Magazine 2023-08 web

On a Sunday, Mimi is often in Prospect Park or other scenic venues. She enjoys spending time outdoors whenever she can. Mimi likes to change things up. She is passionate about learning new things, is a big proponent of self- improvement, and reads books on health, motivation, self-help, and fashion, and interior design. Finding Balance When Mimi was expecting her second child, she launched her own graphics business, “MimibyDesign,” working from home. She cultivated a client niche of schools and shuls and supported their graphic needs for Chinese auctions, fundraising, and more. Mimi helps small businesses with logos/ads and fulfilling assignments. Her large extended family kept her busy with invitations right from the start. Running a business from home with young children wasn’t easy. “There were lots of challenges and time crunches. I took early phone calls from clients, met with clients during the day, picked up special orders, and worked late hours. I set boundaries for my work-life balance. All in all, the pros of working from home outweighed the cons.” Mimi shared that it’s rewarding to see her finished products in print, and it brings her joy to participate in the planning of semahot and community events. “My business grew organically through family and friends. My clients liked my easy-going attitude, my lightness when I would sit with the family, especially with both sides for wedding invitations. I was good with people, kept calm. Even if I feel stress, I avoid wearing it.” The Pandemic Pivot Covid hit and Mimi had many evites to prepare for semahot as they had become trendy. After the pandemic, printing prices increased significantly. Mimi evaluated whether her clients would absorb the higher costs. The family spent the summer in Florida and Mimi took time to ponder the direction to take with her business. She also wanted to lose the residual weight from giving birth and devoured books she bought at Barnes & Noble on self-improvement, health, wellness, and clean eating. “I was hooked! Like most women, I’ve done typical diets but this resonated with me. I got into running, strength training, worked on my health, hired a personal trainer, and slimmed down. I sought to have positive energy and be in good physical shape so I could enjoy being active with my children.” Mimi’s own journey to be healthy and fit provided her with essential tools that she wanted to share with others through her own wellness programs. A talented hostess, cook, and advocate of clean eating, Mimi avoids processed foods like jarred sauces, mayonnaise, refined oils, white rice, sugar, and wheat. She compiled an 80-page workbook on a metabolic reset, clean eating, and self-care. Herworkbook is thebasis for the six-session Whole-Heartedly Wellness Workshop that she developed for groups of women. Mimi served a gourmet lunch and healthy baked goods at her workshops and the attendees loved them. She then prepared a recipe booklet with her favorite healthy colorful meals. Mimi’s clients urged her to sell her food. She decided on a lunch-to-go option so she wouldn’t be home cooking all day. LunchLab was born. Mimi posts on her WhatsApp pictures of bright clean lunches available for sale and for clients to pick up the next morning. “I try new fun recipes with plant-based proteins, curries, veggie burgers, whole grain bowls, complex salads, delicious snacks sweetened with dates, coconut sugar, or raw maple syrup. Since we eat with our eyes, as a graphic designer, I ensure the bowls look tempting and are packaged attractively.” Mimi is exhilarated about her venture into the wellness arena and looks forward to seeing where it will take her. She is considering getting certified in integrative health coaching. Mimi is also supporting her graphics client base. “I enjoy teaching people how to love themselves, nurture their health with love and fun versus punishment or negative self-talk, practice self-care, adopt a growth mindset, and make food preparation fun and spectacular tasting. I post pictures of my recipes and outdoor excursions. “I recommend behavior-based (BB) goals versus outcome based-goals (OB). Get fit to be healthy/vibrant versus losing ten pounds to fit into a dress for a party. BB goals become ingrained habits compared to OB goals which fizzle out if not met.” Connect with Mimi at mimibydesign@ gmail.com or at 718.431.4964 to join her WhatsApp status . Ellen Geller Kamaras, CPA/MBA, is an International Coach Federation (ICF) Associate Certified Coach.  Her coaching specialties include life, career, and dating coaching. Ellen is active in her community and is currently the Vice-President of Congregation Bnai Avraham in Brooklyn Heights She can be contacted at (www.lifecoachellen.com) . salads. bowls. soups. snacks. wholeheartedly curated est. 2023 lunch lab daily capsule collection whole foods. pure energy. AV - ELUL 5783 - AUGUST 2023 45