harvey independent hair stylist
Kearra Chester independent hair stylist
Desi Joelle with Desi at Dolce

And our kind and patience videographers (video to come): 
Caleb and Joe Stevens

And lastly, a huge thanks to the Ivory House team: Megan, Rachel, and Lucy.

Wednesdays with Whitney: Gina Skinner-Thebo

“As we lose ourselves in the service of others we discover our own lives and our own happiness.” Dieter F. Uchtdorf

A note from Whitney: 

From the moment you meet Gina, you know she is special - in large part because she has the amazing capability of making every human in her presence feel incredible and HEARD. From our very first conversation, I knew I could trust Gina with my deepest insecurities, my ugliest thoughts and my wildest dreams. This woman shows up to listen. She shows up to connect on a deeper level and she passionately pursues her most innate capability - creating community. To Gina - the women who truly does it all: thank you for consistently showing up in all your honesty. You allow us all to exhale and live a little more fully in this beautiful mess we call "real life."

A common theme I hear from women who are “getting it done” in our community is “there’s never a perfect time to start something”. Relationships develop, careers lead you in unexpected directions, children need different things at each stage of their lives, and so on. I’ve got a lot going on. To say that I love everything I do in life would be a disservice to those of you reading this piece. Sometimes I do things because they need to be done- not necessarily because they fill my heart. For example, planning my son’s parties at school and determining what crafts they will create doesn’t spark creativity and joy in me. But it does contribute to the happiness of 23 first graders and so I do it. The joy comes when I attend the party and witness the children having fun.

I have a lot of privilege. Something I’ve focused on the last few years is making sure I acknowledge my privilege and then do what I can to give back to my community. I do that through loving my family as well as I know how, taking pride in my professional work, showing up for other women and filling in where I can. I may not always be the perfect person for a task but I might be the only one willing to do it! Using the privilege we have to expand opportunities for all women is one cornerstone of modern feminism.

I’ve always been drawn toward leadership roles. I like engaging with others and I’m not afraid of speaking my truth. I’ve enjoyed many programs and academies where I’ve built up my leadership muscle. The Atwood Center for Women is my way of taking the wheel and steering the ship. It’s me deciding that I have valuable things to offer women in my community and then doing something to serve them. I’m a relationship person. I want to dive right in when I first meet people. I want to know how you’re broken and I want to tell you how I’ve patched myself back together over the years. I want to build you up and I want you to hold me accountable. So let’s get started.

Wednesdays With Whitney: Kelly Timmerman

One of my favorite things about our Des Moines community is our unique ability to rally around our warriors and lift people up. Kelly is one of those warriors and she came highly recommended. During the one month lag time between scheduling and shooting, Kelly's name kept serendipitously coming up. I ran into a friend at Hy-Vee and she mentioned Kelly's amazing on-the-go meals that Kelly and Hy-Vee collaborate on. I heard several friends talk about the success of Kelly's health program. By the time Kelly walked into the studio, I was beyond ecstatic to meet her. 

Kelly's journey has not been an easy one. Kelly's journey has not been an easy one. She beat colon cancer diagnosis only to face breast cancer, which doctors thought spread to her ovaries. Before turning 40, Kelly had gone through multiple rounds of chemo and radiation, a double mastectomy AND a hysterectomy. She had lost her hair and struggled with the repercussions of cancer and cancer treatment on her body. Kelly turned to her faith and nutrition to heal her from the inside. What started as a personal health journey quickly morphed into a professional venture. 

One of the foundational beliefs in Kelly's program is that you SHOULD NEVER BE HUNGRY. I personally love this philosophy. One of Kelly's big go to meal prep options is a smoothie - below you can read her reasoning and find a delicious recipe! 

Best Blueberry Oat Smoothie

Have you ever been short on time but wanted a quick, healthy meal?  Try a smoothie!  When made correctly, smoothies provide great on-the-go nutrition and boost your metabolism. Here are some of my Top Smoothie Tips:

1. Make it “PFC”.  So what is PFC?  You need Protein, Fat and Carbohydrates to balance your blood sugar, burn fat, boost your metabolism and have solid energy.   Loading up a smoothie with just fruit (carbs) will spike your blood sugar, causing you to store fat.  Soon after, your energy will crash and you’ll be hungry.  The best way to get heatlhy and lean is to eat balanced PFC meals and snacks. This is the foundational teaching in my  Kelly Timmerman Nutrition Program.
2. Always pack in healthy greens.  Start with adding a handful of fresh spinach. Honestly, you won’t even taste it! As you get used to this, gradually increase the amount and add some kale, too.
3. If you don’t have Magic Bullet, get one!  

Here’s how you can build a basic PFC Smoothie:

• 1-2 cups liquid (unsweetened vanilla almond milk, unsweetened coconut milk, etc.)
• 1 serving quality protien powder, plain Greek Yogurt, or Hemp Hearts
• 1 serving carbs (approximately 1 cup frozen fruit - or less if adding oats)
• 1 serving healthy fat (nut butter, coconut oil, avocado, chia seeds, etc.)
• Optional:  ice, stevia, almond extract, vanilla extract

Bonus Tips:

• If your kale or spinach is about to get old, put it in a zip lock bag, squeeze out the air, and store in the freezer. These crunchy, icy leaves work great for future smoothies.
• As bananas start to ripen, peel them and freeze in small zip lock bags for future smoothies.

Now that you’ve become educated on building healthy, balanced smoothies, get creative and change up the fruit, try different flavors and types of protein, and experiment with extracts or spices for flavor.  See below for one of my very favorite smoothies recipes.

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Kelly's Blueberry Oat PFC Smoothie

For 2 Servings:

1 cup raw spinach

2 c unsweetened almond milk

2 servings vanilla protein powder

1/2 cup frozen blueberries

1/2 banana (frozen is great!)

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 cup raw oats

1 Tbs healthy fat (olive oil, coconut oil, chia seeds, etc)

Optional: couple ice cubes

Blend and enjoy.  So yummy!  

Note: This is 2 servings, so I cut it in half and easily mix in my Magic Bullet. 

Tip: It will thicken as it sits due to the oatmeal. Add extra liquid if you're letting it set for awhile.

P.S. I'm putting the final touches on my exciting FREE interview series "Healthy Crazy Life: Simple Wellness and Weight Loss Hacks for Busy Women", which airs April 2. I've collaborated with 20+ wellness experts to bring you top strategies to take care of YOU, to look and feel great, even with a busy schedule. If you'd like to join us, click here: Healthy Crazy Life Series , enter your email address, and I'll be in touch soon!

Shane Hefty: Your Designated Dapper Dude

Meet Shane Hefty, Your Designated Dapper Dude

I met Shane the day he walked in for his photoshoot. I was so impressed by how prepared he was for the experience, especially given the lack of resources I had provided. He brought several suit and tie options that fit his personal brand and business goals. He had a fresh haircut and neatly trimmed beard.  

On top of being organized, he knew exactly what he was looking for in a successful photo, and together, we achieved his goals. When I started designing a Men’s Style Guide, I knew Shane was the best choice for advising on men’s fashion. The following pages are filled with great advice, not only on how to prepare for your headshots, but useful knowledge on where to get started in the wide world of men’s styling. Happy reading!

A NOTE FROM SHANE

People often ask if I own any clothes other than suits; many can’t recall ever seeing me in anything else, and in a number of cases close friends are shocked the first time they see me in a pair of joggers. A large part of my personal brand is being suited up at all times; even though I may be over dressed more often than not. My mantra when it comes to my personal attire is, “Dressing like the place you’re coming from or going to is more important than where you currently are.” 

Regardless of your profession, you need to look like you’re the best at what you do, whether it’s a server at a restaurant or the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. For some, that simply means clean clothes that fit well and are in line with the dress code of your employer. For others, that means a suit and tie, and for a broad swath of people, it’s somewhere in between. 

In the coming paragraphs, I’ll share a few key items every man should have in their closet, some grooming and tailoring tips, and finally, what you should wear to a headshot session with Whitney. Let’s get started!

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10 Closet Essentials

A Navy Suit

Navy suits are a great alternative to traditional black and are perfect for everything from job interviews to dates. Bonus: It’s versatile enough, you can wear the jacket as a sportcoat or the pants without the jacket.  

A White Collared Shirt

You need one perfect dress shirt to go with your perfectly tailored navy suit. If you’re of average build, always get a slim fit shirt. I buy most of my dress shirts online from Charles Thywhitt – great prices, quality and fit.

Brown and Black Lace-up Dress Shoes

You can buy the same shoe in different colors.  Brown will go with your navy suit and the black are more formal. This is an opportunity to invest, as well-made shoes can be repaired and last decades. I suggest leather soles and sticking to a classic style like a cap toe or wing tip.

Dark Blue Denim Jeans

Dark denim looks great with sneakers or dress shoes, t-shirts or dress shirts, cardigans or sport coats.  I prefer J. Crew’s or Levi’s 513 jeans – good quality, great fit, and they’re not $300. 

White V-Neck Undershirt

If you’re wearing a dress shirt without a tie or a polo shirt, select a v-neck tee.  The sleeves should hit your mid-bicep – if they don’t, it will affect the fit of your shirt. 

A White Pocket Square

A white pocket square is conservative and simple, but also shows that you pay attention to the details.  YouTube has great tutorials showing how to fold it in a square.  

A Grey Tie

A grey tie goes with everything from your suit to your jeans; it works for weddings and job interviews or on a first date with your white button down and dark jeans.  

A Gray Polo Shirt

A gray polo shirt is the short sleeve version of the white button-down shirt – it goes with everything.  You can dress down your navy suit or wear it to Sunday brunch. Try to find one without logos and try numerous brands on until you find one that fits perfectly.  A good fitting shirt hits mid-bicep and if you wear it untucked, it should hit just below your belt. 

Jack Purcell Sneakers

Jack Purcell was a badminton star who had his own converse sneakers, which looked similar to the ubiquitous Converse All-Stars.  The difference is the “smile” on the toe of the shoe.  These sneakers are simple and incredibly comfortable.  The colors are fairly subdued, so you can get them in navy, white, and grey.  I like white or grey, as they provide a nice contrast to the jeans or the navy suit. 

A Cardigan

You can wear a cardigans like a coat in the spring and the fall.  It’s like a sweatshirt, but dressy; if you get hot, it’s easy to take off.  It’s also a great substitute for a sport coat.  

Leveling Up: 

Invest in tailoring. I can’t emphasize this enough. It will make your investment in the suit and shirts that much more valuable. A good fit just as important as good quality material and construction. I recommend building a relationship with a tailor. J.D. at Frederick’s Tailoring in Clive is the best.  Tell him Shane sent you.

Wednesdays With Whitney: Vanessa McNeal

“What I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have. And I’m especially proud, and inspired by all the women who have felt strong enough and empowered enough to speak up and share their personal stories.” - Oprah Winfrey at the Golden Globes

Over the past year, I have become increasingly aware of the power of my voice, of the resonance of my honesty and my ability to be a champion for others. Wednesdays with Whitney has morphed into this amazingly powerful platform for sharing, and I couldn't be more honored to see all the participation and engagement this segment receives. I love hearing the reactions from my Facebook friends who tune in every week to see what's next.  Together, we've helped share and promote so many people's stories and dreams, trials and triumphs.

Today we dove deep into a tough topic. I think my audience was ready and I know I'm ready to start making a bigger impact.

Vanessa McNeal is a powerhouse. At the age of 24, she is already a national speaker, film producer, and business owner. Her critical acclaims range from "Best Director" to "Woman of Tomorrow." She has overcome adversity from a very young age and has turned that adversity into her passion. This woman is already making huge waves with her honesty and bravery and today she shared her story and mission yet again, in hopes of garnering support for her latest project Gridshock. 

A little bit about Vanessa: 

Vanessa is a survivor. Neglected and continually molested throughout childhood and then sexually assaulted at a college preparatory program at the age of 15, Vanessa was forced to overcame the many faces of rape culture. Despite of all this, Vanessa overcame the shaming and silence that usually surrounds sexual assault victims. She was the first in her family to graduate high school and went on to pursue her bachelor’s degree at Iowa State University. She received her Master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Northern Iowa. In 2017, Vanessa founded her production company McNeal Media with the goal of creating social change through the art of storytelling and has experienced much success in her business.

Words from Vanessa:

I took a human sexuality class my Freshman year at ISU. My professor took the time to define sexual violence. She also defined molestation.  She followed these definitions by sharing her personal story of being a  survivor of sexual violence. This was the first time in my life I had a name for my experience. That moment gave me power. It totally changed my life. I had lived my life thinking I was the only one who had experienced these violent acts. My professor stood in front of our class with no shame and owned her experience. She wasn't a victim. She was a survivor and I wanted to be that too. She gave me the confidence to own my story and stand powerfully in my experience. That's when I started the work of healing. 

I spent my college years healing and growing.  Then one night a friend asked me, "What do you want your legacy to be?" No one had asked me that question before. The seed was planted. I went home inspired. Already I knew my legacy would be driven by my desire to share my personal story with anyone and everyone I could.

I got into film senior year of college. Film is such a powerful form a storytelling. The realization that I could share I could share my story in documentary form took hold and I started reaching out to local filmmakers. With their help, I was able to share my story 6 months later in documentary form. I was overwhelmed by the support I received. It was in that moment I knew I wanted to create social change through film. I have produced a short film and a feature-length documentary about male survivors since then. I have been able to touch so many people with my story and the stories of others.  

Vanessa's next documentary project is a feature length film bringing awareness to the underground sex trafficking industry in Iowa. Thats right folks. Our state is one of the most profitable places for the buying and selling of HUMANS for sex. The stories Vanessa has shared with me are shocking and horrifying. I want to close my ears and run away - but that is exactly the opposite of what I'm going to do. Instead, I'm asking for us to stand together, to demand something better and require consequences for these depraved and disgusting actions. I'm asking you to donate to the creation of Gridshock, a documentary that is sure to turn heads and bring the hammer down on all who participate in this terrible cycle. Thank you in advance for your action. Together, we are stronger. Together, we make change. 

Wednesdays With Whitney: Karla Walsh

Words from Whitney:

So how do you appreciate your body? How do you say, "hell yes" to the skin you live in? For me, it's wearing bright colors and attention grabbing clothing and NEVER saying no when someone asks me to be in a photo. For other people, it's baring it all in a boudoir inspired Empowerment Session. 

I hear so many people talk about how empowering it can be to step in front of my camera and see yourself in a completely positive and affirming light. Facilitating this feeling is, hands down, the best part of my job. So when Karla Walsh asked if I would do a boudoir shoot with her, I jumped at the chance to help her feel super powerful and at home in her body. 

I don't have a bed in my studio, so instead, we focused on what made Karla feel the strongest and most powerful. For her - that meant her lady boss, custom tailor suit jacket with a corset and a pair of tight jeans. It also meant a tight dress and bra and pantie set - but that was secondary to the first powerhouse outfit. At the end of the day, what Karla wore was hardly the sexiest part. It was her courage and vulnerability that made the real impact. 

Thank you Karla, for always taking risks. For putting yourself out there so that others will have the confidence to do so. Your courage inspires us all. 

Words from Karla:

"Thank you so much for the inspiration and push you just gave me—and more women out there just like me." 

"I hope you are moved to shift or at least reconsider your relationship with your body after reading this article." 

Comments like these made it all oh-so-worth-it to bare my empowerment photos (and the story behind them—no pun intended) on Shape.com. 

Whitney, a magician behind the camera and in front of all humans, made the experience one with zero intimidation and all the body acceptance. Finally. After more than a decade of nitpicking at any spot with a hint of curve, I was able to see my body for what it was. A powerhouse that can row for 10,000 meters. A tool that can transport me by foot for miles. A means to give the very best hugs to all I love. I only wish every individual could see her body with as much love as I did the day my story hit the site.

Empowerment Portrait Session: Christina Davis

My first encounter of the amazing Christina Davis was at a "First Impressions" workshop she delivered at my very first FemCity Des Moines event. To no surprise, she made an excellent impression and I knew instantly that I wanted to work with her. Christina is dynamic. She draws people in with her immense confidence and kindness. She practices what she preaches in every way. Her business, Outside-In Consulting specializes in defining personal branding for her clients and offering a streamlines presentation of self, both in business and life. Christina also has a big heart and will be contributing her styling talents to her the winner of our Empowerment Portrait Session and I can't wait to see how her way of empowering women influences our winner. Nominate your empower women here! 

As a mom to two delightful daughters, I find myself talking a lot about what others see.  "Mind your table manners, say please and thank you, look people in the eyes when you speak to them, people before technology, brush your hair, brush your teeth and finally, YES, if that makes you feel beautiful, you should wear it."

If an outsider were to listen in on this dialogue, they might begin to think I'm teaching my children to focus on what others think - that the world is judgmental or we should work hard to impress others.  I believe there is another important truth to all of this.  

My children's funny, engaging personalities are huge and attractive parts of who they are. But other than my core job of teaching them to be good people, I am also teaching them how to best communicate who they are.  What we say, how we look and act, sends a message to the world.  Others are deciding, do I want to know them more or not?  Are they "my people"?  Are they kind, thoughtful or not? Are they genuine? Do they LOVE non matching socks? When I coach my kids, I call this parenting. As we get older, this attention to detail is called personal branding. 

Kelly Marble, Outside-In Consulting Client

Our image, what we convey outwardly, otherwise known as our brand, provides these future opportunities to connect. Setting intention behind our personal brand is empowering and gives us control over who we draw to us. Clothing is a huge part of personal branding. A unique and authentic look is empowering, not just for ourselves but for others to witness. We are able to send a message about who we are by how we are put together. What do people see? Creativity, spunk, attention to detail? Someone happy and alive? Someone tired and haphazard?

Sommer Sharon, Outside-In Consulting Client

If we use personal branding to reflect our true selves accurately to others, we have a high likelihood of attracting those with whom we can have true and meaningful relationships, both in our professional and personal lives.

I am SO excited to offer a two hour clothing consultation to the winner of Ivory House Photography's Empowerment Portrait Session giveaway. I think this is the perfect opportunity for a deserving woman to pamper herself head to toe and really take a moment to take inventory of her power to enable her to design her ideal personal brand for the camera!

Empowerment Portrait Session: Julie Ross

A note from Whitney: 

Several people have asked if I get bored shooting in my studio. This is such a crazy thought that I find myself laughing out loud at the question. There is NOTHING monotonous about photographing humans. I became a photographer to capture people, to show my subject's strength, beauty and individuality. So perhaps it seems strange that I photograph on such simple with such a simple background, black, white, brick. But to me - every human is so unique and that's the point. Take everything else away, and let's focus on what's important - YOU.

Everyday, every person is a new adventure. The people who walk into my studio wow me. My clients give ME strength and perspective and humility. They show me that life is hard and you survive. They show me that you can take on terrible loss and come out the other side, more confident, more powerful and more present.  Working with a warrior like Julie Ross is a perfect example of the inspiration I get to experience daily. She exemplifies someone who I would nominate for an Empowerment Portrait. Nominate a woman warrior in your life and she could be surprised with a complimentary photo shoot and styling.

To Julie - thank you for sharing your strength, your humor and your generosity of spirit. I know you inspire so many to keep moving forward. 

Words from Julie Ross:

In general, I'm not a big fan of getting my picture taken. Somehow, I always find myself being captured in an awkward position or flashing a weird smile. I have convinced myself I am so much cuter in my imagination and most of the photos I take are not real! Because of these thoughts, the last time I sat down for a studio portrait was in 2004 - 13 years ago. As I have gotten to know Whitney and followed along with her portrait work, I saw she seemed to bring out a relaxed version of each person she photographed.

#TBT 2004

Even with all my hesitations, I also know the importance of having a reflection of yourself for loved ones to cherish years down the road. Having lost my husband at an early age, I was grateful for each and every picture I had and especially the recent portrait of him taken at Pioneer. So, I decided to reach out and do a portrait session with Whitney.

I actually felt pretty relaxed before the shoot. I decided to wear just one outfit -  my “uniform.” A lovely jacket with a simple blouse, leggings and a fabulous heel. How could I go wrong? It’s what I normally wear so there was nothing to labor about. I chose to have Whitney’s make-up artist style me (which I love doing!) so I showed up in jeans and let them do their work! 

Confidence is a tricky thing and its what the camera picks up the most. I tend to be a confident person and live by the motto of “Never Let Them See You Sweat.”   I wanted these photos to be a reflection of my motto and I knew I needed to use my body language to convey that emotion.  I am not a particularly dainty person, I like to lean, cross my legs in a masculine position, fold my arms…you name it!  I'm confident about this body language in person, I am always nervous about awkward angles in front of the camera.   How is it that every 20 year old knows how to pose to look 10 pounds thinner and the only way I know is the one that makes me look 10 pounds heavier? In the past, I've worried that the photographer I was working with wouldn’t look for the best angles and moods that fit me but Whitney immediately jumped in and put me at all the right angles (clearly, if you have seen any of the pictures we chose.)  She took control and made me feel like a zillion bucks. She also shot enough variety of images and poses that I knew there were going to be a few that we both would love.   

I simply loved getting my make up done, putting on a great pair of heels and having a photo shoot that was all about me.  I may be on the mature side of life but I still feel beautiful now and again and this experience made me feel beautiful, young and alive. I think we should all do this for ourselves once and awhile.  I am grateful I have several photos that really capture the essence of who I am today and someday my kids will enjoy them and take pride in these images. Thank you, Whitney for the heavy dose of mojo that you have given me!!!

Empowerment Portrait Session: Taylor VanderWell

Meeting Taylor is equivalent to meeting a calm, quiet, force of nature. I learned very quickly that her power centered in a deep connection to herself and her body. This woman is grounded. Her feet are planted on the earth and she is intentional about her life and choices. So I can imagine a surprise pregnancy was a bit of a shock. 

Photographing Taylor was an amazing experience. Her confidence inspired me - her beauty overwhelmed me. Her love of this beautiful unborn baby astounded me. I can't wait to watch her become a mother. I know she'll bring every once of calm strength she has to that child's life. She is the epitome of an empowering woman. I would nominate her for an empowerment portrait in a heartbeat. (Have you nominated an inspiring woman yet?)

Read Taylor's story below. 

*** Caution - nudity ahead. But let's be cool. A woman's body is a stunning thing and I want to celebrate it every chance I get! 

I was lying on the floor of my apartment listening to a guided meditation. The woman leading it said to, “focus on the aliveness in your pelvis”. In that instant, my entire body tingled. I suddenly had this overwhelming feeling that there was, indeed, aliveness in my pelvis. But more than one preventative measure had been taken and I was pretty sure the lady beast had paid me a visit the week before...so there was just NO way that could be possible. 

Ha…ha. Ha.

No matter how many sticks I peed on the next morning, they all looked up at me with those two life-changing lines. 

There was 14 hours before the baby’s father was going to board a plane to Africa, where he’d be doing PhD research for the next 1.5 years or so (for the record, he is incredibly supportive and returned early to join baby & I for keeps). I did 32 weeks of pregnancy solo. Completely squashing my all-natural, out-of-hospital birth plan and euphoric pregnancy fantasies were bleeding, a placenta previa, pelvic rest, a vasa previa and a velementous cord insertion that landed me in the hospital for 3 weeks of observation with a c-section delivery scheduled 5 weeks early. So, it's been wildly beautiful and horrible journey all at once.

But through this entire experience, there has been a consistent theme that I keep coming back to: women are f*ing strong. Hands down, it is the strength and presence of women in my life, childless and not, that has held me together these last 7 months. This pregnancy has revealed to me an obvious physical strength--like my body just knowing how to grow and nurture my son inside of it, deliver him through it, and then continue the process of growing and nurturing him outside of it.

But it has also revealed a mental and emotional strength that comes from surrendering to the unexpected and embracing it. There has been something holy and sacred in recognizing that strength and power of my body, mind and soul. All of it. From those very first tingles that told me, “hey, there’s someone happening in here” to the stitches that will soon adorn my abdomen...my body has done something incredibly powerful, and I wanted that captured.

dsm Magazine: Advisors and Navigators

Thank you to dsm Magazine for inviting me to photograph these lovely humans. Below are my published photos and comments on my participation in the project:

Out of all the beauty in the world, I find myself most passionate about photographing relationships. Being a photographer allows me to bear witness to people's unique interactions. One of my greatest joys is capturing those moments in a real and authentic way. 

I found photographing the mentor/mentee relationships particularly compelling. Since returning back to Des Moines this year to start my own business, I've experienced so many small and large kindnesses from the greater Des Moines community. The mentor mentality appears deeply ingrained in the culture of our strong city. I am awed by the generations before me, who lead Des Moines into the thriving urban center we now take so much pride in. I've observed and benefited from the selflessness with which Des Moines' mentors share their diverse knowledge. The duos and trio photographed for this piece are nothing short of impressive together and separately. Each grouping presented an engaging personal history, filled with mutual respect and admiration for each other's impressive qualities. Hearing their stories, capturing their moments and honoring each or their relationships was truly inspiring.