How To Help So Cal Fires Passion Squared hd

How To Help Those Affected By The So Cal Fires

December 11, 2017Nina KovnerGIVE BACK

As 2017 comes to a close, it seems like it one way it will be remembered will be the year of the natural disaster, and the year of helping those in need and being so grateful for the brave first responders.

With so many of you, your families, animals, loved ones, communities and clients being impacted by this most recent tragedy, I wanted to share some resources with you if you want to help or need help. As with anything, please do your own research and do what speaks to your heart, even it is means simply hitting the share button.

The Lilac Fire in particular hit way too close to home for me as my Stepmom and Brother live inside the mandatory evacuation and my Mom and our best family friends live only a few miles outside of the evacuations. They are all safe, and for that, we are so grateful.

“Look for the helpers.” Mister Rogers

So Cal Fires 12.11.17

Image via Google Crisis Response 

Here is a list of some resources I have vetted, but again, please do your own research and support whatever speaks to your heart…

Professional Beauty Association Disaster Relief Fund
Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
Human Society of Ventura
Go Fund Me Direct Impact Fund + Fire Related Go Fund Me Campaigns  (for the individual fire related campaigns, swipe left on mobile to see ALL campaigns)
Facebook Crisis Response 
San Luis Rey Training Center Go Fund Me
Kwasney Fire Fund  (this is a specific family of my friend and beauty industry leader Riawna Capri)
Urbane Cafe Adopt A Box
Thomas Fire Fund

As always, if you want to find a way to help, simply Google “ways to help So Cal fire victims”. If you want to create your own fundraiser to help, here is a blog I wrote a few months ago on How To Create A Fundraiser + Give Back 

Our hearts and prayers are with all those suffering.

With love-
Nina @passionsquared

how to create a fundraiser passion squared

How To Create A Fundraiser + Give Back

August 31, 2017Nina KovnerGIVE BACK, GROW

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

Like many of you, my heart has been breaking since the news of Hurricane Harvey began rolling in. The images of so much suffering, pain, helplessness and loss. Images that most likely will stay with us forever.

But here is what I know to be true. There is way more good in our world than we realize. And it’s in times like this that we get to see it more than ever. Let us all remember that next time we feel like giving up on humanity.

Since I have been getting so many questions about how to create a fundraiser to help, I decided to create this blog, in hopes that it will give you some framework to create your event.

How To Set Up and Host A Fundraiser

Step 1- Purpose
Choose a cause/s to support and how you will support them. This can range from raising money through service and product sales, to tip collection or collecting items needed for a specific cause. Be sure to do your research on the cause as many are skeptical of charities focus and intentions.

Step 2- Enlist 
Enlist local businesses and community members to get their support. This can be asking for a location host, a refreshment donation, products, supplies and help getting the word out which will be a BIG part of a successful event

Step 3- Budget/Goal
Create some type of budget for the event and a goal of how much you want to raise or how many items you want to collect

Step 4- Communications + Social Media 
Gather all the details; cause, location, date, time, how to RSVP, contact info, etc. and create a graphic and share that with the group who has agreed to support promoting the event. For free events Eventbrite is a good tool to use to get an idea of how much interest there is.

Tap into the power of social media, as we have been reminded of this past week, it has the power to do many things, including saving lives. Use local hashtags and tag local businesses. This can create energy and discovery around your event. Be sure that everyone involved is using the hashtags.

Step 5- Responsibilities
Determine what you will need for the event including supplies, support staff, communications, marketing, payment processing, information on the causes, refreshment delivery, set up, clean up, etc. and who will be responsible. Make a list, and communicate!

Step 6- Delivering The Donation 
Determine how you will deliver the donations. This is really important when it comes to collecting items, think shipping, shipping costs, etc. If it is a monetary donation, decide the date the donation will be made and who will be making it

Step 7- Thanking Your Supporters 
Post event, tally up your donations and create a graphic/thank you’s to share your gratitude with all involved with your fundraiser and how they made a difference

Step 8- Gratitude
Be grateful AF that you have the means and desire to make a difference + have fun!

A big shout out to Sara, @prettycutanddry who lit this fire for us and to @cooperativesalon for creating space for us in So Cal to do something awesome for the people in need. I am so grateful to be part of a community that has such a passion for lifting up those around us.

Love + Gratitude-
Nina

If you are still looking for ways to support the victims of Hurricane Harvey, here are some causes I have researched and support.

And if you are feeling depressed and overwhelmed by all of this tragedy, click here to read a message I shared about that on Instagram.

Mentors + Models

Mentors + Models

October 16, 2015Nina KovnerENGAGE, GIVE BACK, GROW

“Mentors speed up the process of learning.” Gary Vaynerchuk

In my awesome career, I would never have gotten where I was without mentors and models. Sounds like such a simple statement, yet there are still so many that wander around, stumble over and over, and are generally lost. I hear so often of stories of professionals who are just not sure what to do with their careers.

What really blows my mind is there are mentors and models everywhere. So many awesome people, successful people, doing big things. With the social + digital web, there is NO excuse to not have a mentor or at least, models to observe and study.

So why does it seem so many are still lost? Here is my take…

1. Some people will always look for a short cut.
And there are no real short cuts to creating awesome. We all know this person. All the advice they have been given seems daunting, so they decide to just go it alone. Until they hit a big wall.

2. Some people are listening to the wrong people.
Facebook, Instagram and the web are all awesome for a gazillion reasons. It’s also one of the biggest places to find the WORST advice and recommendations. OMG, the stuff I see people talking about. Ugh. One of the most important things about finding mentors and models is to know their track record. What is their experience? Do they speak in facts or theories? We must all be very mindful of who we listen to and what we believe. I mean really, we are talking about people’s businesses and lives.

3. Some people are selfish.
Sad but true. One of my biggest mentors and all around awesome humans John Paul DeJoria says “Success unshared is failure.” Truer words have never been spoken. True leaders offer their hands, minds and hearts to those who need it.

Three ways to find mentors + models

1. Pay attention.
If you are looking for a business mentor or model, find successful businesses and who is leading them. With the social web, it is easier than ever to discover awesomeness. One of my go-to people for creating awesome as a salon owner is Keri Davis of Gila Rut Salons. In business over 20 years and a NAHA MBA Salon of the Year winner, Keri has managed to lead a happy, healthy and profitable business consistently over time. I did a Passion Profile on her which you can read here. It’s awesome, just like her.

2. Join Hairbrained
Hairbrained.me is a community of passionate artists and leaders who are more than happy to open their hearts and minds and help others. And anyone you want to reach out to is only a click away.

3. Engage On Instagram
There are so many awesome mentors + models who are caring, open, kind and passionate about empowering others. Take the time to engage with these awesome humans, and you will find they will engage back.

How can you be a mentor or model?

1. Show Up
If you have a passion for helping others and have a successful track record in your area of passion, then reach out and share your awesomeness with others, both online and off.

2. Respond
This is one of my BIGGEST pet peeves. Seriously. If I had a dollar for every time I was told that a so called leader did not respond or reply when someone reached out for help I would be a gazillionaire. Look, you can ignore people if you choose, but if you do, please don’t call yourself a mentor or leader.

Our world can be so much more awesome when we realize we are one. And the more we help people, connect people, love people, empower people and support people, the better we all become. It does not get any simpler than that.

Are you looking for a mentor or model? Maybe I can help connect you. One thing I will promise you, I will show up, share, respond and reply.

Want more? Here is a little vid I did for my friends at American Salon Magazine. Enjoy!

Love + Awesomeness-
Nina

Eden Sassoon Seth Maxwell

A Thirst For Change

July 21, 2014Nina KovnerGIVE BACK, HEROES

“I always wondered why somebody doesn’t do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody.”

Lily Tomlin

 

Thirst Project logoHere is the audio version of this post. Thank you so much for listening.

There are a few times in our lives where we meet someone who touches our soul so deeply. This happened to me when I met Eden Sassoon, and shortly after, Eden introduced me to The Thirst Project. When the Universe speaks, I have learned to listen, and there is no doubt in my mind the Universe brought Eden and I together. That, and Instagram, and our dear friend Winn Claybaugh.

I am not one to jump on bandwagons, so to speak, and I know there are a gazillion humans in need, but Eden and The Thirst Project spoke to my heart so I decided to join my heart and hands with them along with some other awesome humans such as Kaz Amor, Tony Beckerman, Marylle Koken, Anthony Cress, Carrie Balion-McDonald, Erin Short, and Amy Gammon.

Eden Sassoon Seth Maxwell

“As an industry, we use a lot of water.  As an industry, it’s time to give some of it back.”

Eden Sassoon

 

Thirst Project Las Vegas July 2014
A few things that I love about The Thirst Project and why I think you may want to love & support them too…

1. It is one of the most practical efforts to solve a world issue; access to clean, safe drinking water. They build freshwater wells in counties of need. I know for me, I have always taken fresh water for granted. Not anymore.
The Thirst Project well

2. It is lead by some of the most passionate young humans I have ever met. I mean, Seth Maxwell, Founder & CEO of The Thirst Project, was only 19 years old when we was moved to action, only 6 short years ago. I had the honor of meeting Seth, along with Lucas Romick, Ops Manager of The Thirst Project, who is ONLY 20 years old!!! These guys are making shit happen, and are wise beyond their years.

Seth MaxwellEden Sassoon Lucas Romick

3. It is empowered by our youth. This maybe is what inspired me the most. So many people complain about our youth. About laziness, entitlement, you know, you have heard it before. I am one that feels the absolute opposite. Young people today give me hope.

I am inspired daily by the passion and belief that they do not have to accept the status quo. Their rebel with a cause attitude makes my heart smile. And The Thirst Project is fed through these passionate young souls, in middle schools, high schools and colleges around the country. My motto is do not hate that which you do not understand. Take a moment to understand how powerful our youth is. As a business leader, it’s your responsibility to.

What Passion Squared Is Doing…
1. Sharing The Thirst Project story through this blog, The Weekly Dose of Awesome newsletter, Facebook and Instagram.

2. Hosting a live Facebook chat with Eden and Seth on August 7th (time TBD), so you can connect with them, ask questions and learn more about The Thirst Project.

3. Getting my clients involved.

4. Donating $1 from each book (printed, audio book, ebook) I sell on my website.

What You Can Do If You Feel Inspired…
1. Visit The Thirst Project to learn more.

2. Like & follow The Thirst Project on Facebook and Instagram.

3. Donate $1 and ask your friends, family and co-workers to do the same.

4. Spread the word.

It is such an honor & I am so grateful to join with Eden and her amazing team, Seth, Lucas and The Thirst Project to solve a simple yet devastating issue. Click here to join us!

Love + Awesomeness-
Nina

Photo credits: The Thirst Project, Salon Today, Eden Sassoon, Google

Molly Deimeke

Social Good

June 16, 2014Nina KovnerENGAGE, GIVE BACK, HEROES

“We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men; and among those fibers, as sympathetic threads, our actions run as causes, and they come back to us as effects.”

Herman Melville

 

Molly Deimeke

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the audio version of this post. Thank you so much for listening.

This is a story about social good. And about a beautiful hairdresser I know named Molly. And how some awesome heroes, and Facebook, saved her life.

We have become so jaded it seems, complaining about the platforms we choose to be on, about the ugliness that is shared, about the political rants. But while all of that is going on, something awesome happened. A life was saved.

Molly decided to follow her heart and travel the world. Something many dream of, but she had the courage to do it. I have been following her adventures via Facebook, as her family and friends had been too. To watch her have so much joy and freedom, so much adventure and happiness was so inspiring.

Then something happened. She had an accident. In Laos. She had no ID on her. She was going to die.

A few brave and selfless heroes saved her life. They needed to find her family. Find out her last name. Find her belongings. Find treatment. And it was done via Facebook.

Dianna Sholomon

You see, the social web is what we make it. Just like anything. We can find it empowering, for ourselves, our communities and our businesses, or we can be mad at it. We can choose to add value to the conversation, or muddy it up with ugliness and TMI. We can choose to let it connect us, or push us away. It’s a choice. I am so grateful Molly, her family, her friends and the heroes that saved her life chose to use Facebook as a way to connect and share. As a way to stay in touch. A way in which it is meant to be used.

Molly has a long road to recovery ahead of her. If you feel inspired to share this story, share. If you feel inspired to donate to Molly’s recovery, click here Molly Deimeke GoFundMe.

To learn more about Molly’s story and the heroes who saved her life, click here. And bring the tissues. You will need it.

Love + Awesomeness-
Nina