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EXPERTS

EXPERTS

Bella Petite's Experts are well-respected industry leading professionals with unique insight into subjects ranging from fashion trends to business strategy. These highly educated women are qualified to share their experience and advice on a variety of subjects, and they are also passionate about supporting the interests of petite women! Together with Bella Petite, these Experts are here to offer valuable advice and promote the interests of petite women in their respective industries.
MARIA GAMB: BUSINESS EXPERT

Maria Gamb is the CEO and Founder of NMS Communications, LLC. She’s an advocate of  ”no more stress,” hence her company is aptly named “NMS" Known as "The Change Agent" she has over twenty years in corporate management at Fortune 500 companies.

Ms. Gamb has worked in various capacities as Designer, Product Manager and Director for; Macy's, Geoffrey Been, Liz Claiborne and Ralph Lauren.
DASHAMA KONAH: LIFESTYLE EXPERT

Dashama is a petite model, celebrity yoga teacher and lifestyle expert, who travels the world teaching yoga retreats and yoga teacher certification programs in exotic locations globally. She is the best selling author of Journey to Joyful, creator of Perfect 10 Lifestyle online community, Pranashama Yoga Institute and the Global 30 Day Yoga Challenge.

Her philanthropic outreach includes Yoga for Foster Children & Orphans, Rainforest Alliance and Clinton Global Initiative. Her DVDs, books, lifestyle transformation programs and eco fashion line can be found in Dashama's online Boutique. Her articles on Bella Petite are written to educate, illuminate and inspire you to be the best you can be and to live your life to the fullest.
JACQUELINE PEROS: CORPORATE IMAGE & STYLE EXPERT

Jacqueline is a certified Image Consultant from the renowned Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City specializing in image and wardrobe management for individuals and corporations.

Additionally, she is the President of the New York Tri-State Chapter for the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI).  AICI is the leading and largest professional association of personal and corporate image consultants worldwide.

My extensive corporate background that includes working as a marketing executive in the technology sector, as well as developing branding strategies, the latter of which has served as a natural springboard, enables me to help individuals develop their own personal brand to further their careers and enhance their lifestyles. JMPstyle
VANESSA DELEON: INTERIOR DESIGN EXPERT

Vanessa DeLeon always knew she had a place in the arts. However, she never expected the fast rise to success she has fortunately enjoyed. She can be seen in such shows as HGTV's Generation Renovation, Designer's Challenge, Bang For Your Buck, and Design Star, as well as numerous publications including New York Spaces, Design NJ, (201) home, Latina Magazine, Time, Entertainment, and Cosmopolitan. She is currently also a featured designer on the Food Network's Restaurant Impossible.
PAULETTE SZYMONIAK-HAGINS, PHD: BEAUTY EXPERT

Dr. Szymoniak-Hagin’s expertise in the cosmetology and beauty field span more than 26 years. She modeled extensively for USA Petites, John Robert Powers and Casablanca Elite and various salon magazines including Sassy. A former USA Petite Model Pageant winner held at Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas has continued to follow the trends of the beauty industry and set a few of her own. She offers beauty services to movie studios, celebrity stars and fashion models.

Dr. Szymoniak-Hagins is dedicated to being one of the best in the beauty industry. Concern for her client’s hair/skin is always her main priority. She believes that the technical aspects of outer beauty only serve to enhance inner beauty. In conjunction with her other qualifications, clients will receive the benefit of both.Whatever your age or ethnic background, Dr. Szymoniak-Hagins speaks your language when it comes to hair and skin care.

This column will provide you with information to benefit you in hair, skin and scalp and nutrition, total health care for women of all ages and ethnicities. You will learn more about hair-styles, cuts, color, latest hair trends from around the globe. And learn about skin-disorders, protection, exfoliation and makeup.
ELIZABETH LIONS: JOBS EXPERT

Elizabeth has an education in psychology from the University of Maine.  She started her career as a headhunter a decade ago, calling on some of the most powerful male leaders at companies such as Intel, Mentor Graphics and Microsoft. While recovering from cancer in 2009, Elizabeth launched her first book, "Recession Proof Yourself!",  which gained national recognition. She is a professional speaker, writer and counselor, which clearly separates herself from other career coaches.

Her column for Bella Petite focuses on women's unique work related issues and leadership. Elizabeth's intention is to arm women with powerful information to assist grooming their careers and ultimately building powerful female leadership within business. Elizabeth knows why you are hired, fired and promoted - before you do! For more about Elizabeth's philosophies, click!
CLARISSA BURT: IMAGE, MODELING AND BEAUTY EXPERT

Clarissa Burt is an award winning media personality, television producer, actress, emcee and supermodel with over 25 years experience in the modeling and media industries. Her signature walk has been seen on most major runways in the world. She's appeared on 250 magazine covers including; Harpar’s Bazaar, Vogue and Cosmopolitan to name a few. Her live television productions have included “The Miss Universe Pageant Italy” and “Backstage with The Miss for Miss Universe.”

After 25 years in Europe, this who’s who of American and International women returned to the United States. Where she hosted her own radio show entitled “Clarissa burt talks” on voice America and World talk radio. Runway Beauty magazine brought clarissa on board As Health and Beauty Editor for their 2008 launch.

Clarissa launched the International Model University and Model Search Awards, which is the most comprehensive modeling workshop and contest available to aspiring models. Her workshop is the perfect hands on course designed to give participants an idea of what it is like working in the modeling and fashion industries. Also a Director for the IMTA, Clarissa hand-picks and develops talent showcasing them in front of 300 agents from all over the world.

Ms. Burt’s Book “The Self-Esteem Regime “ is due for Fall 2012 distribution. Clarissa’s mission is focused on the betterment of women, which is why she has come on board Bella Petite as the Modeling and Beauty expert to help guide petite models.
ANDRE CARTHEN CELEBRITY CHEF

Chef Andre Carthen is featured in Kathy Ireland’s book “Real Solutions for Busy Moms: Your Guide to Success and Sanity,” and Janet Jackson’s first book, NY Times #1 Best Seller “True You” where he contributed over 30 recipes for a healthy meal plan.

“True You” takes Celebrity Chef Andre’s exquisite recipes and transforms them into something anyone can do if they have a desire to stay healthy and lean while eating the foods they love. Chef Andre is also the newest member of Nutrisystem Success Chef’s Council.

He is often asked to bring his culinary awareness to the media and has appeared on popular radio & television programs like “Today Show,” “Access Hollywood”, “Anderson Cooper”, “Soap Talk”, “EXTRA”, “Inside Hollywood”, “Sunday Dinner”, “Brave Heart Women”, “Healthy Women Healthy World”, “Get Real Live”, Breakfast Television / City TV”, “New Day Northwest”, “Walking on Eggs”, “On the Red Carpet” … And has appeared in Forbes, Palm Springs Life, Media Planet- USA Today, Desert Sun, Desert Out, and Furniture Today.

Chef Andre's column will be your go to guide for nutritious delicious cuisine to fill your self-care toolbox with ways for you to feel good and stay healthy all year long!
NICHOLAS WALKER AWARD WINNING LANDSCAPE DESIGNER AND BUILDER

Nicholas Walker is one of the world’s most accomplished garden designer- builders. Nicholas is a member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers and the Garden Writer’s Association of America. His partnership in Jardin, of kathy ireland Worldwide (kiWW), has established him as one of America’s most celebrated and innovative leaders, in the design community. He speaks on sustainability, the environment and a healthy, greener lifestyle.

His stunning works of art have been featured in magazines, such as the historic Elizabeth Taylor gardens’ inArchitectural Digest, Metropolitan Home, Sunset Magazine, Garden Design, Forbes and LA Times Magazine. He is also a contributor, to Good Housekeeping Do it Yourself, Woman, Furniturefind.com and kathyireland.com.

Nicholas is a featured guest, on numerous local and national radio & television shows; The Oprah Winfrey Show, HGTV’s, ‘Designing for the Sexes,’ The Christopher Lowell Show, Home Matters, HGTV’s The Hollywood Gardener, and the popular Discovery Channel series, ‘Ground Rules,’ to name a few. He is part of The National Trust for Historic Preservation and HGTV’s, ‘Restore America A Salute to Preservation’ with Kathy Ireland, Sharon Stone, Bryant Gumbel and Al Roker, among others.

As a sought after speaker, on the Green Initiative and Sustainable practices, he recently was featured, at the Dwell on Design Exhibition in Los Angeles, California.

Nicholas's column will bring you easy sustainable home solutions for both your indoor's and out to help you create the perfect feng shui to live in harmony!
Dr. D IVAN YOUNG HOLISTIC LIFE COACH

Recognized as the premier life coach for 21st Century by millions of Americans, Dr. D is the best-selling author of Break Up, Don't Break Down. He is also President and CEO of Reality -N- 3D Publishing Inc., and a sought-after Life Coach globally. Dr. D Ivan Young's personal experience of turmoil and pitfalls associated with self-serving relationships create a strong commonality with his readers. Dr. D has developed effective no-nonsense tools that enable women and men of all ages, races, religions and nationalities to take personal authority of their ultimate destiny and overcome seemingly hopeless circumstances.

Over the years, Dr. D Ivan Young has been featured on FOX News Houston, MSNBC, CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS Radio, Access Hollywood, Divine Canada Women's Magazine, Yahoo News Groups, Rolling Out Magazine, 24 Hour Mom Radio, CBS Television's Great Day Houston featuring Deborah Duncan, WOL 1450 AM Washington DC, KMJQ Magic 102 Houston, 98.7 WRKS, Kiss FM New York, Keeping it Real with Al Sharpton on Syndication One, to name a few.

He holds a Doctorate in Psychology specializing in Holistic Life Coaching, from the University of Sedona, and Masters degree in Metaphysical Science from the University of Metaphysics.
MAGGIE F. KEENAN Ed.D: BRAND PHILANTHROPY STRATEGIST

Giving Advice is a cause marketing and brand philanthropy boutique consultancy that works with fashion, beauty, fitness and health brands who want to make a difference. This is the place where brands and causes connect for the greater good.   Maggie Keenan is working with Bella Petite to connect our sponsors with causes important to women.

Dedicated to providing cause marketing and philanthropy services to brands, her focus and determination means her clients make stronger and more synergistic connections with causes and customers. Companies are attracted by her passion and vision for what she sees possible for their contribution to the world. With an uncanny ability to connect ideas, people and causes, Maggie sees opportunities all around for anyone that desires to be a force for change.  An avid runner and former runway model, you can find Maggie on the road or runway when she isn't in her office.
MARCI SHIMOFF LIFESTYLE & HAPPINESS EXPERT

Marci Shimoff is a #1 New York Times best-selling author, world-renowned transformational teacher and expert on happiness, success and unconditional love. Her books include the international bestsellers Love for No Reason and Happy for No Reason. She is also the woman’s face of the biggest self-help book phenomenon in history, as co-author of the Chicken Soup for the Woman’s Soul series. With book sales of more than 15 million copies worldwide in 33 languages, Marci is one of the bestselling female nonfiction authors of all time.

Marci is also a featured teacher in the film and book sensation The Secret and the host of the PBS show, Happy for No Reason. Marci is dedicated to helping people live more empowered and joy-filled lives. Visit: HappyForNoReason.com

Marci’s Beauty Within column for Bella Petite focuses on the ways you can experience greater happiness and unconditional love from the inside out. She shares inspiration, as well as breakthrough ideas and methods for you to live in a deep and lasting state of joy and well-being.
LYNETTE MCNEILL: ENTERTAINMENT EXPERT

Lynette has been billed as “LA’s hottest acting coach.” Lynette has been in the entertainment business for over 30 years.  She is responsible for developing many of Hollywood’s most talented artist; Ellen Degeneres, Janeane Garofalo, Anne Archer, Adam Sandler, Jane Leeves (“Frasier,”) Faith Ford (“Hope and Faith,”) Jason Lee, Giovanni Ribisi and Adam Goldberg to name a few! Lynette’s workshops are by invitation only.
JEANENE CANNON: FITNESS EXPERT

Jeanene is a Certified Personal Trainer & Corrective Exercise Specialist via the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and is a former top NPC Figure Competitor. She also holds a Masters Degree in Social Work with a concentration in Health/Mental Health.

Jeanene owns and operates Physique Complete, LLC in N.CA a full service Personal Training company and is a contributing health/fitness writer for Bella Petite.  Teaching hundreds over the past 6 years in her various boot camp, cycling, and sports conditioning classes.

Jeanene has helped many women to lose weight and become healthier via her perinatal fitness classes, personal training and nutritional counseling. Jeanene has been a speaker and health/fitness writer for various local organizations. She is a petite model who appeared on TV Land Network's  “She’s Got The Look, Season 3”.
KELLY GITTER: FASHION STYLIST, DESIGNER & RETAIL EXPERT

Kelly comes to us with a stellar retail and wholesale background in both designer and contemporary sportswear. Notably she was the director of Visual Merchandising for Scoop NYC during their prime. Kelly was key in the launch of Scoop’s famous flagship Soho store and over the course of her eight years with Scoop she helped grow their chain into eleven stores!

Over the last several years she has been working on various consulting jobs including the Director of Buying and Visual Merchandising for GC William New York, a Madison Avenue Boutique where she handled all product-related trend intensive matters. As an added benefit, Kelly is an accessory designer and has owned her own line and designed for a company who created private label designs for numerous brands including J.Crew, Belk, Gap, Banana Republic, Macy's Talbots, to name just a few.

In addition, Kelly has consulted with noted fashion designers Vivienne Tam and Elie Tahari. She has been hired to organize people's closets and is hired regularly as a personal stylist for many of her past clients. She is Currently consulting for a trend, fashion recruiting firm called Ginger Finds, where she is passionately placing people in positions similar to the jobs she has carried herself, over the course of her career. Fashion is Kelly's true passion!
SHONDA CHASE, R.N.: BEAUTY EXPERT Palm Springs, California

Shonda Chase  is a noted Beauty and Skincare Expert. She holds an advanced Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and is owner of the Revive Salon and Spa in beautiful Palm Springs, California.

Shonda’s been trained by expert leading physicians like Dr. Mark Bailey.  Shonda provides skincare advice and services to many of the world’s most beautiful and noted faces in Palm Springs, Los Angeles and Newport Beach.  We’ll get the facts  on the latest skincare treatments to the stars that you want to know about!

We look forward to Chase's articles on beauty secrets and skincare techniques to help you have beautiful ageless skin. Plus, many petite model makeovers will be provided by Salon Revive!
STEFANIE SACKS, M.S., C.N.S: CULINARY NUTRITION EXPERT

Stefanie Sacks, M.S., CNS is a Culinary Nutritionist who works hands-on with individuals and groups in transition to a healthier way of eating as a food counselor, nutrition educator and chef instructor. She has been studying food and healing for twenty-five years, has her Masters of Science in nutrition from Columbia University, is a Certified Nutrition Specialist and is a graduate of The Natural Gourmet Institute for Health and Culinary Arts.

Some contributions include: Crazy Sexy Diet by Kris Carr, a 21-day meal plan and 70 recipes to Power Up, Unleash your Natural Energy, Revitalize your Health and Feel 10 Years Younger by Dr. Woodson Merrell and Kathy Merrell. She also offered her culinary nutrition expertise to Discovery Health’s National Body Challenge, ABC, Runner’s World, Fitness, O Magazine, Body and Soul, Teen Vogue, Oxygen and Self.

Stefanie's column will feature the latest nutrition news, innovative culinary nutrition education and personalized nutrition therapy and culinary guidance. Sacks will empowers you with her insights and innate ability to connect you through food!
GINGER PUGLIA: TREND EXPERT

Ginger Puglia President of GingerFinds: Fashion, entertainment, LifeStyle Trend Expert and Board Member of Bella Petite Publishing, Inc.

NY, New York: Ginger is a Fox News Trend Host and owner of trend intensive company that is focused strictly on clients and corporations with a strong aesthetic mission.

Ginger consults on merchandising, styling, strategic planning and talent acquisition all with companies on the forefront cutting edge thinking.

Ginger will be contributing trend reports and articles for Bella Petite on fashion, entertainment and lifestyle. Bella Petite Hour Fashion Edition with Ginger.
LINDA WEST M.S.: SPIRITUAL ADVISOR

Linda West is an internationally recognized, spiritual adviser, psychic medium and motivational speaker with a Master’s Degree in Metaphysics from the American Institute of Holistic Theology. Her intuitive insights have empowered thousands of people to elegantly and more easily act, decide, move forward in all situations and to heal from the loss of loved ones.

As a Metaphysician, Ms. West combines a personalized blend of teacher, psychologist, spiritual healer and counselor and with applied psychology, universal spiritual truths and her tremendous psychic gifts she connects with the Angels to provide vital insights, answers, guidance and perspective, whether emotionally, spiritually or physically.

Ms. West is an Angel Therapy Practitioner, personally Certified by Dr. Doreen Virtue, a Theta Healer, Linda is the author of the acclaimed book, 8 Keys: A Special Delivery Message from the Angels and is the Radio Show Host of Empowered Life with Linda West, Thursdays, 11am PST on BlogTalk Radio.

Linda's column will help you learn how to access your inner goddess. Her spiritual insights will move you towards healing. You will be empowered to act and move forward in all situations.