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Corporate Spotlight: stila’s Living Beauty, Sarah Lucero

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Currently serving as Global Executive Director of Creative Artistry for stila Cosmetics, Sarah Lucero is without a doubt a #GoddessBoss. Given her rockstar status, charismatic spirit, and experience with The Foundation for Living Beauty, we asked if she’d be willing to chat with us to kick off our first corporate spotlight. We covered everything from yoga retreats to brow pens, and how The Foundation for Living Beauty serves as a source of community and strength for women journeying with cancer. Our conversation unfolds below.

How did you get involved with The Foundation for Living Beauty?

My friend Janice, who was the head of PR at stila at the time, had arranged this event. Women were getting their hair done and their makeup done by stila, and were getting totally pampered. At the time, I was still going through chemotherapy for breast cancer, so for me it was great that she had aligned stila with that group. I’m so grateful that she did that.

I know that Janice had wanted to align with an organization like Aime’s, which asked the question: for women going through this right now, how do we help them during or after their experience in a way that’s less stressful?

On that same day, I got to meet Aime, mingle around, and meet these amazing women who were getting their makeup done. It was an emotional experience for me, yet it was this interesting environment that was both healing and comforting at the same time.

With The Foundation for Living Beauty, Janice found this great opportunity, stila donated money, and then through me and my situation it was the perfect timing and organization to align with in every way. I’m incredibly grateful that it all came together.

How did The Foundation for Living Beauty help you during your journey with cancer, and how has it impacted you since then? 

Number one, it connected me with so many other women going through something similar, which was comforting and a relief to know, in a way. When you’re going through cancer—or even after—you don’t know how you’re feeling. Especially afterwards, everyone’s like, “Yay let’s celebrate, it’s over,” and you’re still facing it.

It’s very lonely, and having a community of women who understand that without having to say or explain it is a blessing. It’s a relief to know that it’s ok to feel that way, even if you can’t quite articulate it. The Foundation was a community of support and strength that I didn’t even think I needed.

Number two, the yoga retreats… Tari Prinster who leads them is such a gift. The retreats taught me how to navigate my body, learn to trust my body, and feel strong again without fearing surgery or scar tissue or feeling unsure about something.

Meeting people just through the retreat, having the classes, learning the basics of nutrition and which things to incorporate now—the knowledge is exceedingly important.

There are so many different ways The Foundation has helped me and is still helping me. It’s a completely new way of life, and when you’re exploring something new and unfamiliar, your confidence has been shot down. So everything is a little bit different. That’s hard in and of itself. Things change, but having The Foundation has helped me find my confidence again in so many ways, which is incredibly healing.

More than that, the retreats and programs they have—even if it’s just a one day makeover—remind me to take the time. Be in the moment. Look at what’s happened or is happening—don’t ignore it. It reminds me that healing is a process that takes time, however long it needs to take. I’m just realizing that now.

It’s all great, but the healing emotionally and mentally is a long time coming…which is ok! But knowing I have that support, it’s less scary. It may be unfamiliar, but it’s ok. I have a group of people I can ask or reach out to and not feel judged. If I want to know how to navigate something, see what they did in a particular situation, or share my own tips, it’s a safe space.

I also love when people do something that is missing or needed. A big corporation can’t find that little missing link, but these are the things that are important. They are right now, and your money is going toward something that is helping someone—whether they’re going through it, or after. It’s lifelong wellness.

And caregivers are an important thing too. These people have been around helping, and sometimes you forget about what they went through. There should be more for them, but there’s not.

What’s one stila product you can’t live without?

Number one, the brow color Stay All Day pen. It’s an eyebrow pen. I was actually able to lab-test that product, and product development gave me them when I was going through chemo. I got to test it, and it works! Now I use it every day, so I love showing women how to boost their brows naturally.

My other one is called convertible color. It’s a cream blush you can also use as lipstick. It comes in a compact, and gives your face a glow and your lips a flush. It’s definitely a makeup bag must-have.

Thank you, Sarah, for your support and willingness to share your story with us!

 

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Facilitator Spotlight: Kitty Blincoe

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Kitty Blincoe has a particularly unique perspective as a yoga facilitator for The Foundation for Living Beauty, because she herself is a cancer survivor. Fourteen years ago, Kitty was diagnosed with kidney cancer in the midst of a successful, fast-paced career as a fashion executive. After her oncologist recommended reiki, Kitty began to recognize the power of blending Eastern + Western modalities. She says that after discovering yoga and reiki, she left fashion with a drive to dive into wellness. “Learning to breathe + practice yoga taught me boundaries and self care,” she explains. “I refer to myself as a ‘recovering type A.’ But [if you have cancer], you can find a new normal, day by day.”

Kitty has attended yoga retreats with The Foundation for Living Beauty as both a participant and a facilitator – she now assists Tari Prinster, who was one of the first instructors to help Kitty “slow down.” Instructor Max Strom, whose mantra is “breathe to heal,”  also influenced Kitty’s journey and commitment to yoga. “It was the breathing that hooked me – it’s a tool in my toolbox.” Also in Kitty’s yoga toolbox? Remixed Beatles music, restorative yoga and sound baths.

After reflecting on her journey from the busy corporate world of New York’s fashion scene to a peaceful community in San Diego, Kitty professes: “I like to say that doctors saved my life, but yoga gave me a life worth living.” It’s this life in San Diego that she’s generously sharing with The Foundation for Living Beauty, working to help facilitate future yoga events in San Diego. “I’m happy to introduce the Foundation to my community in San Diego, because the people are so authentic. The foundation honors our craft, and honors us as people. They honor each and every woman and the facilitators alike! My experience has always been that the events attract a special group of women who come together for a place to unwind, heal, learn tools to cope and manage daily life after being touched by cancer. No drama, no politics, just pure love and sisterhood. A tribe connected by cancer, strengthened by each other. A way to have the important “support group” without it being a traditional support group. An studies have shown being a part of a support group increases chance of survival significantly. It is my honor to share Light with anyone who needs a little to brighten their day.”

You can learn more about Kitty at www.kittyblincoe.com, or visit her in person at Sanctuary Z, her Sleep, Stretch and Stress Management space in Carlsbad, CA. 

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Olivia

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Surviving cancer has given me the ability to soar.  Though my body is still in pain, I’ve learned if I focus on spirit, I experience true freedom, joy, and awareness. My spirit gives me the courage to speak out about my journey, and I now hope to be a voice for all who cannot speak for themselves.  The inner bliss I feel gives me an infinite knowing of our universal oneness and of the greatness we all possess.  I now see inspiration all around me.  I see inspiration in you.

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Debbie

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When I received my medical diagnosis in 2010 a spiral of negative thoughts began to overwhelm me.   “What’s going to happen next? How will I pay my bills if I can’t work? How will I tell my friends, my loved ones?”  I felt caught in a web of inertia — a tire stuck in the mud.

I began practicing a wide variety of calming techniques ranging from recognizing negative thoughts and replacing them with more productive and empowering ones, to incorporating a mindfulness practice into my daily routine.  The expression of gratitude, repeating meditative affirmations as well as allowing humor were key ingredients in healing and dissolving fear.  Once I set foot on this particular path of awareness my road of treatment was paved with clarity, strength and acceptance.

I was introduced to the Foundation for Living Beauty.  It is difficult to find the words to express the gratitude and undying love I have for this organization and all involved. All I can say is attending the “Goddess Wellness Retreat” sponsored by The Foundation for Living Beauty in November of 2014 was like landing in the arms of a million angels.

It doesn’t take a bout with cancer to be a strong and powerful warrior. Coming to know the profound connection between our mind and body and embrace our scars (whether they be physical or emotional) gives us strength of character.   Obstacles and limitations mean nothing. For it is not what happens to us that matters, it is what we become through experience that is significant.

a black and white image of a woman exposing her breasts while wearing a black shirt and standing on a stairwell

Gena

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I was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer on October 1, 2009.  I don’t think anyone wants to hear those words but I knew I would beat it.  The gloves were on and I was ready to kick butt.

 

After nine months of chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, I thought I knocked it out.  To my surprise winning that fight was only the beginning.  I spent another year fighting autoimmune issues.  So the testing begins, MRI’s, PET scans, CT scans, blood work.  I was told I would need a liver transplant within a year.  I was in a wheelchair for about 6 months caused by my lupus diagnosis and fatigue that would keep me in bed for days.

 

To say that this was a lot to deal with, it was.  I know that I’m a strong person but at a point you need someone or something to hold you up.  I had my loved ones and friends but I needed someone to really understand what it was like to walk in my shoes.  I joined support groups and cancer organizations that were all very helpful, but I believe the biggest transformation was my first yoga retreat that the Foundation for Living Beauty hosted.  I will never forget the first day.  I felt like I belonged and I was understood.  More importantly, I was embraced so tight I felt completely supported.  I could be strong and vulnerable at the same time.  I met women whose fight was harder than mine and the courage they possessed only made me stronger.  It was the strength in that room that first day that I carry with me.

 

Now when I’m told how amazing I look or how great I’m doing or what an inspiration I am, I know that I carry the strength and courage of these beautiful women.  That is the gift the Foundation for Living Beauty gave me and others fighting cancer.  I did know that first day I was diagnosed that I would survive cancer but I could have never imagined the sisterhood that empowers me every day.  I’M GENA AND I’M A LIVING BEAUTY.

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Dyan

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My first diagnosis taught me that I needed to be vulnerable.  With my second diagnosis, I am learning HOW to be vulnerable; to embrace all its power, its strengths, its beauty and its full potential…that being vulnerable actually makes you stronger.

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Traci

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On June 20, 2016, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Driving home from the doctor’s office upon diagnosis, I knew in my gut that I’d be able to fight this, that I’d do it with community and family, and that this was somehow a culmination of certain ways of being that I needed to transform and this was the moment to embark on that transformation.  Without even trying, I could feel the shift within me.   I suppose that was the first breath of what “gifts” cancer can bring.

Gift #1 – To finally (begin to) transform my own self in prioritizing my time, my health, my creative process, and my relationships outside of the work.

Gift #2 – The ways in which the community has shown up in every way imaginable and beyond.  Folks got super organized; they set up a Youcaring site, did a full reach out to many circles and pulled together a meal-drop and ride schedule from surgery through chemo, held a benefit after I got through chemo, got artists together to create a chapbook of art and poetry to raise funds.  They’ve all astounded me and have reminded me of my ultimate gratitude for community.

Gift #3 – The connections through cancer and talking about cancer what offers us.  I felt a certain amount of privilege in having ways to speak publicly about my cancer journey.  The connections we make through this path are a true gift.  It’s with all of this that I’m able to fight and survive and thrive alongside cancer…the journey continues.

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Dunya

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It’s as if something inside me got re-calibrated.  My perception of my role in my family and my priorities and duties shifted entirely.  I began putting myself first with ease.  I tapped into that reserve strength we rarely get to use and I activated my healing, transforming from an off-kilter person to being intensely aware of my spiritual/emotional/physical balance.  Now I keep my center by inhaling and exhaling and forging forward…every day.

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Jacque

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Breast cancer has given me many gifts.  I am the best person I have ever been.  I have learned that I have the strength and courage to accomplish any goal I set for myself; including earning an AA, BA, and Master’s degree…during two battles with breast cancer, a mastectomy, chemotherapy (both times), radiation, and eight separate surgeries!

Breast cancer has given me the gift of sitting with a stranger last week, while she met with her oncologist for the first time.  Breast cancer has helped to shape my career trajectory.  I have been blessed to walk through the many phases of breast cancer – diagnosis through Stage 4 through the end of life – with breast cancer survivors and their families.

Breast cancer has been a gift that has enabled me to be a gift to others.

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Racheli

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At 21 years old, being diagnosed with cancer and putting my life on hold was scary.  I felt that I didn’t deserve this diagnosis, I didn’t deserve to be scarred in this way.  Now, a year and a half in remission, I value my scars and thank cancer for what it gifted me.

Cancer, surprisingly enough, has given me countless gifts.  While this disease was quite literally the worst thing that’s ever happened to me, I’ve learned to look at the beauty that it has offered.

Cancer has given me the gift of knowing my own resilience.
Cancer has given me the gift of holding all the new found joy in my life.
Cancer has given me the gift of loving myself.
Cancer has given me the gift of my closest and most true friendships.
Cancer has given me the gift of finding mission and passion for my future.
Cancer has given me the gift of breaking down walls and wearing my heart on my sleeve.
Cancer has given me the gift of radiance. Literally.
Cancer has given me the gift of gratitude.
And most importantly, cancer has given me the gift of Life.