Meaningful Mondays: Your Talent Is God's Gift To You

Sharing Positive and Inspirational Messages with PleaseNotes by Cheryl Sutherland

Cheryl Sutherland, Founder of PleaseNotes

Hello! Today I would like to introduce you to Cheryl Sutherland, the founder of PleaseNotes.  I recently met her at the Female Founders section of the Wonder Woman Tech Conference in Long Beach, California.  The positivity in these notes and journal immediately spoke to me.  Her products are focused around personal growth principles with the themes of Confidence, Clarity, and Creativity.  Her specialty item is the PleaseNotes Guided Affirmation Journal touted as a “Personal Growth Seminar in between two covers” and 10% of the proceeds from PleaseNotes goes to organizations that support women in creating their dreams!  Nice:)

Now let’s get positive with Cheryl from PleaseNotes…

Please Nots Sticky Notes

Hello Cheryl!  Thank you for joining us on the blog today.  Can you please tell us about your background (work, school, hobbies, etc.)?

Certainly!  I was born in Calgary, Canada and have always found myself in occupations that allow me to interact with and help people. From retail sales, banking, coaching all the way to this!  I went to school for Sales and Marketing with a focus on Marketing Management, and have gone through a plethora of personal development courses and training.

Mirror Mirror Decal Affirmations

What are PleaseNotes and who are they for?

PleaseNotes is a brand of Affirmation-Filled Goods to help people become their favorite versions of themselves.  I feel like PleaseNotes are great for anyone that is attempting to feel better or be better. Whether your looking to change jobs, be more fulfilled or feel happier then you do now, PleaseNotes are for you.

Label of Love Cheeky Collection Reusable Water Bottle Stickers

What steps did you take to go from a place of trying to figure out what you were passionate about to being an entrepreneur?

I knew I was ready to start something new, however, I knew that the person I was wasn’t going to be in the right space to build something and see it through.  I wanted to work on my sense of self, my confidence and really getting clear on what I was really passionate about.  I ended up quitting my job and building up the person I really wanted to be through working with affirmations, journaling and delving back into personal development work. I realized that I was always lit up when I participated in personal development work and that I wanted to do!

Inspirational PleaseNotes Journal

What inspired you to start PleaseNotes?

When I had been going through the process of discovering what kind of business I wanted I wrote out a list of attributes of what the business was, what I wanted to do, be and feel while working. Some of those included being a product that I can sell in stores and online, something that helped people, something that was playful and fun and something I could do on my laptop by the beach. When I said to myself, I wish there was a way that I could surround myself with affirmations, I was able to recognize that my idea was the business I was looking for.

Inspirational PleaseNotes Journal

I see that you describe the PleaseNotes Journal as a “Personal Growth Seminar in between two covers”, can you please tell us more about your journal?

The Journal takes a person through a journey of self-discovery.  My goal was to empower people with the tools to create the change they’ve been wanting themselves versus seeking the answers externally. It really mirrors the process I went through to discover my passion and my business To get people started, they would use the “Journal Juice” workbook that has 6 different exercises that support a person in seeing and appreciating who they are and the life they have, what they would want to change in their lives and what they really want to created and leave behind.  Every page has a different affirmation or inspirational quote that’s been chosen to be inspirational and relatable.  Quotes include Michelle Obama, Brené Brown, Drake, Elon Musk, Adele and Eckhart Tolle.  I wouldn’t be able to tell you how many times people have told me that when they are writing about something or working through a situation that the perfect message shows up at the bottom of the page. If you’re ready to get really clear, really fast, this Journal is for you.  Plus, you can always download and redo the work book as many times as you would like for no cost.

Inspirational PleaseNotes Journal

How do positive PleaseNotes messages help people who are trying to accomplish a goal, increase their self-esteem and self-confidence, and where are the best places to put these happy feel good notes?

When you want to change or build a habit or thought process, it takes repetition and emotional involvement. A person gets started in their Journal however in surrounding yourself with continued reminders, you keep yourself in the feeling of what you want versus where you currently are.  That’s why putting messaging in Sticky Notes, Mirror Decals, Water Bottle Labels and Enamel Pins are so fun because it’s easy to see and share with others. 

Cheryl Sutherland, the inspiration behind PleaseNotes

Empowering Enamel Pins 

When I was browsing through your website, I saw that you have a #HustleKit , can you tell us what’s in there?

Yes! So I created the #HustleKit to be a little sampler of all the items in the main line.  Curated for existing entrepreneurs or those looking to dip into entrepreneurship (wantrapreneurs) it even includes exclusive items like a super cool pen that says “I’m choosing to be…”  and 4 great tips with videos to help people draw out an idea, handle and use stress, set goals and more.

What other products do you offer and what new products do you plan to come out with in the future?

Right now I have the full sized Journal in some fab new colors, the “Mirror Mirror” Mirror Decals that are great for windows, walls and mirrors, the “Label of Love” which are dual-sided affirmation Water Bottle Labels, the new “Brightly” enamel pins and the Sticky Notes, which have a different affirmation on each page! Next up, I’m actually re-opening my coaching practice! I focus on Optimism and Authenticity for two reasons; when you decide things are going to work out for you, you are able to solve problems quicker, be less stressed and be more creative and Authenticity is essential for building anything you want to be long lasting, making clearer decisions, and building a life from your intuition and internal power versus your head.

Are there any final words of wisdom that you’d like to share?

Let yourself be happy, do the things that spark your curiosity,  say yes to what you want and self-doubt isn’t real.

Cheryl Sutherland

Where can we find you?

www.PleaseNotes.com

www.CherylSutherland.com

www.Instagram.com/Please_notes

www.facebook.com/PleaseNotes

Thank you Cheryl for sharing your positivity with the rest of us!

Thank you!!

YouTube Videos For A Stylish Love Story

Hi there!  If you haven't had a chance to check out my videos on Instagram or Facebook, you can check them out on my YouTube Channel @  A Stylish Love Story:

This is a little inspirational video from the Bible verse 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.  When God Gives Us Comfort In Our Pain, Pass On His Comfort To Those Who Need It:)

Meaningful Mondays- You Can Plan As Much As You Want

Meaningful Mondays-It's Never Too Early or Too Late

"It is never too early or too late to change your life,
or make a difference in someone else's."
-Joanna Joy, A Stylish Love Story

Meaningful Mondays: Bloom Where You Are Planted

Meaningful Mondays: Do Not Give Up The Dream

PLEASE CHECK OUT MY INTERVIEW 

WITH 

ARTIST MARINA MOURAO HERE

Meaningful Mondays: She Stood In The Storm

Hello!  Happy Monday to you:)  If you ever wonder why I say "Make it a great Monday", it's because a lot of the way we perceive the fate of our days depends largely on our own thoughts.  I'm sure you would agree that all of us have gone through some adversity or much adversity throughout our lives.  I have experienced all types of adversity as well and continue to go through it.  That's life, and life isn't always easy.  It's in our perspective in how we look at things and how we react to these difficult situations that determine how we rise and thrive.  This is called resilience. Oh, and throwing on a nice blazer to help you feel a bit more polished and put together doesn't hurt either:)  If you'd like to read more about resilience, you can check out more information here: Resilience.

Go Where You Are Celebrated

This is my favorite quote from clothing designer Michaele Nunez.  Please read her interview and leave a comment here.

Interview with Designer Michaele Nunez from Mickaa.com

Hello! Today I wanted to introduce you to Michaele Nunez.  I found this beautiful lady on Instagram and I couldn’t help but notice her glowing skin and inviting smile.  There is so much more of her story to tell, so here we go…

Hi Mickaa!  Thank you for sharing your time with us.  I read your bio and saw that you lived in Haiti until the age of fourteen.  How was your transition to the United States and what was that like for you? 

I came here to United State legally when I was fourteen years of age. My father is an American Citizen so that made the process smooth however, I remember feeling extremely happy but scared at the same time. It was a new world for me, a new language, new types of food, everything was completely different from what I'd always known.  Sometimes I'd cry myself to sleep because I missed home.  It was a challenge to learn English. Gosh! That was difficult. 

How did you become interested in fashion and tell us about your background?

When I was growing up, wearing pants was not allowed by my parents, only dresses and skirt were allowed.  So, I grew up wearing nothing but that. As you can see, most of my outfits are dresses. I feel beautiful and sexy when I wear a beautiful dress, especially if it compliments my body. Lol!  

I moved to New York City when I was 23 and I remembered I used to go to Uptown New York and the women there were dressed beautifully with their heels.  They had beautiful dresses on and I remembered I said to myself...I'm going to be one these women someday.  LOL!

I visited your website and I see that you have your own clothing line.  There are so many lovely pieces and I really love the colors!  In fact, I saw a lot of wonderful resort pieces that would work perfectly for warmer weather.  What influences your designs and how would you describe your line/ personal style?

I am a color girl, everything colorful makes me happy.  I feel so alive when I wear a gorgeous white crop top with a red maxi open front skirt. I love being a sexy sophisticated woman and I am not afraid to show it either.  

My online store speaks so much of my own personal style. My line is conservative with a sexy feel to it, and I love it.

What advice would you give to other people who are thinking about starting their own line?

Don't be afraid to fail, and when you do, start over. 

Okay, your skin is unbelievable…I mean Wow!  How do you get your amazing GLOWING skin and where can we access these magical products?

Oh, my goodness thank you so much. I am a paid brand ambassador for Exuviance, a prestige online skin care company. When I was contacted by the company to represent their brand I was head over heels!  I literally broke down to tears one night thinking…WOW!  Let's just say with Exuviance, I feel more confident with my skin, I have never felt more beautiful. I love all of their products and I don't have a favorite really! 

Check them out here: https://www.instagram.com/exuviance/ 

You are in fantastic shape!  Can you share your diet and fitness secrets with the rest of us?

Aww…how sweet of you. My father and my mother are very petite, especially my dad. Let's just say the entire family is short and small except my two brothers who are 6'1 and 6'2.  My secret really is a 45 minute work out every morning no matter how tired and sleepy I am.  LOL!  I eat healthy and I don’t drink soda, ever. I drink lots of water and eat a lot of yogurt, I mean a lot!

Lastly, my favorite quote on your Instagram says,

“Go where you are celebrated. If they can’t see the real value of you, it’s time for a new start, because you are worthy and you matter.”

Can you tell us why this quote is meaningful to you?

I am that woman who doesn't give up easily.  Before I turn my back away from anything, I give my all, and I fight. And I know when to let go. Trust me, letting go can be very difficult, but I always remind myself that Michaele, “You Matter”, “You Are Precious and Valuable” and "You are worth much more than what you are receiving". That's why this particular quote means a lot to me. It keeps reminding me that:

“I MATTER, AND IF I GO WHERE I WILL BE CELEBRATED, WHY NOT?” 

Where can we find you?

Website:here

Exuviance Skin Care: Exuviance Skin Care

Instagram: uptown_with_mickaa

Thank you so much for sharing your life story and pearls of wisdom with us!  I feel as if there is so much more to your story and I could go on forever asking you a million more questions about your life!  I thoroughly enjoyed reading your interview and your empowering words.  Hopefully, we can meet in person one day!

Meaningful Mondays: If You Don't Accept the Truth of Who You Are

Hello! Hope you are off to a great start this week!  I spent the weekend at the annual USC Women's Coference in Los Angeles, CA and had a wonderful time hearing from some of the most inspirational women discussing topics in areas such as: healthcare for women, wellness, education, wealth, leadership, and business.  

One of the highlights from this conference was keynote speaker Dr. Yasmin Davidds, CEO of the Women's Institute of Negotiation.  I saw her last year and she is one of the main reasons I decided to attend this year as well.  What really impressed me about Yasmin was that she gave a powerful speech about her life story and got "real" about her struggles and overcoming adversity, but never lost faith in herself and still flourished in spite of it all.  She is someone I greatly admire and hope to learn more from in the future.

Make it a wonderful week:)

With Love,

Joanna

Meaningful Mondays: Everything You Want

Meaningful Mondays: If You Want To Know, "Just Ask"

You may think that asking questions is a such a simple idea however, so many of us don't have the courage to use this important communication skill.  We often assume that we know the answers to the questions that have never been asked.  These questions and the conversations that come next are so important.  No problem can be solved, no relationship can be mended, and no common ground can be found unless we ask questions.  Let's try to stay curious about people and ideas, and make an effort to continually learn something new.  Let's try to keep an open heart, an open mind, and listen for everyone's truth.  Let's seek first to understand, then be understood.  If you want to know...Just Ask.  Afterall, it's the best way for us to learn, grow, and move forward together.

With Love,

Joanna

Meaningful Mondays: Don't Worry About Failures

Meaningful Mondays: If You Can't Fly Then Run

Meaningful Mondays: Who Cares What Other People Think

My mom surfing in Redondo Beach, CA

Have you started clearing out all of your old stuff to make room for the joys of the new year? In the process, have you stumbled upon old photos or sentimental items that bring up bittersweet memories?  Sometimes when I have to sort through my belongings, I find old photos and it forces me to reminisce about the days when my mother was still alive and having dinner together every night as a family.  As I was sorting, I happened to come across this photo of her in Redondo Beach, California circa a very long time ago haha...before I was born at least.  As some of you may know, she passed away from breast cancer several years ago.  This is actually a photo of her from her "Gidget" days (it's an old TV show), well...at least that's what I like to call it.  She used to surf on longboards, can you believe it?  It was very uncommon for women to surf at that time, so I guess you can also say that my mom was a rebel at heart haha...and honestly, I think it was pretty darn awesome!

I began to think about all the things she used to say to me while I was growing up.  She always said, 

"Who cares what other people think. Just Do It."  

A lot of us get so caught up in the idea of perfection and the "what ifs" of life.  We allow fear, anxiety, and insecurity to creep in.  It's the fear of not living up to other people's expectations of who we should be, the fear of failure, disappointment, and comparison.  Then you realize that time is passing.  Time is always passing...and it's your life!  You have to live your life in your own way and do what makes you happy.

I thought it would be fun to put up some quotes from my mom on my blog every so often.  So, you might see "Gidget Mom" photos and quotes on my blog and Instagram in the future.  She was a tough mom, but I think I turned out okay:)   

This is my favorite picture of her because it truly represents her bold spirit of doing things she loved in life regardless of what other people thought!  I've been reflecting a lot lately about people I've lost.  You have to keep those memories alive, it's their story and their legacy. 

Feel free to share some of your favorite quotes in the comments below, I'd love to hear from you:)

Hope you have a wonderful week:)

Joanna

Choose Joy