Latest news with #Oquendo
Miami Herald
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
This Summer, Find Purpose Within: Izabela Oquendo's Bestselling Book Helps Readers Trade Emptiness for Alignment
NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / June 19, 2025 / Summer is a season of transformation: a time to reflect, reset, and rediscover what truly matters. For readers seeking meaning beyond productivity or surface-level success, The Opposite of Empty offers a much-needed invitation inward. The Opposite of Empty, published by Landon Hail Press, reached bestseller on Amazon in categories including Family & Personal Growth, Women's Spirituality, and Personal transformation & Spirituality. Book cover design by Rich Johnson of Spectacle Photography. Creative direction and styling by Samantha Joy. Written by mental health professional and transformation coach Izabela Oquendo, The Opposite of Empty is a bestselling guide for women who are ready to stop performing and start living with boldness, authenticity, and purpose. Through a signature framework called The Purpose Activation Blueprint, Oquendo leads readers through seven core elements that illuminate their needs, values, strengths, and desires. Helping trade emotional exhaustion for alignment and clarity, the Purpose Activation Blueprint is a tool Oquendo developed while navigating her own personal turmoil. Trailer caption: Creative direction and styling, Samantha Joy. Hair Sam KM, makeup Heath Baker. The book - part memoir, part self-help guide - was born from Izabela's own story of rupture and renewal. In the span of two years, Oquendo lost her father, reconciled with family, experienced a major fissure in year long friendships, sold everything she owned, and moved her family across the world to start again. She journaled through every step of that transformation. The tools and reflections that helped Oquendo through her dark night of the soul have now become a blueprint for reconnecting with your truth, even when life feels like it's unraveling. Bestselling author and mental health professional, Izabela Oquendo. Photo by Angelli Nguyen. Hair Sam KM, makeup Heath Baker. "I wrote this book for the woman who feels suffocated by the life she once strived for," says Oquendo. "There are so many indicators of success that society trains us to look for, but there is only one that actually matters: freedom." Izabela Oquendo is a mental health professional, speaker, and transformation coach who helps women break free from fear and realign with their purpose. She is the creator of The Purpose Activation Blueprint and founder of The Mindful Waypoint, a platform dedicated to helping women manifest success through alignment. Originally from the U.S., she now lives in Spain with her husband and two children. Paired with the companion title, The Purpose Activation Blueprint Workbook, offers a completely interactive experience. Each chapter includes reflection prompts that help readers identify what's no longer working and begin crafting a new vision for their lives. While the workbook is available for purchase, Oquendo notes that readers can also follow along using a blank journal. "The Opposite of Empty is a blueprint for the woman seeking more out of life," explains Oquendo. "I can tell you from experience that once you find your purpose and live by it authentically, the life you dream of magically unfolds before your eyes." Photo by Angelli Nguyen. Hair Sam KM, makeup Heath Baker. From navigating grief and strained friendships to unpacking people-pleasing and burnout, The Opposite of Empty is both a call to courage and a practical tool for transformation. At its heart, it's about reminding women that they already have the answers, they simply need the space and support to find them. "The Opposite of Empty is not your typical self-help book," shares Samantha Joy, Editor-in-Chief of LHP. "It's a roadmap for those seeking their true purpose by way of important (often left out) areas of life including healing your inner child, building true and lasting friendships, and taking risks that seem illogical to most." Dedicated to creating a sacred and transparent space for writers, Landon Hail Press allows authors to own the creative direction of their book and their brand. LHP books have been sold on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and more, and featured in major publications like Are you an aspiring author? Book a free consultation with Landon Hail Press here. For further information please contact: katie@ SOURCE: Landon Hail Press
USA Today
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
This Summer, Find Purpose Within: Izabela Oquendo's Bestselling Book Helps Readers Trade Emptiness for Alignment
Summer is a season of transformation: a time to reflect, reset, and rediscover what truly matters. For readers seeking meaning beyond productivity or surface-level success, The Opposite of Empty offers a much-needed invitation inward. The Opposite of Empty , published by Landon Hail Press , reached bestseller on Amazon in categories including Family & Personal Growth, Women's Spirituality, and Personal transformation & Spirituality. Book cover design by Rich Johnson of Spectacle Photography . Creative direction and styling by Samantha Joy . Written by mental health professional and transformation coach Izabela Oquendo , The Opposite of Empty is a bestselling guide for women who are ready to stop performing and start living with boldness, authenticity, and purpose. Through a signature framework called The Purpose Activation Blueprint, Oquendo leads readers through seven core elements that illuminate their needs, values, strengths, and desires. Helping trade emotional exhaustion for alignment and clarity, the Purpose Activation Blueprint is a tool Oquendo developed while navigating her own personal turmoil. Trailer caption: Creative direction and styling, Samantha Joy . Hair Sam KM , makeup Heath Baker . The book – part memoir, part self-help guide – was born from Izabela's own story of rupture and renewal. In the span of two years, Oquendo lost her father, reconciled with family, experienced a major fissure in year long friendships, sold everything she owned, and moved her family across the world to start again. She journaled through every step of that transformation. The tools and reflections that helped Oquendo through her dark night of the soul have now become a blueprint for reconnecting with your truth, even when life feels like it's unraveling. Bestselling author and mental health professional, Izabela Oquendo. Photo by Angelli Nguyen . Hair Sam KM , makeup Heath Baker . 'I wrote this book for the woman who feels suffocated by the life she once strived for,' says Oquendo. 'There are so many indicators of success that society trains us to look for, but there is only one that actually matters: freedom.' Izabela Oquendo is a mental health professional, speaker, and transformation coach who helps women break free from fear and realign with their purpose. She is the creator of The Purpose Activation Blueprint and founder of The Mindful Waypoint , a platform dedicated to helping women manifest success through alignment. Originally from the U.S., she now lives in Spain with her husband and two children. Paired with the companion title, The Purpose Activation Blueprint Workbook , offers a completely interactive experience. Each chapter includes reflection prompts that help readers identify what's no longer working and begin crafting a new vision for their lives. While the workbook is available for purchase, Oquendo notes that readers can also follow along using a blank journal. 'The Opposite of Empty is a blueprint for the woman seeking more out of life,' explains Oquendo. 'I can tell you from experience that once you find your purpose and live by it authentically, the life you dream of magically unfolds before your eyes.' Photo by Angelli Nguyen . Hair Sam KM , makeup Heath Baker . From navigating grief and strained friendships to unpacking people-pleasing and burnout, The Opposite of Empty is both a call to courage and a practical tool for transformation. At its heart, it's about reminding women that they already have the answers, they simply need the space and support to find them. 'The Opposite of Empty is not your typical self-help book,' shares Samantha Joy, Editor-in-Chief of LHP. 'It's a roadmap for those seeking their true purpose by way of important (often left out) areas of life including healing your inner child, building true and lasting friendships, and taking risks that seem illogical to most.' Dedicated to creating a sacred and transparent space for writers, Landon Hail Press allows authors to own the creative direction of their book and their brand. LHP books have been sold on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and more, and featured in major publications like Are you an aspiring author? Book a free consultation with Landon Hail Press here . For further information please contact: katie@ SOURCE: Landon Hail Press View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Indianapolis Star
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indianapolis Star
This Summer, Find Purpose Within: Izabela Oquendo's Bestselling Book Helps Readers Trade Emptiness for Alignment
NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire Summer is a season of transformation: a time to reflect, reset, and rediscover what truly matters. For readers seeking meaning beyond productivity or surface-level success, The Opposite of Empty offers a much-needed invitation inward. The Opposite of Empty, published by Landon Hail Press, reached bestseller on Amazon in categories including Family & Personal Growth, Women's Spirituality, and Personal transformation & Spirituality. Book cover design by Rich Johnson of Spectacle Photography. Creative direction and styling by Samantha Joy. Written by mental health professional and transformation coach Izabela Oquendo, The Opposite of Empty is a bestselling guide for women who are ready to stop performing and start living with boldness, authenticity, and purpose. Through a signature framework called The Purpose Activation Blueprint, Oquendo leads readers through seven core elements that illuminate their needs, values, strengths, and desires. Helping trade emotional exhaustion for alignment and clarity, the Purpose Activation Blueprint is a tool Oquendo developed while navigating her own personal turmoil. Trailer caption: Creative direction and styling, Samantha Joy. Hair Sam KM, makeup Heath Baker. The book – part memoir, part self-help guide – was born from Izabela's own story of rupture and renewal. In the span of two years, Oquendo lost her father, reconciled with family, experienced a major fissure in year long friendships, sold everything she owned, and moved her family across the world to start again. She journaled through every step of that transformation. The tools and reflections that helped Oquendo through her dark night of the soul have now become a blueprint for reconnecting with your truth, even when life feels like it's unraveling. Bestselling author and mental health professional, Izabela Oquendo. Photo by Angelli Nguyen. Hair Sam KM, makeup Heath Baker. 'I wrote this book for the woman who feels suffocated by the life she once strived for,' says Oquendo. 'There are so many indicators of success that society trains us to look for, but there is only one that actually matters: freedom.' Izabela Oquendo is a mental health professional, speaker, and transformation coach who helps women break free from fear and realign with their purpose. She is the creator of The Purpose Activation Blueprint and founder of The Mindful Waypoint, a platform dedicated to helping women manifest success through alignment. Originally from the U.S., she now lives in Spain with her husband and two children. Paired with the companion title, The Purpose Activation Blueprint Workbook, offers a completely interactive experience. Each chapter includes reflection prompts that help readers identify what's no longer working and begin crafting a new vision for their lives. While the workbook is available for purchase, Oquendo notes that readers can also follow along using a blank journal. 'The Opposite of Empty is a blueprint for the woman seeking more out of life,' explains Oquendo. 'I can tell you from experience that once you find your purpose and live by it authentically, the life you dream of magically unfolds before your eyes.' Photo by Angelli Nguyen. Hair Sam KM, makeup Heath Baker. From navigating grief and strained friendships to unpacking people-pleasing and burnout, The Opposite of Empty is both a call to courage and a practical tool for transformation. At its heart, it's about reminding women that they already have the answers, they simply need the space and support to find them. ' The Opposite of Empty is not your typical self-help book,' shares Samantha Joy, Editor-in-Chief of LHP. 'It's a roadmap for those seeking their true purpose by way of important (often left out) areas of life including healing your inner child, building true and lasting friendships, and taking risks that seem illogical to most.' Dedicated to creating a sacred and transparent space for writers, Landon Hail Press allows authors to own the creative direction of their book and their brand. LHP books have been sold on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and more, and featured in major publications like Are you an aspiring author? Book a free consultation with Landon Hail Press here.
Elle
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
These Waterproof Mascaras Don't Budge—Even After a Day at the Beach
Not to be dramatic, but waterproof mascara means a lot to me. The drier, waxier formula not only ensures I don't end up with raccoon eyes after a sweaty subway ride to the office, but it also locks my stick-straight lashes into their freshly curled position all day long. So, whether you're tired of finding black flakes and smudging on your lids or in need of something to wear during your beach and poolside activities this summer, these water-repellent formulas have your back. Even celebrity makeup artist Vincent Oquendo swears by the unyielding power of waterproof mascara. 'The thing I love most is that if I send my client out on the red carpet with it on, I don't have to worry about the mascara running or transferring,' he says, noting that it's especially essential for those with 'a hooded eyelid or very long lashes that touch the crease or the skin below their eyes.' The magic is in the silicone and polymer that most formulas contain. Together, the ingredients 'create a waterproof barrier between your lashes and the formula,' Oquendo explains. While we used to live in a world where smudge-proof formulas often meant less impactful lashes, the industry has evolved. You can now find countless mascaras that repel water and deliver incredible length and volume. However, with so many great formulas available, it can be challenging to navigate through all the trial and error. To simplify your search, I've tested dozens of options, tapped Oquendo for his top picks, and scoured customer reviews to gather the eight best waterproof mascaras below. Just make sure you have a trusty cleansing oil on hand for easy removal! Benefit Cosmetics took their fan-favorite volumizing mascara and made it water resistant. The Badgal Bang! Waterproof Volumizing Mascara provides impressive volume and length that lasts, boasting a 36-hour wear time. Plus, the product never weighs down your lashes thanks to its unique, ultralight aero-particals. Benefits: Volumizing Shades: 1 Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5 An ELLE editor says: 'I was already obsessed with the original Badgal Bang! mascara, so when Benefit came out with a waterproof version, I knew I had to get my hands on it. The formula makes my very short, very straight lashes incredibly long and voluminous—never clumpy! I love that the wand is thin enough to coat every lash from corner to corner. Not to mention, its 'zero-gravity formula' really does feel super lightweight and allows my lashes to hold a curl better than most mascaras I've tried. And with 36-hour wear? This mascara can't be beat.'—Emma Aerin Becker, associate beauty e-commerce writer Just as the name implies, this mascara delivers big, bold lashes every swipe. A favorite of Oquendo's, the Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara features a large brush with soft, wavy fibers that boost volume upon application. Its formula is super creamy and made with smudge-proof, sweat-proof, and, of course, waterproof agents that help it last up to 24 hours. Benefits: VolumizingShades: 1Nordstrom rating: 4.7/5An ELLE editor says: 'With a few coats of The Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara, my lashes look as though they've doubled in thickness. While I'm usually a fan of thinner brushes, this extra-large wand makes application a breeze, coating all my lashes in seconds. The ultra-creamy formula glides on beautifully and seriously doesn't budge.'—Emma Aerin Becker If you're looking for lashes that reach the bottom of your brows, look no further than the L'Oreal Telescopic Waterproof Lengthening Mascara. True to its claim, the product lasts all day long and brings your lash length to new heights—literally. The unique wand has a comb-like side that's perfect for keeping your lashes separated. The best part? It's under $10 and available in nearly every drugstore you step into. Benefits: Lengthening, Separating Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 An ELLE editor says: 'I discovered this mascara by accident when I forgot my go-to on vacation and stumbled into a local drugstore to save my bare lashes. I snagged the L'Oreal Telescopic Waterproof Lengthening Mascara from the makeup aisle, and it's been a staple in my collection ever since. After applying a few light coats, my lashes became so long I could feel them touching the tops of my eyelids—a sensation I had never experienced. And the extra-thin brush and bristles make for a clump-less application every single time.'—Emma Aerin Becker Attention no-makeup-makeup lovers: This product lengthens, defines, and ever-so-slightly volumizes your lashes for a stunning natural finish. Even better, the formula's packed with monoi oil and marigold extract to condition and strengthen your eyelashes while you wear it. Benefits: Lengthening, enhances curl Sephora rating: 4/5 A Sephora reviewer says: 'I literally love this so much!! It is fully waterproof and does not smudge on my eyes at all. It is great because it is lightweight, and makes my eyelashes look much naturally longer and darker. I also love that it is in the clean collection.' A runway staple for decades, this formula instantly thickens, lengthens, and even curls your lashes as you apply. The brand's exclusive Aquastop water-resistant technology ensures your mascara will never run or flake—no matter how many tears are shed. The cult-favorite formula comes in black, brown, and bright blue shades. Benefits: Thickening, Lengthening Nordstrom rating: 4.2/5 A Nordstrom reviewer says: 'Of all the waterproof mascaras I have used, this is by far my favorite. It separates my lashes, makes them look long, long, long, and never smudges under my eyes. It doesn't seem to contain fibres that end up flaking off and bothering my eyes, like some others. And it comes off completely with a luxurious cleanser. This is the only mascara I've used for the last 14 years. Love that it works so well and makes my eyelashes look so great!' There's nothing worse than a clumpy mascara application, and when you love to layer your mascara as much as I do, you understand the struggle. Fortunately, Mac has solved all our clumpy conundrums with its MacStack Waterproof Mascara. Designed to be layered (or 'stacked'), this waterproof formula can be built up to its highest potential, providing customizable volume and length that lasts 24 hours, thanks to the brand's iMAC's Drench-Defense Technology. Benefits: Custom length and volume A Nordstrom reviewer says: 'Although this mascara was priced on the high end for me, I wanted one that would last while on vacation at the beach, and this was it! It doesn't budge, it doesn't clump when stacking and last all day. It's the perfect mascara for me' A mascara that delivers extreme, long-lasting volume while making your natural lashes softer? Yes, please. Infused with iris extract, the YSL Lash Clash Extreme Volume Waterproof Mascara conditions your eyelashes as you wear it. The nourishing formula also boasts 48 hours of maximum thickness and color. Sephora rating: 4.3/5 A Sephora reviewer says: 'Yves Saint Laurent's Lash Clash Extreme Volume Waterproof Mascara is now my holy grail mascara. I have been on the hunt for a good waterproof mascara forever. I have oily lids and some waterproof mascaras would still end up under my eyes, giving me raccoon eyes. Or, some waterproof mascaras don't really provide length or volume. It goes smoothly, doesn't clump. It really provides great length and volume. I also wear contact lenses and found this mascara comfortable to wear. I will repurchase once I run out.' Oquendo swears by the Serge Lutens Mascara, because—to put it plainly—it really does it all. One swipe delivers long-lasting volume and impressive lash length; the one-sided comb applicator is amazing at separating each lash as you swipe, and works to physically extend the look of your lash. Plus, it comes in two unique shades: a deep black brown and a transparent version filled with fibers. Benefits: Volumizing, lengthening, separating Shades: 2 Serge Lutens rating: 5/5 A Serge Lutens reviewer says: 'Speechless... Expensive it ? absolutely! Does not clump, does not smudge, has staying power.' Vincent Oquendo is a celebrity makeup artist based in New York City, and the host of his talk show 'Backseat Beauties.' 'Most waterproof mascaras contain silicone and polymers, which is what creates the waterproof barrier between your lashes and the formula,' explains Oquendo. Additionally, they're often infused with waxes, which repel water and provide a base for other ingredients to adhere to. Application is generally the same, though Oquendo warns, 'waterproof mascaras can take a little longer to dry, so when I'm applying it on my clients' lashes, I allow for extra drying time.' As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty writer Emma Aerin Becker spoke with a renowned makeup artist about waterproof mascaras. She also tried a few herself, searched the internet for heated round brushes, perused reviews for dozens of popular options, and evaluated each on its features and customer reviews. The Best Brown Mascaras for a Natural Lash The Best Mascaras According to ELLE Editors The Best Eyeliners, From Pencils to Gels The Best Cream Eyeshadows for Long-Lasting Looks The Best Eyeshadow Sticks for Breezy Application
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ashtabula council hears concerns on railroad underpass
ASHTABULA — A visitor shared concerns about a railroad underpass on Lake Avenue at a city council meeting Monday. Anthony Oquendo said he and other local residents are concerned the bridge is deteriorating. '[Other residents] share the same thought that I do, when driving underneath the bridge — that thought of 'I hope today isn't the day it collapses,'' he said. Oquendo gave council members photos of the bridge he said he took and shared over social media. 'They show significant corrosion eating away at the steel beams that hold the structure together,' he said. 'The response to those images have been overwhelming to say the least, with over 340 shares, and hundreds of comments from residents.' Oquendo said the underpass becoming impassible could delay ambulances reaching Ashtabula Regional Medical Center. Ashtabula City Manager Jim Timonere said he will be talking with CSX about the bridge at a meeting he has scheduled with them. 'We need to get down the path of how they're going to replace that bridge in my opinion,' he said. 'Those are ongoing discussions that we have had with them for several years.' Timonere said the city may soon reach out to congressional leadership on the issue. Timonere said CSX is federally required to do annual inspections, but the results are not available to the city. The city began independent annual inspections a few years ago, he said. 'It certainly wasn't an A, but it wasn't an F,' he said. 'It was somewhere in the middle.' Council President John Roskovics said council could pass a resolution calling for the bridge to be replaced, which would then be sent to CSX and the federal government. Before their meeting, council had a public hearing on establishing a Designated Outdoor Recreation Area in the Harbor. According to the Ohio Department of Commerce, a DORA is a geographical area exempt from certain open container laws. Timonere said the DORA would include several venues along Bridge Street. 'We're trying to establish this for the historic Ashtabula Harbor area,' he said. Timonere said special cups would be given out at establishments as part of the DORA. There was no public comment at the hearing, but council questioned Timonere on the issue. Roskovics asked what would happen if a person kept a DORA cup, and used it for outside alcohol in the DORA. Timonere said he and city law enforcement know they will have to look out for that. Council will vote on the DORA as their June 2 meeting. Timonere hopes the DORA will be in place by the start of the Beach Glass Festival, in late June. Council amended an agreement with the Eastgate Regional Council of Governments for the city's downtown revitalization project, which is focusing on improvements to Main Street. Timonere said Eastgate was interested in directly paying contractors for the project. Council welcomed Vladimir Kan as the city's new finance director. He replaces Marie Yvrose Augustin, whose last day was Friday. The city entered into a contract with Lake Erie Construction Company, for them to repair a section of guardrail on West Avenue. 'It looks like it's been hit, although we don't have any police reports on it,' Timonere said. City firefighters will be eligible for the position of fire lieutenant after seven years of service, as opposed to ten, after council changed civil service regulations. Council will vote on 11 proposed zoning moratoriums at the June 2 meeting. They are on: • Accessory structures over 200 square feet • Auto and truck rental locations • Boarding and rooming houses not licensed by Ohio Housing Recovery • Check cashing and payday lending businesses • Convenience and dollar stores • E-cigarette, vaping and tobacco sales • Food trucks with permanent locations • Junk and scrap yards • Motor vehicle fuel dispensing • Thrift and secondhand stores • Used and new motor vehicle sales locations
