Interview with anthology author Angelique Velez contributing the chapter titled "For The Love of Beauty" to Volume II Deserts to Mountaintops: Choosing Our Healing Through Radical Self-Acceptance.

Angelique Velez, can quite literally say "love raised me, lipstick saved me". Makeup artist and founder of Breakups to Makeup, Velez used her own personal journey with heartbreak to fuel the creation of Breakups to Makeup (B2M), which is now the one of the country's most sought after high-quality accessory and apparel brands for makeup enthusiasts. Sold online and in retail stores including Sephora, QVC, Walmart, Urban Outfitters, Ricky's and NYLON Shop.

Born and raised in New York from Puerto Rican and Cuban descent Velez launched B2M in June 2013 to spread the message that makeup is more than just a simple product, but also an art form. As a makeup artist for more than a decade, Angelique recognized the importance of this creative outlet and wanted a way to educate and inspire others while turning heartbreak into moments of self- celebration.

Under her leadership, unmatched creativity and massive passion for adding a touch of wit and glam to Breakups to Makeup, her infamous clutches "Love Raised Me Lipstick Saved Me" to "I Would Cry But My Mascara is Designer," have been seen in the hands of legends such as Cher to being featured in national media outlets such Refinery29, Marie Claire, Allure and Latina, to name a few.

Prior to embracing entrepreneurship and dedicating herself full time to her passion project, Velez was, and still is, a professional makeup artist. Velez has had the opportunity to be a part of fashion shows for Michael Kors, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Project Runway, Alexander Wang and Tommy Hilfiger. She has also worked notable televised events multiple times including the MTV Video Music Awards and Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. She is also a proud member of the IATSE Local 798 Union.

Velez currently resides in New York, but enjoys traveling, while also being a full-time mom. She has a podcast, called Hey Glowfriend, that encompasses her entire journey, which is available on all podcast platforms. Learn more at www.breakupstomakeup.com or on instagram @theangeliquetechnique and @breakupstomakeup.

See more about Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies: desertstomountaintops.com
See more from Soul Speak Press: soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: Website

This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, a NYT Bestselling author, speaker, survivor and founder of Soul Speak Press. Soul Speak Press is a boutique non-traditional publishing company focused on publishing stories from women who have been through something, now they know something, and can teach us something.

Learn more about Jessica's first book: Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six

Learn more about the Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies. If you're interested in hearing interviews with our Soul Speak Press authors, check out the Deserts to Mountaintops Podcast.

Interview with anthology author Amie J. Woeber contributing the chapter titled "Finding My Voice in Mexico" to Volume II Deserts to Mountaintops: Choosing Our Healing Through Radical Self-Acceptance.

Amie J. Woeber was born and raised in South Florida but has lived all over the world. Professionally she has been working to promote democracy, human rights, and good governance in East Africa, the Middle East, and the Pacific Islands for almost a decade. A wander, a writer, and dedicated idealist, Amie is passionate about empowering other women and making our voices heard. She also believes that mental health issues should be de-stigmatized for all and wants to use her story as way to encourage others to seek help when they need it. Amie resides in Washington, DC, on a houseboat with her dog, Capt. Cotter Fíodìor of County Cork who’s traveled around the world with her. They’re both always in search of their next adventure. Connect with Amie on Instagram @theamazingames or on LinkedIn at Amie J. Woeber.

See more about Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies: desertstomountaintops.com
See more from Soul Speak Press: soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: Website

This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, a NYT Bestselling author, speaker, survivor and founder of Soul Speak Press. Soul Speak Press is a boutique non-traditional publishing company focused on publishing stories from women who have been through something, now they know something, and can teach us something.

Learn more about Jessica's first book: Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six

Learn more about the Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies. If you're interested in hearing interviews with our Soul Speak Press authors, check out the Deserts to Mountaintops Podcast.

Interview with anthology author Kim Osburn contributing the chapter titled "Just As I Am" to Volume II Deserts to Mountaintops: Choosing Our Healing Through Radical Self-Acceptance.

Kim McHarg Osburn is a proud wife and mother, a musician, a breast cancer survivor, and an LBGTQ+ Christian. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she was raised in a Presbyterian Church (USA) by an Evangelical, adoptive father who made a lot of mistakes, but never wavered in demonstrating the love of God to her and anyone he encountered. Kim attended college in Morehead, Kentucky, graduating with a Bachelor of Music degree and an “MRS degree” – she met and married the love of her life, Tim Osburn.

Kim has worked teaching private music lessons, and as a worship leader for various Evangelical churches. She holds a Master of Human Services: Marriage and Family degree from Liberty University, and a Graduate Certificate in Behavioral Analysis from the University of Cincinnati. Her ambition was to work as a professional counselor, but becoming a mother to a child on the autism spectrum inspired her to move in a different direction. Currently she is a stay-at-home mom, author, and a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant.

Having encountered a myriad of problems in Evangelical churches, particularly in attitudes expressed towards LGBTQ+ people and those who suffer from mental illness, Kim began deconstructing her faith. Today she identifies as a bi, queer, Exvangelical, progressive Catholic with OCD. Kim can be found on Instagram and Facebook, where she shares about her experiences with religious deconstruction at @evolvingpursuit2023, about living with OCD at @mylifewithocd2023, and her general misadventures at @kimosburnblog.

See more about Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies: desertstomountaintops.com
See more from Soul Speak Press: soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: Website

This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, a NYT Bestselling author, speaker, survivor and founder of Soul Speak Press. Soul Speak Press is a boutique non-traditional publishing company focused on publishing stories from women who have been through something, now they know something, and can teach us something.

Learn more about Jessica's first book: Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six

Learn more about the Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies. If you're interested in hearing interviews with our Soul Speak Press authors, check out the Deserts to Mountaintops Podcast.