Eileen Caliva is the passionate entrepreneur behind Caliva Cookies, a brand built from cherished family recipes and a love for bringing people together through food.

At 50, Eileen took a brave leap, returning to school to study culinary arts and web development. With her newfound skills, she launched a business that embodies both her Italian heritage and the simple joys of baking.

Eileen’s journey started with small steps, when she was baking from her home kitchen, but as her reputation grew, she moved into a commercial kitchen to meet the increasing demand for her baked goods, and today she operates out of a state-of-the-art facility in Troy, New York.

Her biscotti are local favorites at farmers' markets and are also available online, where she ships to cookie lovers nationwide.

As a resilient and compassionate businesswoman, Eileen has learned valuable lessons along the way, including the importance of self-care and work-life balance.

Burnout taught her to make time for herself, whether it’s hiking, kayaking, or attending retreats, and she now encourages other entrepreneurs to prioritize their well-being too.

Eileen believes that no matter your age or background, it’s never too late to follow your passion and create something meaningful, and hopes her journey will inspire others to listen to their inner voice, and take bold steps toward their dreams.

Through Caliva Cookies, Eileen doesn’t just share delicious treats—she shares a story of courage, perseverance, and the boundless power of believing in oneself.

Key takeaways from Eileen Caliva’s inspiring journey:

1. Embrace Change at Any Age - It’s never too late to pursue your passions. Eileen returned to school at 50, proving that age is just a number when it comes to personal growth.

2. Follow Your Heart - Eileen’s journey began with her grandmother’s recipes, reminding us that our heritage and personal stories can fuel our passions and inspire our careers.

3. Balance is Key - Juggling family and business is challenging, but prioritizing self-care and time for loved ones is essential for long-term success and happiness.

4. Seek Support and Collaboration: Eileen highlights the importance of asking for help, whether through internships or professional services, to free up your time and focus on what you love.

5. Stay Open to Learning - Continuous learning enriches your journey. Eileen adapted her skills, moving from baking in her home kitchen to a commercial kitchen, showing us that growth often requires stepping outside our comfort zones.

6. Give Back to Your Community - Eileen emphasizes the joy of helping others, encouraging us to find ways to support our communities as we grow in our own lives.

7. Believe in Your Dream - Eileen’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance. By staying true to your dreams and taking action, you can create a fulfilling and impactful life, inspiring others along the way.

Inspiring quotes from Eileen Caliva:

1. "It's never too late to live your dream. Embrace your passions, take that leap of faith, and remember, life is too short to hold back on what truly makes you happy."

2. "Finding balance is essential. Prioritize time for yourself, your family, and your business. When you nourish your well-being, you’ll be more energized and focused to achieve your goals."

3. "Believe in the power of community. Helping others not only enriches their lives but brings joy and fulfillment to your own journey. Always look for ways to give back."

4. "Keep learning and evolving. Age shouldn’t be a barrier to growth; instead, let it inspire you to pursue new skills and challenges. The more you learn, the more you can achieve."

Connect with Eileen

Website - https://www.calivacookies.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/calivacookieco/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CalivaCookieCo

Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@calivakitchen

Kim's story is one of remarkable resilience, courage, and a fierce commitment to live with love and purpose. Diagnosed with cancer, Kim faced the reality of a life-altering illness while enduring the grief of losing her beloved husband and, shortly after, her father.

Each challenge could have overwhelmed her, yet she transformed these experiences into an unbreakable source of strength.

Through her journey, Kim has become a passionate advocate for self-care and a vocal reminder that life’s battles are best met with love for oneself and others. She’s found power in her vulnerability, emphasizing the importance of taking charge of one’s health, finding joy in life’s smallest details, and embracing the support of community.

Kim now dedicates her time to uplifting others, reaching out through handwritten notes to cancer patients and strangers alike, offering a touch of humanity and hope through each heartfelt message.

With her story, Kim inspires others to live intentionally, fight for their own happiness.

Her message is clear: embrace life fully, honor your journey, and always lead with compassion.

Key Takeaways From Kim’s Powerful Conversation:

1. Self-Care is Essential - Embracing self-care isn’t selfish; it’s a necessity.

Prioritize your well-being, listen to your body, and make time for practices that bring peace and healing, whether it’s meditation, massage, or simply appreciating life’s small joys.

2. Face Life’s Battles Head-On - Life will throw challenges your way, but meeting them with resilience and courage can transform your journey. Don’t let fear or pain hold you back from fighting for yourself and your happiness.

3. Find Strength in Community - Support from others can be a lifeline in difficult times.

Surround yourself with a community that uplifts and encourages you, and don’t hesitate to lean on them when you need it most.

4. Create and Treasure Small Moments - Happiness isn’t just in big milestones—it’s in small, everyday moments. Whether it’s enjoying a good meal or a heartfelt conversation, embrace life’s simple pleasures.

5. Share Compassion and Kindness - A small gesture, like a handwritten card, can make a world of difference.

Reach out to others, even strangers, with kindness and compassion—it could be exactly what they need to keep going.

6. Be Brave About Your Health - Don’t put off your screenings and checkups.

Knowledge is power, and taking charge of your health could mean the difference between suffering and healing. Prioritize your health fearlessly.

7. Turn Pain into Purpose - Life’s hardships have a way of refining us.

Let your struggles guide you to become a source of inspiration and strength for others, finding purpose in pain and using it to create a lasting impact.

Quotes from Kim’s interview

1. "Cancer taught me to fight for myself and take myself back—to love myself no matter what. It’s not about what you see in the mirror; it’s about the strength inside that keeps you going."

2. "Life is full of little joys waiting to be noticed. Don’t miss them—whether it’s fresh sheets, a simple snack, or a sunrise. Those moments make all the difference in your journey."

3. "You can’t wait for someone to tell you to take care of yourself; you have to make it a priority. Fight for your health, your happiness, and your peace of mind every single day."

4. "You don’t know what tomorrow holds. So tell the people in your life you love them. Never wait to share your love; each day is a chance to make someone feel valued."

Connect with Kim

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kim.n.saheim

Amy Duvall-Mehringer is a singer, author, and creative visionary whose journey of overcoming abuse has fueled her passion for self-expression and authenticity.

After years of personal growth and self-discovery, Amy has emerged as a beacon of strength and resilience, and proudly shares her talents and story with the world. She has written and published seven books, exploring themes of healing, empowerment, and transformation, and is currently working on releasing a highly anticipated Christmas album.

Amy's deep connection to creativity goes beyond music and writing—she’s also involved in painting, while at the same time is trying to rediscover her passion for dance - something she views as a powerful tool for personal release and growth.

With her voice as a tool of liberation, Amy encourages others to embrace their truth and find strength within themselves. Her dedication to following her dreams, from producing soulful music to exploring new artistic mediums, continues to inspire audiences everywhere.

Tune in and find out how Amy’s story reflects the message of empowerment and self-reliance, reminding others that they are not victims but survivors, thrivers, and warriors who can take control of their lives.

Whether it's through her words or music, Amy's mission is to uplift and motivate others to live authentically and fearlessly.

Key takeaways

1. Overcoming Abuse – Amy shares her personal journey of surviving and healing from abuse, emphasizing the importance of self-empowerment and resilience.

1. Pursuing Dreams – Despite facing challenges, Amy has pursued her lifelong passion for singing, recently fulfilling her dream of recording music.

1. Living Authentically – Amy discusses the importance of embracing her true self and encourages others to live in alignment with their truth.

1. Creative Expression – Through music, writing, and painting, Amy highlights the power of creativity as a tool for healing and self-expression.

1. Small Steps Toward Growth – Amy believes in taking small, consistent steps to improve oneself and achieve personal growth.

1. Embracing Joy – After enduring hardships, Amy emphasizes the importance of choosing joy and positivity in everyday life.

1. Empowering Others – Through her journey, Amy seeks to inspire others to overcome obstacles, find their voice, and live with purpose.

Quotes

1. "You have the power to reclaim your voice and rewrite your story, one step at a time."

1. "Living authentically means embracing your true self every day."

1. "Never give up on the dreams that light you up inside."

1. "Choosing joy daily is the key to overcoming and thriving."

Connect with Amy

Website - https://amyduvall.com/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@AmyDuvallMusic

X - https://x.com/AmyDuvallMusic

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelettersonthepath/

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3AAmy+Duvall-Mehringer&s=relevancerank&text=Amy+Duvall-Mehringer&ref=dp_byline_sr_book