 Happy end of July Orlando Millennial Readers! WOW! Time has flown this year! I hope that everyone has been enjoying their summer, perhaps relaxing, maybe trying out some of the local or small businesses that I have been sharing with you all, perhaps traveling. For me it has been a somewhat busy summer as I had shoulder surgery early June so it has been a lot of physical therapy. Plus, being a teacher, the summer time is my time to catch up on doctor's appointments and any other things that I can't do during the school year. But back to what you came here for - my next feature in the Support Local Businesses section! This business features fierce local entrepreneur, Samantha of Fierce Body Fitness, LLC! I'll let you learn more below: What is the name of your business? Fierce Body Fitness, LLC What type of business is it - what do you offer? I offer Personal Training for females - Strength Training and HIIT Training. I offer training at my clients home, where I bring my equipment and also I have my own facility right in Horizon West, Winter Garden. I only travel to Winter Garden and Windermere. When a client signs up I give them a business card which states on there if they have a friend who signs up for a package, then my client that is already established gets a free session. What made you get into this? What is your favorite part about what you do? Born and raised in NYC, I have always been into fitness! Whether it was going for walks or jogging in Central Park, going to the gym to workout, or just taking the bicycle out, I was always active. Not only is it about fitness for me, but its about my clients and to help them to become healthier and stronger. It's a lifestyle change, there's no going back! I'm all about changing lives! What else would you like to share with us? I offer free consultations where we discuss what their daily routines are, their goals, nutrition, pricing, schedules, a health questionnaire, and any questions that they might have. Where can we find out more? Website: www.fiercebody-fitness.com Instagram: fierce_body_fitness Phone# 407-561-3777 Google: Fierce Body Fitness, Winter Garden, FL Personal message from The Orlando Millennial: Michelle here! I have not personally had the chance to work with Samantha at Fierce Body Fitness, LLC - YET! Unfortunately, I'm currently recovering from shoulder surgery, but I am hoping to visit with her once that is squared away. I do recommend checking out her social media, contacting her, and helping support this local boss babe! If you do, be sure to let us know how much you loved working with Samantha in the comments for our other readers! Thanks for reading!
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 I'm so humbled and thankful to have been nominated as one of Orlando Voyager Magazine's "Inspiring" people! I was interviewed and it was published on June 29th.
You can read the full article HERE! 
I'm back with another spotlight on a small (and local!) business. This small business is a bit different than you might expect, as Michelle Holly Recommends doesn't just sell things - she is actually an educator turned blogger turned mother turned children's book author! I mean, aren't most mothers a whole bunch of things rolled into one? I thought it would be really cool to highlight what Michelle Holly has been doing, as I felt it was unique and might be something some of you out there might be interested in learning about. So, before I give anything else away, here is her story:
Before we get started, can you introduce yourself and tell everyone a bit about your background? Thanks for this opportunity to share my passion for writing. I’m Michelle Holly, a Mommy Blogger, applying 18 years of professional education expertise to raising my own one-year-old daughter! I’ve been an elementary and middle school teacher, a dean, testing coordinator, instructional coach and am currently on a leave of absence to stay home with my daughter. I started blogging about two years ago. My latest blog is called Michelle Holly Recommends and it’s based on activities, games and books I use with my daughter. With my background, I naturally include learning into what we are doing. I started this with my sister’s daughters seven years ago. She would always be in awe of the questions I would ask or things I would do and told me I should share this knowledge with others, so that’s the inspiration for sharing what I know on my latest blog, Michelle Holly Recommends. I know moms are busy, so I keep my blogs to the point, with some ideas to share, in the hopes that at least one idea can be applied to help our kids be the smartest on the block! 
Your family life changed not that long ago, can you tell us a bit about this exciting change?
Yes, such an exciting change! My husband and I adopted our daughter about a year and a half ago. During our journey to parenthood, I started my first blog to share our story. I just had two miscarriages, three unsuccessful IUIs, and we were at a place of discouragement. There’s a very talented spoken word artist named Hosanna Wong who came to speak at our church, First Orlando. In her message, “I have a new name” I felt led to be a “messenger” and share my story and our journey to parenthood, whether it was going to be biological or through adoption. Once I did, I had about twenty women who privately shared their stories with me, of either miscarriage, infertility issues, or were also considering adoption. While I was experiencing heartache, my heart was also sparked because I was able to offer encouragement to others in my situation. I had an undeniable hope in God that He had the best plans for me and I sincerely wanted to share with others where my hope came from and that they too, could have the same hope. I started a Mommy Monday Prayer Wall, where I prayed for other women who wanted to be a mommy, and mommyhood came to fruition for about ten of us! 
So now you have published TWO children’s books. Is your daughter the reason for this or was there another reason? Can you tell us about these books?
When my husband and I flew out to the city where our daughter was born, one of the first things we did was buy Jimmy Fallon’s Mama and Dada books. We read them to our daughter each day we were in the hospital together and she has had at least one book read to her every day since. I didn’t find too many picture books about adoption that were simple enough to read to my baby and that would express how much I love her. So I wrote, “The Moment I Met You” which is a book about the reminders I have all day long of how much I have loved my daughter ever since that first moment I saw her in the little baby carrier in the hospital. It is a moment that floods me with so many happy emotions and memories. I wanted to capture it in a book that I could read to my daughter at any time, but also for other adoptive parents to have as well. My younger sister, Melanie, illustrated the pictures in such a way that represents the diversity of adoptive families.
My second book, “Counting Time with an Easter Rhyme” was inspired by my mom’s crocheted creations she makes for her three granddaughters. My other sister, Melissa, photographed the crocheted Easter eggs and bunny. I love reading rhyming books to my daughter because they are easy to sing and my daughter loves music. Being an educator at heart, I love adding a learning aspect to what we do, so this book can be used for counting 1-12, identifying colors, and I touch upon the meaning of Easter in a simple way for children. I even include five tips to help parents engage with their children as they read. Put this all together, and my second book came to life! It’s going to look perfect in my daughter’s Easter basket! (Blogger note - this interview was before Easter)
Do you have any plans for writing any more books?
Yes, I would love to get a book contract with a book publisher! I also hope to continue reaching others through my blog so that I can share what I know to help others. I noticed that you shared on Instagram that I was a “Local Author” and that really meant a lot to me. Until recently, I wouldn’t have really claimed that title! I was able to be part of a Bible study group focused on writing at my church and it was led by a (for real!) Local Author, Stacey Thacker. We all met weekly to talk about our writing, and she had us say out loud, “I am a writer!” She was extremely encouraging and through her leading, I felt that this is a path God has led me on and it was good to be reminded of that.
Do you have anything else to share with us?
About twenty years ago, I wanted to be a children’s book writer. I put the dream on the back burner for a while, or so I thought. What I didn’t realize was this whole time I was writing in various ways. When I think someone needs encouragement, I listen for what God might tell me that they need to hear and I write notes and thank you cards to others that make them cry happy tears. My social media posts and comments hopefully spread positivity. As an educator, I write emails, tutorials and presentations for students, teachers and parents. I started a professional Twitter account and blog because I truly enjoy sharing what I learn with others. I felt most impactful when I was able to share my journey to parenthood and see how it helped and encouraged others. I hope I can always use the writing talent God gave me to inspire hope in others and to help families engage together. 
Where can we find your books for purchase?
Both books, The Moment I Met You and Counting Time with an Easter Rhyme are available on Amazon in paperback and kindle form. The Moment I Met You: https://amzn.to/3mXliyo Counting time with an Easter Rhyme: https://amzn.to/3aguKYD
If we want to follow you to see more that you have to offer in the future or things that you recommend, where can we do that?
Thanks for asking! I have been able to expand upon my adventures with my daughter and two nieces in my blog, www.MichelleHollyRecommends.blogspot.com. In this blog, I share my recommendations for toys and books. I talk about various developmental stages of children’s learning and how to incorporate learning into the toys we play with and books we read. Recently, I started blogging about places we are visiting with ideas of things to do before, during and after your visit. My goal is to share with parents how we can spark learning and engagement in everyday things we do. Follow me on Instagram @Michelle_Holly_Recommends And I’d love for you to like my Facebook Page @MichelleHollyRecommends YouTube: More Time to Gather
Personal message from The Orlando Millennial: Michelle here! Michelle Holly has been someone I have known on a personal level for 4 years now. She is someone I call a mentor, a friend, a neighbor, and just one of the most amazing women I am honestly blessed to have met in my life. I was so elated when I learned she was going to be adopting her daughter and I've been so happy to see all that has happened since. In a world where many are learning that not everyone fits into cookie cutter norms, I felt that her book telling an adopted child how much they are loved was something special that many others might want to learn about. I love that she shares her story about her pregnancy struggles pre-adoption, but also lifts up those that are going through similar struggles. I highly recommend following Michelle Holly Recommends, whether you have a child or not, because she is sure to show you some great new things to teach a child or some awesome places to visit around Central Florida! I hope that this story brought a smile to your face and that you will share with someone that you know. Thanks for reading!
 Averi's Mane Treats can make large pies and mini pies! Happy Pi Day! Our next local business to be featured in the Support Local Businesses section of The Orlando Millennial is a SWEET one! This business is actually ran by a middle school student in the Horizon West area of Central Florida, and readers - you must try her treats! I think the interview below speaks for itself, so I won't give too much away. Enjoy learning more about Averi's Mane Treats!  Averi was featured in the Southwest Orange Observer for her small business! What is the name of your business? Averi's Mane Treats What type of business is it - what do you offer? I'm a baker and I offer different pastries or treats. I also make treats for horses/dogs.  What made you decide to create a business at such a young age? I wanted to help raise money to help pay for horses, lessons, showing, and all the items needed for horse riding is very expensive. Since starting Averi’s Mane Treats, what have you been able to accomplish? Have you reached many of your goals? I have been able to accomplish raising money, but I have not yet reached my goal for my saddle or shows. I have paid for many items such as riding boots, bags, clothes, and more.  Averi’s Mane Treats has been around for a while now, what is your favorite part about this business of yours? My favorite part of my business is baking and learning how to accomplish anything I dream up. I know horses are very expensive, so I turned my favorite hobby (baking) into a business.  Do you think you will continue this business past the pandemic? Do you ever think about opening up a shop in the future? I will continue this after the pandemic to continue horses, but I don't want to open a shop, I just want to stay small. I would, however, love to partner with a local coffee shop or restaurant, or even farm market. It would be great if they could place an order or two a week and I could deliver it then they can serve it by the slice!  What else would you like to share with us? I can also do custom orders for parties or small events. Where can we find out more on how to order or what you are offering for the week? My St. Patrick's Day menu will be up tomorrow, and I'm offering rainbow cupcakes and Guinness cheesecake brownies. You can visit Averi's Mane Treats by visiting Facebook or Instagram!  Personal message from The Orlando Millennial: Michelle here! I personally have purchased many delectable sweet treats from Averi's Mane Treats since the beginning of the pandemic and I can highly recommend! I have ordered both off her weekly menus and ordered custom treats. Averi is great to work with and can even make items according to dietary restrictions - like Keto or sugar-free friendly! With it being Pi day and St. Patrick's Day just around the corner, be sure to check out Averi's Mane Treats and please be sure to tell them that The Orlando Millennial sent you!
 The next local business that I am featuring does not have a brick and mortar location. I love how many people have started to go out on their own and start their own small businesses with all of their personal creations! What is the name of your business? Kreations by Kelz  What type of business is it - what do you offer? It is a t-shirt business, but I make tote bags and masks as well. I specialize in sports mom shirts, but I do make others as well.  What made you get into this? Whenever my family has a party or get together we get shirts made. It started to get pricey so I learned how to do it and I absolutely love it, now I make all our shirts.
What else would you like to share with us? I am very passionate about my products and each one is made with love.  Where can we find out more, purchase, or see your product? You can find my products on: IG: @kreationsby_kelz Facebook: Kreations by Kelz  Personal message from The Orlando Millennial: Michelle here! Thank you for reading this installment of Support Local section! I am very happy to be bringing these businesses to the forefront and making others aware of them. Please note that although I have not personally purchased from Kreations by Kelz as of yet, I still recommend checking out her pages listed above and supporting local businesses such as hers. Thank you!
 I'm very excited to announce our first ever "Support Small" blog post for our new section on the blog, Support Small Businesses! Just like supporting local businesses has been important to me, supporting small has been important as well, and even now more than ever I have been trying to support small - whether it is local, or all over the United States. Many people are being hit hard because of COVID - whether they lost their job, took on extra bills, or are just trying something new, there are so many ways we can support small businesses these days from the comfort of our homes! To start off our very FIRST post in this series, we have Enchanted Etc. Enchanted Etc. is a small business located in Florida. What is the name of your business? Enchanted Etc. What type of business is it - what do you offer? Floral Inspired Mouse Ears What made you get into this? In June 2016, Tina (owner, designer, and creator of Enchanted Etc.) and her mom spent an afternoon enjoying the topiaries and blooms at Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival. Excited to participate in the magic, Tina searched the park for a pair of floral mouse ears but unfortunately found nothing that matched what she envisioned. After some thought, Tina decided to design her own pair, posted them on social media, and received a ton of compliments. That’s when Enchanted Etc. blossomed! Tina uses her creativity and imagination (sprinkled with a little magic), to design her beautiful and unique inspired floral mouse ears.  What is your favorite part of doing what you do? I love seeing all the cute pictures our customers post of their floral inspired mouse ears at the parks. I also enjoy hearing how much people love them; it makes me happy to hear all of the positive feedback.   What else would you like to share with us? Enchanted Etc.’s mouse ears are handmade for special occasions, holidays, sports teams, characters, etc ... the list is endless. You can find Enchanted Etc. on Facebook and Instagram.
 Personal message from The Orlando Millennial: Michelle here! I personally used to be a product ambassador for Enchanted Etc. a few years back and have continued to wear these gorgeous ears! I get SO many compliments when I do as they are unique and beautiful! There are so many different styles and the band does not give me a headache. Be sure to follow Enchanted Etc. on social media and check out the Etsy page!
 I'm very excited to announce our first ever "Support Local" blog post for our new section on the blog, Support Local Businesses! Supporting local businesses has always been important to me, but during this last year I think it has really opened my eyes even more so. I have been trying as much as possible to support as many local businesses, local entrepreneurs, furloughed and laid off cast members, and more rather than the larger companies. Central Florida has SO much to offer, and my hope with these posts is to show you just that! And to start off our very FIRST post in this series, we have Yoga instructor Ashley McNairy and local Yoga Studio, Elevate Yoga Center.  What type of business do you offer? Elevate Yoga Center is a yoga studio that offers a wide variety of classes and services so there is truly something for everyone. Our studio offers traditional mat classes as well as aerial yoga and fitness. Both styles of classes are available in the studio or online.  What made you interested in Yoga? How long have you been practicing? Years ago when I first got into fitness programs I found that yoga day was always my favorite. I began watching videos, following instagrams and reading blogs that all revolved around yoga. I loved feeling that natural physical progression as I was slowly able to hold my balance in poses and achieve harder variations. Eventually, I started attending Elevate and began to learn the philosophy and roots of yoga. Before I knew it I had a regular yoga and meditation practice of my own which has truly helped me find balance and peace in my own life. What made you choose to take the leap and become a Yoga instructor? I’ve always had an interest in becoming a yoga instructor, and finally last year the timing seemed right. My studio was starting a yoga teacher training that was led by my favorite instructors and I felt I had to take that leap. COVID hit which was a rude awakening for all of us, but this training honestly saved me. It really helped keep me active (physically and mentally) as well as maintain my inner peace throughout the experience. The training was hybrid due to COVID, we started off virtually at home and eventually moved back to the studio. I learned so much more from this training than I ever expected to, it was one of the best experiences of my life.  Many who have not practiced yoga before have this idea that it will be too hard for them - too many difficult poses. Do you think this is true? Do you feel yoga is only for one type of person? As someone considered “overweight” I would definitely say NO! Yoga is for every body! Not to say that every single human would enjoy a yoga practice, but every single human body is capable. Yoga is more about connecting to your truest self than it is about handstands. There is no pre-requisite for a yoga class. In fact, when I first started I couldn’t even touch my toes (and I still can’t do a hand stand). Part of being a good yoga instructor is making sure to offer enough options so that every student in class can participate and feel comfortable. There is also many different styles of yoga. One of my favorites, Yin and Restorative, incorporates the use of pillows and blankets to reach maximum comfort. What made you choose to be an instructor at Elevate Yoga Center? I’ve attended this studio for years and really fell in love with the community there is here. All the teachers are wonderful and I’m honored to be teaching among them. I continue to learn from them every day and enjoy sharing what I’ve learned with my own students. What types of classes does Elevate Yoga Center offer? With COVID, are there any special classes that they offer or any changes that have been made? Most classes are offered with the option to attend from home and there is a large variety. From all-levels flow, yin, restorative, yin-yang, aerial, aerial fitness, aerial yin, BUTI and more. Check out our website to read the details of each style to determine which would fit your needs the best!  Is there anything else we should know? Any upcoming events, promotions, or more happening at Elevate Yoga Center? How can we help support YOU and Elevate Yoga Center? Yes! Elevate has events every month, sometimes every weekend! Whether you are looking for a glow in the dark yoga dance party or some quiet time to spend in reflection with guided meditation there is an event for you! Sound healing, nutritional education, manifestation and even astrology are some of the topics that are covered in the events.  Starting in April I will be hosting monthly workshop series titled “Yoga with the Stars” where you will learn the impact of the zodiac season on you as an individual, and enjoy a zodiac themed yoga practice for each sign. It is going to be so much fun, I can’t wait! As far as trainings, there is teacher trainings offered year around for both mat and aerial. I encourage you to join us for the next teacher training that begins in March, even if you are a yoga newbie it would be a great way to learn all the foundations of yoga and the philosophy behind it. You don’t have to become a teacher to enjoy or benefit from the program.  Where can we find out more and visit your classes? (include:website, phone, social, etc.) You should definitely check out our website: elevateyogacenter.com as well as follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more info! Download our app on your mobile device, searching for “elevate yoga center” to sign up for classes. Have questions? Feel free to follow me and reach out on Instagram as well. I’m always happy to answer and share the tools I’ve learned in my own self-healing journey. @lunar.yogini Elevate Yoga Center is located at: 3150 S Orange Ave. Orlando, FL 32806 Personal message from The Orlando Millennial: Michelle here! I personally have attended some of Ashley's (as well as some of the other instructors') classes via Zoom since the start of COVID and I can highly recommend this for those that are new to Yoga, as I was. I have not attended in person, but I have also recommended these classes to others that have since gone in person and even tried the aerial classes and they are in LOVE with them! I have done both yoga and meditation classes from home and its just a great way to feel connected to an actual local business while being in your home. I hope that you will give Elevate Yoga Center a chance and please be sure to tell them Orlando Millennial sent you!
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Hey Ya'll!
Hi all! I'm Michelle and I have been a lifestyle blogger since 2017. I used to host fun networking events around Orlando and now I've decided to take a step back and continue to focus on my favorite part - bringing you all the fun happenings around Central Florida, plus filling you in on my travels, life, and more! I'm a foodie, selfie-taking Millennial that loves spending time at the theme parks, traveling, and spending time with her dog, and trying new wine. I hope you enjoy reading my blog!
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