How Kimberly L. Ray’s Mentorship and Writing Inspire Others

Women's Journal Staff on April 15, 2025

By: Jonathyn Lopez

Kimberly L. Ray never imagined she would become a published author. Yet, with each step in her journey, she felt a sense of calling that led her to uncover a gift she hadn’t known existed. Now, as the author of Walking With God and the upcoming Miracles in Numbers, Kimberly’s mission is to help others explore what she believes to be meaningful connections in everyday life. Through faith-based mentorship, authorship, and sharing her personal experiences, she hopes to inspire others to walk in faith and embrace their purpose.

Her story is one of resilience, redemption, and revelation. A devoted wife and mother, Kimberly understands the complexities of blended families firsthand. Having experienced divorce and the challenges that followed, she found strength in her faith, which ultimately led her to Eric, a man whose support has been a key part of her spiritual journey. Together, they have built a marriage rooted in love and mentorship, using their testimony to uplift others navigating similar paths.

Kimberly’s passion for strengthening marriages extends beyond personal experience. She and Eric help coordinate a faith-based marriage ministry in Central Florida, offering guidance and mentorship to couples, particularly those blending families. Understanding the unique challenges that come with co-parenting and maintaining healthy relationships with former spouses, she provides encouragement and insights rooted in biblical principles to help couples build strong, God-centered unions. While Kimberly and Eric’s work is grounded in their personal faith and experience, it is not a substitute for licensed professional counseling or therapy.

Beyond ministry, Kimberly has embraced a deeply meaningful calling—writing. Her latest book, Miracles in Numbers, explores themes she connects with biblical principles. Kimberly emphasizes that her perspectives are based on her personal faith and biblical study, and not on psychological or scientific analysis. What began as a personal exploration, with the invaluable support of her mother, Gail Buzzo, who helped edit the first draft of Miracles in Numbers, has grown into a mission to share her journey with others. With Parables in Numbers on the horizon, Kimberly continues to expand her writing, looking to explore themes within Jesus’ teachings.

However, Kimberly’s influence extends beyond books and ministry. She is also an entrepreneur, turning a passion for baking into a business that nourishes both body and soul. Hello Muffin Company was born from a simple act—sharing homemade muffins and scones at church. The overwhelmingly positive reception inspired her to launch an organic cottage bakery, where she integrates her faith into her brand by adding scripture to the back of her branded coffee mugs. While Hello Muffin Company is a business venture, it also serves as an extension of her ministry, combining entrepreneurship with her passion for uplifting others.

With her sights set on continued growth, Kimberly envisions herself as a well-established author, minister, and entrepreneur in the near future. She admires the work of leaders like Troy and Leanna Brewer, whose humanitarian efforts provide essential resources to children and communities in need. Inspired by their impact, Kimberly is exploring ways she can also contribute to meaningful causes and hopes to make a difference in the future.

Her message is simple yet profound: she believes that God speaks to people in various ways, whether through scripture or the unexpected events of daily life. For those searching for guidance, Kimberly’s books offer an opportunity to explore faith and spirituality at a deeper level. She encourages readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery, reflect on the messages they might be receiving, and seek understanding in their own lives.

For those eager to follow her journey, Kimberly shares her insights and inspirations on Instagram (@Kimmieray88) and Facebook (Kimberly L. Ray). As she continues to write, teach, and uplift, one thing is certain—her work is about transformation, faith in action, and a calling that reaches far beyond herself.

The question she poses to the world is this: Are you paying attention to the moments of meaning unfolding in your life? If not, Miracles in Numbers may provide the perspective you’ve been seeking.

Published by Jeremy S.

Embrace Simplicity: Cattle Creek Mercantile’s Tallow-Based Skincare

Women's Journal Staff on April 15, 2025

Tired of skincare products that promise the world but deliver lackluster results? Frustrated with long ingredient lists full of unpronounceable chemicals? It’s time to go back to basics with Cattle Creek Mercantile.

This family-owned business, founded by Natasha and Mary Ann Vance, is on a mission to revolutionize skincare with the power of tallow. This ancient remedy, derived from rendered beef fat, might seem unconventional in today’s world of high-tech serums and exotic botanicals. But don’t let its simplicity fool you – tallow is a skincare powerhouse packed with vitamins, nutrients, and fatty acids that your skin craves.

The Genesis of a Skincare Solution:

Cattle Creek Mercantile’s story began with a personal quest for relief. Natasha’s son struggled with skin issues, and after trying numerous commercial products without lasting relief, they decided to try tallow. The results were positive, as tallow helped improve the overall condition of his skin. Inspired by this success, the Vances began crafting their own tallow-based products, with their Whipped Tallow Body Butter taking center stage.

Why Tallow?

Mimics Your Skin’s Natural Oils: Tallow’s composition closely resembles human sebum, allowing for deep penetration and optimal absorption.
Nutrient-Rich: Bursting with vitamins A, E, D, K, and B12, tallow nourishes and protects skin cells from damage.
Anti-inflammatory Powerhouse: Naturally occurring conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) helps calm inflammation, making it ideal for support on sensitive skin and conditions.
Promotes Collagen Production: Stimulates skin cell renewal, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The Cattle Creek Mercantile Difference:

Purity You Can Trust: Their unscented body butter contains just two nourishing ingredients: pure, rendered beef tallow and extra virgin olive oil. For those seeking a touch of aromatherapy, their scented options include the addition of essential oils, such as vanilla essential oil in the Vanilla scent and a blend of lavender and vanilla essential oils in the Lavender Vanilla scent. No hidden chemicals or preservatives are used.
Handmade with Care: Each batch is crafted in-house with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring the highest quality.
Sustainable Choice: Utilizing tallow promotes responsible consumption and minimizes waste.
From Our Family to Yours: Cattle Creek Mercantile is built on a foundation of faith and a genuine desire to help others achieve healthy, radiant skin.

Beyond the Body Butter:

Cattle Creek Mercantile also offers a tallow-based face cream, formulated to address acne and other common skin concerns. Natasha herself credits this cream with clearing her own persistent acne, allowing her to ditch harsh prescription medications.

Addressing Common Questions:

Will it smell? Cattle Creek Mercantile’s unique rendering process minimizes the natural scent of tallow. The resulting body butter has a subtle, earthy aroma that won’t overpower your senses.
Will it clog my pores? Absolutely not! Tallow is non-comedogenic, making it suitable for all skin types, even those prone to acne.
What about the texture? The Whipped Tallow Body Butter has a luxurious, creamy texture that melts into the skin upon contact, leaving a soft, non-greasy finish.

More Than Just Skincare:

Cattle Creek Mercantile represents a return to simple, natural solutions. It’s a testament to the power of traditional remedies and the importance of prioritizing clean, wholesome ingredients. By choosing Cattle Creek Mercantile, you’re not just investing in your skin’s health, but also supporting a family-run business that values integrity, sustainability, and the well-being of its customers.

Ready to experience the tallow transformation? Visit Cattle Creek Mercantile and discover the difference that pure, natural skincare can make.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. The claims regarding the effectiveness of Cattle Creek Mercantile’s tallow-based products, including the Whipped Tallow Body Butter and face cream, are based on the experiences and statements of the brand and its founders. Individual results may vary. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical conditions. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new skincare regimen, especially if you have pre-existing skin conditions.

Published by Jeremy S.

Unlocking the Magic: A Journey into the Heart of 3D Crystal

Women's Journal Staff on April 15, 2025

Imagine holding a solid crystal, seemingly untouched, yet within its depths lies a breathtakingly lifelike image of a loved one, a cherished pet, or a treasured memory. This is the magic of 3D Crystal, a company born from the innovative mind of Riyaz Datoo, a man driven by a passion for technology and a desire to capture life’s precious moments in a truly unique way.

From University Dream to Global Phenomenon

Riyaz’s journey began as a university project, a fusion of his interests in laser technology, 3D scanning, and photography. He envisioned a way to transcend the limitations of traditional photographs, to create something truly special that would evoke emotion and preserve memories in a tangible form.

“It all started with the desire to preserve photos in as real a 3D form as possible,” Riyaz explains. “When I saw the first 3D image emerge from the crystal, I knew this was something extraordinary.”

What started as a personal quest transformed into a thriving business. People were captivated by the beauty and uniqueness of 3D Crystal, drawn to its ability to immortalize their cherished moments. Word spread, and soon, 3D Crystal was capturing hearts around the world.

The Art and Science of 3D Crystallization

The process itself is a testament to the marriage of art and science. It begins with a photograph, any photograph, from a casual snapshot on your phone to a professional portrait. Skilled 3D artists, over 200 strong, meticulously transform the 2D image into a complex 3D point cloud, composed of millions of individual points.

This digital blueprint is then fed into state-of-the-art laser technology designed by Riyaz himself. The laser, with pinpoint accuracy, etches the image within the crystal, creating a mesmerizing three-dimensional representation that appears to float within its depths.

Why 3D Crystal Shines Brighter

In a world of fleeting trends, 3D Crystal stands apart. Here’s why:

High-Definition Brilliance: With 3-5 million points etched into each crystal, the level of detail and clarity stands out.
Vertical Integration: 3D Crystal controls every aspect of the process, from sourcing the raw crystal to designing the lasers and software, ensuring unparalleled quality and efficiency.
Speed and Service: With a vast inventory and a dedicated team, 3D Crystal aims to deliver your personalized item as quickly as possible, often within a day.
Quality Focus: 3D Crystal uses high-quality optic crystal to ensure clear and bright engravings. No acrylic or glass—just high-quality crystal.

More Than Just a Gift

3D Crystal offers a diverse range of products to suit every occasion and sentiment:

Family Portraits: Freeze a moment in time, capturing the love and connection of your family forever.
Pet Memorials: A touching tribute to a beloved companion, keeping their memory alive in a beautiful and enduring way.
Children’s Keepsakes: Celebrate the innocence and wonder of childhood with a keepsake that will be treasured for years to come.
Corporate Recognition: Elevate awards and recognition programs with unique and memorable 3D Crystal creations.

A Company with a Vision

Beyond its stunning products, 3D Crystal is a company driven by strong values:

Leadership: Empowering employees to take ownership and strive for excellence.
Integrity: Operating with honesty, transparency, and ethical practices in all aspects of the business.
Perpetual Innovation: Continuously pushing the boundaries of technology and creativity to deliver great products and services.

Riyaz’s philosophy, “Competition is healthy, but collaboration is healthier,” is reflected in the company’s commitment to sharing its knowledge and technology with the industry. 3D Crystal has developed innovative solutions like Cockpit3D software and mobile-to-laser technology, contributing to advancements in 3D crystal engraving.

A Lasting Impact

3D Crystal is more than just a brand; it’s a reflection of innovation, artistry, and meaningful connections. In a world full of fleeting moments, 3D Crystal provides a way to capture and preserve memories. With its commitment to quality, creativity, and customer satisfaction, 3D Crystal continues to make its mark, one crystal at a time.

Published by Jeremy S.

Radiant Cosmetics: Shining a Light on Natural Nail Care

Women's Journal Staff on April 15, 2025

In a world saturated with quick fixes and artificial enhancements, Radiant Cosmetics emerges as a beacon of natural beauty and nail health. Founded by influencer and entrepreneur Ruth Ismayelyan, this family-owned business is making waves with its commitment to organic ingredients and effective solutions, epitomized by their hero product: the Radiant Cosmetics Nail Growth Oil.

A Personal Journey to Nail Health

Ruth’s journey began with a personal struggle. Years of acrylics had left her nails weak and brittle, and existing products offered little relief. Driven by her frustration, she embarked on a quest to create a solution, experimenting with natural oils until she perfected a formula that revitalized her nails. What started as a personal remedy quickly blossomed into a business when others noticed her dramatically improved nails.

The Power of Natural Ingredients

Radiant Cosmetics’ Nail Growth Oil is a testament to the power of nature. This 100% organic blend features a potent combination of nourishing oils like castor, jojoba, sweet almond, and vitamin E. These ingredients work synergistically to hydrate and strengthen nails, promoting faster growth and reducing breakage. Unlike competing products that often rely on harsh chemicals and deliver inconsistent results, Radiant Cosmetics focuses on long-term nail health without any irritation or dryness.

“Many nail growth products on the market cause irritation or dryness, and the results are often short-lived,” explains Ruth. “We wanted to create something that was not only effective but also gentle and nourishing. Our oil is designed to deliver lasting results with consistent use.”

Designed for Convenience and Effectiveness

What truly sets Radiant Cosmetics apart is its dedication to customer experience. The nail growth oil comes in a compact 3 ml tube with a precision brush tip for mess-free application. This thoughtful design ensures that users can easily incorporate the oil into their daily routine, whether at home or on the go. The clear, non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, leaving no residue, making it a convenient and enjoyable addition to any nail care regimen.

More Than Just a Product: A Mission-Driven Brand

But Radiant Cosmetics is more than just a product line; it’s a mission-driven brand. “We believe everyone deserves to feel radiant, inside and out,” states their mission statement. This commitment to holistic beauty resonates with their growing community of customers, particularly young women who are seeking healthier alternatives to artificial nail enhancements.

An Influencer Making a Difference

Ruth’s influence extends beyond her products. As a prominent figure on TikTok with 1.5 million followers, she uses her platform to educate and inspire, sharing her nail care journey and advocating for natural beauty. This authentic approach has garnered significant recognition, including being named a top 1% Shopify merchant and having her Nail Growth Oil featured as a “Hero Product” on TikTok Shop. Her achievements culminated in a coveted spot on Forbes’ 2024 “30 Under 30” list in Retail & E-commerce.

A Bright Future for Radiant Nails

Looking ahead, Ruth envisions expanding Radiant Cosmetics into a full nail care line, with aspirations of seeing her products gracing the shelves of major retailers like Target, Ulta, and Sephora. This ambitious vision is fueled by her passion for empowering individuals to embrace their natural beauty and prioritize nail health.

Redefining Nail Care

With its dedication to organic ingredients, effective solutions, and customer-centric design, Radiant Cosmetics is poised to redefine the nail care industry. As Ruth and her family-led team continue to innovate and inspire, one thing is certain: the future of Radiant Cosmetics is bright, and their commitment to radiant nails will continue to shine.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical conditions. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new skincare or nail care regimen.

Published by Jeremy S.

Poppy Planning’s Expert Team Enhances Luxury Event Design with Vision, Precision, and Global Experience

Women's Journal Staff on April 15, 2025

Poppy Planning, a premier Dallas-based event planning studio, continues to elevate the art of celebrations through a talented team of creative, detail-driven professionals. Known for producing refined weddings and bespoke gatherings, the company attributes its success to the diverse expertise and thoughtful vision of its leadership and coordination team.

Leadership That Blends Creativity with Global Insight

At the helm of Poppy Planning is Emmy Byers, Owner and Lead Planner, whose background in advertising and product launches brings a distinctive edge to her approach. Emmy began her career across Melbourne and New York City, managing high-level campaigns that required a careful balance of creativity and logistics. Eventually, she transitioned from launching brands to designing events—experiences centered around people rather than products.

Emmy’s international perspective and eye for storytelling shape Poppy Planning’s signature style: thoughtful, design-forward events that feel personal and intentional. She has led the company in curating everything from intimate backyard weddings to large-scale destination weekends, all with her trademark blend of elegance and ease.

A Team Rooted in Talent, Collaboration, and Precision

Working alongside Emmy is Director of Events Marley Gann Shipley, whose strategic oversight and team leadership help ensure that every vision is brought to life. Marley oversees vendor relationships, timelines, and client communications with professionalism and warmth, ensuring clarity and purpose throughout the planning process.

Event Coordinator Peggy McClure brings depth to the team through her logistical skills and ability to manage complex events. Her calm demeanor and organizational expertise are essential in ensuring even the most layered events run smoothly. Peggy’s role includes detailed planning, on-site coordination, and the behind-the-scenes work that helps make an event feel seamless.

Junior Coordinator Julia Fitzpatrick adds a fresh, design-focused perspective that enhances the creative process. Julia supports the team with everything from aesthetic curation to guest logistics, helping to refine the overall vision and ensure no detail is missed. Her contributions add style and structure to each event, making her an integral part of the planning process.

Designing Events with Purpose and Personality

At its core, Poppy Planning believes events should reflect the lives, values, and stories of the people behind them. The team approaches every celebration as a unique opportunity to create something meaningful—not just visually stunning but emotionally resonant. Whether planning a garden wedding, a multi-day celebration in the desert, or a refined corporate experience, the Poppy team leads with curiosity and intention.

Clients turn to Poppy Planning not for trend-based templates, but for collaborative, custom-built experiences. The team excels at uncovering what matters to each client, then crafting an event that honors that vision through thoughtful design and expert execution. From paper goods and layouts to lighting, food, and sound, each element is considered part of a greater story.

Poppy Planning’s Expert Team Enhances Luxury Event Design with Vision, Precision, and Global Experience

Photo Courtesy: Poppy Planning

Excellence Through Experience and Relationships

What sets Poppy Planning apart is its blend of big-picture vision and attention to detail. The team manages the full planning process with a calm, confident hand—developing budgets, overseeing vendor contracts, and creating run-of-show plans that account for every scenario. Their well-honed systems help clients feel supported and informed from start to finish.

Just as important are the vendor relationships Poppy Planning has built over the years. The team regularly collaborates with expert caterers, photographers, florists, and creative partners in Dallas and beyond, creating a strong network that helps ensure consistency, quality, and a shared commitment to excellence.

Shaping the Future of Event Design

As the event landscape continues to evolve, the Poppy Planning team is committed to staying ahead—exploring new tools, formats, and technologies that enhance the planning experience and elevate the guest journey. With a balance of creativity, strategy, and care, the team is reimagining what celebrations can look and feel like.

Poppy Planning’s team is more than a group of planners; they are designers, partners, and advocates for creating joyful, intentional experiences. Their combined strengths have helped shape one of Dallas’s respected event planning studios—and they’re just getting started.

Published by Joseph T.