Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/32804
from our publisher The Winds of Change “ ” Make bold moves and be confident. Draw strength from what you have overcome, but don’t spend any more time on yesterday. Move forward with passion and zest. Trust yourself and your intuition, you know more than you realize. Rolling Pin Bake Shop, who, out of the blue, came up to me during a recent lunch, pointed to Stella, and told me no job is more impor- tant than this one right here. I’ve always felt that to be true, but no one had ever actually said it to me, especially at the very right time in my life, when I needed to hear it! It was in that moment that I knew what I had to do. It was a sign I’ve thought a lot about how this month’s letter would go. I’ve written this four times, shed a few tears and had a glass of wine (or two) to help me get through it—and these days, that’s enough to put me right to bed instead of on the dance floor! So, here it goes. This will be my last issue with BRAVA Magazine. Coming to this decision was not an easy road by any means, but in my heart I know it’s the right move for me. Ironically, this month marks Mother’s Day, and the underlying theme of this issue is “No Regrets.” My vision for BRAVA is, and always was, to promote strength from within to just do it—whatever “it” is—to follow your heart and your inner pull, make bold moves and aim high. So, keeping in- tune with what I’ve always preached—it’s time to practice it in my own life. As most of you know, I gave birth to my beautiful little Stella last October, and it has forever changed my life. Being a mom has more joys than I ever knew possible. Being publisher and co-owner of this fantastic magazine was a huge honor and responsibility, but, in the end, was not as important as being Stella’s mom. I fought hard to find a way to make it work, but I realized two things about myself: 1) I can only do one thing really well when the responsi- bilities and stakes are this high, and 2) There is no job title more important to me than that of mother. I have to thank the wonderful woman (whom I’d never met before and whose name I didn’t have the chance to catch) at The letting me know that it’s OK, you can let go. You did it, you led this magazine to a great place, now it’s time to move on to your next big thing, being a mother and, of course, putting all those other creative ideas you’ve always wanted to pursue into action. Oh, this isn’t the last you’ll see of me, promise…I have a long bucket list and BRAVA was just the beginning. I’ll just be doing whatever it is with Stella in the Bjorn, my side-ponytail, yoga pants and my unhooked bra strap hanging out from underneath my T-shirt. Yes, I did in fact have my bra strap unhooked almost an entire day without noticing until Stella went to bed. Moms, can I get a hell-yeah? So, in keeping with the theme of no regrets: No, I don’t regret a damn thing. This was the best time I’ve had in my career thus far and I could not have asked for a better team. This magazine is made up of the best bunch of women I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. They are crazy, fun, creative, silly, smart, confident, and they have a talent for kindness and compassion—which is why it makes it so hard to leave. I have enjoyed every single minute of being here with them and I’m honored that they believed in me. Thank you to my fabulous advertisers and all the equally fabulous readers, I’ll always appreciate the support you threw my way. I know the mag- azine will continue to be something that women in our community will want to be a part of. Why? Because this team of women be- lieves in the power of inspiration, spirit, attitude and perseverance. They know that it doesn’t matter how old you are, what you look like, how much money you have, where you come from or what path you take. What matters is living a life you believe in. Ladies, rock it out. It’s been grand. Love you always. Can’t wait for my new BRAVA subscription to begin! Laura Houlihan Publisher | BRAVA Magazine laura@bravaenterprises.com 8 BRAVA Magazine May 2011 Photos by Jennifer Johnson Photography