Journal

Athena has an extraordinary depth of experience looking after and guiding students to a place of focus, mental clarity and calm Mediation and Yoga (Hatha/ Vinyasa Flow and Restorative). She has particular insight into the mindset of people who has high levels of demands on themselves professionally and personally. In an increasingly complex and pressured world, Athena is ept at providing pragmatic advice to students in finding their seat in the eye of the storm, discovering and drawing on their unlimited potential and living their very best life. 

Athena has a long established career in City and sits on the board of a Family Office and various non- profit organisations. She has an MBA from Harvard Business School and MA (Hons) in Philosophy, Politics & Economics from Oxford University. Athena is also a GIA certified Gemologist and well versed in the language and properties of coloured stones and Crystals. She first came across the UMASS Centre of Mindfulness as a young burnt out MBA student at Harvard. Their teaching of regular meditation and yoga practice completely changed the trajectory of her life and she finds herself more productive, mentally focused, spiritually lifted, physically stronger and simply, happier. She is keen to share this gift and credits her teachers, amongst many, Jon Kabat Zinn, Eckhart Tolle, Neil Seligman, Stewart Gilchrist and Ambra Vallo for guiding her to live optimally and to always Live, Love, Laugh and Learn.

https://www.instagram.com/athena_live_love_laugh_learn/

1. HARDEST LESSON YOU LEARNED IN BUSINESS?  

Saying NO with kindness and respect. You need to prioritise your time and set clear boundaries. There were so many circumstances when I have to let go of the safe and mediocre in order to make room for what really serves my purpose.

2. THREE THINGS THAT DEFINE YOUR BUSINESS? 

Kind, Compassionate and Calm

3. FAVOURITE LOCAL HANGOUTS?

Granger & Co. We love their weekend brunch and often I catch up with girlfriends over an oat milk matcha latte there. Their ricotta pancakes are my daughters’ favourite.

Bamford Brompton Cross. This is a little slice of haven and their attention to detail in their wellness space is unparalleled. I teach there twice a week (Mon 12.45pm and Wed 8.45am) but I just love strolling into the shop for some good energy, pick up gifts and do a bit of work with a coffee at the Daylesford cafe afterwards. 

4. WHAT WOMAN INSPIRES YOU

My grandmother who became a mother to three boys before 21, drove a medical supplies truck during the war, kept the family business running and saved countless lives during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong. She is still very sharp and active in her 90s – she makes a killing on the mahjong table and simply gets on with life with minimum fuss. 

5. A QUOTE YOU LIVE BY?

omnia vincit amor

Love conquers all.

It really does. 

Officina del Poggio is a collection of essential leather accessories, founded in 2014 on the core ideals of timelessness, heirloom quality, and artisanal Italian craftsmanship. With their understated elegance and classic silhouettes, the iconic styles combine modern luxury with utilitarian practicality. https://www.officinadelpoggio.com 

1.     FAVOURITE LOCAL HANGOUT?

In the summer you can usually find me at the Chioschetto right at the foot of the hills in Bologna… it is usually a few degrees cooler there than in the city center, and it serves the best piadine. In the winter one of my favorite places for day or night is the ExForno bar, next to the MAMBO modern art museum… it is laid-back and eclectic and always has a great mix of people.

  2.     WHAT’S YOUR SECRET WEAPON?

Lipstick! It makes me feel instantly put-together. 

3.     CURRENT BIGGEST CHALLENGE?

Balancing work and my private life. With technology today and all the different communication methods it can be hard to detach, especially when I love what I do so much and it involves meeting and working with so many incredible people! Yet I do have to make more of an effort to put my phone away and take some time off.

  4.     WHAT WOMAN INSPIRES YOU?

Arizona Muse. I was lucky to meet and collaborate with her this last year and she has taught me so much about sustainability and living a more eco-friendly life. Arizona questions and challenges while at the same time enforcing the concept that it is about progress, not perfection… even small changes can make a huge difference. 

  5.     QUOTE YOU LIVE BY?

“Nothing will work unless you do.” by Maya Angelou.  I am definitely a do-er and have no patience for people who expect things to happen without working for it. 

 Tanya Foster, a Dallasite, lifestyle blogger, actor and empty nester who fancies herself famous—if only in her own mind. She’s also a wife and a mom to four grown children. Her blogging journey began in January 2014 with a simple mission to learn how to do something new. It quickly grew and in 2016 TanyaFoster.com – a lifestyle blog expanded to cover fashion, beauty, travel and lifestyle. Tanya is on a mission to help women look and feel their best – at any age.  

1. FAVORITE LOCAL HANGOUT?

Highland Park Village. The best shopping, dining, coffee shops, movie theater and much more. I often shoot there.

2. WHAT CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?

It’s sad to say this but its true. My iPhone.

3. CURRENT BIGGEST CHALLENGE?

Trying to get it all done in 24 hours. There’s just never enough time!

4. WHAT WOMAN INSPIRES YOU?

Queen Elizabeth. Let’s hope we all live a long and prosperous life!

5. A QUOTE YOU LIVE BY?

“When God closes a door, he opens a window.”

My business has three main areas; Personal training online and 1-2-1, ultra endurance athlete completing 2-3 big challenges per year and adventurer and public speaker to encourage each and every one of us – we all have the power to be extraordinary! Learn more about her journey and world here http://www.sophiegraceholmes.com .

1.     HARDEST LESSON YOU LEARNED IN BUSINESS?  
You have to endure the failures and hardships to truly learn the best way to run your business and there is no easy way other than to keep getting back up over and over again – you have to work hard to create your own luck and opportunities.

2. THREE THINGS THAT DEFINE YOUR BUSINESS? 
Fitness – learning to make it fun and something you want to do again and again and educating others to train smartly and get real results

Defying the odds – always do the things that scare you or the things you think you can’t do yet

Inspiration – encouraging people to live bravery no matter what and chase even the biggest goals

3. FAVOURITE LOCAL HANGOUT? 
Corner Club, Leigh on Sea – perfect place to get my creativity flowing and work down over coffee or catch up with friends

4. WHAT WOMAN INSPIRES YOU?
I have a lot who do but for me its any woman who overcomes adversity, stares fear in the face and goes for it and isn’t afraid to be herself and go after what she wants.

5. A QUOTE YOU LIVE BY?

“Have the courage to seek your own adventure in life and live on your own terms.”

Riviera Kids is a chic yet sustainable children’s swimwear line inspired by the South of France! Follow her on insta @riviera_kids!

1. Current Biggest Challenge?   

Getting more followers on Instagram!

2. Secret Weapon?

Dry shampoo

3. FAVOURITE LOCAL HANGOUT?

Aragon House-Parsons Green

4. WHAT WOMAN INSPIRES YOU?

Princess Diana

5. A QUOTE YOU LIVE BY?

“Many hands make light work.”