Authors Shelly and Sandi
Best friends, Shelly Stockum and Sandi Stewart, both had long careers in management in the financial industry. They felt unappreciated, unchallenged and overall burnt out. They spent their lunch hours dreaming of new careers. Shelly and Sandi both craved a career that made them feel alive, a career they felt passionate about and a career that could make a difference in the world by helping others. Then one year, Shelly received an amazing birthday gift that would inspire these two women to follow their dreams. Together, they have brought to the world an inspirational story, the story of Mini and Me. Mini is an adorable, brown Chihuahua, whose big, round belly, stick legs and long tongue, allows us to recognize the beauty in being different, the importance of family and the significance of being healthy.
Like a lot of women, Shelly and Sandi have both struggled to have a healthy relationship with food in our diet-crazed society and had hopes that our children could avoid some of these same issues. However, after watching the news or picking up a newspaper it is clear to see that without significant changes the children of our country would face severe weight related issues. The number of obese children in our country has hit epidemic proportions. Sandi and Shelly know first hand the importance of an active lifestyle, healthy eating habits and most importantly, a supportive family.
As parents, it is imperative that we learn how to talk to our children about weight, nutrition, exercise and body image without diminishing the child’s self-worth or self-esteem. That is exactly what Shelly and Sandi hope to help with. They are providing adorable stories for our children, which promote health, nutrition and exercise and also offer a springboard for discussion for parents and caregivers. They also provide a “parent’s guide” in the book which gives tips and suggestions on how to address this sensitive topic. Shelly and Sandi are so serious about this issue they have left their jobs in the finance industry and are in the process of forming Mini’s Mark, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. They have also become certified Children’s Fitness Specialists and certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultants through the American Fitness Professionals and Associates.
The story of Mini and Me is based on true characters and delivers the important message both women are passionate about sharing with the world.
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