Sherri Otcenasek

Hundreds of women and even a few men gathered in West Palm Beach for the Women’s Prosperity Network “Prosperity Un-Conference” on September 16^th, 17^th, and 18^th, 2011.  We sat sister-to-sister and hung on to every word uttered by Nancy Matthews, Trish Carr, Ava Diamond, Craig Duswalt and Simon T. Bailey.  The Keynote Speaker was the one and only Jack Canfield, the author of Chicken Soup for the Soul, The Success Principles and many other best selling books.  This conference was head and shoulders above any other conference I have ever attended.   I could feel the positive energy emanating from the room even when the only sound you heard was coming from the speaker at the moment.   Talk about being “jazzed”…everyone was!

As I sat there absorbing all of the out of the box, cutting-edge information, I could sense that many women were already mentally putting their future plans into action.  They were deciding that very moment what they were going to do, to take their business to the next level.  I can definitely say that I experienced several of my own “Ah Ha” moments.

What really set this Un-Conference apart from all the others was the final day, which was an added benefit or perk for the V.I.P. ticket-holders.  We had no idea what to expect, but after experiencing the past two days, I was confident…it would be over the top and I was not disappointed!!!  For six hours we were in groups of eight.   Every group had the expertise of one of the “Breakout Speakers/Coaches” from the past two days to help us define and execute our game plan.    We were instructed to write down our two BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goals).  Some knew exactly what their goals were and for others it took a little help from the coaches.

I knew exactly what my BIG HAIRY AUDACIOUS GOAL was…To expand WPN to women around the country.  Of course, we were instructed that our goal had a one year target date, so to make mine more specific I wrote:   I will expand WPN strategically in communities throughout Florida.

Now understand this was pretty “big and audacious”, because I had not even told the WPN Founders that this was my goal.  But when you write down a goal that resonates with you and it just feels right, the action steps begin to flow.  As Duane Dale Cummings told us many times over the weekend; start with the end in mind…you will always find a way to make it happen.

I must admit that before attending the Prosperity Un-Conference…WPN to me was all about the Founder’s (Nancy Matthews, Trish Carr, and Susan Weiner) vision and their presence in the room, but today their vision has expanded even beyond their presence.   Now I realize that what they have given us must be shared with women around the world…and for me, it started in my own community.   Today I know that what we’ve done in Brevard can be duplicated all over the world.  I just want to shout WPN from every roof top!!!

To top off this fantastic life changing event…I was nominated and recognized for the “Game Changer Award of Leadership”.  I was both touched and honored to receive this, but it was only possible because of the amazing women in our WPN Brevard Chapter.  These heart-centered  women always step up to the plate, volunteer their services, and play full out…they are truly extraordinary!   I know they feel as I do, “When you make it to the top, reach down and extend a hand to someone else.”

I’m extremely excited and anxious to get started on my BHAG.  I’m prepared and ready to implement the strategies that I took away from the conference.  I know that anything and everything is possible…because I’m a GAME CHANGER!!!

“We Not Have It All Together, But Together We Have it All”

Women flocked to the Hilton Hotel at Rialto Place in Melbourne to enjoy an English Garden luncheon hosted by the Women’s Center South Guild.  The entry way and ballroom were beautifully decorated transporting guests to the English countryside.  Guests enjoyed a fashion show, silent auction, raffle ticket drawings as well as an afternoon of socializing and catching up with old friends.

The other models and I enjoyed showing off the beautiful clothes and jewelry provided by Dillards.  It was a great event for a great cause.  Dr. Jenny Gessler shared stories of some of the women who had been assisted at the Women’s Center and reiterated the impact and service they provided.  It was so moving.  Stories like this is why one year ago I wrote a check that day and became a Partner…I wanted to make a difference and knew that I had gifts to share.

If you have a serving heart, I encourage you to join the Guild, I promise, whatever you give you will receive so much more in return.  We all know volunteers aren’t paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless….and that’s how we feel about each and everyone of our members.

The Women’s Center South Guild provides support for women in their time of need.  Additionally, we are always welcoming new members who would like to give their support to help other women in need.  If you’re already a member, thank you…we appreciate your support.  You can continue to give, by sharing the Women’s Center mission with a friend and I hope that you will.  More than ever the Women’s Center needs your help.

If you would like more information on how you can open your heart for a worthy cause, send me an email for more information.

“We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill

When I met, Nancy Matthews through a Facebook connection, I knew I wanted to know more about her and Women’s Prosperity Network.  Our relationship became more than just a few posts here and there on Facebook.  I hired her to coach me to the next level in my own business and from there is where the magic began.  I resonated with the mission and purpose of WPN. When I asked Nancy, “what would it take to bring WPN to Melbourne”, she replied, “You.”  So in September of 2010 WPN Brevard was launched.  We started with 25 Founding members that also shared my vision.  Today one year later we are 80+ members and growing. 

Women’s Prosperity Network is the premier organization for women committed to excellence (just like you!). Through our online resources (tele-classes, webinars and mastermind groups) as well as our live events you have the opportunity to connect, grow and prosper with like-minded, success oriented women. By combining the hearts and minds of extraordinary women working together towards a common goal, living our full potential, we all achieve success!

I invite you to visit us at the Eau Gallie Yacht Club the 1st Thursday of every month or be one of the first to experience WPN in Cocoa Beach, the first Friday of every month at Sylvestro’s.

Register for both events at http://wpnglobal.com/events/

The Women’s Center South Guild is hosting an “English Garden” fall luncheon and fashion show Friday, September 16, 2011.  Fashions provided by Dillards will be modeled by guild members including yours truly.  This will be a fun event that supports a great cause.

The Women’s Center strives to address the needs of women by giving them a step up towards safe, healthy, self-sufficient lives.  It offers several programs that are designed to help women in specific situations.  Services include a counseling program, client services, transitional housing, victims services, and in 2006 the Center started its most recent program for displaced homemakers.

I became a Partner in 2010 after attending one of the Women’s Center Guild’s fundraising events.  I was so moved by the impact and support the Women’s Center provided to women and children in Brevard County I knew I wanted to help in any way I could.

Being a member of the Guild has been so rewarding.  I’ve met new friends, made a difference…and I’ve received so much more than I gave.  I encourage you to consider supporting the Women’s Center by joining the Guild.  Please call or email me and I will send you more information on how you can help.

Why volunteer, because ONE person can make a difference!

To learn more about how you can help the Women’s Center Guild, visit them on the web at http://www.womenscenterinbrevard.org/.

Today, more and more women are learning how beneficial it is to learn from other like-minded women as well as lend a helping hand to those who are just starting out.  Nancy Woodhull, the late USA Today editor once wrote, “do something to help another women every day”.  Professional, mature women in business who are leaders in their community are also worthy trusted friends of each other.  The process of actively reaching out to other women gives them a new perspective and a feeling of being part of a community much larger than just the worlds of their office and home.  Here are four ways that women can help each other achieve success.

1. Pay it Forward

Women who have worked hard and are successful can help other women to succeed too. If you see a woman in the business world who has potential take her under your wing and help out. Most women appreciate having a mentor to give them a boost in their professional life, and we can all help each other. A kind word of encouragement or praise, a helping hand in goal setting, and letting a person know you believe in them can make all the difference between success and failure for women making their way up the ladder.

2. Create a Positive Atmosphere

Women can be extremely good at creating a positive atmosphere when they wish.  A pleasant work atmosphere comes from building on the positive. Help each other and give everyone a chance. If you notice someone struggling, or feeling down find out what is going on and give them a boost. Invite others suggestions and ideas and listen with empathy.

3. Work Together

Women can be especially good at working together. When creative and intuitive minds work together amazing things can be achieved. Empathy, intuition and recognition of differing skills and attributes can all be utilized and combined when working toward a common goal. Women are great at multi-tasking and thinking outside the box. When these two things come together everyone has the opportunity to move forward.

4. Inspiration

Women in business understand that it is not always all about business. Women can inspire others by being good role models. If every woman could make it part of their daily ‘to do’ list to be inspired or inspire someone else, in however small a way, our lives would be so much richer.

We are all looking for a way to give our skin a more natural, younger look and feel, and there is no better way than through the use of Shea butter.

Although Shea butter can be used in foods and as a hair care product, its ability to condition and moisturize dry skin is unequalled. Extracted from the nuts of the Karite tree in West Africa, Shea butter contains natural moisturizers that very closely match the skin oils produced by the body. Shea butter is rich in vitamins A and E, which not only moisturize dry skin, but also act as a wrinkle reducer, as these vitamins help to restore elasticity to the skin. The vitamin F in Shea butter provides added protection from sun and wind damage.

Arbonne’s Shea Butter is one moisturizer that contains these great benefits.  In addition to healing dry skin, Shea butter contains natural properties that can treat sunburn, small insect bites, and certain skin allergies, often relieving the itch associated with skin conditions. Premium Shea butter has also been found to assist in the healing of small wounds, reducing the appearance of scars as well as stretch marks.

Whether you’re looking to moisturize and heal dry skin, expedite the healing of small wounds, or treat minor skin conditions, there is no substitute for 100% natural Shea butter.

It is extremely important to use good quality skin care products when caring for the needs of your infant or toddler’s delicate skin. Finding products that are specially formulated for infant skin care is most beneficial and there are many wonderful natural products available to meet the skin care needs of little ones.  Arbonne’s ABC Baby Care line of gentle hair and body wash makes bath-time fun and diaper rash cream spreads happy relief to sore skin and the sunscreen helps protect baby when playing outdoors.

An infant has extremely sensitive skin, so you will want to use a gentle, mild cleanser; their skin can dry out easily, so experts recommend using only small amounts of cleanser, preferably one that is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.

Infants often develop rashes and skin irritations, so a good quality moisturizer is a must. Baby ointments and creams seem to work best on infants, as they provide a beneficial moisture barrier. Keeping diaper rash cream available is also a must for irritated skin in the diaper area.

Experts recommend talking to your pediatrician regarding sunscreen use in babies six months or younger. A good idea is to have hats and comfortable clothing available to cover an infant’s sensitive skin.

Good skin care should continue on with toddlers. A toddler’s skin is usually not quite as sensitive, but one must still watch for skin irritations. A good baby lotion works well for moisturizing skin; for extremely dry skin, continue with thicker creams.

For babies six months and up, a baby sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher needs to be applied liberally as directed.

Providing your baby with excellent skin care is the first step to a lifetime of healthy skin.

By using the proper hair care products you can achieve healthy and natural looking hair. Choose hair care products that do not contain alcohol as these have a tendency to dry out your hair. Another tip for using proper hair products is not to put it directly on your scalp as it will clog the pores.

The first step in determining which hair care products you need is to understand what type of hair you have. Is your hair dry, oily, curly, or straight? A moisture-infused shampoo would help dry hair have more volume, but it could make oily hair too oily. In choosing shampoos, be sure to pick the one that is right for your hair type. Once you know what type of hair you have and you choose the proper shampoo, you will then need to choose an appropriate hair conditioner. A hair conditioner can protect your hair from tangles leaving your hair conditioned and repaired from the numerous brushing and chemicals used on it. Women with curly or coarse hair should use it regularly.   However, someone with oily hair might not need it at all.

There are many different hair care products on the market to choose from.  One such shampoo and conditioner is Arbonne’s FC5 Daily Shampoo and Conditioner.  FC5 is made with fresh kiwi and carrot cells that combine to create soft, moisture-rich shine and helps maintain hair’s natural brilliance.

Choosing the proper hair care products is one of the most important things to do in order to keep your hair looking good. Take care of your hair and be sure to choose the proper hair care products. 

Your skin is the largest organ in your body. That is why it is highly important for people to take care of their skin. Your skin is actually designed to both absorb nutrients and release toxins.  Many people are very careful about what they put in their mouth but don’t consider the toxins they are putting on their skin every day.  It takes only 26 seconds for toxic ingredients in skincare to find their way into every organ of your body.  It is important for people to follow proper skin care routines every single day. It is also important for people to use skin products that are natural as well as healthy for your body inside and out. There are many different products that are available for those purposes on the market today such as Arbonne’s 30-Day Feeling Fit.

 If you ever want to get rid of impurities that have been absorbed into your skin, you can consider using  Arbonne’s Seasource Detox Spa when you need it. You must protect your skin carefully and choose the best products that are meant for your skin type. For over 30 years Arbonne has formulated botanically based skincare free of artificial dyes, fragrances, animal by-products and other chemicals that enter your body and affect your health.  Arbonne’s personal care products support a healthy lifestyle by reducing the number of toxins entering the body and reversing the damage caused by a poor diet.  Visit Arbonne’s shop today to learn more about these products.

Choosing the right cosmetics for your skin tone can seem overwhelming with the huge array of cosmetics available on the market today. The right ones for your skin tone will give you a healthy youthful look that appears natural. With a little knowledge of color you can choose the makeup that will enhance beauty and avoid costly mistakes.  In fact, Arbonne’s cosmetics are a collection of lightweight, beneficial formulas for gorgeous skin, eyes and lips.

Skin tone can be divided into two distinct groups, warm and cool. Warm skin tones have a yellow hue and look best in yellow, red and orange colors. Cool skin tones have a blue hue and look best in blue, green and purple colors. An easy way to determine whether you are warm or cool is to look at your skin under natural light while wearing white. Your skin will show undertones of either yellow or blue. If you’re not sure get a second opinion from a friend.

Once you’ve determined if you are warm or cool then begin looking for colors in those groups. Foundation is the most important make up to get correct. In order to get an invisible appearance the color needs to match your skin tone and color perfectly. Your other make up can be experimented with within your color group. Have fun with eye shadow, blush and lipstick colors and try before you buy when picking new makeup colors.

Armed with your skin tone color group and a little color knowledge you can be confident that you are choosing the right cosmetics for your skin tone.