Sarah Brown Wessling: Educator for Life

Sarah Brown Wessling makes an IMPACT.

I was a quiet high schooler, unsure of my mind and my place in the world. I participated on the periphery, preferring to watch rather than act. I spent my time reading and writing. My journals from these years are epic and hilarious and my book shelves were packed with well loved paperbacks. 

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I entered Sarah's AP English class apprehensively. Her classroom was not a place to hide. Students will often say, "Ms. Wessling was the first person to SEE me," and I could not agree more with that statement. Outside of my family, who knew my sassy self to the core, Ms. Wessling was the first person to identify me as a strong thinking, a leader, and someone who could create for myself. 

Years later, while I was living in Rochester, NY and working as a photographer, Sarah contacted me via Facebook. She wanted my permission to share my journey and profession with her classroom. Again, my first reaction was, "Why me?" and again, Sarah was the first person to tell me that what I was doing was important and different. 

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Sarah gave me the tools I need to think critically about my life and choices. Now that I own my own business, Sarah is right by my side, but now she occasionally asks my advice and seeks my guidance. I am able to walk beside her, giving knowledge as I receive. She is my cheerleader, challenger, thought provoker and festival buddy. She is my inspiration, my foundation and my reflection.

Words from Molly Hanson, Executive Director of Iowa River Revival: Class of 2005

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Sarah is an amazing person for so many reasons. One of my favorite aspects of our relationship is how it has changed over and over again and will most definitely continue on that trajectory. 

I first met her as a student in her AP English class at Johnston High School. Being a recovering high school over-achiever, it still irks me a little bit to call her Sarah rather than Ms. Wessling.  I was an English nerd obsessed with moody beats writers. Sarah took an interest, always making a point of noticing me and whatever book I happened to be reading at the time.  I was always flattered that she cared and was impressed by my selections.  Her classroom pushed me out of my comfort zone, expanding not just my thoughts - but the way I thought. With her leadership, I was introduced to poetry, Shakespeare, symbolism, the male-dominated cannon, and perhaps most importantly for my career,  grant writing. I loved her AP English class and have since been back to help teach lessons in grant writing. 

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With curiosity and adventure as two of my dominant forces, I went on to become a well-read science major. I am constantly in awe of the magnificence of the planet and our universe.  But even with my outdoorsy side, I still relish any opportunity to escape into a good book.  And I still love talking about them with Sarah.  Since high school, we have become friends.  We've danced at each others' birthday parties, gone on long runs to work through the stresses of adult life, swapped graphic novels, hung out with each others' families, and have motivated each other to push through challenges and examine what it means to be on the other side. She is still a mentor, but now she is also a peer, inspiration, confidant and a dear friend.  

At her 40th birthday party, Sarah made cards for each attendee containing the word that came to mind when she thought of them.  The word on my card was fearless.  Everyday, I try to live that truth she has seen in me for the last decade.  Her students, as well as her friends, are lucky to have her.  I am lucky to have her. 

Words from Meredith Luksetich, Animal Lover and Administrative Assistant at ISG, Class of 2009

Photographer: Polka-Dot-Photography by Annie Mitchell

Photographer: Polka-Dot-Photography by Annie Mitchell

I see myself as an articulate, big picture thinker. With every decision, I consider the whole scope of the problem. Where am I? Where do I want to go? Who do I want to be and how am I going to get there? Or, perhaps most importantly, am I already there? I attribute these bigger picture thoughts and questions directly towards Ms. Wessling's challenging classroom. 

Ms. Wessling always had a different way of teaching. I remember walking into her classroom and feeling as though I was finally breathing fresh air. In her space, I knew my ideas and my work were never wrong, but I could challenge myself to improve upon them. Now that I'm older and navigating adulthood, I find I find my brain multi-tasking and working through the best way to approach something or someone.

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The biggest impact Mrs. Wessling made on me is how I think and create now that I'm an adult. I am more confident in public speaking, writing, and the way I read and comprehend not only the words on the page, but the world around me. She isn’t just teaching English at Johnston High School, she is teaching students how to think for themselves in the most creative and challenging ways - ensuring our future successful. I can say with confidence, that every student of Ms. Wessling is going to have a  strong, positive memory of Mrs. Wessling, whatever their ‘success’ might be.

Wednesdays With Whitney: Kelly Timmerman

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

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

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

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Best Blueberry Oat Smoothie

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

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

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

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

Bonus Tips:

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

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

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Kelly's Blueberry Oat PFC Smoothie

For 2 Servings:

1 cup raw spinach

2 c unsweetened almond milk

2 servings vanilla protein powder

1/2 cup frozen blueberries

1/2 banana (frozen is great!)

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 cup raw oats

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

Optional: couple ice cubes

Blend and enjoy.  So yummy!  

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

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

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

 

Wednesdays With Whitney: Vanessa McNeal

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

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

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

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

A little bit about Vanessa: 

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

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Words from Vanessa:

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

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

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

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

Wednesdays With Whitney: Empowerment Session Winner

I was overwhelmed by the beautiful nominations received for the Empowerment Session Campaign. The idea, to give one deserving woman her day in the sun. Show one stunning woman how beautiful she is, inside and out. What started out as awarding a complimentary creative portrait session, quickly morphed into something bigger. More women wanted to contribute to the contest and give away their time and talents. 

The Empowerment Session team consists of Ivy Boyd, makeup artist extraordinaire; Sarah Noll Wilson, leadership coach powerhouse; and Christina Davis, personal stylist and Cabi consultant. The grand prize package: a complimentary two-hour clothing session with Christina, makeup application with Ivy prior to the photo shoot, and a 90 minute creative portrait session with me.

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The lucky winner, Mary Bacon, was nominated by her daughter Angela Ames. Mary is a fighter, survivor and the epitome of selfless. In her daughter's words:

"My mother is so beautiful...let's start by in 2005 she beat stage IV breast cancer. She is legally blind but spends endless days making blankets for those in need. She has a rare form of leukemia that fights against her healthy blood cells as well as her good, in addition to currently waiting her chance for a new kidney and finally beating colon cancer. To say my mother is strong would be an understatement. A woman that should be full of life resentment, she actually just wants to do what she can to get back home to keep working on blankets! This woman is incredible!!! She doesn't fuss over the little things, because to her "that's life" and "well that's the stuff that God gave her to deal with." She's so beautiful, her eyes are a stunning blue, and she could really use a day about her, to highlight how amazing she is."

"She is a true definition of humanitarian , a warrior, but above those an amazing mother. Because she never gives up. She sees ten paths to a way out of a dead end. Her girls mean everything to her, nothing, not even being told that she has a few short months to live would keep her from encouraging her girls to do what makes them truly happy."

"I recently moved to California, taking her beloved grandchildren (boys 8 & 7) 1600 miles away. My husband took a new job. My mom would never stand in the way of someone wanting to move closer to their dreams. Most grandmas would be devastated but not my mom. She put her own feelings aside! She misses my husband (who she loves very much, she misses her grandsons but she just says, 'I have to get better so I can come visit.' This woman is truly a blessing to anyone that has her in their lives!"

I drew additional names for extra prizes. Amanda is the winner of a Professional Portrait Session. She was nominated by her sister-in-law. A snippet from her nomination:

"I have known Amanda (my sister-in-law) since she was in high school. She nearly died when I was dating her brother (now my husband) due to long-qt syndrome, which is a heart issue. She had a pacemaker put in when she was 16. It completely changed her trajectory in life. She has always been an active, giving and outgoing individual but has had many obstacles put in her way. On her journey to realizing how strong she is, she built her life up around what she can and can not do (physically) given her heart condition. In the last year, she also has been diagnosed with alopecia. Amanda’s beauty comes from her love of others and her beautiful smile. When she smiles you can’t unsee how beautiful she is. It’s incredible contagious. As a case worker for Broadlawns, she brings her beauty and strength to the lives of those who are less fortunate. While this work is difficult and challenging, she manages to do it with extreme care and grace, that most can not. This is exactly what makes her beautiful and strong at the same time- her very giving heart."

Last but not least, Teresa Tomka is the winner of a $100 Cabi gift card. She was nominated by a friend. The three adjectives used to describe Teresa:

"1) Strong - so strong. She lost her husband in a sudden, tragic accident. She has five children. She owns a business. STRONG. 2) Giving. She gives back her resources, her time, her laughter. 3) And speaking of laughter, this lady is F-U-N! An evening with her is an evening laughing."

Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate a woman. You are incredible for taking the time and recognizing the powerful women in your life. All participants, nominees and nominators, are receiving the opportunity to participate in a Championing Workshop. 

Words from Sarah Noll Wilson on the workshop: 

"Do you build up or break down? Learn how to powerfully acknowledge and build up those around you. 

Everyone is capable of greatness and everyone is capable of revealing greatness in others.  Think about this, in every moment you impact those around you, is it the impact you want? By being a powerful champion for others you help others see their most powerful self even when they can't see it themselves. Join us for this transformative workshop where you will learn and practice the skills to be a champion for others and yourself too!

Natalie Gendle: Badass Business Momma

A Note from Whitney:

I met Natalie just as she was opening ACADEMIC lash & beauty. We bonded instantly over our mutual desire to help people find and claim their beauty. Natalie applies lash extensions and performs lash lifts and tints while I photograph people and help them look and feel confident. We often talked about the nervous energy our clients feel before working with us. They are taking a risk, stepping out of their comfort zone and choosing to see themselves in the most positive light. After leaping into our respective services, our clients reflect on how amazing, beautiful and confident they feel. 

In addition to being business buddies, we are both huge fans of each other's talents. I get my lashes done every 3 weeks with Natalie and look forward to seeing my face as it's fully brightened by her beautiful work. Natalie has done headshots and a family shoot with me - and we both loved every second of collaborating to create moments she'll cherish forever. 

I asked Natalie to share her story of starting a business in the midst of motherhood. I know her struggle is so familiar to so many, and I greatly admire the courage she displays every day as she moves her business and family forward.

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Here's the truth: I was not thriving as a stay-at-home mom. With three kids 5 and under, I was struggling to find fulfillment from an existence where I never felt I could achieve success. I worked hard to be disciplined enough to create good days but there was always another load of laundry, another load of dishes, another meal to create, another diaper to change. It felt as if there was no end in sight - no end of the workday and no break in sight. 

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Taking the leap and opening ACADEMIC lash & beauty changed everything for me. Having a full-time career forces me to be more disciplined. I now thrive on the variety of my workday and in turn, this has made me a more fulfilled person. Now that I work outside the home, my family's world has delightfully expanded as well. My children have more friends, caring teachers, new experiences, time away from their parents to gain autonomy, and a bigger world. This has proven to be a very happy experience for the whole family.

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Don't let me fool you, I don't do it all. Its crazy to attempt to! I am still figuring out how to delegate my old duties to ensure that I thrive in my workday and still enjoy my family time when I’m home. I have a great husband who stepped up to the challenge. He is an incredible dad and partner and his flexible work schedule allows him to pick up the slack when I can't. We sometimes hire the amazing ladies at my local laundry mat. Their “fluff and fold” services help me tackle the ever-mounting piles of laundry. We have cleaners every two weeks which take the edge off the house maintenance.  With these decisions, I've given myself the freedom to focus on how I'm best suited to serve my family and community. Leaning on the strengths and services of other businesses has proven to be a good philosophy for us as we navigate the terrain of our daily life. 

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I often think of the legacy I am creating, for my family and community. I am always striving to better myself, to help as many people as I can and have the biggest, positive impact possible. Being a business owner allows me so many new and exciting opportunities, challenges, and friendships. Growing a business allows me to miss my family a little and come home to them at the end of the day, excited to hear their stories and reconnect. It has given me the opportunity to be a larger part of my community and has allowed me to positively impact the lives of others.  

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The biggest change I've seen is within myself. This amazing adventure has given me the opportunity to grow into a better version of myself.  The long days, missed family meals and stressful challenges of entrepreneurship don't always seem worth it in the moment, but I know that by striving to be the best version of myself, I am also becoming a better wife, mom, community member, friend and ultimately, someone I truly like, when I look in the mirror.

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Wednesdays With Whitney: Dr. Rebecca Lake

You know when you meet someone at just the right time? Dr. Rebecca Lake and I met early this year, just as her business started and mine was beginning to take off. We were connected through FemCity Des Moines and I was so curious to meet the sweet, subtle voice on the other end of the phone.

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Dr. Lake makes an impact. Whether she's walking into a room or putting your body back together. While some people lead with loud voices and bravado, Dr. Becca leads with grace and a quiet confidence that immediately draws you closer. Her quick laugh and stunning smile made me feel as if I've known her for years.

Her headshots were a breeze. I loved her gorgeous, detailed tattoos, that are so symbolic of the holistic caring for creatures and the world around her. Her combination of sass and style radiated in every image.

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At the time I met Becca, I was in the market for a chiropractor. I could barely turn my neck and was having trouble sleeping on my shooting shoulder. This job I love can take a brutal toll on my body and I'd been ignoring my self-care for far too long. If you've ever been in the market for a chiropractor, you will understand that it can be VERY scary. These people are applying pressure to your body - and adjusting your neck. This is HUGE decision and I was not going to settle for less than amazing.

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From the very first time I visited Dr. Becca at Shine Chiropractic, I knew I'd found my doctor. She moves deliberately and continuously around the body, taking her time to find the trigger points and relieving built up tension. She has always been attentive to my hesitations and points of pain, allowing the process to slow down when needed and suggesting a different course of treatment when my body required a bigger adjustment. Our weekly appointments have been a game changer for my neck and back.

Dr. Becca recently came to me to collaborate on new website images. Her vision was simple: holistic care carried out in nature. Dr. Becca's practice is so firmly rooted in the belief that we are all connected. It only made sense to take advantage of the great outdoors. The resulting images were created in an environment that was just as peaceful as it looks. Dr. Becca brings that calm wherever she goes, and I couldn't be more proud to be her patient and photographer.

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