The Original Lifestyle CEO story is not unlike the stories of millions of women around the world. It's a story of accidental business ownership and how it transformed a depressed, fearful, insecure person into a woman of hope, faith, joy, action and most of all, services to others. The Lifestyle CEO logo incorporates these themes. The women depicted are celebrating because they are living life on their own terms. The backdrop for their joy is the spiral behind them which, along with the stylistic typographical design elements, signify the interconnectivity of business and family -- an integrated whole. Our logo is an original design of Michael Lipe at Maxon Media.

The Original Lifestyle CEO story began in 1993. It all started with a bar of handmade soap at a small herb shop. Upon reading the label and seeing that the soap was "handmade," dM discovered that she could make her own soap and not have to worry about the chemicals used in many commercial products. Like everything else she does, dM tackled her newfound hobby with a vengeance and by 1995, she had left a lucrative job as a corporate attorney in a Fortune 500 company to open her own aromatherapy and bath shop, Maria Grace, in the historic district of Takoma Park, Maryland, la few miles outside of her hometown of Washington, DC. Though she returned to full-time legal work a few times after that, by 2000, dM knew that she could never be happy unless she was able to contribute her time and talents to something that she really loved. In 1998, dM self-published 3 books containing information and recipes to help other people make quality cosmetics products at home. In July 2000, her first collaboration with a publishing house culminated in the publication by Storey Books of "Making Aromatherapy Creams & Lotions." These exciting experiences paved the way for even more life-changing business opportunities.

Inspiring And Encouraging Others

In 2000, dM left her last job as a "Legal Beagle" and launched the Handmade Beauty Network. With 450 members around the world including Canada, the US, the UK, Japan, Australia and the Philippines, HBN is the leading handmade beauty industry trade organization providing business resources to manufacturers of handmade beauty products including soaps, cosmetics, candles, fragrances and aromatherapy products. Through the Handmade Beauty University, dM has condensed her decade of industry experience into 8 classes so that others can get their businesses off on the right foot, maximizing scarce resources and minimizing missteps and financial losses. HBN's suite of websites (including MakeYourCosmetics.com and MangoButter.com), provide entertainment and valuable business building resources for millions of viewers each year. In November 2004, dM published the Handmade Beauty Cookbook: Do-It-Yourself Beauty Recipes & Secrets From Members Of The Handmade Beauty Network. The first printing, which features recipes from and business information about HBN members, was completely sold out within 6 months of publication. 

Providing Needed Services

In January 2001, dM launched dM Law Offices to provide legal and business counseling services to women-owned businesses who need quality legal assistance but do not have the resources to engage the services of high powered law firms such as the ones dM had previously worked with. In 2003, dM was named the Home-Based Business Advocate of the Year by the US Small Business Administration's Washington, DC office. Through her home-based legal and business counseling practice, dM helps a small group of select clients visualize, plan and realize their dreams of owning and managing a successful business and creating lasting familial wealth.

Reaching Millions ... The Ministry Continues

Today dM uses the Lifestyle CEO to round out and complete her mission to inspire women in life and business. The Lifestyle CEO Book will be available in late 2005. The first Lifestyle CEO Conference is set for January 2006. The Lifestyle CEO Magazine is slated for 2007 publication.

The Lifestyle CEO Radio Show can be enjoyed on World Talk Radio.

The Lifestyle CEO Show, co-produced by dM and her husband, airs through the local cable access channel where dM lives and works.