Owning Pink Bloggers

Christa Avampato * Melanie Bates * Suzanne Bouffard * Lisa Brent * Sandra Carrington-Smith * Elizabeth Clinard * Stacey Curnow * Simone da Rosa * Laurie Erdman * Laura Fenamore * Susan Fox * Robin Frank * Megan Monique Harner * Leslee Horner * Shana James * Fred Krazeise * Danielle LaPorte * Michael Mackintosh * Joy Mazzola * Lone Morch * Lauren Nagel * Lissa Rankin * Jon Rasmussen * Karen Reynolds * Ryan Rigoli * Jennifer Shelton * Emily Simmer * Steve Sisgold * Matt Sloane * Heather Sobieralski * Jason Stein * Dana Theus * Sylvia van Bruggen * Danielle Vieth * Audrey Vitolins * Lakenda Wallace * Kim Wencl * Monica Wilcox

Christa Avampato

"I Own Pink by radiating positive thinking. After all, what's the alternative?"

Christa is a product developer, freelance writer, and a vinyasa flow yoga instructor based in New York City, a wonderous, turbulent place where she lives a highly-caffeinated life. She is the Founder of Compass Yoga, an individualized yoga training business that donates 1/3 of all class fees to the nonprofits her students support, all while giving the students a tax-deduction to make the classes more affordable.

Christa's writing focuses on cultivating creativity and positive thinking. Her career has wound its way through managing Broadway shows, nonprofit fundraising, retail, product design, financial services, and mobile technology. Now she'd like to find her way out from behind a desk and into the sunshine. She has elevated people-watching to a high art.

Find her online at http://christainnewyork.com, where you will find links to other freelance columns and meet the cast of characters that comprise her ridiculously blessed life. Contact her via email at christa.avampato@gmail.com and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/christanyc.

Melanie Bates

"I own Pink by constantly journeying into myself/with myself/toward my Self. I wield a large mental scythe in order to clear away the mind brambles and mental briars along my path while trying to pay attention to the signs and showing love and compassion to those I meet along my way."

Melanie is a writer, a nomad, a nondescript heathen, a lover of education, and a life-long student. Sometimes she is an accountant. She is also the creator & co-author of the website Femme Tales - Truth with Humor; a cozy little place where she resides with her best friend Monica Wilcox and which houses their creative non-fiction.

As Richard Rhodes put it, the most joyous moments in her life come from "applying ass to chair." She began her writing career at the age of seven when she wrote a story about the funeral of her great-grandmother. This story was passed around her family for years and while she had no concept, at that age, of the New York Times Bestseller list she inherently grasped the idea of touching people by arranging words on paper. This, of course, spurred her into writing other stories - stories about a witch named Hazel with carbuncles, for instance. As a teenager her writing moved toward the morose when she attempted to pen her vast memoir at the age of fourteen. Finally, at seventeen, with her towering experience in regards to the matters of love, she wrote a few pages of a romance novel. She is currently working on a young adult fantasy novel which she plans to finish this century-ish.

Melanie has moved over thirty times, hence the nomadic nature, but for now she resides in the Midwest with the love of her life, So-kr8z (the sweetest puppy in the land). To some this urge to move might seem exciting, however, sometimes it is not. For example, she spent a year living in Rawlins, Wyoming where she was blown back and forth across the road and where she ran home from school every day on the lookout for dark vans that kidnapped children. She once peed her pants while frantically searching for her latchkey.

Melanie has been attending college on and off for the past ten years and is a few semesters away from obtaining a BA in English with a minor in Religion. While she's itching to plan her next great adventure, for now she plans to stay put, finish her degree, and "apply ass to chair." But, you never know, someday she might end up being your next door neighbor.

Suzanne Bouffard

“I Own Pink by finding and fostering passion in my own life and others’.”

Suzanne is a writer, performer, teacher, and researcher who focuses primarily on issues of education, human development, and the arts. As a researcher with a Ph.D. in developmental psychology, she has studied, written, and taught at Harvard and Duke Universities. As a rhythm tap dancer, she has performed with numerous dance companies and jazz bands and taught at universities including Emerson College and Boston University. And as a woman in the 21^st century, she is constantly striving to balance the joys and challenges of being a partner, mother, and friend. Her writing has included essays and blogs on creativity, the arts, and navigating a world with an abundance of opportunity and a dearth of time. Read Suzanne's Blog posts.

Lisa Brent

"I Own Pink by striving to be authentic in everything that I say and do. And when I stray from this path, as I often do, I forgive myself and get right back on it."

Lisa Brent has been practicing medicine as a naturopathic doctor and an acupuncturist for the past 10 years. During that time she has relocated to new cities four times, become a mother to three lovely and "spirited" children and, in spite of it all and to her great surprise, she has continued to fall more deeply in love with her husband. Lisa finally landed in beautiful Marin County, California and, more specifically, into the open arms of the Owning Pink community. She recently moved her practice (hopefully for the last time) into the new Owning Pink Center, where, along with Lissa Rankin, she practices holistic gynecology and primary naturopathic medicine for women in all stages of their reproductive lives. (She treats men, too!)

Her passion for natural medicine stems from her desire to seek the deepest truth in every aspect of living. Lisa believes the body's most natural state is one in which all systems are functioning in a state of balance. In her view, the symptoms that her patients describe are compelling clues that can lead to the rediscovery of this balance. She loves the mystery inherent in the practice of medicine.

A self-described cyber-cynic, Lisa was reluctant to even utter the word "blog" until her curiosity finally propelled her into posting on the Mommies with Mojo forum at owningpink.com. That experience was so positive that now she looks back on her reticence as if it was in the dark ages. She now says "blog" several times a day--sometimes for no apparent reason. Lisa feels honored to be part of such a supportive, generous and honest group of people who offer so many diverse points of view.

Sandra Carrington-Smith

“I Own Pink by staying true to one consistent message: A shift in perspective can drastically alter one's perception of reality.”

Sandra is a mother, writer, and self-titled "life observer," currently living in North Carolina with her family. A native of Italy, with poetry published there as a young adult, Sandra grew up in an eclectic spiritual environment: her father is a devout Catholic, her mother a Vodou priestess, her maternal grandmother a Strega witch (a centuries-old practice of Italian witchcraft), and her paternal grandmother a Christian healer.

Although these paths are often perceived as being at odds with one another, Sandra realized at an early age how similar they are; she learned to travel through life with an open mind, viewing her journey from multiple angles. This early lesson in perception has allowed her to create a unique approach to daily living, and has encouraged her to share her experiences with others.

In 2006, she began writing The Book of Obeah, a work of spiritual fiction sprinkled with a touch of mystery and a good dose of paranormal. In 2009, The Book of Obeah found a home with OBooks, a division of John Hunt Publishing, and it will be released on June 16 2010.

While working on revisions and editing for The Book of Obeah, Sandra also wrote Housekeeping for the Soul: A Practical Guide to Restoring Your Inner Sanctuary, the first book to combine how-to, self-help and spiritual genres to address the needs of readers as they strive to detach from the Culture of Chaos and embrace a life of balance. Housekeeping for the Soul is also published by OBooks, and it is expected to be released on April 15 2010.

For more information about Sandra’s books, and to find a list of scheduled events, please visit http://www.sandracarringtonsmith.com.

Elizabeth Clinard

"I Own Pink by attempting to live in the now, accepting that the past is over and the future is yet to come."

Elizabeth Clinard, known as "Liz" to co-conspirators, is a dancer, singer, actor, choregrapher, teacher and writer. In addition to these things, she has also been a cocktail waitress extraordinaire, a PR and Marketing guru, and an avid scrapbooker. She graduated from Northwestern University with degrees in English and Theatre, and a certificate in Musical Theater. She has performed at some of the top regional theatres in the country, her favorite roles including "Ulla" in The Producers and "Judy" in A Chorus Line. At the moment, she is beginning a new journey as a market research analyst, and looks forward to takng a break from pounding the NYC pavement. (She has realized that while performing may be a part of her calling, auditioning for a living may in fact not be.) She strives to live a full life, to aspire towards self-awareness, to accept the journey, and to find beauty in the everyday. She also really likes to dance. Like a lot. Like sometimes alone in her apartment to 80's music. She holds loved ones close, and has often been told she has a great laugh. Originally hailing from Richmond, VA, Elizabeth currently lives in the Big Apple with her manly man Michael and her cocker spaniel, Lady.

Without the guidance of Lady editor Lauren Nagel, she never would have found OwningPink.com. She thanks Lauren for reminding her that she loves to write. She also recalls that when she broke up with her college boyfriend years ago, Lauren gave her a card that said,"A Woman is like a tea bag. You never know how strong she is until she gets into hot water." Amen, sister. Cheers to Lola, who is still the amazing and wise woman that she was back then.

Stacey Curnow

"I own Pink by empowering women to honor their bodies and their bodies' messages. "

Stacey works as a certified nurse-midwife in North Carolina, and over more than 15 years her career has taken her from western Indian reservations to a center-city Bronx hospital to the mountains of southwestern Mexico.

She has been an enthusiastic student of positive psychology for years and applies it to her midwifery and life coaching practices with great success.

She is the creator of a thriving blog and many of her articles have been published in print magazines and online.

She lives in Asheville, NC with her husband, young son, and Ruby the wonder chicken.

Simone da Rosa

“How I Own Pink: Comedy, not drama. Whatever happens, I laugh along the way.”

Simone has written since she was a child, winning her first national prize of a Tiffany writing pen at age 11. Her work has been requested for review by feature film producers, and she secured a screenwriting scholarship by an industry-connected and reputable LA writer's group. She currently co-writes/edits the blog GoodWitchBadWitch.com, which addresses sometimes huge life/work issues, and uncovers deeper issues from seemingly inane or light life fare, always with a dose of her cosmic sense of humor.

It is in our power to improve our reality. We recognize and embrace that we are the creators (and ultimate Program Directors) of our reality as well as embodying the paradox of a carnal and spiritual being. It is time to realize that we contribute to the collective conscious and that we raise that bar by how we use/habitualize our eyes and other senses to see and experience messages of the media and popular culture.

Simone is committed to helping us realize that we buy, diet, pray in a world of energy, and that what we focus on is what we energize and what we attract. How we use our energy is how we manifest our goals and live our lives. We experience the media, web and pop culture energetically then feed our own energy to those things, thereby creating our own versions of reality. To experience life with happiness integrally, is to use your power for good. When we act responsibly to maintain or change as needed to use our (energy and) power for good— we are juicy, spiritual, hot mamacitas.

Simone sees herself as a Thinker first, and brings to Owning Pink a way to help some of us unravel a lot of the thought-spaghetti in our heads (and the world), in order to start or improve what actions we are taking toward our creativity. She is committed to helping us bust through limitations like body image, perfectionism, and personal "ceilings" included.

Laurie Erdman

"I own Pink by practicing radical self care and inspiring others to honor their bodies and souls, so as to live our respective heart's desire."

Laurie was walking her transitional journey from corporate day job to ceramic artist when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Motivated to not give up her dream of making pots on her 80th birthday, she tapped into her lifelong study of health, nutrition, and spirituality; assembled her support team of health professionals, guides and friends; and created a radical self-care program that is helping her reclaim her mojo. Laurie admits that it is a roller coaster of a journey but takes delight in being alive and vital, even on days when she does not “feel” healthy.

Laurie has spent her life writing. She has written on such diverse subjects as farming, food policy and employment rights. In the last year, she turned her writing passion to her own art; growing her pottery blog where she shares her artistic process and discusses the spiritual sustenance she derives from working in clay.

While grappling with her diagnosis, she was compelled to fill a void in the print and online world. Laurie was contemplating a new blog about her physical, emotional and spiritual journey with her uninvited guest (as she refers to MS). As she struggled with that decision, she received a sign from the Universe telling her "YES, share it and we will give you a loving community within which to help others." She now writes for Owning Pink about radical self care and her own messy journey to keep and maintain her mojo while living with her uninvited guest.

Owner of Claytastic Pottery and would-be writer, Laurie lives in Arlington, Virginia with her husband, Skippy the magical woodland creature (a.k.a. dog) and her growing collection of artful pottery.

Laura Fenamore

“I Own Pink by leading a full-scale, worldwide Body Image Revolution.”

Laura Fenamore, CPCC, is a gifted body image mastery mentor, celebrated lecturer, and beloved teacher of women worldwide. After battling with addiction, severe obesity and multiple eating disorders for most of her life, Laura released 100 pounds twenty-two years ago and has kept it off ever since. This journey led her to help women of all ages, lifestyles and body types to live more joyous, balanced lives.

Laura is the CEO of Body Image Mastery, LLC and she has authored several online books, including a 12-week course that guides woman out of the weight loss battle and into a new life rooted in health and self-love. She recently wrote Weightless: A Body Image Revolution, a memoir/self-help book currently in submission for publication.

Laura founded OnePinky.com, a global online community that extends support and friendship for women who wish to change the way they feel about themselves and their bodies. She continues to work one-on-one with women through Body Image Mastery, and has a private coaching practice. She lives a healthy, joyful life of faith and gratitude in Northern California.

Susan Fox

"How I Own Pink: I raise my gorgeous daughter to love being a woman. I nurture friends as family and family as friends. I use my acupuncture needles as though working the magic of the Dao. I dance alone in the dark. I howl at the moon (a ritual I used to enjoy with Emily when she was a wee one). I wear a scent called "Restoring the Divine" with reverence and a love of intoxicating fragrance. I take baths every day - sometimes twice - as I love being immersed deep in water."

Susan Fox founded Balance Restored - Center for Integrative Medicine with the vision that a round-table of healing professionals in collaborative setting can best manage patient care. A graduate of Meiji College of Oriental Medicine, Susan has continued her education in the areas of functional medicine, with a focus on functional endocrinology. In addition, Susan is a member of The Fertile Soul's Clinical Excellence in Fertility program, an international professional community who implement Dr. Randine Lewis' The Fertile Soul Program in their patient care, She is also in mentorship training with Lorie Eve Dechar, L.Ac., author of The Five Spirits, in the study of 5-Element Alchemical acupuncture.

Susan's focus on reproductive health and fertility enables her to work directly with local Reproductive Endocrinologists in the Bay Area. She is a member of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, The Pacific Coast Reproductive Society, RESOLVE, Fertile Hope, INCIID, OpenPath. She has served on the Board of Directors of the California State Oriental Medical Association (CSOMA) and is a member of the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM).

Robin Frank

“I Own Pink by staying true to my passions and dreams by taking chances, going after what I want and love, and inspiring others with my boldness and fearlessness to do the same. And getting help here and there from really smart guides who have walked the path before me.”

Robin Frank (a.k.a. “Green Robeen”) is passionately committed to making us all a little greener by offering relevant, actionable, entertaining, budget-friendly, earth-saving advice for living green. She understands that people are busy, and that there is an overwhelming amount of information out there. She does the research and provides stress-free, easy-to-follow guides that allow us to navigate a greener world. Greenrobeen was voted by Mashable.com as one of top 75 green tweeters in the world. She regularly offers seminars and contributes articles to numerous publications and newsletters. She is also CEO of beepbeep media, a social media consulting firm in the mom and green arenas, and is mom to adorable, three-year-old wild-haired madmen Beck and Jasper.

Megan Monique Harner

"To me, Owning Pink is a way of living. It's stating that no matter your disposition you are honoring your true feelings, highest self and politely asking the ego to take a hike."

Megan Monique's insight to love, The Universe, relationships and living a life of love far excedes her wee portion of years spent on earth. At 23 years old, Megan has been involved in several series of workshops, accumulated a large pile of written work that displays lessons learned and taught, led developmental workshops, and is now taking part in The Magical Eyes Tour as part of The Pink Effect.

Megan began her own Pink Posse in Dallas, Texas that continues to have monthly events that allow women to reach outside of thier comfort zones to place they didn't know existed.

As continued methods of practice, Megan is commited to serving others, shining light on the path that helps guide them back to their highest and greatest selves by continually working inward and reflecting outward.

Leslee Horner

“I Own Pink by looking within for answers, following the gentle guidance that is found there, owning my truth, and using it to inspire others.”

Leslee is a wife, mother, writer and seeker. Six years ago she left her career as an elementary school teacher to enter the world of stay-at-home-motherhood. Three years and two daughters later, she discovered The Secret. Reading that book ignited a fire within her and hurled her onto a path of self-discovery.

The first discovery was a reconnection with her long lost passion and talent for writing. In May 2009, Leslee began documenting her spiritual journey on the blog, Waiting for the Click. As well as being the stage for Leslee’s thoughts and experiences, Waiting for the Click is host to some pretty amazing “Click Stories” from guest writers every Tuesday and Thursday.

Leslee is all about jumping in the river and letting the current carry her home…

Shana James

Shana is a co-creator of the Authentic Woman Experience - a company dedicated to women having incredible, fulfilling romantic relationships, lives they love, and real sisterhood with women, all without compromising themselves.

She also helped co-create, and continues to facilitate, the Authentic Man Program, where she gets to be an ally and support for men. She brings love, compassion and understanding as men express everything from their fears to desires, as they practice stepping into their power and integrity, balancing heart with sexuality, and learning to appreciate women. In addition to her heart, she brings her truth - the kind of honesty that wakes men up and inspires them to live and love more fully, consciously and connected.

Shana has a Master's degree in Psychology and close to 10 years of experience as a dating and relationship coach and workshop facilitator. She also draws from her experience with meditation, yoga, somatic inquiry, Diamond Heart practice and creative expression.
Shana has made it safe for men and women to express parts of themselves they have never shared with anyone. With that she has seen, up close, the hearts and minds of hundreds of men and women around the world. She then gets to help men and women understand each other and create fulfilling, passionate relationships that last.

Shana believes everyone both deserves and CAN have their most inspired and fulfilling life - a life where each day is filled with passion, intimacy, honesty, power, full expression and love. Shana guides people from dissatisfaction, settling for less and feeling resigned about love to creating and sustaining the life and love they deeply desire.

Fred Krazeise

“How do I Own Pink? I embrace the sacred feminine as an integral part of me. It is balanced by the strength of my male energy, and gives me the ability to nurture, to feel and to love fully.”

Fred is a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist and Intrinsic Coach®. He combines wellness coaching and therapeutic bodywork to provide a source of healing for women suffering from physical or emotional pain or stress. He has discovered that through the sensitive fusion of techniques, including various types of massage and subtle energy work, that he can provide not only physical relief to his clients but also emotional and spiritual peace and calm as well. He derives success through a deeply intuitive connection with every client. Fred's goal is to meet his clients exactly where they are and provide exactly what their bodies need.

Fred works with clients who have many needs, including those with chronic stress and adrenal imbalance, nutritional imbalance, clients suffering from chronic pain, and women who have suffered severe emotional and physical abuse and trauma. Many of his clients are also in transition resulting from loss; a birth, a move, a separation, or simply a need they feel to move on. Whatever their feeling of incompleteness, Fred works with each client to find the perfect “life cocktail” consisting of the tools and practices she needs to move forward in life with strength and joy.

You can learn more about Fred and his practice at his website, http://empoweringwellnessnow.com

Danielle LaPorte

Danielle LaPorte is the outspoken creator of WhiteHotTruth.com, which has been called "the best place on-line for kick-ass spirituality." She is the author of The Fire Starter Sessions: A Digital Experience for Entrepreneurs, and works 1:1 with entrepreneurs who want to rock their career while making a difference in the world. An inspirational speaker, and lead author of Style Statement: Live By Your Own Design, she has been featured in Elle, Body + Soul, Vogue Australia, Better Homes & Gardens, Globe & Mail, The National Post, The Huffington Post, Entertainment Tonight, and numerous talk shows, and was a news show commentator for CBC. Danielle is the former director of a Washington-DC think tank, where she managed a team of analysts studying global trends for the likes of the Pentagon and the World Bank.

You can find her on Twitter as @daniellelaporte.

Michael Mackintosh

“I am owning pink by opening my heart and mind wide to the grace of life. I am here to ground in the joy and wonder that eternally exists and share this from the depths of my heart.”

Born in South Africa, Michael spent 18 years in Cambridge, England studying meditation, philosophy, fine art, design, health and well-being. He taught Raja Yoga Meditation and Personal and Spiritual Growth and Development in Cambridge for eight years, and co-founded Mood Foods, a thriving organic raw superfood chocolate company in Europe. He has traveled extensively throughout India, Africa, Europe, and the United States.

A profound interest in the sheer wonder of life since a young age has inspired Michael to pursue a lifestyle he calls “Living in Magic.” This involves a deep understanding and appreciation of all life as an interconnected whole, where everything from meditating first thing early each morning on the beach, to writing a book on Freedom, is an integral part of enjoying and increasing the Magic in his life. Learn more at www.livinginmagic.com.

Michael’s days are devoted to activities that dovetail exquisitely into his Living in Magic lifestyle. These include organizing and running trainings and courses in Spiritual Development and Living Your Dreams, composing articles on wellbeing and spirituality (many of which will be gracing the space of Owning Pink!), leading meditation classes & satsangs, conducting Gentle Warrior Retreats, giving spiritual business & marketing advice, hypnotherapy, recording transformational meditation CDs and lots more.

He is the founder of Divine Abundance LLC & Success Ultra Now LLC – both of which serve to help people take their lives to the next level. Michael is passionate about life. His mission is to help others live their highest potential with flawless ease and grace, and to help change their inner worlds allowing the outer worlds to flourish.

Joy Mazzola

"I own Pink by staying present whatever's happening in my life, even if it's awkward, difficult, painful, or seemingly pointless."

After a profound year (well, lifetime, really) of transformative self-discovery, Joy Mazzola was certified by New Ventures West as an integral coach in 2010. Her professional background runs the gamut and includes almost a decade in the nonprofit world and a few ill-advised (albeit brief) stints in corporate America, which taught her that she really only thrives where love runs the show. She earned a BA in English and minored in art at a small liberal arts college in Rhode Island, and has no advanced degrees or impressive credentials. However, she has lived a miraculous and blessed life that she credits to a wide-open mind, profound belief in realms unseen, a recognition of the power of love (cue Huey Lewis tune), a sizable intellect and an innate wisdom.

Writing has been the thread woven through most of Joy’s personal and professional life. She’s written and edited for guidebooks, newspapers, and other publications. Serendipity led her to meet Lissa Rankin at a writing workshop via their mutual teacher and hero, Nancy Slonim Aronie. Joy is currently a writer and editor-in-chief at OwningPink, and coaches at the Owning Pink Center.

Joy grew up in a suburb of Boston, MA, and now lives in Berkeley CA with her partner Matt, cat Percy, and Chihuahua-who-thinks-she’s-a-cat Penny. She (Joy, not the dog) meditates, mediates, collages, paints, spills things, hikes, drinks tea, drinks wine, cooks badly but bravely, punctuates like a champ, hugs inappropriately, makes up words, overcommits, journals, yogas, travels, seeks, and loves.

Lone Morch

“I Own Pink through a deep exploration of inner and outer worlds.”

Born in a small town Denmark, Lone Mørch grew up to become an explorer of inner and outer worlds. At the tender age of 16 she left her roots to search for an independent identity and more fitting lifestyle, a journey that has taken her from the UK, to Asia and Nepal, and landed her in San Francisco.

In 2004 Lone established Lolo’s Boudoir, a creative space for women’s self-discovery and -expression. Focusing on the magical intersection between art, play and transformation, Lone uses photography, storytelling and coaching to inspire women to express themselves more fully and live empowered, succulent lives.

Lone’s fine art photography has been featured in magazines and newspapers in USA and Denmark, and exhibited in San Francisco, at City Hall, the Castro Theatre, Hotel des Arts, Mina Dresden Gallery and the international Supperclub. She is currently putting together a beautiful book of photography and women’ stories of sensuality and self-expression.

She is also an award-winning writer whose work has been published in Danish, Nepalese and American magazines, newspapers and blogs, such as Magical Blend, SF Chronicle Magazine and the Huffington Post. In 2002 Lone won the Tannembaum literary award for the first five chapters of her memoir, Accidental Pilgrim by the San Francisco Foundation.

Lone holds a masters degree in Political Science and Change, yet in her search for a more authentic expression of who she is, Lone has educated herself as a NLP practitioner, sat in silence for two weeks, led a group on a spiritual pilgrimage to the sacred Mt. Kailas in Tibet, studied writing, danced her heart out with the 5Rhythms and through recent studies with a feminine mystery teacher, she has become intimately familiar with the 13 archetypes of the goddess and the divine feminine super powers. She is currently developing on a deepening program for woman who wants to explore, express and embrace who they've been and who they are becoming as women, using storytelling, imagery, play, costumery and more.

Lone has a deep curiosity about people, places, the stories we tell or don't tell, and how we change, and continues to explore both inner and outer worlds. When not photographing, writing and traveling, Lone can be found hiking the trails around San Francisco with her faithful Chihuahua, getting groovy on the dance floor and enjoying time with old and new friends.

Lauren Nagel

"I Own Pink by laughing, loud and often."

Lauren is a writer, musician, dancer, educator, and adventurer (and is getting used to saying each of those things without having them sound like questions). She earned a B.S. in theater and minored in creative writing at Northwestern University, where she also received the University Fellowship Research Grant for her study on the development of physical theater and dance theory. Determined to balance the cubicle careers of the "real world" with her creative endeavors, Lauren used vacation days to tour with a reggae band, compose music for film and television, and write. When it was clear that passion overwhelmed the confines of Human Resources, Lauren Pleaped (took a Pink leap of faith) and has been cubicle-free since 2009.

Lauren is honored to write for Owning Pink and to follow in Joy Mazzola's insightful and mojo-making footsteps as Editor-in-Pink. Committed to singing loudly, dancing hard, and failing with gusto, Lauren is deeply grateful for the blessings of the Universe (even when they are &@#*ing painful). She expresses said sentiments in her personal blog, Full of ~~Grate~~ Great, and also writes for San Francisco music site The Owl Mag. As a member of Oakland-based arts collective The Getback, Lauren performs and teaches music throughout the Bay Area.

Lauren lives in Oakland,CA with her fellow Gabriel, dog Otto, cat Goose, fish (pl.) Michael Jacksons, and turtles Nick and Vanessa. Lauren dedicates her ongoing adventures in Pink to the memory of her original mojo mentor and mistress of sarcasm: her mother, Susan.

Lissa Rankin

“I Own Pink by being ALL ME, ALL THE TIME and encouraging others to do the same. I believe we can all have mojo (MOre JOy) by stripping off the masks we wear and being authentic to the core of who we are.”

Lissa Rankin M.D. is the founder and guiding spirit of Owning Pink. As a practicing gynecologist, a nationally-represented professional artist, teacher, mother and author of the forthcoming book, What’s Up Down There? Questions You’d Only Ask Your Gynecologist If She Was Your Best Frien d (St. Martin’s Press, September, 2010), Lissa models how to live a life full of mojo, meaning and authenticity. Read Lissa's Blog posts.

Learn more about Lissa.

Jon Rasmussen

“I own pink in my life and work by serving, honoring, and facilitating a full embracing of the powerful Feminine within all beings. I let my rational mind serve my heart and gut, and do my best to choose love and allowing over fear and control.”

Jon’s work serves to empower individuals, partners, groups, and organizations through advanced shamanic and coaching techniques for a greater quality of life and world. He has a global private practice, and contracts for the unique five-star resort hotel the Post Ranch Inn located in Big Sur, the Cavallo Point Lodge in Sausalito, and consults for the Everyday Genius Institute. He published a book titled “Dreaming Your World into Being”, and maintains and active website at www.dreamingintobeing.com.

Jon began his own shamanic training at an early age through intense study and practice of a wide variety of scientific, spiritual and healing modalities, and near death experiences. Later, he began to own his gifts as a shaman when he was initiated by a Native American medicine woman, and soon after became part of a unique lineage of Peruvian shamans known as the Q’ero.

After five-hundred years of isolation in their villages high in the Andes, the Q’ero prophecies instructed them to initiate all who were called to help heal the world and usher in the return of the Feminine-based worldviews and way of living that is fully conscious, healthy, sustainable, and peaceful. Thousands of years of the Masculine-Warrior dominated myths and lifestyle that were spread around the world have lead to a buildup of wounding in the souls of woman and men, and all of Nature. Jon and fellow shamans of all modalities are eager to heal the wounds and help humanity to learn to live in harmony with the untamable Feminine.

Jon and his wife, Gina, have been playing together like children in a big sandbox for over 18 years how, and currently live in Monterey, Ca.

Karen Reynolds

“The way that I Own Pink is to speak softly and carry a Wu Shu broad sword.”

Karen has more than 20 years experience as a medical professional. She started her career as a registered nurse specializing in critical care work for Kaiser Permanente as both an ICU and Cardiovascular ICU specialist.

In 2000 Karen graduated from the Meiji College of Oriental Medicine in Berkeley and went into private practice in Marin County, California where she is co-owner of Balance Restored Center For Integrated Medicine. She has completed numerous post-graduate studies including an extended internship with the venerated master acupuncturist, Dr. Miki Shima, OMD.

For the past ten years Karen has practiced acupuncture and oriental medicine with a specialty in women’s health, hormone regulation, fertility issues, functional endocrinology, and management of peri-menopausal and menopausal symptoms.

Using customized treatment plans, Karen has helped reduce the symptoms of peri-menopause and menopause such as hot flashes and night sweats, to improve chronic pain, to speed wound healing following post-traumatic injury or surgery and to assist both men and women with fertility challenges to begin families.

Karen is astate and nationally certified acupuncturist and has served on the California State Oriental Medicine Association (CSOMA) board and the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM) national board. She is a member of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and serves on the Advisory Board for RESOLVE-the National Infertility Association.

Karen currently serves on the Editorial Board for The American Acupuncturist, the professional journal for AAAOM. SHE also has been a contributing editor and author for both the California Journal of Oriental Medicine and the American Acupuncturist.

She is a frequently requested speaker at acupuncture conferences and has presented for AAAOM and CSOMA.

Ryan Rigoli

"I own pink by living what my heart knows."

Ryan is a supporter of entrepreneurs with big hearts, humor starter-upper, planetary cultural explorer, bridge-maker, integral coach helper outer, creator & appreciator of all things rhythmic, bongo player, aspiring non-fiction writer, listener, space creator, yogifier, & peacemaker.

Ryan currently lives in Sausalito, CA and has been in the Bay Area for a good part of his life. He spent many years in the internet industry as a brand marketer and eventually left the corporate world to start a few of his own companies, rigolicoaching.com and thankedyou.com, being the most exciting and the most current.

Ryan spends most of his time now as a brand strategist and executive & life coach for new and aspiring entrepreneurs who are feeling called to create positive change in the world. His focus is to help folks uncover their unique purpose and vision and then work with them to integrate that into a brand and communication strategy that reflects their true essence. Additionally, as a coach, Ryan helps new and aspiring entrepreneurs develop greater leadership presence, resilience and attunement to their own inner wisdom as they build their businesses and step into the world with their unique message and offerings.

One of Ryan's visions is to see a world without fear-based advertising and to help co-create with others a new form of marketing called Attraction Planning that helps entrepreneurs and businesses attract the right customers through the power of their presence and the alignment of their unique purpose.

Ryan is a certified Integral Coach with the New Ventures West Integral Coaching Program in San Francisco, CA and a mentor for new coaches in the program. He is also a regular student of Vinyasa yoga, Hapkido, and many forms of meditation including a focus on Vipassana meditation. He does his best to travel regularly, and wrote about his most recent trip through Latin America.

Jennifer Shelton

“I own pink by embracing my intuition and using it in service to others.”

After years managing education and outreach programs for various institutions, Jennifer decided to start her own. It's a virtual women's institute called FemCentral, which features a theme a week and focuses on all things feminine. A new resource for the week's theme is added almost daily.

Jennifer embraces her deep intuitive skills to work as an intuitive astrologer. She works with her clients’ recurring dreams, symbolic patterns, and their astrological charts to connect with underlying beliefs that are causing blocks in their life. Furthermore, she helps others to develop their own intuition (and connect more with their creativity and femininity).

Jennifer is also an education, outreach and training consultant, and an adjunct faculty member at Franklin University. As a consultant, she specializes in helping content experts develop engaging materials and choose the proper platforms for their target audience. Get Jennifer’s free tips on developing content that teaches, at her YouTube channel, or read more at her consulting site.

Most importantly, Jennifer is mom to a wonderful eight-year-old boy, Kieran. They live in the middle of North Carolina, with their cat, Jake.

Emily Simmer

“To me, Owning Pink is about committing to what you ideally want while powerfully embracing wherever you are in the present moment.”

Emily has had a life-long love affair with nature. Growing up across the street from a wilderness reservation and spending summer vacations at her family’s cabin in the Maine woods, she found comfort in the natural world when nothing in her human world made sense. As she grew older and learned of humanity’s unsustainable relationship with the earth, she became a passionate environmentalist.

Hoping to inspire people to consider a more harmonious relationship with our planet, Emily sought to unite her talents for writing and photography by majoring in film at Boston’s Emerson College. After graduating and interning with a film production company, she decided she could make a bigger impact and enjoy a more balanced life by working directly for environmental organizations and pursuing creative endeavors on her own time.

Emily sees the human world struggling to adapt to the same societal constructs as the natural world, and believes the healing of one is interdependent on the healing of the other. She enjoys exploring personal growth programs and books, as well as yoga, meditation, and alternative healing disciplines.

After a decade in Los Angeles, Emily has happily returned to her homeground of southeastern Massachusetts where she lives with her husband, son, and two rescue dogs. She continues to work in nonprofit in addition to writing for Owning Pink and volunteering with a local sustainability group (www.sustainablescituate.org).

Steve Sisgold

Steve Sisgold has  taught thousands how to use their innate body intelligence what he coined BQ, to create better health, prosperity and richer, more authentic relationships.

He teaches a “whole body” approach to create what you want in your life, including Transformative Breath and Movement Exercises, and Conscious Communication protocols.

Prior to being a successful author, speaker and coach, Steve applied the principles he teaches in the business world. He was #1 of 500 salespeople with a Fortune 500 Corp, plus a breakthrough  coach to many best-selling self help authors, Grammy Award winning recording artists, as well as Wellness and Business  leaders.

Steve holds an M.A. in Marketing, a B.S. in Business, and Certifications in body-centered Psychotherapy and Relationship Counseling.

His new book, What’s Your Body Telling You? from McGraw-Hill, launched at number seven on the S.F Chronicle Bestseller List and # 1 on Amazon.com in several categories. Recording artist Kenny Loggins says, ”Steve Sisgold is one of the best facilitators of change I know.”

Matt Sloane

"I own pink by honoring my own truth, and making space for others to do the same."

Matthew Sloane is a Creativity Coach. What does that mean? He doesn't know exactly, but it tends to spark some really fun conversations at parties.

Matt's intention is to step deeply into his own creative practices, learning about himself in the process, and continually allow that part which expresses through writing, drawing, singing, dancing and playing ever since he was a little toddler.

It's true he hasn't always felt actively engaged with that part. And that's what makes his path feel like a mindful journey into inspiration and discovery.

So there, he's all about 'self-care' and then inviting others, like you, to reflect on your relationship to your creativity. Matt hopes you'll honor your truth when he shares his own. If what he says strikes a chord, great -- you resonate. If what he says doesn't strike a chord, great -- then you get to celebrate and embrace what's uniquely true for you!

Right now, due to his love for spirituality and self-healing, Matt's work (coaching & facilitating) tends to be focused in a community inspired by Ayurveda (under the business name AyurvedaFlow). If you aren't familiar with this science from India, Ayurveda is a way of life balancing that is highly effective and honors the whole individual.

Oh yeah, Matt doesn't claim to be an ‘expert’ on creativity or anything else he may write about. He has an opinion as a student and considers himself a life-long learner. He's working on creativity, on love (both of self and other), on a healthy relationship to money, on embracing the gifts he already has and following his heart when he makes decisions every day.

Matt intends to share what he notices as he goes, and invites you to listen with both the curiosity of a wide-eyed Disney-character child and the discernment of his high school art teacher, who is fondly called "Jank."

Heather Sobieralski

"How do I own pink? I follow my intuition-always! When the doubt creeps in- I 'doubt the doubt' and listen to my heart (she knows best)!"

Heather is a life coach for moms, a school counselor and a mama who is committed to rocking her mojo! She has two extremely “spirited,” independent and strong-willed children who test her, teach her and exhaust her…several times a day! Heather joined the Owning Pink community for comfort and acceptance as she started to recover from the SHOCK OF MOTHERHOOD!

Talk about a loss of mommy mojo… Heather was the poster child of NO-JO (no mojo). From the moment she realized she was going to be a mother, until about a year ago, she was foggy, resentful, irritable, lost and confused. She had no idea how she was supposed to be a mom, a wife and a contributing member of society…and be happy about it. It was all too much. The “mom” part alone consumed her. After taking care of her children, she had nothing left for anyone or anything else…especially herself! She had become a mother and completely lost herself in the process.

As Heather started to slowly re-claim and re-create her mojo, she began to hear a calling (more like a loud roar) to support other women who were struggling with identity, guilt, stress and a general lack of passion as she did. There didn’t seem to be many outlets to talk about the dark moments of motherhood. She took a pleap…, combined her counseling background, her new coaching education, and a side of her own postpartum hell to birth My Mama Mojo, a life coaching service for moms. She has a mojo toolbox full of goodies, and is not afraid to use them!

Jason Stein

“I own pink by growing fierce compassion in the daily balance of parenting and work.”

Jason is a total Pink God, an incredible dad, and has a unique gift of making everyone who crosses his path feel safe, loved and whole. Jason’s background is an eclectic blend that combines degrees in Psychology and Oriental Medicine with a Professional Coach Certification and three years Chaplaincy training. He is a Licensed Acupuncturist, Chair of Professional Development for the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, and the producer of the CD “Meditation in the Workplace.” Jason has taught hundreds of working parents how to enhance communication and increase connection at work and at home. You can find out more about Jason and his work at http://freetobeparents.com.

Dana Theus

"I own pink by believing that anything is possible when we dig down deep, reach up high and release everything else. I'm on a constant journey to create the future, discover more about myself and make the world a better place."

Dana is a business consultant, entrepreneurial leadership coach, wife, mom, spiritual seeker, traveler, Stonetosser and enthusiastic life explorer. She's also a wanna-be writer and Lissa Rankin's business partner at Owning Pink. Fascinated by our desire, need and talent to create - and change ourselves and the world in the process - Dana enjoys exploring all aspects of creation, especially the human drive to achieve success in all its various forms. One of her passions has taken her on a quest to discover the fundamental principals of Pink Business, capture them and share them. How better to serve our world than to evolve the process of creating wealth and value into a practice that spills over with heart and soul, enriching everyone involved? View Dana's posts and contact information.

Sylvia van Bruggen

“I own pink by embracing all that I am and all that I ever will be.”

Sylvia is a writer, poet, yogini, natural witch and digital artist. She loves to dive into any creative endeavour, whether it is spinning her own yarn, knitting her own socks, or creating something with quilt squares. In spring and summer you can usually find her in her garden, where she loves to grow her roses and beloved fruits and vegetables. She also enjoys going to the movies, and listening to a lot of styles of music on her constant companion: her iPod.

Her life began to transform when she discovered the work of Joseph Campbell. What he said about bliss resonated deeply within her. Ever since that moment "Follow Your Bliss" became her mantra.

Shortly after, she founded Simply Blissful, whose motto is: "Simplify your life, Increase your bliss." It is currently a blog offering tools to deal with clutter in homes and minds.

She believes that anyone can follow their bliss, no matter their circumstances or physical issues. She believes it is her path in life to help others follow their own bliss, find their passion and shine.

In this she feels blessed for having found Owning Pink. She loves to have a place to shine as the pink goddess she knows she is.

Sylvia is a dreamer. She finds that in her daydreams she discovers lots of ideas for new articles, blog posts, and fiction. It is still amusing to her that something that got her scorned as a child is now the main inspiration for what she loves to do most of all: writing.

Last year she developed a workshop on using your inner child in your writing. That workshop is now being made into a book. She also writes science fiction and fantasy under the pen name Tamlyn Leigh.

Her newest project is Creating Space on Squidoo, together with her friend Corinne M. Westphal. It is a group of lenses all focused on helping others create space in their homes, their minds and their lives.

She lives in a medium-sized town in the Netherlands with her husband and their two cats.

Danielle Vieth

“I Own Pink by constantly trying to integrate all parts of me into one authentic voice.”

Introducing, Danielle Vieth, writer, wellness buff and authenticity aficionado.

Here’s Danielle's history with pink. When she was a little girl she LOVED pink. She was obsessed with pink. Her bedroom was pink, her clothes were pink, her favorite candy was pink … you get the idea. As she grew up she sort of “outgrew” pink. She broke up with pink. She began a career as a cynical advertising copywriter, worked at some of the biggest ad agencies on the planet, and embraced all things black. (It is slimming, after all.)

Over a decade later Danielle was reintroduced to pink (both the color and the feeling) when she attended Mama Gena’s School of Womanly Arts in New York City. Mama Gena’s course is all about embracing your Mojo and owning your Pink (although she uses different terminology). Through being a student at her transformational school Danielle fell back in love with the color pink and all of its girly glory. Yippee!

Once she was “back in the pink” Danielle began to look for ways to cultivate more fun and freedom in her life. She connected with her mentor, the über-pink Dr. Christiane Northrup, and joined Team Northrup, a group of entrepreneurs who consciously create vibrant health and financial freedom while helping others do the same.

When Danielle's not doing Team Northrup she's writing. When she's not writing she's traveling. And when she's not traveling she's trying to figure out how to integrate all parts of herself into one authentic voice. That’s pretty much what you’ll find her doing here on Owning Pink.

Danielle is an adventuress and a freedom seeker on all levels. She's lucky to have lived in some of the best cites in the world, including New York, San Francisco, London, Los Angeles, Seattle, Atlanta and her beautiful hometown of Newport Beach, CA. She's crazy for connection, community and authenticity. When she found Owning Pink via Twitter, she knew she was home.

Audrey Vitolins

"How I Own Pink: I finally admitted I was intuitive and began using it professionally and personally. I then applied it in a big way by defying logic and resigning from a constricting job without a loan, sugar daddy, or trust fund to see where my heart would and could take me. I've never looked back!"

Audrey is an intuitive mentor who developed The Heart Brilliance Process™ as a result of seeing self-aware, passionate people struggle with the unwanted results and fatigue that comes from not trusting yourself. Audrey followed her heart and resigned from a solid career in 2008 to see where here heart would take her. Having first-hand experience with the emotions, challenges, and miracles that come with committing to follow your heart’s language, she now guides others through this beautiful and courageous journey.

From Audrey: "For many years I, myself, felt different, out of place and frustrated UNTIL . . . . I finally summoned my courage and embraced the crucial piece of trusting and acting upon my intuition and heart’s language. It was only then that I began to master this basic tool that things began to come together." Visit Audrey at www.audreyvitolins.com.

Lakenda Wallace

“How do I Own Pink? By never forgetting that each and every struggle I have born has benefited my understanding, expanded my ability to love more deeply and encouraged me to be more truly, honestly and undeniably me.”

Lakenda Wallace is a Life Coach/Reiki Master/Teacher, who embraces the energy of the Divine in every aspect of life—from doing the dishes to raising children and living a life that makes a difference. By never losing sight of the blessings—even in the darkest challenges—Lakenda is able to hold the space for hope and healing for all her clients. This is not born of blind optimism, but of the understanding that every moment holds a lesson, every breath is a prayer and every day holds the opportunity to be more at peace with yourself and with God. The result is a life that questions, a soul that trusts and a resilience to keep moving forward.

Her personal blog lives at http://goodwitchbadwitch.com/.

Kim Wencl

“I own pink because I am a woman and I belong. Each of us found our way here as very separate, unique individuals, who have come together in a spirit of love and acceptance. Each of us has something special to offer, and by sharing our stories, our struggles, and our triumphs we learn and grow from each other, which makes each of us better people. This way, together and individually, we make the world a better place.”

Kim is a 55-year-old wife and mother living in Minnesota. She's been married to her husband Roger for 30 years and they have two daughters, Elizabeth and Anna. Kim spent 35 years working in various capacities for an automotive diagnostics manufacturer and retired in early 2009.

Kim now spends her time writing and speaking and sharing the story that she calls, “From Tragedy to Transformation – A Mother’s Story.” This story chronicles the sudden and unexpected death of Kim's 20-year old daughter, Liz, in 2003. Since that fateful day, The Universe has shown Kim in many amazing, tangible ways that Liz is alive, living a marvelous new life, and Liz is still very much a part of Kim's life today. From the experience, Kim has learned that “love never dies and the bond we all share with those we love is never broken … not even by death.”

Kim's story is included in the book, True Stories of Messages From Beyond by Julie Aydlott & Friends, and she has stories published in Angels on Earth, Midwest Caregiver, Campus Firewatch, and You Need Never Walk Alone magazines.

Kim is a graduate of Kathryn Harwig’s Intuitive Mastery Program and offers intuitive readings via email.

Her blog is called Love Lives On, and can be found at http://www.kimwencl.com

In addition, Kim has joined forces with other parents across the country who have lost a college-aged son or daughter to a college fire. They work together with Campus Firewatch to bring the message of fire safety and prevention to today’s students, parents, and colleges through education and legislation.

Monica Wilcox

Monica’s spent a good chunk of her life with more imaginary characters than friends of the flesh. These apparitions weren’t the cool kind who crept out of the shadows to play Barbies but the ones who hung out in the back of her head. She’s carried the weight of enough characters, and their dismal situations, to fill the stages of Broadway for a full season.

In the meantime she was trying to live out her own story. After graduating from University of Wyoming with a degree in psychology she worked for a therapeutic wilderness program counseling teenage sexual perpetrators before she worked as an educational/career counselor. The highlight of that career came while working with injured American veterans in Europe. She liked the job but deep inside, the stories and words were swirling, trying to locate the escape hatch.

Three year ago, after a hard push onto the path of consciousness, little anecdotes centered around the synchronistic events and miraculous happenings that surround each of us every day started leaping from her typing fingers. Before she could help herself she had become a freelance writer, publishing in numerous magazines, websites and newspapers. By the time her life-long best friend, Melanie Bates, talked her into starting a literary site together she’d learned that when it comes to your passion, it’s best not to resist; Femme Tales-Truth with Humor, was born.

Monica feels life is best when you hand your biggest dream over to the Universe, sit back, trust, then watch in utter fascination what it sends back.

Her family has recently moved to the Bay Area where she’s fighting for time to edit her novel while she enjoys the blissful hiking, biking, wine and a few fascinating characters; in the flesh and otherwise.